Life update :)

Yes.....AGAIN, it has been A WHILE since posting last, sorry! I feel as if my life is pretty much in fast forward right now with so much going on with FOUR kids now! Probably the best thing would be to update on each of the kids first...

Brock started Jr High this year! Big wowza! The first few weeks were a test for him and his attitude truly reflected all the stress and anxiety he was feeling. Once we had mid-term parent/teacher meetings and sorted out a few things and helped the teachers to get to know Brock and his needs a bit more it really helped put him to be at a little more ease. He started his first year of tackle football and is doing so AMAZING at it! He plays Starting Defense Noseguard Lineman. His main job is to push through the line and sack the quarterback.  So far this season he has had a fumble recovery and has taken down the quarterback several times. His coaches have been completely amazed with how well he is already doing and has had inquiries from the A team wanting him. I'm not suprised! His team has won every game, but one.  Brock is growing so fast this year. He eats EVERYTHING in sight and sleeps A LOT. He is currently 5'2" and weighs 109 lbs.  He is starting to get a lot of attention from the girls...which I really am not so sure about.  It just means that I have to work extra hard keeping him busy so that there is no time for those icky girls! ha ha

Kory is in 5th Grade..and LOVING it! He got a really great teacher this year, Mr. Alder and is really enjoying being in his class. School is so easy for him...so all he has to do is sit back and enjoy! Lucky kid! He just recently went to Clear Creek last week and had a BLAST! I am so grateful that he could have that experience! He is currently playing flag football and having a great time! He has had three games now and has only lost one of them. Kory hasn't quite hit his growth spurt yet, but I have a feeling that it is coming. Right now he comes up to Brock's shoulder in height, ha ha. Kory is my sweet little helper when it comes to Sarah. Those two just have the strongest connection and he just is so sweet to her! She loves him to pieces! You can tell by how she talks to him and calms down when he is around. He knows how to make a bottle and change a diaper! He will be an AMAZING daddy some day!

Rachel is growing like a weed! She is such a beautiful sweetheart with such a HUGE imagination.  Her favorite thing to do lately is to play classroom with Sarah. She will put Sarah in the walker, in her room, and tape papers on the wall to show her pictures and teach her things. She also reads to her. It is the sweetest thing! Rachel has really found a new love for legos. Her favorite thing to build is houses. I must say that she can completely blow me away with her creativity. Rachel is loving school for the most part. She does mention from time to time that "school is hard", but I am hoping that her love, interest and determination to read fluently will pull her through.  She has always had a LOVE for books...even when she couldn't read them. I feel like when she gets the reading down that the sky is the limit for her! She will just go crazy! Right now Rachel is taking a Hip Hop Dance class! She absolutely LOVES it! It is just right up her alley! That girl has had rythm since she could walk!

Now for little Sarah...ahhhhh, the sweetest little BLESSING ever! She just makes our family SO complete! We just love her to pieces! She brings such a spirit to our home I just couldn't imagine our lives without her. She has such a sweet personality...always smiling and now talking (or more like happy screaming) all the time. She has turned into quite the little "steam roller", rolling EVERYWHERE! No more leaving her thinking she will be in the same spot when you come back, ha ha. She has done so well with getting on to a schedule and it really felt so effortless. She takes two 2-3 hour naps during the day, has her rice bottle at 9:15 PM, then 2 oz of formula at 9:45 PM...then sleeps around 5-9 hours each night. Heaven!! She is so close to sitting up on her own and I really don't think crawling will be much further either.  At her last Dr's checkup at 4 months she weighed 15 lbs 7 oz and was 23 inches long. 90th percentile on both. She is a big girl...our little roley poley! And we LOVE it!!!

Me and Clint have been doing good...just truckin along, going with the flow as usual. Our lives pretty much revolve around the kiddos, I wouldn't have it any other way! I am truly enjoying the kids and all the new adventures in their lives.

Today my Dad was released from being the bishop of his ward. I am so proud of him! I know his ward will miss a GREAT man! He truly LOVED those people and spent many days worrying and caring for them. I remember going to the gym with him on Mondays and he would look so beat up from the events of Sunday. He never complained though and always looked for a way to help everyone he dealt with. I appreciated the blessings that came from his years of service and I truly hope that him and my Mom will continue to be blessed for all their service. I love my parents and I truly appreciate their example and love to all of us kids and our families!

