It's been a while

I was looking at our blog a few days ago. I started from the very beginning, and it was so much fun to  read. There were so many things I had forgotten about and it made me realize how stupid I have been for not writing on here anymore. I am going to try to document more as a journal. So much of life is forgotten.
   Since our last post, a lot has changed. We had a baby boy, Beck, 4 months ago. He is such a joy to me. People always say that little girls love their daddy more, and that has always made me a little sad and jealous so I am happy to have my boy. He has the most amazing smile and chubby thighs. He is incredibly patient- I have noticed that each baby I have is more patient than the last. I have come to  the conclusion that it is a tender mercy from Heavenly Father. I worry. I worry that I can't be the mom I want to be to my kids and then I worry more because In don't feel like I am done having children but I'm not sure how to be the mom I want to be. I worry I am failing. I think this is normal. I hope so at least. And I pray that I am doing it right.
  Andi turned 2 in February, the day before Beck was  born. I was so scared that she would hate him and that life was going to be miserable, She was so emotional and crazy for about 2 months before he was born. She would wake up screaming and stay that way until she fell asleep before bed. She had a really bad habit of throwing her self backward when she had a tantrum and would hit her head a lot. I was really panicked, but as an answer to my many prayers, she is happy and she loves Beck the best that a 2 year old can. She tends to be rough but she loves him. Most people don't see the Andi I know. She is a great helper. She will often see me doing something and she'll jump in to help the best she can. I love this about her. she is a goofy girl. She knows how to smile to get what she wants. , something I find very cute...for now. She loves the iPad, chocolate, and loves to say "I ho jew" as in I hold you. She has learned her ABC's, numbers, and I am working on her leaning to spell her name. She isn't as vocal as her sister were at this age, but she is very expressive and we understand what she wants. She sleeps in our bed still. I have mixed feeling about that. She cuddles with Jordan, since I have Beck. I miss our cuddles. I am finding that the hardest thing about being a mom is spending the time I would like to with each kid. I am aware of it, so I do try. Something I want to remember about Andi is that she covers her mouth when she laughs and how she says i'll see you later- I see you  yay-yer.
I love this girl. oh! I saved her life on Tuesday. she was being pulled in a floater by another little girl and nose-dived into the water. I had taken two more kids, other than my own, to a pool and my friend was walking up. All the kids got in the pool with only me there, which I was really nervous about because mine don't swim (each had a floater) and I hadn't had chance to change into my bathing suit. anyway, in she went. I immediately jumped in a scooped her up. Later, as I replayed it over and over in my head, I realized I must have pulled her head out with such force because I bruised the back of her neck trying to scoop her face out first. It was scary. when I told jordan about it, he thanked me fore always being to attentive to our kids. That was really something I needed because I often miss adult conversations because I consatnly need to check on them. Apparently I am what they call a helicopter parent, at least in public places, and that is fine with me. I think  it makes me an introvert or seem that way sometimes.
  ok, on to  Harley. sometimes I worry she is too involved in her own world and may have issues. I have talked to teacher at church and they say she is doing just fine. I remember my aunt thought I had ADHD as a  kid because I was the same way. She loves bugs, poop, stinky things, being dirty, princesses, batman, and holding little toys. she still has her "blue blanket", her harley accent (i.e. she says her name harwee), biggest blue eyes and  long lashes, skinny little body and her all around carefree, lazy personality. She is smart. Really smart, but I think she is often overlooked as being smart because of how she talks and the fact that Kennedy usually seeks attention. I have never seen a kid more creative and imaginative than her. She may not notice when she drops a toy or a piece of trash, but she could tell you every detail of something she saw once.  Lately, she loves for me to tickle her back, I noticed that she is becoming a little defiant like her sister and is getting an attitude. I don't like it. She can't handle being told no, same with Andi ( I call them my Februarys) they both have a physical melt down, when they curl into a ball and cry. They are both pretty sensitive. This helps me to learn that just as everyone has a love language, I need to discipline my kids in the way that works best for them. She can hold her own to kennedy now. She is tring to read to keep up with her sister and I think its great. Her and kennedy play all day long together and have a love-hate relationship. Kennedy will boss her around but she is also very protective of her. At Beck's blessing I had to go nurse him during testimony meeting. I heard Harley's  cute voice come on over the speaker and could tell someone was whispering to her what to say. Then kennedy came on and bore her testimony. I was thinking that an adult helped Harley but learned that it was Kennedy helping her. That was also the first time kennedy went up there and did it alone. Harley is so skinny, and loves to eat a quesadilla for lunch every day. She is slightly pigeon -toed and is probably the most adorable little 4 year old in the world. Jordan likes to call her left field lately.
   Kennedy is my challenge. I often need to remind myself that she is only 5. How is she 5 already and only 5? Most of the time, I feel like I am talking to at least an 8 year old. Sometimes, I think she could totally babysit her siblings, I think she thinks that too because she acts like a little mom. She is brilliant and she knows it. I think it might be difficult to teach her confidence vs. arrogance. I hope she is humble. She often acts entitled to things and makes a point to prove she is better at Harley than everything. It makes me frustrated, she makes me frustrated. She doesn't like to be told no. She throws crazy 40 minute tantrums sometimes. I have a really hard time finding what will work as far as disciplining her.  I don't want her to be a jerk when she is older. She is also a huge help to me. She can keeps an eye on her sisters and baby brother, she helps Halrey and Andi when I am busy with Beck. She has a big heart. On her 5th birthday she got two of the same toy and she gave it to Harley because she said " I think it would make her really happy". She once gave her sweater to a girl in her primary class because she was feeling cold and sick. She has been forgiving of her friend Everett when he was mean to her. She loves babies and animals and school and learning and attention. She learns most things quickly but will get angry when she doesn't learn something right away.  She impresses me every day. They all do. I guess thats why they are mine. I am their  mom. I love it. sometimes I want to run away and have quiet...and I miss them when they sleep or I run to the store. I don't expect anyone to read all of this. Its for me anyway but I have felt the impression to record my thoughts.

