So it wasn't the cheesecake

After a day of terrible fussiness, and blaming it on the delicious cheesecake at General Women's Conference and the additional to die for key lime pie at my mom's house afterwards, Little Miss showcased her first pearly white this morning. So Honey IT WASN'T THE CHEESECAKE (or at least I'd like to think so). P.S. A special thank you to Jess for rescuing me from insanity. All your help with her yesterday meant more to me than you know. You are an angel!

You call that camping

Erick headed up to Heber for the weekend. Unfortunately that left us out of the Ward Campout fun. I typically would have taken the opportunity to catch up on housework or projects. However the urge to let it all go and just play with my kids came over me. I love it when I follow through on those urges. So what'd we do? We camped in the backyard. I have never camped in the backyard before, not even as a kid. I must say, I think a found a new favorite way to camp. My favorite part about the backyard verses backwoods camping... Little time spent packing and unpacking! The kids and I set up the tent, ate pizza, made smores on the barbecue, and they (not I) put down a whole gallon of chocolate milk by morning. We played games and just hung out. We missed dad, but the experience was definitely a favorite! Thanks kids. You are great!

Oh my cursed weakness!!!

Little Miss has by far the most sensitive stomach of all my babies. From early on I learned all dairy, nuts, seeds, beans, garlic, onion, peppers, green chilies, curry, chili powder, sugars, chocolate, and soy reeked havoc on her poor little tummy. Even a snitch of the afor mentioned items was guaranteed to result in a miserable day thereafter in our house. Not willing to give up nursing combined with complete and utter bottle refusal on her part, I hunkered down on what felt like the strictest diet ever. I was already an avid label reader but further became a "if you have a label I can't eat you" gal. And well, restaraunts were pretty much out of the picture. So what have I subsisted on? Canned chicken (yes, I can it myself), triscuits (the only thing with a label that is permitted entrance), eggs, beef, oatmeal, rice milk (gag - but a saving grace), and most fruits and veggies. Eventually I began making my own loaf of bread, separate from the families, with no milk and agave nectar instead of honey (for some reason the agave didn't seem to bother her like honey and sugar). That was a huge help. And then came the goat milk. A few weeks ago, at the suggestion of a friend, I tried fresh goat's milk. FABULOUS!!! A definite winner. My shredded wheat (okay one more thing with a label but as with triscuits the ingredient list consists of merely wheat) and bananas became much more enjoyable. A little pricey, but worth it. All was going well, but I was seriously missing butter, chocolate, and sugars. A couple weeks ago, I began testing the waters.... A little cheese here, a little butter there, a touch of onion and garlic and, with the exception of hummus, things were running smoothly. Well yesterday a serious day of weakness befell me. I can't call it a moment, because it was literally all day. I have a massive weakness for butter brown, sugar, and coconut. I think it stems back to the days when my mom used to make oatmeal cake with a broiled coconut brown sugar frosting on it. Oh the memories. Well the Choir treat was just that. You know those bars with the coconut, chocolate and butterscotch chips, butter, brown sugar and sometimes sweetened condensed milk. Yeah that was it. Can you say suicide? I couldn't stop eating them. In all seriousness I think I ate ten of them (maybe even more). They were so yummy! Granted it could have just been the months of sugar starvation talking - either way my poor baby had no chance. I was hoping for the best, but I suppose I knew deep down I was in serious trouble. Sure enough after 45 minutes of screaming in her crib this morning at naptime, I gave in to her cries, nursing the darling to sleep, something I don't want her to be dependant on, but pretty much the only thing she wants when gassy and exhausted. Unfortunately, until it has run its course, nursing feeds the problem, yet provides her the desired comfort she wants. Let's just say, hopefully I'll be wiser in the future. So sorry baby!!!

SLOW DOWN!!!

I thought your last baby was supposed to take the longest to learn all those things that moves them from baby to toddler. You know like rolling, crawling sitting up, standing, and walking. Then tell me why is my baby already doing this....

