We find out on Friday if this little baby is another Girl or our first Boy! We will be excited either way. Another girl would be fun. I already know how to deal with girls, plus we have all the clothes and girly stuff we will need. A boy on the other hand would also be fun. Having one of each always has it's perks. And I can only imagine how handsome our little boy will be, especially when you look at who his daddy is:) We want to know what you all think, so take a guess and let us know!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
Overwhelmed
Have you ever felt super overwhelmed by everything going on in your life? I have felt like I am barely keeping my head above water lately, and just as I feel like maybe I'm getting a handle on things, something else comes up that makes me feel like I am going to drowned. The worst part about everything that is making me feel like this, is that it is all completely out of my hands. They are not consequences to bad choices, or really anything that can be prevented. It's just all happening at the same time!
We got a bit of bad news today, that I'm not ready (or allowed) to share quite yet. It is putting a bit of a damper on all of our plans for the coming year however. We will know more this week hopefully. Part of my feelings come from simply not knowing. I'm not a patient person, and I like to have a plan! Especially now, since we have to plan to have a baby in the middle of all of this!
Somehow, I know it will all work out. It always does! And I know Heavenly Father is in the details of our lives....my life, and he will help us figure this out! In the meantime, here's hoping to better news this week!
We got a bit of bad news today, that I'm not ready (or allowed) to share quite yet. It is putting a bit of a damper on all of our plans for the coming year however. We will know more this week hopefully. Part of my feelings come from simply not knowing. I'm not a patient person, and I like to have a plan! Especially now, since we have to plan to have a baby in the middle of all of this!
Somehow, I know it will all work out. It always does! And I know Heavenly Father is in the details of our lives....my life, and he will help us figure this out! In the meantime, here's hoping to better news this week!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
One Missionary off...Two to go (I hope my heart can take this!)
Well, yesterday at the crack of dawn, we got my baby sister Kristin aka Sister Carter off to the MTC. She got set apart as a full time missionary Tuesday night. It was a really beautiful blessing, and one that I know will get her through the hard times she will have as a missionary.
I did really really well sending her off. My mom cried a little, and my poor dad was so strong until she turned the corner in the security line at the airport and we could no longer see her. He just sobbed. His baby, his youngest child, is off on a new adventure. He can't call her or text her anytime anymore to see how she is doing. It was a rough day. My mom went to work, but my dad had the day off. Every once in a while, he broke down. I know he will miss her...I know we will all miss her. My parents won't see her until a few months after she gets home since they will still be on their mission in Mongolia.
I have really never had to send a missionary off. My brother Troy left on his mission just shortly before I left on mine, so it was a little different. Last night, we were sitting on the couch and all the sudden it hit me. I was sad. I was really missing my Kristin. I couldn't help but cry just a little--but I quickly gained control. I know what a wonderful opportunity this is for her. I know she will grow and have life changing experiences as a missionary. I know because I experienced it myself. There is no doubt this is what she is supposed to be doing and her life will be blessed forever for her service and sacrifice right now.
I couldn't help but look at the clock every once in a while today and think of what Kristin was doing at that time. Had she eaten lunch already? Did she like the food? Was she in her district having class? Was she at a fireside or devotional maybe? I hope she has a good companion. I hope she has a good district. I hope she is having a good experience. My mom and I did get a little goodie box together for her today though. She had been asking for no-bake cookies that never got made--so we made them this morning and have them all ready to go (along with some other things of course!)
I will keep everyone posted on how Kris is doing, where she is at, and any fun missionary news she sends from Virginia! And if anyone wants her address, let me know and I will get it for you!
We love you Kristin!
I did really really well sending her off. My mom cried a little, and my poor dad was so strong until she turned the corner in the security line at the airport and we could no longer see her. He just sobbed. His baby, his youngest child, is off on a new adventure. He can't call her or text her anytime anymore to see how she is doing. It was a rough day. My mom went to work, but my dad had the day off. Every once in a while, he broke down. I know he will miss her...I know we will all miss her. My parents won't see her until a few months after she gets home since they will still be on their mission in Mongolia.
