Easter, Conference, Spring Break Catch Up

4/11/16
This has been our life lately. Wrestling.

 The boys are obsessed and often ask when dad will be home so they can wrestle him. They wrestling after breakfast, off and on through out the day, on the football field at track practice, and have attempted to in the car and on the bench at church.

My stress levels have adapted and I don't even hold my breath or blink unless there is blood.

The rough and tough, crazy, wild atmosphere they create makes the tender moments, even more tender and heart melting. 

I think society has led us to believe boys aren't sensitive or nurturing. But that just isn't the case. Jack and Brock recognize the miracle about to join our family and tenderly talk to their little bro often.

They are so excited for him to come, especially Brock.

 

We don't have many mornings without J and B greeting SnotRod and reminding me of how big my belly is getting.

   

For Heath's spring break we took the boys to Temple Square. 

The original plan was to go to the top of the church office building. The boys were so sad when we were told there is construction at the top and weren't allowed up. That sadness didn't last long as we continued to explore the beautiful grounds around the temple. 

 

Easter was a blast with these little cowboys. The Easter Rabbit (not bunny, according to Jack) brought cowboy hats and they haven't left their heads for days. 

 

This year the boys really seemed to grasp the story of Christ's resurrection. It prompted hundreds of questions that I never expected a 4 year old to ask. I should have written them down because my prego brain can't remember them now. I do remember being stumped on how to answer some!

 

The boys' weekly guitar lessons with Heath have continued. Brock is very intrigued my music and learning to play like daddy. The new cowboy hats made for some perfect pictures!

 

I know I've mentioned before how physically difficult this pregnancy has been. I think some of the pain could have been avoided if I didn't try to sprint like my 18 yr old self back in October with the winter track kids... I must have torn my hip flexor. It hasn't ever fully healed and made it difficult to walk and get dressed like a normal person. I finally went to a physical therapist and have a therapy routine now. It seems to be helping. I can lift my leg now to get my pants on!

 

General Conference with these three was joyful. Honestly, it was near impossible to focus on a full talk but I enjoyed having a slow down pace surrounded by my favorite boys in the world and the spirit that filled our home. 

 

Track is in full swing! I'm usually on the couch when I get home because I can't walk the rest of the night after practice but I love it. 

This year has been especially challenging for me, because of the number of hurdlers I have...20+! 80% of them show up every day and work really hard. The challenge has come when race day approaches. For invitational/varsity meets we can only enter 4 athletes in each event, usually the 4 fastest.

I committed at the beginning of the season that it wouldn't be just their time that gets them the chance to race at varsity meets. Showing up to practice, working hard, not making excuses, supporting teammates etc played an equal role for being considered varsity... unlike some of the other coaches on the team who put in the fastest no matter what...I think for their personal egos...

I thought that would help when it comes down to deciding who gets to race. But nearly all of them are doing those things! Its been heartbreaking for me to basically tell kids they don't get to race because they aren't fast enough. Many of them are less than a second short of that 4th place spot and work they're butts off every day. I've been really impressed that these kids don't give up despite the fact they don't get to race. They actually seem to work harder.

Alexia has been one of those. She was one of my faithful winter track athletes and her dedication hasn't wavered since. She is quiet and isn't ever in spotlight even though she works harder than nearly everyone else. It has been hard to see her work so hard and still not make it into the top 4 on our team. But one of the girls faster than her in the 300m Hurdles was of the few who didn't consistently show up to practice. So I made the call to let Alexia run and take this less dedicated girl out of the race. 

I was so glad I did, despite the disapproval of another coach. Alexia dropped 5 seconds in the 300m hurdles. 5 seconds!! This made her the 2nd fastest in that event on our team. It felt so good to be able to teach the rest of the kids through Alexia's example that hard work doesn't go unnoticed and it does pay off. For some it may not pay off immediately by being able to run varsity this year or next year or ever. It will pay off years down the road. 

 

 

The head coach ordered my two little assistants shirts this year. They are very proud of them. Jack told me he can run the fastest now with his new shirt. 

