The Fullmers

Major Update Part 1

2011-12-26T05:05:00.006-07:00

I know that it has been way to long since I have updated the blog. I am sure that not many of my readers are still about and yet I keep reminding myself that this blog is really a place for me to record a journal of sorts for my posterity. With the thoughts of my children and keeping a record for them, I will continue to update this blog on the happenings of the past three months. I have one month down and two more to go, watch this spot in the next few days as I finish updating our happenings.

Kennan Warwick Fullmer’s Birth Story

2011-10-14T18:51:00.009-06:00

On Oct 4^th, I had a scheduled appointment to meet with my midwife, I was 40 weeks and 6 days pregnant and something drastic was going to have to happen in order to ensure that baby Kennan was born within a safe window where the placenta was still strong and healthy enough to endure the rigors of childbirth. We therefore discussed what my options were: I could either have a scheduled induction at 42 weeks or we could try natural measures to induce my labor. I opted to avoid a pitocin induction since I had every intention of having an unmedicated birth. With Liam, I had pitocin administered and I really didn’t like the effects that it had on me and I was willing to do everything in my power to avoid having it again. We therefore made the decision to strip my membranes. As the midwife was stripping them, she discovered that I had a lip where my membranes were having a hard time releasing. She gently but firmly massaged the area and helped them to release. Instantly I felt a wave of huge contractions. Up to this point, I was having constant Braxton Hicks but they were gradually building over the course of the month of September and time was quickly running out where we could feel comfortable allowing the pregnancy to continue putting the baby at potential risk if his placenta began to break down. Claudia--the midwife, then had me go to the hospital to take a stress-test for the baby. I was hooked up to a monitor and ultrasound machine. During the 30-minute test about 4-5 contractions were recorded and I was definitely noticing a change in the contractions. They were now longer and growing in intensity. At this point Bill and I were thinking that perhaps in the next two days or so we might be having a baby but I was not thinking that less than 12 hours I would be holding baby Kennan! Bill had an important errand to run down to Provo, he was delivering marketing material for a Pier 49 Pizza Restaurant that was going to be reopening under new management and we had to get their material to them immediately. We opted to go to Provo and deliver the material thinking that we wouldn’t be having a baby anytime soon. However, as we were driving to Provo, I again noticed that the contractions were growing longer and again more intense. At this point, I was still able to talk through them and so I was not timing them yet. When we arrived at the store, I went to help Bill install one of the signs and I noticed that there was a lot of uncomfortable pressure pushing down inside of my pelvic area. I positioned myself where no one could see me, and I began doing some pelvic rocking, pelvic figure eights, and other labor exercises. The pressure only intensified and the contractions grew more intense to the point that I had to concentrate more while having them. We drove back to Salt Lake and met again with Claudia to have her re-strip the membranes again. I remember the time was 4:45 pm. I went to empty my bladder before she stripped me again and while in the bathroom, my bloody show was in my underclothing and a large bloody mucous plug slipped out into the toilet. As Claudia stripped my membranes, another large quantity of the bloody show released and she could feel my body contract as she removed her hands from my body. She looked me in the eyes and said, “ Don’t go home tonight, you need to stay with a family member here in Salt Lake I think your baby is coming soon.” I lay there stunned as a wave of the hugest contractions racked my body and took my breath away. I was starting to realize that I was creeping towards being in active labor. Claudia suggested that while at my sister-in-laws house that I take some castor oil to send my body completely over the edge and ensure that my body would go into active labor. I was also constipated and it was determined that it would benefit me to have some castor oil anyway. Bill and I went to the grocery store for some castor oil, pads since my bloody show was still coming out with large amounts of mucus, gator-ade and some food for the labor. As I tried to stand and walk, I felt a huge pressure in my pelvic area and I realized that walking at this point was not an option. The contractions were now exactly 6 minutes apart lasting for a full minute. I waited in the car while Bill spoke with me on the phone as he got the supplies we would need. We were nervous and excited that perhaps we would be holding our baby boy very soon. We arrived at Joanna’s house and began organizing our supplies. We had already packed our car with our suitcases and all the supplies we would need and so we were already well prepared weeks earlier. We knew that we wanted to go to the hospital not a minute sooner than we needed to. We packed a small bag that had all the essentials that I could carry on my lap while Bill pushed me in the wheelchair for when we would eventually be going to the hospital. While standing there, I told Bill, “ I am feeling this pressure that makes me want to either push or that my water is going to break.” Again, another sign that active labor was upon us and yet we tried to rationalize that we still had loads of time until we needed to leave for the hospital. Eventually we made our way into Joanna’s house as she was preparing dinner for her family. It was about 6-6:30 pm. I was now having contractions about every 4 minutes apart lasting for more than a minute but not more than a minute and a half. I took the castor oil and waited for my bowels to move. I continued to do my pelvic rocks, figure eights, and other laboring exercises. I was stunned that instead of my bowels moving the pressure building in my pelvic area was so intense that I felt a lot of discomfort and wanted to start pushing to relieve the pressure. I felt prompted that it was time to leave. I was stunned since I had only been at Joanna’s for about an hour. But the pressure was building and I felt that it was time to go. In the car on the way to the hospital the contractions began to build to the point I had to focus very hard on them and concentrate. I breathed through them and noticed that I was beginning to moan and pant with them. I had no idea what that was about, just that the contractions were like hard crashing waves that were taking my breathe away. We arrived at the hospital and were confused when we couldn’t find a valet to park our car. We decided that we didn’t have time to fuss with these details and so we parked ourselves. I did my best to walk to the elevators to take me inside of the hospital out of the parking garage and I was hit with several more contractions that literally stopped me in my tracks and forced me to sway and labor dance right there in the parking garage. I was trying really hard to pretend that I wasn’t in labor and yet I don’t think I was very convincing. I got to a point where the pressure was so intense I knew I couldn’t put one foot in front of the other in fear of a baby coming out right there in the parking garage. Bill ran and got a wheelchair for me and he briskly walked me into labor and delivery. The nurses had not received our message that we were on the way and opted to triage me. I was then hooked up to a monitor and placed in a really uncomfortable position on my back. I was dying to get out of that bed and move at the end of the bed with my contractions so that I could sway and labor dance. I was in triage for about an hour, I could see my contractions on the monitor, I could see them building, I was now having them at three minute intervals with them lasting 45 sec to a minute and a half. The nurses didn’t seem at all concerned or even in a hurry to admit me into labor and delivery. I went to the bathroom several times to see if the building pressure was in actuality my bowels trying to move from the castor oil. No such luck. I began to pray that they would hurry up and admit me to labor and delivery since I was now positive that a baby was coming very soon. While lying in triage, my waters began to slowly leak and so I was automatically admitted into labor and delivery. I was so grateful that Heavenly Father answered my prayers! I requested a bathtub room and was quickly whisked away to be monitored again. I was starting to feel frantic at this point since laying down and being monitored was causing me great discomfort. I wanted to be moving with each contraction or lying in the side-laying position not on my back! My blood pressure and body temperature was giving them some concern and so they wanted to keep monitoring me. In hindsight, I believe that because of the pain I was in and the nervousness I was feeling about getting up and moving, my BP and temps were slightly elevated because once I was out of the bed and moving they returned to normal. The nurse then began to administer a hep-lock and I refused it. She was not too happy with me but my midwife came in at this point and supported my decision. I was not trying to be contrary, I have very small veins that are difficult to find. Whenever I have a needle or hep-lock in my veins they cause me great pain and are a huge distraction. I did not want something in my arm unnecessarily that would cause me to lose my focus while laboring unmedicated. I allowed them to run blood tests on me to determine if I was becoming toxic or any other concerns to appease the nurse I also promised them that if in a little while I needed the hep-lock I would comply. In reality, I felt in my gut that there wasn’t time and that I would have a baby before it would be a concern. At this point, I asked if I could please get into the tub and so they were trying to track down the wireless monitor for me. By this point, I am really worried because I am feeling the urge to either have a bowel movement or push. I unhooked myself from the machines and made it into the bathroom. I closed the door and began pushing to see if it was my bowels that were troubling me. NOPE! I stood up and squatted and pushed to again see if my bowels would finally release—NOPE!! Only more pressure and discomfort. I was slightly confused because I was feeling the huge urge to push, I had only been in the hospital for maybe 2 hours total and here I was feeling this urge to push. I sat there on the toilet for one long contraction that lasted about 2 minutes long and I found that sitting on the toilet was more comfortable than the bed and yet I wanted to be in the tub off of my pelvis and on my side in some relaxing water. The nurse came to check on me and I told her I really want to start pushing, she reached down and checked me and told me that I was at a five with the baby’s head down and pushing hard on my cervix. I had to wait to begin pushing, I was so uncomfortable that I started stripping off all my clothes and I just got into the bathtub. The water was barely running and the contractions were racking my body and my body was screaming that it wanted to push. I tried to get on my hands and knees and that only made the pressure worse, I got onto my side and asked to please let me begin pushing. The nurse checked me again and I was already at a 6, in one contraction I had gone 1 cm. I thought that I might be there a while and I asked Bill to “Take me to Tony's.” This was our key word for him to start the scripting that we had written about a day at Tony Grove Lake. This scripting was designed to help me to go into a deep relaxation that would allow my body to deal with the pain. He began the first few sentences and the contractions came barreling into me with such force that I lost my concentration. All I could do was sway in the water and moan to stop my body from bearing down. Bill wisely gave me an image to sustain me through the contraction. He said, “See the golden ball of light”, another one of our key words. I had trained myself to see a ball of golden light entering my body with each breath and going to certain parts of my body to direct the breathe to that area to relax and focus that area of my body. I kept imagining the ball of light entering into my womb and warming my baby and gently pushing him down towards my cervix and out of my body. This contraction lasted for about three-four minutes, I had been training myself mentally for this moment for so long and yet the pain and urge to push was so intense that I felt lost and confused because everything was moving so much faster than I though possible. I continued to hold onto the side rail of the tub only because I felt like if I let go of it that I would be letting go of sanity itself. I felt like I had to hold onto something to anchor me to reality and keep me from tail spinning into a panic since everything was moving incredibly fast. As I moaned and breathed out, my midwife’s tender voice kept advising me not to push, “You will hurt yourself, keep breathing and moaning your doing exactly what your baby needs you to do.” Her voice was the sound of reason that I needed to help me through the pain. I also felt a reassuring hand gently rubbing my thigh, I didn’t know who it was but from their touch I could tell that they cared a great deal about me. I said out loud, “Whoever is rubbing my leg, thank you that is very reassuring.” Bill then spoke up, “That’s me, loving you through this honey.” I felt his love and his support and felt like I could make it through the pain for him, for me, and for Kennan. The contraction lasted for about three minutes and again I was pleading with the midwife to let me push. She checked me and I went from a 6-10 cm in one contraction. She advised me to get out of the tub and onto the bed so that we could begin pushing. I wanted to push so bad that all I could do was think about getting to that bed. As I stood, another contraction crashed into my body, they were coming less than a minute apart and I was involuntarily pushing. I stood at the side of the tub and swayed and squatted as if to push. A moment of rational thought crept in, “Do you want to deliver your baby here on this cold tile floor?” I than stumbled into the bedroom and surprised everyone and myself included when I climbed onto the bed backwards facing away from the foot of the bed and facing the wall at the head of the bed. The bed was at a 45-degree angle and I got on all fours. I was going to have my baby on my hands and knees and it felt so naturally right that I didn’t question it. I overheard the nurses saying, “ Well that’s one way of pushing out a baby.” I quickly grabbed onto the head of the bed with both my arms and with the next contraction I began bearing down. I could hear the encouragement of the nurses to keep pushing exactly like that, that they could see the top of my baby’s head. I could feel his head slowly creeping down and I continued to push with all that I had. I wanted that pressure to stop hurting me and to bring my baby to me. At the end of the contraction, Bill came to inform me that I had just delivered his entire head, in my mind I am thinking, “Ok now the shoulders.” The ring of fire then came with the next contraction and I choose to stop pushing and moan through the contraction. I could feel my body burning as my perineum slowly opened like the petals of rose in full bloom. I felt the gently hands of the nurse guiding my baby as she gently massaged my perineum and encouraged me not to push and to rest and keep breathing. In my mind I was screaming at this point but Bill says that I was only breathing and moaning really hard. I felt so much pressure and I knew that the only way to make it stop was to push with the next contraction. Again, I bore down and pushed with every muscle and ounce of strength in my body and I felt a huge relief as his shoulders made it through and his body gracefully slithered out of my body. I was facing away from the room and couldn’t see him yet. I could however feel his arms and legs slippery and warm pushing and kicking against my feet and ankles. “ I started saying, “My baby, my baby, oh my baby.” Over and over again as I was dying to hold him in my arms. Bill clipped the cord with the midwifes help and the other nurses quickly began rubbing and giving Kennan a short burst of oxygen. They weighed him and measured him. By the time I had been helped to move into a sitting position, my baby was handed into my waiting arms. I snuggled him into my chest and began talking to him. He was so alert and curious! I placed him on my breast and within a few minutes he quickly began nursing. I could hear him swallowing and a stream of yellow colostrum was seen in the corner of his mouth. I asked the nurse how badly I had tore and she was pleased to tell me that I had not torn. The only damage was what they call skid marks or abrasions to the right labia. The midwife felt that putting a few stitches in the area would help the healing process and allow me to urinate without discomfort with a few stitches there to assist the healing process. My perineum was fully in tact and had stretched to allow all 10 pounds 4 oz and 20 inches of my baby boy through. The nurses were in awe that a baby Kennan’s size could be born unmedicated and cause no damage to the mother. I told them that I have been working really hard to achieve this goal and that I couldn’t have done it without my Bradley birthing classes, Hypo-birthing, and Mind over Labor techniques. I have been working really hard preparing myself spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically for Kennan’s birth. Natural unmedicated childbirth is not for everyone and some women question my sanity in wanting to attempt this. The only way for me to explain it is to compare it to a marathon. Some people want to see what they are made of what they are capable of and how far they can go. So they train for a marathon and push themselves in order to see what they are capable of. I wanted to see how far I could go and what I was capable of and so I trained for a natural undmedicated birth. I am so proud of myself for achieving a goal that I have had since I was 5 years old and witnessed my first homebirth that was unmedicated and totally natural. I have assisted with about 20 natural unmedicated births in the past 30 years and have often wondered if I had what it takes to join the rank of women that have had unmedicated births. Afterwards, I told Bill for me that I feel as if I have come into my womanhood—I feel like a woman and no longer like a girl. I also have noticed that I am more confident in myself and feel that I can trust my instincts and mother’s intuitions because it was these tools that helped me the most through Kennan’s birth. If I am blessed with more children, I hope that I will be able to have another unmedicated and natural childbirth because the recovery was so awesome. I was up and walking within thirty minutes of Kennan’s birth and have been getting my strength back day by day. I have also dropped most of the weight—26 pounds in 9 days not to shabby! I am only ten pounds away from my pre-pregnancy weight. I have plans on losing all of that and a whole lot more besides that. For me, an unmedicated natural childbirth was the right decision. I know that it’s not for everyone and in some situations it would not be possible or advisable. I respect every women’s right to choose for her what is best for her and her baby. For me, in this instance it was the right choice for me and I am so grateful that I had this opportunity to see what I am capable of. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father blessed me to be healthy and that we were able to pass through this experience with out incident. I feel so grateful that Kennan’s birth had such a positive outcome—I am truly blessed and grateful! I couldn’t have done all this without Heavenly Fathers help, my husbands loving support, and the incredible medical staff and midwives at both the Madsen Clinic and the University of Utah Health Care Center. I am extremely happy and pleased with how everything turned out in the end and looking at the robust and healthy cheeks of my baby boy makes everything totally worth it! I love you Kennan Warwick Fullmer and I am so grateful that you have graced my life with your presence. I am one happy and proud mama! Having my two little boys has only enhanced my love for Bill and made me fall deeper in love with him. Marrying him was the smartest and best choice I have ever made! I love watching Liam interacting with his little brother and I love seeing Kennan’s eyes light up when Liam holds him. I love my little family and am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that has made all of this in my life possible. I feel so blessed and surrounded by so much love, I am one lucky and blessed lady!

