2009: A YEAR IN REVIEW

JANUARY:

• Lucas was smothered with love.
• Gabriel was still not so sure about him.
• I started Weight Watchers & set a goal to lose 30 pounds by my 30th Birthday.
• We started "Family Movie Night" every Friday and it quickly became the most anticipated day of the week.

FEBRUARY:

• Kanoa was obsessed with Lucas.
• Gabriel was warming up to the idea.
  

MARCH:

• Hank & I celebrated Seven years of marriage together. (and seven is my lucky number!)
• I wanted to gobble my baby every day. And I did.

APRIL:

• We took our family vacation to Disneyland & San Diego. It was an absolute blast, but an exhausting trip.
• The Easter Bunny delivered.

MAY:

• I turned the BIG 30!
• And I hit my 30 pound weight loss goal just in time.

JUNE:

• We officially said goodbye to the SUV and I officially became a "Minivan Mom." Somehow, I was OK with it. (little did we know how fast we would fill up the seats!)
• Kanoa lost his first tooth! (and the new one grew right back in not leaving much time for a toothless grin)

JULY:

• Kanoa performed in his first Play and caught the acting bug...Big time!
• The Boys actually held sparklers for the first time and had a fabulous, shirtless Fourth of July. Just the way it should be. For Boys at least.

AUGUST:

• End of summer vacation to San Diego. A much more relaxing trip and we enjoyed every second of it. It was one of those vacations albums, where I felt looked a little chunky in every picture and vowed to lose another thirty pounds when I got back.
• Our first born started Kindergarten! A huge milestone and Mom was a wreck for a few days.
• Gabriel started his first year of pre-school.
• Lucas started walking!

SEPTEMBER:

• The "lose 30 lbs" goal went by the wayside as fast as the second line appeared on the home pregnancy test. Oh my! I've never seen Hank so shocked in my life. It was priceless.
• Our darling Lucas turned 1! That first year went by in a heartbeat!

OCTOBER:

• I spent most of this month close to a kitchen sink or toilet.
• We had so much fun with our Star Wars theme this year for Halloween.

NOVEMBER:

• Our darling Gabriel turned 4 years old!
• We got a bit of a scare with a TSC diagnosis for our Gabe and we have lots more tests & specialists to come next year.
• I hosted Thanksgiving! (and my rolls sucked)
• We all got Swine Flu.

DECEMBER:

• Hank moved the location of his dealership Downtown to a much better place.
• We found out our little baby is indeed another sweet BOY!
• We sang Christmas Carols, drank loads of Hot Cocoa, went sledding, decorated our tree (and re-decorated it 100 times, thanks to Lucas) played in the snow, saw thousands of twinkling lights, sat on Santa's lap, fed his reindeer, watched tons of Christmas movies, ate yummy food, attended parties, delivered neighbor gifts, licked Christmas cards, read Christmas books, opened presents and savored every moment of the season we possibly could.
• It was the best one yet.
• I feel the baby kick every day and love it.

2009 had it's ups and downs, highs and lows, but for the most part, it just went by far too fast. I must be getting old, because old people always say that, but it's true. My boys are bigger, smarter, more mature and definitely out numbering me and Hank. This past year had it's triumphs and sadness, but for the most part, it was just really fun. Hank and I are stronger than ever and trying to really enjoy our kids while they are young amidst the chaos that every day life brings.

I am one who always has several New Years Resolutions.

I love goals and I love lists equally, so I'm sure I'll have some.

But, it's going to be a very busy year for me as a Mother of four little ones and I think every day will have it's triumphs when they include nursing the baby, feeding the kids, taking a shower, making dinner & picking up the house.

So, I'm not going to put too much pressure on myself.

Mostly, we are hoping for a healthy and prosperous New Year, which I'm sure most of us could benefit from and are really excited to have a precious baby join our family for the many adventures that are to come.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A Wonderful and White Christmas

Christmas was fabulous and magical and busy...as usual...

The Boys did this...

And a whole lot of this...

And I grew this...

The best Christmas present of all.

(Of course, the Flip camcorder, watch, guitar & 32 inch for our bedroom wasn't too shabby either. Santa spoiled me!)

*A few things we heard this Christmas weekend:

Lucas learned to say, "Ho, ho ho!" Which was utterly adorable.

On Christmas Eve, we read, "Twas the night before Christmas" and "The Polar Express". Kanoa told me the next morning that he was certain he heard Santa's bells during the night. I couldn't help but think how much more magical the season is, when you truly believe.

