Hello from Evan, Driel, Moriah, Fiona, and Kira

Jingle Bells

2011-12-26T18:31:00.001-08:00

Can you find the jingle bell?

Gingerbread Houses

2011-12-25T21:46:00.000-08:00

We made gingerbread houses with Kathy and the kids. I actually made mine from scratch. I have not attempted this since I failed in high school and had to have my sister Jeanette save the gingerbread. Evan helped cut the edges when the gingerbread was hot and that helped a ton with construction. Logan was our engineer on the house. He made the chimney and the fence. What a lot of work. . . Then two days later, the gingerbread house was destroyed by two giant little girls.

Cleaning Up

2011-12-25T21:39:00.000-08:00

Cleaning up is a big part of my life.

Grateful Grumbler

2011-12-21T20:36:00.000-08:00

Article written for the December Issue of the Diether Gazette

I remember Justin calling little Lorein and me whiners (with great disgust I might add) when we were swimming at the lake and complaining to our mother about something. I have tried to suppress this tendency. My own children are pretty good at whining so we have implemented a “no whining” policy with little success. The apple does not fall far from the tree still. Dad asked me to talk about the Resurrection for Cleve’s Memorial the morning of the Memorial. Dad did not want me losing sleep so he waited to ask me. Let me tell you, I whined bitterly. Karl had been asked to conduct; he did not whine. Justin was asked to speak about the Plan of Happiness; he did not whine. Breezy was asked to play the piano; she did not whine. My dad told me that I should be grateful that he waited until right before because my stress was minimized. So, in an effort to be more grateful, I am going to imitate Kristi’s gratitude article a few Christmases ago.

Okay, I tried. I wrote reasons that I was grateful for Dad, Mom, Renee, and Justin, and it was way too much work. I will be content with being a grumbler.

Evan has been biking less frequently to work with his nice bike; he’s down to about once a week now. I think the dark and the cold have something to do with that. He still enjoys his job and we are all happy that he hasn’t had to do much traveling lately.

I’ve been getting up at 6 in the morning four times a week to go running with a friend. The cold and dark make it a lot harder to be motivated to go, but at least I’m turning into a smoking hottie. I also do aerobics at the church three times a week, which includes teaching the class on Fridays.

Moriah, Fiona and Kira are growing fast and keeping life interesting. Moriah goes to Preschool Pals twice a week and really loves it. It’s made us look forward to kindergarten next year now that we can see that she is really going to like it. Fiona loves trying to keep up with her big sister. She has a great imagination and can tell some interesting stories when you ask her what she did that day. Fiona also loves to be awake in the morning and she is very perky when she wakes up, even though the rest of the family is not. She and Grandma were great morning buddies when we visited for Thanksgiving. Kira is crawling all over and climbing up on everything. She has two bottom teeth which gives her a pretty cute smile. Her big sisters can’t get enough of her and they can’t understand why Mom and Dad always get in the way of them playing with their doll, err sister.

We had a great visit with everybody at Thanksgiving. Cleve’s memorial service was definitely a highlight as was the delicious Thanksgiving dinner Mom put on. We’ll be staying home for Christmas this year, for only the second time since we’ve been married. It’s nice that we have so many family members close by this year. We’ve got a couple of spare rooms too if anyone wants to come visit for Christmas.

Being a whiner pays off; Evan wrote the rest of the article for me! He tried to get back at me by making it sound like I wrote it and putting in comments that he hoped I wouldn’t catch and edit out. I found them though and no, you can’t read the original article. Oh wait, Evan wrote this part, too.

Photo Courtesy of my friend Kelley

Please Snow

2011-12-20T11:45:00.000-08:00

The air is really dirty right now. We have not had a really good snow yet. I am ready for it to snow soon and clean the air.

Halloween

2011-11-01T12:50:00.000-07:00

I am really bummed I did not take any pictures of the girls running from house to house. They were so excited and happy.

While the Husbands were Golfing . . .

2011-10-02T15:21:00.000-07:00

We Loved Caleb

2011-10-02T15:20:00.001-07:00

The Pool

2011-10-02T15:20:00.000-07:00

Three kids under five, two infants, and only two adults = CRAZY but FUN

Chris showed up a little later, which helped even the odds.

BYU's Waters

2011-10-02T15:17:00.000-07:00

We love BYU's water features. They never have signs saying, "Keep out!"

Pioneer Day

2011-10-02T15:15:00.000-07:00

After our whirlwind trip to Santa Barbara, we celebrated Pioneer Day with Ammon's family and Lorein's family. Chris and Carter traveled from San Antonio to meet up with Lorein and Caleb. Lorein and Caleb traveled back to Utah with Chan, Breezy, Gabel, Kira, and I from Santa Barbara.

Trip to Santa Barbara

2011-10-02T15:12:00.000-07:00

At the end of July, we traveled to Santa Barbara and back in a weekend to celebrate the life of my uncle Cleve. What a man!

Moriah's Getting Big

2011-10-02T15:10:00.000-07:00

Moriah started a coop preschool last week. My week of teaching was last week. It was a lot of work but really fun. I think Moriah is going to love it!

Asleep on the Toilet

2011-10-02T15:08:00.000-07:00

Another time, Fiona fell off the toilet with the towel in hand. It was kind of funny!

Lagoon

2011-10-02T15:07:00.001-07:00

GG and Kira

2011-10-02T15:07:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Kira

2011-08-21T23:05:00.000-07:00

Three Girls in the Tub

2011-08-21T23:04:00.000-07:00

BYU

2011-08-21T23:00:00.000-07:00

Blurry Day

2011-08-21T22:43:00.000-07:00

My camera was having trouble, but I wanted to remember this day. I rode my bike with the girls in the trailer and Kira in the front pack to GG's to go swimming (five miles). It took all day. Moriah was really sweet on the way home. Fiona was falling asleep so she held her head and then let Fiona put her head on her lap. I tried to get a picture of it, but Fiona woke up too soon.

