Shout Out to the POPS!

Happy Fathers Day to all dads! And a special Happy Fathers Day to my daddy! Thank you for all you have done for me. For teaching me to stay strong and work hard for everything in life, I know I can always count on you. You have been a great teacher and a good daddy, I love you very much.

Papa Chango!

(my kids call him that)

And to Rod. You too are an excellent father and have raised a wonderful family. I am so proud to be a part of what you have created. Thank you for being there for me and my family and for raising such a wonderful son and father. I love you too!

Bampa Royce

(That's what Chanel calls him)

And to my husband... Thank you for everything you do for our family. You are a wonderful man and a great daddy. You make me want to be a good mommy and a better wife, I have loved every moment spent with you. I cant think of anything better than just sitting back and watching you play with the kids and love on them so much. I couldn't thank or praise you enough for what you do. I love you very much and know our kids will always have a good role model to look up to.

Daddy!!

For fathers day we started with our presents. He got some golf balls and golf Ts and I made him a little "car detailing bucket". I wanted to spend more time on it and make it all cute but, I got too busy (and lazy). He wouldn't have even noticed so I just threw it in the bucket and saved some time. Here he is with the kids opening his gifts....

I also ordered some gourmet donuts from Beyond Glaze donut shop. They were super delicious!! We had all kinds of flavors to choose from. YUMMY!!

Here are the kids testing out the golf balls...

Daddy will show them how its done...

Later that day we went boating!! It was a lot of fun. We went out with Grandpa and Grandma Royce. While we were there we managed to sink a snorkel tube, a fishing pole and GRANDMAS CELL PHONE!!!! Non could be found. And Grandpas boat broke down in the middle of the lake for a little while. Rory and him fixed it after about an hour. Still, it was an excellent day and I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate fathers day.

Here is Jameson snorkeling!! He is such a goofball!

Okay, you cant tell me this face isn't the prettiest thing ever!!???

This one too.

And these ones too!!!

Jameson got up on the water skis for the first time this year. He wants a new wake board, I told him he had to perfect skiing and then we will talk about a new board. He is working on it...

Apparently Grandpas boat is more fun than ours?

Here is Chanel jumping to her daddy...

And James jumping off the wake boarding tower on the boat!!!

This kid is just insane!

Here we are at 31 1/2 weeks!!!!

Okay, Rory is totally sticking his stomach out. He really doesn't look anything like this... yet.

Sooo... speaking of pregnancy. I had another appointment today and I am now dilated to "about a 2" and over 50% effaced. Not good news for us. I am supposed to have at least 8 weeks left but they are betting I go around 34-35 weeks. I had to get a steroid shot today (BURNED BY BUTT LIKE HELL!!!!) and I will have to go back tomorrow for another one. It should help the babies lungs mature faster and hopefully pack on a little weight. I'm sure all will be well but the longer I can stay pregnant the better. The doctor says there isn't much I can do at this point so we are just praying all goes well. Most women are begging to go into labor, I on the other hand and praying to stay pregnant for just a little while longer!!!!

30 Weeks & 5 Days along.

Ok. So I am going off of what my last ultrasound said and it set my due date back 10 days, so I am actually due on Aug. 22nd. I always feel better going off the later one because then I'm not as antsy in the end. So I am 30 weeks and 5 days. That is 215 days so far, with 65 days to go (if I go full term). When I am done with this one I will have been pregnant for about 160 weeks of my life!! That is roughly a little over 3 and a half years and its all been in the last 5 and a half years. Sorry my math isn't so great and I have probably already lost you or you may be already correcting me. You get the idea. Every pregnancy has been different in its own way, some better than others but, all just as special and magical. All a miracle. Feeling this life grow inside of you and having such a strong connection to someone you have never even seen or heard and yet closer to this little person than you will ever be again. Again, am I losing you? ANYWAY... So I have about 2 more months to go then that is it. I will never feel this again, so I wanted to put down a few things I love and even a few I hate so I can have something to remind me. Its always funny how after you have had the baby you think 'oh that wasn't bad at all'. Its Gods funny way of making sure we keep having babies. He is quick to wash a lot of the negative parts about being pregnant out of our minds. But we always remember the reward in the end. And its a gift that keeps on giving, everyday, every minute, every look, every touch. Everything. Simply put... it is truly a miracle. Nothing you can ever explain. I look forward to seeing my family together soon in its entirety. All the little pieces of our puzzle.