We also recounted the Nativity story with the Boys and asked Gabriel the basic questions, unsure of how he would respond...We asked who baby Jesus' Mother was and he replied, "Mary!" Then we asked who his Father was and he shouted "Joseph!" Impressed, we asked where Baby Jesus was born and he said, "Japan?" 

Then, he proceeded to impress us with his further knowledge of that special night. He said, "...Then Joseph took Mary to a Hotel and they said, Sorry, but there's NOOO more room here and they had to sleep on straw."

Yes, sweet Gabriel.

Something like that.

Hope your Christmas was the Merriest also!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

All Hail the Queen.

Alas my friends, the time is drawing near.

It goes by so fast, but Christmas is almost here.

I decided to put the kabash on the whole Christmas Kitty idea. Because I am not looking for another present under the tree, but a lifelong family pet decision and since I'm not great with big decisions, or any decision for that matter right now, it's on the back burner for further consideration.

I'm happy to say that our Secret Elves have delivered treats in our advent calendar 65% of the time by morning. Though many days, they don't show up until noon, my kids don't care and they are still mystified by it all.
Just the way it should be.

My shopping is 95% finished, I am 23% wrapped, Christmas cards-out, neighbor gifts- done. cheesey & terribly scripted Hallmark Channel Holiday movies watched and Christmas Spirit is plentiful.

Thank you for all of your loving and supportive comments upon the news of our fourth Son! Wow! Just to say it is still a bit shocking, but in a really good way. I must say, when I was a young girl, I didn't picture raising a house full of Boys, (I don't know why not, when I had six older Brothers), but I attribute that to the general breeding of little Girls.

We are practically spoon fed Baby dolls and Barbies from the moment we arrive on the planet. We are spun in lace and frills and seas of pink. Well, at least I was. And I'll tell you what- I NEVER had a Boy baby doll or a Boy Barbie (I used my Brother's He-Man figurines when I needed a male in my Barbie role play. Basically, for kissing) My Mother put me in dresses and tights around the clock and I wore piggie tales with ribbons in my hair through much of elementary school. I was my Mom's last and she Girlied me up good.

But, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Heavenly Father has a plan for me and right now, that plan is to raise some amazing young Men and I am so grateful for the opportunity. I am honored to be able to have a hand in teaching them the Gospel, preparing them for missions, teaching them how to be kind, respectful, smart and law-abiding. And of course, how to be Gentlemen. What an awesome and sacred responsibility. I also know that this little Boy wanted to be apart of our family and we feel so privileged to meet him next year.

I will admit, I had a bit of sadness that I had to put away my box of Girly treasures for another few years, but those thoughts were immediately replaced with a great feeling of peace and contentment. I feel so bonded with this baby in my belly and am filled all the more with anticipation for delivery day and to meet my precious boy.

And to see what he looks like and who he is.

For I know I am not raising a pink, frilly dress.

I am raising a child.

A child of God.

What more is there to want for?

Not to mention, no shoveling driveways, mowing lawns or taking out the trash.

Gotta love that.

I am really excited to have Kanoa home for twelve wonderful days. I look forward to filling them up with lots of activities and plenty of time for laziness too.

I love Christmas and hope you are all feeling the magic that is in the air right now as well.

Meow

I keep going back and forth on whether or not to surprise the Boys with a Christmas Kitty.

As many of you know, my beloved Miss Maggie May passed away just a few days before I gave birth to Lucas last September. Talk about timing. I was a hormonal mess. She was a constant companion in my life for almost fourteen years and was truly my first baby. I still miss the furry little purr monster sitting on my lap all day long. I know this may sound like crazy cat-lady talk, but Maggie knew me. We were kindred spirits of sorts and she always knew when I was sad and found some way to comfort me.

We have another cat named Gracie Boo and she is a Siamese mix of sorts. She is really a beautiful cat and very friendly, but she does NOT like to be held. This bugs me.

Anyway, I always said, I would never have just one Cat. I really believe that they need a partner throughout their life, like we all do. But, knowing that I will never ever be able to replace my sweet Mag, I haven't been very motivated to get another Kitty. Until lately And it doesn't help that the Boys have been asking for another Cat since Maggie died.

Problem is, I usually get Kitty hungry around the same time I am baby hungry, so I try not to confuse the emotion. And the problem with that is...I am not baby hungry, because I am already growing a baby which is satiating my hunger just fine. And, realistically, I am going to be a very busy Mama next year. Do I really need another mammal in my house? Granted, a very independent, low maintenance mammal that is litter-box trained and mostly just lies around all day long...

