Her Name :)

For YEARS Clint's Grandma Phyllis Nash has been talking about and planning for a new baby girl that would be coming into our family (Not necessarily me and Clint's small family, but somewhere in the entire Nash clan). She made her a blanket and at times would see things in stores that she thought would be suited for this baby girl. Grandma would always refer to this baby girl as "Sarah".
I would hear her talk about "Sarah", but would never think of her coming to our home, because...1. Me and Clint were sure we were done having kids and 2. Sarah isn't really a name that would be considered a first choice name I would choose for a girl..not like my love for the name "Alivia".
One day while bathing my Rachel she was talking about how she anticipated that we would have a baby girl..and that her name would be "Sarah Ella". I was a little suprised only because I am pretty positive that she hasn't really listened to Grandma talk about "Sarah". I was like...ummm, okay. And that is about how I acted upon this occasion.
For Thanksgiving we made a trip to Mesquite to enjoy a visit and our BIG meal with Clint's grandparents (The Nash's). While we were there, we told Clint's grandma the story of Rachel talking about the name "Sarah". It was the week before we would be having our ultra sound, so we really didn't know for sure quite yet what the sex of our little baby was yet. Grandma asked "Where did the name Ella come from?". We told her that ever since Rachel could talk she has had this little imaginary friend named "Ella". I noticed her eyes get moist as she told us "That's my grandma's name". Instantly we ALL got goosebumps and chills up our spines. I don't think I was the only one that received verification that "Sarah Ella" was the name for our little girl.
I must admit that from time to time I still question the name and TRY thinking of other names, but it all seems to come back to this special, chosen name.
At least I know that I won't be making a mistake with chosing a name for our baby...I feel she already chose it for herself :)

22 Weeks :)

Today was my 22 week checkup for me and our little baby girl. Everything looks GREAT! I am measuring a bit large...24 weeks, but doc said that can fluctuate, so no changing the due date yet. All tests from ultra sound came back PERFECT! And her little heart beat was a whopping 146. I can't believe we are over the 1/2 way point, things are just moving so quickly!

As for me...certain foods are still making me sick, but I am keeping my weight in check...well sort of, as of today I have gained 18 lbs, yikes! I am told daily that I still don't look quite pregnant, but the scale says otherwise. I have noticed things quite a bit LARGER in the bottom area and bra area, so I guess that's probably where it is. I have experienced contractions here and there which seems early to me...since I never experienced that with any of my babies until the very end, but doctor says that as long as they go away with some rest, it is normal. Next check up is the test for Diabetes...here's to hoping we come out with another perfect visit!

Temple Square

First of all...Happy Anniversary to my sweetheart!!! Yesterday me and Clint celebrated 14 WONDERFUL years! Can't believe how time FLIES! Part of our wonderful day consisted of going up with my entire family to Temple Square.Kaylie & Brayden were the HIT for these two girls!

What a most AMAZING view! Nothing more breathtaking than the Salt Lake Temple! From this view we were able to walk around to observe and enjoy all the small nativities set all around...in turn while trying to keep all the kiddos out of the waterfalls. That is, when Grandpa wasn't trying to throw them all in. ;)
Rachel's big highlight was modeling in front of several different statues. Her favorite was the very LARGE one of Christ!
Although it seemed that almost EVERYONE in Utah felt like it was a PERFECT night to go to Temple Square and the kids ran around like WILD animals...we really did have a great time! And the kids enjoyed themselves immensely! The best part was bed time...no fight at all! They got out of the car, walked directly up to their rooms, put their PJ's on and were zonked out with in seconds! Definitely a memorable night...especially being there with my sweetheart :)

Its a GIRL!!!

Isn't she just PERFECTLY beautiful?...and so absolutely innocently sweet? Sheesh I am in LOVE already! What a great day Saturday, December 3rd was for us! Although we already had "feelings" that our little baby might be a girl...the confirmation was still oh so special...and the small tears that came from Clint's eyes, PRICELESS!!!

The response from the kiddos was actually better than I expected as well. The boys were so PRO-BOY and Rachel so PRO-GIRL...I was a little nervous for what the outcome would bring. Brock sort of rolled his eyes and said "whatever" (ha ha, such a pre-teen age boy!). Kory said "oh well...I'm gonna love her anyway" and Rachel was SCREAMING and jumping around "I'm gonna have a sister! I'm gonna have a sister!" it was so cute!

