Week 17, April 23-29

Sunday, April 23rd-

Silas stayed home today and rested. We both want him to be well by Saturday when we leave for Florida. The kids and I barely made it on time but we made it and church was good.

In the evening, Cleod and I went back to the church for a Youth Devotional about intimacy given by Pres. Mack from the Spanish branch. It was really good and Cleod enjoyed it as well.

Monday, April 24th-

This afternoon Ryan came home asking if he could try out for the next play that the Children's Musical Theater is going to do in August. He has wanted to be in a play forever and Silas and I have wanted him too but it has been too stressful to think of in the past. Today for some reason it seemed ok. I went online to look at the info about it and there was a workshop about an hour later to help the kids prep for auditions, so he and I went to that.

It was packed! They talked to the kids about auditioning and then they practiced the audition songs with them for a while. I was able to get him signed up for an audition (for tomorrow) and registered and paid. So he will be in either way! There are only a small amount of actual speaking parts but he will get good experience just being in the play in general.

Tuesday, April 25th-

Crazy Molly at Wal-Mart this morning

Ryan did great at his audition. He was nervous and missed a few words but for the first audition he's ever done it was great. I was super nervous too but we made it and we are both happy with the results. I wish I would have taken a picture, but I was too nervous.

Grant and his new tennis shoes

Molly in our bed looking at "finding books"

Wednesday, April 26th-

Ryan receiving some scout awards

I like my kids. I like the people they are becoming and how they can talk to others, even adults. Tonight after pack meeting, Ryan and Grant around the neighborhood to self something for the Scout Expo. They sold a bunch so I walked over with them to Eagle Point to see if they could sell the rest. They didn't even ask me what do say and just went up and asked people if they wanted to but the flyer with the coupons. They both were polite and confident. The girls wanted to help and behaved themselves. It made me a happy mommy.

At Pack Meeting tonight the boys got some awards and Grant finally officially received his Bobcat so that was exciting.

Thursday, April 27th-

This morning the girls and I went to the Shirley's house to play and have lunch because it is Ember's birthday. Lori made us crepes but Molly only ate strawberries with sprinkles. It was funny. Lori and I had a good visit and the kids enjoyed playing with each other.

Tonight was Cleod's last band concert of the school year. The band really sounded great and it amazes me how much they can learn by meeting just a few hours a week.

During the concert Mrs. Anderson talked about Summer band and we got flyers for both Cleod and Ryan. Cleod wants to play the Oboe during the summer and Ryan is going to start with the clarinet. They are both super excited.

Lunch at the Shirley's

Beginning Band Concert

Molly hugging Cleod after his concert

Friday, April 28th

Molly and I forgot to help at the school today and went to get her a haircut after dropping off Cora at school. She was pretty excited. I was a little sad at first because I like her hair being longer but she HATES having her hair brushes, hates ponytails and basically never wants me to touch it. I am hoping this shorter hair-do will be easy to manage.

Cute Molly gets a hair cut

Mom came up after school and we visited and got the house ready and packed for the trip. I'm excited and nervous. I hope Grandma survives.

Saturday, April 29th

On the plane

The small plane was so bumpy that I was sick most of the way. Luckily we had a tall wind so the flight to Phoenix was less than an hour. We had time there to eat and get to our next gate in plenty of time.

The bigger plane to Orlando was better but I am not excited to get back on a plane next week. Silas and I were able to watch a movie in the plane so that did help the time to pass.

Waiting for the shuttle

When we landed we had to wait for a shuttle to the rental car place which seemed life forever because we were pretty hungry. Once we had the car we headed to Longhorn Steakhouse, which was pretty good.

The hotel we are staying in for the first 3 days is nice, although it doesn't compare to how fancy the Gaylord Opryland Hotel was.

(Photo disclaimer: Silas made grumpy faces to be silly for the kids because I was sending Grandma pictures of everything.)

Eating an onion blossom

Yummy dinner

View from our hotel room

More of our hotel from our room

Pictures from today that Grandma sent to me of the kids at the park and hanging out at Grandma and Grandpa's house. (Grandma took them to Vegas Saturday afternoon to Sunday afternoon so she wouldn't miss her Ward Conference.)