 

We are putting our house up on the market this week. In preparation I've slowly been cleaning out the basement and closets, mowing, repainting the back deck and resting on the couch thinking of everything we need to do! I'm ready for this to be over or want to give up, but then I think of Alexia. Hard work and dedication will pay off. It will all work out...right?!

Big Changes for the Bleazards

3/20/16
Well...WE ARE MOVING! I just didn't want to only worry about coaching track, coaching Jack's soccer team, starting a landscape curbing business, and having a baby so I decided we should throw in selling our house and moving too.

We had a great opportunity come up to rent/take care of Heath's cousin's house in Grantsville while she and her family move to Rome. Her husband is helping finish the temple there. Renting will give us the time to build again, hopefully in Erda where we want to end up for good. It is a financially smart move.

Truly I have been dragging my feet and fighting the spirit's guidance. It has been a test of my faith and obedience that is for sure. I adore all my friends in our neighborhood, I like our house, and I love that the boys have some great friends, so I was frustrated that the Lord was telling us to move.

I finally realized that this was an answer to prayers I was offering months ago! It was not the answer or timing I was expecting. My testimony of how all-knowing our Heavenly Father is has grown. I know He knows what is best for us. And what is best for us can often be something that is extremely challenging for us.

We will be putting our house on the market in roughly 3 weeks. We are trying to sell without a Realtor...  pray for us! We can move into the house we will be renting on July 5th. I will likely have a 2 week old....and if Snotrod comes like his brothers he will only be 1 week old! We are crossing our fingers and offering lots of faithful prayers that the timing of selling and moving all workout smoothly so we aren't homeless and the market doesn't crash.

What's in Bleazard Blood.

3/4/16
Our weeks all seem to fade into one long exhausting, emotional, fun, want to rip my hair out, and my heart is going to burst with love kind of day. Probably because I have pregnancy insomnia so the days blend into one!

MEDICINE FOR MAMA'S SOUL:
This view is becoming more frequent each afternoon now that the weather is improving. Aren't those white lined lanes beautiful? Jack is my consistent assistant for track practice. I'm secretly happy he would rather be on the track with me than at the barn with cows...shh...

This particular day my track kids were running 1.5 miles followed by a good stretch session. Jack didn't want to be left out of the workout. He grabbed my hand walked me to a spot on the grass and said, "Stand here and watch ME run." There was quite the emphasis on ME. I think he wants Coach Bleazard's attention just like the HS kids get. I stood there and yelled at him like I do the big kids. Jack proceeded to run TWO laps of the track...in cowboy boots. The HS kiddos and I were shocked. He got a big cheer as he crossed the finish line. He thought he was pretty cool and of course his mom did! Running is in his blood!

The track season officially kicked off on Wednesday this week. I couldn't be more excited. The small group of 3 I started working with in October has into a group of 16 the last couple months. I loved seeing the commitment they are put in before track even starts. These kids are hard working and so much fun.

DAILY CHORES:
Heath has been feeding cows every day all winter. Brock is his consistent right hand man. Heath loves that Brock is obsessed with the bovine just like him. I have loved going to feed as well. It feels good to get away from subdivision life and feel peace like this...

 

Brock truly loves these cows. He is an expert (without touching the gas pedal) truck driver while Heath feeds and has a few baby cows that are called "his buddies". He isn't afraid of them at all. Brock the Builder comes out when Heath asks him to come to barn to help fix a fence or do a job. He gets his tool box, bob hat, and sprinkler boots on and proudly says "Mom, I got to go help Dad dig some stuff. I got to go." Cattleman is in his blood!

All the boys were at the field this morning, when I got a call from J and B excitedly saying they just "sawed a baby get borned". Sure enough they saw the whole thing! Heath said Jack was a little wide-eyed and kept asking why the baby cow was so wet! Jack later told me the baby cow was just "hanging out of his mom and then popped out". They loved watching the new calf try to stand up and walk too.