I'm back

I have been wanting to update on a regular basis, but I haven't because we don't have a current family picture. Pretty stupid reason, but it annoys me. Andi turned one yesterday, and Harley turned 3 a few days before. We had a Mickey mouse party for them and it was pretty fun. Well, actually no one showed up and that makes me sad but they enjoyed it and family was there too. Life has been busy but good. Jordan is taking his last classes before he starts the credential program this fall. I'm excited for him but also nervous. We'll most likely be selling our first home and moving in with my parents while he finishes. There is a lot of work to be done. Kennedy is getting smarter (and sassier) everyday. She's anxious to start school. she has never gone to preschool and sometimes I feel like I'm doing her a disservice, but I know there is nothing there she doesn't already know. hopefully she'll be starting T-K but again, were not sure where we will be living so it's all up in the air at the moment. She loves princesses, art, movies, games and she is a pretty great helper to me . Harley has been learning a lot too. She likes to spell out words and have me read books. She also thinks she is Batman. No really, that's how she refers to her self. She loves being outside, and mud, bugs and anything dirty. Her and Kennedy are very close, but they do fight too. I love that i had them so close together and I actually wish it would be like that for all my siblings. Andi, my sweetheart, is now one and it's hard to believe and a little scary because time went by too fast. She makes me so happy. She is a mommy's girl and I love it. she took her first steps around 10 months but has been full on walking for about a month. She is an extremely observant baby and tries to copy us with whatever we do. She is happy and so much fun. Jordan is in there Elder's quorum still and I was called to be in the Young Women's as mia maid adviser. I really like it but we still feel pretty disconnected from our ward. Pretty sad since we've lived here for  over two years, but oh well.  So that's what's going on with us these days.

