We have a Hole

Well I never thought this day would come. But it finally is here and we have a hole in the ground. I think Ryan was even more excited than I was. I think the drive and late nights is getting very old. Tevin and him have even resorted to sleeping in his office. It has been a crazy month. We have been to Medicine Hat and Edmonton for Tevin's basketball. All without Ryan. He has worked almost every weekend this month and had lots of extra functions going on. Being a single parent is getting old. Our almost completely potty trained girl has totally regressed and it is almost back to square one. She has fortunately got the popping thing down but can't seem to know when she needs to pee. If I take her all day she is fine but she wont communicate. Ryan says don't get so frustrated with her. I tell him you come home then and potty train her and see if you don't get frustrated. Anyway I am trying to be patient with her. Her life is in such chaos right now. She hardly sees her daddy and is such a daddy's girl. She cries every time he leaves and her anxiety is so high she wont leave either of our sides. She wouldn't even go to nursery last week. So I figure when we get back from Mexico we will be getting rid of a soother and get this potty thing down.

We leave for Mexico in 9 days. I am very excited and very stressed at the same time. Baylee will not take a bottle. Refuses. I have resorted to feeding her rice cereal 2 times a day and will up that to 3 just before we go so that she is actually getting some food in her. We are trying a sippy cup and that is going okay. Yesterday I decided that I needed to stop nursing her during the day so that both our systems could get use to it. By 8 I was in tears I hurt so much. So hopefully after a few days of that my body will settle down and Bay will get use to not being able to nurse. I just wish this darn trip was in about 6 more months when I didn't' have a nursing baby to worry about. Oh well I am trying to not get to worked up about it and not let it ruin our trip. Which is a much needed break for both of us.

Well I was worried I wasn't going to get my March post in but I did it. I am going shopping this weekend to try and find a dress for this wedding. I went to this girls house yesterday who sells modest clothing to look for something. She has lots of swimsuits from Down East Basics and different companies likes that. I hadn't really planned on buying a new suit as they are expensive. I had purchased a cheap suit from Costco for 25 bucks. Nothing great but it was cheap. Well it is a little low cut and I figured it would be but I thought it would be okay. Well we went swimming for FHE on monday night and I wore it. At the end of the night Abbie says to me..."Mom I don't like that swimsuit. It shows to much of your...." She couldn't quite say boobs. I could tell all night that she was bothered by the fact my chest was pretty exposed. So I figured if my 9 year old daughter was embarrassed than I should be to. So I broke down and spent $80 on a suit but at least it is modest and very cute, so I don't have to embarrass my daughter. What a good kid.

So I hope everyone is well and I know we are all ready for some spring weather. I am looking forward to soaking up some sun and can't wait to go exploring and we get to watch the final NCAA game on the beach sipping Pina Coladas. Oh yeah that's what I'm talking about....GO DUKE!!!!!!

Chow for now and I will be back after Mexico. Here are some fun pictures of what we've been up to lately.

So Proud

There are moments in life that despite the trials and tribulations you know that you've made a right choice. Leaving Greeley was so incredibly hard for us. We were blessed with such amazing friends who really became our family as we lived so far away from family. A school we loved so much and felt so connected to. A baseball team that was more than a team it was our family. And church members who we loved associating with.

It has been a challange this year living in Claresholm with Ryan and Tevin on the go to Lethbridge constantly. We don't usually see them until very late at night and then they are off first thing in the morning. I have learned some very valuable lessons about family and space and myself. It has not been easy. But....

there comes moments when we know that our lives have been guided and directed and help to strengthen our faith. I have had several of those since being here that despite missing Greeley and often wishing maybe we could go back. A few have come when I have watched Tevin play basketball and associatte with his team. His new school has been very good to him and he has really grown and is doing very well.

The next is watching my children play with their cousins and strengthing my relationship with my sisters and how much fun that has been.

