Thanksgiving 2008

We had the fun experience of traveling to Idaho to spend Thanksgiving with our family there. It was a great experience! It was the first time that my mom's kids have all been together for the holiday in almost 8 years or more. Thursday was filled with lots and lots of yummy food. I was in charge of the pies and I am so thankful for my brother Aaron and his help in getting those ready. I was still feeling a little under the weather from my run in with the flu the day before.

Of course Grandma Ruby had a craft for the kids to do each day we were there. Madisen was in total heaven!!! I swear that girl could live in a craft store. :0)

Friday morning my sister Summer and I ventured out around 7am and hit a few stores. I was not too impressed with the Black Friday ads this year, but picked up at least two things that were necessary. It was crazy because we went at 7am and was able to get everything we needed, but my sister and sister-in-law that went at 4am did not luck out like we did.

Friday night my sister's family and my family headed to Twin Falls for the "Christmas in the Sky" festival. This is put on by a local nursery there. If you bring an unwrapped toy you have the opportunity to talk with Santa, eat a baked potato and chili and enjoy Christmas carols broadcast by the local radio station. In their courtyard area, they have several bonfires burning and provide hot chocolate and cider all for free. This was a great event. After awhile, they also light off fireworks while Christmas carols are played. I loved this evening! It was such a neat experience to pull my princess and husband tight to me and feel how lucky I was at that moment to have them. I truly felt very lucky for all the blessings in my life.

Saturday was filled with more crafts provided by Grandma. On Sunday my brother reported on his mission. He did such a great job and I cannot believe how much he has changed. I was really happy for him and what he accomplished while he served his mission. We had more delicious food and then headed for home. We were able to stop and see our real dad for a few minutes too.

When we finally arrived at home around 10:30pm, I was never so glad to see my own bed. There is just something about sleeping in your own bed! I was so excited to be home and have one more day to recuperate from all the fun we had at Grandma's house!

Another Ultrasound?

Being pregnant with twins has definitely been an experience like no other. Don't get me wrong, it has been totally amazing, yet different.

The Tuesday before Thanksgiving I had another Ultrasound and met with a perinatologist. I can definitely say that those people are amazing. I think they wonder why I am even there. Everything is going GREAT!!!

Baby A weighs in at 24 weeks at 1 lb. 4 oz. and Baby B weighs in at 24 weeks at 1 lb. 7 oz. So - eventhough I have not gained very much weight, these little guys are growing as they should.

I am also grateful to know that if they decided to make their entrance into this world at this point, they would have complications, but most likely would survive. Medical technology today is amazing, but I am still praying that I can make it 37 weeks.

I have had some strange cravings with these babies that I never really have had before. One of those being these little treats I found one day at the dollar store. On Monday I could not stop thinking about them, so my wonderful husband went to the dollar store at 9:45 pm at night to pick some up for me. They are very, very good and ah, hit the spot, just right.

Reflections Contest 2008

Ok. So much has happened in the last two weeks that I cannot believe it has been two weeks since I have posted to my blog. So - here is to some catching up.


The Monday before Thanksgiving, Madisen had the "Reflections" award assembly at school. She entered the contest under the choreography section. The requirement was that she was to choreograph her own dance routine and make her own costume without any adult help. She begged me to allow her to do this. I told her to go for it, but the only help I could give would be in recording her dance. Thanks so much to her Aunt Lou Lou and Uncle Dayn.....they graciously helped with this area. So - needless to say, Madisen won for her division! I am really proud of her. She was so excited when they called her name!! She went up to the front with a red face and everything. I almost thought she was going to cry. I was in such shock!! Of course our camera was acting up, so all we captured was some shots after we got home. Her routine now goes to the district level and if she passes there, then on to the state and national level.


Way to go Madisen!! You did it!

Chores according to an 8 year old girl named Madisen

Ok. So - for those of us that are already "grown up", raise your hand if you were raised having "chores" that you had to do. I am definitely raising my hand. I remember at Madisen's age having to help a lot around the house because my mom worked full-time and let's face it, it takes an entire family working together to make a house run smoothly.

While Madisen was "off-track" I would leave her a small list of "chores" that I wanted her to accomplish while I was at work. Surprisingly, she is a good at vacumning, emptying the dishwasher, etc. Often times she would say to me....

Madisen: Mom - what is this?
Me: It is your list of things I would like you to do today.
Madisen: Do I have to?
Me: Yes, Madisen. These are your "chores" and there are not very many.
Madisen: Chores? Mom - this is not 'Little House on the Prairie"
Me: Be careful, or else it could be.

So - Madisen did a great job while she was off track of making her bed, picking up her room, helping her dad cook dinner etc.

On Sunday the speakers at church were a recently returned missionary and a member of the high council. The high council member gave a really good talk about "assignments" and embracing the assignments in life that we are given or are called to.

He related a story of his 10 year old daughter and how she hated the different assignments around the house that they gave her because she was the oldest. He also said that it was good for her because she had become more responsible and had set a good example for her siblings.

I leaned over to Madisen and said to her....
"see you are not the only one in the world that has chores and responsibilities".
In her own way Madisen looked up at me and in a very NOT quiet way said:
"It's slavery I tell you. Pure slavery."

