Today I'm eating bonbons!!!

There is an ongoing saying that I like to us with my husband. On those crazy days when everyone seems to need me at once and the loud factor in our home has hit the roof. I say to my husband, "Just because I am a stay at home mom, does not mean I am putting my feet up, watching Oprah and eating bonbons." No, it's quite the opposite really! I don't really think he believes I do those things either... but it's my way of reminding him that we both work hard. Really, if you think about it, eating too many bonbons can give you quite the stomach ache and Oprah can get a little long winded after a while. I'm happy with the chaos and I know that every stage of life brings blessings. The key is living in the moment, which brings me to why I stopped blogging for a while. I personally was struggling between living in the moment in my real life and getting sucked into this virtual world that exists. There are many other factors, that I will try to do a better job at this next go round. But I am excited to get back to the old bloggy blog.

Much has happened since the "still here, still pregnant" post. And I am eager to start documenting my life again...

So stay tuned!!!

Still Here, Still Pregnant

But I think I am getting closer!!! 37 weeks 4 days today.

Yesterday morning I was feeling fine. No sign of upcoming birth in sight. Than as I sat at a Halloween party doing absolutely nothing, I suddenly had a mild contraction. But it was different cause it got my attention. My lower back was aching during it. So I started paying closer attention. For the rest of the evening I kept having them anywhere from 20 min apart to 5 min apart at times. Not too painful to talk but crampy in my lower back.

Then later in the evening I got totally nauseated. I don't usually get sick like that when I am pregnant. That was the first time this pregnancy. Many are telling me that nausea is a sign of labor coming. I hope so!!!

Well, I went to bed. Tossing and Hoping that it was the real thing. Next to me my husband was tossing and hoping it wasn't. He is headed to Edmonton today to meet some guys about golf course stuff. He will be back Friday. I was thinking in all my woman power that I could go into labor in the middle of the night. Have the baby and he could hurry up to Edmonton after and promptly return tomorrow. Well lets just say he is greatly relieved that this morning I am back to my not painful contraction self.

So I am off to get more prepared. I have my hospital bag packed (for the first time ever!) I have car seat set up and ready to go. I've got stacks of adorable baby soft football inspired outfits for our "Cowboys baby!" And I've got lots of sweet little blankets just waiting to swaddle a little one! I have also gotten the majority of appointments for the kids done. But, I really need to stock up on food, meals etc. This cold weather is not a place I want to be taking my baby out in more than I have to. Barry says to PLEASE not overdue it today! 

I make no promises!!! I'm ready to meet this babe!!!

So blessed!!

There are so many ways that I feel my life is blessed!

I have not always had it easy. I wont go into the boring details but I have struggled, been bullied, been alone, had to make very scary decisions that impacted my future and my child's future, and I've had to rely on God knowing that I could not possibly get through things alone.

Though I do realize I have never had it as hard as some. I do think everyone goes through their own unique challenges and mine are no different. I also think that the outcome of those challenges is greatly associated with our attitudes at dealing with them!!!

I have always had a tender spot in my heart for the things beyond this world. I have always be sensitive to spiritual things. I am easily brought to tears with the smallest things. I crave the comfort of feeling close to God. I vividly remember my mom telling me once as a young girl (maybe 8) that she felt I was special in some way, that Heavenly Father had a special purpose for me. I have remembered this often and think it has made me into the person I am today. I felt that confirmed when Macy was born. Raising her along with my other kids is divine work!! I don't know if he has more in store for me, but I hope so!

Well, today was a full circle day for me.

The LDS Temple in Calgary was dedicated my a Prophet of God, President Thomas S. Monson. I know that the Prophet prays for all the people in Calgary; LDS or not. He is the greatest man on the planet today. Having him in Calgary is a huge blessing!!

Today is full circle for me because; things in my life could have gone so different many times and I would not be where I am today; with the understanding that I have of the purpose of this life and the next. I am forever grateful to know without a doubt that I am individually loved by God and Jesus Christ. Just as my kids are and you are. That doesn't mean they will intervene in my challenges, take my pain away or say YES to every prayerful request. I understand I am being tested, refined and being taught to rely on Him in ALL things. I also know that all men were created equal, but our challenges were not.

But, I feel truly blessed to have a temple not only close enough that I can go often, but to have a temple looking out over the city where I raise my kids is HUGE! There are so many LDS people all over the world that live so far from a temple and save for a lifetime to be able to go. The Temple for LDS members is the most sacred place on earth. A place we can go to feel close to God and to do special work for ourselves, our families and others.

My testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is my most prized possession. Without it, I would be nothing, my family would be temporary and the world would not make sense to me!!!