ABC AND 123:

Brock, Jack and I have been much more consistent with preschool these days. After a couple days of thinking I would never be able to teach Jack simple math (1+1) He surprised me. He is definitely starting to catch on. He is excited to be 5 because Grandma Annie and Grandpa Kerry will come back when he is 5! I about cry every time he tells me that! Learning is in his blood!

 

Brock on the other hand, doesn't like to learn anything except letter B, number 2, and favorite colors white and brown. He may not be classroom smart right now, but he is definitely a smartie pants. The manipulate, street savvy kind of smart. He is definitely better drawing and coloring than Jack ever was at this age. And much more skilled at throwing tantrums. Stubborn and strong willed will make this kid successful some way or another! ...if you can't tell we are still struggling with this handsome hard head! Determination is in his blood.

 

CHLORINE GOGGLE EYES:

Pregnancy the third time around has been physically hard, to say the least. Since about 18 weeks, I have been having the aches and pains that came around 30 weeks with my first two pregnancies. Some days I can hardly walk. Even though I can't kick because of ligament pain, a little chlorine time has been my only saving grace. The pool at the gym is a lot like yours, mom and dad, 8-9 strokes and I'm at the wall! Chlorine is in my blood!

 

 PEANUT, PEANUT BUTTER...and Jelly:

J and B eat PB for lunch and dinner nearly every day lately. I even catch them sneaking spoonfuls if its been left on the counter. Look familiar grandpa? The pics says it all... peanut butter is in their blood! 

 

BLUE BLOODED BOYS:

Heath would deny it, but I've heard from so many students on the track team or in our ward, that he is one of the favorite teachers at the HS. There are new evaluations all teachers have to do to not get $2000 penalties against their salaries for next year. He passed with flying colors. He was also asked to be the adviser for the Student Body Officers next year. So grateful for his hard work in a career that isn't his biggest passion. Commitment is in his blood.

Heath took his Latinos In Action students to Utah State last week in efforts to help them see what college is all about. Many of these students come from homes where they are the only one in their family who will have finished HS. I was very jealous about missing a trip to USU, but he came home with aggie shirts for us all. The boys have worn them to bed and all day the last 2 days. Aggie blue is in our blood!

A Sick Little Brock the Builder

2/15/16
Brock has become obsessed with Bob the Builder, especially these last couple months. He always been very hands-on building towers, houses, and garages out of his blocks or "ficking" things in our house with his tools. We don't go many places without his Bob hat on. The HS track kids love it and often sing the Bob the Builder theme song with him.

 

Brock the Builder watching Bob with his "Bob the Builder worker clothes" and with Muck and toy Bob. This is frequent sight in the Bleazard house.

 

Brock the Builder playing with his best bud. 

His sturdy construction hat could keep him from getting sick. All his hard work building and fixing things must have led to a yucky cough a week or so ago. 5 days into the cough, Brock developed a fever that night. The next morning he seemed pretty normal, but the fever returned that the next evening. And the next. The third day of fever also brought wheezing and his abdomen sinking in each time he inhaled so you could see his ribs. 

Too many red flags for me, so I took him into the Dr. Saturday. I'm so glad I did. His oxygen was low and sure enough he had an infection in his lungs. The Dr prescribed breathing treatments, a steroid, and an antibiotic. 

 

Brock's cool mask for breathing treatments that he hates and cries the whole time.

 

A scary night of a high fever made my heart break for my little builder.

 

I have liked the snuggling and 4+ naps every day lately.

I am praying this doesn't last long, but Brock isn't letting modern medicine help him get better. He puts up a dang good fight when its time for medicine, one that my prego body isn't up for winning.  We've only successfully had one fully dose swallowed by Mr. Brock. And a few drops taken in while hidden in ice cream or juice. But the kid is a bloodhound and has figured out my tricks.