Gram told me that I was the bravest mom she knew. I replied that maybe I was the craziest. She said, "A little of both." I thought about her comments. Why would I put myself through this experience when I could easily drive? Then we went to Lagoon as a family and I really struggled. It is amazing what nostalgia will do for you. Riding my bike to go swimming reminded me of my childhood--exhaustion from spending hours at the lake or pool--so I was happy doing it. Whereas Lagoon, I did not have that nostalgia to pick me up and I kept thinking, "Why am I putting myself and my three-month old baby through this stress when I could easily be at home?"

Boating

2011-08-21T22:38:00.000-07:00

While this lovely lady was watching my little parasite, Evan and I went on the boat with the girls. The mosquitoes ate us alive until we put repellant on.

Boys and Barbeques

2011-08-21T22:36:00.000-07:00

Evan and the men were cooking ribs, salmon, shrimp, and rib-eye steaks. I think they were excited.

Trafalga

2011-08-21T22:34:00.000-07:00

Grandpa has skill.

Swinging Babe

2011-08-21T22:32:00.000-07:00

Colonial Days

2011-08-21T22:31:00.000-07:00

The Fourth--Hot Air Balloons

2011-08-21T22:28:00.000-07:00

Bagel with strawberry cream cheese--Justin Style

Grammy and Grandad Complete the Visitor Week

2011-08-21T22:05:00.000-07:00

Then we had Grammy and Grandad come for a short visit (still the same week). We of course had to go swimming together.

Meeting Kimball

2011-08-21T22:01:00.000-07:00

Melissa, Thomas, Macey, Henry, and Kimball came for a visit in the same week as Michie. I only got pictures of the two babies. The girls had so much fun with Macey and Henry. Melissa and I had a girl's trip to Costco. Why do people have to move away?

Lonely Sunday

2011-08-21T21:57:00.000-07:00

Evan went on a business trip to Washington DC for four days last week. He left for a canyoneering trip in Zion this afternoon. He will come back tomorrow night. The kids are finally in bed so you would think I would enjoy my time alone. . . I thought I would blog, but looking back at all the fun times with loved ones makes me even more lonely.

Michie came to help me with my girls for a couple days, which was wonderful. The girls loved Michie and loved her kids even more. When they saw these pictures, Fiona exclaimed about her Henry and her Brick. We had a fun time at the hotel pool and Jump-on-It.

Moriah and Henry hiding from the pool.

Flushing Underwear

2011-08-21T21:45:00.000-07:00

On a drive back from Las Vegas, Fiona pooped in her underwear. I was pretty frustrated and tired and pregnant and wanted to throw the underwear away, but I decided I better wash them out so not to be wasteful. Just as the underwear was about clean from the many plunges and flushes in the toilet, I forgot to grab the underwear as I flushed one last time. I jumped up and down and screamed, "No, no, no," as our super powerful toilet ate our third pair of underwear (Evan flushed the other two). I yelled at the toilet, "I could have just thrown that underwear away, but I just had to flush it away!" Evan was laughing and Moriah and Fiona were crying because of my outburst. I started laughing, but I traumatized Fiona. She was terrified to go poop. After this incident we took a break from potty training for a few months. When I thought she was over her poop fear, we started again in June. She is still terrified to go. She holds it as long as she can, which is a few days of her needing to go poop. She is one stubborn, grumpy, clingy, little girl when she needs to poop. Evan says it is like she is giving birth.

We have gotten creative with what she can do on the toilet so she will relax. She gets to watch movies while on the toilet. She even learned how to bead a necklace from her favorite Michie. Aunt Lorein would hang out with her on the toilet to help her to go. I have since used suppositories and laxatives to help her go more regularly. This helps, but if I ever have to wash out her underwear, she is still terrified I am going to flush it away.

Kira's Blessing on Father's Day

2011-08-07T14:09:00.000-07:00

You can tell Kira is our third child. The pictures are getting less and less. Kira was so happy before her blessing as she sat on my mom's lap. Then half way through the blessing she got very upset. It took me a good twenty minutes to get her calmed down. I have never seen her so upset. She is the most stranger-averse of all our children. She also strongly prefers me over Evan. I do not remember our other girls being that way. Some theorize that the umbilical cord was left on too long.

My dad sharing his chocolate with the grand kids.

Who knew sprayers could be such great toys--best dollar that I spent.

Cousin Corinne--I used to hold her as a baby.

Handsome Sterling

Aunt Renee and Eigen

The girls giving Evan his Father's Day presents. It was pretty low key after the blessing festivities.

Girls have Walnuts?

2011-08-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

At Christmas, Moriah told her aunt Melinda and uncle Brandon during sacrament meeting, "Girls have the eggs. Boys don't have the eggs." This is what she learned from her question of why I was having a baby and Dad was not. My bestfriend Michie came to visit with her family so we had little boys around. This is what Moriah learned from her anatomy lesson:

Moriah says to Fiona, "Boys have peanuts, and girls don't."

Fiona exclaims, "But we have walnuts," as she points to our bowl of walnuts on the counter.

Fiona, Moriah, Henry, and Brick enjoying popsicles together after going to Jump-on-It.

Cleve, We Miss You, and You Should Come Back

2011-07-18T21:06:00.000-07:00

Cleve building snakes with Fiona and Moriah at his home in Santa Rosa.

I always thought my uncle Cleve would make the perfect Santa. I would not have been surprised to find out that he was the real Saint Nick because he was Santa Claus for me and my nine siblings. Cleve and Debbie would come and spoil us with so many fun times. Every time they came, Deb and Cleve would take us to Pistol Pete's Pizza with all the tokens, the games, and the merry-go-round. I remember being so excited every Thanksgiving because Deb and Cleve would be coming. Cleve would even take us kids on his early morning fishing trips (I learned that boys can pee in cups and girls cannot.) Cleve and my dad would also take us boating. I remember really wanting to water ski, but I could not keep my water skis together. I would instantly be doing the splits. Cleve jerry rigged the little skis we had with a pipe that kept the skis together. I was able to water ski because of Cleve. He also attached a ski handle to our boogie board so it was easy for the little kids to ride. I could even stand up on the boogie board. He would pull us endlessly behind his little fishing boat so we could have the times of our lives. We always did have the time of our lives with Cleve.

