A word on pregnancy and life

This last Saturday I reached week 20! I can't believe we are already halfway there to this sweet baby girl. She is already spoiled... 12 burp rags my mom and I made together, a brand new darling quilt pieced by my mom, lots of outfits, bows, carseat cover, etc. I'm so excited to just hold her in my arms and sing lullabies to her.

I realize there are so many women who have a hard time bringing babies into this world. I have had 5 very close friends who have experienced infertility issues in one way or another. Sometimes I feel guilty that Lance and I have been able to conceive so quickly. I also have come to realize that we each face our own challenges when it comes to creating our families. I'm not trying to say that my pregnancy sickness is as hard as infertility. It has been the most challenging, discouraging and darkest time I have been through in my life and it's hard to imagine anything more difficult, but that is probably how all of our trials feel to each of us. Lance and I want a large family, but are not sure if we will get there because of my pregnancies... just like some of you may want a large family but may not get there because of infertility, or whatever you might be facing. More than anything, I have gained a sure knowledge of my Savior's love and I know that our trials are catered to each of us and are necessary to help us become the people we need to become! What a blessing that knowledge has been to me and I am so grateful for a loving Father in Heaven who opened my eyes at a time when I couldn't see past the pain and discouragement I was feeling.

If you know anything while reading this blog, please know that for every happy, smiling picture there is also a frustration or a disagreement or sadness. We are able to enjoy the highs because of the lows. And believe me, we have plenty of both! Our marriage is not perfect, our Crew guy is not perfect (I know, hard to believe!), and our lives are not perfect. But during this Easter season, I am incredibly grateful for my Savior who is perfect and who we strive to be more like every day.

Thanks for sharing in our lives!

Newport Beach

We just back from a week long vacation in Newport Beach with all of Lance's family. We had a blast staying just off the beach at a very nice Marriott Resort. Our week's activities included a trip to Balboa island (6.75 million for a 2500 square foot house, anyone?), going to the beach almost every day, multiple dolphin sightings and lots of fun time spent with family!

We celebrated both Savannah and Liz's birthdays with a big Cafe Rio dinner and lemon cake.

 We of course spent plenty of time at the beach! Crew was in love with the sand and played in it for hours.

 Madsen came with his girlfriend, Emily.

 Four generations!

 We had a little easter egg hunt for the grandkids and Crew absolutely loved it!

 I love these kids!

 My cute little Crew guy.

 We flew a kite on the beach and played lots and lots of smashball.

 On our last day at the beach, Lance and Keaton were out boogie boarding when we spotted a pod

of dolphins clear down shore, but in very close. So we motioned to them to start swimming that way.

The dolphins were heading toward the guys, and before we knew it they were right on each other!

Lance was close enough to reach out and touch one, but heard they can be quite aggressive in the wild

so he didn't. Then, it swam right under him. It was so neat! A couple on the beach said they had 

lived there 25 years and never seen the dolphins in so close to shore. 

 Lance freezing after swimming with the dolphins and my pregnant self!

Crew was hilarious this trip. One of the mornings he walked in from outside with nothing but his diaper

 on and said to me, "Clothes on please. It's cold out there!" He has turned into such a little boy and he

keeps us laughing constantly with the things he says. He also asks to use the toilet pretty frequently and

 I am going to start potty training this week. It would be nice to have a few months off of diapers before

 this next little one arrives! 

Well, we had an absolute blast in Newport. We feel so blessed to have incredible families that we love

and get to spend so much time with. We will be hitting up Arches with my family next weekend. Can't wait!