Yes, she not only rolls,

crawls,

and sits up,

but now she also pulls herself into a standing position at the couch, in her crib or anywhere else she can find something to support her. Funny thing is she hasn't yet figured out how to sit back down. Consequently, naptime is torture. She gets stuck standing up crying and doesn't know how to lay herself back down to go to sleep. At the rate she's going she'll probably have it figured out by next week and be walking the next! SLOW DOWN BABY! Let me enjoy the ride! I have to say, I truly am enjoying this earthly little angel. Even with the STILL sleep deprived nights, she is ray of sunshine. Her smiles, laughter, cuddles, hugs, kisses, and tantrums are such a delight. I'm so grateful the Lord sent us one more.

A warm fuzzy night in the jacuzzi!

We had a great night tonight! A couple weeks ago we had a family home evening on friends. Included in our discussion was the importance of our family members being our friends. I told the story of cold pricklies and warm fuzzies. The following week the family worked extra hard to share warm fuzzies. By so doing we filled our warm fuzzy jar and earned pizza movie night in the jacuzzi. Tonight was our first chance to cash in on it. Erick fired up the jacuzzi and set up the entertainment system outside. I made the best grilled pizza and cinnamon rolls ever! We pigged out while watching Veritas: The Prince of Truth and relaxing in the jacuzzi. Even Alex, the cutest baby ever, was loving the special occasion kickin back in her baby float. 

I sure am grateful to be part of this family.

No empty chairs

For my dad's birthday Chrystalyn suggested we (my sisters) all get together and take my dad to the temple. A date was set and arrangements made for all our hoodelums. To my amazement we were all there, including mom. We hit an old family favorite restraunt , Red Robin, first, dropped off Alex with some friends then headed to the temple. Dad requested we do sealings instead of endowments, allowing us a more intimate setting. My heart was full of gratitude as, while, yes, we were without our spouses, I was still reminded of the story of the empty chairs. There we were together sealed as a family with no empty chairs amongst us. My hope and prayers are that one day chairs will also be filled with our spouses, children and their spouses. Grateful tonight for the temple, its sealing powers, parents who constantly pointed us to the temple, and my Savior who provides me the opportunity to obtain all the blessings that accompany sacred covenants made within its holy walls.

What a special day

We had the sweet opportunity of doing baptisms for the dead with Kess on Friday after school. Erick took the afternoon off work and the three of us went in to the Mesa temple together. After making all the arrangements for the other kids, getting ready, and driving in to town, Makessa realized she forgot her recommend on the kitchen counter. Thankfully the temple workers were able to reach Bishop and get the okay for her to go in. It certainly rattled her nerves a bit but hopefully just enough to help her remember it in the future. Despite the rough start, our experience was beautiful. It felt so good having Erick with us. He performed the confirmations and the baptisms. While in the locker room dressing into our whites, the spirit of that special day and what we were doing was so powerful. I asked Makessa how she was feeling. She took my hand got a little teary and said kind of scared. I asked her is it that you're scared or are you overwhelmed with the spirit? She answered, I'm not sure; maybe both. We prayed together and went on to finish our work. The following day a close friend of ours, Hannah Reid was baptized. I love attending baptisms because the spirit is always so strong. So it was that day as well. The following Monday Erick asked Makessa.to share her temple experience with the family. (An inspired request.) She told Sam and Jacob the nuts and bolts of it all. Coaching her I asked and how did you feel, expecting to hear a standard "good" answer. But instead, with tears in her eyes she said, at first I thought I was scared, but then when I went to Hannah's baptism I realized what I was feeling was the same feeling I felt at my baptism and inside the temple. It was a powerful feeling of the spirit. It was so tender; so genuine. My heart melted. I gave a silent thanks to the Lord for allowing her to embrace this experience of feeling the impressions of the Holy Spirit.

Blackberry YEAH!

Got new phones yesterday. Posting a test entry with mine.