Today we also had a change in our bishopric. What an emotional day INDEED! Bishop Hill is an AMAZING man and truly served us well! His friendship has been such a treasure for me and Clint.

I think that is about all for the updates til now. If I think of anything else...I will update!

RIP Grandpa Cox

Yesterday was a sad day. It was the day that we lost my dear, sweet Grandpa Cox. Grandpa had drove himself to the hospital last Friday with symptoms and signs of a possible heart attack. This would be his second episode in the past 18 months.  He was scheduled for his second bypass surgery. On Saturday, Grandpa went in for surgery. After 12 hours, the doctor declared that surgery was unsuccessful and that his heart/arteries were just too damaged. They closed him up and hoped for the best...seeing if his body would sustain itself. The family had decided that if it was needed that they would NOT put him on life support.  Gradually they unhooked Grandpa from the machines.  Things were looking good and the doctor declared that Grandpa was doing better than expected.  We were hopeful that our prayers were working and that he was going to pull through. Then...yesterday, Monday, July 23, 2012..at 5 AM the phone rang.  I knew it could only mean two things...that Grandpa had woke up or that he had passed.  I'm sure you can guess which one I was praying for.  It was my Mom.  She called to tell me that my grandpa had passed.  Grandpa had told the family that if he didn't pull through that he wished to be cremated.  So...in order to fulfill the wishes of Grandpa and for me to say my final goodbye, I needed to go to the hospital. And that is exactly what I did.  I know this may seem weird, but part of my closure is seeing the body of the one that has passed...just so that I can see that their spirit has left the body, because they NEVER look like themselves as when they were alive.  Grandpa didn't look the same.  His poor body was so swollen. I will say though that his face had such a peaceful look.  He even had a small start of a smile. He had a look that made me feel like he was okay...and that he finally felt good.  When it was time to say our final goodbye, before they took the body, I stood by his bed and said "I love you Grandpa". Tears fell down my face and I could feel his presence...so much that I just put my head on his chest and gave him and ever so tight squeeze...just like he would have given me had he been alive and well.  The spirit was so strong at that time and I felt all warm, as if he was hugging me back.  It was such a special experience...one that I will never forget!
Although Grandpa was quite the traveler...and we rarely saw him as of lately, there was always that special place in my heart for him.  I have so many treasured memories of Grandpa when I was younger.  He was always so good to us..and fun to be around! One of the greatest memories, that I was reminded of by my parents was his random, totally unexpected visits.  He would show up at our house...unnanounced, open the door...without a knock or doorbell rung and shout out "ANYBODY HOME?". There was ONLY one person that ever did that...so we knew EXACTLY who it was!
When I was younger, Grandpa owned a RV Park.  He was so great to let us come and visit many times...helping around the park, swimming in the pool, helping at the Snack Shack...etc. We had great times there!
When Brock turned 1 year old...I had seen Grandpa a few days earlier (again, unexpected) and decided to invite him to the birthday celebration.  Grandpa & Grandma did in fact end up coming...with a LOAD of gifts for little Brock! Just another thing to show his love for kids...and especially HIS grandkids!

No matter where Grandpa was...we KNEW we were loved. We KNEW that when he was near, we would get a most treasured hug from him and that everything would be good! He will ALWAYS have that special place in my heart...and I truly can't wait until it stops hurting and I can see him again.  Healthy, Loving, Sweet, Chariteable, Humorous, Stubborn Grandpa...RIP, until we see each other again!!! Love you!!!

Pictures won't upload!

My computer is being SUPER dumb...so no pictures for now! I will update when I am allowed.

Sarah

Yes...I KNOW, I am severely behind on updating! I am so sorry...but I guess that is what happens when you have FOUR kids! YIKES ;)

Anyways...lets back up to the day little Sarah Ella Tomlinson was born. 