Daddies

2011-09-07T16:01:00.008-06:00

My dad was the kind of dad that was affectionate, I remember sitting on his lap and him rubbing foreheads and noses with me--something he still does with his grand kids these days. He was the kind of dad that worked long hard hours to ensure our mother could stay home. I remember his eyes being bloodshot and yet he was the first one up in the morning and often times the last to bed. He worked hard, long, exhausting hours. I remember that despite his work schedule, we
had family prayers and scriptures every single night. I remember these rare moments with my dad and I loved having some of his time to hear his thoughts and to learn from him. He was also the kind of dad that always had the Priesthood, I remember being very ill and struggling with various issues and he was always able and willing to give me a father's blessing. He was the kind of dad that would ask me what I thought about many different things I have him to thank for my analytical and
reasoning brain. My dad has inspired me and taught me so much through the example he has been to me. He is the kind of dad that is very principled and has taught me to think morally, ethically, and act with integrity. My dad was the kind of dad that respected and loved my mother. I have never heard him raise his voice to my mother and he has supported her in every way possible. I have the kind of dad that helped my mother birth eight of their sixteen children at home. I remember watching him encouraging and cheering her on each and every time. I knew that when it was time for me to look for a husband that I wanted a man very similar to my own father. I have been truly blessed! Bill has surpassed every item I had on my list for what I thought was the ideal husband and father. Bill is the kind of husband that sends texts and emails throghout the day to remind me that he is thinking of me and loving me. He is the kind of dad that despite his exhaustion will get up in the night with Liam. Some mornings I will find Bill curled up with Liam because Liam had a nightmare or was in need of comfort, all so that I can have some extra sleep. If I don't have dinner ready he never stresses, he makes something for us. He helps with dishes, laundry, housework, and anything else that he sees needs to be done. He supports me so much and helps me to accomplish my goals and dreams. He is loving, kind, gentle, and simply wonderful! He is the kind of daddy that loves to see my pregnant belly getting larger and larger. He tells me over and over that I am beautiful and that he loves seeing me pregnant. Even though I feel like a barge, he makes me feel beautiful with his kind words and affection. I especially love when he rubs my belly and talks to our baby. The things he says are so sweet and loving, I am so lucky and blessed to have such a wonderful husband. I have great hopes that Liam and his siblings will learn from their dad and grandpa the importance of being kind, loving, and gentle in their roles as husbands and fathers. Today, Liam wanted to wear his Spiderman baby so that he could be like his dad. He has lovingly and tenderly played all day that he is his daddy. I have been touched to see how the examples of a good daddy can carry on through the generations and that children are watching and learning from their parents, much like I was and like Bill was. Thanks for being such a great father, dad so that I would know what to look for in my own spouse and thanks Bill for learning from your own experiences how to be the amazing husband and father that you are!

Siblings, Baby Bumps, and Babies

2011-09-06T09:47:00.005-06:00

As many of my readers already know, this past year has been especially exciting in my husbands family. All four of the Fullmer siblings are expecting baby boys. Two sister-in-laws have already had their babies. This past weekend we had the honor of attending the baby blessing of the second baby to be born. We were able to take a few minutes after the festivities to take a few photos of the two babies who are out now and the two that are still in. I am feeling especially large with child since I am
37 weeks pregnant tomorrow! At the end of this week, I will be more pregnant with baby two then I was with baby one. I was induced with baby one at 37 weeks 3 days with major health complications. This second time around has been amazing! I feel so blessed as God has heard my prayers and blessed me and my baby with a healthy normal pregnancy. It was wonderful to be able to sit under the shade of the trees and visit with my amazing sister-in-laws about our pregnancies, birth stories, and dream about the future. I am looking forward to baby boy growing up with his cousins and sharing a lifetime of memories with them. I never had any
girl cousins close to me in age and so I am ecstatic that this little baby of mine will have three cousins months and weeks older and younger than he is. I am especially excited to see where these young men will serve their missions. Melissa joking said, "What if they served in all four corners of the Earth!" I am feeling blessed that not only do I get to be a momma for a second time around but that I get to share this experience with women I love and care for so deeply. Friends come and go and yet your family
stays forever. I am so grateful that I have such a close relationship with my in-laws as well! I love them so much and am so grateful for the love and acceptance I feel from them. I was really happy that a moment presented itself in which we were also able to capture a photo of the Fullmer four. These siblings are so close and loving with each other. I love to watch them interact with each other. When I first met my husband in High School, I was so impressed with the mutual respect and love I saw that each sibling genuinely had for each other. I wasn't used to teenager boys hugging their younger or older brothers and saying openly, "I love you, I am proud of you." The affection and words of affirmation that I saw between these four siblings made me want to be apart of a family that loved each other unabashedly and openly. They love each other and they share that love with each other--that is totally awesome and wonderful. I once asked my husband if he ever struggled as a young person feeling like he was unloved. He looked at me like I was crazy. "No," he said, "between my parents and my siblings telling me daily that they loved me, I never have felt unloved a day in my life." For me this was astounding since I have struggled with these feeling off and on my entire life-especially as a young person finding my way along the road to adulthood. To have a daily reminder from each of your siblings and your parents that you are loved and cared for is such a great and wonderful gift. Life is hard and filled with struggles but to know that your siblings and parents have got your back and will love you through all of life's curve balls is truly wonderful.

Expressiveness

2011-08-31T06:44:00.002-06:00

Perhaps it is typical for all little six year old boys to experiement with different facial expressions, but I believe Liam is especially proficient at it. Each time I look through my camera lens at him, he is posing and expressing himself in some new way. When asked later, he has the most amazingly creative stories about who he was being in the photo. He is either a ninja saving the world, an evil scientist plotting to destroy the world or some such character. I love that he also contorts his body to fully
commit to the roles he is portraying. This past week, my budding little actor went to Pickleville Playhouse in Bear Lake to watch his Uncle, Dr. Thomas Fullmer, perform a role in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." Liam came home beaming from ear to ear and filled with so much to tell me about the experience. He was so excited that there is such a thing called "plays." Little does he know that his momma was once a budding actress in her youth. I used to LOVE drama and was
quite good. It was something that I greatly enjoyed. I would love it if Liam found an avenue to express himself creatively if he chose to when he gets a little older. He is already quite the performer and loves to be on stage in the lime light. At my family's last Thanksgiving party, he promptly got up on stage to dance like a crazy man in front of 80 people. I was shocked and one proud momma! Liam is ordinarily very shy and reserved. However, once he was on stage, all of that was forgotten as he danced the feelings in his heart out for everyone to see. The applause was deafening as his cousins, uncles, aunties, and grandparents cheered him on. "Go Liam, Go Liam," filled the air as he left it on the dance floor. After wards, my family members were all agog with Liam's amazing talent and that he was so uninhibited. My shy boy in public was actually a seasoned pro under the glaring lights of the stage. I asked him later how that made him feel to have everyone cheering him on, his reply was, "Mom I am a rock star." Just one more of his many persona's that he is free to try on and experiment with. I never know which person he is going to be, Batman, Mad Scientist, or shy six year old. No matter which one he chooses, he is still all mine and I love him more for it and that at this age, he gets to try on new roles as he tries to figure out who and what he is going to be some day.

The Third Generation Smile

2011-08-25T13:00:00.009-06:00

I grew up in a sleepy little mining community in Southeastern Idaho. My dad grew up in the same dusty town and as a child I would often be stopped by older folks claiming that I had "my dad's look about me." To most people this would not be significant, in fact most people resemble their parents. However, I am biracial and therefore have many of my mothers Maori features. I was unable to see past these features to see where my dad's genes had made themselves known. Therefore, I would shrug off the comments and carry on my merry little way thinking that they were all wrong and that I looked just like myself. When Liam was about three years old, my dad's relatives started telling me that Liam resembled my dad as a little boy. Again, I kinda just shrugged it off and didn't know what to think since I hadn't really seen pictures of my dad as a young boy. Well folks, I am eating my own words as the proof has been shown to me in the past few weeks. My youngest college-aged sister has been living with my parents this past Summer to earn and save money for her Sophomore year at college. She has been doing a lot of digging around through our grandmothers personal photos and history. Grandma has relished her company and has enjoyed the opportunity to reminisce about the amazing life history that she has had so far. My sister felt selfish that only she was privy to these photos and felt that they needed to be shared with our entire family. So my sissy has been uploading all of these photos to Facebook so that our entire family can enjoy these photos. I have been astounded to see that not only does Liam in reality look very similar to my dad but that I also look like my dad! I have his identical smile, my eyebrows and the shape of my eyes all come from my dad. I love that my dad, myself, and Liam all have the exact same smile. I didn't realize the smile that I love so dearly in my own son is in fact my dad's smile. It makes me so happy to know that my boy Liam has some of his papa Ken's facial features! Not to mention that when I am looking at my face, I am in fact looking at part of my dad's face as well. Somehow, this knowledge that I do in fact look like my dad has made me feel very close to him and grateful that I inherited some of his facial features to be a daily reminder of where I come from. I love you dad and am so glad that I have your "looks about me" as a reminder that I am yours. Just as Liam has "your look about him" to be a reminder that he belongs to both of us.

Just Because

2011-08-23T09:18:00.002-06:00

Dearest Liam,

I think that I am the luckiest mommy in the whole wide world because I get to be your mom. You make my life so bright and wonderful with your amazing spirit, your love of life, and your ability to bring so much joy into the lives of those around you. This year, you have grown and matured so much. I know that you are going to be the greatest big brother in all the world. You are so concerned and loving towards your baby brother and he isn't even born yet. A few weeks ago, when we witnessed two babies being blessed in Sacrament meeting you quietly whispered to me, "Mom I can't wait to hold my baby brother, he will be so cute and I am missing him." You melt my heart with your tenderness and ability to love others. Your siblings will love you and be so grateful that they have you as their oldest brother. I appreciate all of the hugs, cuddles, and loves we give each other and that you still give your mom kisses and hugs. I know one day it will be embarrassing for you to display this kind of affection in front of your peers and so I try and enjoy each embrace as if its the last. I love that you are working so hard to enjoy school and to find your own way when it comes to learning. You have two parents that LOVE school and I hope that you will develop your own love of learning. I am so proud of you and I love you with all my heart. You have taught me so much about love, life, and joy. You are truly my sunshine and have brought so much light into my life. I love you so much and look forward to watching what you will learn and do next. Loving you as big and wide as the entire universe,

Your momma

First Grader

2011-08-22T09:51:00.005-06:00

Looking at our last several posts, I feel somewhat flummoxed that all of them are about the baby and don't have any mention of my amazing first born. So I will dedicated this entire post to him so that I can ease my conscience. This past summer has been a unique one for our little family. It began with us moving from on campus student family housing that we have lived in for ten years. Yes, ten years. No they didn't kick us out or even give us a reward for living there so long! We actually were very sad to leave and each time I drive past I shed a few tears as I reminisce about the wonderful times spent there. We moved to our new apartment in June and have enjoyed getting to know our new neighbors and ward. We have tons more space here with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. We even have a hot tub and swimming pool and have enjoyed swimming most evenings when Bill gets home. I have been avoiding the sun like a vampire since it makes me really sick and having sun stroke
while your pregnant is not the something I would recommend! We have therefore spent most of our time hanging out at home all summer. No camping trips, trips to the Shakespearean Festival, nothing, nada, zip! Liam had a total of 16 days of summer school over the course of June and July. At first I was apprehensive and felt like a huge failure as a mother because my child had to attend summer school. However, it was actually one of the best experiences that Liam could have had this past summer. He had a wonderful experience and learned tons and tons of stuff that had previously evaded him. He will continue to work with the prevention specialists and his teacher specializes in working with kids that struggle with math and reading. We are so grateful that his teachers and school staff are willing and able to
work with him to overcome his individual issues in school. We feel very blessed and fortunate that he is able to continue at his school this year. Its a huge reason we are living here in Logan while Bill commutes to Salt Lake for work each day. We were hugely concerned for Liam's education as we discussed his particular situation with his teachers before the end of the school year. We felt that it was not in his best interests to move him to a different school just yet. So we are going to see how this year goes and if we can help him overcome some of his learning issues. He is attending a charter school that has access to amazing resources that we would not have easy access to very easily elsewhere. I am hopeful as I have watched him become excited about school over the course of the summer. I have been working intensely with him all summer and I am watching a slow fire
building in him. He is starting to enjoy school and learning. He is a super intelligent boy, that isn't the problem. Its more like maturity and behavior stuff that comes with time and patience. Last week, I took him to his school to show him where he would be dropped off each day, where his locker and his classroom was and how to work the lunch room. Since that day he has been asking over and over again when he would be starting school. This morning, he was up, in the shower and dressed before I had his breakfast on the table. As he was eating his waffles, he kept telling me, "Mom I am so excited to be going to school today. I feel like a new Liam." When I asked him what was making him feel like a new boy, he said, "I think my new clothes are making me feel like a new boy." He was so excited about going to school today that we left 30 minutes early and were the first people to arrive at the school. The halls and classrooms were empty as we were able to capture lots of great pictures of Liam's first day since no one was around! He kept telling me how excited he was and that he just wanted school to hurry up and start. I can hardly wait to hear from him how his day went. I hope he has a great first day that will lead him to having a great second and third day, etc. I hope he makes some friends, listens to his teachers, and that he keeps feeling that little fire inside of him growing as he develops his own love of learning.

Wondering

2011-08-15T10:16:00.006-06:00

As I am entering my 34th week pregnant, I can't help but become more and more excited to meet my new little man. I have been in a flurry of busyness getting ready for his impending arrival. I have been sewing up a storm in the past two months. I have created a nursing cover, a car seat cover, swaddling blankets, burp clothes, and bibs. His chest of drawers are filled with adorable, newly laundered clothing and his bag for the hospital is mostly packed. Bill and I have been reviewing our Bradly method birthing strategies and adding a few new tricks along the way. Bill has been recording scripts that I will use for our natural childbirth and has installed them on my i-phone so that I can practice while he is at work and should I go into labor without him ( lets all pray that doesn't happen!) I will have access to his voice on my phone with our rehearsed scripting for our assisted imagery relaxation techniques. I have long lists of "to do" lists that are slowly getting completed as we come closer and closer to baby boys birthday. As crazy busy as I have been keeping myself, my mind keeps wondering what this little guy is going to look like. I have been looking at old baby pictures of Liam's wondering what this little man will look like. I have compared his ultrasounds to Liam's and they look very similar. In my dreams I am always trying to see my baby's face with him turning away and hiding his face behind his hands. Its always such a frustrating experience!! I am DYING to see his face, to hear his little voice, and devour ever little detail of his perfect little self. I can hardly contain my joy as we come closer and closer to baby boys birthday.

Baby boy has a round head like his older brother Liam, the same nose, his ears look very similar by poking out just a little and he has the same adorable ducky mouth.