Week 16, April 16-22

Sunday, April 16th-

Today during Primary I was thinking of how grateful I am to have lots of kids that help each other. Today Molly had her first talk. The Primary gives an article from the Friend for the kids to read and summarize in their own words. Molly's was a story with pictures. I had read it through with her a couple of times and was just going to get up and help her know what to say. Cora read it with her during sacrament and when we got up in Primary, Molly had most of it memorized and I barely said anything. It was super cute.

Egg hunt

A few minutes later they asked if anyone had memorized the scripture that they had given to the kids last week. Ryan had worked on it during the week and Cora listened to him and also worked on it herself. She may have done it without him but I think it helped her to see and hear him practicing. She was the only one in Junior Primary to pass it off.

I also like having older kids who can help their younger siblings. Today Cleod and Ryan stuffed eggs after church and hid them around the house for the younger 3. They had so much fun and it was a relief for me. The little ones loved it!

We had roast for dinner which was so yummy. I even made Jello, au gratin potatoes and cheddar rolls.

Silas wasn't feeling well so after dinner we went downstairs and watched some BYUtv and some Mormon Messages.

Monday, April 17th-

Silas is feeling better this morning but took the day off to rest. He was sicker last night than he has been for a long time. Poor guy.

We bossed the kids around and cleaned the house, mostly upstairs. By lunchtime I was finally able to vacuum the playroom, girls’ room, the upstairs hallway and the stairs. Those rooms haven't been vacuumed since I found out I was pregnant so it was quite a relief to have that done.

We (the kids and I) were going to wait until tomorrow to drive to Vegas for a few days to visit Grandma and Grandpa during Spring Break, but we decided to leave after lunch. It was the time I normally sleep but the drive was fine and it was nice to get to Grandma's house.

Playing at the park by Grandma's

Tuesday, April 18th-

Tired Cleod after helping Grandpa

This morning has been more relaxing than last night and I was able to get caught up on the blog which was a relief. (I had things written but didn't have it on the blog or with pictures and I was a month behind.)

After breakfast Grandpa recruited Cleod to help him install the swamp cooler. It took them over and hour and I think Cleod really enjoyed himself. Afterward Grandpa took him with him to DI to pick up a few things.

Grandma took Ryan and Grant to Joanne's to get some crafts so a lot of the morning and some of the afternoon was spent crafting.

Girls crafting while I blog

In the evening we went with Grandma to her ward's Cub Scout Pack Meeting. They were doing a carnival so the kids all had a great time.

Molly "proposing" to Cleod

Cub Scout Carnival

Wednesday, April 19th-

Playing at the park after morning walk

Tonight Deni, Jeff and the kids were able to come and have dinner with us and visit for a while. The kids have so much fun together and were kind of crazy and loud but it was ok. Grandma was nice and took them to the park for a little while. I do feel badly about not making it to her house this week but she understands. My purpose in coming was to rest and not so anything that makes me worry and honestly, driving across town so my kids can tear up her house makes me anxious. So the kids were bummed that they weren't going to see each other again but I felt like it was the best thing for me and the baby.

Excited to eat with cousins

Thursday, April 20th-

Cora's crazy selfies at the park

This little break from life has been really good for me and for the kids. I have been able to do a ton of family history while not worrying about dishes or laundry or making dinner. My mom loves taking care of people so I don't even feel guilty about letting her! The kids watched too much TV and played the computer or tablet every day but I don't even care this week. They have gotten along pretty well and haven't caused much stress so that makes me happy.

Every morning we have gone on a short walk and usually stop at one of the parks for a few minutes. It's amazing how many birds live in Mom and Dad's community. It's nice to hear them every morning.

Molly fell asleep on me

Fun at the park

Tonight I did start feeling a little anxious about getting home and having the pressure of all the demands of life, but then I had a peaceful feeling and I felt like even if my normal isn't what it used to be I can make the next 5 or 6 months happy for me and my family. I don't have to have everything the way it was a few months ago to be happy. And honestly, I don’t want to be worried and miserable for months and months. That's no fun!

Kids experimenting with the zoom on my phone camera

Friday, April 21st-

After eating breakfast the kids and I packed up and drove home. We did stop in St. George for lunch but for home just after 1pm and we were all happy to see Dad again. He took a long lunch to hang out with us which is always nice but was especially nice today.