Tumbling Two

Last year the girls chose to join cheerleading squads. They enjoyed, but his year they decided to change direction a little. In October they started tumbling with Donna Averett. It's great! They love it and so do I! The time is much earlier than cheer. We get home at 5:30 instead of 8:30 and the atmosphere is so much nicer! None of that attitude and "show" that comes with cheer! (Sorry to any of you cheerleaders out there! Just don't like the drama!) Donna teaches out of her garage. She has them on floor, bar, beam, and trampoline. The girls have made good progress over the past few months. Kess recently learned her front walkover and almost has her back handspring. Sam amazes us with her handstands and almost has her back walkover. They had a tumbing performance last Friday. Real low key. Family and friends were able to come and watch the routines they had put together. It was great to see what they've been learning!

Kess on beam.

Sam on beam.

Kess front handspring.

Sam handstand.

Way to go girls!!!

made me laugh!

This morning Jacob was by my side and Alex started gruntin' and filling her pants. I said to him she's poopin.' He said, "Yeah, I know. I make a CRY FACE too when I poop, but I don't cry." Made me laugh!

Blessing Day

On Sunday we blessed Alex. Erick gave her the blessing with Stan (grandpa), Rick (grandpa), Jarel (uncle), Brant (uncle), & Justin (bishopric & friend) all standing in the circle. She had no pacifier and fussed through the whole thing. Nonetheless still a beautiful blessing.

She was blessed to learn from her sisters and parents, to have the spirit with her, and have good health throughout her life. She was blessed that as she struggled to keep the commandments she would be strong and dilligent in her choices. She was counseled to follow the example of her sisters and cousins, to depend on family to teach and guide her in the paths she should follow, and blessed with the tenderness needed to reach out to grandmas, grandpas, aunts, and uncles to guide her throughout her life. Simple but powerful.

Alex was as equally as beautiful as her blessing. We are blessed to be part of a family with some very talented seamstresses. For this special day we were blessed to have Aunt Tiffini make her blessing dress. It was so beautiful. Everything I hoped for. Its beauty was greatly enhanced by its simplicity. I loved the length, the fabric, the pleats, and the beautiful lace. She looked like an angel. Thank you Tiffini.

It was not only a blessing day for Alex, but a day for me to recognize my blessings as well. As I sat on the bench surrounded by 17 little neices and nephews, I found myself getting slightly aggitated by their busy little bodies in this confined space. However, it didn't take long before I realized wait, what a blessing it is for me to have all these little neices and nephews. These are the cousins to whom my daughter is to look to. Our families love us enough to be there with us on this special day. It is this family, grandmas, grandpas, uncles, aunts, and cousins who will help mold and shape my daughter. I couldn't ask for better examples. If I were to pick a family for my children to learn and grow from, I don't know of a better choice. What a blessing they are to us. For this I will be forever be grateful.

More Blessing Pics

THANKS ANDREA!!!

BIPPITY BOPPITY BOO!

Each one of my kids are amazing in their own way. Tonight, however, it's Kess I write about. Throughout the past few years, she has been such a tremendous help to me whenever I have needed it most. When I was pregnant with Calli on the verge of passing out, which did happen more than once, she would quickly make me breakfast, or took care of the other kids so I could lay down, or whatever I asked. She has been showering Jacob from the time he could walk. She is a great babysitter and is always willing to babysit for me. When neither Erick or I could make the trip downstairs at night, she would tuck the other two kids into bed for us. She takes care of the chickens without being asked. She is INCREDIBLE with Alex. She is very money conscience, considerate of not only conserving her money, but ours as well. She has really gone the extra mile in putting hard work into her school work this year. She has such a deep desire to truly do what is right. She cares about her health and is my best and healthiest eater. It's fun when she pulls out my salad cookbook looking for a new salad to try for dinner. She's quick to do her chores without complaint. And she's forgiving and understanding when her dad and I make mistakes. I love this girl! Last week she cleaned the entire kitchen three nights in a row by her self while I slept. And as if that's not enough, one of the nights she folded a huge batch of Alex's laundry as well. I wonder sometimes if she feels like CINDERELLA. But wait that would make me the WICKED stepmother. BIPPITY BOPPITY BOO!