Lastly it has come when I watch Ryan do his job. He has done such an amazing job. Two weekends ago we had the opportunity to participate in a 'blast from the past'. It has been ten years since Ryan played his last year of baketball at the Uof L. He decided that he wanted to use this weekend as an opportunity to honor this team that went all the way to the national semi-finals that year. He contacted everyone and every player but 2 were able to make it. They boys all met and scrimmaged in the afternoon and then we went for a lunch and were able to visit with players and wives and girlfriends and it was so awesome. We had had such good times together and it was so great to see everyone. Then that night the team was honored at half time of the game. It was incredible for me to watch the day and evening unfold and watch Rye work. He did such an awesome job and I was so prould of him. It was also breast cancer night and that is why we are all wearing the pink shirts. It was truley an amazing day and my battery of course was dead so I had to rely on others for pictures so I don't have them all yet. I am going to post what I do have.

Anyway our house is going to be starting soon. I am trying to be patient. The plans are being drawn up and they should start digging in the next couple of weeks. That is exciting and I can't wait.

Baylee is rolling over constantly and growing so fast. Bryna is pretty much potty trained and still driving her mother crazy but she is a blast and keeps us on our toes.

We have just over a month to go until Mexico. Feeling excited and nervous at the same time. Baylee still isn't sleeping great so I am nervous about leaving her. But I am looking forward to the time away and to spend it with Rye. I still have 10 pounds to lose but Oh well I am trying. I am hoping to atleast get 5 more before we go.

Chow for now. Hope all is well.

T

GO CANADA GO!!!!!!

Thank Heavens For the 'Whole Armor'

I've been pondering the last few days over things that have transpired the last few days. My anonymous person who ever they may be made reference to my armor. I say to them, yeah for me. I am glad to have the armor on and have it help me to get through each day. Let me tell you this life we lead is not what we learned about in Young Womens. My BFF and I would joke about that all the time how they sure didn't teach us this stuff in Young Womens. The sad thing for me is, even this awesome most incredible person who I love has even left the church and taken her armor off because she has found something else that fulfills her life. I know she will read this so I want her to know that I love her, I truly do and I miss our friendship and miss her. I hope she is happy and finds the answers in life she is searching for.
I know that we are all in this battle of life together and it's so hard to see how Satan truly is attacking the family in anyway possible. I see so many good people around me having so many struggles. For me, the only way I get through it all is truly my testimony and the ability to Pray and know that I have someone on my side. Does that make life easier..not always but it sure does help.
I have had several people e-mail over the past few days and say they know someone who has had some nasty comments put on there blog as well. I still don't know if our "anonymous" person is someone I know or a complete stranger. And in the end it doesn't matter. I took off both posts because they were kind enough to leave me several more nasty messages that I didn't think people needed to see. Now all my comments will be filtered, which is a pain but it's the only thing I can do other than going private. So for now if "anonymous" tries to post more comments to try and get a rise out of people it wont work because the only one who can see the comments is me. Quite frankly I don't have time for you.
It's interesting there reference to the whole "Molly Mormon"attitude. I really truly believe that, that status is long gone. I don't think any of us are trying to be a Molly Mormon. Not even the best of the best. We are all trying to be good people and be good moms and wives and full fill our callings and help out at school and in the community. Does it seem like to too much at times..yes. Do we out do our selves at times...yes. Do I do it because I am trying to one up my neighbor or look the best. Maybe sometimes..but mostly I do it because I want to. I love being a mom, I love going to the school and knowing all the teachers and have them know me. I love and I mean love coaching my kids at basketball and watching them play sports. I love it all. Do I still cry myself to sleep at times because I feel overwhelmed. And I wish I had my sister in laws figure (Annie) I will even name who I envy. Do I wish my skin was flawless like my cousin Crystal. Do I wish I had perfect teeth like Shannon. Oh I so do. But at the end of the day I am just trying to be the best me.
I love the 'whole armor'. ANd love having it on because when I let bits and pieces fall off that is when life gets hard.
So mr. or mrs. anonymous. I suggest you find something else to do with your life that maybe could bring happiness to peoples lives instead of trying and I mean that very lousy, trying to do what? Ruin others. Do some good with your life instead. Send money to the Haiti relief fund. Be kind to a stranger....tell those you love that you love them and appreciate them. Do GOOD.
As President Kimball says....JUST DO IT.

Well I felt I needed to get that out. I have sure appreciated the e-mails and phone calls that I have received. They so made me happy and realize how blessed I am to know so many awesome people. The result of feeling in the deeps of despair has turned into a resolve to be happy and do good and be better.

