Welcome Home

So, a little over a week ago, I was fortunate enough to attend Women's Conference with my Mom, Grandma, and sister-in-laws. Tony kept the kids at home and took good care of them while I was away. It was a nice break and much needed time to myself. It was also nice to come home and find all well here. I had to laugh at the little things that I noticed over the first couple days of coming back. I had to make a top 10 list of my discoveries...

10 Things That Tell Me I'm Home & I've Been Missed

1. Sticky fingerprints everywhere...door knobs, cabinet knobs, cupboards, fridge---a friendly reminder that the clean house I left is ready to be cleaned again!

2. Kids ready for some "real" food, not another sandwich!

3. Children arguing in church the next morning over who gets to sit by Mom.

4. Cache's surprise haircut--Thank You! That needed to be done!

5. Cooper's non-stop details about the RC he researched on the internet...He couldn't wait to show me!

6. Two little blond visitors in bed with me the first night home...can you say sardines?!?

7. "Welcome Home" sign made by Shelby & Libby with a little help from Grandpa & Grandma Traveller!

8. "Welcome Home" treat...chocolate chip cookies made by Tony and kids...So, you can bake!

9. Libby's smile when she woke up and realized I was home.

10. Shelby's hug and the words, "I just love you so much!"

Sad News

Just an update on our pregnancy... This past thursday I went in for my 17 week appointment and the doctor was unable to detect a heartbeat. After an ultrasound confirmed things, we scheduled surgery for a D&E the following day. Needless to say we are all still in shock, but the surgery went well. I am feeling quite a bit better physically today and over time I know the emotional struggles will pass. The doctor couldn't see any obvious problems with the baby or the umbilical cord upon removal, but further testing will be done on the baby as well as myself in a couple weeks to see if we can determine what went wrong. We may never know, but find comfort in knowing that this was nature's way of taking care of an unhealthy baby. Thank you to all for your concern and prayers in our behalf.

We're So Lucky!

Most of you already know of our exciting news, but with St. Patrick's Day in a few days I thought I would formally share our luck and announce that we are expecting! This past year has quite a journey for Tony and I. We felt very content with our family, but Heavenly Father has a way of altering thoughts and feelings. After many impressions, lots of prayer and fasting, we came to terms with what Heavenly Father had in store for us. We truly are excited for the changes that lie before us. Our kids definitely share in the excitement as well. I am due September 9th and feel pretty lucky!

A MIA Apology

Yesterday afternoon I spent a little over an hour viewing all the blogs on my list. It made me realize how behind I am! (Not that the Halloween pictures below would give me any indication of my last blogging moment.) Anyway, to all of you who check my blog frequently, I AM SORRY! I do feel I have been missing in action, but I am going to attempt to update a few things. This might have to suffice for my blog today, but I will try and add some photos and journaling assuming the kids cooperate with my idea of how the rest of the evening is going to go.

I do want all of my wonderful friends and family to know how great you each are. I read your blogs, smile at your life adventures, see your darling children, read about your creative projects, hear of your trials, and am so uplifted by the fact that you are all a part of my life. Thanks for being my friend and loving me despite all my faults and failures.

Stay tuned for more to come...

Halloween

I LOVE HALLOWEEN! I think is it so fun to decorate the house and be someone or something else for one night. We had a blast this Halloween with school parties and trick-or-treating. It was especially fun to have Grandpa Hobbs here to share it with us.

Cache and Cooper with bug filled grass for hair!

Our little Belle...so sweet!

One cute cat! MEOW!

Cache Turns 9!

Cache turned nine years old on October 7th! He celebrated in a lot of places with a lot of his favorite people! Grandma Hobbs bought him the ultimate gift....a motorcycle shirt and gloves.


Tony surprised everyone (especially me) with a 22 gauge rifle & 410 shotgun for Cache. They have had a lot of fun since then shooting targets.

Popping Grandma and Grandpa Traveller's money filled balloons!

Celebrating at Grandpa Hobbs for breakfast!

Celebrating with Aunt Stephanie!

Moab

With the changing of the leaves, comes another trip to Moab. This time, we took the Wards with us. After a lot of stress and disappointment, they left their Bronco at home and rented a Jeep Rubicon instead. Tony put it to the test and it (and it's driver) did great! Thanks for coming with us!

Through the crack!
Amazing!

Cache driving...gas, brake, & steering! Should I be worried? I guess this is a typical Moab thing. At least he'll know how to drive by the time he's 15.

White Knuckle Hill. Notice that I got out and Cache got in. He is just like his Dad!

Another crazy descent!