I have really never had to send a missionary off. My brother Troy left on his mission just shortly before I left on mine, so it was a little different. Last night, we were sitting on the couch and all the sudden it hit me. I was sad. I was really missing my Kristin. I couldn't help but cry just a little--but I quickly gained control. I know what a wonderful opportunity this is for her. I know she will grow and have life changing experiences as a missionary. I know because I experienced it myself. There is no doubt this is what she is supposed to be doing and her life will be blessed forever for her service and sacrifice right now.
I couldn't help but look at the clock every once in a while today and think of what Kristin was doing at that time. Had she eaten lunch already? Did she like the food? Was she in her district having class? Was she at a fireside or devotional maybe? I hope she has a good companion. I hope she has a good district. I hope she is having a good experience. My mom and I did get a little goodie box together for her today though. She had been asking for no-bake cookies that never got made--so we made them this morning and have them all ready to go (along with some other things of course!)
I will keep everyone posted on how Kris is doing, where she is at, and any fun missionary news she sends from Virginia! And if anyone wants her address, let me know and I will get it for you!
We love you Kristin!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Witnessing A Lifelong Dream Come True
My parents are two of the greatest people I know. I know I may be a bit biased, but I think there are many many others who would agree with me. Not only do they excel at what they do career wise (my mom is an elementary school teacher....which in and of itself is a labor of love, and my dad does Human Resources and has helped hundreds of people get good stable jobs), but they love people. I think mostly, they love our Heavenly Father, so for them doing things for people just comes naturally. I know there are several people whom they have helped, and those people don't even know it. Truly, my mom and dad are wonderful, good hearted people inside and out.
Ever since I was a little girl, and I mean I was little--maybe 4 or 5 years old, I have heard my mom and dad talk about how one day they were going to serve a mission together. It has always been a dream of theirs. My mom served a mission to British Columbia Canada when she was younger, but my dad is a convert to the church and never had the opportunity. He has been looking forward to serving a mission for the church since the day he was baptized I think!
I remember when I left on my mission. Parents were still allowed at the MTC then, and I remember after watching the video they show my dad looking over at me a little teary (which doesn't happen often!) and he said "April, you are so lucky. You get to serve the Lord as a missionary." I knew then that going on a mission was truly one of the greatest desires of their hearts.
Well, yesterday, this much anticipated event became a reality. My mom and dad got their mission call! I have to admit, ever since their papers went in, I have been hoping and praying that they wouldn't leave until November so they could be here when our baby is born. I know that is SO SO selfish of me because they have put this mission off several years already. My grandmother had to go and live with my parents a few years ago, which made it impossible for them to go on a mission. She passed away last July.
Now, my parents are very smart people, with a lot to offer. I would have guessed they would be sent maybe to work with the Native Americans or something. My dad could offer job skills, etc and my mom could help teach the children. Something like that, I totally could see. I NEVER NEVER in a million years would have guess that they would be sent to......
The Mongolia Ulaanbaatar Mission
Mongolia! Seriously?! That's like the place you joke your are going to send your wayward teenager to!
They have been called to be CES missionaries working specifically in Darhan Mongolia (which is quite literally "Outer Mongolia") right next to the Russian boarder.
(if you click on the picture, you can see where Darhan is)
They report to the MTC August 9---just 2 months before our baby is due. I was so so sad about that, but then I realized, this is truly my parents Lifelong Dream. It's finally coming true for them. They get to do what they love the most....serve the Lord!
I am so happy for them. I still can't quite wrap my mind around the fact that they are going to Mongolia. To be honest, no matter where they would have been sent, I am going to miss them. And, my little Gracie is going to miss them! She LOVES LOVES LOVES her Bubby and Grandpa. But, despite our little bit of sadness right now, we are so Proud of them. They will be wonderful missionaries, and I know they will have great influence on the people they work with!