Nostalgia

2011-07-27T14:19:00.005-06:00

I have a friend who is interested in babywearing and so I have been sharing with her my personal experiences from wearing Liam. She wanted to see some pictures of our wrap in action and so I have been flipping through old photos today. I am dying over how cute my little Liam boy was as a little baby. I can't help but think about our newest baby boy and wonder what he will look like. From his ultrasounds he looks almost identical to Liam and so I am assuming they will look very similar to one another with their own variations. I am also reeling by how much my life has changed and improved over the past six years. Liam has brought so much joy and life changes into my life and I am eternally grateful for these blessings. I thought I would include some pics of us babywearing and a short video of baby Liam as I marvel at the joy and happiness the past six years have brought in being Liam's mama.

Bill's graduation day May 2007. Moana wearing Liam with a storchenwiege wrap under a Suze Kinder Coat.

Cleaning the house with 3 1/2 year old Liam along for a ride on mama's back.

Liam loved to ride on my back and would often bring the wrap to me and say, "Up." From this, I knew he wanted to be on his mama in the wrappy.

My younger sister wearing her six month old Camiley while I wear 2 year old Liam. We are at our sister Ana's wedding in 2007 at the Salt Lake Temple.

I love this little face! Seeing young pictures of little Liam makes me sad and happy all at the same time. I miss this little boy so much and yet I love the six year old dude that he is today and I am so lucky and blessed to be his mama.

The Year Of The Babies

2011-07-25T08:31:00.004-06:00

In the Fullmer Warburton Nelson family, this past year has been termed as the, "Year of the Babies" and I wanted to share how 2011 warranted its own special title. I have the great fortune of being very blessed by the family I chose to marry into. I love my in-law family so much that I don't actually think of them as in-laws. My friends tell me horror stories about their mother-in-laws and I honestly cannot relate! My mother-in-law is the first person I think of calling when I need help, advise, or a shoulder to cry on. I love her and am so grateful for her. My in-law siblings are very much like my own siblings and I love them dearly and have such fond memories of our years spent together. Therefore this past year has been especially exciting in our family because all four of the siblings were expecting babies. Joanna was the first to become pregnant and share her exciting news with the family. I had not shared with anyone my intentions of trying this year to get pregnant because I have learned from years past, the heartache that is involved with trying to get pregnant only to be disappointed when you fail time and time again. So it was my own little secret tucked away. When Joanna announced her wonderful news I was super excited thinking that I would get the joy of having a baby with her. Then two short months later Melissa announced that she too was having a baby. WOW! I thought could it be possible that I could be pregnant with two of my sisters-in-law?? I was even more excited but also scared that I would not be able to get pregnant. Then one week before my 35th birthday I was given such a marvelous gift, I discovered that I too was pregnant. I was so excited to have Liam announce the wonderful news to his grandparents. Grammy Coleen's face lit up and she looked like she was going to pass out from shock. She was so happy and excited, we had three little babies coming into the family. Then in April, at Grammy Coleen's 60th birthday, Tommy and Rosie announced that they too were expecting. All four of Grammy Coleen's children were going to have babies! Our family was a buzz with the exciting news and we all were hugging each other and thumping each other on the backs! We later discovered that all four babies were in fact--BOYS! Which only made us more excited that each of us would be having a baby boy! I can't help but think about the four missionaries going out from our family in nineteen years time and all the other life experiences that they will share together in between.
It has been such an exciting and wonderful year to not only be expecting my own little treasure but to watch as each of my husband's siblings welcome a new little spirit into their hearts and homes as well. At Joanna's baby blessing of Gabriel, her and Trevor's son, we took a picture of the three preggo bellies and the momma that had her baby. At each baby blessing I want to get a picture of the remaining pregnant ladies and the new baby boys. A week ago Melissa, had her little baby boy, Teegan and we are all excited to meet him and welcome him into our family. Now, just two of the the four pregnant girls remain, myself and Rosie are anxiously awaiting the arrivals of our own baby boys. In this second picture, us pregnant girls are featured from left to right in order of our due dates: Joanna holding baby Gabriel, Melissa, Moana, and Rosie at Gabriel's baby blessing.
I love being a mother and I feel so blessed that with baby two I have had the great joy of sharing this experience with my amazing sisters-in-law. I am now about 31 weeks pregnant and doing wonderful. Heavenly Father has truly blessed me during this pregnancy. The problems and complications I had with Liam's pregnancy have not troubled me and I am so thankful that I have had a relatively normal pregnancy. We went this past week to our regular midwife appointment and baby boy measured right on his due date. It was determined that he had some freakish growth spurt and that is why he was measuring so large at our last appointment. We will have to go in for another ultra-sound to ensure that he really is OK but we are banking on the fact that all blood work and the previous ultra-sound revealed that he is in fact doing well. He is so active and constantly reminds me that he is there growing below my heart. Bill and Liam can visually see him moving and kicking now as they test him to see what he will respond too. He especially loves the sound of Bill's low voice and Liam's constant hugs and kisses. I can hardly wait to hold him in my arms and fill my nostrils with his sweet scent and take in all of the lines and contours of his little face. I can't wait to feel him in my arms and gaze into his eyes. I love him so much and yet I haven't even met him yet. This doesn't seem to matter, he has my eternal love and devotion already. I can't wait to add him to my little family and see how Liam adjusts to being a big brother. Since Liam could speak at 3 years old when asked what he wants for his birthday, Christmas, and all the holidays in between his response has been the exact same one, "I want a baby brother and a baby sister." Often times he will awake in the morning with a huge grin on his face, "Mom, I had the best dream, I dreamt about my brother and sister last night and we had so much fun together. We did....." People ask me all the time if I think he is ready. I have no idea if he is and if the adjustment will be super difficult. But I do know that he sincerely is excited and has been waiting for a long time to meet his sibling. I am sure their will be moments of trial and challenges and yet I suspect that Liam will do as he always has done, he will be joyful and excited to have a brother to share his life with. He already shows such care and concern for his brother and I can hardly wait to watch what is going to happen between these two little men. I feel so blessed and grateful for the experiences that I have had to prepare me for this new life experience of having a new baby. I am also looking forward to the future as I contemplate meeting and raising my newest son. We have anywhere from as little as 7 weeks and as much as 11 weeks until we too will be holding baby number two in our arms and gazing lovingly at every minute detail of his amazing little body. As the "year of the Babies" comes to its close for me, I am so excited, I can hardly wait, the future holds so much promise and I feel blessed by this! I get the joy of not only welcoming my own little one into my family but three beautiful little nephews as well!

Car Seat Cover or Canopy

2011-07-20T14:47:00.013-06:00

Nowadays, It seems that every baby in these parts has to have a car seat cover/canopy. I love them for several reasons. It ensures that the blanket that many of us drape over our babies car seats stay in place and don't blow off with a huge gust of wind or suffocate our unsuspecting children. I also love them as a germ and stranger barrier while I am out and about. Sometimes strangers forget themselves and cross the personal space bubble and believe they have the right to touch the "cutie wittle baby." I am not a fan of this invasion of privacy and so I was anxious to whip up one of these amazing covers.

I found these coordinating fabrics that matched my existing red and black car seat. As I hummed and hawed about which fabric I liked best to be the outer layer of the blanket, I was given to huge bouts of anxiety trying to decide on just one. To help me with my indecisiveness, I decided to use this amazing tutorial to create a self-binding or "magic binding" blanket with mitered corners. With a self-binding blanket a person of indecision such as myself can have two fabrics facing out. If you would like to make a blanket similar to mine then I would highly recommend that you watch this you-tube video so that the tutorial makes sense.

I then used this tutorial for creating a car seat canopy and merged the two projects together. I also embellished the cover with some jumbo ric-rac and what resulted was this cute and colorful car seat to ensure strangers keep their mits to themselves and that the wind doesn't blow my baby's blanket away.
On the underside baby boy will have lots and lots of colorful robots to look at while keeping him safely protected from strangers, germs, and huge gusts of wind. I am really pleased with how well this project turned out. Liam and I love the look of this fabric so much that we are going to make him and his baby brother some matching pajama bottoms one of these days. If you are interested in this fabric then I recommend you making your way to your local Wal-mart to see if they carry these fabrics.

UPDATE: For clarification, in the tutorial it says to use a square piece of fabric but for this project I wanted a rectangle to better accomodate a car seat. I had no problem with using a rectangle. Just as long as you ensure that the outer fabric is ten inches wider and longer than the inner fabric. I also accidentally under did my blanket by five inches on all four sides. So the measurements that I would recommend for this project would be:

Inner layer (The larger robots on my blanket)
36 1/2 inches wide by 38 inches long
Outer layer (The black fabric with smaller robots)
41 1/2 inches wide by 48 inches long.

Proceed with the self-binding tutorial from here on out.

Blessings

2011-07-17T23:22:00.004-06:00

I am now 29 1/2 weeks pregnant with a little over 11 weeks left. Today Bill, Liam, and I piled into Bills truck to go for a gorgeous Sunday drive up the Canyon not far from where we are living. We were amazed by the areas that were flooded and the lack of people throughout the Canyon. Most of the campgrounds are under water and we were cautious as we saw water on the roads in a few places. Bill enjoys taking photos of nature and so he had our camera with us today. I was so happy that he shot a few of me with my pregnant belly so that some day baby boy can see what he looked like in his mommas belly. I sure do love this little baby bump and am so excited to meet him soon. I want him to know that he is coming to a family that loves him deeply and is so excited to have him join us and be a part of us. I can hardly wait to look into his eyes and kiss his little face and hear his little voice. I am so blessed to be a mother and to be able to create and give life. I feel so honored that I get to be a momma. I am also super excited to watch Liam become a big brother and Bill become a dad to number two. He really is an amazing father and husband and I am so grateful that I get to share this life experience with him! I have so much love in my life and I feel truly blessed.

Big Baby

2011-06-30T08:55:00.004-06:00

I have yet to update you all on how our big move went. In a nutshell it went well except for a few glitches such as my mom falling and twisting her ankle and me earning a trip to the ER to stitch up my finger after cutting it on a sharp pocketknife. I recovered quickly and was able to get out of the old place and clean it up with lots and lots of help from my amazing sisters and two of my nieces. We are now mostly unpacked and have more functional rooms than dysfunctional rooms. I will update more on that later but for now I am going to update you all on the status of baby boy.

Tuesday of this week marked my first official midwife appointment in Salt Lake. I have been feeling like my baby is much larger than Liam ever was and I was justified in this belief when the midwife measured my fundus (top of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus) to determine how large my baby is and if he is close to the expected size of his gestational age. The strange thing is that the OB I was seeing before making the switch never measured my fundus and it has concerned me greatly. The midwife was concerned when instead of measuring 27 cm as expected baby boy was measuring in at 30 cm. There is a little leeway with plus or minus 2 cm but to have a baby that is 3 cm over his expected size is alarming and warrants looking into. We had to go back down the next day and have a battery of blood work and an ultrasound done to determine what was happening. I was so impressed with the care that I received and the concern that all parties treating me had for me and my baby. We are still waiting for the test results but we are thinking that I have gestational diabetes. I have been effectively managing my diet and weight for the duration of the pregnancy, however in the last three weeks with our huge move I have been stressed and slacking off on my diet just a bit. I am shocked that only three weeks of slightly loosening the reigns on my diabetic diet has had such a HUGE affect. The frightening thing is that five weeks ago at our 22 wk appointment baby boy was measured through ultrasound right on his due date. A 3 cm discrepancy in only five weeks is a lot of growth and one heck of a growth spurt. In the ultrasound baby boy's legs were really long and his belly was really wide. His face looked very similar to Liam's ultrasounds. He has my Maori nose, Bill's ducky mouth, and round features like me and Liam. His ears even looked similar to Liam's. I was very proud of him that he was already in the correct position, head down feet up and not breech like Liam was. With his large size this is a good sign that he will remain in this position as he continues to fatten up and finishes developing in preparation for being born. The lab technician was amazing and really combed baby boy over and got amazing shots of him despite his large size. I marveled at every square inch of him and I felt closer to God as I witnessed again the amazing miracle of life that is growing inside of me. Baby boy gave us a hilarious thumbs up shot and I swear his hands look similar to Bill's huge hands. The attending physician looked over our ultrasounds and said that baby is a big baby a large baby but not a giant baby. There is some concern that he will have enough room to continue to develop properly and we are concerned that he will have a hard time being delivered vaginally if this growth spurt continues. I am praying with all of my might and faith that we will be able to get on top of my blood sugars and get them to stabilize so that baby boy can be born naturally. I have worked really hard to have a natural birth and I would like to have a healthy birth free of complications and health scares. I did all that crazy, scary stuff with Liam and am in no hurry to experience it again! I just seem to get over how three weeks of stress and some slight sugary indiscretions can have such a HUGE affect on everything.

UPDATE: All of our blood work and test results came in today and I shockingly and miraculously DON'T have gestational diabetes. The doctors and midwives are pleased with how baby boy looks and are happy that he is healthy. He is just genetically larger--it looks like my husbands tall genes won out and that we are just having a big boy. A few weeks ago I had a dream of a fat rolly polly baby and I dismissed it thinking, " That can't possibly be my baby since my babies are petite and small." Yeah, not with this baby so much! He is definitely taking after his daddy with his tall Fullmer genes. I am relieved and feeling so grateful that he is healthy above all and that our plans to continue with our birthing plans are still a go. I am also relieved that all of the hard work at monitoring my diet and blood sugars for the past two years has paid off as well. I feel relieved and so blessed!

Apprehensions

2011-06-10T15:49:00.004-06:00

I am in a ponderous mood as I sit here in my living room of ten years surrounded by packed moving boxes. I am excited to have more room for my growing family and all of the amenities of the new place, but I can't help but feel apprehensive and sad that I am leaving this tiny place of many memories. I think about the amazing friends and people that I have come into contact with here and I feel saddened that I am moving away from them. I will miss sitting in my living room with my back door open while I listen to the riotess birds in the trees. I will miss the cooling mountain breezes that blow through my bedroom window as if on cue at around ten pm every single night the wind begins to blow as if some cosmic switch was turned on to send cooling and refreshing air throughout my house. I will miss the rhythm of this place with its familiar sounds and rituals. I will miss watching my son playing in our back yard with children from all over the world and the diversity that is had here in this amazing campus family. I will miss being just one of the many diversely brown faces here. I will miss so much about this little community that I have called home for ten years now, I am sad and nostalgic as we make plans to move out in the morning. I wish I could take back the lease I signed and the intent to vacate this familiar place and hold onto this little slice of heaven for just a little bit longer. I wish my unborn son could know this place and call it home like his older brother Liam. But alas, I have to remind myself that I am an adult now and that a part of being an adult is making hard decisions. It also means knowing when to hold on and when to let go. Right now it is time to gently let go and move forward with our lives. I have learned that when we hold onto something we love to tightly it makes it harder for God to bless our lives with growth and possibilites. I grudgily accept that I am much like a potted plant that has outgrown its pot and that for my roots to grow deeper and stronger, I have to be transplanted to a larger space. Like so many things that have happened in my recent life, I have to cling to my faith and allow God to gently nudge me where he would have me go. I just wish being transplanted didn't hurt so much and fill me with so much melancholy and apprehensions.

