Little Houses

Every once in a while Jacob will trip over a toy, or a book, or another random child's item that seems to endlessly be adorning our floors and under his breath will mumble, "We need a bigger house."

So I've thought about this a bit. This house is I guess what we call our "starter home" that has been "starting" us for the last 6 years. I've brought home 3, almost 4 of my babies home to this house. It's the only place any of my children know as home. And yes, although there are days I sigh as I look at the carpet that needs to be replaced, the paint jobs that haven't been finished, and the dilemmas of deciding where to put stuff, I really have loved this little house of ours. Perhaps it's the memories. Perhaps it's being with the people I love the most.

Whenever Jacob says this, I can't help but think of a Doug Stone song that says:

Love grows best in little houses, with fewer walls to separate,
Where you eat and sleep so close together,
You can't help but communicate,
Oh, and if we had more room between us, think of all we'd miss,
Love grows best in houses just like this.

So for now I'll just keep singing this song to remind me how much I'm gaining in this little house of ours and not what I'm missing.

At least we have a hallway where my little cherubs can entertain themselves and giggle as they scoot each other back and forth in the laundry basket:



And just in case you're wondering, in the first picture Allie is holding up her CTR ring that she lost on Sunday and it finally showed up again. She was one happy little lady!

And times like this I'm one happy Mom.

Until I trip over a toy in the middle of the night that starts blaring a song at me. Then I think, we need a bigger house.

"What, were you raised in a barn?"

Seeing as though we have a few farm animals, my girls have been able to experience some pretty cool things. For instance, they've seen a lot of what's associated when a new animal is born. In the past year we welcomed some new calves and some new baby goats. I have to admit, I am such a softy when it comes to baby animals and thoroughly amazed at the process. Well, let's just say that although there are some great similarities when it comes to gestation and delivery between humans and animals, not ALL things are the same.

Thank goodness. Oh my oh my thank goodness.

I need to give my little ladies more credit for being much more perceptive than I realize. Every once in a while they'll pop off with a question that reminds me they are taking in and learning so much.

So couple this with the fact that we will be welcoming a new baby into the family, it of course has raised all sorts of questions with the girls. Allie, in particular, is full of questions. Blunt, very direct questions. But at the same time, so very innocent and full of wonder. So I guess I shouldn't have been surprised when the other day we were standing in the kitchen, and out of nowhere she looked up at me and asked, "Mom, when the baby is born will you lick off the sack?"

-My first thought: (as I cringed inside) Ew.
-My second thought: Heck no.
-My third thought: What in the world.....?
-My fourth thought: Well, it just makes sense. That's what my observant little 4 year old sees the animals do.
-My answer: "Nope, sweetheart. Just the animals do that."

She was perfectly satisfied.

So today I am grateful I am not a goat. Or a cow. I will be perfectly content delivering my baby in the hospital. Not in the dirt. And there are some excellent trained professionals who get to take care of all the other......stuff.

Now we'll just wait to see what else my little Allie will think of.

24 Hours

What a difference 24 hours can make....

On Monday I got a call from my midwife telling me that they may have found something on the ultrasound that needed a closer look.

My heart sank.

According to the measurement from the ultrasound, the lateral cerebral ventricles in the baby's brain were mildly enlarged. Meaning, there was potentially some excessive fluid on the brain which could be a major complication. Because of this, we needed to make an appointment to go down to St. George to do a follow-up ultrasound with a perinatologist. My midwife (who I love) was extremely reassuring, and said she felt pretty sure that there was a better chance that nothing was wrong than there was a real problem. She has seen a bit of this lately where they send a patient down for the extra check and they find out there is nothing wrong. She reiterated not to lose sleep over it- there was no rush to get down, we just needed to get in and have another ultrasound.

But really- how do you tell a mom not to worry? Don't lose sleep over it? As my sister said, telling a mom not to worry is like praying for snow in August.

I was so grateful that we were able to get an appointment for the next day. It was a ROUGH wait. Despite the assurances, I was very worried. A completely different kind of anxiety and emotion than I have ever experienced before. Nor do I wish to ever experience again.

A huge THANK YOU to my angel neighbor who watched my three amigos (along with her own 3 children who are the same age as mine) so Jacob and I were able to head down the next morning. I wasn't really sure what to expect. I felt completely in limbo.

To sum it all up, after another thorough ultrasound by the technician and a second look by the perinatologist himself, there is absolutely nothing wrong with our little girl. There never was a problem. He's not quite sure what they were measuring, because they were way off. He left us more than reassured, and Jacob and I walked out of the office as though the weight of the world had been lifted off our shoulders.

Perhaps the Lord wanted me to have a small, tiny glimpse at what some couples go through who learn their baby isn't developing the way it should be- a perspective I could have gained no other way. Perhaps the Lord wanted me again to realize just how much I rely on Him, and should rely on Him. Perhaps it was just one of those fluky things that happens in life.

