Raising Broc

So a couple of days ago Zona was being a stinker and I said, "Zona don't ruin Christmas!" From the other room Broc says, "He can't Mom the Army already did!" We all had a great laugh.

Merry Christmas

Sorry it's been awhile! Billy has been on leave for the past 2 1/2 weeks. So we have been trying to squeeze everything into the short time we had left with him. We've gotten family pictures, cut trees down, cleaned, organized, and pretty much worked on the house. This Christmas for us has had a dark cloud hanging over it. We knew Billy was going to be deployed but WHEN was always the question. So this past week has been an emotional roller coaster. He was supposed to leave Sunday, then Monday, then Tuesday, and finally after what felt like a million goodbyes already he left Wednesday. We did have Christmas which started Monday night with Billy reading to us out of Luke. I love hearing the story of our Savior and what his earthly parents went through to get him here. Tuesday morning we all got to open our presents. It was a very nice and peaceful day. Having Billy here made this week fantastic. We our so very blessed. Thank you for your prayers and love!

4 Down 2 More to Go (In the Front)

Bye Bye Trees

When we first saw our house the one thing that stuck out to me was the TREES. We have/had 6 (about 75ft. tall) Pine Trees and 1 leaf (I'm not sure what it was)tree just in the front yard. In our back yard we have 10 Pine Trees and 14 Leaf trees. The Pine Trees make it hard to keep a lawn because of all the needles and cones it drops. It is quite overwhelming to mow the lawn. So Billy decided that he would get a chainsaw and we could learn to cut down trees (After finding out it would cost about $500.00 for every 4 trees we have cut down). So My Big Lumber Jack thought long and hard before cutting down our first HUGE Pine Tree. He tied the tree to another tree for safe reason (and because we didn't want it falling on our house). He also had another rope tied to the front of the tree for me to pull on (in the direction we wanted the tree to fall). He then cut a triangle cut into the front of the tree. Then it was my turn to pull as hard as I could(and with help from a nice but very nervous neighbor) we pulled while Billy cut the back of the tree. So my hands burning and my heart racing the tree started to fall (IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION). It was the biggest THUMP my heart and ears had ever heard. It was the biggest rush and yet relief I had had in along time (almost like a roller coaster).

Ireland Turns 6

So I just realized that I didn't post anything about Ireland turning 6. But in my own defense last Friday was crazy for me. I woke up to run and make bagels with cream cheese and strawberries. She also wanted hot chocolate and whip cream. I took her breakfast up to her room quickly. I didn't want her to wake up before I had a chance to give her breakfast in bed (she is a morning person and wakes up before my alarm even goes off some mornings). She was so happy! She said she has always wanted breakfast in bed.
After getting her and Broc off to school I had a bunch of birthday party shopping to go. I needed little aprons for her chef party. I went to Micheal's but they only had 5child size aprons so I had to go to Johann's too. I then stopped off at Target to get treats for Ireland's treat bags I had made for her school class. The awesome thing (and huge time saver) was Target had little Chef Hats and whisks. I was going to make the Chef Hats but was quickly running out of time. So I was very excited to see the hats.
After Target I went to Ireland's class and helped her pass out all her treat bags. She was so excited to see me. Earlier in the week she had told me that I needed to bring her something to her class for her birthday. Another little girl in her class had done that when it was her birthday.
Now being the mother of the year I am, I had totally forgotten to get/make a cake for her birthday party. I realized this about the time Ireland walks in the door from school and says, "Hey Mom what kind of cake am I going to have?" So we all jumped into the car and drove to the Food Lion down the street. We get home just in time to clean the house and set up the party.
For her party we were making little pizzas on English muffin toast (just like my mom did for one of my parties when I was little). Our Little Chefs got to put whatever they wanted on their pizzas. They also got to make cookies and place whatever size they wanted on the cookie sheet (that was fun!). All in all it was a fun party. I think the kids had a great time.
ABOUT IRELAND
Now Ireland is my free spirit. There isn't much that can bring her down. She loves to paint, color, trace, and pretty much anything that has to do with art. She likes her dance class and is very talented. I think it comes very easily to her. She always has a smile on her face. She's also my lovable little girl. I really love seeing the world through her eyes. Oh and did I mention she loves horses.

Raising Arizona

While driving in the car Zona asked me, "Mom who would win Abomination Hulk or Hulk?" I not knowing where he is going with this said, "Hulk (he's the good guy right?)!" HE then says, "Awwhhhhh, that's why girls aren't smart MOM! Abomination Hulk has spikes!" So once again I've been out smarted by my 4 year old.

Billy's Birthday

So I want to tell you a bit about my Billy. He's the kind of person that can't sit down for very long. He's a hard dedicated worker, father, and husband. I don't know how I got so lucky to have him in my life. When he grows up he wants to be a scuba instructor off the coast somewhere beautiful. He also loves training and completing in Triathlons (he does a fantastic job too). I could tell you also about his many, many job accomplishments but he wouldn't like that to much. So I'll just tell you he is fantastic at being a soldier too! I love this man and every day with him brings me something new and exciting. Billy, Happy Happy Birthday!!! !

Raising Arizona

It is a complete joy to be Zona's mother. What comes out of his mouth makes my day. This story happened last week.

