Winter in Utah

Another winter in beautiful Utah, another post with a million pictures!

I was whining and pinning to spend time with my family and Bry was stressed with finals and patients. We thought it was a brilliant plan to send me and the kids to Utah three weeks early, then Bry would meet us for another three weeks. Well, that was before the "morning sickness" that actually lasts ALL DAY LONG. I was pretty much ill and out-of-it the entire time, but thanks to help from my two awesome families, we all survived and even had some fun.

Here we are at Temple Square. It's a funny tradition. We all bundle up for the arctic expedition- which for some reason is the cruelest torture for little ones. We wade through millions of people, having to remind ourselves (while trying not to lose anyone in the group) to look up at the pretty twinkles. By this time, we can't feel our feet. But, as soon as we reach the nativity with the heavenly Tabernacle Choir carols, the Nativity narration, and the Prophet testifying of Christ as the snow gently falls, it all really feels worth the hassle. This is what traditions are all about right? They may be time consuming and annoying, but there's moments of magic, and that's what we remember in the long run anyway. I also love the hot chocolate and sweets waiting for me when we get home!

Here's the cute little puff balls ready for some winter fun.

We spent a super fun day at the Children's Museum. I wish I could live there- I'm not kidding.

My kids have so many Aunts and Uncles who love them so dang much. I hope they realize how lucky they are one day.

Our cute little Avery and Ivy.

Yeah! Daddy's here! Now the fun can REALLY begin. He helped Hyrum decorate a gingerbread masterpiece.

We all love Grandma Trump- our #1 blog fan.

Bry took the kids bowling. Hyrum not only won, but actually got a strike. Bry usually blows the competition out of the water, (yes, he really is an amazing bowler- I KNOW! What ISN'T he good at!) but he let Ivy take most of his turns. Everyone had lots of fun, and I got a great nap- perfect.

Hyrum and Bry spent a fun afternoon ice skating at Gallivan Plaza. Maybe he'll be able to let go of the railing and skate 10 inches next year.

ANOTHER birthday party for Hyrum at Arctic Circle on Christmas Eve. He's a little too used to special birthday treatment and can't understand why we don't celebrate his Birthday everyday. We love spending this time with the fam though.

On Christmas Eve at the Trump household you can count on a few things: delicious food, awesome presents, and plenty of laughter and mayhem. Yes, count them- 22 grand kids. AND 7 weren't there. It makes for a very non-boring Christmas Eve. Our little one will make the 30th grandchild.

I was so worried all Christmas Eve night. I couldn't sleep a wink.

I remember walking into the living room on Christmas morning with piles and piles of gifts under the tree and an amazing surprise from Santa- like a cool bike or CD player. It was always such an great moment and I couldn't wait to give that feeling to my kids.

Because of lack of funds, and the whole no room in the suitcase scenario, it was slim pickins. Not that our kids are deprived in ANY way (they have some grandparents who make sure they are very well provided for). It was just the scene didn't fit my memories.

As always, the kids loved it. Since we didn't have tons of gifts, I wrapped everything including the little candies and ornaments. The euphoria on Hyrum's face in the picture with the plastic fish says everything. I shouldn't have worried.

I did learn one very important lesson: don't EVER wake up Ivy. Even on Christmas morning she won't forgive you.

After presents we enjoyed a wonderful breakfast at Scott and Sue's, then headed for the Hollingsheads. We had yet another amazing meal, present-opening party, and sledding extravaganza. It was truly one of the funnest Christmas holidays I can remember.

The grand finale of our trip was my dear little sis's wedding. She got hitched to a great guy. We are so happy for them. Amy was absolutely breathtaking, but also very practical. Their visionary photographer captured amazing pictures of them months before in beautiful weather. So instead of making us lug the kids in the freezing cold slush, we just took some quick pictures with the Temple attendees and headed to the warm condo- THANK YOU AMY! Many brides (including me) would think, "it's my day and everyone can suffer for it". Not Amy, if it's not needed, it's no big deal. She's so much better than me in so many ways.

The reception was a blast (especially because uncle Golden watched the kids and took Ivy home after she threw up- thank you, thank you, thank you). The food was awesome, the decorations were amazing, and visiting with family and friends was the best thing about the whole trip. Hyrum was adorable, as soon as he arrived he gave Ivy a tour "to teach her manners." He instructed her not to touch the candles, flowers, or food. And no running of course. They both were troopers. Hyrum spent all night at the bar asking for more hot chocolate and pineapple juice.

Even though I was pretty miserable, it was still a great trip. So many people stepped up and helped and I'm so grateful. I know I say this a lot, but I'm so grateful to have such an amazing family. Life would be very different and very lonely without them.

Oops...

I always wanted a surprise pregnancy. I just didn't ever think it would happen when I was incredibly happy not being pregnant.

Yes, I'm expecting. I'm 14 weeks, due July 15th. It is unknown if my heart medication is safe during pregnancy, so sadly, I can't take it anymore. My blood pressure has been pretty good though. AND I haven't fainted yet, which is a great achievement.

I'm trying not to panic about how in the world I can be a Mother to three kids, or where the baby is going to sleep in our tiny home, not to mention all the STUFF that comes with babies. I'm also trying not to panic about moving across the country with a baby (in a year and a half).

One thing I've learned is planning my future doesn't work. BUT having faith and gratitude with whatever comes my way does. I tell Hyrum all the time that whining doesn't help. I have to have the faith that Heavenly Father will not give me more than I can handle. I'm sure it will be difficult at times, but we'll survive and be stronger in the end.

I have never learned more about myself, life, and the true nature of God than during motherhood. I guess I have more to learn.

Leaves are Falling on the Ground

Fall is BY FAR my favorite season. No more heat and humidity. Crisp, clean air. Pumpkin pie.

I grew up on a property with gigantic trees. Every Autumn it was a huge task to keep the falling leaves in check. I'm sure my parents had a hard time getting me to help, but once I was outside, I was lovin' it. We'd gather huge piles and jump in them- or get thrown in. We'd give each other wheelbarrow rides (they're funner than you think- I promise). Even though it was chilly and wet, these are some of my favorite memories of childhood. There's something so magical about a family working together for a common cause. It ends up being super fun instead of tedious work.

This last November it was a beautiful day in Virginia. We were outside playing and I decided to get the rake out to see if the kids would enjoy playing in the leaves as much and I did.

Yep, they did!

Even though we only have one teeny-tiny tree- with very little leaf loss- it was still an awesome day. I guess it proves that with kids, just a little bit is enough. Sometimes I feel like I'm depriving them because we don't have tons of money, or a huge house or yard. But, they're happy- they don't know any better!