Puj Hug Review

I was given the opportunity to test another product from the company, Puj. I absolutely love their baby bath tub, the Puj tub pujbaby.com. Now they make the Puj Hug and Puj big Hug, hooded hands-free towels. I think the towel is a great idea. I only have a few complaints. First, the towel I was given didn't seem like it was very good quality. Some of the towel was frayed and I though the stitching looked a little sloppy. Honestly, their products are good quality, so maybe this was just a fluke. Next, I thought the size of the towel was too small, even for a newborn- it covered her body but I wish it was just a little bigger. Lastly, I feel like the price of the towel $35.00 is pretty steep. Unless you can afford to splurge, than I wouldn't recommend this over most hooded towels I've seen. There are several good things about this towel though. Unlike a lot of store bought towels, this towel was very absorbent. I love the fact that you can wear it around your neck, making it a lot easier to lift your baby out of the tub. I also really like that it has a tab to hang it up.  Really, if the price was lowered and the towel was slightly larger, this towel would be an absolute must-have for any parent.

(notice the happy baby in the puj tub)

Cute packaging that flips open so you can feel the towel

Just put the tabs around your neck and pick up your baby

Babies don't like be taken out of a warm bath!

Hang the towel up to dry!

Introducing...

                                                               Andi Lee Holmes
                                                                       2-16-13
                                                                       2:11 pm
                                                           8lbs.5oz 20 inches long
                                                          Easiest labor/delivery ever!!

Big sister Kennedy was so excited to "hold"her

all of my daughters...

are so beautiful!

I could eat her up!

after her bath

                                                                We're so in love

September: a month of surprises

It's a little scary when I think about how fast time is flying by. I celebrated my 25th birthday last month and I still find it hard to believe, that me, the baby of the family is that old! Crazy. On my actual birthday, Jordan and I had some meetings to go to, so we had a family dinner and decided to celebrate on the weekend. Mike and Dejah watched the girls for us and we went out to eat and did a little shopping. It's always a BIG treat to go on a date, just the two of us. Sometimes I feel like we have to try really hard to have a conversation when the kids are around because it is just so loud. I love being out with just my husband.
    All month long we had been waiting for the anatomy ultrasound. I think everyone figured we were having a boy since this pregnancy has been incredibly different than the first two. I felt like it was a boy. My doctor even said she thought it was a boy (when they did an early ultrasound), so I just assumed that was the baby's gender. We were in the office for less than a minute when the doctor asked "Do you want to know the gender?" "yes!" then... "It's a girl!" I think we were a little shocked and we just kind of laughed. It still hasn't really sunk in. This baby sure had us fooled! Luckily, we make cute, funny, happy, crazy, smart, amazing little girls...so we are happy another one will be joining our family. I'm confident we will have sons one day- gotta fill that hole in my heart =)
We decided this baby's name will be Andie/Andy/ We are still working on the middle name...well narrowing it down between two.
   On Saturday, my sister Arwen took me out for a pedicure for my birthday gift, and when we came home I was greeted with a surprise party!! It was awesome. I have never been thrown a surprise party before! This was the best time to do it to because I had several clues to figure out what they were up to but I guess my pregnancy brain made sure I was oblivious to everything. I do have to say I'm proud of everyone for keeping it a secret because, I am really very sneaky at finding things out. Ha!
 It was a great month, even though it flew by. I love my family so much. It met a lot that they did that for me and I even had a pinata, yes, at 25 I still wanted one.

I want to win!

I don't normally blog about contests, but I really want to win this pack and play. We really need one since February isn't too far away and this baby will be sleeping and getting changed in our room.  The cute blog, 4 Men 1 Lady is giving away the Breeze play yard. this pack and play looks so awesome.  You only have to push a button and it's all set up...hence the name Breeze! It's also a changing station and a bassinet...perfect. I think we should win!