Walmart

We had gone to Wal Mart to do some last minute Halloween shopping. Zona was play fighting with his brother and sister. He was getting in the way of a lot of other people. So I warned him that if he didn't stop I would put him into the cart. So of course he didn't stop so I put him into the cart. We continued to do our shopping. We get to the part of the store that has all the halloween costumes. Zona then says, "Mom can I get out? I think I'll be good!"

Have a Freakin' Happy Halloween..... Gosh!

I love Halloween! The kids and I had a great time with our costumes this year. Our church had a trunk or treat (you pass out candy from the back of your car). The ward had games and activities that were just so much fun. I hope you have a great Halloween too!

So we went trick or treating here in NC. It was warm and a bit humid (this was a whole new thing for me). So because it was so warm people sat on their porches to pass out the candy (way crazy). This would never have happened back in Utah. I love it! I got to know more of my neighbors in one night than in the past 6 months. Plus they passed out 'Except Jesus" pamphlets. This was crazy to me! I love seeing and experiencing new places. Hope you had a great Halloween too!

*My costume was a lot of fun. I even baked tater tats and put them in my fannypack.

Birthdays Birthdays, Birthdays

So today is my 32nd birthday! Birthdays for me are like getting bills in the mail, you know there coming but yet you still have to deal with it. I know I should have a better outlook than I do. I guess it's because Billy's been able to miss my birthday for the past 4 years. He always makes holidays and birthdays 10 times better when he's here. But this year I did have a bunch of great friends make me feel special. My best friend Ang overnighted me her grandma's homemade raviolis (they tasted so great). Talene brought by a great tasting chocolate cake. Danica and Lisa called just to make sure I knew they knew it was my birthday. Many, many friends and family texts, facebooked and emailed. I really have felt loved today! I am so blessed! Thank you, Thank You!
In celebration of my birthday I thought I would tell you a little about myself. I was born in Cedar City, Utah. I lived there about two weeks when my parents moved. They then moved a bunch more times before moving and settling in Orem, Utah. I was 7 years old and about 3 months away from turning 8. I loved growing up in Orem. I have so many great memories of Utah. I really miss it a lot. I lived there until Billy and I got married and moved up to SLC. Then Billy joined the Air Force and we moved to North Dakota and then on to Turkey. While in Turkey Billy switched to the Army and we then moved to Missouri, Georgia, and now are here in beautiful North Carolina. No matter what beautiful exciting places we move my heart still aches to go home to recharge my batteries. I only ever need a couple of weeks and then I can go back to wherever we live and love it there too. I am very blessed and I'm very grateful for where I've been and where I am going.

Craziness

So since I started my new calling I have been crazy busy! I am incharge of all the mini groups we have. Our Ward has a book club, playgroup, craft, temple, and a couple of groups we're trying to start up. If you have any ideas of groups that work in your Ward please share. I think the hardest thing I've had to deal with in this calling is not know the ladies and there names. I really wish I new them better. I guess this calling will be great for me because it forces me to meet people and get to know them. The sisters I have met our great. This Ward is blessed with strong, interesting and adventurous women. It has been fun finding out what they did before they were moms and wives.

Fall Fall Fall

I love the fall! Just this past week in North Carolina it has gotten cold. It's been wet and rainy. It has brought the temperature down enough to feel like Utah in the Fall. I know they down get much snow here but I've missed snow. I miss a lot of my favorites. My favorite cookies to make in the Fall are Pumpkin Chocolate Chip....YUM! I love to have soups and hot rolls right out of the oven. I guess you could say my Fall is wrapped up in foods that make you warm. Have a Happy Fall!!!!!

I Know, I Know, It's Been Awhile

The last month has been very crazy for me. So I will start when it got really crazy.
Sunday, September 20th
I woke up to a sick Zona and sick Billy. So I decided to take Ireland and Broc to church. We have been trying to get to church a little early for awhile but this Sunday it actually worked. We walked in sat down and the second counselor walks over to me and asks if we could talk. My heart starts a pounding as I say yes. As what is he going to call me to be.......starts running through my head. He starts by telling me that the Relief Society is getting a new President and there is going to be big changes (which I knew). He then goes on to tell me that he wants to call me to the Home, Family, and Personal Enrichment Counselor. Which I'm thinking great I love Enrichment Night crafts, dinners, fun, fun, fun! I have a lot of great ideas to help plan Enrichment Night. He then goes on to say, so the new President is..... and her first counselor is...... and you will be the second counselor in Relief Society. At this point I'm very much confused because I thought I was just helping out with Enrichment. He must have seen the look on my face and thought I was going to turn him down (or bolt). Because he says, "Are you ok with this calling?" I then asked him again, "You mean I'm a Counselor to the Relief Society President?" He smiles and says, "Yes Is that ok?" I kind of half smiled back and said, "Yes that's just fine." I really was quite blown away. I'm not sure that I can do this calling. It has a lot of responsibilities!So my responsibilities are much more than Enrichment Night (which is no longer called Enrichment Night). I would like to tell you what exactly I do but I'm still learning and don't quite know what I do. But it does have something to do with Relief Society Night (aka Enrichment Night). So I walked back into Sacrament and they sustained me to be the Relief Society (2nd) Counselor. The whole rest of that Sunday was a blurr to me. I did however call Billy after the passing of the sacrament to tell him. After church they set us apart (gave us a prayer to help guide us while helping others). So I went home feeling very much overwhelmed. But I did feel I would be able to accomplish things.
Shortly after I got home I got a text from my sister Amber saying that my Dad wasn't doing very well. They had taken him to the hospital and that the doctors needed to operate. The doctor felt that my Dad was in such bad shape and that he didn't think he would make it through the surgery. I knew at this point I needed to go home. So I got a plane ticket for the next morning. I called a couple of sisters in the ward to help me with Broc and Ireland. And pretty much left Billy to take care of things.
All in all my Dad had 3 big surgeries. He is still in the hospital today but doing a lot better. I got to stay a week and by the time I left he was looking a ton better (and feeling better too).
My Dad is an amazing man. I don't know how I got the parents I have. I can't tell you how much I am grateful to my mom and dad. They have worked hard to make sure their kids grew up knowing that they are loved. My sister Amber likes to tease, "I'm an only child and my brothers and sisters know it!" But I am very lucky to have my brothers and sisters, all 9 of them. My parents have taught us that we should look out for each other (and they do look out for me). I am very blessed!