Hope everyone has a good day.
I think I challenge everyone to do one thing nice for someone this week. Be it big or small, but do it. Post it back and share with us if you want..or don't. But lets pay it forward this week.
TErra

Baylee

Well Baylee will be two weeks tomorrow so I figured I better get this post done before a month has already gone by.

Baylee Cameron Hall

was born on October 13th 2009 at 7:47 am

I know what a lame day October 13th. I was hoping for the 12th.

Oh well we will not complain as it was the glorious day that she came out.

Well the birthing story goes....

I had been having contractions that whole weekend and had been bound and determined that I would have a baby that weekend. Rye was home for the whole weekend basically and it was Thanksgiving so it meant we had Monday as well for walking and all the things we could do to get this baby out. Friday night I had been up with tones of contractions and thought we were starting but by 4 they stopped and then we had nothing in Saturday. Sunday I started to have quite a few at church so Rye and I walked a tonne and every time we walked they would start and then when we came home they would quit. Anyway by Monday I figured we might as well just wait until next Monday as I was set to be induced. Then we went to bed Monday night. I had been having some contractions but still no real pattern to them. So we went to bed around 11. At 12:30 I woke up and was feeling like something was happening. I got up and got onto the computer. I was waiting until about 2 before I was going to wake Rye up. He came up from downstairs around 1:45. The contractions had been consistently 2-3 minutes apart for over an hour and were increasing in intensity. So we figured we'd better go. We go to Lethbridge and to the hospital around 3. I told Rye I bet I'm 3cm. Sure enough I was. So basically I labored for 4 hours at the hospital. If we lived closer I probably would of waited to go to the hospital but we didn't want to take any chances. Finally the doctor came around 7:15 and she checked me. I was now a 5 but very "stretchy" was the word she used. She broke my water and said go ahead and do what you need to do. She figured it wouldn't take to long. After she broke my water I could literally feel her slide down and well the contractions and the pressure intensified 10 fold. Well we basically had a baby by 7:47. It went fast and hurt like a bugger but it was done. I think both Rye and I did a quick check to make sure it was a girl....and it was a girl. We had no complications and everything went well. She has been doing well and has been a good baby. Other then she has her days and nights mixed up a little and loves to sleep during the day but likes to show me her bright eyes in the middle of the night.

Bryna has had a hard time. She is missing her mommy time and has a hard time understanding what "being gentle" means. So we are living day by day at the moment. We feel very blessed and are enjoying this last baby.

I am humbled by the miracle of birth. I think that as you get older and with the more children you have you appreciate the miracle even more. Because you know how fast they grow and how limited your time is with them and how that feel of holding a newborn lasts only a second and then is gone and replaced with tantrums and tweeny girls and an 11 year old boy. Let me say 11 year old boys are a breed of there own!!!

At times when I ponder what happened to the other little boy I was convinced we were going to have I am reminded of all the people I know (including my two sisters) who haven't been able to have there own children and I feel very blessed and am excited to be the mother of 4 teenage girls!!!!! Ryan on the other hand feels scared and nervous about raising 4 teenagers but I am truly just excited and love each one of them so much.

The world has gotten to be such a hard place and family no longer is a priority but I am grateful for all of the awesome people we know and have been surrounded by in our life. And for family who we love very much. So as I venture through this journey of motherhood faced with 5...yes 5 children I can only lead on my Savior for support and my friends who are such good examples to me. To my Colorado friends we love and miss you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well I hope everyone is well and are having a good Sunday afternoon.

Terra

How many times have you been to the fire station????

Well that is the question I pose today. How many fire station field trips have you been on. I am sure I can beat you all.

After thinking about it the magic number is 7. Plus my dad was fireman growing up and so we went a few times when Tevin and Abbie were little. So I am boosting my number up to 9.