LOOK OUT MONGOLIA--YOU ARE ABOUT THE LUCKIEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD--GETTING THE TWO GREATEST PEOPLE FOR 18 WHOLE MONTHS!
Ever since I was a little girl, and I mean I was little--maybe 4 or 5 years old, I have heard my mom and dad talk about how one day they were going to serve a mission together. It has always been a dream of theirs. My mom served a mission to British Columbia Canada when she was younger, but my dad is a convert to the church and never had the opportunity. He has been looking forward to serving a mission for the church since the day he was baptized I think!
I remember when I left on my mission. Parents were still allowed at the MTC then, and I remember after watching the video they show my dad looking over at me a little teary (which doesn't happen often!) and he said "April, you are so lucky. You get to serve the Lord as a missionary." I knew then that going on a mission was truly one of the greatest desires of their hearts.
Well, yesterday, this much anticipated event became a reality. My mom and dad got their mission call! I have to admit, ever since their papers went in, I have been hoping and praying that they wouldn't leave until November so they could be here when our baby is born. I know that is SO SO selfish of me because they have put this mission off several years already. My grandmother had to go and live with my parents a few years ago, which made it impossible for them to go on a mission. She passed away last July.
Now, my parents are very smart people, with a lot to offer. I would have guessed they would be sent maybe to work with the Native Americans or something. My dad could offer job skills, etc and my mom could help teach the children. Something like that, I totally could see. I NEVER NEVER in a million years would have guess that they would be sent to......
The Mongolia Ulaanbaatar Mission
Mongolia! Seriously?! That's like the place you joke your are going to send your wayward teenager to!
They have been called to be CES missionaries working specifically in Darhan Mongolia (which is quite literally "Outer Mongolia") right next to the Russian boarder.
(if you click on the picture, you can see where Darhan is)
They report to the MTC August 9---just 2 months before our baby is due. I was so so sad about that, but then I realized, this is truly my parents Lifelong Dream. It's finally coming true for them. They get to do what they love the most....serve the Lord!
I am so happy for them. I still can't quite wrap my mind around the fact that they are going to Mongolia. To be honest, no matter where they would have been sent, I am going to miss them. And, my little Gracie is going to miss them! She LOVES LOVES LOVES her Bubby and Grandpa. But, despite our little bit of sadness right now, we are so Proud of them. They will be wonderful missionaries, and I know they will have great influence on the people they work with!
LOOK OUT MONGOLIA--YOU ARE ABOUT THE LUCKIEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD--GETTING THE TWO GREATEST PEOPLE FOR 18 WHOLE MONTHS!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Book Review
Okay, so I have to admit, I haven't read a book "for fun" for a long time. I'm not sure why, because there is nothing I love more than a good book! However, the past few weeks I have read TWO books which I absolutely loved. So in case any of you out there are wanting a good book to read, here are my recommendations!
The first book I read was a birthday gift I received from my mother in law, Ruth. It's called "I am a Mother" by Jane Clayson Johnson. I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book. Jane Clayson Johnson was a big time anchor women for Good Morning America and some other shows. She gave up her promising and successful career to be a Mother. She talks about everything you can imagine about being a mother, from what a privilege it is to be a mom, to the influence her own mother and grandmothers have had on her, to the difficult adjustment it was to go from successful career women to stay at him wife and mother. Something that really stuck out to me was how hard it was for her to hear other moms say "I'm just a stay at home mom" almost like they were embarrassed that they didn't work outside the home. She really explained what an important job being a mother is. It may sound silly, but after reading this book, I felt a sense of importance and dignity for choosing to stay home and be a mother.
If any of you are looking for a Mother's Day gift, this is perfect! This is a great book not only for young mothers, but for grandmothers, aunts, any important women in your life!