About 5, we dropped off Cleod at the church for a campout and then the kids and I spoiled our dinner with some DQ before heading to Grandma Warby's to feed her dinner.

When we got home Silas was making us dinner, which was thoughtful and yummy.

Happy girls

Saturday, April 22nd-

I had Grandma today for breakfast, dinner and bed. In between we did our normal Saturday chores and just hung out at home.

Silas was sicker today and finally went to the instacare. He has the bad cold that Cleod and I had a month or so ago. Poor guy has been sick for more than a week already so hopefully He can rest today and tomorrow and get back to normal soon.

Week 15, April 9-15

Sunday, April 9th

Molly feeding her "baby"

Let's just say that the Sabbath wasn't a “delight” at our house today. Earlier this week a friend was commenting on how our life must be so hard with Silas as the Bishop and having another baby and I didn't feel like it was. I felt like we have it figured out.

Then today happened. It was mostly me. I wasn't patient. I didn't feel good. I was just off.

The kids were off too though. They all complained about something hurting this morning: tummies, heads, throats. But I was determined to get us to church. And I did. And we were on time. But I was unhappy. The rest of the day went about the same. Silas came home for short periods of time but was gone a lot. Honestly, I can usually handle it. Today everyone was being whiny, including me. Today I just wanted my back-up man here.

I did make dinner tonight and it was one of my favorites...Cheese broccoli soup. Yum!

Monday, April 10th-

13 weeks

Last night I fell down a few stairs on my way down for family scriptures and prayer. Within about 30 minutes of lying down I started having cramps. I was nervous but tried not to freak out. I slept fine but woke up to more cramps. Some were even starting to hurt. So I stayed in bed until I could get to Laurie's office and Silas helped the boys get ready for school.

Once at Laurie's she reassured me that she wasn't worried and she found a heartbeat. I was still worried that I'm having cramps but it was nice to hear the heartbeat. Then Liz, her assistant, let me have another quick ultrasound and we saw the little peanut moving around again. Such a relief!

Laurie wanted me to take it easy today so I didn't do much housework and didn't exercise. I did sit at the park at the school after taking Cora to Kindergarten so that Molly could play outside for a while. Megan and Cynthia stayed with their kids for a bit too so that was nice. After snowing a few times in the last week it was nice to sit in the sun.

After school I sat in the couch bossing kids around and we ended up having Mac and cheese for dinner. Haha. The kids were super happy about it too.

For home evening we watched an episode of the BYUtv show “Turning Point.” It was about the Doans, our friend in MO who started the Missouri Star Quilt Company. It was fun to watch them and see their success.

Tuesday, April 11th-

Molly put the pillow on her head like I do when I nap

After school I took the kids to Deruchette's house and Silas and I headed up to the Provo area to Al Doan’s wedding reception. We stayed their for a while and were able to visit with him a little and also with Ron and Jenny. It was so fun talking to them. It made Silas miss Missouri so much.

At little after bed time Grandma Rowley got to Cedar and picked up the kids so that they would be able to go to school tomorrow and Silas and I could take a day off instead of rushing back to Cedar late tonight.

A "castle" was next to the building where the reception was

Wednesday, April 12th-

My cute husband watching a girly movie with me

Silas and I stayed up late watching Sense and Sensibility. We had borrowed a new version from Megan. It was really good but made us want to watch the Emma Thompson version so we watched that today after getting breakfast.

We stayed at our hotel until check out time and then went to the Provo City Center Temple and did initiatory. It is a lovely temple and it was lovely to listen to the blessings of that ordinance. I have been having a hard time emotionally this week and it helped me to feel calm for a little while.

Afterward we found a yummy Chinese restaurant for lunch and then found a fun toy store that we walked around for a while. We really enjoyed this little mini trip and just enjoy one another's company.

Picture Grandma sent us when it was just her and Molly at home

We got home just in time to say family prayer with the kids and give hugs. Grant had fun tonight at Cub Scouts. They went to the SUU Farm and his leader texted me a couple pictures. Cleod missed mutual because he came home early from school. I think it's allergies.

Thursday, April 13th-

Molly asked me to take a picture of her when she was lying down

Photo by Molly

That break from life wasn't long enough. This pregnancy is kicking my trash and makes me grumpy.

The good thing about today is that Cleod was in a super good mood after school even though he had homework to do, which stresses him out. It was nice not to argue with him all afternoon.