What have I learned? I have learned even more just how much a mother loves her children from the moment she discovers she is pregnant. I have gained a whole new perspective on pleading in prayer that things will turn out the way I want, yet being willing to allow myself to ask the Lord that His will be done. That is not an easy thing to do. I have learned even more what it means to trust in Him. I have learned that even though I may plead for peace and plead for comfort, I may find myself completely unsure- BUT that is absolutely no indication of a lack of faith nor a lack of guidance from above. I have learned even more that our life may take us down paths we don't expect, yet when we take the Lord on our journey it will take us exactly where we need to be going. That again is not an easy thing to accept. I have learned that all of this is so much easier said than done. In all reality, my 24 hours pales in comparison to those who suffer for days, months, and even years.

Are we completely out of the woods? Definitely not. Anything can happen to any of us at anytime. If anything I've learned once again that life can turn on a dime. But having that experience personally is much different than seeing it second-hand; no matter how close you are to it. We have not experienced the last of our trials, I'm sure, but I pray that no matter what comes my way, I will always remember the Lord has not left me alone. Even if I can't see the next step ahead of me. It's so amazing how I've always known this, but putting it to the test has really changed me.

Jacob and I have realized to an even greater degree how incredibly blessed we are. How important it is that we really cling to one another- in a way that words really can't describe. So does that mean if our child did have excessive fluid on the brain- or any other slew of possible complications for that matter- we wouldn't be blessed? Absolutely not. Perhaps that is the greatest learning experience of all.

And, thanks to a second ultrasound, this most definitely for sure, without a doubt, is a little girl.

The Verdict

Here we are at just about the halfway mark and the ultrasound shows we have a healthy little.....

-GIRL-

Am I surprised? Not one single bit. I was pretty certain what this little baby would be.

I'm in love once again. Amazing how that happens each and every time.

You just keep growing healthy and strong little one. We can't wait to meet you.

A New Aunt

The countdown was on...


....it seemed the day would never come....

.....but finally.....

....Uncle Karl is married! And we are all beyond thrilled to have a new Aunt in the family.

Welcome to the family Julie!

Here is a recap of the big day:


This picture is the perfect sum of Ty for the day. Since he doesn't really talk yet, I'll insert what he is thinking here: "Sit still? Me? Whatever."
And of course when you are rushing to get to the temple by 8 in the morning you leave the kids' coats back at Grandma's house. Thank goodness Ty had a few spare blankies in the van. Oh please, it's not like it's the middle of winter.....

....The problem here is that being the pregnant mom I am, the temperature was perfect. In all actuality, when the sun finally peeked through it was a very pleasant day. See, it was all planned.

The girls loved being able to go inside the temple. Many thanks to Uncle Benson for watching the 5 Israelsen cousins during the ceremony. When we left them there, the room was dark and quiet. When we got back, the room was PACKED with children and the poor souls left to watch them. Needless to say it was a busy day at the temple!

And now that they were outside, the chase was on. In the middle of the girls is Cousin Olivia. The girls love playing with her. I think the feeling is mutual. And of course Ty toddling behind trying to keep up:

Some more cute little ladies:


Oh look, here is Olivia again. Me and the girls. And Olivia. Such a cutie!


In the weeks leading up to the wedding, I vaguely remember hearing Karl mention something about no kissing pictures. I knew he'd come to his senses:



Ahhh. So fun! And to think I didn't get one single kissing picture of Jacob and I the whole day. Such a shame.

Check out these handsome Israelsen fellas. With honorable mention to Elder Uncle Daniel who is finishing up his stay at the MTC and getting ready to head down to Paraguay. He was there in spirit. I must say, however, I'm a bit partial to the extremely handsome dudes on the right. It's no wonder Ty is such a cute little guy. Although I do have to say, on the far left Uncle Karl seems to have the biggest smile on his face:


And we really hate to one-up you boys, but the Israelsen ladies can turn a few heads too! Another shout out to Aunt Maria who is the #1 Sister Missionary down in Argentina:


Put us all together and we are one stellar family!


I entitle this picture simply, "Birth Control":


The wedding luncheon was at the Coppermill and was perfectly perfect. I loved it because that's where Jacob and I had our wedding luncheon. It was so fun to be back and remember our day. And you know what? As wonderful, and fun, and dreamy as our wedding was, I was SO grateful to be there 7 1/2 years later- Loving my husband even more and trying to keep track of our little rugrats running around. (Minus Ty who was napping at Grandma Shelly's. I gotta be honest, I would much rather him be off in dreamland at Grandma's then chasing the aisles at the wedding luncheon). Aaah, good times.

The day was capped with a reception at the USU Ballroom. The girls LOVED wearing their little "flower-girl" outfits and were dancing around and twirling like little princesses. They really were in 7th heaven:


Hey look, there's Olivia again!

And it wouldn't be a perfect evening without Allie spilling hot chocolate all down the front of her bright white shirt, into her skirt, and down the length of her brand-new white tights. Oh, and not to mention all over the table and floor of the ballroom. Sigh. Even better was the fact that we managed to sit at a table right next to the looooooonnnggg line of well-wishers. Yep, everyone got to stare in awe as I picked melted marshmallow out of the floor. Poor thing was actually really embarrassed. We tried not to make a big deal of it and just move right on to the rest of the evening.