SLEEPING BEAUTIES!

Longing to be close but too sick to get too close. Poor kid.

Sam's jammies say it all..."SWEET."

This kid is definitely Alex's second mommy. Heck, I think if she could nurse her, she'd put me up for the running for my job.

Yes, even Mr. Tough Guy.

My blessings here are so very obvious. My heart is filled with gratitude for them.

Quilted with Love

My mom is so amazing. As is evident by the photograph, she is amazing at what she does. But what you can't see in the picture is how amazing she is for who she is. Mom came over today bringing me groceries. After taking care of it all, she helped tackle the laundry monster. While here, we took pictures of Alex with her precious baby quilt. Mom makes one for all her grandbabies. Alex is number sixteen. Each of my children's quilt is a treasured possession of theirs. Each hand sewn stitch represents just a portion of the love she has for them. I hope someday my children are able to appreciate how blessed they are to have this woman as their grandma!

She needs a bow!

I had just finished dressing Alex, when Jacob walks in and says, "where's her bow mom?" It was obvious that it was important to him that she had a bow in her hair. I asked him, "do you want her to have a bow?" A solid nod of the head followed. I told him where to find them, and together we picked out a bow for Alex. I love that he cares so much about his little sister.

Another New Beginning

We are very blessed to be enjoying not only a newness in our family with the addition of Alex, but also a newness with Samantha as she entered the waters of baptism on Saturday.
She was as beautiful as ever inside and out. Grandma Jones helped me tailor her dress to her liking, no ties in the back. She wore her necklace and bracelet our friend Tara made for her. And we put a simple headband in her hair, her favorite way to do her hair, with a basic flip up done with a cutling iron by Makessa. Best of all she had her nails painted by her dad. It was very sweet.

She had the privelege of having her daddy baptize her, broken foot and all. Grandpa Jones and Grandpa Morrow were the witnesses. Her dad confirmed her a member and conferred the gift of the Holy Ghost upon her, with both grandpas, uncle Jarel, uncle Brant, and our friend and bishopric member Justin Organ all in the circle with him. A beautiful blessing was pronounced upon her. In large part, it spoke of her using her personality to help bring others to the truth. She has such a contagious personality. I have always felt from the time I was pregnant with her, this kid was going to be one heck of a fighter for one side or the other. And that I needed to make sure I was actively teaching and guiding her in the direction that would enable her to be one the Lord's valuable warriors. I was also particularly intrigued by the counsel she was given to look to and rely on her sister, Makessa, throughout her life. I found this interesting because, while I don't remember much about her baby blessing, this is the one thing I do remember. She was counseled then, as an infant, to look to the example of her older sister and rely on her. As a mom, I realized that I need to be helping her to form the kind of relationship with her sister that will enable her to turn to her sister, look to her sister, rely on her sister and follow her example. While the girls are by no means enemies, they often seem too far from being good friends. Don't get me wrong, they love each other, frequently like each other, occasionally play together, and sometimes serve one another, but this needs to be the standard, not the exception. And so I was reminded of the importance and great need I have of helping them form this relationship.

The day not only represented a newness for Samantha, but inspired a kind of newness in myself. As I watch Sammy's enthusiasm about the gospel, her desire to do right, to remain clean and pure, it inspires me to want to have the same childlike purity - that same kind of enthusiasm about the things of light and truth. It is obvious to me why we are commanded to become as little children. Their cleanliness and purity is so heavenly, so Christlike. That is an attribute I will continue to try to develop.