Anyway, I'm just really torn.
And I'm also a strong believer that when you get an animal, it is yours for life.
In sickness and health.
You don't just give them up according to life circumstances or inconveniences.
(unless there are health issues involved-like a severe allergic reaction to the animal or something)

So...it's a lifelong purchase.
With no day after Christmas return policy.

Help!
What should I do?
A Christmas Kitty?
Or am I a crazy cat lady?

IT'S A........................................................................................................

Our life (so far) in pictures...

September 6, 2003...IT'S A BOY!

November 9, 2005...IT'S A BOY!

September 10, 2008....IT'S A BOY!

And joining our Family in May 2010....

...IT'S A BOY!

(And we are thrilled!)

On the eve of the BIG Ultrasound...

I think modern day technology is pretty amazing.

Especially in regards to pregnancy Ultrasounds.

The ability to "see" your baby while it is still cozy in your womb is amazing to me.

And while I'm sure most all women look forward to their Ultrasounds, particularly the 18-20 week one, where the baby's gender is usually detected, I think there may be a bit more anticipation involved when you have multiple children of the same gender. (correct me if I'm wrong, just my opinion).

And I find it equally fascinating Women who are able to wait until delivery day to find out.

I am certain it is one of life's greatest surprises, but one that I just can't wait for. Sheesh! I can't even wait until Christmas morning to open the results. An option many preggos due around the same time as me are going with.

As much as I want to get some Holiday shopping done, my body is not yet ready from this weekend's sickness, so today, I decided to stay home again and do Christmas cards. Problem is, I can't stop thinking about tomorrow.

While talking to my Mother last night, she asked,

"Now, Anne-Marie, you're not going to be disappointed if it's another Boy are you?"

I immediately felt a little defensive, but seeing that she delivered SIX boys in a row (my beautiful twin sisters are adopted, but are my heart no doubt, I speak only biologically) before delivering me, her last and final child, I figured she had some validity to her question.

Would I like a Girl?

Well, that's simple.

Yes.

I think most Women would like a daughter, but speaking from a spiritual perspective, I have always felt intrinsically and without a doubt, that I WILL have a daughter one day. So, if she came now, that may relieve some of the child-bearing pressure off my ovaries.

That being said, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I will bear the spirit that I am indeed suppose to bear.

And for that, I am eternally grateful. And anxious to know what color the nursery is to be painted for that little spirit.

Today, I am taken back to the Spring of last year (that seems so weird), when I entered the same room for my 18 week ultrasound of Baby #3. Lucas was in a breech position and was sitting Indian style covering the parts we were so anxious to see. After 45 minutes of searching and prodding the little guy to move for us, they told me we would need to reschedule in another four weeks! They might as well have told me I was to be sentenced to death! OK, that's my inner drama Queen coming out, but it felt unbearable. So, Hank left and said he would go pull the car out front of the hospital and wait for me. As he left the room, another Ultrasound tech came in and said, "let me give this a quick try". And within minutes, got the shot we wanted.

It was indeed another Boy.

I held back the tears for fear that the Women in the room would judge me.

I'm sure they have seen many losses and tragedies on that same table I was lying on and how selfish of me to cry.

I met Hank at the car and showed him the picture and said,

"It's a Boy-Are you happy?!"

Even recalling this experience makes me feel so silly.

Little did I know that only nine weeks later, mine and my baby's life would be in danger for an emergency appendectomy & cholecystectomy was to be performed on my protruding, pregnant belly. (picture above was taken a few weeks after that surgery with Lucas)

After that surgery, I felt so bonded and close to that baby that I would have felt devastated if I had found out he was actually a Girl.

And to this day, Lucas is the light of our life.

He truly radiates this joy that is so good for my soul, that I could just bathe in it.

I am madly in love with each of my Boys.

They are the center of my world.

And because I know this, I also know that gender is really so insignificant.
I also am blessed with the reassurance that this baby is very much meant to be in our family.

And like a dear friend of mine said last year on the eve of her big Ultrasound,

".....I'm just glad that I don't have to make the choice."

Amen.

That one is up to the Lord.