Zona's Favorite Things

I took this idea from a good friend named Lisa (she lives here in NC). She asked her little boy all of his favorite things and he had some great answers. So I thought I would ask Zona his favorite things. By the way Lisa's son and Zona are in the same Pre-K class. This is how the conversation went.

"Okay Zona can I ask you what some of your favorite things are?"

"Yeah! I have a lot like......."

"Wait let me ask you some questions."

"Okay!"

"What's your favorite.........

1. instrument- guitar, drum, violin, trumpet (we just finished watching Little Einsteins)


2. book- the comic (Broc has comic books Zona loves to look at. But we do read regular books)


3. movie- Batman (This is not a big surprise but he is talking about the cartoon)


4. animal- Saber Tooth Tiger and a lion (Broc loves to watch Prehistoric Planet which the STT was on it this last time)


5. primary song- I don't have one, except I have one it's Book of Mormon Stories


6. clothes/shirt- superman (big surprise he wears it all the time)


7. color- Mom you know (because it's mine too) blue


8. food- chicken (I thought he would say cheese burger)


9. thing you like to do-go outside and pick up sticks (he would do this all day if I let him)


10. dessert- ice cream and M&Ms (we went to Sonic last night and he got a M&M sundae)


11. friend- Derek, he has more toys than us (I guess we need a Family Home Evening on what's more important)


12. toy- sword (that's why he looks for stick, so he can have swords)


13. sport- baseball (he loves watching the St. Louis Cardinals play, with his Dad)


14. Aunt- Aunt Hot Dog (I threw that one in there for you Amber)


15. Who's your favorite Mom or Dad-Mom (Why Zona) because you love me more than Dad (this is a family joke, he says that to get Billy to chase him)

I love Arizona he makes me laugh with the crazy things he says and comes up with. I think every family needs a kid like Zona.

Summer Rap Up

So it's been awhile and I thought I would rap up our summer in one blog. We started off the summer getting ready to have Parker. He was born June 22, at 7:05pm. He has grown so much and is very healthy. Just two weeks after he was born we flew to Utah. While in Utah we Baptized Broc and blessed Parker. It was really nice to go back home and see our family.

We flew back to NC in the early part of August. I needed the couple of weeks before school to get organized and adjusted to having 4 kids and less help (I love all the help I get in Utah my family ROCKS!)

Now Ireland is 5 and started kindergarten. She has a great teacher and I'm very grateful for the school her and Broc are in. It makes things so much nicer when your kids like school. Ireland also started a new ballet/tap class. She is really loving it. And she really does have a talent for it.

This past weekend we went to Carolina Beach with some good friends the Anderson's. Amanda (Dan her husband is deployed) and her two boys Denton and Owen came with us to camp on the beach. The kids had so much fun! We got there and setup the tents and started dinner which was hot dogs and smores (the coconut marshmallows are the best). All the parents got to stay up way late (to late I was very tired driving home). Then the next morning Billy went scuba diving. The rest of us got to stay back and play in the ocean. It was a great weekend. I love being able to go to the beach often.

Because It's Been Awhile

(This is for you Annie Taylor) So it's been a long time since I blogged. I've been in Utah and left my laptop at home. As like every time I go home, I try to cram all the things I miss into a short time. Which leaves me with no time. Some of my favorite things to see in Utah are: Family and Friends (of course and there's a lot of you). Zupas (best soup & sandwich shop ever), Los Hermnos (best Mexican), and of course Swimming Pools (which Lindon City just opened a great one).
A few things that I have done since getting here are: Baptized Broc, blessed Parker, visited with family, drove on the back of a Harley (with Billy driving of course) up to Park City, played, played, and played some more. We will be leaving on Wednesday to go back to NC. I'm happy and sad to be leaving. Happy, because I can get back to my own house and schedule, Sad because I miss so many things about Utah.
I will blog more when I get back! Thanks Annie for reminding me of my blogging duties!