The second book I read is "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society." I think I'm the last one to read or write a review on this book, but I really enjoyed it.
The entire book is a compilation of letters written back and forth between Juliet, a young vivacious author, her editor, her best friend and a bunch of "strangers" from Guernsey Island. It takes place right after WWII ends. One of Juliet's books ends up in Guernsey and the correspondence begins. It is a charming book, that once I got into I had a hard time putting down. I was a bit sad when it ended. I almost felt like I was saying goodbye to a bunch of my own friends! I especially love that it takes place between England and Guernsey, and they mention Bury St. Edmonds a few times in the book. When my family lived in England we were in the Bury St. Edmonds branch, so I felt a special connection to the book after that!
So, those are my two recommendations. I think anyone who reads either of these books will be very pleased! And if any of you have a new book for me, please let me know. I am in the reading mood these days!
The first book I read was a birthday gift I received from my mother in law, Ruth. It's called "I am a Mother" by Jane Clayson Johnson. I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book. Jane Clayson Johnson was a big time anchor women for Good Morning America and some other shows. She gave up her promising and successful career to be a Mother. She talks about everything you can imagine about being a mother, from what a privilege it is to be a mom, to the influence her own mother and grandmothers have had on her, to the difficult adjustment it was to go from successful career women to stay at him wife and mother. Something that really stuck out to me was how hard it was for her to hear other moms say "I'm just a stay at home mom" almost like they were embarrassed that they didn't work outside the home. She really explained what an important job being a mother is. It may sound silly, but after reading this book, I felt a sense of importance and dignity for choosing to stay home and be a mother.
If any of you are looking for a Mother's Day gift, this is perfect! This is a great book not only for young mothers, but for grandmothers, aunts, any important women in your life!
The second book I read is "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society." I think I'm the last one to read or write a review on this book, but I really enjoyed it.
The entire book is a compilation of letters written back and forth between Juliet, a young vivacious author, her editor, her best friend and a bunch of "strangers" from Guernsey Island. It takes place right after WWII ends. One of Juliet's books ends up in Guernsey and the correspondence begins. It is a charming book, that once I got into I had a hard time putting down. I was a bit sad when it ended. I almost felt like I was saying goodbye to a bunch of my own friends! I especially love that it takes place between England and Guernsey, and they mention Bury St. Edmonds a few times in the book. When my family lived in England we were in the Bury St. Edmonds branch, so I felt a special connection to the book after that!
So, those are my two recommendations. I think anyone who reads either of these books will be very pleased! And if any of you have a new book for me, please let me know. I am in the reading mood these days!
Monday, April 26, 2010
And the verdict is....BOISE!
The past few months, we have been hoping and praying that Bryant's last two internships would be back to back...meaning we just wanted to stay in the same area. Going 10 weeks somewhere and then having to pack up and go somewhere else for the next 10 weeks was not our idea of "fun" especially with two kids!
So, after looking at our options and talking to the lady in charge of setting up the internships, we finally heard that we officially got the last two internships back to back......in BOISE!
We would have loved to come back to Spokane, but they just didn't have the internships Bry needed here. So, our next choice was Boise. It's only for 6 months, and we have family and friends there so we won't be all alone. That was my main concern. With a brand new baby and a toddler, I really wanted to be somewhere that I would have some help if I needed it, or at least where I won't be lonely! Having a new baby makes it hard to get out, or have any adult interaction sometimes! Everyone seems to be really excited that we are coming! So, in Bryant's words"Hello Treasure Valley, the Howard's are coming home!" And who knows, maybe Bryant will love one of his internships and get offered a job....anything is possible right?!
So, after looking at our options and talking to the lady in charge of setting up the internships, we finally heard that we officially got the last two internships back to back......in BOISE!
