Brad is FAMOUS!

Brad and I went to the allergist to get tested for seasonal allergies. Brad was a trooper as they pricked his back with the different serums. Then the doctor asked if a news crew could interview us for the 5 pm news! Brad was BEYOND excited. I was up all night with Sophie and a sick Abby so I looked a bit better than death-warmed-over, but not much- so I wasn't too excited ( I should've worn make up, showered, brushed my hair- you know, groomed) Brad was very articulate and chatted like he knew the reporter. And boy, he was VERY excited to see himelf on the tv.

See! Truly addicted!

You should really be impressed with these pictures because I only shot a few frames and only had a few minutes. The baby was available but Steve was not. He does not like his picture taken. I told him I only needed his hands so he relented but he was quickly done. But the fact is, the pictures I took were exactly what I wanted.
A foot shot for the foot doctor.
You can see how tiny Sophie is in her big daddy's hands. So sweet.
Thanks for giving in, Steve.

Sorry about the obnoxious "EBL" on all of the pictures. I'm trying different watermarks and resolutions so no one can steal the photos off the internet. It freaks me out that anyone can copy them and send them around the world. Ack!

I'm an addict...

Isn't she delicious? I mean REALLY!

I am totally addicted to taking pictures of this sweet little ball of love. Someday she will smile for the camera but right now she loves to sleep for the camera-- not for me, but for the camera. For me, she is up all night NOT sleeping.

2 weeks old.

Back Blogging

So, I was supposed to have Baby #5 two days ago. Tuesday I had an amniocentesis to see if her lungs were developed. I did all the pre-op blood work and monitoring at the hospital. We took family photos and final belly measurements and photos. My mom had been here in the Texas heat for almost a week. We were ready! Then at 6 pm Tuesday night Dr. Allen called to say that the test results showed that her lungs were not ready and we would reschedule for next week.

AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

So, I am doing a bit of back blogging. There is a new video that I retro-filed in March. Check it out in the archive area.

Want a Preview?

Here's a sneak peak of our little #5!
She's sucking on her umbilical cord.


We took the kiddos to "Windows on the Womb" for a 3d ultrasound. They were very excited, jumping all over the room, giggling, and pointing at the monitor screen.

The Sweetest Sound on the Planet

The Signs of Summer

It must be that time of the year. The kids are counting down the end of school. The mosquitoes are nibbling all of our exposed body parts. The fireflies are flickering in the greenbelt. And our eyeballs are already red with chlorine. SUMMER is here!

And a car wash! Life is good.

I'm not sure why this is so grainy but pretend it is fabulous because it is! If you double click on it you can view it in Youtube and I think it will be wider.

Brad and Zach get baptized...

Once again I am lamenting the milestones my children reach. So fast? They couldn't possibly be 8. But they are. Brad and Zach were so excited for this special day.

The boys were baptized members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and received the Gift of the Holy Ghost through the holy priesthood which their father holds.

Of course, everyone was thrilled to support them in their decision. The grandparents flew in from Utah. Mommer and Grandpa Lund arrived and gave the boys a bank to start saving for their missions and a baptism pillowcase to design. Grandma and Grandpa Bender came with a triple combination scripture set that was also from Grandpa Mac. They also gave them their new Cub Scout shirts!

Zach was actually quite sick that day. He kept trying to smile because he was so excited but felt miserable. Because they were the only two being baptized that day, we were in charge of the program- which I loved. The talks were given by Grandma Bender and Grandpa Lund, and the prayers were given by Grandpa Bender and Aunt Jen. Mommer led the music. We were so grateful to have so many family members there.

Lauren and I sang "I Am A Child of God." Just before we were supposed to sing she started panicking, saying, "I'm too shy. Everyone will laugh." I rolled my eyes and told her I'd pay her a dollar if she did her best. She jumped right out of her seat and belted it out.

Abby was supposed to sing with us but she just clung to my leg and I ended up holding her throughout the song.

OK, these pictures are supposed to have water in them. I thought for sure I could Photoshop a font full of water. I finally gave up. If anyone knows how to do it, let me know. We went back a week later for these shots (that's why there's no water) because Zach was too sick the day of for great pics.

When Zach got out of the water and stood there wrapped in a towel shivering, he smiled and said, "Oh, I feel so warm and happy!"

Thank you to the many primary teachers, classmates, friends, and family who came. The boys felt loved and supported. Thank you!

And They're Off!

Three children in school ALL DAY! I have to catch my breath! Wow, the house is so quiet and .... cleaner. The boys LOVE school. Lauren reported on her first day that her locker partner was the "meanest go-wel (girl)" in the whole class, she cried during art class, they didn't get to play with the toys in the room, and had to wait "FOREVER" to be picked up once school was over. She didn't want to ever go back "never again."

But just as mom said, her second day was terrific. They played with toys and she didn't cry "too much." However, her locker partner is still super mean and got in the biggest trouble --which I think delighted Lauren.