The C-Section went perfectly...only taking about 20 minutes tops, then our beautiful little girl was born. The doctor (jokingly) said "oops, she's posterior cuz her bottoms coming first! Oh wait...nope, she just has no hair!" LOL My doctors are quite the jokesters, ha ha. But really, Sarah did not in fact have any hair..poor girl. Oh well...she'll get it eventually ;). Sarah was born at 7:13 AM and weighed in at 7 lbs 12 oz and was 19 inches long. She was absolutely PERFECT! She had such a sweet little cry and she just did everything that a normal, perfectly healthy little baby would do.  She even got to go to REGULAR nursery! YAY! FINALLY a baby that wouldn't need a little extra help to be accustomed to this world. Everything went really great in the hospital. Sarah was such a little Angel...RARELY crying. I even had nurses make comments about how they were just waiting for her to get upset, but she just was so content and peaceful there really was no need. During my stay I was able to have one of my dear friends from High School be my nurse for three days of my visit there, which was so wonderful. We had many visitors during the stay and it was just so pleasant...oh, and the food was A...MAZING!

When we brought little Sarah home things were just so great.  I was quite sore still (from the C-Section), but I had LOTS of help...so that was really nice! Families in our ward brought in meals and my family really helped with the older kiddos.  I must say, it has been nice being able to give the time it requires for a baby and having older kids that can understand and basically help out or take care of themselves.

At the four week mark, I no longer had to take pain medication and things were really looking up. My energy was returning...slowly, but surely and Sarah was getting better and better with her sleeping at night, adding more time as the weeks passed. Now we are actually up to 6 to 8 hours of sleep at night..awesome! I must say that Sarah has been a true blessing in our home and has brought such a sweet spirit  and presence. I look forward to all her smiles, which happen basically all day long.

The next few posts will basically be photos of Sarah....

Time is up!

Today is the BIG delivery day! It is 2:30 AM in the morning right now...and SHOCKER, I am wide awake! In a couple of hours I will be headed to the Hospital to prepare for my C-Section, which is scheduled at 6:30 AM. I have so many emotions..its crazy! I'm EXCITED (like Christmas), scared to death, anxious, etc....all the expected emotions I guess. I literally can't wait to just be in my recovery room and holding our new little addition already!

The past few days have been so up and down for me. I have been EXHAUSTED beyond belief, taking several naps a day and STILL sleeping at night. I guess that is what happens when your making a baby, huh? I have been off and on excited and nervous...depending on the day. Some days I could totally wait longer for the baby come and others I just wanted it over and done with NOW! Its sort of cruel what these darn hormones do to ya! Ha ha. Acid Reflux has been in full force the past week...so, I know I'm being silly, but I am HOPING that means she has beautiful hair! Silly Me :)

As for the kiddos...ANXIOUS I don't think even describes their feelings. They are so darn excited, I love it! Rachel has had a bit of a hard time sleeping the past week. Coming into my room often in the middle of the night just to ask if it was time for baby to come yet. I LOVE how much she is in love with her baby sister already. We have pictures posted on our refrigerator of her and her baby sister (that she drew and colored) and just yesterday she wrote a letter to baby Sarah...can you say awwww :) Brock and Kory have been telling EVERYONE that the baby is on its way! I guess I can just say I am super excited and looking forward to the three BIG helpers I'm gonna have! Me and Clint decided that with all the anticipation and excitement that the kids have been experiencing that it would almost be cruel to make them go to school today. We feel as if they are all ready and old enough to be able to participate a little in the whole hospital/delivery/baby's arrival event today. Since I will be having a C Section, they will wait in the hallway with all the other family members and will be there when the new baby is brought out. I am definitely making someone record their reaction...I definitely don't want to miss it!

I can't believe how literally time just FLEW by for this pregnancy. I must say it was my very FAVORITE pregnancy...even with being the SICKEST with this one. Clint has been a HUGE support to me, which helps...and the kids have been AMAZING! I have been able to enjoy many special moments of this pregnancy because the family has been so understanding and helpful. I really do appreciate all their love and concern towards me. I have enjoyed watching the maturity grow in my kids with preparing for this new baby. It is unbelievable how much they have grown up in the last nine months...proving to me, they are ultimately ready to take on this new adventure with me. I am just so in LOVE with them...that's all :)

Well...I guess I should go and try to get a few more minutes/hours of sleep in before all this excitement goes down. I am so grateful for this wonderful opportunity I have to be able to care for one more of our Heavenly Father's children. I can't wait to breathe in this experience and enjoy each and every day and moment.

