Summer Cleaning

We were mostly done at this point.  The whole floor was covered and there were boxes everywhere.

Every year I clean out Brax's toy room closet.  It's always a disaster when I clean it and like it to look nice so he actually knows what is in there and can get to it.  I decided he was going to help me and it was going to get done before school started.  Today was the big day.  After three hours we were able to get it all done.  I should've taken a picture before because it was scary to even open the door, but now there is extra room and we even have his Christmas decorations in there.  We were both wiped out when we got done.  I definitely think we overdid it today!

Preparing for Change

I don't know that you can ever completely prepare for change.  I definitely wasn't ready for the change that is coming.  We are expecting baby #2.  I still can't believe it.  We found out on May 30th.  We announced after our first appointment on July 10th.  I am excited, but struggling at the same time.  I haven't been able to hold a lot of food down.  They just doubled up my meds.  I only threw up once yesterday and once today which is a drastic change.  I'm hoping that we can stay on top of it and figure it out.  I feel like our lives are going to turn upside down.  The last time I was pregnant was 9 years ago.  We tried for almost 8 years and now that it's here I do question why I wanted this.  I know that it'll definitely be worth it in the end.  I'm not complaining, I feel very blessed that we are able to have this opportunity.  We've prayed over the years about adopting or foster care but felt like they weren't the right options.  I do feel like it's like having our first all over again because it's been so long.  Brax is excited and really wants a sister.  We'll see what happens.

We are scheduled to have an ultrasound on September 11th.  Brax is going with us.  I have until then to decide whether or not we're going to find out what this child is.  Branden doesn't want to know and Brax does.  I'm undecided.  I figure we've waited this long I could wait another 5.5 months.  We'll see what I decide between now and then.  I'm currently 15 weeks along.  The baby is fine and it's heart is beating at approximately 160 bpm.  Brax went to the doctor with us this last Tuesday and was able to help the doctor find the heart beat.  He thought it was so cool!

In the mean time we are looking at purchasing baby items since we got rid of most of our stuff.  Like I said, it was unexpected.  I try to find neutral things just in case there's another one.  You never know.  We'll get on top of it all.  I do feel blessed and know everything is going to be fine.  I just need to hang in there while the nausea hangs with me.

Swimming Lessons

Branden had a scout camp to go to so I scheduled Brax's swim lessons around that.  He's been going for the last couple weeks.  Tomorrow is his last day.  It's been fun to watch him learn and grow in the pool.  All three of us love the water.  He's learning the butterfly and breast stroke.  He's also learning how to do flip turns.  He's in level 5 and if he passes he can join the swim team next summer.  He really wants to.  He also loves diving so much that we might put him in a diving class.  I just need to spend more time with him in the water in the winter months when we can't go to the lake.  He passed though so now we're done with swim lessons.  He wants to take a diving class next summer and possibly join the swim team.  We shall see!

July 24th Parade

We made it back for the 24th of July parade.  Every year the Primary puts a float in the parade and we were able to get Brax on the float.  He was so happy to hitch a ride.  Branden and I watched the parade together for the first time since we moved down here.  After we walked around the park and visited with friends, we headed to Ace to look at a few things and then get home for me to rest again.

Fish Lake 2012

 Every year we head to Fish Lake with the Andersons.  Once again we decided to spend a week there.  There are always a lot of things to do at Fish Lake.  This year I mostly just visited and went on a few walks.   Branden and Bryant took some of the nephew hiking and fishing to Lost Lake.  They also went fishing at Otter Creek Reservoir and at the the dock.  Different people went each time.  The boys and girls both went up to the fort quite a bit.  We played games and also got some much needed rest and relaxation.

 Ticket to Ride

 Playing Horseshoes

The scene from the front of our tent.

With the help of Branden and Christal, Brax made a paracord bracelet.  The kids do a craft every year and Christie Lee was in charge this year.

Fourth of July

Once again I was not feeling real great so on the 4th we decided to head to the parade.  The two neighbors heard what we were doing and really wanted to go so we took them.  We went to the parade and then the park after.  We didn't stay real long.  I would lay on the grass while Branden took the kids to do different activities.  They ran in races, golfed, sprayed water guns, and many other fun activities.  A lady was nice and gave us a bracelet she wasn't going to use so we got all the activities for free because of the kindness of another.

Round 2 of Cousins 2012

My in-laws were coming down for Brax's last baseball game so we decided to see if Brevan and Sydney could ride down with them.  Errol and MaeBeth were more than willing to bring them down.  The first day there we went to The Big Chill, Brax's baseball game, and dinner at JB's.  I also played in a softball tournament that night.

I felt really bad while Brev and Syd were here because I wasn't feeling very well.  They hung out around the house the most.  Branden was nice to take them out to Sand Hollow twice and to the splash pad.  They said they had fun and I really hope that they did because I felt so bad.