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!

The Tilt Table Test

I've always known something was up, I just didn't know what. It started in Jr. High with the constant exhaustion and weird random fainting. We just figured I was a teenager with crazy hormones. It continued getting much worse around a certain time of the month in High School, but medicine seemed to clear up that problem. Sporadic fainting continued until college with some pretty embarrassing scenes of carnage. During pregnancy, the passing out and exhaustion was pretty scary, but it's never been more difficult to deal with until kids came along and I had little lives depending on me.


I've had COUNTLESS tests performed on my body from head to tummy, and every procedure pointed to a healthy young girl. One day I happened upon a show on The Discovery Channel called Mystery Diagnosis. This particular episode depicted a woman with exactly the same symptoms as I had, I couldn't believe it. It tells how her problems were lifelong, until she received a Tilt Table Test and she found her out her mystery diagnosis.


After finding a Cardiologist in my area, and more preliminary tests, of course, I was ready for my miracle test. I didn't really understand the complexity of this particular examination, so I just walked into the hospital all by my myself thinking it'd take an hour or so. I wondered why everyone kept making a big deal that I didn't bring anyone to drive me home. After they made me de-robe and they administered an IV, heart monitors, and oxygen test thingies, I started taking it more seriously.


The test was super simple. I was strapped to a table which they raised 75 degrees (pretty much a standing position). Then everyone went into a little room separated by a glass window to chat and talk on the phone while I just stood there bored out of my mind with no music to listen to or books to read. I was about to say, "Okay! Nothing's going to happen! I know you're going to tell me everything's normal and perfect!" When I started feeling nauseous. Next thing I know, I'm lying flat and everyone's bustling about me asking if I'm okay. Yes, I fainted. It took me 17 minutes of standing to faint. My doctor's words were (in a strong Indian accent), "We know what is wrong, we will fix it, everything will be okay!" I could have kissed him right there, but I was trying not to vomit.

As I look back on that crazy day I can't help but laugh. I walked in looking healthy and happy, joking with the nurses and staff. I think they were convinced nothing was wrong with me, because after I fainted they kept repeating questions they previously asked like, "How long has this been going on?" or "How often do you faint?" with bewildered expressions. Apparently most people need medicine in order to induce fainting during the test. I don't need any assistance to faint, thank you very much.


It was a crazy day, I woke up a semi-healthy person with mysterious symptoms and went to bed a person with a life-long disease and medication to go with it. I officially have Cardiocirculatory Syncope (which pretty much means my heart slows down and I faint). We still don't know exactly why my heart decides to slow down, but at least we understand more than we ever have. I take a vaso-constrictor (which raises my blood-pressure) three times a day, drink eight ounces of water every hour, and wear tight socks up to my knees. So far I've felt much, much better.

I can't help but wonder what my life would have been like if I'd taken the Tilt Test sooner, but then I remember even the yucky days lead me to an AMAZING man who is the best husband for my sickly needs, and the most darling kids who make it a joy to get out of bed even if it's agonizing.

Inflatable Fun

We're going to be out of town again during Hyrum's Christmas birthday. I really wanted to give him a real invite-who-he-wants-and-choose-the-venue kind of party. His choice was the "balloon house" and his guests were 11 rowdy little buddies from church and school.

I don't know if this picture completely illustrates the dog pile of boys in the center. The party was "dinosaur" themed, but it should have been WWF. There was PLENTY of wrestling, kicking, punching, jumping on top of, and laughing all at the same time.

Even the babies got to play.




Hyrum's only melt-down. I was so happy there was only one!

Hyrum was always such a cautious and careful kid until he reached 4 years. I didn't ever know how lucky I was not to have a daredevil.

This pics for my sis Luci, she doesn't think I'm in enough pictures:)

Our great friends the Thornocks- Kellen had amazing insight and volunteered to come help out with parental supervision. I was so grateful to our friends who stayed. Not only was it helpful, but it was much more fun for the "big kids".

Here's the Mackay's- we SO love them!

And of course the Lamms. If you can't find Ivy, chances are she's with Brent, her boyfriend.

Such cute kids! (just don't tell them I called them cute)

Here's our purple fashion show (and yellow).

After EVERYONE was completely exhausted, we headed into the party room for some pizza and cake.

Hyrum had his own blow up thrown of course!

I have absolutely no idea what's on Ivy's shirt.

Hyrum doesn't like cake, he's weird, I know. But, he LOVES doughnuts, so I made him a cake out of doughnuts. It's supposed to look like a dinosaur volcano. I made it while he was at school, so excited to show him when he came home. When he saw it he just started crying, "But, Mom! I wanted a real cake!" Can't ever win I guess.

It's not gonna win Food Netword Cake Challenge, but it was pretty fun and yummy.

Opening presents was a crazy whirlwind of wrapping paper and tissue. At least I saw him open our gift (a train set and table). He was super excited and immediatly came over and thanked me with a big, excited hug.

It was a great party with lots of adorable kids and good friends.

And no, he didn't eat his doughnut, just in case you were wondering.

Halloween Fun

We had a terrific Halloween, starting with carving our pumpkins. Hyrum completely surprised us by doing his all by himself (besides the taking out the guts part). He drew out his plans ahead of time on his Magnidoodle, compared and contrasted each drawing to make sure it had the right amount of spookiness, cut open the beast, and completed the whole thing in no time. He carved Ivy's also (Ivy went to bed early and missed all the fun).

Bry's is the pirate, mine's Frankenstein, and Hyrum's are the cute little faces.

Next was the Ward shindig the night before Halloween.

I made Bry dress as Ace Ventura, his alter ego (yes, seriously).

There were tons of games and yummy chili. Hyrum loved running around with all his superhero friends. Ivy loved giving me a heart-attack by disappearing into the crowd. After dinner and games we went Trunk-or-Treating in the parking lot.

Finally Halloween day came with rain and hot, muggy temperatures! Welcome to Virginia! At least the kids didn't have to wear snow parkas and cover up their costumes.

We went Trick-or-Treating with our friends the Didlake's and had a blast with their darling little girl. Many of our neighbors gave us gallon size bags of goodies for Hyrum and Ivy. They even remembered Ivy's allergies and only included foods that were safe for her. I was so touched that they even remembered her allergies. We have such great neighbors!

We spent the day watching movies, eating spooky shaped pancakes, and telling scary stories (all of Hyrum's ended with the victim karate chopping the monster to victory). We ended the night playing with glow sticks in the pitch black until way after the kid's bedtime. It was a great Halloween weekend with all our Virginia friends.