For more information check out 4men1lady.com 
Or the Breeze by 4 Moms

Puj Snug

We had the opportunity to be product testers for this awesome company, Puj. They recently came out with a spout cover for the bathtub- something every parent should have to prevent injuries in the tub. The Puj Snug comes in three colors, Aqua, Kiwi, and White. The girls loved the fact that it was an elephant and loved the softness of it. One thing I really like about the design is that it is cute but it is subtle enough that the girls don't think it's a toy. The cover comes off easily, but we keep ours on all of the time because it is designed so that we can switch the faucet to either a bath or a shower without always having to take it on and off. It is a simple product, but a great product. For more information on this company and their products, check out the link below.


pujbaby.com

Already In Love

I love being a mom. There are so many great things about it.  Seeing this sweet little baby fills me with so many different emotions. All good ones of course. 12 weeks in and it's amazing how much I love this little squishy. We found out I was pregnant the week of Father's day. I was feeling pretty sick even before I took a pregnancy test. That same sick feeling has lasted these last 12 weeks. I think I officially am out of foods I can eat that I haven't thrown up. It's all worth it though. Jordan has been awesome and really has stepped up taking care of the girls when I am lacking the ability to do so and family family that is always willing to help out is just and added bonus.  I had an ultrasound yesterday and got to watch baby move around for a little while. It was so cute! We are thrilled to meet this little baby and have our little family grow by another adorable, amazing child.

A Sweet Little Moment

We have been having a family prayer every night. Kennedy is usually really eager to say the prayer and is understanding what she should include but Harley usually lets go of our hands and babbles during the prayer. Tonight however, was different...it was special. We told the girls to come say a prayer and Harley says "hands" and reaches for mine. Then she bowed her head and said her own little prayer which included Jesus and amen. It was all we could understand and it was short but it was one of the best moments of parenthood so far. I guess our trying to make it a habit has paid off. She is such a sweet girl.
Harley @ 17 months.

America

To be honest, I often have a difficult time feeling patriotic. I feel like America is not what it used to be, that it is no longer great.  People don't have pride in the right things, our constitution is an ongoing battle, the minority opinions are controlling the majority of decisions that are made, being righteous and loyal to our Father in Heaven is becoming an act offensive to many, and apathy and lack of respect for what is true is on the rise.  I think of all of the things our ancestors have fought  for and is saddens me to think how much things have changed. I recently was watching a speech of President  Roosevelt and he mentioned many times how God was leading the country and how God had blessed America. Could you imagine if that was said in any kind of speech today?  In trying to feel more like celebrating Independence Day, I thought I would look up some quotes by our modern prophets. I found a great page  of Ezra Taft Benson quotes specially on America.  There is a lot of good stuff so I will only share a few

And if the time should come when you are associated with groups that take delight in tearing down our American way of life, then they seem to enjoy pointing out the weaknesses of our free enterprise system – and it has weaknesses; it has weaknesses because it’s operated by men and women who are full of weaknesses – but when those times come, when our system is criticized, just keep in mind the fruits of the system, the great blessings that have come to us because of our American way of life. No group of people have ever attained the standard of living which is ours. And so let’s become acquainted with what has been accomplished. It’s all right to criticize; it’s all right to try and improve our American way of life; but in doing so, 1et’s not surrender, let’s not give up, let’s not jeopardize that system which has made America great.

It’s a great blessing to live in America. It’s a great blessing to have the opportunity to enjoy the freedoms which are ours today. I have seen people, thousands of them, who have lost the freedom which is ours, where they can no longer meet, as we meet here this morning, and express themselves as they see fit, where they no longer have freedom of movement, freedom to select their own jobs, their own educational opportunities, freedom to speak their minds, to write what they wish – freedom of enterprise. In many parts of the world today these rich blessings of freedom no longer exist.