It is now two days since the BIG news..and now that the new suprise has worn off a bit, Brock is definitely coming around. He told EVERYONE at church and each time someone would come to our house..he would grab the ultra sound pictures off the fridge to show his little sister off. Yep...I knew he was just playing it "cool" and that he was actually in fact excited! Rachel has told EVERYONE our big news...including complete strangers. Gotta love that girl!

As far as the pregnancy goes...I am feeling MUCH better! Thank goodness! I just have to still be careful with certain foods...but other than that, doing good! I now have a tummy...I think its BIG, but everyone keeps telling me they can still hardly tell I'm even pregnant...hmmm, whatever.

Back to our little girl however...everything looked PERFECT! She was such an active little thing, waving her arms around, opening and closing her hands and kicking her legs like crazy. She also measures RIGHT ON, so this is good! I wish I could look at her move EVERY day!

Compliments

“The best way you can cheer yourself up is to cheer someone else up”
- MARK TWAIN

Do you ever find yourself wallowing in SELF PITY? Well...today is one of those days for me. I'm struggling to find my smile and I really feel as if I could crawl out of my skin at any moment.

So...what do I do? I find myself on the infamous FACEBOOK reading about others. Turns out I'm not the only one having a bad day! Instead of commenting and agreeing with others about how ROTTEN today is...I chose to uplift, inspire and COMPLIMENT those that are struggling as well.

It is truly AMAZING how much better I feel with each compliment! It feels GOOD to help others to feel good. I must remind myself of this often..because, even when I think I have it WORST....someone has it the same, or even WORSE.

Just my thoughts for today....

Halloween 2011

October has come and gone...and WOW, did it! This Halloween was so great with the kids getting older...it just gets funner and funner each and every year. Here are some (actually quite a bit) of the photos from our October/Halloween activities....

At Kory's October Pack Meeting for scouts, they carved pumpkins. What a great activity...and Kory did such a great job on his pumpkin in which he named "Bob".

We attended the annual Wadley Farms Halloween Party once again this year...and what a FUN time we had! Me and Clint had originally planned to do a couple theme of going as punk rockers...however, after Clint painted himself (hair, eyebrows, lips and clothing) all BLACK, he decided he looked more like DRACULA than anything...so we picked him up some bloody teeth, and away we went!

Rachel is quite the little dancer! With so many great Halloween tunes, how could she resist? She even won a prize for her dancing!

The night before Halloween we all gathered at the Tomlinson Home for some GREAT food and pumpkin Carving! I must say..Miriam makes the BEST Homemade Potato soup I have EVER had! Just what I needed for my sensitive stomach! I feel I must explain this photo a bit...some were under the impression that this was supposed to be the funny picture (Rachel & Richard) and the rest were posed for a happy/normal picture, ha ha.

Here are all of our FANTASTIC Pumpkins! I think they turned out GREAT :)

Halloween Parade at Rocky Mtn Elementary.

Halloween day was quite AWESOME! The kids had their parties at school, then my sweet little Sis Sky invited us to her work for a party and some trick or treating. The kids indulged themselves in Donuts, Cookies and Candy. What a blast! When we arrived home (approx 5 PM) we already had Trick Or Treaters at our front door! We were waiting for Clint to come home from work, so we began handing out the candy. The boys came up with this fun idea of wearing their costumes on the front porch, holding really still and when a trick or treater would come...they would jump, in turn making the treater scream, jump and giggle. It was so fun for them! They did such a great job...and what a great idea!

Here is our absolutely BEAUTIFUL Rachel...waiting so patiently for the next Treater to ring the doorbell to deliver the candy to.

Clint dressed up again as Dracula...adding a few more additions to his makeup, even I was a bit uneasy when he would go into full character. I LOVE that he enjoys Halloween so much!

Trick Or Treating in style! (Lights an all!)

This isn't the greatest photo...but this is our ride and Vince & Abby's all decorated up for the Holiday...Vince even added to his by playing some rockin Halloween tunes!

