Update #1 - Not starting out "the right way"

We arrived at the hospital at 7:05 and checked in. We were literally one of 4 cars in the entire parking lot of the labor / delivery building. Apparently, Michelle is the only person being induced today, so we basically have the entire floor to ourselves for a while.

When we arrived, the nurses were extremely friendly. Our attending nurse is named Lindsey. She is very friendly, and apparently has access to all of Michelle's personal information. She's already talked about Michelle's piano lessons, her adoption / birth mom, our kids, and the fact that she was a full tithe payer last year. Wierd :-)

Our first funny experience happened when Lindsey was putting the monitors on Michelle's belly. Michelle was having a hard time keeping her gown on while the monitors were being put in place, and she said, "I'm sorry that this gown is so revealing." The nurse very nonchalantly responded, "well, most people put the gown on the other way." Funny! Michelle put the gown on the right way during her next bathroom trip.

Michelle has her IV in. The nurse was able to get it in with one poke, although she had to do a lot of wiggling after the initial poke to actually get the needle into the vein. Michelle got pretty light headed and dizzy during that process, but she is better now.

They just started her on pitocin and Dr. Morris stopped by and broke Michelle's water. I better stop writing and get back to taking care of Michelle! I'll be back!

We're on Our Way!!!

We're just about to go to the hospital so that Michelle can be induced. We check in at 7:00 a.m. At her appointment yesterday, she was dialated to 3 1/2 - 4 cm and was mostly effaced. I'm praying that Michelle will be given strength to endure what lies ahead. She is amazing, and I'm confident she will breeze through this miracle. We are extremely excited to welcome little Luke into our family! I'll post more after the delivery! Wish me luck (or Michelle)!!!

Prego Pics

My talented friend Mandy Beyeler took some almost 37 week prego pics for me:) I figured since I didnt have any shots of this pregnancy I better get some before its all said and done. She does a GREAT job! Also, here's a shout out for her crafting blog.

www.craftedition.blogspot.com

Thanks again Mandy!

Ally's Party Week

Holy cow! This girl was spoiled this last week! I cant believe she is 4 already....seriously.....time has FLOWN since she was born. Anyways, lets get down to the nitty gritty.....

What party would be complete without a pinata?

Michayla drew the horse for pin the tail on the horse game. Below are the cutest girls to ever play pin the tail on the horse. They were so cute!

We decorated horse shoes that Ally and I spray painted pink.

A quick game of freeze dance always makes for a great time killer.

Look closely and you'll see the girl's cute horsey ears headbands. Ally has so many girls here her age.....what a blessing!

What did Ally want the very most for her birthday? Just a horse ride, thats all! Ally met and loved this beautiful Buck skin named April, and has asked to go back every day.

Ally's birthday outfit this year. Dont you just love it? She wears her hat around to all the stores with me, and of course we get many comments. Who knows when and if this passion will pass, but I sure do think its cute for now! Happy birthday my little 4 yr old cow girl!

SNOW SNOW.....go away....come again some other

YEAR!!!! Its been the snowiest winter in a long time here in Missouri. The kids have had more than a handful of snow days out of school, and we've even had church cancelled a few times. Although we've enjoyed sledding in our backyard, and making snowmen and snowforts, we are READY for spring!!! Bring on tornado season:)

Basketball season comes to an end

Blake and Michayla both played basketball this year. Brent coached Blakes team, and Michayla played with her friend Kallie, with her mom Kate as the assistant coach. It was so fun to watch them get better as the season went on.

This is our 3 legged picture of the kids their last game. We started B-ball in Novemeber, so its been quite the season, with practices once a week, and a game almost every Saturday (except when the weather was too crazy).
Basketball is close to my heart, and I really surprized myself at how into it I would get! Now I understand those parents who sit in the crowd and yell and the kids....you only yell so that they can hear you!!! Brent and I both had to tell ourselves frequently "it's just a game" "they're still young" and whatever else would help us to shut our mouths and enjoy watching our kids learn a sport! We had a good time. I think they both want to play again next year.

I wasnt able to get any of the shots that either of them made on film.....bummer....but they did make a few! Here's one of Blake that he didnt make:)

Long over-due attempts to catch up:)

Michayla's Baptism

It was such a special day! I am so proud of you Michayla for choosing to be baptized. It was so fun to watch you feel the spirit, and to see you receive the Holy Ghost. I'm glad that you had such a special experience, and that you are trying your hardest to keep your covenants that you made.

Michayla was able to be baptized on her birthday! It was so special to have grandma and grandpa Flake, and Granny Jo and Poppy Keith and Natalie there. What a blessing that they were able to travel all the way from Arizona to be with us!

That morning we went to Michayla's and Blake's basketball games, and then hurried over to the baptism. It was a great day. The only downer was that Ally was sick...

I cant believe we have an 8 yr old!!!!! She is the best 8 yr old ever.