Easter / St Patricks Day

Since we are getting so close to the arrival of our new little addition (4 weeks to go) and knowing that our Easter Egg Hunt in Mesquite tradition just could NOT be broken, we packed up and went to Mesquite last weekend to keep up with tradition (even if it was early). Most of Clint's family was able to be there which made for an extra special, fun weekend. Friday was the best day...hitting a whopping 80 degrees in temperature! Ahhh, heavenly! We spent the day visiting, soaking up the sun rays and Clint took the kids on a few rides in the Ranger. Saturday was a bit chilly off and on...with cooler temps and some heavy wind. However, we made the effort of still putting out eggs and having the kids go hunt for them. It really was such a great time. Since Saturday was also St Patricks Day, we ended the day with a totally GREEN dinner. I think that will be a day the kids will definitely remember. Yesterday (Sunday) was a bit nicer, but not like Friday. We enjoyed the day by mostly resting and visiting...you know, all the NORMAL Sunday stuff. We sure do enjoy Clint's grandparents company, they are such wonderful people! I can't wait until we visit again!

Things at home have been so wonderful. I am enjoying my time being able to prepare for the baby! I am in FULL FORCE cleaning mode and LOVING it! I know...did I just say that? We still have things to do in order to be fully ready, like putting the baby's room together...luckily we still have 4 weeks. I have been feeling good and bad...depending on the day. My good days usually involve LOTS of cleaning and organizing...which I am sure what lead to the bad days that follow, because of possibly over doing it..hmmm. I feel HUGE and so ready to be done with all of this! My anticipation and excitement may just kill me! Everyone (friends & family) have been so wonderful, with helping us out with items for the baby, which really helps! I forgot how expensive ONE baby can be and how it all really does add up!

The kids are all doing really great. I can't believe how much they have grown lately, and just not physically. They are such great helpers and such great kids! I am very proud! Brock is now officially registered for Jr High...yikes! I'm really not sure still what I think about this! I feel I have been so protective over Brock because of all the trials we have been through in his life, but I am sure this will just be another stepping stone to help him grow even more, I just PRAY he will fit in and find himself a good friend to be there by his side. Kory is such a sweetheart...giving me so many hugs, feeling when the baby has hiccups or moves...he truly enjoys it and being such a little gentleman. He is always in tuned with my needs and opens all doors for me, which I think is so sweet. I think Rachel has grown the most...she is so excited to become a big sister and I can truly see her efforts in growing her maturity. She has become so dedicated in keeping her room clean (which is HUGE for her) and always makes the comment that it is because she will be a big sister. There is just something about a little girl that brightens up a home. She is always saying the cutest little things, dancing around and singing her little heart out. Something only a girl would do...I love that about her!

Me and Clint are doing good as well. I don't think I could love anyone more! I am so lucky to have such a great guy that is always willing to help me whenever needed. Him and his buddies have really been getting into driving R/C cars lately...and even though I tell him they are "NERDS", I am really happy that this gives his something to do and also something he can do with the kids. I know they truly treasure it.

That's all I have for now.... I will try to update again before baby comes, but I do know that life will be busy, with Easter and all :)

32 Weeks

Wow...time is FLYING! This past week has been SO wonderful! My dear friend, Riley threw me a baby shower last Saturday and it was absolutely AMAZING! Since we THOUGHT we were done having kids..we had gotten rid of pretty much everything! I can't believe what cute things there are out there now! So many new accessories and designs since 7 years ago! Yesterday I took the time to hang up all the adorable outfits that all our friends and family so generously gave to us. Sure makes the excitement that much stronger! I am so in love with all the bows, it just may make me CRAZY! ;)

Not only was my shower great for receiving wonderful gifts, but I also had the chance to visit with so many of my very dear friends. Since I am such a social person...that is something I truly treasure and look forward to! I am truly blessed with all the wonderful people around me!

Only 6 1/2 more weeks to fully prepare for this new chapter in our lives. I feel like I'm on the right path of becoming prepared and I'm just trying to keep myself busy to help pass the time. I can't wait to hold my sweet little spirit in my arms! The last few days I have started into a little bit of heartburn. I have heard that lots of hair on a baby can cause this...so I am hoping this is the very reason for all the madness!

I am truly grateful for so many things right now! My kids have all been so amazing with helping me out when needed and I really could not have asked for a more understanding and helpful husband than Clint! I love where we live and our neighbors are truly amazing. I am grateful for my family and for the love and concern they share. I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for this time of my life I am at. What more could I ask for?