So...there you have it! Such a great Halloween, right? Next year will be even greater with a new addition to our family! Can't wait :)

Witch Myth

Last night Brock had Scouts. He was so THRILLED when he found out they would be riding the "Haunted Train" at the Anderson Estate. While he was there, a man was telling a tale about becoming a Witch. He told the boys that if they took a "special" Acorn he gave them home with them and put it under their beds at night, that they would wake up the next day as a Witch...with magic and super powers like a Witch. Brock brought home this Acorn and told the story to Kory and Rachel...and asked which of them wanted it, because he just wasn't really interested. After a little fighting over who would get it, Rachel ended up with it. She was ECSTATIC! She couldn't quit talking about all the things she would do and the adventures she would have as a "Witch". As the night went on, her anxiety began to build over this new person she was going to become in the morning, that she literally SPOOKED herself out. When I was tucking her in...she hurried and gave the Acorn to Kory and said she no longer wanted it. She went and brushed her teeth, then it was time to get back in bed for prayer. She was still very concerned about that Acorn and wanted me to check under her bed just to make sure that Kory hadn't snuck it back into her room and placed it there. I looked...and nope, no Acorn.

A little over an hour after tucking Rachel into bed for sleep, she came scurrying into my room with all of her blankets. She didn't say anything, she just plopped down on the floor next to my bed and went to sleep. I guess she was still a little worried. She slept there all night.

Morning came and she was taking her bath. She looked at me with this silly little look and decided to confess. She said "Mom, last night when I came in your room I put the Acorn under YOUR bed" I seriously laughed and laughed thinking...that little twirp REALLY did believe in the magic of that Acorn and wanted to see ME as a witch. Why not? Test it on Mom first and see if it really happens.

Anyways...I just HAD to share! I thought it was too cute not to!

Tummy

Yep...its here! It just popped out...almost like OVER NIGHT! I have a little baby tummy now. Clint was joking with me yesterday and said "I think its been there longer, you've just been sucking it in...and now its just not possible".

I have officially hit the 3 month mark in my pregnancy and things are still about the same...sick days more than good days, but its all the norm now, so no biggie! :) We finally told Rachel about the baby and now I am SOOO regretting not getting her reaction on video! She was so darn excited, it was priceless!

There are so many CHANGES happening in my families life right now...I feel like my days just fly by and I am left wondering what was accomplished and if I made a difference. I find myself praying like crazy lately...things like: "Can I die today" (yep, those are the REALLY sick days) "Please can a check come in the mail" "Please let me feel good today" "Help me be a better Mom" "Should I stop working for this baby?" "Please watch over my kids today and help them have friends" "Bless Clint with less stress". Sooo many things going through my head lately! However, I KNOW it will all work out...it always does! I'm keeping my FAITH strong and doing my best to do my part!

Thats it for now...I will post pics of my tummy (maybe) later, if I get daring enough!

Awake with Anxiety...

It is five minutes to 4 AM and yes...I am AWAKE. Owning a business can be stressful! Owning TWO businesses even worse (no matter how small they may be)! I don't love uncertainties or wondering if I am being deceived or if just being careful/untrusting. I don't like loose ends or having others think I am being dishonest. When it really comes down to it...I guess I just wish that if I am to receive a concerned or questioning letter from someone I have done work for, that it would arrive on a weekday (work day) and not on a Saturday...leaving me contemplating, thinking and wondering all weekend about it, without being able to attack the problem head on! Ugh :( I am however...grateful for the INTERNET and its ability to answer MOST of my questions when I am in one of my anxious fits. I can get answered questions...then browse blogs, the news and FB to get my mind on other things so that I can return to sleep. I must say...this venting session has helped as well. So..I am off to continue my sleep and to hopefully wake to a wonderful, sick-FREE Sunday (crossing fingers).

Baby Time

The news is officially out....after what will be 7 years since the last baby arrived in our home, we will experience this sweet joy all over again. I must say there are so many things I have forgotten...and things that I remember now, but know why I blocked them out of my memory in the first place. I just wanted to recap a little of this little adventure so far.