A Small Set-Back

2011-06-08T08:40:00.003-06:00

On Saturday, Bill and I went and had a sneak peek at our new place. We were given a warning that the cleaners had not been through the apartment yet. We were however shocked at the condition of our apartment. It felt grimy and dirty. It was really hard for me to imagine myself living there let alone where I would be placing my furniture. On Monday morning we received a call that if we would like the walls painted we could have them done but that we would have to push our move in date back a few days. We jumped at the chance to have clean sparkling walls and we have been bidding our time while we wait two extra days for our new place to be made ready for us. I am actually relieved because I was dreading the prospects of living in an apartment that had grimy hand prints and residue everywhere. Our lives are slowly getting packed into boxes and we are filling claustrophobic with all of the boxes littering every available space. The walls feel bare and the rooms are echoing as we have removed all of the decorations from the walls. Its feeling less like home and more like a holding cell as we get more and more excited to move and settle into our new place with clean newly painted walls!

Ray's of Sonshine

2011-06-05T22:40:00.008-06:00

The warmth of the morning light streams through the partially opened blinds as I feel you shift to conform to my body's position against my knee pillow. My eyes slowly begin to open as the light streams through the opened window. I gently rub my belly where I can feel you stirring. You quickly thump my belly with a responding kick. I smile as we have this special moment together. I begin speaking out loud to you, asking you silly things like, "How was your sleep, did you have pleasant dreams? What have you got planned today? Will you be growing eyebrows or eyelashes on your agenda for the day?" After each question you firmly respond with a stream of spiraling twirls and kicks. Your daddy rolls over and peaks through sleep laden eyes at me and smiles when he realizes that I am having my customary morning conversation with you. He gently rubs my belly and murmurs, "I love you three (meaning he loves me, you and Liam). He then lazily rolls over and quickly falls back into a deep sleep. I continue speaking to you about your older brother and your daddy and you again thump me with a scissor kick as you respond to my voice. My heart swells with pride that you are so strong and responsive. I curl up into the fetal position so that I can hug you closer to my chest and we remain this way as the sun continues to stream into the room. My shoulders begin to feel the warmth of the morning sun and I feel warm and fuzzy all over. I lazily lay there basking in the warmth of the morning suns warming rays as you continue to kick and twirl inside my belly. I lovingly rub you and sing to you my favorite song, the chorus of, "You are my sunshine." My auntie Vicky taught me this song as we would travel great distances while I was a girl living in New Zealand. This is your oldest brothers favorite song and I have lovingly called him my sunshine since he was a fetus much like you. Just in case you are concerned--He is completely aware that he will be sharing the title of his mothers sunshine with you. Its actually a play on words because I affectionately call you both my, "Ray of Sonshines." Your fast movement begins to slow and you are lulled into stillness. I believe you have worn yourself out with all of your frantic kicking and movement and you are now quietly settling down into a deep sleep. I lay back on my pillows and I lovingly rub your daddy's back as I have this moment of stillness to myself. I contemplate and whisper a prayer of thanksgiving for the love that surrounds me much like the warmth of the morning sunlight that is streaming through my open bedroom window. My life is good and I am grateful for the people in my life that bring me joy and love. My heart swells with warmth as my shoulders lightly bask in the glow of the morning sun. I breathe a sigh of contentment as I am lulled into sleep by the warmth and love that surrounds me. The last thought in my mind before the darkness of sleep overtakes me is, " I am truly blessed with the ray's sonshine that surrounds me!"

Progress

2011-06-01T10:08:00.008-06:00

Ironically six years ago today, I was in labor with Liam boy, I had gone into labor with him on May 30 and he was born at the stroke of midnight on June 2. Consequently I am nostalgic as today I am 23 weeks pregnant with baby two and we had our last appointment here in Logan this morning. I was a little sad to inform them that I was transferring my care to the University of Utah because I have been a client there since 2004. However, I am also grateful for the opportunity to have my baby with a midwife since I had Liam with a midwife as well. Despite the seriousness of his birth, the midwife made the difference with her care and concern. She was with me the entire time ensuring that everything went well and that I was supported in the choices that I wanted for my son. I am so grateful that I had a birth plan that my care providers worked hard to follow. I am looking forward to working with the midwives at the University of Utah.

Joanna, Moana, and Rosie--expectant mothers and sister-in-laws.

We were all really excited to be preggo together, we can hardly wait to meet our babies!

Joanna is due first, then Melissa who is not in this picture, Me, then Rosie. Four babies in time for Christmas this year!

My sister-in-law, Joanna had a baby with them last week and I have enjoyed hearing her birth story. I feel comforted knowing that I am also going to be working with the same midwives and nurses. I am excited for this new experience.

On another note, the baby's heart tones were right where they should be, he sounded perfect. The whooshing sounds of the blood flowing through his heart was like music to my ears! He is also measuring right on his due date as well. To me the due date is only a rough time line, I know that this little guy will come when he is ready. I just can't help but wonder if he will choose September or October for his birth month. I went into labor with Liam in May and had him in June and this newest little guy will be the same way as well since his due date is the later part of September. He could be right on time or be lackadaisical and come in October. He is sure to suprise me and keep me guessing the entire time! One thing that is for certain, is that I am happy that my blood sugars and blood pressures are looking so great! By this point with Liam we were on strict bed rest battling the beginning stages of toxemia. I have worked hard this pregnancy to use what I learned from Liam's pregnancy and complications to have a better experience. Admittedly, I have also stretched my faith muscles more and prayed for lots of help and for my body to be healthier this go around. Unborn Fullmer is looking and sounding great and the mama is feeling great as well. He is progressing as expected and I am so grateful for this small miracle and blessing.

Boxes, boxes everywhere!

Liam's converted garage

Empty boxes waiting to be filled

We are also hard at work packing up the many boxes that encapsulates the fifteen years of marriage and living together that have collected over the years. I am astounded at how much stuff we have been able to fit into this tiny apartment. I am forever making a run for more boxes as we quickly fill up empty boxes with the contents of our lives. I have high hopes of having everything packed and ready to go before our helpers show up. In years past, I have not been as well prepared and at the last minute everything gets chucked into an empty box and when it comes time to unpack its a small nightmare trying to put it all away. I have also never been pregnant and moving either and I have a new found appreciation for the women who have done so before! WOW! Its a lot more work and requires more energy then I had previously ever realized. I find myself taking lots of breaks and having to rely on the help of others. I am so independent that asking others for help is not one of my strong points! I am learning humility and not enjoying the process one bit! However, we are seeing great progress as areas of our small apartment are getting packaged up and put away into the waiting boxes that line the walls of Liam's tiny bedroom. He told me yesterday that his bedroom looks more like a garage and less like a bedroom. Sadly, he is right!

"This is my angry face"

Mom just told me something really stupid, like pick up my toys.

I don't want to pose for the camera right now, I am busy playing!

But I keep consoling him with the promise that not much longer and we will be living in a bigger place for more room for him to play and spread out. He just rolls his eyes at me and scoffs. Sometimes, he acts more like a seasoned teenager and less like an innocent first grader!I dread the day when he realizes that he is smarter than his old mom and my influence over him will be at its end. We have experiences much growth and progress these past few weeks and we are looking forward to what the future has in store for us.

Birthing Options and Blessings

2011-05-25T08:18:00.008-06:00

I have been struggling for the past twenty-two weeks to come up with a birthing option for baby number two that I feel good about. I have done my homework and met with many different health care professionals. While being pregnant is exciting, I have not been so excited by my birthing opitons until yesterday. Yesterday I met with a Certified Nurse Midwife through the University of Utah midwifery program. I was impressed that she had communicated with my previous midwife that delivered Liam six years ago and so she was able to make educated decisions based upon my previous birth. She then called the hospital and they took me right in and gave me an amazing tour of the birthing suites and recovery rooms. I was giddy as they listed off their birthing options and I nearly skipped down the hall as they told me that as long as baby was stable he could remain with me in my room as he is measured and bathed after birth. I could have Liam there with us for the birth as long as he had an attendant to care for him. I loved that Bill would have a super comfie spot to be so that he can remain with me the entire duration of our stay. I was grinning like a mad fool when they told me that they would do all that they could to support me in nursing my baby immediately after birth. I loved the long list of options and birthing tools that I would have at my disposal. I loved that they would not scoff at my birthing plan and try to talk me out of some of the things that I desperately want.
I loved that we could have an educated discussion about natural childbirth and they did not look at me like I was crazy. Rather, it was a feeling of complete trust and cooperation. I have been smiling and grinning about the fact that I have finally found where my baby will be born. As I toured the facilitates, I kept thinking the next time I am here I will be in labor. The next time I see these rooms, I will be holding my little baby. I was so moved by the emotion that I cried to consider that in this amazing place my entire life would change and shift to make room for another little spirit to raise, love, and care for.

I feel so honored that I get to be a mother again. As I feel my little boy moving and kicking inside of my womb, I am touched with tenderness by the love that God has for me. I have been the recipient of not one but two little miracle babies. I feel so blessed that I get this opportunity to become a mother again. As we drove home yesterday, Bill and I reminisced about what it has taken for us to overcome our infertility issues. We are both in awe that we are going to be the parents of two children that we get to love, cry over, and rejoice in.

When Liam was born he was given a special blessing, in that blessing he was told that one of his special gifts is that he is the bringer of joy. That he would have as much joy in his life as the joy he has brought into his parents lives. Liam has lived true to this gift and brings so much joy to not only his parents but those who know him. He values making people happy and making them laugh. He has his daddy's sense of humor and clever wit. I can be having a rough day or be in a tense situation and Liam always has a funny quip that make me laugh. He has taught me so much about happiness and joy. Last night I was having some contractions and so Bill gave me a blessing. Heavenly Father blessed my body that it would relax and be at peace. He then told me that, like his older brother, this little baby has a special gift.

Our second son has the gift of being a peacemaker and bringing calmness. As these words were uttered I felt my body relax and the tears welled in my eyes as I felt the calming affects of the spirit confirm to me the truthfulness of these words. I feel so honored that Heavenly Father would confide in me some of the important truths of two of his spirit children. I feel so loved that I get to be the mom to these two boys that bring joy and peace. I am so grateful that my children bring these gifts into my life and that I get to care, love and be concerned for them. Being a mother is such a wonderful blessing and I am so happy that I have finally found the right place to give birth to our second son. I finally feel at peace about what our birthing option will be. We are going to be having baby number two at the University of Utah hospital with a certified nurse midwife and we couldn't be happier or more excited!!

We Are Half Way There

2011-05-11T06:58:00.003-06:00

Hooray! Today, I am at twenty weeks--meaning that we are at the half-way point until this cute little baby boy gets to finally come out for his big reveal. All morning I have been humming Bon Jovi's, "Living On A Prayer." You can totally tell that I am a child of the eighties and that I am showing my age. But this particular song is very relevant to where I am at in my pregnancy since there is a part of the chorus that goes, "We are half way there, living on a prayer. Take my hand and we'll make it I swear, living on a prayer." As I have struggled with constant nausea, vomiting, tiredness, and all the other fun things that goes with pregnancy, I can't help but celebrate that we are at the half-way point.

Every single night I have crazy pregnant dreams where Liam, Bill, and baby boy are the main players in my dreams. It makes me more excited for the reality of us to go from a family of three to a family of four. I love this little baby boy so much and I can hardly wait to see what he is going to look like. Is he going to be fair like Liam and look like the Fullmer's? Or will he surprise us all and be brown like me and take after my family?

Its like having a Christmas present sitting in your lap that you have to wait twenty more weeks to open to see the amazing contents! I am DYING to meet him and love him up with lots of cuddles, kisses, and snuggles. However, as the reality sets in that we have twenty more weeks to go, I content myself with singing at the top of my lungs with Jon Bon Jovi as his music is blaring in the background, " Baby, we'll make it I swear! Ooh living on a prayer, take my hand we'll make it I swear, ooh living on a prayer."

Because we are half-way there to the point where we get to meet each other and finally see the contents of this amazing gift that is sitting in my lap growing bigger and stronger by the day. I can HARDLY wait!! It makes me giddy like a Bon Jovi roadie just thinking about it!

Announcing...

2011-04-27T21:42:00.004-06:00

For those of you who are not able to load Liam's video, I thought I would inform you that we are having a boy! Bill, Liam, and I were all in shock because we were so certain it was going to be a girl. Liam put his head down and became really sad for a few minutes. He was really excited to have a sister so that as in his own words, " I will have a girl to play with that likes me." He was quiet for a minute or two then he said, " Mom, if I have a sister then I want a sister, if I have a brother then I want a brother." He then perked up and has been excited all day about his baby brother. However before bed, Liam asked me if after this baby I could try and make another baby and if I could PLEASE make it be a sister then he would be OK with having a brother right now. He then informed me that he wants to share his bedroom and all his toys with his baby brother and he fell asleep making plans about all the fun things they will be able to do together.
Our ultrasound went really well, the baby looks great! He is very active and so getting an amazing picture of his face was really hard in 3D. What we did see astonished us because he looked very much like Liam especially his profile. He has very round features and a nose similar to Liam's, I can hardly wait to see him in real life! I have been waiting anxiously to know what we are having to start preparing and so after the ultrasound I went out and bought some baby clothes and a special outfit to take the baby home in. We did not have enough room to store Liam's baby clothes and so at the time we decided to make money on his smaller clothes in order to buy clothes that he needed. We were uncertain if we could ever have another child and we live in a tiny college apartment that did not allow us to store anything extra for the unknown. We did keep our stroller, infant car seat, and some toys. Aside from that, we are starting all over again. It feels kinda weird but I like it! I am so happy and excited for this little baby boy to be entering our family. Bill is really proud of himself as he tells everyone that he is having another son, it seems that my husbands family is REALLY good at making boys as three of the four siblings are expecting boys this year. The Fullmer name is alive and kicking! I keep teasing him, just think if Henry VIII had your families luck he wouldn't have divorced or beheaded all six of his wives or parted ways with the Catholic church to establish the Church of England. The historical implications are astounded when one considers what would have happened if Henry could have had healthy sons with any of his wives! Bill just grinned as he silently congratulated himself on a job well done as he simply said, "That's my boy!"

Liams Second Big Annoucement

2011-04-27T14:12:00.002-06:00

Today we went in for our third ultrasound and we are super excited for Liam to be the one to tell the world what we are having. Watch the video to hear our big announcement!

What Do You Think?

2011-04-21T10:50:00.003-06:00

Next Wednesday we are going to find out what flavor this little bundle of joy inside my belly is. I am curious dear reader, what do you think we are having?

To give you some information to go on: I have been craving strawberries, oranges, salmon, and white meat. Although I have been very nauseated, I am not as sick as I was with Liam. I am more emotional with this baby and I am more clingy and touchy.

Either comment in the comments or take our poll to the left to cast your vote of which gender you think we are going to have.

Celebration

2011-04-20T08:23:00.005-06:00

I will be graduating with my Associates Degree on Friday April 29. The next Saturday--May 7 from 12-2 pm Bill will be hosting a party for me to celebrate this newest milestone. Please email me, leave a comment or facebook message me for details if you would like to come.

I am really proud of this accomplishment because it is something I have wanted my entire life. Since I was a young child, I knew that one day I would like to graduate from College. I know that I am only halfway there and yet I am super proud of all the hard work I have put into earning this degree. I held a job, raised a child, got pregnant, and am a wife while maintaining a 3.97 GPA. That is all A's with two A-'s. I have loved every experience whether good or bad because it has contributed to my college experience. Yesterday, I had my exit interview and I nearly cried as I reviewed with my academic advisor all that had taken place over the past three years to get me where I am today. I am so grateful for the people who have helped me, encouraged me, and believed in me. I am so grateful and humbled that I am halfway to realizing one of the greatest goals I have ever had. I know that before to long, I will be back in the classroom completing the other half of my goal.