Church : A Hazardous Place

1/24/16
Last Sunday was one I was thankful for to have 1pm church. Brock and I didn't sleep too well...stomachs still uneasy. Poor kid has lost a lot of weight and didn't eat for over 48 hrs. I was determined to be early to church to get a comfy seat because I felt so crumy. 5 minutes early doesn't cut it in our ward. The closest we got was 3/4 of the way back in the gym. But at least we got a seat. If you are late you stand.

The boys were behaving abnormally good during Sacrament mtg. Probably because Brock was a zombie in Heath's arms. During one of the talks I sent Jack to throw away some wrappers from his snack. Of course he ran. When doesn't he run? Apparently he tripped and propelled his head right into the edge of the metal door frame. I saw him running back to us crying and thought he got a good bump. About the same time as that thought entered my mind I heard Heath let out a profanity...****! I instantly knew it was worse because he never swears. I then saw the blood running down my Jackie boy's face. Heath swooped him up, headed out, with Brock and I close behind.

Heath's white shirt was saturated and he told me we needed to head to the ER. I went back, grabbed our stuff, and wiped up the trail of blood along the gym floor. One of the nurses in our ward was quick to come the rescue with her first aid kit. She helped stop the bleeding and bandaged him up. The physician's assistant that lives around the corner from us also came out. After taking a look he said we definitely needed stitches. We had several others out offering assistance. While loading up in the car, a member of the Bishopric came out next! We are so grateful for the people we live near.

On the way to the instacare in Tooele, Jack was really making me nervous. I sat next to him trying to keep him conscious. He was not very responsive and very glazed over. It was the only time I cried through the whole thing. I've never seen him like that and it scared me. I asked him if we should say a prayer and he nodded yes. After the prayer, my nerves were calmed but he got really sleepy. Once we arrived he snapped back to normal Jack. He was playing with the toys, asking questions, and happily met nurse Annie who would be taking care of him. He was glad her name was Annie. She must be nice because he has a grandma Annie.

 

 

 

Jack was amazingly tough the rest of the time. He seemed to like the special treatment a bit. After a good hour or so of waiting, it was finally time for stitches. They rolled him up in a sheet like a burrito. One nurse held onto his legs. I held onto his arms and kept him distracted. And a second nurse held his head still. They placed a bunch of towels over his entire face. The Dr warned us that is when most kids freak out, but not our Jack. He thought it was nice because the light shining on him was so bright. Before the Dr started Jack, said in a nervous voice, "Wait. Do you have a knife??" After being reassured she didn't he chatted away. We played our favorite 'Guess what song' game, Jack told them about how he was going to start soccer soon, and that his gma and gpa haven't seen dinosaurs in Africa...oh he was so funny! The last stitch must have hit a nerve because he tensed up and said "that's really hurting. I want it to stop!" and began screaming. Completely broke my heart.

He and Brock got popsicles for the drive home. And the craziness of it and lack of food gave me a bit of blacking out on the way home and thought we would be headed back! On our front porch was some cards, candy and a teddy bear from Kelsey and her sisters. Jack also got phone calls from Kelsey and cousin Hank. And he later called Emily because Bec told us she was worried about her best boy. I'm thankful this kid is loved.

 

I watched him tell his cousin Hank the story. I was overwhelmed with how old he seemed (how can stitches make you look 14??) and how much I love him. I knew pretty soon it was anything too serious, but it still was enough to make me squeeze all my boys a little tighter, tell them I love them over and over, and thank Heavenly Father for blessing me with them and keeping them safe. 

The rest of the week was a bit of blur besides a facetime chat with my favorite missionaries and Friday I made up a special workout for my birthday. 27 minute walk on incline 7, 27 reps for 7 different arm weight lifts, and checked off week 17 of pregnancy.

 

I got treated to a delicious lunch from Salty 1 and 2. It was so nice to have them visit. Thanks Salts! Birthday partying also included track practice, taking Jack to get stitches out, dinner at Cafe Rio, Brock throwing up at Cafe Rio, and Heath feeding cows until late. Having Emily stay for a sleepover was probably my favorite part of my birthday. These two were in silly heaven the whole time!