It truly was a beautiful day. We had many challenges, particularly throughout the week, leading up to this day, but tried desperately not to let them overshadow this important event. Sammy was especially happy that her Grandma Mae and new baby sister, Alex, could be there. I was grateful for all the friends and family that helped us make this day successful and special for Samantha. After the service, we gathered in our backyard for a luncheon to further celebrate and enjoy that special day.

I am grateful for a loving Father in Heaven who continues to teach me through the gift of my precious children. I am grateful for a husband who is a worthy priesthood holder, who continues to use this gift to bless the lives of our family. I am grateful for children who have desire and try to do what is right. I am grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ and for the atonement, that allows me for the opportunity to become clean and pure, which in turn allows me to return home qualifying for the blessings of eternal life, an eternal family, and the privelege of raising my Calli in a resurrected state. Life is beautiful.

Welcome Alex!!!

Baby Alexandra Mae Morrow, or Alex as we call her, made her way into our hearts and into the world on Feb 23, 2009 at 6:22 a.m. weighing 7lbs 11oz and 20 inches long. She came into the world with beautiful strawberry blonde hair. Thanks to the best Doctor, Dr. Beck, and the best nurse, Lesley Calkins, my c-section went great! I had a lot of fear and anxiety prior to surgery. It was all I could do to keep myself from literally walking out of the hospital. However, after a blessing from Erick and the arrival of Lesley (she was my nurse when I had Calli), I finally began to calm down. Into the O.R. we went and our new baby girl was born. And born HEALTHY!!! She is our smallest, next to Calli, out of the bunch. How is it that my two smallest were the ones born via c-section? My anxieties are beginning to melt, and while baby Alex will never replace baby Calli, she certainly brings some healing to my heart and my family's hearts. We adore her. The kids can't get enough of her.

While things are blessed on the baby front, we are certainly experiencing some added challenges. Besides breaking his leg, Erick decided now would also be a great time to get sick , along with Jacob. I figured I wasn't in enough pain and decided to add a bladder infection on top of it. And then just in case that's not enough, as I was wrapping up Alex in her blankie last night a large gush of blood squirted right through my incision, soaking completely through my clothes and onto the carpet!!! So I am off to the doctor early this morning for them to check it. Through it all I still feel well loved, and well taken care of by friends, family, and especially my Heavenly Father.

Thanks to all for your help, love, and support! Enjoy the pics!

OFF TO THE HOSPITAL!!!

It's 3:30 a.m. and I'm off to the hospital to have this baby girl!!! I can't decide if I'm more terrified or more excited. Hopefully time will still bring further healing and peace. Love you all!

A CACTUS BROKE MY FOOT!!!

How in the world does a cactus brake your foot?!!! And why NOW?!!!

My shower had just ended. I was still at Amber's when I received a phone call from Erick, "I'm down at urgent care; I'm okay, but I broke my foot." WHAT!!!! "How did you brake it? A cactus fell on it. I gotta go; they just came in to give me a tetanus shot."

Well it turns out he, Jacob, Justin (Organ), Zak, and one of Justin's buddies went out near our house shooting. They were pretty much done for the morning when they decided to show the boys how there is cactus juice inside a cactus you can drink. Next to them was a 12 foot very old saguaro cactus. They picked at it and tasted it. While was getting a piece the cactus actually started falling over. Justin shoved him out of the way, he landed on his butt and the cactus on his foot, crushing it! Absolutely crazy! He has to wait until the swelling goes down to find out whether or not they will have to pin it or just cast it. Mind you he is supposed to baptize Sammy on Saturday!

As frustrated as I am about the whole situation I'm so grateful it was just his foot and not all of him that was crushed. So I am thanking the Lord for my blessings, including loved ones who I know will see to it that we are well taken care of.

SHOWERED WITH SO MUCH LOVE!!!

I feel extremely spoiled and extremely loved!

