The day she was born...

getting ready to leave.
It snowed the day she was born. on the way to the hospital the temp. read 4 degrees at 4:45 am
We went in to be induced; apparently Iwas in labor anyways; going from 3 to 4/5 while walking; waiting for the doc.

waiting fir doc to finish his prior appt.
Richard wore work boots to the hospital; apparently
he was unsure of the mess he was getting into and
what kind of work was required.
Slippers or crocs would have been sufficient.

Rejoice. the day she was born.



Small sweet thing.



The best Christmas present ever.
The baby????
No...not being pregnant anymore.

Surprise

Hunter is a girl ! ! ! ! Rebecca Grace Swearingen
5lbs 12.9 oz - 19.5 inches - 12:45pm
December 22, 2008

Leavenworth tree lighting

Thought we would take the time and have add another tradition to our holidaze fun, before we couldn't travel anymore. We had a blast in Leavenworth and watched the tree lighting ceremony and spent a few hours sledding Sunday night and Monday. Audrey had it made, Richard would pull her up to the top of the hill while she sat in the sled. he
"figured" it was safer that way since the turf was pretty slick. The two of them would then go down the hill together or Richard would chase the sled down the hill skiing down without the skis on his feet. Nicholas Madison Aud and Richard loved to compete with the college students that showed up and started racing down the hill. Aud has just a touch of a competitive spirit, i don't know who liked the race the most Richard or Aud. Nicholas loved trying out new tricks and tried to go over the little hill meant to keep the sleds and kids from sledding into the street. Madison of coarse couldn't escape the barn; she perfered to sled into the hay bales placed at the bottom of the hill.
We also met Father Christmas and had the chance to explain even the oldest traditions evolve with new generations

Hunting for Christmas trees, Before hunter can mess the plans

Making Richard's tradition our own. We had so much fun searching for The Tree this year. The kids helped Richard find "just the right one" while I worked on tramping through the woods.
see I really did go. The snow was falling so we all had damp hair by the time we got done. But It was gorgeous snow... Even Chester Loved hopping though it like a bunny.

Not ready, Not ready, Not ready

But sick sick sick of being pregnant.
Not done with homework STILL, still have this silly cold sick, too sick of homework,
keep getting distracted, haven't accomplished anything on "The List"
Too whirrly about everything that isn't a priority and
failing to get the necessary things done.
I wasted the day on a root canal and picking things up at the store to decorate the tree.
Yikes it is 4 pm on Friday and everyone will be home soon for the weekend.
I have got to be the biggest procrastinator ever....

Rejoice, the day you were born

December 10, 1993.

15 birthday wishes for Mackenzie Kay.

Michelin man

Count 'em

Truxton was born on September 22, 2008. That makes him a little over 2 months old.....
Truxton is now 17lbs. and outgrowing the 3-6 month clothes that Jessica just purchased.
He is already looking the linebacker. . . Hunter is going to look like a scrawny old man compared to his cousin. I can't wait to take the pictures. What I love about this picture are the leg rolls. Yeppers, count them. I see 5 but according to good authority there are actually 6 leg rolls.
HIp HIp Hooray

The Best Christmas Ever

There are a few things in life that are considered the best presents ever.
Answered prayers and chubby babies are among these.
Truxton takes on both.
After years of heartache,
I am so happy to announce the placement of my nephew
Truxton Daniel into the arms of his joyful parents.
My sister Jessica and her hubbie Dan.

I can't stop looking at their blog and the pictures of their family. The song lyrics "beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, boy" repeats continually in my mind.
And although she will never read this, I must express my deep gratitude for Truxton's birthmother. My sister expresses in her blog that she is a beautiful woman inside and out. Whenever I think of her, which is often, I can't but offer a prayer of gratitude for the gorgeous choice she made. I am grateful for her moral integrity she must have, bringing this child into the world, when so many choose not to bother. And for her strong convictions that allowed her to place her child in a loving home through adoption, despite great opposition. I can't help but be overwhelmed with tears as I think of her and pray she finds peace.

It is just killing me that I might not get to see
him for another month. If I could, I would pack everything and move back home.
At least I (we) can anticipate a visit for New Years if circumstances
prevent me for visiting sooner.

Thanksgiving in Malo

It snowed.... the kids had a blast sledding. Grandma Cheryl was a trooper and helped them with a good snow run, while i sat around feeling sick with a stuffy yuck cold.

Another treat was meeting Courtney, Richard's cousin. She and the kids had a blast. I loved visiting and getting to know her and the kids all agree she is the best cousin ever. Courtney introduced them to real handcuffs and the judicial process with Make believe-trials. Courtney and kids took turns being the judge with a laundry bag for a wigish thing complete with a brush gavel. They also made some puppets and put on a few plays for us. I of coarse was too out of it to take any pictures, perhaps courtney could e mail a few so we can share with the rest of you.

It is always a treat to see Grandma Sims and spend time with Grandma/pa Cheryl/ Rick not to mention Uncle Jarrod.