We would have loved to come back to Spokane, but they just didn't have the internships Bry needed here. So, our next choice was Boise. It's only for 6 months, and we have family and friends there so we won't be all alone. That was my main concern. With a brand new baby and a toddler, I really wanted to be somewhere that I would have some help if I needed it, or at least where I won't be lonely! Having a new baby makes it hard to get out, or have any adult interaction sometimes! Everyone seems to be really excited that we are coming! So, in Bryant's words"Hello Treasure Valley, the Howard's are coming home!" And who knows, maybe Bryant will love one of his internships and get offered a job....anything is possible right?!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
How I told Bryant....
that we are having another Baby! Yep, that's right, baby Howard #2 is on it's way, and currently my main excuse for neglecting to blog for the last two months. This pregnancy so far has been difficult for me. I have been extremely tired and sick. I thought the sickness would let up by now like it did with Gracie, but the nausea and vomiting are still present. I just hope sooner than later it does get better:)
So, how did I tell Bryant? Well, I actually found out while he was in San Diego back in February. Those were the most grueling 3 1/2 days ever because I didn't want to tell him over the phone so I had to keep the news all to myself until he came home. I'm not sure why I took the test (well actually 5 tests) while he was gone, but honestly I didn't really believe I could be pregnant. I didn't have to go on Clomid or anything this time!
So, he got home a bit late on a Saturday night. It was actually our anniversary (well the day after, but he was gone for our actually anniversary day) so I decided to make this a 5 year anniversary surprise! I went and bought a digital pregnancy test, which I had never taken before....and it's a bit different. Anyway, I then got a shoe box and wrapped it all pretty and then wrapped the test in tissue paper with a card.
When we finally got home and he FINALLY got Gracie to let him open the gift, he just starred at the test for what seemed like an hour, though it was probably more like 20 or 30 seconds! He was surprised alright, but very excited. I got a big hug out of it!
The baby is due sometime between October 10 and October 24. My original due date was 10-10-10 but at the ultrasound the baby was a bit smaller (could have been because I've been so sick though), so we will see when this little one decides to come I guess. We are a little nervous as Bryant's first internship in Eugene, OR is scheduled to start around September 20th which is too close to my due date to move. Plus I don't think our insurance works out of Washington. Plus, my entire family is leaving! Kristin (my sister) is leaving on a mission May 26 and my mom and dad are currently awaiting their mission call. They will most likely leave before October. So, we have some major hurdles to jump though in figuring this out. But, I know it will work out, and I am very excited to meet this new member of our family!
So, how did I tell Bryant? Well, I actually found out while he was in San Diego back in February. Those were the most grueling 3 1/2 days ever because I didn't want to tell him over the phone so I had to keep the news all to myself until he came home. I'm not sure why I took the test (well actually 5 tests) while he was gone, but honestly I didn't really believe I could be pregnant. I didn't have to go on Clomid or anything this time!
So, he got home a bit late on a Saturday night. It was actually our anniversary (well the day after, but he was gone for our actually anniversary day) so I decided to make this a 5 year anniversary surprise! I went and bought a digital pregnancy test, which I had never taken before....and it's a bit different. Anyway, I then got a shoe box and wrapped it all pretty and then wrapped the test in tissue paper with a card.
When we finally got home and he FINALLY got Gracie to let him open the gift, he just starred at the test for what seemed like an hour, though it was probably more like 20 or 30 seconds! He was surprised alright, but very excited. I got a big hug out of it!
The baby is due sometime between October 10 and October 24. My original due date was 10-10-10 but at the ultrasound the baby was a bit smaller (could have been because I've been so sick though), so we will see when this little one decides to come I guess. We are a little nervous as Bryant's first internship in Eugene, OR is scheduled to start around September 20th which is too close to my due date to move. Plus I don't think our insurance works out of Washington. Plus, my entire family is leaving! Kristin (my sister) is leaving on a mission May 26 and my mom and dad are currently awaiting their mission call. They will most likely leave before October. So, we have some major hurdles to jump though in figuring this out. But, I know it will work out, and I am very excited to meet this new member of our family!
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