 

On our way to track practice.

 

Playing "tickets" while I coached.

 

Whispering silly names for the new baby.

 

Getting stitches out!!

 

Sleepover time!! Emily kept telling me she loved Jack's jammies.

 

Two silly kiddos.

 

These goofs woke up at 6am. Jack came into my room and said, "Mom we have been awake forever and have just been talking." I continued to sleep while they jumped off Jack's bed, played animals and a matching game.

 

Emily tried to do Jack's hair to get him ready to go to his cousin's baptism.

As we were leaving to Idaho for cousin Bayden's baptism, I had the feeling I needed to stop and get my migraine prescription refilled at the pharmacy that I had forgotten to get all week. The drive-up window was opening as we pulled into the parking lot. I told Heath that was a sign I was going to get a migraine and Heavenly Father loved me enough to make sure I had my drugs. I said it jokingly but really had the impression I would be getting a migraine. No doubt it was a tender mercy from the Lord because 15 minutes later while passing the airport a migraine hit me. I'm so glad the spirit gave me that inspiration. I would rather have the flu, strep, pink eye and cold sores combined rather than a migraine without medicine! He really does care about the details of our lives. 

Birthday Boy Jack, Baby Snotrod, Cowgirl Poo-Doo, and Tumbling-Barfing Brock

1/18/16
What a week for us! Jack enjoyed his birthday celebrations all weekend. He requested to go swimming, so on Saturday we had a pool party in Kamas, followed by a Jack's Favorite Foods lunch, and a donut tower birthday cake at Gma Bonnies. He was lucky enough to have his best girl come, the rest of the cool Hatchs, and the fun Hargiss duo come party with us!

 

On Sunday, while I was recovering from a migraine the previous night, we had birthday dinner with cousin Tessa (Her bday is on the 10th). Jacked didn't eat anything, but played like crazy with his band of brothers...Easton, Mack, Jarom, Ky, and Brock. He opened presents and blew out candles of his Dusty Crophopper cake. After having a bite, he told me "Mom my cake doesn't taste very good" and off he was to playing. I should have stuck to another donut tower :) 

On Monday we anxiously waited all day for our Dr appointment. I actually kept forgetting throughout the day, but Heath was on the ball and reminded me multiple times we were going to find out if its a boy or girl. Here we are anxiously waiting for our turn in the ultrasound room. 

 

I was nervous the baby would be too small to see what we needed to but luckily I was wrong. We saw a head, arms, backbone, heart, femurs, but this babe was comfortable in its spot and wouldn't let us catch a glimpse between the legs. After 5+ minutes, my Dr asked if could wait around while he saw his next patient. We could try in a few minutes to see if the baby would change position. Heath said, "Well, I'm not leaving until we can see something so we will be right here waiting." Good thing our Dr has a good sense of humor.

As we sat there, I all of the sudden wanted a girl! This whole pregnancy, and since having Brock, I thought I would be perfectly happy with all boys and even dreaded having a girl a little bit. It was a strange feeling to suddenly want a little girl. I think it was because I realized a girl would be more exciting maybe..??

The next go around was a success. I had seen the evidence two times previously and knew before the Dr could even open his mouth. One more little rascal to add to this handsome crew... 

 Jack was pretty excited and Brock was well past his patience limit, he didn't care. All he said was while pointing to my belly in a couple of spots, "Brother here. And sister here." I think we have finally convinced him there is no sister, just a brother. Their top choice for a name is Snotrod and Roodie Cowboy. My desire for a little girl was short lived. I was perfectly happy with another boy!

Tuesday was Jack's official birthday. It would have been any other day except he got a special facetime call from our two favorite missionaries. It seemed like most of the conversation consisted of funny faces from J and B. They loved chatting with Gma and Gpa. Thanks for the call!

(The volume level is to protect the identity and rights of the crazy grandparents behind)

Thursday morning at 4am Heath and his dad departed for Colorado. Another sale, but the purpose of attending this one was to network, market our hopefully 100K cow, and look for the next bull to use for breeding. I got the lucky job of staying home and feeding cows for two days while they were off "playing". 