Around the end of August we were in Lake Havasu City, AZ on vacation....we had gone out to eat with the family to a little local restaurant there named "Chili Charlie's". I ordered a French Dip Sandwich and remember how HUNGRY I was and couldn't wait for it to be served to me. Just then, the waitress placed the meal in front of me...then it hit me "what is that smell?" "what is that sandwich?" "Ew..that looks disgusting". I asked Clint if he could smell the foulness coming from my sandwich...in which he gave me this weird/confused look and said "What are you talking about?" I then pushed the plate across the table and made him cover it with SEVERAL napkins...for I couldn't even look at the gross thing. Sign #1.

Being 5 days "late" and taking a POSITIVE pregnancy test. Sign #2.

The first of September came...and yes, I was still in DENIAL. Then...the SICKNESS made its little way in...Sign #3. After 5 1/2 weeks of vomiting most days of the week and some days hardly being able to stand out of bed, I still thought it may be something else. I decided I needed more verification...I know, your thinking, really?

On Thursday, September 29th, I decided to make a doctor appointment...just to see what was REALLY wrong with me. I went in the following Monday, in which we had to go through "the list" of questions that seemed to go on and on and on. Then it was time for my exam. I was so scared...silly me, right? The doctor said "Let's see if we can find a heartbeat" He put the dopler on my tummy and IMMEDIATELY there it was...such a small but STRONG, fast and ever so LOUD heartbeat. Sign #4. The doctor looked at me and said "You ARE definitely pregnant! Congratulations!" He then ordered me to get dressed and wanted me to follow him over to have blood drawn...in which they drew SIX viles of blood from my arm! (DEFINETELY something I had forgotten) By the time we got to the 5th vile, I was starting to see stars and breathing very heavy. The nurse called for a wheelchair and took me to a bed. Yes Dad...your lovely passing out at the sight of blood trait has been passed down :). After being served a juice box from the nurse...I was feeling better and they allowed me to leave.

I know it seems silly that I would need FOUR signs to give me confirmation that I do in fact have a little baby growing inside of me....but, after so much time passing I guess I didn't know what to expect. I have made my announcements to the world and it does feel so much better and so much more real. Now I think there is better understanding by others why I may have missed some days from going to the gym, or why I have been so distant, or why my kids have been running the neighborhood parent-less because their poor Mother was stuck in bed...SICK SICK SICK.

I am now on my 11th week..and today marks my 2nd day of no throwing up so far. I really do hope things are looking up! I can't wait to feel good and to get my energy back so that I can be the BEST Mom to my three great kids for the holidays, while also getting ready for this new adventure we are all about to embark.

Just to backstep a little...we have told Brock and Kory the BIG news and as the days go by, I can tell they are getting more and more excited. When first telling them..they both rolled their eyes and said "No way" "Nu uh" "Your joking". It really was cute. They have been so great, helping with Rachel when I couldn't get out of bed, asking little questions here and there about the baby. I think this is what I enjoy most...is having older kids and having them experience the phases and excitement that comes with waiting for a new little one with me. Kory (my analyzer) asks things all the time like "Where will the baby sleep?" "If the baby poops and we are tending, what will we do?" etc... He is so darn cute. The boys were thinking of baby names the other day. They chose "Mariah" if its a girl and "Cody" if its a boy. We will see though...

Rachel is going through a pretty dramatic stage right now...I think some of it comes with the changes of becoming a 1st grader and going all day to school, plus the fact that she is growing like a weed. We have chose not to tell her right away...just to save her from any more anxiety it may incur on her...plus to avoid hearing "Is the baby coming today?" "Is the baby coming tomorrow?" on a daily basis. We talk about babies all the time..and she has expressed how much she would LOVE one in our home, so I just KNOW she is going to be so so excited!

As for Clint...he is ECSTATIC!!! He is such a teddy bear as it is...and when it comes to babies, what a sucker! I really could not ask for better support than he has given me. He cleans, gets meals for the kids and will go out any time/any day to get me ANYTHING I need. I am so grateful to him!

So...there you go, the adventures up to this point. I am hoping from here on out, my stories will be much more positive...with me feeling much much better :) Until then...

Feeling FALLish

Is it just me...or are you LOOOOOOVING the weather??? I absolutely love the 80's (and not only in music taste) temps! And the fact that it is time for a change in wardrobe makes me ABSOLUTELY ecstatic! Break out the boots, jeans, long sleeves and hoodies! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. I may just get a little CrAzY and get out the fall/halloween decor...eeeeeek!!!