SOOOO here goes just a little list of goods and bads:

I love finding out I really am pregnant! Its so exciting and breathtaking but still so scary. All I can do is take a deep breath and say 'here we go baby! Be nice?!'

I love telling people I'm pregnant but, mostly Rory. Like I said before, seeing him so happy and excited makes me feel like jello inside.

I hate how my hips feel right now. I feel like a barbie that is slowly getting my legs pulled apart and at any minute they are going to detach from my torso and I will hit the floor.

I hate how sore my ribs get, I just want to massage the inside of my rib cage.

I love that I don't grow any hair anywhere except my head. I barely even have to shave. Which is a good thing because it gets a little ugly when I am trying to bend over to shave my legs.

I hate shaving when I'm pregnant. Period.

I love how Rory looks at me. Here I feel like a fat walrus trying so hard to get my fat to work with me just to move around with the grunting and the rolls and all. And yet, he still looks at me like I am beautiful, and tells me all the time. And funny thing is I really do believe he is telling the truth. In his eyes I still look good.

I hate finding something to wear everyday. Its always a battle, I cant just throw on any pair of jeans and a little T shirt. No, I have to search, stretch and pray every time I put something on that it will cover all the necessary parts of my huge body and hope it doesn't break or rip.

I love feeling the baby move. Its so neat to guess or know what little body part is where or just to have those little reminders saying I'm still here mommy!

I hate when baby is doing cartwheels at 4 am.

I love seeing the kids faces when they feel the baby move. I always have little hands on my belly and they just stare at me almost like I have some control over when it will happen.

I love when Rory rubs my belly or kisses it. Hes such a good daddy even from the very beginning.

I hate how bad my back hurts!!!

I hate how big my boobs get, I actually feel self conscious about them. Its embarrassing.

I hate the way I waddle!

I love that I can eat anything anytime and I have every right and a perfect excuse.

I love to give birth. Thankfully mine have all been way too easy! Its like its a natural high when I give birth, I cant tell whats real and what isn't. Its just too good to be true, pure euphoria. Even kind of addicting, obviously... I'm going on #4.

So that's it, this baby making factory is soon to be closed. I'm shutting down. But there are so many things to look forward to. Soon I will be holding little Ava in my arms (that is her name by the way) and I will stop having babies and focus just on raising them. It is truly a blessing. How can you doubt God when you are holding an angel?

Tiny Dancer, School, poppawheely's and dilation!!

So sorry it has been so long! We have been just running crazy with so much going on!! I have had a few upset readers and I apologize (Lisa!) Ok, This is going to be long so if you don't have a life to get to right away have a seat....Let me begin with... non other than the kids of course! Since that is my life. Jameson and Chanel had their first week of summer school last week! I know I sound like a mean mom for even putting them in summer school but, they really do love it. And it was Chanel's first time EVER going to school!! I would have gotten some pictures but Jameson was puking while Rori was pooping and I was supposed to be leaving. I was lucky to walk out the door and get her there on time (James missed that day of course) I'm sure I stunk when I dropped her off. Here I was a mess and a little emotional watching my little girl RUN into school and I'm yelling 'I love you!! Have fun!! Be good!!" etc. and she didn't even give me a wave or a look back or nothing! She was gone! Not a bit of hesitation or being afraid. She loved it and the next day James was able to make it and he said she did very good at school. (They get to be in the same class just for this summer). He takes such good care of his little sisters, here is a picture of him giving Rori Ana a bath in the sink. What a good big brother!


He cant wait for another little sister to join in on the fun. Speaking of which, I am now 31 weeks!!! And not going so strong. I am remembering all the little uncomfortables that come with pregnancy. I am so tired but, when you have 3 kids running like they are on speed or something illegal you don't really get to much rest. I think I have been over doing it a little. I was dilated to a 1 at 29 weeks and with Rori Ana coming so early they are a little worried so I am now on "modified bed rest". When I asked what that meant my doctor said "Take it VERY easy". How the hell do you take it easy when you have 3 kids, 3 dogs and a crazy life?? Still, I have been doing my very best. I don't pick up anything unless I absolutely have to, and Rori Ana is walking now so it makes it a little easier. She looks so cute and still so baby to me. I'm sure when we have the next baby she will look giant. Anyway, no deep cleaning (shucks), pretty much just sit on my butt all day if at all possible. I manage ok. Rory has REALLY stepped up and taken on a lot. It was kind of funny because the doctor kept yelling at me telling me to try to relax or he would put me on complete bed rest. Rory didn't seem too concerned until I called him and said the doctor said no more sex. Then he freaked! He said "WHAT? Is something wrong? Is everything okay? What EXACTLY did the doctor say??!!" Apparently it wasn't that serious until he heard those awful words. Again... I am managing just fine and following doctors orders!