Changes

2011-04-18T09:01:00.003-06:00

I have always thought of myself as someone who loves change. I love rearranging my furniture, the decor in my house, and I especially love getting a new haircut. However, as I have been facing the reality that every single aspect of my life will be changing this year--from driving a minivan, to moving from Campus, to adding a new family member--I am kinda freaking out. I find myself waking up in the middle of the night worried about how Liam will cope with a new sibling. My mind tends to wander as I try to envision where I will be living later this Summer. I find myself filled with anxiety about how I will organize my new place.

I have such fond memories of living here in Aggie Village and I am sad that I have to move yet happy at the same time that I will get a fresh new start. I am worried that I am making a huge mistake to stay in Logan one more year while Bill commutes. I get so overwhelmed that the tears begin to form and I have to remind myself that there is a loving Heavenly Father that is mindful of me and that he is aware of my struggles and anxieties. I have to take a deep breath and remember that it is through prayer and the Holy Ghost that he makes his wishes known to me. I have to keep reminding myself that all these changes are a good thing and that I will be O.K. There is a higher power at work here and as much as I want to believe it is me that is control--the truth is I am really powerless and that I have to use my faith to get me through.

Sickness

2011-03-21T08:33:00.002-06:00

I am almost thirteen weeks which means that I am nearly in my second trimester. I am so glad that I have been able to make it this far. I was relieved because for the first ten weeks things were going well and I was feeling tired and nauseated but it was manageable. I got a sinus infection and ever since then I have been wiped out. My nausea also changed and is identical to that which I had with Liam. I have been missing in action and out for the count ever since. It has been especially challenging since Bill is living away from us during the week. I have a new appreciation and understanding of what it much be like for single parents. Its a hard and yucky job and I have a new found respect for those who are in this situation. Without Bill, I feel like I am missing my arms and legs and its especially tough right now as I am really sick and hardly able to get out of bed every day. I can't wait for our family to be living together again, I miss the help and company that I have in my spouse. I guess through this experience I am realizing how much I have taken for granted when it comes to my husband. Liam has grown up so much through this experience and is learning to be more responsible and mature. I am grateful that he is as old as he is and that he is able to understand what is going on with his sick momma. Its really hard being in this position, I am the independent type of person that doesn't like to rely on others or inconvenience them to help me. I am used to doing things for myself and helping others along the way. Sadly, however, I am not in that position right now and I am being humbled by the people who are reaching out to help me right now. As nasty as the nausea is, my doctor put it into perspective when he told me that its a good sign and that this baby is really stuck in there. I have a history of miscarrying and so I guess he is right. As horrid as I feel its a great sign that this baby is going to make it.

Updates

2011-03-14T08:43:00.004-06:00

Hi all, its been admittedly a very long time since I have posted any of our happenings. Here is the short list of all that is going on with us:

I am now 11 weeks almost 12 weeks along and the baby is looking and doing great. Liam and I got a sneak peek of the baby at 10 weeks and we are super excited to see that so far everything looks normal and healthy.

Bill is LOVING his new job, its a perfect fit for him and he is enjoying his job immensely.

Liam and I spent my Spring Break with Bill for a whole week, it was awesome!

Bills new job is going to allow him to telecommute one day a week so that he can be with us a bit longer.

I have been fighting a nasty sinus infection that has made me REALLY sick! My nausea has kicked into crazy gear and I am struggling to keep anything down. It has been a miserable last couple days as I struggle to get better.

Liam is as cute and lively as ever and he keeps me on my toes.

Just a quick update on our happenings, we are still hanging in there and surviving. The Fullmers

More Secrets Revealed

2011-02-09T13:26:00.004-07:00

We have had a busy last couple weeks as we first found out that we are expecting baby number two. But I have been sworn to secrecy as Bill has been working on a few more surprises. This morning everything went through and now I am at liberty to reveal that Bill has landed and excepted a job in his field. We will ultimately be moving from Logan as a family, in May.

Bill starts his new job in exact two weeks from yesterday. He will be staying in the Murray area while Liam and I finish out the school year here. Liam and I will soon join him and begin setting up a life somewhere down south, depending on the school district.

I am excited, sad, and super scared all at the same time! I have never lived in a large city before and I am admittedly intimidated. any advise that anyone could give me would be greatly appreciated! I am mostly concerned about getting Liam into a great school, living in a safe area, and navigating my way around. I am surprised that all these miracles have come our way in such a short span of time. I feel God's hand in my life and I feel truly blessed and grateful.

The Details

2011-02-07T20:49:00.002-07:00

If you just watched Liams little video you may be wondering whats the 4-1-1. Well, here it goes.

I am six weeks pregnant
I found out three weeks ago
I have been sick the entire time
My due date is September 30
I will be having my first doctors visit next week
I will be graduating from USU this Spring with my associates degree
I will be staying home full time again
I have been eating and drinking fluids like a crazy person
I sleep the better part of every day
I am SOOOOO happy it almost hurts!

Liam has been so excited about his new baby that he has been telling everyone who will listen. He has been so adorable, he continually hugs my belly and tells his "babies" that he loves them and that he is waiting for them to hurry up and get bigger and stronger so that they can finally come out. He is convinced no matter what anyone says that we are having a boy and a girl. We don't know yet how many their are in there but Liam has decided there are two of them. I laugh because I told my mother the exact same thing twenty years ago and she looked at me like I was crazy. I now understand how she feels. (For the record, I was right, she had fraternal twins!) I have no idea how many we are having but if you ask Liam he will tell you that their are two babies. We will know next week when we go in for our first appointment how many heartbeats there are. No matter how many babies there are in my womb, I am just grateful for the miracle I have been blessed with. It has been a long hard road to get to this point of having baby number two-- five and a half years to be exact! I am so grateful that I will be a mother a second time. I stand in awe of God and his love for me, I know that me becoming pregnant was a huge answer to prayer. I don't take this little miracle growing inside of me for granted, I am so thankful for the miracle of life and that I get to participate in this process for a second time. I am so happy and thankful. I feel so loved and blessed and I look forward to the journey that lies ahead of me.

Liam Spills The Beans

2011-02-07T15:03:00.000-07:00

Drawing A Blinkity Blank And The Place I Call Home

2011-01-21T11:59:00.006-07:00

When I was a young child I LOVED to write. I believed that I would grow up to become a writer. Sadly, I had many negative writing experiences that spanned my entire secondary education. It left me feeling bitter, terrified, and voiceless. I believed that I would never be capable of fulfilling my lifelong goals and aspirations. With this false notion of myself, I have tried to deny what I truly am. Over the past fifteen years I have been miserable as I have tried to be anything and everything, except what I truly wanted to be, a writer. Last semester I took a career and life planning course, I learned so much about myself. One of the most important things I learned is that I must overcome my writing fears. I have been miserable as I have tried to become something that I am not. I must now be true to myself and pursue my own dreams and aspirations despite what others may have told me. I have also come to the huge realization that it is I who ultimately decides for myself what I can become. I thought that one thing I could do to challenge myself was to share my most recent paper here on our family blog. I feel like by sharing some of my writing here on our blog, I can do exactly that. I recently wrote a paper for an English class that I was really proud of, I thought that I would post it here for anyone who is interested in seeing what I have been up to these last few days. What you are about to read is a double narrative paper. I am sharing my writing process with the reader and then they get to read what I wrote. The italicized text is my thought process and the regular text is what I was writing. I hope you enjoy reading my double narrative, any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks,Moana

Drawing A Blinkity Blank And The Place I Call Home

BLINK...BLINK…BLINK…the cursor of my word processor annoyingly taunts me as I try to search for the words that I want to express. I stare into the rhythmic blinking vertical line and I desperately try to generate something fresh and interesting. NOTHING. Nada, zero, zilch my mind is drawing a total and complete BLANK.

BLINK…BLINK...BLINK…the cursor continues its perpetual dance as I dive into the comforts of my imagination to try and recover something worthwhile for my impending English paper. What I find there doesn’t hold much promise and I again stare into the void of the blank word processors screen with its BLINK…BLINK…BLINKING cursor.

In desperation, I decide that I should set a timer for one minute and write a list of words, ideas, or phrases that come to me. I tentatively set the timer on my phone and I begin the mad dash to put the blinking cursor to work. I generate phrases like: “what it was like being an awkward and socially backwards sixth grader,” “the social outcast that wanted to be a great writer,” “the curious child that always had a notebook tucked under her arm.” I anxiously peek at how much time I have remaining and I am in awe of how fast a minute can go by. I try to continue writing but the distraction of the blinking light of the cursor distracts me and I am again enveloped into an abyss of nothingness. Suddenly I feel the warm glow of a light bulb as it begins to illuminate the dark chasm of my blank mind. I have an idea of what I would like to write about. The question, “ where do I consider to be home and why” suddenly reverberates through the quiet corridors of my mind.

I have lived in many places, thirty houses to be exact. I have lived in a wide array of houses: a sprawling palatial house, a quaint starter house, an antiquated farmhouse, and even three houses internationally. Each of these houses has been special to me, however; the place that I call home is an itsy bitsy teeny tiny apartment. The square footage of my home has forced me to live modestly with only the necessities. The walls are made of cinderblock and each winter we are challenged to find ways to keep warm. The hall is poky, the rooms are tiny, and the bathroom is miniscule. However, it is not the trappings of my meager apartment that has captured my heart. Rather it is all that the tiny space has come to represent that has made it, home.

I pause here to read over what I have written. I find a few worrisome lines and I begin reworking them. I am trying to keep the description of my house simple. I am trying to write only what is necessary.

In this diminutive space, I have spent ten of fifteen years married to my high school sweetheart. We have cried tears of joy, tears of anger, and tears of reconciliation. We have loved here, fought here, and worked for equilibrium in our relationship here. Our humble abode has been a gathering place for celebrations as well as a hospital for hurting souls. It has been a respite from life’s various storms and a launching pad to a far off and distant future.

I again stop here and read aloud what I have written to my husband to see if I am making sense and if I need to rework anything. He gives me some helpful feedback and wishes me a good night. He has an early morning and he knows I will be up late into the night writing.

Within the confines of this tiny home, a miracle occurred when I conceived a child after nine years of unexplainable infertility. We brought our infant son home to this tiny space where he would learn to sit, to crawl, and to walk here. He has grown from tender infant into precocious schoolboy. Each room bares evidence of his existence and I lovingly look up each token as a reminder of all the joy he has brought to my life. From the smudges of his fingerprints on the windowpanes, to his toothpaste stains on the bathroom sink, to the infantile scribbles of his name on the back door, each is a loving reminder of all that my home has come to represent.

Now for the closing paragraph, I hope I can tie in all the ideas and thoughts here I always find the closing paragraph to be the most challenging. I am sure that this paragraph will take time and require thoughtfulness to give it justice.

I do not live in a sprawling palatial house, or a quaint starter house, or an antiquated farmhouse, or even three houses internationally. But rather, I live in an itsy bitsy teeny tiny apartment that I lovingly refer to as, home. It has been the hosting place for joyful celebrations and somber occasions. It has been the bedrock, the cornerstone, and the safe harbor that has claimed me each day. It has been the setting of the majority of my married life and the only place my child has known as home. It is minute in size and yet it is large in spirit. I have wept here, I have cried here, I have loved here, and I have anguished here. My heart will forever be linked to this special space and will forever be known as, home.

BLINK…BLINK…BLINK… instead of NOTHING. Nada, zero, zilch my mind is now FILLED with many memories of living here in this modest apartment. I am lulled into a wonderful oblivion crowded with the fleeting images of a full and wonderful life lived here in Aggie Village. BLINK…BLINK…BLINK… the alluring rhythm of the cursors dance soothes me into quiet contemplation. BLINK…BLINK…BLINK…I am lost in my peaceful reverie…BLINK…BLINK…BLANK.

The Love Of Christmas

2010-12-24T23:32:00.006-07:00

My heart is full as I contemplate what Christmas means to me. I am so grateful that my Heavenly Father loves me enough to have allowed his most beloved and only begotten son, Jesus Christ to be born to the world. Our Heavenly Father knew what lied ahead for his son, and yet he loved the world enough to allow his son to be given despite all that would happen. I feel so much love and gratitude as I contemplate the level of unconditional love that our Heavenly Father has for us. I am humbled and deeply moved by His love for me. To me, Jesus Christ was the greatest gift that was ever given to each of us. He was given to us despite our shortcomings and failings, he was given to us as a way in which we could be reconciled with our Heavenly Father. Our Heavenly Father loves us so much that he wants us to be reunited with Him again and the Savior provided a way for this to be accomplished. I love my Redeemer. This time of year is such a joyful time of year for me since it provides an opportunity for me to be reminded of the plan of Salvation. I am so grateful! I have been enjoying listening to Christmas music since Thanksgiving. I wanted to share with you one of my most favorite Christmas songs but as I contemplated which of my favorites that I would like to share with each of you, I realized that the most fitting song I wanted to share is in fact an Easter song. This is the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing, "God So Loved The World."

We hope that this finds each of you in joy and happiness. We wish each of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Much love, The Fullmers

Uncomfortable

2010-11-15T22:12:00.003-07:00

I had a really negative experience today, it has had a profound effect on me. I was on the receiving end of someone elses "bad day" and my heart is hurting. I thought that bullying would stop with childhood and yet I have learned that there are adults who feel so threatened that they seek to control others with their bitterness. Why is it that people who are unhappy have to strike out and hurt others with their yuck? The part that has me the most upset is the way that I handled the situation. I wished that I would have had the courage to have defended myself and to have said something really smart and assertive. But instead I took the abuse and my heart and self-confidence crumbled into a million pieces. I feel so ashamed that I did not know how to stand my ground and speak with assertiveness. Instead I feel as if I am some way in the wrong, that perhaps I am the one that is to blame. I am so ashamed from the experience that I feel to embarrassed and would like to crawl into a deep hole somewhere and never ever come out. I hate feeling these tender vulnerable feelings and I hate knowing that I am allowing someone elses actions to make me feel this way.

Run, Don't Walk, To This Sale!

2010-11-04T22:59:00.004-06:00

Last year, I successfully hoarded an entire years worth of supplies for my family in a relatively short span of time. Over the past twelve months, I have only purchased perishables, meat, and produce. Its been amazing how much money I have saved with couponing. After my extended break, I recently returned to couponing. I must say that I have exceeded my savings from last year and my storage is already replenished. The most recent sale at Smiths is to great to pass up. I thought I would post a picture and list of what I got with my total amount spent and saved. If you would like to shop this sale, then check out the PYP Grocery Smarts website where you can get the detailed list of what's on sale and what coupons to pair it with. I also frequent this forum to better prepare for unadvertised sales and where to find the coupons to pair with those deals. I was also inspired by the PYP blog post about this sale that is found here. Its amazing to me that little tiny pieces of paper paired with the right sale equal major savings! Its highly addicting and gratifying being a couponista!

Smith Mega Sale Nov3-10 Save $5 for every 10 particpating items that you buy

4 Colgate toothpastes

2 Danimal crush cup yogurts

8 Jell-O puddings

2 Toll House Cookie Doughs

2 lbs grated cheese

4 Pepperidge Farm cookies

1 Yoplait frozen smoothie mix

4 Nestle Hot Chocolate Mix

6 Heinz Home-style Gravy

16 32 oz Gatorade

5 Quantum Finish Powerball Dishwasher Detergents

4 Krusteaz Cookie Mixes

2 Stove Top Stuffing Mixes

2 Swanson’s Broth Cartons

10 Cans Swanson's Broth

4 Cans Carnation Evaporated Milk

6 Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup

12 Campbell’s Healthy Select Soup

My total before sales and coupons was $163.13. After sales promos and coupons, I spent only $64.39. I saved a total of $98.74! The amount that I saved on this sale alone has paid for my newspaper subscriptions. I purchased 94 items and so that's like paying .69 cents per item. I seriously heart couponing and I am proud to be a food hoarder.