Does it get more exciting every time you go. Well no...but...the adorable 6 year old who get to ride the truck all the way to the station from the school was all smiles and had fun. And the 23 month old wasn't quite sure about the whole thing, especially when the fireman came in with his gear on. That got her up and running over to mom's lap ( whats left of moms) lap. I figure with two more children to go through pre-school and kindergarten we could have that grand total number up to possible 13 by the time I am done. And of course I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Pregnancy update - for all of you who are anxiously waiting for me to be out of my misery. Actually I have been feeling a little better. The bruised tail bone or chipped or whatever happened to it is getting a bit better. Although I am a little worried about pushing the baby out when most of the pressure comes from the back and you have to push. But I am sure the excruciating pain coming from my tail bone will be over ridden by my body being ripped in two.

I am done to a count we have 12 days left. The doctor is going to induce me on the 19th of October. So unless I have the baby earlier than that the 19th is the date. It is a little weird knowing the actual date that you will have your baby. Never had that before. I am excited and ready. Well I just noticed that Bryna fell asleep on the chair so I better move her to her bed before she wakes up and doesn't take a good nap.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving weekend my fellow Canadians!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rye and I were talking last night how we will miss American Thanksgiving. Canadian Thanksgiving comes so fast and there isn't the hype or the tradition around it. Oh well what can you do. None the less Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and I hope you are surrounded by family and friends.

The cold has arrived

Well for all my whining and complaining about the heat the cold has finally arrived. Although I do welcome it with open arms the kids aren't as thrilled about it as I am. But I have more energy than I have had in months and feel like I can handle life a little better. That I feel like the count down can officially start now that tomorrow brings us October. I thought it was time to change the blog a little. I love Halloween. I know there are lots of people who despise this holiday. But I love the colors and the excitement it brings for the kids and helping them with there costumes. I am interested to see how they celebrate it here at school. If the kids get a party or not. I know there has been lots of places that have gone away from that. Hopefully we get to wear our costumes to school and have some fun. But if not we will not complain and be happy. Well that is all for now. Boo boo insists on trying to type with me so it is time to get off as that is not going over real well. I look forward to sooner than later sharing an announcement with everyone. Either that we have found a house or that we have had a baby. Either one would make me happy!!!!!

I'm still Alive--Honest

Well the time has finally come to get back into things. I have been living in my one little world these past few months. It has been a bit of a difficult transition but I am hanging in there. I have about 4 weeks left at the very most and I am hoping for 2 - 3 to have this baby out of me. I have been miserable and uncomfortable and pretty much lazy. The weather has been very hot and that has not helped. I am hoping that it is going to cool down a little and that seems to give me some energy. We are living at Grandma's and Grandpa's and that is going well. I will be ready for our own space when the time comes but we are grateful for them and for letting us stay here until we get things figured out. Tevin drives everyday to Lethbridge with Ryan to go to school. It is a 45 minute commute so it is an early morning. He is playing football as well in Lethbridge so sometimes it is 8 before they get home at night. He is doing really well and has taken on his new school with a positive attitude and is making friends. He is happy and I have been so proud of him. The girls are going to school in Claresholm and are happy as can be. They take the bus and they seem to like that enough. Which is nice for me. I don't have to drive them, especially when the baby comes it will be nice not to have to worry about it. They are doing dance in Claresholm and are enjoying it. Every Wednesday we drive to Lethbridge for them to go to choir. Which they are enjoying. Emily has had some firsts happen in the last few months. She learned how to ride her bike and she lost her two front teeth just last week. And last but not least we have Boo Boo who keeps me on my toes and is my little buddy. The two of us spend our days haning out and have the house to our selves. She is talking like crazy and we have started potty training. She is fun to have around and she doesn't miss a beat. She loves going out every morning and watching the girls get on the bus and waving to them. Last week she tried to get on the bus and decided she wanted to go with them. So we went for a walk instead and that was an ok second option.

We miss our friends very much in Colorado and look forward to visiting. But we are happy and settling into our new environment. I look forward to getting to Lethbridge and getting settled. Ryan is working very hard and right now we see little of him on the weekends as he is very involved with the sporting events that are taking place. We are going to Mexico in April for a week as one of his best high school friends is getting married there. We are looking forward to that. Well I am grateful for the world of blogging so atleast I can see what everyone is up to and I am back on track and my goal is to do a couple posts a month. Here are a few pictures of our happenings over the last few months. Bye for now and hopefully news of a baby will soon be following.