I looked around to see several rows of people trying to hold in their laughs. Since we were sitting the 2nd row back from the front in the chapel, and the speaker looked our direction, I am sure that many heard her comment. I tried really hard to not laugh too, but just tried to reassure Madisen that it was not "slavery" at all.

For some reason, I can remember some of these same feelings as a kid. I am so grateful that my parents taught me how to work and taught me all about responsibilities. I hope Madisen will feel that way too when she is older. :0)

Prego - emotional breakdown # 568

Yes - being pregnant for me is really not my favorite time in my life. Please don't get me wrong - I love the fact that right this second I know that in about three or more months I am going to be the mom of two more kids. It's just the emotional baggage that I have while I am on this journey.

Anyone that really knows me, knows that I cannot stand it when my emotional side comes out. It is totally embarrassing. When I am pregnant, I can cry at the drop of a hat at things that would affect me before, but not make me cry. Well - being pregnant turns on the emotions like never before. Just ask Jared - he has lots of stories to tell, especially with this pregnancy. I honestly have wondered how he has survived!!

Anyway - I was going through all of my girl baby stuff. I had saved everything from 0 to 18 months that had been Madisen's. I took a sweet trip down memory lane as I sorted through everything and divided it up. There were a lot of great memories, but also a lot of tears shed. That first two years of Madisen's life went all too quickly! I just cannot believe that my little girl is growing up so fast. I loved so many of the outfits that she used to wear.

I do feel some relief in knowing that 5 garbage bags, yes that is 5 garbage bags, will be given to others that I hope can use some of the items. I think I used to really go overboard when it came to cute clothes for Madisen. What am I saying - Used to? I still honestly do.

So - as I sorted through what I have bought and been given for these boys - I am grateful and hope to not go too overboard. Yeah right!! :0)

Grandma Ruby eat your heart out! :0)

My youngest brother J.T. just returned from his mission last week. He decided to come and spend the week with us and visit family, friends and another "special" friend. Anyway - he had a date with this "special" friend and my mom had left her red hat in the car. I guess J.T. was a little embarassed by it, so he brought it in. Madisen found it on the table and was in heaven. She kept saying, isn't Grandma Ruby the most fashionable? Yes Madisen - just like you - she is "fashionable"!!

Happy Birthday Jacob!

On Saturday we went with Madisen's cousin Jacob to his favorite restaurant for dinner, The Mayan. Madisen loves this place because of the..."cool divers". We hope Jacob had the best birthday ever. We love you!!!

Halloween 2008!

Halloween was interesting this year for our family. I ended up having to work a night shift and then was on call. Jared took Madisen trick-or-treating with some of her friends. She was able to get a lot of candy, but she said that she missed having me there. Awh....

I wish I would have thought to ask off the day from work since it was the last time that we will have just Madisen for Halloween. Crazy how things are changing!!

Madisen wanted to dress up as Sharpay from "High School Musical". Her dad did not know how to put on make-up, but I still felt she made a "fab-u-lous" Sharpay.

We hope your Halloween was fun and safe!!

Forever the Princess!!

This is how Madisen feels about her two siblings that are on the way.....



Yes - she will always and forever be the one and only princess!!!

We love you Madisen.

19.5 weeks....& love at first sight!!!

I cannot believe it, but I am almost 20 weeks prego with twins!! Reality really has not totally hit me. Things are becoming more real each night as a try to fall asleep and feel as if there is a marching band marching through my abdomen. Don't mind the bags under my eyes....Hence - the marching band thing.

We had our size and dates ultrasound today. You know, the "official" one. It was great!! A gal that helped with a lot of my training did the ultrasound and she was fabulous....of course!! Thanks "C"!!! :0)

So - it looks like we will have two Jared Jr.'s running around our house. I am honestly too excited for words, but yet at the same time....I am frightened enough to pee my pants if I think about it too much.





One thing I find amazing is that you can fall in love with something before actually being able to "see" it. I feel so lucky to be entrusted with two, but I honestly am scared to death too.

Any help with names would be great!!

While mom is away.....

So I have been working 3 13 hrs shifts each week. This keeps me away from home pretty much the entire day on those days. I don't really like the shifts, but it is allowing me to be full-time so that I will qualify for short-term disability pay when I have the twins.

Jared put Madisen in the bathtub and she wanted her drink from dinner with her. He told her "no". A few minutes later he caught her with her drink in the bathtub!!! She can be so stubborn and I have no idea where she gets this from. :0)

So - while mom is away....the kids will play with their drinks in the bathtub!!

Real Life Picture Tag

So my sister Amy tagged me with a REAL LIFE PICTURE TAG. Here goes:
Rules: The rules are you have to take ten pictures of the following things. And you have to do it RIGHT AWAY. No straightening, cleaning or wiping your child's nose. I took them right away I did not touch a thing. No Cheating.

1. The Fridge - Not much there. It stinks too! Cleaning the fridge is one job Jared refuses to do. Does anyone have a clothes pin I can borrow for my nose?