Getting An Education

2010-09-09T15:26:00.004-06:00

Liam started Kindergarten three weeks ago, and yet I am just now finding the time to blog about it. Liam has been attending preschool/daycare for two years now and so he is kind of an old pro at being away from mom and dad for extended periods of time. However, he was especially excited that he was going to be going to the "Big Kids School." He eagerly picked out his school clothes and laid them out with his beloved back pack. He woke up early and was ready and out the door on time for the entire first week. However, with the reality sinking in that this is how life is going to be for the next thirteen years at least, he has lost a little of his enthusiasm. He has been late several days this week and his enthusiasm is waning. Despite all of that he still claims to LOVE school. He says his favorite part is snack time, recess, and having a new friend.I am also grateful that he LOVES his Kindergarten teacher. Each day he has glowing things to tell us about his day. He is very good at getting his homework done each night and laying his clothes out in preparation for the morning. He is acting more mature and I am astounded that my baby really is old enough to be in school. He has the funniest stories to tell and I love to see how his mind is working and processing all that he is being taught. I am also grateful that he is in close proximity to me. Next year, I will be able to sneak over and have lunch with him. He is also close enough so that I can volunteer in his classroom in between my college classes. I actually drop him off to his school on the way to my school. We both have our backpacks and our bikes as we roll into school for the day. Classes started for me two weeks ago.
I am being brave and taking more credits than I have dared in the past. I am managing everything really well and actually enjoying my classes and the busyness of it all. At the end of summer, I realized that I was really sad that I wouldn't be taking another Math class. So I re-evaluated and decided that I could actually take a few more. I am LOVING my Math 1050 class and enjoying it so much! I would never have guessed that I would prefer a Math class over an English class! I am still waiting for the reports telling the world that pigs can now fly and that Hades has frozen over. Its a strange phenomenon to find love in something you once detested. But life is about gaining new experiences and growing up a little. I can hardly believe that at the end of this semester, I will be a few credits shy of being a Junior. I can scarcely believe how fast time is going, it feels like just yesterday that I was Freshman. I love being in school and that I have the amazing opportunity to be a college student. I also love that my little man is loving him some education as well.

The Stigma Of Being An Only Child And Other Life Lessons...

2010-08-22T17:20:00.013-06:00

While we have been students at USU, we have enjoyed many wonderful associations and friendships within our little college campus community. We live in a building complex that is comprised of the buildings being configured into three buildings that form a triangle and are referred to as a triad. Our back yard is a huge shared open space where neighbor children run and play while parents visit with one another. It was heart wrenching two years ago when our closest friends and neighbors moved out of our triad and we have been slowly forging friendships ever since.
However, the warmth of our associations has dwindled and not been as strong lately. Our once inviting backyard has become a place of contention and envy. Liam, sadly, has become the brunt of much of the negativity. We have neighborhood children that tell him to ask his parents for snacks when they do not know we are within earshot. They then push him away when he returns with the treats and will not play with him or provide snacks in return. They also ask to play with his toys and then when he asks for a turn they become aggressive and fight with him. Parents are meant to watch their children at all times and yet sadly Bill and I are the only parents outside watching the children. We have become concerned about Liam as he has been bullied and taken advantage of. Lately we have been teaching him how to handle the situation in an assertive manner. But the backlash has been astounding! One of the children had the audacity to tell Bill that, "Liam is spoiled and cannot share because he is an only child." I was shocked! Every single day Liam has shared his toys, his food, his drinks, his treats and the children in the neighborhood have only used him and not returned his kindness or friendship. Liam has a huge heart, he values his friendships with others and has no guile. He gives willingly with no hesitation to children who are mean and cruel to him. How could he be accused of being spoiled or unable to share?? Bill did a really good job handling the situation but I was frustrated that the child's parent was not there to help discipline their own child.

Since the child is to young to understand what he was saying, I couldn't help but think that he was only repeating what his parents have told him. It hasn't escaped my notice that Liam is being judged by someone who is not even there monitoring the actions of their own child. Liam can't help the fact that he is an only child, its not a choice he made nor a choice that Bill or I made for ourselves either. We are incredibly blessed to have the one and only child we have. For us, it hasn't been a choice. Life handed this bag to us and we are trying to make the most of it as best as we can. Is it any one's prerogative how many children I have? Does it make it OK to treat Liam with cruelty because he doesn't have siblings? I think that no matter how many children you have the most important thing is to teach them to treat each other with kindness. Remember the golden rule: "Do unto others that you would have others do unto you." I come from a humongous family with more children than average and so I do not mean to give offense to anyone with x-amount of children, rather that it is more important WHAT we teach our children than how MANY children we have. We all love our children and they are important to us whether we have one or twenty, children are an inheritance from the Lord and I feel it an honor to be a mother to the one and only child I have been gifted with. Liam deserves to be treated with kindness just as everyone else does no matter how many children are in his family. And by the way, just so you know, I am OK with sharing snacks once in awhile but I am not a free restaurant that you can use for snacks, drinks, and treats on a daily basis, just in case you were wondering.

Purging and Fortifying

2010-08-15T10:50:00.009-06:00

As the Summer is winding down and as we contemplate another school year, I have been frantically trying to get ready for school.This year, I have a Kindergartner to prepare for school. I am unsure what my feelings are supposed to be about this exciting milestone. I am happy, nostalgic, and excited. I am unsure whether or not I will cry on his first day but I am happy about where he will be going to school and who his teachers will be. I am also getting myself ready to return to school this Fall as well. I am nervous and excited for the new semester as I look forward to completing more College requirements. What has been shocking in our preparations has been the realization that Bill will not be returning to classes with Liam and I. He completed his degree and graduated in the Spring and will be going to work instead. We are still looking for a permanent job for him and we would appreciate your prayers in this endeavor.

I have a huge list of goals and tasks I would like to have completed before school starts in the next few weeks and I have been frantically completing each item on my list. I have been deep cleaning, de-cluttering, and completing old sewing projects. In the midst of all of this chaos, Liam fell victim to the dreaded stomach flu and it has cycled through all three of us.

I have been thrown off balance with this newest challenge as its taken me an entire week to pick the pieces up again. I find it ironic that while I am purging my house of unnecessary clutter, our bodies also became ill and purged unnecessary clutter from our bodies. It has been humbling to be sick during this time, I think I needed to stop for a few days and take a break. I have been so focused on completing my tasks that I haven't stopped long enough to spend quality time with my family. However, I had two days alone with Liam while he was sick and we spent some real quality time together. Albeit he was really sick but it was still time where we got to be alone and together. We have felt closer since that time and I am grateful for that. I then became ill and spent another two days alone with myself. I got to write in my journal, read, and spend time quite, still, and alone with my thoughts.

Then Bill fell prey to the sickness and than for two days I have had the fortune of taking care of him. I have a very independent husband that does not require me to take care of him very much. He, however; was so sick that I actually got to take care of him. It was a pleasure to serve him and care for him and I feel closer to him for it.

I had not penciled in the need for family connection or relationship building on my important list of goals but with us being sick this past week it was accomplished nonetheless. I am grateful for the lesson I have learned from this, sometimes when we are so focused on purging our surroundings and busying ourselves with endless tasks, sometimes we need to stop and fortify or build up the relationships we have with our families. Sometimes we need to purge ourselves of being so busy and allow ourselves times of stillness to reconnect with both our loved ones and ourselves. If Liam had not brought the stomach flu to our home, I am sure I would not have learned this important lesson. I am the kind of person that is forever busying myself with endless tasks, goals, and deadlines. I realize that I do need more balance in my life by slowing down and focusing on what I have in my life with the ones I love the most.

I want to say to my family that I love you and I am grateful that we are all in excellent health again and that I feel closer to each of you as well. Now, how about that list, which one of you is going to help me with cleaning out the hallway closet we only have two weeks left until school starts, not to mention the back porch which one of you will be helping me with...and so it goes.

New Hair Cut

2010-08-14T17:11:00.003-06:00

I have the great fortune of having the greatest hair stylist in the entire valley, Keri Mumm of the Kutting Edge Salon and Spa. She has been cutting and occasional accent coloring my hair for the past two years. Today, I took the plunge and cut my hair even shorter. Keri did such a great job and I would highly recommend that if you are on the fence about whether or not you should take that leap and try something new with your appearance, I say take a flying leap and do it! I am so glad that I took a risk because the end result has made me feel more confident and sassy, in a wonderfully spunky way. So all you ladies out there feeling down in the dumps or stuck in the blahs, do something radical for yourself, you will be so glad that you did!
Thanks again Keri for making me feel so awesome!!

Remiss: A Long Awaited Update

2010-08-05T00:33:00.004-06:00

It has been a very long time since I have updated our blog and so I will try to redeem myself by posting lots and lots of pictures of all the busy things that have kept us going these past two months.

June

We celebrated Liam's fifth birthday with our customary lemon cake, cupcakes for his classmates at preschool, presents, dinner, and ending the night with a movie.

This past year, Bill's siblings have all moved back to our area and we have enjoyed lots and lots of wonderful memory building activities with them. We went camping and Liam's Fullmer cousins were able to join us for dinner and lots of fun playing, roasting marshmallows, and all things camping.

July

We enjoyed watching the amazing fireworks from our front yard with our Fullmer cousins as well as our friends the Murphies.

After the big show, we waited for traffic to clear. We spent the time setting off our own fireworks as well as enjoying some sparklers. We all drove to Grammy and Papa Nelsons house and spent the night camping out on their back yard. We awoke the next day to enjoy the entire day playing in the sun, running through the sprinklers, and having a cook out. We enjoyed super yummy food, yum!
Liam, Daddy, Grammy, and Papa drove to Lake Powell to spend time at the Nelson family reunion. The kids had a great time playing in the water, riding the jet skis, and hanging out on the house boat.

August
My sister Laura recently had a baby boy, we were delighted to attend his baby blessing the first weekend of August. His daddy did such a great job giving him a wonderful blessing. His name is Lochlan Patrick Murdoch, a wonderful name for our newest addition. I was able to get a picture with three of my sisters. I love having sisters and I am so happy for my sister to have her long awaited boy.

We had a great time enjoying our family while we celebrated Lochlans arrival. I loved this picture because it was adorable seeing these three littlest cousins sleeping in the midst of the chaos or our family gathering.We have had a great summer filled with lots and lots of wonderful memories. We hope that you have all enjoyed your summer as well.

Five Years Ago...

2010-06-01T19:14:00.004-06:00

At this exact moment five years ago, I was about five hours away from bringing this amazing little person into the world. After 12 hours of hard labor, this beautiful child was born at exactly midnight on June 2, 2005.

My heart is overflowing with joy and happiness as I contemplate all that has transpired over the last five years. I feel honored and blessed to have you as my child and I thank Heavenly Father each and every day for answering my prayers--by sending you to me. Liam, you are the greatest fulfillment of everything I could have ever wished or dream of having in a child. I love you and hope that your fifth year is a special one filled with memories, growth, friendships, learning, and health. I love you bigger than the whole wide universe and I thank my lucky stars for you each and everyday.

Happy Fifth Birthday Liam!!

Exciting New Find

2010-05-21T22:57:00.003-06:00

For those of you who love to read, I have recently found this blog and I thought I would share it with you all. It consists of both modern and classical novels that were written by woman. I am impressed with the attention to detail, the formatting, and quality of their free e-books. I am seen a LOT of e-book websites and I have to admit this is one of the best I have seen. I hope you will check them out and read something truly memorable. Happy Reading.

Healing

2010-05-20T01:00:00.003-06:00

Liam has received a clean bill of health from his Orthopedic Surgeon who says that Liam's arm is looking great. Liam is running and playing much lighter without his cast and he swears he will never get onto the elliptical again...well alone that is. "Mommy, please help me do my exercises on the elliptical," has become a common phrase in our household. I am bidding my time until the newness of the elliptical wears off and he either gives up on it or falls and breaks his leg instead.

Sometimes Bad News Is Really Good News

2010-05-15T10:51:00.004-06:00

For fifteen years I have been struggling with regulating my blood sugar levels. I have had my blood tested repeatedly with the same result each time, "Sorry you don't have diabetes and we are uncertain what is wrong." My blood sugar levels have been so chaotic that I fluctuate from being to high or low and my body's response has been to either pass out or cause me to instantly fall into a deep sleep, that kinda feels like a coma. It has put me in both embarrasing and dangerous situations, where my quality of life has been greatly affected. I have also been struggling with losing weight and keeping it off. When I resrict my calories and then work out the consequences have become dangerous. In the middle of an intense workout, I have passed out a few times and fell and hurt myself on the machine that I was working out on. Each time I haul myself back into the doctors office to find out what is going on and each time I have had the same frustrating, "Sorry can't help you." I have been forced to accept my life and what it has become with fluctuating blood sugar levels.

A few weeks ago our family was sick with bronchitis, I was feeling under the weather. I went into the student health center to see if the doctor could prescribe something for me. I was not prepared for what was to come from this visit. I was facing away from the doctor when she entered. She came up and put her hands gently on my back and inspected my neck. She then began asking me questions about my families medical history and whether or not I was struggling with blood sugar problems. I was shocked! For the first time in fifteen years I had a doctor that was taking the initiative and asking me about the one huge health issue I have been confronted with. I told her how I am a prisoner in my own body passing out and falling asleep all over the place and struggling to lose weight and my battle with fertility problems.

She did something no one else has done, she listened. She ordered a full battery of tests to be done immediately. She told me that I have acanthosis nigricans around my neck that is one indicator of insulin resistance. Doctors have been looking for full blown diabetes and not looking for insulin resistance. When I got the test results back we found that my thyroid works perfectly and that my glucose levels are great. But the big issue is my insulin, it should be a 1:10 ratio to my glucose levels but mine is a sluggish 1:3 ratio. She perscribed metformin and has referred me to work with a dietitian. We are going to see if we can discover what levels of meds I need with the right diet and exercise. I have been on the metformin for a week and it has been the difference between night and day. I feel amazing and have been able to avoid all the yucky side affects that have plagued others on the meds thus far. I feel energized and have not passed out once. I am so grateful that I finally found a doctor that is willing and able to help me conquer my insulin resistance. Not to mention losing four pounds the first week is pretty impressive!

I really don't want to be full blown diabetic and this doctor is going to work hard with me to ensure that doesn't happen any time soon. I have a family history of diabetes and I have watched many family members become sick from it and eventually die from complications stemming from diabetes. I would really like to avoid this fate as much as possible!

I have learned from this that sometimes bad news can actually be good news. I don't like knowing that I am pre-diabetic but I sure like knowing why I keep passing out and that I can do something about it now before it progresses to a stage that I can't return from. I see this as a chance to get better. My doctor feels that we can hold the diabetes off for a long time with medicine, a healthy diet, and exercise. I have gone from feeling powerless and uncertain to feeling empowered and educated. I like this much better than smacking my head on the pavement each time my blood sugars drop!

Celebrate Good Times, Come On...