Cleve made everyone feel special. I loved my nickname--"Driel my Bell." I probably whined that Hyrum had a nickname so he gave me one, too. I remember getting my feelings hurt by Cleve's gruffness, but I am sure I needed his tough love. I was massaging his feet with lotion one Sunday, and he told me that I had a talent of being a "feeler" and that I could sense how people were feeling. His words stuck with me. Cleve even took my mom's place while she and Deb went to Renee's graduation in Utah. I remember helping him with the laundry and making dinner together. He played hard and worked hard.

Cleve thought the best of people. For our honeymoon, Evan and I were planning to stay at Debbie and Cleve's house in Santa Barbara while they were away. It ended up that they needed to be home during that time. Debbie was stressed about what they should do, but Cleve told her that Driel would want them to just stay in their home. When I found out that they would be home I was a little bit worried. What was Evan going to say?! Cleve was right. I am so glad that he had faith in me. Evan and I treasure the time that we got to spend with Deb and Cleve. They took us to a Danish town outside of Santa Barbara, and we even got to eat our first ostrich steak. I am sure we were obnoxious as newly weds, but they still loved us.

When I told my girls that Cleve had passed away, Moriah said, "I am going to miss him," and Fiona said, "He should come back." I could not agree more.

Mrs. Claus does not get much of the limelight, but there would be no Mr. Claus without Mrs. Claus. Thank you Debbie for sharing Cleve with us. He was a wonderful man that left a legacy of love and service. We love you both and hope to emulate both of you!

Cleve at Breezy's Wedding

Moriah's Mom

2011-07-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

While we were out riding bikes on our street with friends, Moriah's friend Jackson says, "Moriah's mom, look, no hands!" Then Fiona says, "Moriah's mom, look no hands!"

Rolly-Pollie Farm

2011-06-16T15:10:00.000-07:00

The joys of childhood--rolly-pollies

Fiona and Moriah got their hair cut yesterday.

Flower Beds

2011-06-16T15:05:00.000-07:00

We love finding rolly-pollies in the flower beds.

The flower beds on Sunday after putting new flowers in.

So proud of getting up in the tree.

Evan and the girls (with some help from me) replaced some of the spring flowers with summer flowers on Saturday. Flower beds are a lot of work but beautiful when in full bloom. The girls loved watering the cement:-) Fiona loved stacking the empty flower containers. I had a hard time getting the girls to go to bed while Evan was still working on the flowers. We love helping Dad.

Teaching Kira to Sing

2011-06-16T14:48:00.000-07:00

This picture makes me think that Kira might look more like Moriah.

I am constantly amazed at how much infants love their siblings (even when their siblings give them a little too much loving).

Running and Hawaiian Ice

2011-06-16T14:32:00.000-07:00

I have started running 3-4 miles twice a week with our friends, Kristin, Adam, and Brandon in Lehi. Good thing my double stroller has a big enough back pouch where Moriah or Fiona sits (I wonder how long that pouch will hold them). After we run, the kids beg Kristin for Hawaiian ice. My allergies have been horrible since everything is growing like crazy. Lehi has lots of open fields that do not help my allergies.

Ramona the Pest

2011-06-16T14:23:00.000-07:00

Evan has been reading Ramona the Pest to Moriah before Bed. I remember watching the PBS show in elementary school. I have enjoyed listening when I get a chance. It is pretty funny. I do not remember it being funny when I was a kid, probably, because I related too much to Ramona. I remember being horrified when she cracked an egg over her head because she thought it was hard boiled but it was not.

Sister Fun

2011-06-05T21:01:00.000-07:00

Moriah pushing Fiona--pretty cute.

The new sandbox

It even has a lid.

Smiling More

2011-06-05T20:56:00.000-07:00

Serenading Baby Kira

2011-06-05T17:05:00.000-07:00

Moriah and Fiona love to serenade baby Kira. Moriah's favorite song is to repeat the following line: "Baby Kira, be happy like you are." On one of our first drives with Kira, Moriah was able to get Kira to stop crying by singing, and Moriah and Fiona have been singing to her since then.

Rocking Babies

2011-06-01T20:10:00.000-07:00

Moriah loves rocking baby Kira.

They are pretty cute playing together.

Fiona loves to hold the baby but for three seconds and she needs a bit more supervision. She also loves to ask to pet baby Kira.

One night last week I needed to get dinner on. Moriah loves to hold Kira, but Kira likes movement. Moriah is not big enough to walk around with Kira so I thought Kira might go for the rocking chair. Moriah rocked baby Kira to sleep while I finished dinner preparations. It was pretty sweet and Moriah was so proud.

Kira Loves the Water

2011-05-28T12:49:00.000-07:00

The water seems to help her relax. Maybe she loves the water because she was born in a tub.

A Warm Day

2011-05-28T12:47:00.000-07:00

Baby Kira does not get photographed enough these days because she is wrapped up a lot.

Little Helpers

2011-05-28T12:46:00.000-07:00

Fiona sharing her game with baby Kira.

Kira so excited to have the game pieces.

Dates with Dad

2011-05-28T11:36:00.000-07:00

Lately, these girls have been going on more dates with Dad than I have. Evan even braided Moriah's hair for the occasion.

Another Day without my Voice

2011-05-19T09:35:00.000-07:00

Note--We did not pick those flowers. They found them on the path.