Last weekend we got to get out on the boat!! Finally!! It was wonderful, until the darkness set in and we would rush back to the dock to load up before it dumped on us. I have been LOVING the thunder storms though!! Here are some pictures, the water was a little cold but not bad at all.


The kids had a blast!!

Do G isn't a good swimmer!!!

We got a little fishing in. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE to fish? I do!!

Chanel went swimming after she made sure there were no sharks.

What a hotty??!!!

Him too!

And Rori got to see a worm for the first time!!! And what did she do with it? What she does with everything.....

I guess worms don't taste too good. I wasn't too worried, obviously. Its organic right?

Here is the sign we better head back to land.

And today was another big day for Chanel! She started dance!! Were hoping it helps her with her coordination. She cant even make a full circle without falling or run in a straight line, or even run without falling. But maybe with a little practice we will have a little ballerina?? She loves it. She looked so cute falling this way and that way while her teacher tried to get her to tippy toe in a straight line. I think she may have even taken out a few of the other little girls in her class.

My tiny dancer.......
And that's not all!!! She also took off her training wheels today!!! Of course we still have to get after her every second to watch where shes going but, she did it!! I am so proud of her!!! Jameson had his training wheels off by the time he had his 2nd birthday and Chanel isn't too far behind. She even managed to go off the ramp with daddy's help.

Here is James doing his "poppawheely".

So, that's all for now. I'm going to go take my Tylenol PMs for the night and crash. I will be writing again soon.

Goodnight.

That's it. My baby boy graduated from preschool! I swear just the other day I was walking him to his first day of school, I think I was way more nervous than he ever was. He is such a smart little man and I know there is no limit to what he will be capable of doing in his life. I am very proud to have my little graduate!! This year he will be moving on to KINDERGARTEN!! It is all so very exciting but, it is coming a lot faster than I had expected. Kindergarten brings on a whole new realm of worries for me... Are the teachers going to know what they are doing or are they just doing what they feel they are supposed to do to get their paycheck? Will they be nice? I feel like its up to them to make or break it for these kids, whether they will have a love for learning or resent school forever. Will there be bullies? Will my son be able to beat the crap out of them? Will he be a follower or a leader (he is definitely more of a leader) Will he hang out with the "good crowd" or the "bad"? Will he be able to understand everything that goes on? Or will he struggle? UGHHHHH!!! So much to worry about, to think about, to panic about.... Ok deep breaths... deep breaths. I am sure whatever comes I will be able to handle. Right? I know he will, so if a 5 year old can do it I can!? He is very excited and cant wait to go to the "BIG school" he says he cant wait to meet new friends and play on the playground. He looks forward to sitting at the "dest" (desk) and learning new things. Before I know it he will be off to college and if you think I'm being crazy now... You just wait. You haven't even seen crazy, possessive mommy yet! I don't think I will be able to ever let go! I'm going to be one of those really annoying moms that brag about their son and still shows everyone his picture even thought he is 40 yrs. old. I will never be able to except that he is not my baby but, if he keeps his promise he will be my baby forever and I will always be able to cradle him in my arms.

CONGRATULATIONS JAMESON!! WE ARE ALL VERY PROUD OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chanel... Will you marry me?

I was driving to my moms house yesterday when I over heard the cutest little conversation between Jameson and Chanel. I love listening to them... when they aren't yelling and screaming at each other. I really need to do it more often. It went a little something like this....

James: Chanel, I really do love you. Even though we fight sometimes and I push you and you scratch me. Chanel... Will you marry me?

Chanel: Yes, I wuv you too Janeson.

James: You will have to ask mom how to make a wedding. She knows how, shes done it before you know.

Chanel: mmmhmmm

James: Ok, now we have to kiss......... They kiss Y
Chanel: Im going to be a pincess James?

James: Yes, and I am the prince. Or the king, I dunno. We need to make inbites! Mom makes those too. We have to inbite everyone we know! It will be so fun, with dances and candles!

Then they both started telling me everyone that needed to be on the inbite list and that I needed to make their inbites and write sooo nice so it looks beautiful! Of course I didn't have the heart to tell Jameson that he couldn't marry his sister. But, than again, it wouldn't be the first time it happened in Utah I'm sure!!