I do know what season comes next...but until then I'm gonna enjoy me some FALL :)

It is time!

Yep...we have OFFICIALLY hit that point of the year when the kiddos are needing their school structure again! This week has been my emotional breakdown week...and I'm pretty sure my family is already making arrangements at the nutty farm. But, when it really comes down to it...school just needs to start already, haha. Don't get me wrong...I love my kids TO DEATH, but having a break is good for everyone! They will have their structure and I will have my breathing time...then we can all join together after 3:30 for songs of coom-bye-yah :)

Only 19 more days and we will all be smiles!

Adversity, Faith & Perserverance

It has been taught that when great things are on the rise...that challenges, temptation and trials can ultimately stand in the way...or in other words, SLAP you in the face! Prayers have been offered and practiced in FULL FORCE in the past few months at our home...prayers for some pretty life changing things.
It has seemed that ANSWERS have shown their face unto us and we have obediently followed in the directions it has led us. So...now I ask, why so many challenges in the way?
I am ready to offer my full heart and have FAITH in the direction I am to go, but at times it seems easier to just give up and walk backwards to find the place that I started...or where things were a bit more comfortable. I am walking on uncharted waters and completely out of my comfort zone. My hope is that when I reach my destination...that it will be what I had hoped for and that me and my family will be STRONGER and benefit from the choice that we have made and worked so hard for.

Some things I have learned through this process:
- My family matters MOST.
- There really are TRUE friends out there.
- Heavenly Father is my best friend and he will watch over me.
- I am lucky to have a husband that has a greater concern for his family than himself.
- My kids are more supportive than I thought they could be.
- Prayers will be answered.

"Should there be anyone who feels he is too weak to do better because of that greatest of fears, the fear of failure, there is no more comforting assurance to be had than the words of the Lord: 'My grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them' (Ether 12:27)."

Sunshine?

Happiness is in the heart, not in the circumstances. ~ Unknown

Ummmmm....I am trying EXTREMELY hard to find my happiness from within because HONESTLY, this weather just is not helping! I need my sunshine, all natural Vitamin D!! So...I will post some pictures of things that make me happy...and see if it helps!

FAMILY: Clint is such a FANTASTIC Daddy...he is so great to take the time to play with the kids. Here they are flying a kite.

Baseball: Isn't this just the cutest??? I just love seeing my two Little Leaguers all dressed up!

Mesquite: It is always a JOY when we can make a trip to Visit with Clint's Grandparents. In the last couple of months we have had the pleasure of going down to paint and put Decals on this motor home for Clint's Grandpa. Just thinking of how tickled he was with the finished product makes me smile!

Playing in the Water: I am always so grateful when we can make time for fun vacations that can build great memories that will last for a life time!

Okay....I'm smiling now! I knew there was something inside, and I'm glad I was able to find it...WITHOUT the sunshine :)

Clean your Room!!!

I feel like these are the words that come out of my mouth more than ANYTHING else!!! "Clean your Room!"

Why is it so painful just to keep the room clean? Obviously it is PAINFUL to clean it...so why doesn't that lead to motivation of keeping it clean?

It is past my kids bedtime now (by 3 minutes) and they have been instructred that NO ONE goes to bed with a messy room. I am so tired of the fight!

Maybe its time to make a sticker that says "Clean Room = Happy Mom"

Pushing the Limit

Does it take confirmation to know that you have done your job...and done it correctly?

It has come to my attention that I am an over-achiever.

What got me thinking this is..

I go to the gym to work out. Well, if I don't feel fatigued or start feeling the soreness by evening that day..then I feel I have failed. So..the next day, my goal is to work extra hard to feel that soreness, silly..right?

I have been tanning..yep, in the tanning beds. I do this in order to get my base tan..so I don't burn when I am out enjoying rays for the first time (this year, who knows when that may happen). So...I have gone previously eight times. Well, I see some improvement...but not enough. So, today I "push the limit" and not only up my time, but ask for a bed that has newer bulbs. Well...lets just say, sitting is somewhat uncomfortable :(

Why is this the case? I shouldn't need to push the limits, I should just have PATIENCE and wait for the rewards and KNOW that I am doing my best...right?