The next day (Friday), we went to the gardens again and had a picnic with Kathy, Bridget, Sterling, and baby Eigen. We had a lot of fun, but my voice was still gone and my patience was waning also. Evan of course had to work until 9pm on Thursday and 10 pm on Friday. We went to a Jackson family gathering on Thursday night even though I could not talk very much (that way I would not miss Evan as much). Moriah had so much fun playing with cousins, especially my cousin Shawn. Moriah conned Shawn into carrying her around a ton.

I tried to get Moriah to stand by the pillar for a picture, but she insisted that I stand by the pillar while she took a picture of me. Now, you can see that baby Kira was with us.

Tulips

2011-05-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

My girls love the hold Adam's hand.

We had to go see the beautiful tulips at Thanksgiving Point with Kristin, Adam, and Brandon. (I am missing the gorgeous weather. It has been raining since Monday.) We had a little picnic and ran around enjoying the gorgeous surroundings. I lost my voice from a cold so Kristin helped me out a ton with the kids. Being a sick mom without a voice is very difficult. I am so thankful for my voice!

The Carl Bloch Exhibit

2011-05-18T13:07:00.000-07:00

I reserved tickets for the Carl Bloch exhibit for May 3rd thinking that I would probably have the baby the around April 30th and one of our moms would be around to help with the kids if I went. I decided to go to the exhibit alone. When we got in line, Moriah said that she needed a drink of water. I did not want to get out of line so I told her we would get it after the exhibit. As soon as we get into the exhibit, she complains of how thirsty she is. She had asked for a drink of water while driving so she has been waiting a while. We basically walk through the exhibit in five minutes or less. We did get to go to the drinking fountain, the duck pond, and Moriah and Fiona even threw pennies in the pool by the museum while I nursed baby Kira.

Life is good but a little more tiring these days.

Sand Boxes

2011-05-17T13:02:00.000-07:00

We love sand boxes. My van was a low rider yesterday with 1200 pounds of sand. Evan is going to build the girls a sand box. The girls are pretty excited.

Baby Brinley was blessed the Sunday before Kira was born. The girls loved playing in Connor and Allie's sand box.

The Girls Photo Shoot

2011-05-15T20:30:00.000-07:00

Kelley came over on Thursday, May 5th, and took some gorgeous pictures of the girls. Fiona was getting sick again so she was not very cooperative. Kelley and I had fun trying to get my girls to pose for the pictures and watch her two little ones at the same time. Picture taking is exhausting.

On Our Own

2011-05-15T20:24:00.000-07:00

Evan returned to work after a week. Monday, May 2nd, was a beautiful day so we played outside. Moriah even got a little sunburned. She loves to play with all the neighborhood kids. Kira is still sleeping quite a bit so I know that taking care of two children with a newborn will get harder. (I am not getting lulled into a false sense of security.) I am amazed at how I am busy all day, but do not get everything that I need to get done. I was able to make bread and scones. Nothing ends the day better than scones with lots of butter and powder sugar!

Fiona loves blowing bubbles. She is pretty good at blowing bubbles, but the wand goes in her mouth half the time.

The girls ask to hold and pet baby Kira all the time. Moriah really likes to hold her.

First Day of Church

2011-05-15T17:09:00.000-07:00

Church with three children went as well as could be expected. I taught my class while Evan took Kira to Sunday school and priesthood. I am sure those men were googly-eyed over our baby:-)

Photo Shoot by Kelley

2011-05-15T13:45:00.000-07:00

Are you still there?

Please leave me alone.

Another talented and amazing friend, Kelley took pictures of baby Kira at a week old. Thank you, Kelley! Kira was not so fond of being messed with and getting her picture taken. Kira does not really like to be on her tummy (even to sleep), but Fiona and Moriah liked to be on their tummies (especially to sleep). She roots whenever she is on her tummy and then gets mad.

One Week Old

2011-05-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

Evan took the girls on a date to the Aquarium. Fiona loved seeing the penguins. Her favorite book is Tacky, the Penguin.

Fiona loves to peel oranges.

Evan reading Ramona to Moriah.

Fiona loves to call Brandon and Melinda and asks them to come to play with her.

Kira usually wakes up around 8 pm so she can get some Daddy and Mommy time without the girls around.

The First Week

2011-05-15T13:30:00.000-07:00

Moriah and Fiona finally got to hold baby Kira on day three. Both our moms went home on day three, but Evan took the whole week off. We loved having him around so much.

Breezy and Gabel came to help out on day five.

Day six--More time with the girls

Fiona insisted that baby Kira needed a teddy bear.

Day seven--Kira loves to suck.

Day Two/Easter

2011-05-15T13:24:00.000-07:00

Easter was low key this year. Gabel and Breezy saved the day and picked up some Easter baskets for the girls. They also spent the night and helped with Kira so my mom, Evan, and I could get some much needed sleep. Evan's mom brought Easter dinner to us. Kira got to meet Brandon, Melinda, and Aubrey. In the evening, Ammon and Kathy and the kids came to visit. Kathy gave us Pinkalicious and Purplicious, and we have been reading them almost every night since.

Evan giving Kira her first bath. Her umbilical cord must have gotten wet because it sure did stink until it finally fell off.

Evan reading Purplicious to Moriah and Kira.

Day One

2011-05-14T21:07:00.000-07:00

I am finally caught up and can continue Kira's days with us. Kira's first visitors were Chandler, GG, and Grammy and Grandad.

Moriah and Fiona were sick so they did not get to hold baby Kira, but Fiona brushed her hair softly.

Moriah was sick and grumpy during the first week of Kira's life. This sickness is no fun (as I now know), but Moriah was a wonderful little nurse to me. She would get me water whenever I was thirsty.

Breezy's Graduation

2011-05-14T20:51:00.000-07:00

The Flat Stanleys taking a break from the graduation.

The girls favorite part of the graduation--the duck pond

My gorgeous mom was able to come for graduation. The girls look cute because my mom got them their dresses:-)

Almost 38 weeks pregnant and baby Lulu/Kira was working on coming.