Happy Birthday Chanel!!

My oldest daughter is now 3... going on 16. I cant believe all my babies are growing up?! This year she will be starting school and all sorts of new things, and she is ready to take it all on. I don't think there is anything you can hand to this girl and she wont take it head on and with an attitude to top it all off! She is so much fun, there isn't enough I could say about Chanel. You may not understand all the words coming out of her mouth but she has a lot to say and she holds nothing back. She is determined to get whatever it is she wants in life, one way or another she will get it. She is the most wonderful person to be around and such a beautiful little girl. All her life she has had people look at her in awe because she truly is the most beautiful little girl inside and out. I love every minute I spend with her, it is an honor to be her mommy. She has to be the most demanding, sneaky, argumentative little girl but, she is also the sweetest, kindest, most grateful, outgoing girl too. She is so special and has so much to offer to this world. She makes me look at life in a whole new way and I love to be around her. Here are a few things I want to remember about my little Chanel...
How she talks!! I have so much video of her little conversation because she says such funny things!
The way she looks at me. Whether its a mad, happy or sad face. They're all so cute.
How she HAS to sleep with her 2 baby pillows.
She accessorizes everything!
She loves anything pink, she is so girly!!
When she gets mad and will throw things around then she picks them up and apologizes.
How much she loves her daddy.
How she yells at everyone, even if she doesn't know them?!
How nurturing she is. She wants so bad to be a mommy when she grows up.
When she calls herself princess Chanel.
She is so daring, she can do anything she puts her mind too.
How uncoordinated she is.
She NEVER watches where she is going.
She falls every 30 seconds.
She freaks out on bugs.
She freaks out when she has a booboo or whenever anyone else does and then insists on kissing it a million times.
How honest she is.
How funny she is.
When she cries she sounds like an ambulance.
The way she says taytoo (thank you).
She repeats everything I say
Her laugh is so contagious.

I love every little thing about Chanel, there is not one thing I would change about her (even though she is my toughest child) She really is something special and I couldn't imagine my life without her.
I love you Chanely belly!!! I look forward to everyday I get to spend with you. Thank you.

Goodbye Nate

Nathan Peter Slotboom
Nathan Peter Slotboom 1985 ~ 2009 Nathan Peter Slotboom, also known as Nathan Petersen, age 23, left this world May 3, 2009.Born August 17, 1985 to Leajean Warner and Steven A Slotboom, he leaves behind his parents Leajean, Steve and Diane and Special Stepfather Daniel "Boone" Petersen, his sister Chambret, brothers Brad and Quenton, loving grandparents, aunts, uncles, step brothers, step sister, nephew Branson, girlfriend Allison and Many Many friends. Nathan was a quiet, caring, profound, peaceful and unique individual who was loved by many! He sought peace in playing his musical instruments, listening to music, sketching and writing poetry. C.o.D. Preceded in death by Best Friend Tyler Sheehy. Please join us in celebrating Nate's life at 6:00 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2009 Mountain Vista Methodist Church, 8931 South 3200 West. You may share condolences with the family at www.serenicare.com In lieu of flowers donations can be made at any TransWest Credit Union under the name of Steve Slotboom.