Parker Utah Priddis

So it has been a crazy couple of weeks for us. I went into the doctor's office on Monday June 22, for another monitoring session. Well they discovered that my fluids were low (the whole reason for the monitoring sessions). They told me that I needed to go up stairs to the 3rd floor to have this little guy today. So me being the very prepared mom I am, had NOTHING ready. In my own defense my babies never come early. I have had to be induced on all of them (even Parker). Broc was 2 weeks over because the doctor liked torturing poor pregnant mothers. Ireland was induced the day after her due date because of a huge storm that came in on her due date which bumped me to the next day. Zona was taken on his due date because the nice doctor took pity on me, do to the fact we were moving to Turkey. Their birth weights were; Broc 8'9, Ireland 7'15, Zona 7'14, and Parker's, 6'4.

Parker is so tiny! He is an amazing little man. He was born later that night around 7:00pm. He had turned a couple of days before and so I didn't have to have a cesarean. He was my easiest labor/delivery. After he was born they were concerned with his soft spot because it comes all the way down to his forehead (which turned out to not be a problem). Because of this and the fact his blood sugar wouldn't stay regulated they kept him in NICU for the next couple of days. I also had to take him back to the hospital for the next few days when he got home because his jaundice went up to 17 (which is not good). But with some sunbathing and a lot of hugs and kisses from his brothers and sister he is doing a lot better. The kids have been so excited to have Parker come to our family. Zona kept telling me he wanted to show Parker where all the big sticks are in the backyard. He also wants to show him how to climb a tree. I told Zona that he needs to wait just a little while so Parker can learn to crawl and walk first. Zona doesn't like to wait for anything. I think he is trying to come up with a plan to put Parker into his pack back and carry him up the tree that way.

Baby and What's Happening Now

So for the past week my laptop has been at the shop getting a nasty virus taken off of it. So I've been cut off from my computer life and it hasn't been fun. I hadn't noticed how much I rely on my computer for so many things. Also I've been going to doctor appointments after doctor appointments. This little guy inside me is breach and he doesn't want to turn. So they tell me that if they can't get him to turn they will have to do a cesarean. I do not want a c-section! After having to recover from them taking my kidney (cutting my abdomen) I can only imagine it will be the same kind of recovery. I do not want to go through that again. So if anyone has any ideas about turning a stubborn baby boy...... please let me know.

I'm Back In NC

So it's been a crazy couple of weeks. Billy got down to Fort Benning and they gave his spot to someone else. They told him to come back June 28th. So we had to decided should the kids and I stay in Utah or go back to NC. We decided that we would come back to NC to have the baby and be with Billy. So the kids and I flew back last week. Billy was way upset about the whole thing. Where I was so very happy. I know this is a huge blessing because he can be here now when the baby comes. Ever since the kidney surgery I've been dreading going back to the hospital. I really didn't want to go back without Billy being there. He has away of taking care of things and I don't have to worry. I hope you all are doing great!

I'm Home!

I love Utah! Something about here makes me feel recharged. People understand me and I understand them. I just love the beauty all around me: mountains, trees, fresh air early in the morning, and the sunsets. I am grateful for my family and all that they do for me.
I got here last week and from the start I've been go, go, go. We flew in Wednesday night and they some how left our dogs in Denver instead of sending them on to Salt Lake. So early Thursday morning I had to go get them along with our luggage. From there I changed in the car and we drove down to Manti to my little brother Dahllyn's wedding. Him and Hailey had a beautiful sealing in the Manti temple (the same room Billy and I were married in). It was a beautiful sunny day. After the wedding we drove to my sister-n-laws (Kim) parent's home in Moroni where they had a great luncheon. It was fun to sit and talk to my family. We then head home and got stuck in traffic. We got home just in time to dress the kids and go to the reception. It was an amazing reception outside at "The Bungalow" in PG, Utah. Believe me I was woren out by the end of the night.
The next morning we got up early to head to Logan, Utah to my brother Shadd's place for our Allsup family reunion. It was a weekend of adventure. He lives on a farm and a baby Buffalo was born. Because of that they had to move some of the buffalo around and by night the "Daddy" buffalo got out and had to be put back in. Believe me it was entertaining to see my oldest brother Trent with a broom trying to shoo the bull buffalo back into it's corral. They also had a 26 year old horse that had to be helped (because it was in so much pain) "back to it maker" so to speak. The kids got to ride horses and go on hay rides. It was a great weekend. On Sunday we went to my brother Shadd's ward. Where he blessed his little girl Piper. I love seeing men with strength use their priesthood blessings. I love FAMILY! It's nice to be around them.
So now I'm back at my parents. Things have slowed down a little and I can take a breath. I hope all is well with all of you!

He Did It!

So Billy passed Pre-Ranger School and will be going to Ranger School this week. He did an awesome job sticking it out. They beat him up, shaved his head, threw him in the dirt, and he loved it (kind of). He is happy he passed because it's not an easy thing to do. Now he is on his way to Ranger School and will have to endure all that stuff plus more. Since he won't be here for when the baby is born the kids and I our headed back to Utah. My awesome sister Amber is coming out to help us fly back. We will stay at my parents for a couple of months (they let me crash at their place a lot). When Billy finishes Ranger School he will fly out to Utah, baptize Broc and bless the baby. So we have our work cut out for ourselves this next couple of months.