Breezy will continue her education of art history at grad school at BYU. Go Breezy!

Moriah's Day

2011-05-14T20:33:00.000-07:00

Moriah's birthday extended into the next day. Fiona and she got to use her new easel from Grammy and Grandad. Moriah's found a pal in Grandad all day. It was pretty cute.

Moriah hanging with her pal.

You got to love those powerful phones.

Moriah's Birthday

2011-05-14T20:16:00.000-07:00

Moriah's birthday was on the same day as Aubrey's graduation so it was a crazy day. Evan had just returned the night before, also. (Thankfully, the weather cooperated enough that Evan and his team blew up the targets with their airplane, and he was able to come home just in time for the festivities.) I had to get balloons, make a cake, and get the girls and I bathed and dressed before we picked up Evan and GG for the graduation. After the graduation and dinner at The Pie, I was exhausted. Luckily, Evan picked up Moriah's gift and frosted the cake for me so we could celebrate Moriah's birthday.

Aubrey's Graduation

2011-05-14T20:01:00.000-07:00

Aubrey's graduation from LDSBC was at the tabernacle. The girls enjoyed running around temple square especially near water. Temple square was beautiful but cold.

Almost 37 weeks pregnant

Grammy to the Rescue

2011-05-14T19:39:00.000-07:00

The princess with her rainbow dress and her prince

The girls having a picnic outside. You can see their much loved box in the background. They have played with that box more than the kitchen that came inside of it.

Moriah helping with the bread

There is that box again as a table.

Evan's mom came and took care of us while Evan finished up his project at Dugway. She cooked us many delicious meals and homemade wheat bread. She also played with the girls a lot and gave them lots of love. She also gave me some much needed love and attention. Thank goodness for moms!

Girl Party

2011-05-13T20:50:00.001-07:00

Yard Work

2011-05-13T20:50:00.000-07:00

34 weeks along

Sand Angels

2011-05-13T20:49:00.001-07:00

Breezy's Class

2011-05-13T20:49:00.000-07:00

My mom was hosting a sibling reunion at our house so we went to Salt Lake to play at Breezy's museum with Aubrey and to lunch. No lunch is complete without soda. The girls (and Evan and I) got to make hats in Breezy's class at the museum.

Snow on April 3rd

2011-05-12T08:08:00.000-07:00

Swimming in the snow?

The girls got to get play in the snow right before the Sunday session of General Conference.

My Birthday

2011-05-10T14:20:00.000-07:00

Since Evan was in Virginia for my birthday, he missed out on Brandon and Melinda and Aubrey making me a delicious dinner and dessert. Breezy and Gabel also brought decadent chocolate cupcakes. My visiting teacher also brought me fabulous cupcakes. Thank goodness for family and friends to brighten my week without Evan!

Teaching

2011-05-10T14:12:00.000-07:00

Cute moment when Moriah was teaching Fiona about something. I love when they play together.

The Gateway Discovery Museum

2011-05-10T14:09:00.000-07:00

The girls loved playing in the little house and grocery store.

When Evan left for his first trip to Virginia right before my birthday, we dropped him off at the airport and went to the Gateway Discovery Museum where Breezy works. The girls had so much fun playing and having lunch with Breezy. I had trouble getting the girls to leave so we stayed until Breezy was off work. We played with Breezy and Gabel for a little bit until they had to leave for Vegas for the basketball tournament. We of course left Ella at Breezy's house (on a Thursday) and did not get her until Monday. Poor Moriah--she did not have her Dad or Ella that weekend.

Baby Eigen and Caleb

2011-05-10T13:59:00.000-07:00

I have been a slacker and did not post about Kathy having another baby, Eigen, in January and Lorein having another baby, Caleb, in March. Kathy and I were trying out my moby wrap when my mom was visiting in March. I love my moby wrap. I started going to aerobics last week and I put Kira in this wrap facing me. She goes right to sleep.

Swimming at the Lehi Pool

2011-05-10T13:49:00.000-07:00

We went swimming with Kristin, Adam, and Brandon at the Lehi pool at the beginning of March. The girls loved it so much we had to take Dad at the beginning of April. Evan and Fiona went down the big green slide so many times. She still talks about it. We tried to go last week with Brandon and Melinda, but the power was out in Lehi. We went to the American Fork pool. Even though Fiona was turning blue, she did not want to get out. The girls had so much fun. Kira and I just watched and slept:-)

Eight-Days Old Photo Shoot

2011-05-09T20:27:00.000-07:00

My amazing and talented friend, Jenny Harston took these beautiful pictures of Kira. I love finding out Jenny's latest hobby because she is so talented at whatever she does. Kira is eight-days old and she had no problems with pooping and peeing. She did not appreciate getting posed. I never realized how much work might go into newborn photos. Jenny even caught her smiling.

The Homebirth Experience

2011-05-05T12:44:00.000-07:00

Warning--I debated whether to post this because it is so personal and long and detailed, but my love for hearing other people's birthing stories prevailed so read at your own risk of learning too much about me.

Evan returned from his second week in Virginia on Saturday April 2nd and then had to go to Dugway Proving Grounds on Tuesday to do flight testing with the same company (a two hour drive). Being a single mom was getting tiresome, but it could have been worse. After spending the evening swimming with the girls on Monday night, I started throwing up and Evan started coming down sick with a bad cold. Evan left early on Tuesday.

When I woke up, I was having contractions every time I stood up and my stomach was still pretty upset. I was only 35 weeks and not ready to have a baby so I was a bit concerned and having some anxiety. I needed Evan to be home! I rested all day in bed while we watched lots of movies. Chandler brought me popsicles and other foods. Evan decided he better drive home that night instead of staying at Dugway. He got home around 8:30 pm. Chandler and Evan gave me a blessing. Evan and I put the girls to bed. Evan was really sick, too, so we were quite the pair.