**In relation to the poll, just thought I'd make it known that 3 of the 6 votes for BOY, were from Me, Hank & my Mom. I think I am indeed carrying another Boy. And how fun for Lucas that would be. Only 20 months apart and a grade apart in School. But, we'll just have to see...Oh, and I welcome any and all congratulatory comments tomorrow!(I will post the results as soon as I can) Comments that are NOT welcome are those of a patronizing nature. I received several of those on Boy #3 and they irk me so. One past neighbor of mine actually said, "Oh, that sucks!" upon hearing the gender news. No, it indeed does not suck. Raising Sons is a privilege. And I would get to keep my reigning title of Princess supreme in the house. Until Lil' Miss knocks me off my throne one day.

Rough Week

I love the month of December.
Because it means Christmas is fast approaching.
And I love Christmas.
In fact, I am usually a tad bit depressed around the second week of January because it means almost a whole year before the Holidays begin again.

But, last week was a rough one.

Monday-Emergency dental work for Kanoa. Immediately followed by a large amount of throw-up on the floor. And me.

Tuesday-Lucas falls of the stage, goes to the Emergency room and is diagnosed with a concussion. Preceded by a few vomit sessions all over the nursery. And Mom. Poor Baby.

Thursday-Gabriel gets sick really fast. Throwing up several times that night and the following day. Mom Cleans up and comforts the poor thing.

Friday-Gabe is still sick. And Lucas gets shots at the Doctor causing a fever, swelling and tons of pain in his legs. He actually limped for 3 days from the soreness.

Saturday-Mom is now sick from Gabriel's sick. The only difference is that my immune system SUCKS right now and these stomach bugs knock me over. I was up every 90 minutes all night long losing copious amounts of bodily fluids from both ends. TMI? Sorry. I am really am. But, it's true.

Sunday-I wake up to realize that the extremely busy Sunday I have ahead of me all needs to get cancelled. I was suppose to sing in Sacrament. I had been planning on it for weeks. I chose a beautiful arrangement of "Silent Night", found a fabulous accompanist and I was to sing Soprano with a neighbor of mine, who was to sing Alto. We sounded great together and I was really excited. I felt so bad calling to tell her that I definitely could not make it to church. She called the music Director and since the Choir was singing in Sacrament next week (which I was campaigning we squeeze in one more number in the program), she called someone else in the ward to learn the music and sing my part. I was a wee bit bugged if I am being honest. But, I understand.

I also had a very full day in Primary, practicing many songs for the special program next week. Thankfully, Jana, the alternate chorister, picked up the slack. And I was also to sing in the Stake Christmas Devotional that evening to some beautiful songs. Cancelled.

A few hours later, upon the advice of my the OB/GYN on call, we went to the Emergency room and Instacare to get IV fluids administered. After checking my vitals, the nurses said I needed them, but the wait was terribly long and the rooms were full of sick people (like myself, but I didn't want to chance picking up something else) and being stubborn, I made Hank just take me back home to rest and force down Gatorade. We had a wonderful dinner brought in by a sweet friend and our amazing Relief Society President arranged for meals until Wednesday. Seeing that I wasn't able to keep a drop of food or liquid down for 24 hours straight, I was able to eat one of her homemade rolls. A Christmas miracle. (Our R.S springs into action so fast, it's not even funny. I don't even know how they knew I was sick) I called her this morning and begged her to please not send any more meals. It is the week before Christmas and I feel so bad accepting meals right now. Especially when I'm just sick. Part of life.

I am feeling much better today.
Very weak and a little dizzy from the vomit-fest that was this weekend.
But, really hoping to gain my strength back fast as I have so much to do.
Lights to see, parties to attend, kids to be babysat, Christmas cards to be addressed, shopping to be finished, presents to be wrapped...
And a beautiful little baby to see on Wednesday morning, giving me the reassurance that all is well in the womb.

I know I've mentioned several times how happy I am to NOT have a summer pregnancy again, but if this is how the winter pregnancy is going to play out, I think I might eat my words.

Dear Santa,

All I want for Christmas is a healthy family.

With possibly no more sickness?

And a healthy Baby.

OK?

Thanks. Bye.

Love, Anne-Marie

*The pictures in this post were taken at Thanksgiving Point. The drive-thru Holiday lights are always so fun, but what was so cool is there are real, live reindeer outside the water tower. My kids were fascinated that Santa's reindeer were so close to home!

I have a funny feeling this won't be our last trip to the E.R.

Tuesday morning I woke up with a strong desire to exercise. This was a great emotion, considering I usually wake up with a strong desire to throw up. Never mind the fact that it was beyond freezing cold outside with the winds making it feel like the North Pole, I still bundled up the kids and headed to our church, where they have an exercise group that meets twice a week.