2010-05-12T09:50:00.003-06:00

I have been slowly recovering from our huge fun-filled weekend. I am getting our house put back together in addition to organizing all of the photos we took of Bill graduating with his masters degree. I was teary eyed as I contemplated all that has happened in our lives since Bill embarked upon this amazing journey of gaining a college education. It was validating and satisfying to watch him hooded by his esteemed professors and then receive his diploma cover. I was filled with so much pride and joy. It was therefore fitting that we had planned a huge party worthy of our newly hooded masters graduate. However, the preparations for said celebrations was filled with drama and chaos.

Other families had the same idea to host a dinner for their own graduates, we; therefore, were not able to secure a large enough building to host our guests. We originally thought that perhaps we could set up several picnic tables in our back yard and host our guests there. However, the weather was finicky with rain, snow, and scattered showers throughout the week. We kept calling all around town trying to find a building and yet to no avail. Finally, the day before the festivities, I was struck with a desperate but brilliant plan.

We moved Liam's bed into our room and set up my mother-in-laws huge picnic table in his room. When Liam saw that we had desecrated his beloved bedroom, he was upset and sad. We had to assure him repeatedly that we would return every item back to their original locations. We had transformed our tiny humble college apartment into a dinning hall that could accommodate about 25 guest comfortably. In the end, Bill and I were glad that we had the opportunity to host our guests in our home. Our home has come to represent so much of what we have learned and experienced over the past nine years. We have learned to be creative, making our small home work for us. Bill and I have collaborated together to create storage solutions that utilize every square inch of our modest home. Our home may be a small cinder block palace but we have worked hard to make it our own, to us it truly is home.

Bill's party was a huge success and we had such a great time with family and friends that were able to attend. We feasted like Kings and had a wonderful time laughing and talking.

Graduation

2010-05-11T22:02:00.005-06:00

We had such a great time celebrating Bill's graduation from his Master's degree program from USU. Thank you family and friends for your support as we celebrated this happy accomplishment.

Tenaciousness to the tenth degree

2010-05-06T09:54:00.006-06:00

My entire youth I was tormented by my inabilities to understand math. Math was a huge source of frustration, and confusion for me. I never understood why the apples were being taken away and what was up with long division? To me, these were torturing devices designed to make me feel stupid and inadequate. In fact, I was afraid of math to the point of delaying college because I believed that I would never be able to pass the Math classes that were required. After all I had literally failed every single math class I had ever attempted. However, I realized that I could not keep avoiding math out of shame or fear. I finally have been facing my math fears over the course of the past year. I began by first submitting myself for special testing to see if I had a math learning disability. The test revealed that I do struggle with math but that the components for understanding math were there and that with extra effort on my part I would be able to master math. I began at the very lowest level math class at the local technology college and I slowly started mastering the basic math concepts that had been stumbling blocks for so long. At first I was afraid that I would never be able to understand math but I worked hard nonetheless. What happened over the course of the next few months was a huge transformation that I was not expecting. As I consistently worked hard each and every day on math, I found that I was actually comprehending math. Where I had first been afraid and ashamed I developed confidence and comprehension. I was understanding math and actually enjoying it. I worked my way through the lower levels of math and passed those classes with A's.

I was then ready to begin at USU with the lower levels of Algebra. I enrolled in a special math class that is available to those who qualify. It's an intensify class that meets every day and has a special SI and tutoring sessions. The class size was only about 15 students and the same teacher teaches all of the math courses. I began with pre-algebra and for the first time in my life I was able to solve equations that I had never before comprehended. I found that not only did I enjoy math but I was actually quite good at it. I again received an A in this math class and my self esteem was boosted. The next step in this journey was for me to take Math 1010. I had heard mixed reviews from other students about this course and dreaded stories about the college wide final that concluded the course. I again was in a smaller class with the same math teacher and SI instructor and tutors. I worked hard each and every day and was forever mindful of the final exam. I did everything I could to succeed in my math class and I was astounded when my final math grade posted. I earned an A- in my Math 1010 class. Never in my life did I believe that I could earn an A from a math course. I believed that I was stupid when it came to numbers and that my brain was not cut out for math computations. However, with an amazing support system and tenaciousness I have learned that you can actually accomplish anything you set your mind too. I worked long, hard hours on math over this past year, at least 4-6 hours every single day for a whole year in addition to 6-8 hours every single weekend. Math has been the center of my universe and I feel strange that I have finished my math requirements. I learned for myself that I am actually quite good at math and that with hard work and determination you can accomplish anything. I also believe that I was creating my own stumbling blocks by continually telling myself that I was a failure when it came to math and that I would never get it. When I suspended those hurtful judgements and began to dig in and work hard at learning more about math I discovered that I actually love math and that my brain is more than capable when it comes to math computations.

Hallejuah!

2010-04-28T15:12:00.003-06:00

I keep pinching myself and asking Bill if its really true that he is officially graduating from graduate school. The answer each time has been a loud and resounding, "YES!"

I am so happy, overwhelmed, and admittedly, scared. My life for the past nine years has entailed my husband being in college in one form or another. The rhythm of my life has been determined by the events surrounding my husbands college career. We have dreamed of the "one day" that would be heralded in with him graduating from college. Our lives have been painted with the imaginings of what our dream lives will be once he was graduated and had landed the "dream job". Here we now stand on the cusp of one phase ending and another waiting to begin and I am...TERRIFIED! I have found comfort in having a predictable life that has been dictated by the needs of my spouses education. I realize that it is up to us to take hold of the reins of our own destiny and create our own hopeful and amazing tomorrows. Admittedly, I have absolutely no idea how to do this. However, I am so proud of my husband for the hard work he has put into his education and I am nostalgic of the changes and amazing people and life lessons we have learned. I am planning a party for Bill that will be held at our house after the hooding ceremony, if you are interested please email me or leave a comment. I am in the midst of preparing for finals and have not been able to officially send out invites, it has been more by word of mouth and this is my way of saying if your one of our readers, chances are you are someone important to us. Let me know if your interested in joining in on our festivities to celebrate this amazing and momentous occasion.

An Important Reminder

2010-04-10T14:27:00.007-06:00

For the past few years I have been going through some intense life changing experiences. As I have been making a lot of inner changes, I have felt myself getting stronger in some areas while weakening in others. This morning I had my visiting teachers over for the first time in a long time. One of the sisters shared something with me, she broke down into tears and said to me in her lovely and beautiful way, " Sister, Heavenly Father really loves you very much because I can feel it." The spirit was so strong as she struggled to bridge the gap created by a language barrier. However, it was written in her expression and her sincerity and the spirit was able to fill in all the gaps. I understood what she was sharing with me and I felt it pierce my heart with clarity. Somehow as I have been so hyper focused on working through some hard and hurtful things from my past, I had overlooked a simple truth. Despite my pain and heartache, my Father in Heaven is mindful of me and that he love me deeply.

He loved me enough to have created my spirit
He loved me enough to have created a beautiful world for me
He loved me enough to have a body created for me
He loves me enough to have sent me His Son
He loves me enough to have given me the gospel
He loves me enough to have given me a loving eternal companion
He loves me enough to have given me a ray of sunshine disguised as a little boy named Liam

He loves me and I had completely forgotten just how much he is mindful of me. I feel humbled and full of emotion. I am so thankful that my visiting teacher shared with me her thoughts, I really needed to be reminded of this truth that I somehow have forgotten. I think about how much I love my son and would want him to come to me if he was hurting. I have come to realize that as a Heavenly parent, he must feel the same way that I do for my own child. He is concerned about me and wants me to be reminded that he is there for me and that he loves me very much. He truly is a loving and caring parent that wanted me to be reminded that he does love me very much and I am grateful that I have been reminded of this once again. I don't have to walk this long and difficult road alone since I have Him to go to for strength, comfort, and love. I guess I had allowed that part of me to weaken as I have tried to strengthen other parts of my life.

Lessons Learned From A Photos Shoot With The Little Mr.

2010-04-07T12:36:00.009-06:00

Catching a photo of Liam where he is actually smiling for the camera is near impossible. However, in order to satisfy my need to feel like a "good mom" I still make every attempt to capture him on film. I have tried several approaches:

1. Bribery
2. Threats
3. Begging
4. Pleading
5. Tears

Sadly the only result of these approaches has been a mad mommy and an even madder little boy. What I have learned over the years, with my reluctant poser, is that I have to catch him doing what he does best versus trying to corral him into a pose or situation that I would prefer. I have learned this the hard and expensive way and I have the less than stellar professional studio photos to prove it.

Recently Liam received a brightly colored Easter Bunny cookie. His responses were so funny that I took the photographic opportunity to capture him at his finest.While Liam was preoccupied with the brightly colored sugary goodness, he really let loose and showed his hilariously expressive side. I LOVE the expressions that I was able to capture. I have over 50 frames of my little dudes expressive face as he shows how he really feels about this cookie. As I sigh with laughter bordering on acceptance, I have sadly resigned myself to the fact that I may never have a beautifully posed studio picture of my little Mr. However, I am comforted in knowing that sometime the stars align and I am able to capture photos that show his truest self that make him who he uniquely is and I guess that is worth more than all the perfectly posed professional photos in the world.

Proud Wifey

2010-04-06T18:29:00.003-06:00

I am so proud of my hubby! He will be graduating in May with his masters degree in Instructional Technology. He created an amazing website of his portfolio which you can check out here to see all of the amazing things he has been up to the past three years. I am so excited for him to be finishing this important phase of his life and I look forward to what the future holds for us with great anticipation! Bill created this image, its actually his business card. He also took the lightening shoot that is featured in the back drop. He is so talented! I am so proud of him, way to go honey!

A Blog Makeover

2010-03-23T15:23:00.005-06:00

Some of you may have noticed that our blog recently underwent a makeover.I have been asked where I acquired my new look from. I am proud to say that I collaborated with my visually talented husband and we created a new dress and accessories for the blog. She is now sporting some amazing spring wear and is ready for the season to begin.

Amongst all of his many talents, Bill is also a talented graphic and web designer. If your in need of a graphic or web designer then I would highly recommend that you leave me your contact info in the comments to pass along to my talented spouse.

Thanks all, Moana

Spring Break

2010-03-22T00:18:00.012-06:00

For Spring Break this year we fled to sunny southern Utah so that we could feel the blaze of the hot sun on our faces. Ironically we were caught in a snow storm on the interstate and watched semi-trucks, passenger vans, and cars sliding off of the road all around us. Fellow travelers were panicked in Beaver and we were all concerned that we would be stranded somewhere along the road or that the roads would be closed leaving us nowhere to go until the storm ended. We said a prayer and felt comforted that we would make our destination. Sure enough after Cedar City the snow suddenly stopped and we were able to go faster than 4o mph. Before setting out, we had debated about having our snow tires traded over for regular tires.

Thankfully we hadn't since it was what made the difference of staying on the road versus taking a nose dive off of the freeway into a snowbank. Liam was so good and seemed to sense his parents stress and he chillaxed in the back seat watching movies and playing games while Bill battled the bad driving conditions. I am so glad Bill was driving and that he was able to handle the chaos with his usual confidence.

It was a huge relief to finally make it to St. George in the wee hours of the morning. Some highlights of our trip was that

We enjoyed playing in the sun and wearing shorts in March, that was really exciting!
We ate out at some great places,
Went swimming with a saran-wrapped-broken- arm- boy.
Enjoyed Moab and Zions National Park.
We squeezed in some shopping
With lots and lots of sight seeing.
We even saw a great Dinosaur museum with fossils and dinosaur foot prints.

It was really neat! Liam had just covered the letter "D" in school the week before. His creative teachers had themed that week Dinosaur week and Liam was SOOOO excited to have his picture taken with dinosaur fossils. He kept saying, "I can't wait to show my friends and teachers the T-Rex! We had a memorable trip,it was fabulous despite the crazy driving conditions we went through to make it to sunny southern Utah. It was rejuvenating to spend quality time with my two fellas while feeling the warm of the sun on my face, it was wonderful and truly memorable.

Graceling

2010-03-21T19:11:00.000-06:00

This past week I had the opportunity to read a new and amazing book called, Graceling by Kristin Cashore. You can check our her blog here to learn more about her debut novel.

I loved that she instantly dropped you into the action of the story. She had a wonderful way of giving you enough detail about the story without overwhelming you with five hundred plus pages. I loved the character developement of Katsa and the Seven Kingdoms. I found this book to be highly entertaining and a joy to read.

I feel that I must warn you that there is some sexual references and the story is about a girl who has a natural gift for killing people. Its not more gory or sexual than, Twilight but since this is a book that is written as a Young Adult book parents and readers should approach it with some caution if violence and sex are uncomfortable for them.

I am looking forward to reading the next two books in this new and exciting series about a world in which those who are born with a special gift have mismatched eyes. They are handled with caution, awe and suspicion since some of them are highly dangerous like Katsa. Katsa is born with a gift for killing and her uncle the King uses her as his personal assassin. However, Katsa is reluctant to be used as a weapon and so she secretly conspires to help and rescue those she is sent to kill. Along the way, she meets other gracelings, as the gifted are known, and her life is changed forever.

Broken

2010-03-17T22:55:00.002-06:00

Warning: This post contains photos that may make your stomach queasy, please proceed with caution.

Two weeks ago, as Liam was stepping off of our new elliptical machine he fell and did this to his arm:

This is what it looked like from the inside before the arm was set:

Liam initially was in shock and was worried that he was going to be in HUGE trouble with his mommy. He was also worried that his arm would never work again and that the doctor would be mad at him. Once we told him it was an accident and that he wasn't in trouble he calmed down. It was obvious that his arm was broken and so we immediately rushed him to the hospital. He was very calm and listened to the nurses, doctors, and radiologists as they worked hard to fix his arm.

The hardest part was that Liam had just eaten a HUGE meal before he fell and the Doctors were concerned that if they put him down completely that he would asphyxiate on his potential vomit. They waited for two hours for his food to digest and gave him a mild sedative. Sadly he screamed and flayed as two doctors and an assistant and two nurses worked hard to set his arm. Bill and I were in the room trying to hold his legs down and comfort him. He couldn't see me and he kept howling for his mommy. It was SOOOOO hard I kept calling his name and rubbing his legs to try and comfort him. I would never wish for any parent to have to watch their child endure such pain, I wished I could have gone through it for him. However, when it was all over and he could see my face he instantly stopped crying and he thanked the medical staff for fixing his arm. He has been running and playing like nothing happened.

He has been a real trooper! He has been wearing a splint as the Orthopedic surgeon has been monitoring his arm and the swelling. I am relieved that tomorrow morning we will be able to have his arm put into a cast. It has been hard reminding a nearly five year old that he isn't indestructible and that his arm is still broken. He has hardly let his arm slow him down and I will be relieved when it is protected by the hard cast. I never ever want to endure hearing him have his arm set ever again! Yikes!!

He's A Real Momma's Boy

2010-02-22T08:27:00.004-07:00

I found this old picture of Liam and wanted to compare it to one of my own at the same age, we have identical profiles and a lot of the same features. As one of my friends said it perfectly, "Liam is you only in negative." Meaning that he has my features but his daddy's coloring. I love this little boy so much and I feel like the luckiest momma in the world to have him as my son.

Flash Back

2010-02-21T20:10:00.005-07:00

I was looking through old photos today and I had to share this one of Liam that was taken almost four years ago. I can hardly believe how much this little guy has grown up and how he makes my heart feel all soft and mushy.

Making Plans For Summer

2010-02-21T16:55:00.005-07:00

I have had a busy week filled with making plans for the coming months. I made reservations for Spring Break and I am planning my Family Reunion for this summer as well. Here are some of the pictures of our last trip as a family to this particular campsite in 2006.