The next day Breezy came over to help with the girls. I was able to get rest. I was pretty emotionally a mess. I felt very vulnerable and alone. Thank goodness for family. On Friday, Melinda watched the girls while I got the needed supplies for when the baby would come. Brandon and Melinda also came over Friday night so I would not be alone. Evan finally came home at 9 pm on Friday. I was thankful that the federal budget was not resolved yet because it meant Evan did not have to work on Saturday (pretty selfish, I know).

Evan’s parents were coming the following week on Thursday for Aubrey’s graduation. Evan’s mom offered to come on Monday to help out since Evan would be at Dugway again. I felt like I was being a wimp, but thankfully Lorein convinced me that girls and I needed the help. Evan left again for a very stressful three days, but Evan’s mom came and took over the cooking and cleaning and gave the girls some much needed attention. It was so wonderful to have help and to not be alone. Evan returned on Wednesday night with success. He was able to blow up the truck and the wood figures with their little unmanned airplane (he has a very cool video of the demolition).

After Aubrey’s graduation, Evan’s dad returned home on Saturday, but Evan’s mom and Aubrey stayed and continued to help. Evan’s dad would return the next weekend for Brandon’s Graduation. All the help we received from family was such a huge blessing. It gave me the rest and peace that I needed to be ready to have a baby.

On the morning of Friday April 22^nd, I was having enough contractions that I thought I might have to stay home instead of going to Breezy’s graduation. (Brandon was also graduating.) At noon, my mom arrived at my place, and the contractions had eased up. Chandler, Mom, and I and the girls drove to Breezy’s graduation together at 2 pm. The girls and I stayed for about 30 minutes of the graduation. My body could not handle sitting for that long. The girls showed Calvin’s Flat Stanley around BYU while we waited. I was hoping to make it back in time for Breezy’s walk, but we were too late. The girls convinced Breezy to celebrate her graduation with the ducks.

As I was driving home at 4:30 pm, my contractions were more intense and in my back. My family had dinner plans to celebrate Breezy’s graduation. I decided I better stay home and try to relax. Breezy volunteered to take the girls so Evan could stay home with me. We did some relaxation exercises, counter pressure, belly lifts, and hanging from his shoulders. My contractions eased up so I cleaned my house, and I told Evan to go out to dinner with his family. His family was celebrating Brandon’s graduation from law school. I tried to go to sleep at 8 pm to my hypnobabies script, but the contractions had picked up again. I walked around the house swaying to some violin music Evan’s mom had brought by Jimmy Free.

I asked my mom to stay at our house instead of Ammon’s house in case our baby was going to come that night. My mom, Breezy and Gabel, and Chan returned with my girls just before nine. Breezy and my mom helped me put the girls to bed. The girls were a little nervous. They probably sensed something was up. I sang primary songs to them while I swayed to help them go to sleep. I remember feeling very peaceful at that moment.

When Evan returned at 10:30 pm, he helped me to continue to relax. Although, I did tell him he had to change because he smelled like Indian food. At twelve, I said that I wanted to call the midwife, Richelle. She arrived at a little before one. I was only a three and half and 75% effaced. I did not find this out until later. The midwife and her two assistants with Evan’s help started filling the tub, also known as a horse’s trough, and rotated applying counter pressure to my back. At first I was sad when Evan had to go help with other things, but he got plenty of turns to help me.

When the tub was filled, everyone took turns applying counter pressure, pouring water on my back, giving me sips of water, and holding and sponging my face. Some of my most comforting times were when Evan would hold my face or hands and help me relax and tell me that I was doing well. My mom would also periodically come in to check on me. Moriah woke up during that time, but my mom was able to get her to go back to sleep. She wanted mommy, but my mom told her that I was having a baby and could not come. Moriah let my mom soothe her back to sleep.

I thought I was close to pushing so eventually I had Richelle check me at around 4 am. (I had no idea of the time during my labor. I was surprised to see that it was morning after I had baby Kira.) I was only a six and disappointed. I sat on the toilet for a bit and then hopped back in the tub. At 5:30 am, Richelle suggested that if I was still a six that we should break my water because I had a bulging sack that might be preventing my labor from progressing faster. I was still a six, but I said that I was just barely maintaining and that I did not think I could handle the contractions if they became more intense. Richelle said that we did not have to break my water, but she asked me if I had the stamina to keep going. I said that she was right and that we should break the water.

She broke my water at 5:35 am and the contractions rushed one after another. This was my most intense time. (Fiona woke up at this time. My mom took Fiona to her bed and got her back to sleep and just made it in time for the pushing.) I suddenly felt like I needed to push, which I started doing in the tub on my all fours. They were helping Evan get ready to catch the baby. I pushed and was surprised by the burning (I did not remember that part with Moriah) so I switched into a squat. I think I cried about it burning and I probably sounded a bit scared. I felt a bit deserted. I needed help with the pushing, but Evan and everyone was focused on catching the baby. Thankfully, my mom touched my head and my shoulder and told me that the baby was going to come and that I was going to be okay. I gave my final push and the baby came out. Baby Kira entered our home at 6:06 am.

Baby Kira did not cry. The midwife told Evan to talk to her. I swiveled around and over the cord with help. I brought Kira to my chest and talked to her. She let out a little cry and snuggled right into my chest. She was covered in vernix, which got all over me and was floating in the tub. Evan and my mom were right next to me. That was my favorite moment because Baby Kira knew who I was. The placenta was delivered and I was told it was a very healthy looking placenta (I make beautiful babies and placentasJ). Everyone helped us out of the tub so I could nurse Kira with her still attached to the placenta in a chuck pad. Kira immediately latched on. She nursed for over an hour and then Evan cut the cord. She loves to suck. She even sucked on her thumb after nursing.