I felt so ready to start getting back into an exercise routine, since there really is only a short window I can exercise while pregnant without:
A. Vomiting  or
B. Being so large that putting on my shoes is the most exhorbant calorie burning I can muster anymore. (That should hit around the third trimester)

Well, good intentions aside, I let Lucas out of my eye sight for a few minutes and the next thing I see is my baby running full speed off the four foot high gym stage and smacking head first onto the floor below. Naturally, I was panicked and he was inconsolable for twenty minutes or so. I went into the nursery and called my Mom, Hank and my pediatrician. As the minutes went on, I noticed he became very pale and wobbly and extremely lethargic. Then, he starting throwing up everywhere. I knew there was no other option, but to take him to the Emergency Room.

Thankfully, I was surrounded by several awesome women from the neighborhood and my sweet friends, Julie & Logan offered to keep Kanoa & Gabriel. I quickly said, "No, that's OK. I'll just take them with me."

I have a serious problem accepting help. Always have. My first instinct when someone offers assistance or service is to say No.

Quickly, the thought came into my mind..say yes.
So, I retracted my refusal and said "Yes" and many thank you's.

And ran out the door with my limp, pale baby.

With the icey roads it took me thirty minutes to get to the hospital. But because it was a head injury, he was taken right in. I couldn't help but notice the sign on the door, "No children under the age of 14 allowed unless they are a patient!" I should have known the current hospital policy by heart since my OB is in a Hospital, but I couldn't help but think how thankful I was that my kids stayed back with friends.

Long story short, Lucas slowly started to come back to life, babbling and laughing and even playing peek-a-boo with the Doctor. His vitals looked good and we determined that even though he met the requirements for a CT Scan, we felt safe that he more than likely, was not suffering from a brain bleed, but a serious consussion no less.

They sent us on our way with some monitoring instructions for home, a sucker and a big stuffed Gorilla for Lucas.

I went to pick up the Boys at Julie's house and not only had she fed them lunch, she made me a big plate of hot pumpkin cookies to take home. She was an angel to me that day and I just adore her. Thank you!

As of now, he is back to being a wild little maniac, full of energy and curiousity and I am so grateful that he is alright.

Lucas is a VERY busy little guy!
And like I said in my title...Somehow, I have a funny feeling this won't be our last trip to the Emergency Room. I hope it is, but, that's my gut instinct.

Since this post is all in my little Man's honor, I thought I'd give a quick Fifteen month update of his words and current interests:

WORDS:
Mama
Dada
Ka-O-a
Gaaa-bel
Tat you
Bye bye
Hi
Puppy
Amen
Cat
Kitty
Hot
Ni-ni
Baba
Ball
Uh-Oh! (he says that alot)
Num num

LOVES:
Dancing to Music! He also clicks his tongue and nods his head to any sort of beat. He is very musical already! That's my Boy!
Gives kisses all day long
Loves to cuddle
Loves to wrestle with Daddy & Brothers
Is obsessed with Balls!
Another current obsession-The Christmas Tree: He figures since there is all this junk on the tree, that everything belongs on those branches. He puts bottles, socks, shoes, dirty diapers, kitchen utensils, balls and anything else he finds. Just wedges it between the branches and toddles off.

Basically, he is absolutely adorable and remains the light of our home. We couldn't imagine our life without our little Lucas-he keeps us running all day long and laughing as we go.

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

The first week of December proved to be a very busy one for us. Hence the lack of blogging. Bah-humbug to blogging, but Yippee to Holiday Cheer! Can I tell you how much I LOVE this time of year?! Christmas is by and far my favorite Holiday. I love buying presents and thinking of secret Santa's to do with my kids. I love baking and making home made fudge, rocky road and toffee...I love pulling out my six ginormous red tubs of Christmas decorations and listening to Christmas music all day long. Fa-la-la-la-la...Most of all, I love the Spirit of Christ in the air. I think, with the exception of evil Black Friday, people are more cheerey and willing to help. I love taking this time to talk with my kids about the birth of our Savior. And...I LOVE being pregnant this time of year! It rocks!

One thing that I totally gave up on this year was my Christmas tree. It was a lesson in relinquishing control and just enjoying things a bit more. We desperately wanted a real tree this year, but since we hosted Thanksgiving for all of the family, we wanted a tree up and a real tree would not have lasted until Christmas that long. So, it took Hank hours upon hours to get the pre-strung lights to work replacing each and every bulb one at a time and by Thanksgiving morning, I was just too busy cooking and cleaning, so he wrapped some red ribbon around it and we called it good.