Hmmm...anyways, just some thoughts for the day :)

Hoarders

So..tonight I am walking around my house, noticing that for some reason I seem to be building up some pretty intense anxiety inside of me. I keep trying to think of positive things...and nothing seems to be working. Then, all of a sudden..it dawned on me! There are toys, shoes, clothes, paper, books, crayons, etc. piled everywhere I look...in every corner and along the walls. Okay...I may be exaggerating a little, but I MOST DEFINITELY am not when it comes to the kids' rooms!!! YIKES!!! I guess their new form of cleaning is pretty much sweeping all their "junk" to the edges of the room. The grossest part about it is that there is garbage and food mixed in with all this "junk". SERIOUSLY?? How do they live this way?? I feel me and Clint are CONSTANTLY all over them on keeping their rooms clean and YET...it continues to build and build.

So I say...time for an INTERVENTION!!! And what better timing than the day before Easter??? Cuz..you know, afterall...the Easter Bunny doesn't bring goodies to kids with messy rooms ;)

Blog

Yeah...I know, tell me how CUTE my blog looks!!!

I am so proud and AMAZED I was able to pull off something this great! Anyways...enjoy! :)

Ready for Spring

My kids are getting out for "Spring Break" next week...and can I just say I'm not feeling so "springy"!!! It is snowing today and I can't say that it boosts my moods much.

I will however try to be positive and think of some things I will be looking forward to...

1- Being TAN!

2- Being skinny (hopefully, it is a current goal of mine)

3- Getting to exercise with my little sis

4- Swimming

5- Boating

6- Gel Toes

7- Flip Flops....love love love em'!!!

8- Tigers Blood Snow Cones (YUM)

Those are just a few...but for now, I would just be pleased to see Mr. Sun show his pretty little face some time SOON! Until then...here's to wishin :)

SiCkEsT year EVER!!!

I am officially writing down that this has been the SICKEST YEAR EVER!!!

In the past four months...ME & my family have gone through THREE Stomach flu's and FOUR cold flu's (one included strep), with no breaks in between...someone has literally been sick in our house for the entire time! Can you say...time to SANITIZE THE HOUSE??

So...the sun will be shining this weekend, and in between me going out to soak up some HEALING Vitamin D..I will be embracing my Clorox Clean-up and will complely de-bacterialize (great word, eh?) my HOME!!!

Time to wash out the bugs and sickness...it's time for feeling good, sunny days and SpRiNgTiMe!!!

Purpose?

I find myself at a point in my life where I often ask myself... what is the purpose?

Beginning with the thing that is MOST on my mind..."what is the purpose" of me and Clint working ALL THE TIME, when really...lately, there is not usually enough money to make ends meet anyway?

"What is the purpose" of cleaning my house..and especially RACHEL'S room all the time, it just gets messed up within 10 minutes anyway!

"What is the purpose" in making a nice meal? SOMEONE will ALWAYS turn their nose up, give a sour face and say they don't want to eat it anyways.

"What is the purpose" of forcing myself to the gym EVERY morning at such an early hour when in the end...I will probably continue to stay the same size!

"What is the purpose" of washing my BLACK car, just so that I can drive it to work and have LARGE vehicles drive by and spread dust all over it because the roads are so filthy?

"What is the purpose" of putting a smile on my face each and every day when most often all I feel is pain and anxiety on the inside?

I KNOW I have so many more things to list...however, I think I know the purpose. We are only expected to do the VERY BEST for ourselves and our family, right? Our goal is to become Christ-like...right? And, if we just sit back (in laziness) and let life happen...how can we grow, learn and move forward to accomplish this??

On Sunday we had a lesson titled "Trust in the Lord", this really hit home for me since right now more than ever...this is what I MUST do. Some of the things that were pointed out however that really stuck with me is that we aren't just supposed to sit back and wait for God to show us that we can trust him...we need to earn His trust first!! How do we do this? By doing the work! After all...how can we expect to be GIVEN something without showing first and foremost that we will APPRECIATE it when we get it?? This is where my focus is for now...doing the WORK and trusting in my Father in Heaven. Ultimately HE is the ONE that will NEVER let me down!!! And I choose to earn his trust! :)