Zions

Last weekend we went to Zions National Park. I had never been, Ive passed by it but, never got down. I wish we could have seen more!! It was not easy hiking up these trails and taking shuttles carrying a baby in my belly, one on my hip and having Chanel who falls every 30 seconds stumbling her way up and down the trial and Jameson who is OBSESSED with anything that moves running off the trails to catch some weird bug or something. So we only got to see a small part of the beauty. I want to go back with leashes, strollers and backpacks for the kids. Maybe something to knock em out too so I can really soak it up! We all had a blast! On Saturday Rory went biking with some of my mom's friends that are up there. I don't think Rory knew what he was in for, these guys are EXTREME mountain bikers! He left about 9:30 am and didn't return back until 8 PM! They came back with one guy that had a broken arm and a girl that had smashed her face in. I kept thinking if that were me I would be bawling my eyes out and making Rory rush me to the nearest instacare so I can get the strongest pain killer available and then I would pout and whine about it until it was healed. Even then I might still whine some more! But NO these people continued on with the ride and then came back and CAMPED OUT ANOTHER NIGHT!!!! Crazy... Luckily Rory came back in one piece (I was a little surprised) and he stuck through it with the best of em! He even chose to go down a harder trail then the rest with one other nut job! I was very proud of him, and I would have told him that except I was a little irritated that he had dropped me off in a desert with 3 kids and expected me to keep them entertained by myself ALL DAY!??! Actually it wasn't that bad, between the Virgin River, frogs, bugs, ant hills, bikes, dogs and of course the luxury of have a TV and DVD player it was rather easy. Just exhausting is all. Sunday is when we went to Zions. It was my day and that's what I wanted to see. It was amazing (what we saw of it)! I cant wait to go back, I want to plan it out a little bit better next time because there were so many amazing trails we didn't even get to see. Around 4 we decided we should start heading home. We got everyone and everything loaded and the kids were completely exhausted so we thought this was going to be a piece of cake. We would ride home in complete silence and peace, without the whining and stopping every 5 miles to go potty. We got about 1 hour down the road when we heard a POP and the truck lost all power!! We BROKE DOWN!! So we inched our way into the nearest town, Cedar City and parked at a Checker Auto Parts for about 2 hours where Chanel managed to get her fingers smashed in the door and pee her pants at the same time. Then we were off to the Auto zone for another 2 hours where Jameson dropped one of the 4 dogs we were with on the baby and it scratched her poor little leg really good. It was so much fun!!!! In the end my mom came and got the kids and I. I got to ride in the very far back of her SUV (we ran out of seats ) with the dogs the whole way home!! We finally made it home around 1 am but at least we made it home!! Poor Rory stayed with his truck in Cedar City working on it all night. I felt so sorry for him!! He is such a hard worker. I kept saying lets go rent a hotel and you can hire someone to do it in the morning. But no, Rory was bound and determined to get it done himself! He made it home the next day, with a blown turbo and now a big fat bill. But he is still working on the truck, I don't doubt it will be running better than before in a few days. So that's it! It was so much fun and I highly suggest going to Zions!!!

**** HaPPy BiRThdaY RoRi AnA!!! ****

One year ago, right at about this EXACT time I was calling Rory to tell him my water had broke and our baby was coming and coming FAST! We didn't know what we were having so my bag was a little big, prepared with boy clothes, girl clothes, unisex clothes etc. And only one very tiny, itty bitty preemie shirt I had stuck in a couple of nights before this because I had a very strong feeling this baby wasn't going to wait until June 4th. So after shaving, doing some laundry and making sure the other 2 kids were taken care of we were off to the hospital. We got there about 2:30 and I told the nurse she should call my doctor because I was ready to push (of course she thought I was crazy and made me wait in the waiting room and never did get around to calling my doctor!) By 4:45 my baby GIRL was here!!! She was so tiny but perfect in every way. She weighed in at 5 lbs 13 oz. almost half the size of my first born. We were so thrilled to have her! Everyday she brings a smile to all of our faces, every time I look at her I still melt. She is such a sweet and sensitive little person that has so much to offer to this world. I love everything about her and feel so blessed to have her. She loves her family so much and she shows it to all of us all the time. I still cant believe it has been a year!? Time really does fly when your having so much fun! I just want to list a few things about her that I want to remember.... (you can skip this it might get kind of long)
I love how when she gets tired she will stick her fingers in her ears.
When she sleeps she will rub her blankies on her face.
When I ask for a kiss she always gets such a serious face and then leans in really slowly and gives the softest, perfect little kiss I have ever had. Like something on a movie.
How she yells at everyone and everything!
She screams every time I put her in her car seat like we haven't done it a million times before.
Watching her DANCE!!! She can dance like nobodies business!
She loves music, it always makes her happy.
When she gets sad she will pout about it forever and milk it for all its worth.
When she gets hurt its the end of the world!
She jumps at everything! She was even like that in the womb! She is constantly getting scared by some loud noise!
She is so ticklish.
How she twirls her hands and feet.
She squeaks!!! When she was a newborn she would do it and people couldn't figure out what it was. She still does it all the time but now everyone knows where its coming from!!
Her hugs. She squeezes so tight!
How she always wants to cuddle.
She always wakes up laughing.


Okay I could go on forever. I just don't ever want to forget anything about her. She is so special!! As I type this I can hear her upstairs waking up from her nap, calling me in her own little baby language she has. She is so happy and ready for anything!

Happy birthday baby girl! You made it a whole year, and in this family that is not the easiest thing to do. Thank you for letting me be your mommy. I love you Rori Ana!!