Will we be prepared? Will we be among those who will “bear the Constitution away from the very verge of destruction?” If we desire to be numbered among those who will, here are some things we must do:

1. We must be righteous and moral. We must live the gospel principles—all of them. We have no right to expect a higher degree of morality from those who represent us than what we ourselves are. In the final analysis, people generally get the kind of government they deserve. To live a higher law means we will not seek to receive what we have not earned by our own labor. It means we will remember that government owes us nothing. It means we will keep the laws of the land. It means we will look to God as our Lawgiver and the Source of our liberty.

2. We must learn the principles of the Constitution and then abide by its precepts. We have been instructed again and again to reflect more intently on the meaning and importance of the Constitution and to adhere to its principles. What have we done about this instruction? Have we read the Constitution and pondered it? Are we aware of its principles? Could we defend it? Can we recognize when a law is constitutionally unsound? The Church will not tell us how to do this, but we are admonished to do it. I quote Abraham Lincoln: “Let [the Constitution] be taught in schools, in seminaries, and in colleges, let it be written in primers, in spelling books and in almanacs, let it be preached from the pulpit, proclaimed in legislative halls, and enforced in courts of justice. And, in short, let it become the political religion of the nation.”

3. We must become involved in civic affairs. As citizens of this republic, we cannot do our duty and be idle spectators. It is vital that we follow this counsel from the Lord: “I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are free indeed; and the law also maketh you free. Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn. Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil. And I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall forsake all evil and cleave unto all good, that ye shall live by every word which proceedeth forth out of the mouth of God” (D&C 98:8–11).

Note the qualities that the Lord demands in those who are to represent us. They must be good, wise, and honest. Some leaders may be honest and good but unwise in legislation they choose to support. Others may possess wisdom but be dishonest and unvirtuous. We must be concerted in our desires and efforts to see men and women represent us who possess all three of these qualities.

4. We must make our influence felt by our vote, our letters, and our advice. We must be wisely informed and let others know how we feel. We must take part in local precinct meetings and select delegates who will truly represent our feelings.

I have faith that the Constitution will be saved as prophesied by Joseph Smith. But it will not be saved in Washington. It will be saved by the citizens of this nation who love and cherish freedom. It will be saved by enlightened members of this Church — men and women who will subscribe to and abide the principles of the Constitution.

http://www.latterdayconservative.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/

-End of Quotes 

 Sorry, I know that was a lot to read, but I really could feel the importance of these things as I was reading them.   I am so grateful to have modern prophets who know what is coming, who have seen the last days and can provide a sense of security if we follow their counsel.  Something my dad has always encouraged us to do before voting is prayerfully  decide how we will vote and get as much information on the matters at hand. I don't think too many people do this.  Anyway, this is quite a different post that what I normally do, but I guess I felt something nagging in me to do it. Hopefully it was expressed as intended. 

                                                                                    Happy Independence Day!!!! 

May

 It started off with the Watermelon Festival. Everything was free or .25 cents! It was so much fun!!

                                         They even had free pony rides. The girls loved it!

 Then we went to Jordan's cousins wedding reception. It was gorgeous, and the weather was beautiful.

 Next, we headed up to Mike and Dejah's house to stay the weekend for their memorial day party.          Harley discovered that she loves sand, especially to eat it.

 We had a blast. We swam and played, and made s'mores

                                                                      Jordan is silly.

                                                         Cute Harley sitting on a bench.

                                                      This girl can eat....and eat....and eat

                                                 Kennedy playing with great Grandma Pitt

                                                                    Peek- a-boo Harley

                                                         Guess who loves ice cream?!

                                    Then we took a little day a trip to the beach with my siblings-lucky for Harley        she is surrounded my sand. (Runny noses and sand do not mix so well)

             This is one of my new favorite pictures. Oh to be a kid again without  care in the world!