Erek and Richard were able to get some bow hunting in. Bringing home a deer the first night. The kids loved watching the boys prepare it for the ride home. Well Aud and I thought it was interesting at least.

A year ago, no way

Busy year, eh...
Richard and I were just talking about how it has been a year since the Sunking's game. The "coincidence" of meeting. Apparently he grabbed the last 4 tickets wanting to see how many I would take. I think it is funny he didn't run when I took all 4 tickets, or when Audrey stripped, Madison asked him to marry me, etc. He actually called me. I wake up with this baby feeling bigger than ever, wondering if i will fall asleep while studying again, or if my tailbone will allow me to sit at all for that matter, and I wonder how in the world did I get here...Perhaps not the most humble line of thinking. My challenge for the next year will be to continually be thankful for being here. Grateful to be a student, mother of 3 and the future 4th , a wife and a friend.

Clinicals

Anna, Jenny, me , Aracely, Janice, Aracelli, Chealsie, and Crystal
Jean in pink
What a great experience...now that it is over. Jean, our teacher was wonderful, full of knowledge and patience. I so appreciated having her experience guide us through this time. I learned so many things. such as scrubs, whether too big or too small do not stay on when you're pregnant.Everyone likes to rub a PG belly. Residents do not wash their hands, unless you make them.(Yuck, in a don't touch my stomach sort of way)and a few other things I will be able to apply to my nursing career when out of school.
Our little cohort was really wonderful, we all pulled together to help make sure we each had an opportunity to perform skills and try new things. Unfortunately our Cohort was an exception. We would all arrived at school to hear of the other groups arguing over who got to do the cathetar, or the ng tubes, etc. I think we were all appreciative of the repore we had with each other.

Madison Turns 11

Madison is growing up. Not sure what opinion I should have on the matter, never thought it would happen I suppose. Her birthday was a girly day, just she and I. Richard was a dear and kept the kids so we could go find female things. It was a fun day. Madison and I haven't spent a day alone in quite some time. She was really scared to get her ears pierced but really wanted to have it done. THere was no way she was going to take Richard's Penny Pinching suggestion of a piece of ice to numb it, a potatoe to stabilize and a needle to poke. We went shopping instead.

I pray that this year is full of positive growth as she continues to grasp who she is. I hope she will remain confident in our love for her, and realize it is just a mere reflection of how God loves and adores her, no matter what.

Halloween

I have no idea where she got this idea, but Audrey wanted to be a pink poodle princess puppy. so we made her a few ears, a tail and some cuffs, sprayed her hair pink and she was a very happy kid. For some reason I didn't pull my camera out at all on Halloween night, but I heard a rumor that dad has a few pictures of the other two, so as soon as I get them I will add it to the halloween blog

The Great Pumpkin

Logan came down to carve pumpkins with the family for his birthday, He turned 8 this year so we had to celebrate. Here are a few shots of the pumpkins.

Oh dear, has it been that long????

Proud of Madi but I will admit I am a bit tardy posting about the fair. What can I say, she has talent and determination. She took first place in ALL of her compitions except one and recieved 2nd for that. Not only did she take first but she also won high point, meaning once tallied she out performed everyone in her age group. For that she won a beutiful bridle thingy and a fancy hoof pick. Madison was exhausted by the time she was done along with her huge support team, Colleen and Angie Corbridge, Mom and Pa-dad, and Mamom and Papa.

We are blessed to have such a wonderful family pseudo adpot Madison and teach her about the horses, let her come out to the Ranch and just spend a weekend helping with chores, learning about the farm, helping with the horse and I am sure she sits on her duff a little bit too.

My friend Katie introduced Madison her first love, Pretty boy, when she was a 1 1/2 I always thought she'd outgrow it. Nope, Nada. She is still obsessed. Aunt Katie was able to come watch Madison compete Madison was thrilled. Aunt Jessica, Grandma Cheryl and Grandpa Rick were able to travel over and spoil us with their time on The last day of competition which was a treat. Richard and Madison are now thinking a travel trailer would be perfect for hunting weeks, fishing trips and of coarse fair/horse competition weeks. They have created a pack.

Here is nicholas playing let's listen to your heart mom. and audrey catching some homework action with me. I really am only this fat in pictures. ... Nic and Aud had fun at the fair, looking at everything. Audrey is catching the horse bug..(it is genetically NOT passed down apparently) she had a picture taken on a pony. They loved going on the rides. Somehow the kids got Richard and I to take seperate groups, I got to wait in line with Audrey and the kids (i include Richard in that definition) got to go to the BIG rides this year. Audrey is still a daredevil and loves the rides that are fast. I am so proud of Nicholas I assumed he would be a puker on the Fun rides but he kept it all down. I was grounded from the rides, which made me a little resentful; hmmm the sacrifices we make to keep the kid in the tummy.

a few more pictures of the little guy

So Richard was able to make it the appointment. which I was really grateful for. Until he noticed the nutritional pyramid for expectant mothers....and pointed out that cheeseburgers and french fries were not mentioned anywhere on the poster. HMPH.