2. My Closet - No cleaning up here obviously! Half these clothes don't fit anymore too - 3 months ago they fit me just fine. Even my scrub tops are getting tight. AAAHH - the joy of being pregnant with twins!! :0)


3. the Pantry - Hey at least there is food in here!


4. My Favorite Room - I love this room because I can play the piano and Madisen will sing for hours on end. Or - we can sit on the love seat and read books together for hours. It is a great quiet room...


5. Laundry Room - I would hardly call this a "Laundry Room". How about a place where the laundry is done - see the clean towels in the dryer. Yeah - they are dry and clean and have been there for at least 4 days...


6. Self Potrait - scary I know. It is almost past my bedtime!! This picture is proof that I did not break the rules :0)


7. Bathroom - Ah, the place that brings sweet relief at least 4 to 5 times each night... he he he


8. What are the kids doing now? - See this crazy packet Madisen is working on? I am SICK of it!!! She is taking forever to finish it...My other "kid" is playing the Wii but would not let me take a picture. (Jared - my husband)


9. Kitchen sink - Oh boy am I every glad that I decided to do the dishes after dinner!!


10. Favorite Shoes - These are my favorite shoes right now. Once snow flies - these will no longer be my favorite shoes. I do love the convenience of them now!


So - I tag all my card club pals, any of the gals that I work with that want to play and anyone else that feels as brave as I did tonight. Have fun!!

Grandma Ruby Jr.

So one day a couple of weeks ago Madisen and I were at Walmart picking up a few birthday presents. Madisen likes, yes likes, to go to the fabric section and "just look". She always sounds just like my mom when she says this, and frankly - it scares me!! Anyway - they had a new shipment of fleece and there was some High School Musical fleece. I told her that she could pick out one and I would serge around it for her. She walked away and a few seconds later came back with this other High School Musical blanket. She had me sold on it right away, because it was a blanket that she could make by herself.

So - we brought it home and a week later she made it. She loves the thing and I must say - she did a really good job on it. She loves crafts and especially loves to sew. This is why I call her Grandma Ruby, Jr.

For those that do not know my mom, she is an extremely talented seamstress. She is the type of person that can look at a dress in a magazine and then go home and make it without a pattern. She does beautiful work. I think that is why I do not attempt it.

Great job Madisen. I know Grandma Ruby is proud of you. :0)

Madisen's 1st day of 3rd grade....

We made it through a really fun summer and Madisen started back to school on Monday August 18th. She was extra excited because she has one of the best 3rd grade teachers EVER!!! This will be a wonderful change from last year.... She was definitely ready to go back to school. I think was ready too. :0)

Madisen's baptism gift

So one tradition that Jared's parents started was that they would take any grandchild that was baptized to "Build-a-bear" and they could pick out what they wanted. Madisen so looked forward to this for a long time.

Grandpa Andersen took her to the store. I asked Jared to go along so that Madisen would not bankrupt her grandparents!

She picked out this super cute bear. She picked out this outfit because it looked "High School Muscialish"!

The biggest news of all!!!

Ok - so you may be wondering why I have not posted to this blog for almost 7 weeks now. Why would I let things get so out of control? I usually am more organized and more on top of things.
Anyway - I found out the 2nd week in July that I was expecting. Jared and I were totally shocked. I was about 7 days late with my cycle and he told me to take a pregnancy test. I did not want to because we have taken pregnancy tests and ovulation tests for 7 years now just to be disappointed. So - I went ahead and took the test before going to bed. It came up positive almost immediately! I was completely shocked. Jared was so excited. We can hardly believe it!
Most of my time has been spent at work or asleep. I have been SO tired with this pregnancy. Some days are worse than others as far as feeling sick. I almost have welcomed the feeling sick (sort of) because then I knew I was going to keep this pregnancy.
So two weeks after that I was at work and asked one of my co-workers if she would take a look and see if there was anything even there by ultrasound. She looked and told me she thought there were two sacks. I could have died. Another co-worker looked the next week and sure enough there were two sacs with two heartbeats!!! So right now- I am 11 weeks pregnant with twins....
We were not even trying anymore. We had decided to start our adoption file with LDS Family Services. We had given up on having any more of our own. No fertility drugs, no ovulation tests - just pure Heavenly Father decided it was time.

All I know is that Heavenly Father has His own time frame and only He knows why He has it. I know that He has a purpose and reason for everything that happens in our lives. He is the creator and loves us and knows the desires of our hearts. He blesses each of us accordingly.

Enjoy this video from the day we told Madisen she was going to be a big sister. My family is also there and knew that we were pregnant, but not with twins.


We also told Jared's family this past Sunday. Many of the ladies in the family had had dreams that we were having twins. Funny how the Spirit works through the ladies!!

Idaho for a quick trip

Madisen and I took Wynter home and while we were there my sister was able to get us tickets to the Twin Falls Idaho Temple open house. The temple was beautiful inside and we had a lot of fun. Great Grandma Mills was able to go with us too. The chaperones in the temple kept asking Grandma if she wanted to take the elevator or needed a wheelchair. She politely told them "no" and she preferred to walk because she could. Afterwards we went to Sizzler for some yummy lunch! It was so good to spend a special day with some of our favorite people.