A Little About My Billy

So Billy has been gone now for about 2 plus weeks. He is at Pre-Ranger School and I hope doing well. But I wanted to tell you a little about him. 1st off he has always wanted to go to Ranger School. Even before he entered the Air Force and even more after he switched over to the Army. Being a SF (in the AF) and now a MP in the Army, you would think that he would be able to get a spot easily. Well they kind of think Police Officers don't really need that kind of training. So he has worked really really hard to be able to go to Ranger School. We even moved here to Fort Bragg in the hopes that they would give him a chance. Well as you see he got his chance. But before they let you go to Ranger School (which is a 9 plus week course) you have to go to Pre-Ranger School. Pre-Ranger School is where they weed out the non dedicated soldiers. I hear it is very hard and very demanding. Well in the minute of the night (of the 30th and 1st) Billy called to wish me a Happy Anniversary. This really meant a lot to me. He could get kicked out of Pre-R just for taking the chance. He said that their class started with 65 guys and was down to 16. Which tells you how dedicated Billy is. One thing I have learned about Billy in the 10 plus years I've known him is that when he wants something, nothing can stop him from getting it. He is an amazing man and I am very lucky to have him in my life. While he has a huge dedication to his career, he has an even bigger dedication to his family. He is an amazing father and great husband. While he is gone a whole lot, when he is home he is home. He makes time for each of the kids. He takes them out for one on one time. For example when Ireland gets to go on a date with her dad, she usually picks the same thing every time, a movie and dinner at Chili's. (He actually went and sat through the whole movie of High School Music 3 just for her). Also when he goes on arraigns he takes all of them just so he can spend more time with them. He rocks as a Dad! I am so proud of him and all he does. I am very blessed to have him in my life.

May 1, 1999 Today is Our 10th Anniversary

So ten years ago today Billy and I got married in the Manti Temple in Manti, Utah. I know, who knew we would last that long (well I did). For those of you who don't know we met in High School. My best friend Angela and I decided to go to a birthday party for a girl, who I can't even remember her name. We walked in and there was Billy sitting on the couch drink some nasty lemonade. We walked over to him because he was the only other guess (and he was cute). We ended up talking the rest of the night (which is the only thing that kept us at the party). From then on I saw him more often at parties and stag dances. Plus Angela started to date him and so he was in our lives a little more. After he graduated he went up to Ricks College (BYU Idaho). I started to write him letters while he was up there. He would come home for Christmas Breaks, Spring Breaks, and pretty much any break they had. I would see him every once and awhile but, we soon lost touch and I stopped writing. A couple of years later I went to a missionary home coming in his ward. On the wall they had the traditional missionary placks saying where their missionaries were servicing. Billy had gone to the St. Louis, Mission and it had his address up there. So I decided to write down his address, but it took me about two months to get up the nerve to write him. A funny little side note the same week I wrote Billy his girlfriend "Dear John'd" him. I continued (not knowing about the girl friend until way later) writing him for the last 6 months of his mission. He came home and we started to date (that's when I learn of the girlfriend). We dated for a couple of months and I decided I was going to get ready to go on my mission. So we just hung out as friends. Until one day I started to have this overwhelming desire to not go on a mission (which I had no reason not to except I just didn't feel like I should). I told Billy about it and told him I didn't know why because I wasn't in school or anything. I just didn't want to go. Billy at this point (which I did not know) was very happy and asked if he could talk to my Dad (parents) the following weekend. We had never talked of marriage while we were dating and it defiantly didn't come up in this conversation. Billy didn't want me to go on a mission, but he didn't want to be the one to stop me from going either. So when I told him I didn't feel like going he jumped at the chance. So a couple of days later Billy asked my Dad (parents) if he could marry me. Later that night he asked me. Which having 3 1/2 kids later and this being our 10th anniversary, you should know what I answered him.
I love Billy and am very grateful to have him in my life. Even though for the past (at least) 3 years he has not been with me to celebrate our anniversary (why would today be any different). He has shown me the world. I can't imagine my life without him and all he does for me (us). He is my lobster!

Taekwondo ATA Style

So the kids have been taking karate for about 2 months now. They love it! I was very surprised how much they do love it. Ireland really listens and has great coordination (which she is my spill everything kid). Zona just loves to fight and say, "Hi-Yah!" Broc is one of the best in his class. Billy and Broc our in one class. While Ireland and Zona are in the 'Tiny Tigers' class. It's fun to go and watch them all. It's helped a lot with Zona's, let just say extra energy. It's helped Ireland with her coordination and listening skills. While Broc it's just given him confidence and skill. This is a pictue of them in class! They just tested for their orange belt.

I spoke in Church today

So I was asked to speak on Pres. Uchtdorf's priesthood talk. As I expressed earlier I really had a hard time with which way to take this talk. I ended up focusing on What are the Important Things we should be focusing on. I had 4 main points that I talked about.
1.)Seek the Spirit
2.)Serve Others
3.)Try to have a balanced perspective
4.)Have Faith
I felt that my talk went really well. I usually get so nervous that I skip most of what I want to say and stumble over what I do say. This talk I felt very calm and said exactly what I wanted and needed to say. I am so glad it is over. I am defiantly not one of those people that feels comfortable speaking in public.
Just a side note* Zona got out of the car today at church and saw a pine cone on the ground (North Carolina is one huge Pine Forest) and says, "Hey mom this pine cone came from the tree. Look up (pointing at the tree) there, there's pine cones all over in the tree. Mom you didn't tell me that pine cones come from the tree." He seemed really mad at me for not telling him where pine cones come from. So don't make the same mistake I did and tell your kids that pine cones come from pine trees.