I was exhausted. I told Evan I was getting an epidural next time. He just rolled his eyes at me and said we will see about that. Fiona came in with my mom. My mom said that she was glad to see me put off the exhaustion for my girls. I smiled and talked to Fiona. Fiona was upset about the vernix. She told my mom that baby Lulu (Kira’s nickname before her birth) needed a bath and some clothes. We just let the vernix soak into her skin so there was no bath. Moriah woke up a little later and came to see the new baby and me. The girls were both sick so they did not get to hold Kira.

We called Kira Elaine on Saturday, but it did not seem to fit. Moriah wanted to name her Sarah. On Sunday, we tried Kira and it stuck. Fiona occasionally calls her baby Lulu.

I loved being at home especially once the mess was cleaned up and we were left to our family. Evan’s parents came and took Fiona and Moriah so we could get some much needed rest. Kira’s timing was incredible. Evan’s parents and my mom were both in town to help.

I decided to have a home birth for many reasons. One of my main reasons was that I felt bad that I gave up and had an epidural with Fiona’s birth. I wanted to be with people that would help me with my decision to have an unmedicated birth. I also wanted our first moments with our baby to be more spiritual and special. I definitely had the support that I needed. Now that I look back on the birth, I do feel like it was very beautiful and spiritual and special to have Kira in our home. In the moment, I did not feel that. I was too consumed with exhaustion and how hard the labor was. Maybe that was my choice and that next time I have to choose to see the beauty of the birth rather than the pain.

I love that this birth made me appreciate Evan even more. He worked very hard to help me bring Kira into this world. He said that this birth was the most work for him. I have had some overwhelming moments of gratitude and love for Evan since Kira’s birth. When Evan got back from Dugway with his successful video of blowing up the truck and wood figures, I was feeling sorry for myself. I told him, “You have a cool video for all these hard weeks and all I have to show for myself is a breakdown.” After I had the baby, he had his arm around me while I held the baby and said, “Look at what you made. This baby is way cooler than a video.”

Nursing our baby Kira thirty minutes after birth

Two hours old

Later that afternoon when Evan's parents brought the girls back.

An Update on our Family before Baby Kira Arrived

2011-04-30T09:22:00.000-07:00

Written on March 29, 2011 for the Diether Gazette

I started another week as a single pregnant mother of two children. Evan returned from a week long business trip to Richmond, Virginia two weeks ago. Unfortunately, he had to return to Virginia for another six days. You would think I could handle not having Evan around for six days, but I have already started crying at least twice and it has only been two days! Too bad Evan is not having a fun trip away. Evan came back exhausted from his last trip. He was working around thirteen-hour days. Hopefully, this busy season will ease up before I have the baby.

I am feeling pretty pregnant these days. I am still going to aerobics three times a week at our church. I even taught the aerobics class yesterday. It does help remind me of how pregnant I am. My body just is not what it used to be. People are surprised that I am still going, but I do not think Moriah and Fiona would let me stop going. The girls love running and riding around the gym with their little friends. Also, I really do need to exercise.

We have been walking to aerobics with the nicer weather. We are quite the train. We tie the cozy coup to the back of the jogging stroller and pile our big wheel bike and scooter and Fiona in the jogging stroller while Moriah rides her bike (Fiona really thinks she should be riding Moriah’s bike).

Moriah loves riding her bike with training wheels. She even rode home from aerobics in the pouring snow without complaining. Moriah and Fiona love playing with their older friends in the cul-de-sac. They learned to play “house” from their six-year old friends. “House” is a great way to boss people around but make sure that you are the mother. Moriah is figuring this out, which creates tension. Moriah is a great little boss. She even helps me with driving. She prays most nights that I will not crash the car. This comes from when we first got the van and I was very nervous to drive it.

Fiona has been going through a clingy stage (Evan’s trips probably do not help). Sometimes she wants mom and only mom to hold her and do things for her or it is the end of the world. When Fiona gets upset with Moriah, she yells, “Bam! Bam! Loser! Cry! Cry!” Moriah replies, “I do not want to cry,” and then Fiona starts crying. I cannot help but laugh. It reminds me of when Hyrum would tell Breezy to cry so she would get mad and not cry.

We were reading in Third Nephi when Jesus said, “I am Alpha and Omega.” Fiona repeated, “I am elephant and Omega.” We tried to correct her, but she was sure we were saying elephant. Fiona loves Moriah’s Ella Bella. We often have fights over her.

Moriah and Fiona have come up with some creative names for our coming baby girl. We were calling the baby Lincoln because I was sure it was a boy. Moriah wanted to keep calling her Lincoln, but luckily she suggested the nickname, “Loo loo.” Some of her other suggestions were “Kiki, Kaka, Poopoo.” The girls help me tell baby Lulu to get her head down. Baby Lulu seems to like to kick me in the bladder these days.

Even with Evan’s business trips, we are very blessed and life is full and about to get fuller.

Welcome Kira

2011-04-25T10:35:00.000-07:00

We welcomed Kira into our home on April 23rd at 6:06 am. She was 7 pounds 6 ounces and 19.5 inches long. We are all doing well and love having Kira's sweetness in our home.

Chandler's Birthday

2011-04-20T13:33:00.000-07:00

We had a birthday party for Chandler in February.

Juice as Medicine

2011-03-26T10:51:00.000-07:00

February was our sick month. Thank goodness spring is here!

The Favorite Uncle Justin

2011-03-19T19:23:00.000-07:00

We loved having Uncle Justin to ourselves while in Vegas. Justin is a favorite by all his nieces and nephews. Fiona even got him to buy her a black bear at the museum. Every time we have a family gathering Moriah and Fiona ask if we are going to pick Justin up.

Another Year of Missing Andrew

2011-03-19T19:20:00.000-07:00

While we were in Las Vegas, we had a little gathering to remember my brother Andrew. Moriah and Fiona loved gathering pine cones for Andrew's grave. (Fiona kept talking about how her Andrew died for a week after our trip.) In the middle of the program, Moriah and Fiona wandered over to the "Garden of Moroni" pillar. Moriah started yelling, "Fiona's going poop!" When I finally figured out Moriah's message, I was too late. Needless to say, it was a lot colder and less sunny by the time Fiona was presentable again.