After a nice long nap at Grandma's, the Tynado was ready to get moving again! I LOVE it when he pulls my face up next to his and gives me a huge squeeze. That little tiger knows just how to melt his mama!


Hey, I have an idea while we're waiting for the reception to start- let's play "Toss the Toddler!"


It didn't take long before we gave in and just let the kids go out to the big commons area of the student center and run their little hearts out. We unfortunately didn't make it through the entire reception to see the happy couple cut their cake and bid them goodbye. But, we were all spent. Needless to say, the kids slept VERY well that night. So did I, for that matter.

I. Was. Exhausted.

All for a good cause, I must say. Now we are just biding our time for the next Israelsen wedding! (Hint hint siblings). We aren't done yet! I believe Uncle Seth caught the garter. I hear he had to beat his way through a few other guys to get to it.

Congrats Karl and Julie! Thanks for a memorable day.

Holiday Cheer

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Wasn't there a time when the year 2012 was the backdrop for a science fiction movie?

Okay, much to blog about. Let's just dive on in.

CHRISTMAS. This year the girls were out of preschool and Kindergarten for the entire week before Christmas, so by the time it actually came we were VERY ready for it. Very. Here we are on Christmas Eve reading the Christmas story. The girls played a variety of characters. At one point during the week, Allie was really looking forward to being the donkey, but forgot about it by the time her big debut came. Donkey, really? Eh, it's Allie. So here are my two angels heralding the birth of the Savior. In fact, my smartie pants little Kenna actually took off reciting the scripture all by herself. They do listen to scriptures!
The girls had been DYING to give each other their gifts they picked out for each other. Based on the reaction, they both enjoyed what the other had chosen. And of course I didn't get a picture. Then they opened up their Christmas Eve jammies from Mom and Dad and were ready to hit the hay. They were SO excited and went right to sleep waiting for Santa to come.

As I was crawling into bed Christmas Eve, I looked forward to a nice long sleep ahead. I thought to myself how glad I was that my kids were still young enough to not wake up at an insane hour to open presents.

Isn't there a phrase about not counting all your chickens before they hatch or something like that? Or don't put all your eggs in one basket? Or some other related phrase that eludes to the fact that you really shouldn't speak too soon?

Well, I spoke- or rather, thought- too soon. During the middle of the night I could hear Kenna stirring in the bedroom, and she managed to wake up her sister. I could hear little footsteps down the hall and then quiet little shouts of amazement to realize that Santa had made it! At this point I rolled over to check the time. 4:30. A.M. FOUR THIRTY IN THE BLESSED MORNING. Well my little theory went straight out the window.

"MOM," Kenna exclaimed. "You've got to come see the living room!" In return they got grunts and groans from Mom and Dad.

Uh-uh. NO WAY am I waking up. I think the girls realized it was futile. We finally convinced them to go back to bed for another couple hours. In our bed, of course. In our queen size bed. Four bodies in our queen sized bed. Two of which had a bad case of the squirms. Not the most restful sleep I've ever had, I must say. Maybe Santa should have stuffed a king size bed in his sleigh for us.

A little before 8 they woke up again. This time the sun was up so there was no denying Christmas morning had come! They were about to burst as they eyed all the gifts just waiting to be torn into. Since we have a little toddler in the house, not a single gift had been put under the tree before Christmas- that would have proven absolutely disastrous. So of course it seemed Santa had dropped his entire sleigh in the living room! He he. Insert here many thanks to our families who spoil us rotten.

We always start with our stockings. Perhaps Santa is very aware of the Christmas sugar rush, so he sent some new toothpaste and toothbrushes. Electric toothbrushes. Santa is one smart cookie- the girls LOVE to brush with their new toothbrushes. Like, 3-4 times a day brush. Who woulda thought?


Santa brought the girls a dollhouse. Kenna was just certain that Santa built it up at the North Pole. Much to Jacob's dismay, it seems Ty quite enjoyed the dollhouse:


But have no fear Dad, just give him a cookie and a new toy car, and he's back to being a little boy:


And here are the lovely ladies sporting their new dress-ups from Grandma Otte and their Fancy Nancy dolls from Santa. Kenna is Rapunzel and Allie is Tinkerbell. Nice pose Tink!

Fortunately since church was at 1:00, we had enough time to finish all our unwrapping, enjoy some cinnamon rolls for breakfast, and then get ready to head out to Sacrament Meeting. I have to say one of my greatest Christmas gifts was being able to sit by Jacob during Sacrament! Our ward choir put on a beautiful program, and the Primary even got to sing. Of course the girls did superb.

We came home to make a rush clean-up of the Christmas tornado so we could have the house somewhat presentable for some new move-ins in our ward to join us for Christmas dinner. It turned out perfectly delicious and was so fun having guests for Christmas.

I guess I have to say the only down spot was that it went entirely too fast. Oh, and Jacob was so sad to see the banana cream pie go entirely too fast as well. Thanks to his awesome wife, he had another one just a day or two later.

Aaaah. Another great Christmas down for the record books.

Now on to one of the most exciting events of 2011: The wedding of Uncle Karl and our new Aunt Julie. Stay tuned!