How do you get a baby in your belly?

So for the last couple of months Zona has been telling me he has 2 babies in his belly. I joke with him and ask what's their names. He usually give me made up names like COCO and BUBBS. Well this morning at breakfast Ireland asked Zona how he got the babies in his belly. He said, "Well the babysitters come and dig a big whole down in your belly (which sounds painful). Then they leave the babies there." Ireland then said, "But your not big and fat like Mom!" So I guess I've hit the "Big and Fat" stage of this pregnancy.
*Side note: I'm only having one baby and I don't know where Zona is coming up with 2 babies.

So Sunday I gave the Joseph Smith lesson in Relief Society (translation... I taught the women of my church). I really had a great time with this lesson. I knew exactly what I wanted to say and how to say it. I only got through half of what I was supposed to. But I felt getting ready for the lesson that that would happen. I have met a great bunch of women in this ward. They are strong through their trials. Joseph Smith said, "If you will put away from your midst all evil speaking backbiting, and ungenerous thoughts and feelings: humble yourselves, and cultivate every principle of virtue and love, then will the blessings of Jehovah rest upon you, and you will yet see good and glorious days; peace will be within your gates, and prosperity in your borders." I strongly feel that if we step out of our own little bubble (world) and put others needs before our own we will have strength and comfort in our troubles/trials. You won't feel the need to talk bad about someone if you service them. If you love them you won't and can't find fault with them. I want to work harder at serving everyone around me.
I also got a phone call this morning from the bishop (the preacher of our church). He asked if Billy and I would be able to speak in church on Sunday. Well Billy is at Pre-Ranger School and so he gets out of it. But I was asked to talk on Elder Uchtdorf's Priesthood Session talk. Which of course I was not there to hear (It's a talk just for the men of our church). So I looked it up on the net and read it. I have to be honest I feel stumped. I don't know which way to take this talk. It's about staying focused on the big picture during times of trial. If anyone has a story or a bit of advice I am very very open to any ideas.

New Blog Page

Okay so I've been totally learning how to better my blog page. My friend Cindy Howard (we met in Georgia at church) totally inspires me to learn more about my blog. I wanted to spice it up a little. The playlist is a totally stolen idea from my sister-n-law Renee's family blog. I'm still tweaking the colors but I'm totally having fun doing it. I'm completely Internet retarded so it's like a whole new world to explore and learn from. So if you have ideas please share.

New Life Day

Okay so a year ago today I had the great opportunity to donate my kidney to a good friend. Alvin had been on dialysis for almost 6 years. When I first started the process I thought it was as easy as saying, "Okay I have the same blood type lets do it." Well it's a little harder than that. Even if you have the same blood type as someone that doesn't mean you will be a match to donate. I took blood test after blood test and urine after urine test. Even then I had to take a CAT scan, MRI, EKG, ex-rays of my kidneys, an ex-ray where they put dye throughout my body (which I can't remember what it's called),and many many interviews to check my sanity and dedication . Plus more blood tests and urine tests. Believe me it wasn't as easy as saying, "I will do it." By the time the surgery was scheduled I didn't think it would really happen. But on April 15, 2008 around 5:00am my mom, my sister Amber, Alvin and his wonderful wife Candace all met up at the hospital. They took me back and of course took more blood and urine, and prepped me for surgery. From this point on I didn't see Alvin until the next day. The nurses then took me to the hall right outside the surgery room. I met the doctor and the anestegologist for the first time. They talked to me for a minute about what was going to happen and the anestegologist started his magic (yes right there in the hall). The last thing I remember was the anestegologist telling me that he donated his kidney a year earlier and me saying, "Oh that is so woooooonderfuuuuuul." I said it in this very over dramatic way and I thought to my self 'that sounded more dramatic than I wanted'. The next thing I remember was waking up and not being able to open my eyes. I heard voices and was having trouble breathing. I then fell a sleep again and woke up to a nurse yelling at me to stop crying. I seriously had no idea I was crying. I definitely had no control over it. I was really out of it. They then took me to my room where my mom and sister Amber was waiting for me. The first question I asked was how Alvin was doing. He had been kept in ICU until morning for extra precaution but was doing great. When I finally got to see him, he looked great. He seemed a million times better.

The whole process was a huge learning experience for me. I learned so much about myself and what strength I do have. I learned how much my family really loves me and wants my dreams to be achieved. I learned that I put Billy through a lot of stress because he wasn't there to help. I learned that my kids really love me. I'm grateful that Alvin is doing great a year later. I'm so very blessed I knew I could do something beyond myself and that's why I donated my kidney. The hymn "Because I Have Been Give Much"....I too must give, explains exactly how I feel. I have been given so much. I have amazing parents, awesome brothers and sisters, and was raise in a very happy home. I married a man that I can't even express how much I love and am grateful for. He gave me 3 1/2 kids which I have the great opportunity to watch grow and they teach me so much. I had one huge worry about donating my kidney. I knew our family wasn't finished and I wanted at least one more child. I am due June 30th and everything is going great.

