Las Vegas!

For my Mom's birthday this year, my Aunt Cathy came all the way from Cape Breton, Canada, and surprised her. (And us all!) She was here for a week. Cathy and Mom decided to take the weekend and go to Vegas. And I was invited!!! It was so much fun! We left Friday afternoon. We tried to get there in time for Donny and Marie, but ran into construction that slowed us down. We got checked into the Wynn, and then went to the lobby to take some pictures and eat at a deli type place there. (They had gluten free bread...Mom was so excited to have a sandwich!!!) 

Here are a few pictures of the lobby...everything was fresh flowers!

Saturday, we woke up and decided to do some shopping. We walked to the M&M's store...which was on the other end of the strip! We hit the M&M's store and then the Coca-Cola store, where I found Vanilla Coke chap stick!!! (In both, I was traumatized by a man in a costume! The Blue M&M and the Coca-Cola bear!) Then we went into the Ross...which was HUGE!!! And then the huge mall!

We then met our friend Ryan for lunch at Cesar's Palace. The food was amazing!!! He, thankfully, drove us back to the Wynn. Cathy was cold, and jumped right into her covers!! The plan was for them to nap, while I watched TV in the tub! (I never have time for baths and when will I ever have a TV in a bathroom again!) However, the 2 of them just told storied and giggled the whole time!

After 'naptime' we went downstairs and did a little gambling before our show, "La Reive", which was amazing! So much talent!!! (Ryan use to work there as an underwater teck and got the tickets for us)

Then we really gambled! I taught them how to play roulette! We had so much fun!!!

It was so much fun and just what I needed! A weekend away from kids! (I love my babies, but time apart is always good for everyone!) And I don't get to see my Aunt very often because of the distance. And time with my Mom is always fun!!! 

Surprise!

It's not everyday I get to see my Canadian family. In fact I'm lucky if I get to see them (or some of them) every 2 years! Yesterday, my phone rang, and the caller ID said Bryant Brown. He never calls me, so I answered "What did I do?!" My Aunt Cathy started laughing and said Hi. I was in shock. My phone has been acting kind of weird lately, so my first thought was that the wrong caller ID came up. So I say, "How are you on Bryant's phone?" "THINK ABOUT IT!" I screamed, woke up most of the kids in the house and was so excited!!! She invited us over for dinner and told me not to tell my mom. Cathy's reason for surprising us all was for my mom's birthday, March 10th. We missed the surprise, but enjoyed a wonderful evening, talking, eating and of course laughing!!! :)

I adore this beautiful woman!!! She has always been an inspiration and joy in my life!!

And she just happened to bring my favorite cereal with her!!! (They are very different than American Corn Pops!!!)

My First Mother's Day

What a great day! For the first time in 7 years, I was able to enjoy Mother's Day. Sam makes everything so much better and I am so blessed to be his Mother! For Mother's Day, Aaron got me a mold of Sam's hand! I love it!!! Sam's hands have meant a lot to me, since he grab my hand the minute I held him. Now I get to hold my baby's hand forever! I can't believe the detail! My sister in laws, Mom did it for us. (It was actually Julianne's idea...THANKS!)

We were also finally able to tell our families our great news! Baby #2 is on the way already! Due December 11th!! No help needed this time. The next couple of pictures were not taken on Mother's Day. They were about 2 weeks ago when I told Aaron!

Aaron had gone on an overnight camp out with my Dad and brothers, so Sam and I decorated the house...mostly me! :)

We have good news!

Think Positively!

The 3 of us missed you!

Sam's a big brother

The streamers led to the big sign and the test! Aaron didn't even read the signs, he went right to the end, he was so excited!!!

 This is how we told our families, so I didn't get pictures of us in the shirts. I made Sam a shirt, and another shirt for me. Not everyone got it right away, but everyone was excited for us!

We feel so blessed that we were able to get pregnant so fast again and on our own this time! I had a great Mother's Day actually being a Mom, and was able to be surrounded by all the Mom's in my life! Especially, my Mom and Kaye, my Mother-In-Law! 

P.S. We will not be having a tradition of announcing we are pregnant every Mother's Day, it's just worked out the last 2 years that way! ;)

Once a Mom...Always a Mom

I have loved the last 3 weeks of my life, in fact it's been the best 3 weeks of my life! But I could not have done it without my Mom! She has been my maid, cook, taxi, nanny, and my hero! She has come over almost everyday to help me in some way. She brings me breakfast before work, or comes over at night to bathe Sam for me. She's done my laundry and some grocery shopping. Has cooked us many meals and feeds Sam so I can eat. I haven't felt overwhelmed at all and I know it's because my Mom has helped me so much! I know that if I had to I could do it all on my own, but I am so grateful that I don't have to!

I am so glad that I live so close not only so she can help me, but so that my kids can have a great relationship with this wonderful woman! I truly have the worlds greatest Mother!!! Thank you so much Mom and I love you tons!!!!!

How did she do it!?!?!

2010 has already brought big changes and trials.  The biggest one being that Aaron now travels for work.  He has already taken 2, week long trips.  This leaves me not only alone, but stranded at home, since we only have one car and he has to take it.  I can't help be think of my Mom.  Growing up, my Dad traveled all the time, and for weeks, sometimes months at a time.  My Mom had two, three and later four children to take care of and she worked full-time.  I know that she had to depend on friends and ward members, who became a second family to us.  Now, I can in no way imagine what she had to go through.  I don't have children and I am blessed enough to live next door to my family, but I can't help but wonder how she did it.  I hate the weeks that Aaron's not here.  I don't sleep well, I can't go anywhere, and I worry about him.

I hope I don't sound like I am complaining.  We are very happy that Aaron even has a job right now.  Frito-Lay is very good to Aaron and he likes what he does.  And when he does go out of town, he gets a bigger paycheck!  Also, the house stays cleaner! :)  I just wish that I had something to do, or that someone would visit me.  You can only talk to the dogs so much before you start going crazy!

Happy Birthday Mom!

On March 10, 1959 the most amazing woman was born. Funny, caring, talented, kind-hearted and loving. That woman was my Mom! March 10, 2009 she turned 50! So naturally we had to have a surprise party! I have been planning this party for a while. (With the help of some amazing people!) Friends and family from all over where here to share the day!

"Surprise!"

Seeing cousin John, from Oklahoma!

Blowing out the candles on her gluten-free cake

And what party would be complete without someone being arrested or a trip to the ER! Tricia's head found a rock, so mom and I took her to the insta-care. Luckily,most of the guest had left, and the party was over. She was so brave. She had to get 8 stitches, 1 in deep, and 7 on the surface.