Sooo I was hoping that the child had grown most efficiently the past few months, especially because I gave him another month to work on it (scheduling the ultrasound so late) Sp that his due date would be pushed back to what it should have been according to the calendar, making December 18th the due date instead of January 1. cuz that is what it is supposed to be anyways, according to me. but the little bugger hasn't cooperated at all and now the due date is reading January 8th. what the heck!!! I feed him all the cheeseburgers and soda he wants and this is what I get in return, a late anticipated birth date. The boy somehow must get the message, we are on a time line and spring semester starts January 14th. It is time to stop messing around and get growing!!!

this frontal view is pretty good, look closely and you can see eyes, a mouth, an ear, and two hands.

The outlined view for those of us who just see a big blob.

This is a picture where they take the sound waves and attempt to make a 2 dimensional image out of it, sometime they call them 3-d. So the boy was a bit wiggly so the top of his head is a bit blurred but you can see an ear, nose, eyes that are closed, and it looks as if he is holding the umbilical cord like a blanket. (use your imagination, if you just see an IT) ultrasounds are always much easier to make out when the Dr. is there pointing it out to you.

Frank and Beans

So the little bugger was being pretty darn modest until the Dr. left the room and I did a little coaxing. Richard called it the baby's first beating (and last), but the little love moved and the Dr. announced, "There are the frank and beans. or the little turtle."








































The outlined version.

First week of school

Apparently school isn't so awesome when you are almost 40. he he hee. Richard is hitting the books during his "free time" good old saturday and sunday afternoons. What could you possibly want to do other than study that time away? When this sweet child is born he/she blesses us with the knowledge of how "easy" it was before. We are totally screwed, We think we have THINGS to do now. HA.

first day of preschool

Apparently school is totally awesome. Audrey had a great time and can't wait to go back. We enrolled her into the preschool here in Terrace Heights so she will get to know a few of the kids she will be in Kindergarten with next year. We will miss the Montesori but think the social contection will be a benefit.

I am so proud of her, she is so happy and growing up so fast. Not fair that my baby girl is four.

she loves gross kisses and tickle torture with her padad. and asked me the other day if she could jump on me again when the baby is out of my tummy.

she would like to sign this note with her two favorite things.

4 A
yep that is right 4 cause she is 4 years old and A is for Audrey, she loves her capital "A"

A laugh for Jessica

What does this remind you of ?????

Hint 1. Steel Magnolias.

Hint 2. She paid $500 for that dress.

Hint 3. Pigs.

There is a large 2 way mirror in the nursing lab, I couldn't help but think as I glanced at my image the other day..... and knew you could appreciate the thought,

"I bet you money she paid $500 for that dress and don’t even bother to wear a girtle: LOOKS LIKE TWO PIGS FIGHTING IN A BLANKET"

A question for all the mothers out there, how can you lose weight and still gain new stretch marks? It is a riddle to me.

Ultrasound is on Tuesday. Finally, only had to reschedule 4 times. I have a test tuesday afternoon so I almost rescheduled again, but who could stand another postponement?

Grandma Cheryl would come down personally and drag me to the dr.'s office if I told her it would be another 2 weeks.

I will call and post for all to see, as long as the little bugger doesn't decide to be modest .

Nicholas up a tree

CAN YOU FIND THE BOY?????

There he is

ok ok ok i am sorry

BiG news

Richard got off the plane.

We spent the next 5 weekends attending family events such as Relay for Life
family vacation with my side
family reunions
Baptisms in Stevenson
and other various things I can't remember
Then we moved, thought we would try to play house together and get out of my parents space before school started, that took a few weeks. My sister-n-law Julie came to help mom, megan, and I clean out my super big mess downstairs, we couldn't have got it done without her. I didn't anticipate the difficulty of going through storage. I am very glad we had the chance to go through those things before i am 9 months pregnant and studying finals. Most of all the best thing is, we actually like playing house together. The kids are so happy in their space and seemed to be enjoying family life. We found a little place only a mile from mom and dad's house. It has 3 bedrooms and a family room we converted to a master so the kids could have their own rooms. We thought we would need that for bribbing material, turns out they are happy happy happy. Nicholas really did need a break from sharing a room with audrey. Bed time rocks... maybe I need to clarify that, if i could get richard to stop initiating tickle torture and water fights right before bedtime, I might actually achieve lights out at a decent hour but for now bedtime rocks because it is fun for all FOUR kids....

Yes!!!

Richard comes home today only 6 hours and 17 minutes before they scuttle his tush off the plan. We all can't wait.

hey mom you're a ...

yep that is right a beluga whale and that is what I apparently looked like in the pool a few nights ago while swimming with the kids. I am giving him, Nicholas, the benefit of the doubt and have decided he is just remarking about my beautiful casper white skin....

but I do happen to think that If I look like the beluga whale while swimming with him...

1. I am not going to swim with him ever again.

2 he looks like a creepy....
Moray eel