Zona vs. The Bouncy Castle

Poor Zona and Broc whacked heads. Zona found out how hard Broc's head is. While they were in the bouncy castle Broc bounced one way and Zona bounced to met him. The poor little guy cried for awhile which isn't like him. We put ice on it because it swelled up pretty big. But two days later this is what it looks like. He's so strong and brave about the whole thing. Not considering the head whacking they had a great time in the bouncy castle. When it was time for bed they all went right to sleep. It was a great party! My heart breaks every time I see Zona's poor little cheek.

Saturday Conference

Today was Broc's birthday party. We invited a lot of kids and it was great. Billy rented a BIG bounce castle from the MWR (on post activity place). The kids loved it and it made it so much easier to entertain the tons of kids we had. They ate pizza, fruit, ice cream, cake, and drank a lot capri suns. I got to met and talk to a lot of great moms. It was nice to met new people. It was also Conference Weekend (I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints. If you don't know every April and October we get to hear from the prophet and his apostles). I love listening to Conference! They always seem to hit right on what I'm stressing about. I needed to here about debt. I need to be more aware of if I need, want, or can live without things I buy. I know I can work harder on being more giving to others (for example with our fast offerings). I also need to work more on my faith. I love feeling like I can do these things. Instead of, it's too late for my salvation. I LOVE CONFERENCE!

Broc is 8!

Today is Broc's 8th birthday, which he has been looking forward to. Let me tell you a little about Broc. Of all my kids he is the most like me. He worries like me but with that he also has a huge heart. He loves WII and playing Tony Hawk and Ben 10. He just started karate and is a orange belt (he had his graduation from white to orange last night). He loves to hang with his cousin Hunter (which he doesn't get to very often because we live so far away). He wants to be a Police Officer and a Master (Karate black belt) when he grows up. For those that don't know turning 8 is a big deal in our church. This means Broc can be baptized. He is going to wait to be baptized in Utah when we go back, so that his cousins (and the rest of the family) can be there.
Broc really is an amazing kid. He has taught me so much in his short life. (Poor guy, he's my guinea pig). I love to see the world through his eyes.

Venice Martin Priddis 1924-2009

Billy's grandma mother passed away last night. She was very kind to me. I think she related to me a lot. She was a military wife and new how it was to raise a small family by yourself for long periods of time. She would always go out of her way to make me feel welcome and wanted. Great Grandma Priddis was born in Cowley Wyoming. She later moved to Utah and then on to California until Grandpa swept her off her feet. She was creative and brilliant with ideas. She spent her life being a mother of four boys (Bob, Chris (Billy's father), Ron and Rick and married to a man that loves her beyond belief. They would have a family "Pig Out" every conference weekend. It was at those great family events that I got to know her best. She will be very much missed. But she has "Lived" and I will never let my children forget her and her life.

Move in Day is Over

Okay so we got our stuff yesterday, Yippy! I have never missed my bed so much. But I think Zona missed his more. Yesterday after the guys set up his bed he walked into his room and said, "Oh beautiful beds!" I think he is sick of sleeping on the floor.
We also got some news last week. Billy got a ranger spot, which he's been trying for since he got into the military. Which is awesome except I'm going to have a baby. So we decided that me and the kids will move back home to Utah until Billy gets done. So I will have the baby in Utah with a lot more support than I have out here. Also the doctor said that I have a big chance of having an early term pregnancy and I have to be watched a lot closer in my last trimester. So I need all the extra help I can get. So Yippy I'm coming home (for at least a little while).

Our House

Okay so we got our house. There was carpet in the dining room, two different kinds of wood laminates in the living room, and a huge patch of tile taking up a corn of the living room. So it looked really funny. For the past 3 days now we have had wood floors put in throughout the dining room, living room, stairs, and the hall in the second floor. All the same color, all very, very much different from what was already there. The stairs also had this ugly blue almost dirty gray looking carpet. We had dark cappuccino wood floors put in. Everything is almost completed except the stairs which they are finishing up today. I was feeling a little depressed when we got our house because it really needed a new makeover. I do have to say I am so very sick of painting and we haven't even started painting up stairs (which we are getting new carpet in the rooms this week too). We also got a new stainless steel frig. today Yippee! They took out the old 1950 (and not a cool vintage) frig this morning. For the past week I have had the pleasure of picking up everything that falls out of the door when I open it, because the bar was broken (come on you all know what I'm talking about). I am so very grateful for the changes and how this house is really coming along. Side note we got renters in our Georgia home. (What a huge relief that is). I will show pictures as soon as I get some taken.

Moving Day

Okay, so Monday was moving day. I hate moving day just as much as move in day. I hate the fact that some old dirty guy is touching my stuff. Don't get me wrong I like not doing it my self, BUT I would handle my stuff with a lot more care than what they do. This move out of all the moves we have had has been the worst. They forgot a lot of stuff like for example everything in the attic. Plus they were here until 9:00pm (which has never happened). They also put a huge hole in our wall when they were moving our entertainment center. Well enough of my complaining.
I'm excited to be moving. Georgia (the state) and I didn't agree with each other as much as I would have liked to. I'm hoping North Carolina will be a lot better. I am going to miss a lot of new friends that I've met. I have a great friend here name Annie. She is amazing! She how ever is moving back to Cali (where she's from) because her husband is deploying. So if I stayed she wouldn't be here anyways. I also loved the beaches, Savannah, alligator swamps, and the many, many frogs after a rain storm.
One of the many things I love about moving is finding out all the things the town we move too has to offer. I'm really looking forward to what North Carolina has to offer. I've heard a lot of great things about it. So as I learn I will of course post pictures and tell you all about it.

