Soon We'll be 5

It seems hardly believable to me. After so many years and heartbreak and hoping, we are having another baby this summer. Early August, end of July, whenever it is best for her. We are cautiously excited about this change for our family but full of gratitude. I went through the IVF process in Fall of 2013 and it didn't work. It took me a while to recover emotionally from the disappointment. Scott and I decided we could handle the process one more time--to prove to our Heavenly Father we would do everything in our power to add to our family and trust Him with the rest. I started the shots and medications in October 2014 and we found out we were pregnant right after Thanksgiving Day. I was relieved and scared and thankful all wrapped up together. My first trimester got really difficult around week 6 and it didn't let up until around week 19. I tried really hard to not complain but to feel gratitude with each wave of sickness. The right hormones were working and it meant the baby was developing properly. We did have two embryos, both started to grow. But by week 8 one didn't make it. Although twins would have been a crazy adventure, we prayed with gratitude for one healthy baby. Around week 18 we found out we are having a girl. Watson is warming up to the idea quickly (he was convinced he only wanted another brother) and Chandler won't believe it until he sees her. Here I am now, resting and preparing for this new baby. It's a process, one I'm grateful to go through one last time. I have felt closer to my Heavenly Father through this. The pain and struggle of it all has brought me to my knees often. I'm grateful for prayer and the chance to speak to Him-- my hearts desires. He listens. He is always there. No matter the outcome or my response to it He always loves me. There is nothing greater than this.

Almost not Lucky

I've been a little off my game lately, with adjusting to pregnancy and all. St. Patrick's day celebrations were very low key this year. Luckily, Watson didn't mind. He was content to find and assemble this green Mixel and be happy the rest of the day. I felt lucky to be with my family and not be pinched.

My Own R & R

Blame it on hormones or cabin fever, I'm not sure, but I knew I needed some time away. So, my sweet husband helped me organize a last minute girls getaway with my friend Liz. He promised to hold down the fort and "party all night long" with Watson so I could get some me time. He and Watson really did maximize Dad time with lots of pizza, movies, and video games. Everybody was happy!

One of the days I was gone Watson got to ski while Scott snowbiked. It tuckered him out sufficiently.

Although a little chilly, San Diego was a great place to visit. The beach was peaceful and we hit every spot we could to take it all in.

Yelp was our go to for finding unique and yummy places to eat. We were never disappointed.

It was the perfect amount of time in a great place with a fun friend. I felt so much more myself by the time I came home. Bring it on regular life!

Love Everywhere

I love Valentine's Day. Usually I really enjoy making sweets and treats and new decorations. This year all this happened but on a much smaller scale. Watson and Scott and Chandler didn't seem to notice. Or, they were just very understanding about my lack of energy lately. Scott made fun plans for Watson and he to see the Monster Truck Jam. Watson was beyond excited for his outing and didn't stop talking about it for weeks after. A boy has to go to this at least once in his life, right?

Scott and I had a romantic date out in Midway on Valentine's night. We ate fantastic Mexican food and I thoroughly enjoyed our alone time on the drive.

I added a couple of new decorative things for the holiday. Bleaching the bottlebrush trees were a fun little project.

 My mom made these beauties to hand out to anyone and everyone. I love her attitude that everyone needs a Valentine.

 Watson picked Monster Truck valentines for his school party. He was happy to hand those out with mini KitKats. I loved watching him sign his name to each card. He is getting to be so grown up!

 I made a few simple sugar cookies myself. I tried to share as much as possible, but I probably ate more of them than anyone else...oops.

 I sent a little package of goodies to Chandler and gave some sweets to Scott and Watson. It seemed to be just right.

 Scott surprised me with flowers and a new cupcake carrier. He was even sweet enough to make Red Velvet cupcakes to top it all off. I felt loved and I think everyone else did too. Mission accomplished.

Nifty Nine

This past year has been full of surprises and a lot of working together. I'm so grateful for Scott and his ability to work really hard. He wants good things for our family. Our journey through marriage has definitely been an adventure with lots of learning and laughter. I look forward to many more years of education together.
Scott surprised me with this beautiful bouquet. Flowers always make me feel love. Due to my newly pregnant state we opted for a simple celebration with dinner at The Melting Pot. I love taking the time to reminisce our past together and plan for our future. It seems to really only happen on our anniversary when we slow down to be just "us."

A Perfect New Year's Eve

The boys have stayed busy on the break making massive Hot Wheels tracks or wrestling or playing video games together. Non stop entertainment seemed to be the norm. I loved to hear them play.

 New Year's Eve we celebrated by ice skating together at the Olympic Oval in Kearns. Watson was practically a pro by the end of the night. OK, not really but he wasn't using the "walker" the last hour we skated. Chandler was patient and funny about the whole experience.

 After our skating adventure and dinner at some hole in the wall Mexican restaurant, we dropped Chandler off to a friend's house, put Watson to bed and snuggled up for a movie. Just the two of us, in a quiet house. It was lovely.

 On New Year's Day Grandma Nettie started a new tradition of Hoopes vs. Hoopes dodge ball. It was entertaining for everyone. Some took the competition a little more serious than others. Luckily, there were no notable injuries. I'd call the activity a success!

This past year had a lot of surprises. Both good and bad. Leaving our home of 10 years was kind of tough but we felt guided in finding our new home. It has been a blessing to be able to settle into our neighborhood and we look forward to making lots of new memories for 2015. One big one is that we are expecting a baby this year. It's been a long road, and bumpy with IVF. We are excited and anxious about adding to our family. Watson hopes for another brother, Scott and I are hoping for a healthy baby of either gender. I know Heavenly Father is mindful of us and is generous with His tender mercies. I am excited to watch the plan for our family continue to unfold in these next 12 months.

The Happiest Season of All

Our Christmas break was quiet and peaceful and refreshing. Watson is magical right now with everything. Although we didn't get to have Chandler home until the 27th, he was a pleasure about practically everything. (Not what I expect from a teenager, but fantastic anyway.) Christmas Eve was at Grandma Nettie's with a few cousins. Christmas Day brought lots of surprises for everyone, including me. Watson got all three things on his list for Santa. It really was magical.

The boys always get new PJ's on Christmas Eve.

Watson was great about waiting for us to finally get out of bed, around 7 am.

The Skylanders game was the main theme of Christmas this year.

Of course there was a new Lego set too.

Scott surprised me by picking out a cute coat and some beautiful diamond earrings.

There were a few surprises for Scott, including a new watch. His biggest present was the finished prototype of his latest bike, Carv Skibike.

We spent Christmas afternoon and evening at Grandma Nettie's with all of the cousins. Good food and family really make it feel like Christmas.

Excited is a bit of an understatement of how we feel when Chandler comes home. Watson is his shadow as much as possible.

Scott and Chandler got passes to play at Ifly in Ogden over the break. Chandler also got a new long board to ride down the hills in the back of our house.

We had a great holiday, in every way. I'm so grateful for our little family and especially for the chances we continue to get to make memories together.

What the?

Watson is in his second year of preschool right now. There are 19 kids in his little class at Summit Academy. One little girl has made a big impression on him. He came home and wanted to write a "love letter" to Olivia. What? I couldn't believe what he said! But, he was determined. He drew this sweet picture and gave it to her the next day.

Apparently, she liked him too. He brought home a little love letter of his own a few days later. Should I be worried? He seems a little young to feel romance...