Sick Granty finally slept well at about 9am

Friday, April 14th-

Grant threw up several times during the night so we were both so tired this morning. Luckily he was feeling better pretty quickly and was eating a little by the afternoon. Fridays are my days when I don't plan anything generally so we just rested too. I did have another chiropractor appointment and Silas was able to come home during that time, but couldn't come back later so I didn't help at Cora's class.

For date night Silas and I went out for some dinner and then got some groceries. He made me laugh so much tonight which was just what I needed. We weren't going to do a date or just be out for a little while since we were just gone all of Wednesday, but it was nice getting out again.

Saturday, April 15th-

Easter activities didn't pan out well today. I feel badly for the kids because I have gotten used to lowering my expectations but the kids haven't. They were still ok though.

Silly Molly on a date with Silas

We got chores done and got Easter stuff out of the garage. (Note to self: Get Easter tote out earlier next year.) We made Resurrection Rolls and put them in the fridge to bake in the morning. And I boiled eggs. But then I crashed. Every afternoon I have to lie down and nap but today seemed worse.

In the evening I went out to dinner with some friends which was way fun, but I hadn't realized that going out the night before Easter would be such a big deal. But it kinda was. So we didn't dye eggs or do an egg hunt. Bleh

Week 14, April 2-8

Sunday, April 2nd-

Listening to General Conference the last two days has been so wonderful. The kids have been really good and listened pretty well. This morning the boys had the TV all ready before Silas and I even got out of bed. We are lots of snacks and heard lots of wonderful words and stories.

Last conference I felt a little overwhelmed by all the things expected of me in my life as a Christian, a member of the LDS Church, as a wife and as a mother. This conference I have felt motivated to do better and more feelings that make me feel like I can handle the things I need to do.

I think partially I feel more positive because I feel physically so much more capable today than I have for months. I finally feel like a normal person and I realize how much I can do when I am feeling better!

Monday, April 3rd-

"Song box." This is what Grant and Cora called the CD player today because for some reason they didn't know it was called a CD player.

For home evening the kids all lip synced a song of their choice, which was hilarious. Grant surprised us the most with his passionate rendition of “You're Welcome” from Moana. It was hilarious.

Tuesday, April 4th-

Cleod didn't have piano today so it was a nice, relaxing Tuesday evening.

Wednesday, April 5th-

Proof that I have been functioning on survival mo

I love that Cleod has late start on Wednesday. The mornings go so much more smoothly for everyone, which shows how much his stuff affects us.

Silas met with Pres. Rau yesterday and they chatted about some of the things that have been going on at our house and Silas feels a lot more positive and ready to work on things. He was very patient with Cleod today and I am grateful for that and hope I can follow suit.

I finally redid the calendar on the fridge. It has been blank with "February" on the top. Haha. I have been able to keep up on most of the dishes and laundry but some days that's all. So planning or calendaring has definitely gone out the window.

Today I also cleaned the bathrooms, like really cleaned the bathrooms, for the first time since getting pregnant. We have wiped it down with Clorox wipes regularly (mostly the kids) but they haven't been deep cleaned for a couple months. Gross! It felt so good to get those done!

Thursday, April 6th-

Worst headache tonight. Still went to book club but I should have stayed home.

Friday, April 7th-

Today I went to the chiropractor so see if that will help with my headache issues. It felt really good and I'm going to go again on Monday. After the appointment the girls and I went to Ross and found a dress that is pretty and fits me. It isn't a maternity dress but it should work for a while and I will be able to wear it after the baby comes while I am losing weight.

Tonight we went out to eat with Brett and Deruchette again. Tonight we went to Wingers. Again, we had a super fun time and great conversation with them.

Cora eating her ice cream

Saturday, April 8th-

Lazy day. The kids did get their chores done and had their computer time like normal. I am grateful for Saturdays when we don't have plans, although it makes the day long and sometimes makes me anxious. I am just to used to having a plan and that hasn't really been happening.

Cora and I did end up getting some groceries in the evening and stopping by DQ afterward. I asked her about school and it sounds like she's pretty bossy with her friends but she still has friends so it must work right now. Hopefully her nice personality comes out and as she grows she can be a good friend. She is such a happy girl who always has nice things to say about other people. She compliments her classmates all the time when we talk.