About a week ago, I decided to finally tackle the ornaments and such, but with the lack of energy along with a crazy little baby ripping every single thing off the tree in 2.0 seconds, I decided to let the boys go to town and decorate it themselves. The only rule was not to put anything within Lucas' reach. (the glittery balls you see on the bottom branches have circle hooks built in, so they are pull proof) I adjusted a few ornaments here and there, but for the most part...it is their creation and they were just beaming! I am usually so meticulous about my tree and it is also usually quite elegant in nature, but this year, it is homey and hall-marky and still quite pretty.

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Me and a neighbor of mine were asked to sing in Sacrament this Sunday. We are doing a beautiful arrangement of "Silent Night". I love that song. Now, on with the Emergen-C...I swear I always get a sore throat when I have a performance coming up. Psychosomatic I'm sure.

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Thanksgiving turned out really nice with all of our family sort of crammed into our house. The table situation for twenty-five made it interesting in terms of placement, but it worked and everything was fab. Except for my rolls. I decided to try to make homemade rolls, to the chagrin of Sarah and my Mother, for the first time that morning. In hind sight, I think I realize my mistakes, mostly the temperature of the butter and the extra thirty minutes of rising that they really needed, but they were sort  of dense and not the best. Oh well, my home made cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes were really good. Can't win 'em all I guess. Oh, by the way...not one picture taken on Thanksgiving. Zero. Too busy hosting I guess.

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We just got back from the dentist as Kanoa needed some icky dental work done. Poor guy had to have an extraction on a back baby tooth and a few fillings as well. We were a bit surprised at the diagnosis as Kanoa tends to be our healthiest eater. He loves fruits, veggies and milk to drink and is a furious brusher/flosser. I guess he has soft teeth, so we threw out all traces of gummy sorts of candies in our house and hope to keep it that way. The dentist said he did great, but I noticed when he came out (after he told me how weird that gas made him feel) he was really pale and within a minute threw up everywhere! We sort of halfway made it into the bathroom, but there was quite a mess.

Sweet thing said, "Mommy, I'm really sorry you have to clean up my throw up".

I replied, "Oh, don't worry Honey, this is just what Mom's do."

As I am writing, he is passed out on the floor by the fireplace. Good thing we kept him home from school today. (even though he counts his absences)

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On another note, we hosted a game night with some of our friends from the neighborhood. I love to host parties and such, but I must say, I dropped that ball along time ago since we moved in this house. There is something about renting that gives you a lack of permanency that I don't like. But, the reality is, we haven't been all that planted anywhere since we left our house on Atwood in Murray almost three years ago. In fact, we have been here for two of those years. And, we're not going anywhere until our house in Texas sells. Kanoa is happily in Kindergarten, we are in a great ward, surrounded by even better people, we are bringing home our second baby to this house next year and there are no more excuses. I have to be more social.

Anyway, it was success. We had some friends there that we know well and a few that we really wanted to get to know better and everyone had a great time. In fact, it went on for almost five hours and we didn't play a single game. We are excited to host again.

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And on that note, I'm going to post my first recipe on my blog, as per the request of my fellow pregnant friend, Hillary, who may possibly have went back for seconds or thirds that night...(we are due the same day-so fun!) It is always a party favorite, not fancy at all, but tasty and not figure friendly I'm sure.

Hot Cheesey Bean Dip (from the pinch of salt lake cookbook)

3 oz. Cream Cheese (softened)

7 oz. can of Green Chilies
1 cup of Sour Cream
1/2 Cup of chopped Onions
1 1/2 tsp of taco seasoning
9 oz can of Bean Dip
16 oz. of shredded Mexican cheese blend

Mix all ingredients in a bowl except the cheese.

Pour half the mixture into a 9x13 pan and sprinkle with most of cheese (save some, maybe 4 oz to sprinkle on the top again)
Spread the other half of the mixture on top of the cheeses and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Serve with pita chips, tortilla chips or your favorite cracker.

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Last, but not least, we are merely 9 days away from our big Ultrasound where we get to find out if Baby Boy #4 or Baby Girl #1 is on the way?....What do you think?
Will we be seeing pink this time?

So, go vote on my sidebar real quick!

That is, if you actually got through this whole post.

Happy Monday!