A glorious name- Mother

 Do you ever wonder how they did it? Our mothers. They are amazing.
There are days where I feel like it is impossible to raise kids and keep my sanity. My girls are crazy.
Lately I have been reflecting on just how much you have to do as a mom. I realized that my mom and my mother in law did so much more than any mom I know today.
     My mom is wonderful. She is beautiful. While I don't have as many memories as a child as I would like to,  the ones I have I cherish. She has always been creative.  She was an amazing artist. She is kind, and loving and patient. She is everything I strive to be as a mom. Life hasn't been easy for my mom. I know she gets frustrated with her MS. She can't do things she wants to but I know that it has been a blessing for our family, she just took the blow for us. My siblings have talked about it many times and feel that if it wasn't for this trial, we wouldn't  be the family we are today. We wouldn't be each other's best friends. We wouldn't have learned to be independent. We wouldn't have learned to serve and love it.  Her trial has made us so much better and I am so thankful for that. I love my mom's sense of humor, her wisdom, and her gorgeous red hair that we have all tired to have! I love and appreciate her faithfulness and her endurance. She is an example to me in every way. We recently watched the video of one my sisters being born and my mom became my hero all over again. She looked like she was sleeping through it all-with no epidural! She is Strong! She raised 5 kids to be happy and good people. that is not easy to do in this world.  I have always felt a  special bond with my mom. She was the youngest in her family and I the youngest in mine. She calls me her little germ. I know she has done so much for our family, and I'm sure there are plenty of sacrifices that she made that I will never know about. Thank you for everything, mom. I love you!!

Then there is my mother in law. Everyone that knows Sheryl loves her. She was one of my favorite people long before Jordan and I were married. Her kindness in infectious. I remember being at girls camp and crying on her shoulder because I was homesick and lonely.  She was one of my favorite leaders in my youth because she was always so happy and she knows how to make people feel special. I can't imagine having 8 kids in ten years but I know it met sacrifice and never having time for yourself. I've heard plenty of stories from all of her children about how she had served them or taught them. She is always happy, always has something sweet or encouraging to say and is always serving. She raised the amazing man I am married to and for that, I am forever grateful. I remember when my sister was marrying Mike and I told her she gets to be related to sister Holmes! I'm glad I get to be her daughter in law. She does so much for us and continues to be a great example of what a beautiful woman of God should be. There are so many traits in Jordan that I know he has learned from his mom. She is talented, selfless, kind and thoughtful. You are an amazing person and I love you!!

I think of all the ways these two women have been an example to me and my heart is full. I feel like they are the pioneer mothers who did it all! I want to be like them. I love to watch them being grandmas because I feel like I can get a glimpse back in time and get a small taste of the love they have for their own children.
                                                            Happy Mother's Day!

Easter

This was a fun easter! Jordan made a yummy after church breakfast for all of us ( Mike and Dejah stayed here for a few days!), then we napped, had an easter egg hunt here for the girls, then we went to the traditional Pitt family easter egg hunt. I taught Kennedy about easter and Christ's resurrection. I'm not sure how much she understood, but I was happy she could at least say "resurrection". Watching Kennedy and Harley on holidays is so much fun. It really makes holidays enjoyable.

Sea World

We had the chance to take a family trip to Sea World for less that $25- of course we couldn't pass this up. The girls had fun. We thought Kennedy would enjoy the shows more, but she didn't really pay attention. Her favorite part was the Sesame street play area, minus meeting Elmo in person...she gets scared of things like that. Harley, on the other hand loved every thing (surprising, right?...she is always happy). She loved watching all of the fish. I think she would love to sit in front of an aquarium all day. She has such a love for animals. It is so sweet and I keep trying to convince Jordan that we need to get a puppy or kitten. He likes to remind me I am allergic. Any way, Harley was really excited to see Elmo and Zoe, she even got a kiss from them! It was a fun day and on top of that Kennedy was diaper free and did not have any accidents. I think it is safe to say, this girl is potty trained!! Sometimes it is stressful to take the girls out somewhere, but it is worth it for the smiles we get from them! I really love my little family and I want it to keep growing.