Let me tell you, this was a huge stretch for me. A million things could go wrong that I would have to deal with-- cows getting out, complication with the birth of a new calf that was expected, electric fence issues, a frozen water trough, truck malfunctions...you name it I was stressed about it. Problems like these come up ALL the time for Heath. 

Luckily the Lord loves me and knew just what I could handle. Which was, smooth driving in a massive diesel stick-shift truck while hauling a tower of hay, easy-peasy taking down and putting up the electric fence to get into the pasture to feed, no cutting myself with Heath's leatherman...which I am good at doing, two well behaved little cowboys to "drive" the truck (yes the truck was really moving) while I stood on the flatbed and broke off chucks of a 500lb bale of hay for the black ladies, no new calves or any signs of one, no storms, no fence problems, and no mean cows. Just cowboy Jack getting his hand smashed in the door of the truck and Brock peeing on his own leg.

 

(sorry...I had to share because this is life with boys!)

 

Success.

I felt pretty proud of myself and even more grateful for a smooth two days without the Herdsman. You can call me Cowgirl Poo-Doo.

(I did step in a big fresh cow turd, so the nickname is very fitting)

Friday included gymnastics class for the boys. Brock's first time! He isn't quite old enough but they let him give it a try. I was so worried he would be the crazy, defiant kid he is for me and we would be asked to leave or told he can't participate yet. Of course, he proved me wrong. That's just how he is. He was an angel! It was so heart melting to watch him listen to his teacher, roll, jump, balance beam walk, hang and flip on the bars, and of course make sure he was always next to Jack inline. 

 

Friday also included another successful round of feeding cows, watching cousin Jake play basketball at Tooele HS, and a midnight throw up episode from Brock. It was a rough night and made me a little more grateful for the nights Heath is home. 

Saturday my knight in cow manure came home. Just in time to take care of me and Brock with the stomach bug and then leave again to chaperon the Senior Snow Ball Dance held at the UofU football stadium (in the box).  Little did I know, it was just the beginning of another crazy weekend....

stay tuned.

Christmas!

We have tried to develop our own traditions for Christmas. We had a Bethlehem dinner with baby Jesus on Christmas Eve last year and did the same this year. Jack totally caught on this year and loved every minute. He dressed up like a shepherd and insisted I was Mary, Heath was Joseph and Brock be a shepherd too. I couldn't get our food ready fast enough for him! He couldn't wait to eat with baby Jesus. We had cheese, crackers, some meat, and grapes by candle light under the tree after watching the Nativity.

 

Christmas morning was so much fun with these two. Jack was a bit nervous to see if Santa came by himself, but he soon got courageous enough around 7:30 to sneak out of our bed into the living room. Even though the present opening lasted all of 10 minutes, seeing the excitement on their faces was better than being a kid myself. Heath and I have tried really hard to not over do it with Christmas presents, especially now when they are so young and thrilled over the tiniest thing they get. I love that Jack and Brock really can be happy with two baby cows and a new toothless dragon. I hope that innocence and simplicity stays for the coming years!

 

Earlier in the week, Jack kind of proposed to Kelsey (our Bishop's daughter). She calls him Prince Jack and the both say they are getting married in the temple. I was thinking this would be 20 years down the road, but found out Jack had other plans. Our last day having track practice before the break, Jack found a diamond ring on the floor under a bench. It was a bit rusty around the band, but had a big fake bling on top, princess cut too. I told him to put it back and never checked if he did. Turns out he brought it home and informed me he was giving it to Kelsey for Christmas. It was too cute how badly he wanted to take it to her, that I didn't make him take it back to the school...I probably should have. "Mom, she is going to be so cute when I give this to her!" His lady wooing skills are adorable now, but will be scary in 10 years. Here he is all ready to go deliver the ring....

