"When are you due?"

I am thinking of starting my own maternity wear business. Perhaps a T-shirt line with quotes like "My due date is ___, so don't ask" or how about "if I don't know you, don't tell me about your birthing experiences"!

For some reason, I have been bombarded this pregnancy by random strangers who feel obligated in some way to give me "advice" or go into explicit detail of their own special deliveries. At first, I was flattered that I could still be mistaken for a first-time mom to be. But, it's starting to get a little creepy.

Tonight while grocery shopping, an overweight, middle-aged, greasy woman, felt so inclined to share her delivery experience with me. I tried to be polite. It didn't work. I was at the other end of the cereal isle before she even realized I had started to walk away! She took a few quick, sharp turns to avoid the oatmeal and syrup display, and was soon back at my side to continue her story. By the time we reached the milk case, vomit had already started to climb the back of my throat. Saved by the fresh aroma of oranges, I quickly proceeded to the checkout stand to get as far away from this woman as possible.

I just don't get it? I don't go shopping in hopes that a seasoned woman will be there to "enlighten" me on this aspect of life. If I really want details about other women and their disgusting deliveries...I will turn the T.V. on and watch TLC!

Happy Birthday Ethan!

For Ethan's birthday this year, he decided he was old enough to go visit family in Utah. So for his "official" birthday yesterday, he wasn't home (sniff, sniff), but we were able to have a party for him before he left town.

Ethan really wanted to go to Chatfield to go boating for his party. He invited a couple friends for a sleepover the night before, then we headed to the lake in the morning.

If only everyday at Chatfield could be like this one. So calm, great weather, nice water, hardly any other boaters...Perfect! Mike had me convinced this is why we own a boat.

Ethan, Zach, and Trey.


It was a great day to celebrate turning 11.

We miss Ethan and cant wait for him to get home!

37 Weeks!

This one's for you Korie!

I swore I would never do this, but words can't describe how I am feeling right now. A picture says a thousand words though, right?

Happy Birthday Bells!

There is no doubt that Isabella was a welcome addition to our family. Although Ethan told everyone at school she was a boy, the two of them have had a special bond from the beginning. Since the day we brought her home from the hospital, she has added a certain love for life and everything in it. I can't imagine our family without this cute girl.

This was the day we brought Isabella home from the hospital. It was also moving day. And yes, there wasn't even enough time or energy to dress the kids. But let's be honest, Ethan usually spent most of the day in his underwear anyway!

I love it! This was Bella's first time to Lake Powell. So content with her capri sun, she spent hours just playing in the sand. The hair is just an added bonus!

Her Uncle Brett use to say she has more personality than our family combined!

I don't know where the last five years have gone? We are proud parents of a preschool graduate and are excited to see what the future holds for our sweet girl. Here's to a Happy 5th Birthday and many more to come!

BELOVED

Have you ever seen Mike's car? I refer to it only as "Mike's car", because I have nothing more to do with it after the events of yesterday.

Let me just start by taking a moment to highlight some of my favorite things about the beloved 1992 vintage Acura Vigor....

Not too bad from the outside...right?

This feature is by far my favorite...No exit handle on the driver side!

Mike once took his car in for emission testing and conveniently forgot to tell the operator how to get out of his car. After only a few minutes of brief panic and embarrassment, the operator was able to escape, and quickly realized the entertainment factor for all waiting customers on the other side of the glass in the lobby. Needless to say, the car passed with flying colors!

The driver seat. Appropriate looking for a car that has 300,000+ miles on it. When Mike re-entered his vehicle for the first time after I had driven it, he asked in disgust why there was a towel over his seat? I replied how I didn't like the way the foam felt on my sweaty prego butt after sitting in it for over an hour in 97 degree heat. After all, the towel was probably the only thing that actually worked yesterday!

I really can't complain too much. I have known for sometime now, that this really is only Mike's car. He has a special way with her, a gentle understanding between the two of them. I clearly crossed a boundary yesterday, and I swear on my life, it won't happen again. I can honestly say the next time it comes to taking Mike's car or riding my bike...I will gladly sew on my spandex and dust off the orange safety helmet!