Check out all those pine cones.

Fiona loves her "Grandpa." She calls my mom and dad Grandpa.

The little culprit in front of her pillar

Discovery Museum

2011-03-04T19:16:00.000-08:00

We love bubbles!!!

A Trip to Vegas

2011-03-04T19:00:00.000-08:00

Moriah and Fiona were very excited for a trip to see Grandma and Grandpa, and you can see why. Moriah even had to help me pack.

I love my mom's cookies!!!

A Box

2011-03-04T18:59:00.000-08:00

I used this box to make the Armor of God for my Valiant 8 class, but this box kept on giving. Fiona and Moriah even used the box as a dog house (they were the dogs). Moriah even had to make her bed on the box for some reason.

Dirt!

2011-03-04T18:57:00.000-08:00

You would think that we would just let our kids play in the dirt to their hearts content. Sometimes we do.

Moriah's First Talk

2011-02-14T19:33:00.000-08:00

Moriah got to give her first talk in Primary on Sunday. She told the story of Adam and Eve and how Heavenly Father has a plan of happiness for us. We didn't get to record the talk, but she gave a repeat performance tonight for family night. Great job Moriah! (This post was by Evan)

FIona's Birthday

2011-02-13T16:52:00.000-08:00

Cold January

2011-02-11T13:54:00.000-08:00

January was pretty cold. Luckily, we have been going to aerobics three times a week at the church. The girls love playing with their friends while the moms exercise.

Christmas

2011-02-11T13:52:00.000-08:00

We had a little Christmas at our house with my mom and then we headed to Portland to be with all of Evan's family. The most memorable moment was after I only got three hours of sleep the night before (Fiona was a tyrant), we went to the Cheese Factory and the beach. It was pouring rain and windy on the beach, but we had drove so far that our family was getting out. Moriah had requested to go to the beach. The wet sand was blowing across the beach and the stormy waves were amazing. As soon as we stepped away from the protection of the buildings onto the beach, the rain was pelting us. Moriah started running down the beach. Evan caught up to her and she could not stop because of the wind. We only lasted a couple of minutes, but it was an adventure and we were pretty wet.

Temple Square

2011-02-11T13:51:00.001-08:00

Breezy and Gabel live a few blocks from temple square. We finally got to see their apartment and see the lights.

The Last BYU Football Game

2011-02-11T13:51:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness we have BYU basketball.

Ward Christmas in Bethlehem Party

2011-02-11T13:50:00.001-08:00

Check out these cool costumes I made for our ward party, "Christmas in Bethlehem." Kathy gave me the fabric a while ago and I finally used it.

Gingerbread Houses

2011-02-11T13:50:00.000-08:00

Evan's mom gave us a twenty-four days of Christmas chain. We had so much fun opening the chain each day and a present with the chain. One of the days we got to make a gingerbread house. My mom was in town for Breezy and Gabel's open house in Layton so she got to help us. Evan helped with the architecture of the house, but left the decorating to the girls.

Thanksgiving in Las Vegas

2011-02-11T13:49:00.000-08:00

We did a lot of fun things after Breezy's wedding in Las Vegas for Thanksgiving, but this is the only picture that I took. Ammon organized all the activities with a "spreadsheet o' fun."

The Few Pictures I Took from the Wedding

2011-02-11T13:48:00.000-08:00

I thought it was going to be pretty easy getting caught up on the blog since I have not been taking pictures that much. I took five pictures at Breezy's wedding.

Thank goodness for Grandpa bringing fruit snacks!

Breezy's Wedding

2011-02-10T19:56:00.000-08:00

I think I might have to take another sabbatical after this post. The girls and I watched Breezy's wedding video. Fiona wanted to watch it again and again and again. She kept talking about Grandma Diether. (Sorry, Breezy. Fiona and Moriah even went on a pretend trip in their train, two laundry baskets tied together, to visit Grandma and Grandpa Diether, today.) Moriah was concerned about kissing. She said that you have to wait until you get married to kiss. I told her no, but that she needed to be older. She of course asked, "Why?" Moriah loves to hold boys hands lately. We took Sterling to the Farm Country, and Fiona had to hold Sterling's hand after Moriah grabbed his hand. At aerobics, Moriah was upset that her friend Adam would not hold her hand while he rode his scooter.

I loved how the video captured everyone's love for Breezy and Gabel, but I especially loved how it captured all the children's excitement for Breezy and Gabel's wedding. It made me realize how I let stress or other things overshadow the wonderfulness of moments. Every pregnancy, I tell myself that I am going to be a better pregnant woman than last time. I am going to enjoy pregnancy and not focus on the difficult parts. Every pregnancy I seem to fail on that. Here is to enjoying the beauty of pregnancy and life more!

We Like Pink

2011-02-08T20:11:00.000-08:00

Moriah has been asking why we are not having a boy. She is also sad that we will not be naming the baby Lincoln.

Everything looked good on the ultrasound and there is no change in my due date. I attribute my belly measuring a little large to my rippling abdominal muscles:-)

Preparations for the Big Day

2011-02-07T20:57:00.000-08:00

After Calvin's baptism, we made a lot of mini cupcakes for Breezy and Gabel's wedding. The boys even helped.

The Reason

2011-02-07T20:39:00.001-08:00

At my sister's wedding on November 20th, my sister-in-law Kristi commented that I needed to keep my habits the same if I did not want people to know that I am pregnant. She knew I was pregnant because I was not posting on my blog as often. I am now 27 weeks and the baby's guess date is May 6th.

We were not going to have an ultrasound, but I am measuring a little bit big so we are having an ultrasound tomorrow to see if the baby is ahead of schedule. We will hopefully find out the gender. Moriah and I think it is a boy. Fiona seems to think girl. Evan has no premonition.

My belly on December 9th (18 weeks)