 

Unfortunately, Bishop Crain was the only one home. His girls had left to their Grandma's for a few sleepovers before Christmas. Jack was so disappointed. Our Bishop knelt down and asked Jack if he wanted to come back another day when Kelsey was home or if Jack wanted him to take it to her. Jack put his head down, handed him the box and sadly said, "You can take it to her." Poor kid. Luckily the Crains love Jack. Bishop did not pull out his gun or do a background check. They even sent us a picture of Kelsey when she opened it. Jack's reaction was pretty cute and manly when I showed him the picture. "She looks pretty. I think she likes it. .... hey Dad, come wrestle me!!" Such a boy.

 

They haven't discussed an actual wedding day so I have some time to convince Jack to wait until 2036.

The boys developed pink eye soon after Christmas. Heath was great to offer to stay home with them so I could go the pool party Grandma Bonnie planned. And the Hatchs were nice enough to pick me up in Sugarhouse. Although I was sad and felt a bit lost not having my two appendages, it was so fun to just be an auntie for the day. I've got some pretty cool and cute nieces and nephews. 

Afterward, Heath picked me up in SLC and we finally went to see the lights at Temple Square. Both of the boys said the "big Jesus" was their favorite part. It was Brock's favorite part so much that he had a huge tantrum that he couldn't stand on top of the base of the statue, right next to Jesus for a picture. The rest of the night walking back to the car was not so much fun... Ah...love my stubborn Brockster.

The Things We Do For Cows...

12/21/15
Two weekends ago we got to party it up with the Swallows in Twin! The boys loved every minute and felt lucky to have Aunt Kate as their nursery teacher at church too. The Swallow's house is gorgeous, I loved watching the boys play, snuggling Brayden, and talking with Kate and Trent. Brayden and I are best buds, so the other Aunties have a lot of work to do to catch up. Kate fed us like we were royalty! It was a great trip. On the way home Heath nearly got us stuck in the mud on some off roads outside of Burley looking for the feed lot test where three of our cows are! The crazy things these cows make us do...

I've been feeling quite sick the last week or so. I had a doctor appointment and all is well with the babe. Heart beat was a strong 160 bpm. We get to find out January 11th if we will continue our boy trend or if I will need to get shopping for some bows, skirts, and flowery stuff! Winter track is going really well. I had 3 kids coming at first and now get up to 12 athletes some days. They work so hard, don't complain, and really push themselves. Two of my faithfuls are running about as fast as their PR from last season in the school halls and putting on some much needed muscle in the weight room. I can't wait to see the payoff come spring from all their hard work. I also currently have a monster taking over my face. I have no idea why anyone does botox in their lips... The swelling is also crawling up my cheek. Only my third cold sore ever but I think it counts for 20.

Heath worked really hard to lease a field across from the high school. He was able to get it and the developer who owned it let us lease it for free. A big tax write off for them and a blessing for us. He can check on the cows from his classroom window! Not sure how much teaching is going on now. We have three new baby calves. Brock LOVES them! Heath was up all night during a snow storm checking on one that was about to give birth. She faked him out and had the calf the next day after he checked on her during his lunch break. One of the new cow's father is named Hoover Dam, so Heath thought it was only right to name her Damette... Brock has caught on to the name and it sounds awful coming out of his mouth. But I have a hard time not laughing.


The boys had a blast on our "preschool field trip" to play with Em, Chase, Ziyah, and Lilly this last week. During our letter and shape scavenger hunt at the mall that Bec put together, Brock shocked me when he walked right up through the line and RAN up to Santa to sit on his lap! He told him he wanted two baby cows and a book about little sheepies. Jack resisted but once he saw Brock chatting it up with the jolly man, he cautiously walked up and joined his best little bud on Santa's lap. I had to keep things interesting and blacked out a little on our way to the cars. Jame and Bec took really good care of me and the boys were glad they got more play time while I rested.

Kids really do make this season more magical. What I love most is J and B ask to watch the Nativity movie on lds.org all the time and usually 2-3 times in a row. Focusing on the story of Christ's birth has truly brought the spirit into our home.