Baby News

I had to go to a High Risk Pregnancy doctor on Wednesday. My test for AFP came back positive. Which means that a normal pregnant woman's AFP is at about 1.5. Mine was at 3.5. AFP is the protein that the fetus gives off from their liver. It then goes into the amniotic fluid and then through the placenta and into my pee. I pee out to high of a level of protein which sends out warning signs. This can mean a wide range of problems. Spinabifada being one of the top concerns. So when they look at the high text ultrasound they look for spine irregularities, brain swelling, and or webbed feet. Spinabifada babies let out to much AFP through the whole in the spine. My doctor saw no Spinabifada problems from the ultrasound. So he said this could mean a couple of different things. My placenta sack could have leeks which can cause stillbirth, early pregnancy, and or big problems towards the end of my pregnancy. It could also mean it's just high and they don't know why.
I did however learn and see a great deal while going to this doctor. The baby is a boy for example (which I was certain it was a girl and I have never been wrong. Go figure!) I got to see his heart and it's 4 chambers, 2 kidneys, brain, and all fingers and toes. It was amazing to see this little guy in such great detail. It really was beautiful! I am so very grateful for the amazing tecnology we have at our fingers. It really brought to light having this little person right inside of me.

I Know, I know, It's Been Awhile

Okay the past month has been really crazy! My family came and visited and we went all over. We went to Sea World, Florida Keys, Savannah, and Fort Benning. We had a great time! Amber (my sister) could only stay for a week. She had to get back to her job. My parents however were able to stay a couple of weeks longer.
Sea World was cold but really fun. We went to Orlando and it was a very cold couple of days. I was kind of embarrassed because I told my family to dress light. Amber ended up buying coats the whole time.
We then went on down to the Keys. It was a lot warm there. We rode on a glass bottom boat which we saw a shark and a bunch of other cool looking fish. We also saw a bunch of iguanas which were huge and had flaming colors. (I thought they were going to eat me).
From there we had to head back home (Billy had to work). We hit all the local sites here. Savannah is actual an amazing historical place. A lot of history so little time. We went to the River walk and just drove down it because it was cold..... It has amazing cobblestone roads and walk ways which were built back when the town was built.
Amber had to head back to freezing Utah. We had a great time with her. (and Amber Ireland misses her roommate). Amber did however get to go home to take snowboarding lessons. Which I'm jealous of.
My parents stayed and we got to go to Fort Benning which is the best post/base I've been to. Billy got to go achieve a big goal and go to Jump School. We got to go visit him for the weekend. We stayed in a Lodge Cabin which was a lot of fun. We saw deer at dusk and armadillos at sunrise. It was great!
My parents also had to leave and get back to their lives in Utah but we loved having them out as long as we got. We hope to see them again in June in North Carolina when the baby comes.
Today we also found the house we want in North Carolina. So hopefully it will all work out. I really hate the whole buying a house game. It's all about playing chest and gambling that what you want will work.
I love my family! I have been very blessed to have the parents I have. My brothers and sisters are without the best in the world! My kids are amazing and special. I do have the greatest husband and I don't know how I got so lucky to get him. Hope you're as lucky as I am!

My Family is Coming! Yippy!

Okay I'm way excited to see my mom, dad, and sister Amber. It's been October since I saw my parents and July since I saw Amber. It's always nice when family can come visit us. We are going to go everywhere; DisneyWorld, Florida Keys, beaches, swamps, Savannah, and pretty much anywhere else I can drag them. Georgia has so much to offer. I'M SO EXCITED!

Gainsville, Florida

We went to Gainsville, Florida this past weekend, home of the Gators. Billy competed in a Triathlon. He did great! He was a little discouraged about his swim but it will make him work harder and rock next time. He works so hard to compete in these triathlons. I get wornout just thinking about it. Someday I would like to compete in one of these. For now my body is working on a baby. So I'll finish this first and then work on the triathelon.

Happy New Year

I love the new year.....kind of. It usually has me trying to lose weight and looking like Cathy Ireland with in the first 3 months. But since I'm pregnant I'm off the hook this year. So I woke up this morning to breakfast in bed (I love it when Billy has a day off from work!). Well I want to tell you what happened this morning. Billy had gone on a long bike ride. When he got home he was really really sweaty. Well Zona comes up to Billy and says, "Dad will you fight me!" (Zona loves to play fight). Billy tells him, "Hey Big Man not right now I got to take a shower." Zona then just lets out this, "AHHHHH Man!" and throws himself on the floor like his arm had just been cut off. So Billy concedes and says, "Okay Big Man lets fight!" Billy puts up his dukes and Zona runs at him and starts to fight. The minute he touches his Dad he steps back and in a very serious voice says, "Hey Dad you remember you have to take a shower?" I couldn't stop laughing! It was so funny. Zona makes me laugh all the time with what he says. Lately he likes to say stuff like, "Ummm let me think about it!" and he puts his finger on his chin while he thinks about it. I hope you all have a Zona that makes you laugh this year. Have a great year!!!