A few months ago my dear sister-in-law, Andrea, offered to throw me a shower for this new little baby girl. That was before Christmas and every time she mentioned it I just told her, "I don't know; we'll see after Christmas." So Christmas came and went and when the subject was brought up again, it honestly terrified me. While on one hand it sure would be fun and no doubt helpful, I was by no means emotionally ready. It was one more form of attatchment my heart did not want to make. The vulnerability it created was too much. However as the days passed on I continued to move forward thinning that invisible, yet very real, wall of protection around my heart. So it was after Lynn Kimpel's shower, I thought okay maybe we can do this. The next day my mom and sister said, "hey we want to throw you a shower!" So we called on Andrea to head it all up. She did a fabulous job! Thanks Andrea!!! However she had some amzaing help. Amber was so sweet to offer her home. And my mom, Aunt Linda, Kera, and Tara all helped with the food! I love a shower with great food!!! Thanks guys for all the time, effort, and expense!

Now let me just say the food was great but the treats this baby girl and were spoiled with that day went far beyond good food. Lots of adorable clothes, shoes, hair bows, diapers, wipes, flowers, scrapbook, blankets, toys, nursing cover, sling, mommy treats, and not to mention a totally awesome diaper bag (which I enjoyed stocking at 3 a.m. this morning!). Thanks so much to all my wonderful friends and family. I truly appreciate all your love and support! For those who couldn't make it, we missed you!!! But I know it was a busy day for so many and while not there in person I still felt your love and desire to be there.

So how did I handle it emotionally? Pretty well. Only got choked up twice I think. Still tender. But it was good. Thanks to all!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CALLI!!!

Today we celebrate the addition of Calli Elizabeth to our family. Many thanks to those who too shared their thoughts with us this day. I am deeply touched by those of you who remembered this day as a special one for our family. We are so blessed to be surrounded by good friends and family.

I decided to make her birthday cake from scratch, and with the help of the girls, used what we had to decorate it. Not sure if it was because of the love that went into it or just a good recipe, but it was very much enjoyed by us all.

I want to keep the tradition of doing some sort of service in her behalf each February. Last year we did our Calli bear service project. This year we decided to participate as a family in the "Two sisters - one heart" fundraiser event being held on Valentine's Day to benefit the conjoined Bailey twins. We are going to "run" (realistically walk) the one mile fun run together. May sound weak, but baby number five is less than 4 weeks away from making her debut, and that's about all my mind and body can handle.

The kids were sweet and thoughtful. This morning mention was made that today was Calli's birthday. Kess's response, "I know I was the first one to tell her Happy Birthday!" Jacob's prayer included, "Thank you we can blow out her candles." My niece Sara wanted to stay home from school on this special day and my niece Sage drew a picture for us.

So how did I handle year number two? I can't say it went without any tears, but they were few and had more to do with the up and coming than the past. I spent a few minutes looking through her scrapbook last night, let my heart hurt and my eyes tear for a few seconds then continued on to tucking my kids in bed. Though she left us in body I still feel her with us often. I know she is doing a great work for our family, one that can be done only on the other side of the veil, one that we don't fully understand. But none the less, I am eternally grateful to her for it. So while, yes I miss her, I find comfort in knowing she is not far and is no doubt the strongest member of our family team!

WE LOVE YOU CALLI!

DUNES!!!

Yes, another dune trip. According to my kids, especially Jacob, there's no such thing as too many dune trips! However, this season it looks like this will be our one and only family trip. Jacob and Erick went in December and might be able to do another one. We shall see. We had a good time. We were, as always, with great company...my parents (Rick and Dianna Jones), Jarel & Amber & kids, and Kera & Wess & kids. Not as big a crowd as usual but a good one. Oh and I can't forget we also brought Dora. Kessa's new dog from Christmas came along too. I really didn't take very many pics. But the on the second day I took a few of the little ones on a walk. We found this nice hill for the kids to play on.

Tess, Riley, & Jacob

However, Erick, Wess, & Jarel soon found us and put on a show. They are amazing!

Erick

Wess

Jarel

GOOD TIMES!!!