I am so excited to roast marshmallows, tell ghost stories, and just chill with my family. Its been a really long time since I have had the opportunity to do so; therefore, I am looking forward to it!

It Was A Good One

2010-02-02T08:09:00.002-07:00

I had a fabulous birthday over the weekend, my husband sure knows how to make a girl feel loved and special.

Phenomonal Woman

2010-01-31T17:53:00.004-07:00

I have long harbored a deep love and passion for poetry. I wanted to share with you one of my most favorite poems written by Maya Angelou it is titled, Phenomenal Woman. I am inspired by the words of Maya to be proud of being a woman. Her message that it doesn't matter your looks, or your size, its simply because you are you that makes you special reverberates with me.

My Auntie Vicky inducted me into womanhood and taught me to be proud of who I am. That it doesn't matter what I look on the outside but what I am on the inside that matters most. This year for my birthday I wanted to celebrate the kind of woman that Auntie Vickie was and the kind of woman I am working at becoming. I also applaud each of you fellow phenomenal woman out there for being uniquely and wonderfully you.

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman

Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Maya Angelou

The Art Of Mourning

2010-01-20T11:06:00.014-07:00

My heart keeps reminding me that even though I am busy with school, family, and life that something hurtful has happened to it. I feel this constant ache in my heart and tears are not far from falling as I am constantly reminded that I am in the middle of mourning. In times past when a loss occurred it was customary for the ladies of the family to dye their gowns black and dress entirely in black as an indicator that they were in mourning. The mourning period lasted twelve months from the passing of the person. Weddings were prohibited to occur in a family that was in mourning and family gatherings were to be solemn and simple. Once the year of mourning was passed the family members could resume wearing colors or could continue wearing black. Not adhering to these traditions was considered scandalous and all classes observed these traditions.

Women created works of art using hair of the family in mourning, these are called "mourning weaves." These were displayed in honor of the deceased as memorial to their life and passing. It was also apart of the culture to have death masks, take photos, or have art commissioned as a testament of the passing of a loved one. The strict observances later morphed into wearing only a black arm band and observances were lightened. Mothers and Fathers wore black arm bands to indicate their sons or daughters were lost during WW I and WWII. It was like a badge of honor so that others would know what these courageous parents were experiencing.

These observances of mourning to some in our modern era would be seen as macabre or freakish. In our modern day society we do not stop and pause when a loved one dies. We put on a stiff upper lip and continue on in the rat race. We don't stop or change our daily habits or allow others around us to know, "Hey I am in mourning right now, could you cut me a little slack and be gentle with me right now as I am hurting." I wish I could wear something to send the message to those around me that my heart is hurting right now and that I am likely to burst into tears. This is OK, its apart of grieving. In years past our ancestors were accustomed to losing loved ones as the mortality rate was significantly lower then what we enjoy today. It was OK for someone to be sad and grieve. It was expected and their was protocol and traditions observed to allow people to grieve.

A Week That I Will Forever Remember As One Of The Worst Weeks Ever

2010-01-18T15:41:00.005-07:00

This has been one horrible yucky not so great week for us! Here is what has happened to us in the last seven days:

School Started, not so bad actually quite good
My beloved Aunt passed away and I could not make it home (New Zealand) to her funeral
I passed out and fell down an entire flight of stairs and face planted face first into a snow bank. I am scraped, banged and bruised all over. However my pride is mostly hurt since I did this in front of several class mates, EMBARRASSING!
Liam has a viral infection that we can't seem to get rid of. He was feverish and couldn't go to school which meant Bill, Grammy, and I had to bounce him amongst the three of us. Not an easy task when we all work and Bill and I are in school full time as well.
The real chaos began on Saturday. Our up stair neighbors washer was not installed properly and our living room, hallway, and laundry closet was FLOODED. Many things were destroyed the most expensive being our washer.
We found a replacement washer but sadly discovered that it had a major leak and it flooded our living room all over again.
We installed three washers over the course of one day!! Two that didn't work and one that was brand spanking new. But cost us some major moolah. Ouch!
In the midst of all the laundry from mopping up our flooded house, Liam got the stomach flu. Yip he spewed eeewwwwwwwhhhhhh........ from both ends EVERYWHERE! His bed, the living room, on the coach everywhere! So the piles of stinking laundry kept piling up higher and higher as we struggled to get a working non-flooding washer installed. The amount of laundry we had was overwhelming and we have been running our new washer non-stop to get it all caught up before school starts tomorrow.
Bill and I are exhausted from a lack of sleep from all of the chaos!
I have stacks and stacks of homework due, a quiz, two math assignments and a paper all due and I am overwhelmed since I was working so hard all weekend to care for a flooded out house, and sick child.

AGGGGGHHHHH.....Calgon take me away! I am trying not to burst into tears because when it rains it really pours! On a happier note I am happy to say that Liam is feeling much better Grammy is watching him so that Bill and I can frantically try and get everything ready for school tomorrow. I hope this next week will not be so crazy, I don't think my brain or nerves could handle it!

"And Still I Rise"

2010-01-18T00:05:00.004-07:00

In celebration of Martin Luther King Day (Human Rights Day) I would like to share with you an inspirational video of Maya Angelou reciting her poem, "And Still I Rise." I am so grateful for the civil rights that I enjoy, thanks to courageous people like Rosa Parks, Malcom X, and Martin Luther King Jr.

In Memoriam: I Am Me Because Of You

2010-01-11T22:53:00.005-07:00

My heart is grieving and I can't seem to stop crying, today I received news that my beloved Auntie Vicky passed away from complications from Throat Cancer. My Auntie Vicky is my mother's older sister and I met her when we moved to New Zealand in 1984. I will never forget the fear and anxiety I felt as a young girl of 8 moving to a foreign country to start a new life. I was afraid of not being accepted, of making new friends, and of leaving my old life behind. When I got off of the plane, the first person I saw was Auntie Vicky. I remember Aunties smiling face and the kindness in her eyes as she warmly embraced me and asked me sincerely, "How are you doing dear, are you alright? I am your Auntie and I am so glad to meet you." She immediately took me under her wing and nurtured me with her warmth and sincerity. I was always touched by her constant attention to others. She would ask if you were OK and if you needed anything. She was the first to give of herself with no question of what it would cost her. She was the pillar of strength in our family and despite her being one of the middle children in her family, she truly was the matriarch of our family. She was our fearless leader and I revered her as a child and loved the example she was to me of being a strong yet feminine woman. As a young child I was insecure and walked with my head lowered out of shame since I felt so uncertain of myself. She spent many hours teaching me about our Maori Culture in an effort to help me understand who I was so that I would not be ashamed. When I would experience bigotry she would encourage me to hold my head up high and to walk with pride knowing who I truly am. She taught me the importance of being a strong, proud biracial woman. She forever was encouraging me by teaching me new skills and talents. She knew I loved music and she spent endless hours teaching me to sing Maori songs, to harmonize, and melodize. She would create talent shows just for me and then ask various groups in the community if I could be their entertainment. Seriously! She taught me how to perform, the finesse of public speaking, hosting, and entertaining an audience. I loved to write stories, she would spend countless hours listening to me read what I had read and she would find ways to encourage me with it. With her meager wages she would buy me paper and pens so that I could keep on writing. She was forever encouraging me with, "Come on Moana, you can do it." Before long she had me walking with my head held high with the belief in my heart that I could do anything since I had someone like her believing in me. She loved me so completely with no reservations and without question.
She was an amazing woman strong and capable and I am so blessed that I had her as my role model. Every aspect of my life has been shaped and molded by her influence, wisdom, love, and acceptance. I love and miss you Auntie!

Emotional Roller Coaster Ride

2010-01-11T12:10:00.006-07:00

Today is an important day for us here in Fullmerland, its the first day of a new semester. Starting a new semester is much like riding a Roller Coaster. In the beginning you are anxious but excited for the adventure you are about to embark upon. About midway through after several crazy turns, spins, and heart dropping plummets to certain death you are ready for the ride to come to a speedy end. You are convinced that you will never ever want to ride or think about riding on a Roller Coaster ever again in your life. But as the ride comes to a nice and gentle stop and as your stomach and nerves have a moment to reconcile themselves to one another, you are already lining up to go for another ride, this time you are convinced that you will let go of the handle bars and actually lift your arms high into the air in a show of bravery. The fear and anxiety is removed and you are convinced that you are invincible. Death defying drops with certainty that you will lose your lunch, yeah bring it on! I am ready.

It's Snow Fun

2010-01-09T15:45:00.003-07:00

Liam bundled up and ready for a fun afternoon playing in the snow.

Liam has been anticipating this day for some time now and was beaming from ear to ear with joy at the prospects of making a snow man, a snow angel, and a snow fort.

Liam trying to make a snow angel but the snow was hardly packed and iced over, he had fun all the same.

Liam and Daddy having a great time!

Liam using his backhoe to build something in the snow.

Loving Me Some New School Supplies

2010-01-08T11:42:00.003-07:00

For me there is something WONDERFUL about getting new school/office supplies. I have an entire cupboard dedicated to notebooks, pens, and pencils. When I was a young-un, my brother Quinn and I would anticipate getting new school supplies every Fall. We would pack and unpack our back packs and fawn over our new pencils, crayons, and notebooks. Not much has changed for me even now that I am a grown up. I still LOVE getting new school supplies and for me its one of the greatest parts of beginning a new semester.

The Makings Of A Real Estate Mogul

2010-01-07T12:26:00.008-07:00

Some of my earliest childhood memories are of riding with my dad as he drove his Massey Furguson Backhoe in preparation for laying a foundation for a new home. He worked very hard as a land developer and builder extraordinaire and created one of the largest housing subdivisions in my home town. It was the highlight of the Finlayson kids day when we would pile into the van to go and see what dad and the big brothers had built that day. Dad would escort us through his latest project and explain to us the finer details of construction as we looked upon his accomplishments in awe. To me he was magical with his ability to take raw materials and combine them in such a way that they became homes for people to live in.

As a builder my father is unique, he is skilled and educated in every phase of constructing a house from owning the land, excavating, laying the foundation, constructing the house, as well as being a licensed and certified journeyman electrician and plumber. You want to make modifications, he can also draft those up for you as well. He has impeccable taste and has a passion and gift for designing homes that are gorgeous and breath taking. At the end of the building process he can even act as the Real Estate agent and knows the entire process of buying, renting, and selling Real Estate.

Liam is demonstrating a budding interest in becoming a Real Estate mogul like his Papa. Liam can envision a piece of paper being transformed into a cozy house for a beloved toy. I am pleased that Liam has inherited my fathers spacial gift. I was impressed with Liam's ability to construct this entire house for his Transformer unassisted. What you see was wholly envisioned, designed, and constructed by my amazing 4 1/2 year old son.

He has plans of expanding the neighborhood and would like to make a house for each of his new Transformers. He even has plans for building a pool and special garage for them to enjoy.

I love how creative he is and that he enjoys creating things with his hands much like my husband and very much like my dad.

I am one PROUD Mama and I reminded Liam that when he makes it big, he has to build a house for his Mama as well.

My Endless Need To Apologize

2010-01-06T09:53:00.002-07:00

I don’t know about you but I have always been the type of person that feels the need to apologize. I apologize from sun up until sun down and all the time in between. I hear the words escaping from my lips and I wonder why it is that I feel the need to continually apologize. I find that most times I am apologizing for things I haven’t even done or that are completely out of my control. Yet I persistently apologize for all that is wrong in the world as if I have the power to change it or as if somehow I am responsible for it. I am working hard right now to accept myself for what I am responsible for and to not feel the compulsion to apologize for that, which is not mine.

A Post In Which I Deserve The Worst-Mom-Ever-Award

2010-01-06T00:49:00.005-07:00

Its been an embarrassingly long time since I last posted and I apologize that I have been missing in action. I was in survival mode with the Hubby gone and with his return home I could not be pried away from him to update the blog until now. I have recently been organizing the photos I have captured in the past six months and therefore had a HUGE wake up call, that if publicly shared would put me in the running for the Worlds-Worst-Mother-Of-The-Year Award.

Ummm... I did not capture any pictures of Liam's first day at Pre-school in the "Four's Class", I did not capture any pictures from Halloween, nope no pictures from Thanksgiving, and here it is folks, gulp... no pictures from Christmas. Gasp I know, I know I am a bad mother and my child will grow up to resent me for not capturing pictures of his fourth year. Bring out the whips, chains, and put me into the stocks. I have definitely earned the title of the worst mother of the year award, I know. Sigh! So please bare with me as I try to redeem myself this next year and do better at documenting the special memories of our lives.

(I did redeem myself just a hair with capturing these pictures of Liam enjoying his new baby cousin way back in October...)

Heart Sick

2009-12-12T12:56:00.006-07:00

Bill left yesterday for a 12 day study abroad once in a life-time experience with his Graduate Program to Cairo Egypt.
Yes the Egypt of the Pharaoh's, Pyramids, and Camels variety. As Bill was driving away with Liam and I waving goodbye to him frantically my heart suddenly felt like it had broken into a million pieces. I have walked around the last day in a stupor of sadness and despair. I am cleaning like crazy mad woman and trying really hard to be upbeat and positive about the whole situation and yet I am seriously down in the dumps sad. I think the hardest part is that I can't call him or text him the zillion times a day that I am used to. We don't get the pleasure of seeing each other very much with us both-working- as- full-time- college-students-parenting-our-child-crazy-lifestyle-of-stress-and-chaos. But at least I have always had the privilege of calling him to ask him where he put the laundry, or ask him what he would like for dinner. I miss being able to talk to him throughout the day and share with him funny things Liam has said, express to him my love, or just banter with him.

I have taken my friendship and relationship with my spouse for granted! I have forgotten that he is more than just the man I live with that pays the bills each month and that I share a child with. He is so much more, he is my eternal companion, my confidante that I can share EVERYTHING with, and I mean the good the bad and the ugly. He is my best friend in every sense of the word. He has been a serious part of my life since I was 17 and he knows me so well I don't have to explain where I am coming from. He believes in me even when I don't believe in myself. He is such an important part of my past, present and future. I knew I would miss him but I am blown away with the magnitude of my sorrow in having him thousands of miles away from us.
I want you also to know that I am proud of him and supportive of him in this new and exciting adventure of his. I can hardly wait for him to share with me the stories and photos of all that he is experiencing. I am exited for him to have this important opportunity, but I miss him. I just wanted to express the thoughts and feelings of love and sadness I have in missing my dear heart.

My Son the Future Spelling Bee Champ

2009-11-20T12:38:00.011-07:00

Liam has learned all the letters and sounds in the alphabet and is now learning to sound out words. I am so proud of him and excited for this new milestone. However I am going to have to adjust some of my parenting tactics to accommodate this new found skill. I spend most of my conversation around Liam spelling words out to Bill so that Liam has no idea what we are talking about. Here is an example:

Me: Honey guess what is on sale, T-R-A-N-S-F-O-R-M-E-R-S at Smiths Marketplace we will have to see if S-A-N-T-A will be bringing one for Liam this year.

Bill: Could you spell that again I didn't catch that.

Liam: I want to go with you to the store and see SSSAAAAAANNNNNTTTTTTTAAAAAA (the sounds of Liam sounding out what I just spelled)
SANTA!! (DING DING DING the light bulb goes off in his head of what he just spelled)
Hey is Rudolph and the Reindeer there? I want to go I want to go, is Santa there I want to see Santa!!! (Fit is then thrown and child spends time cooling down in his room or in time out.)

Having your child learn new and amazing things can be great but I will definitely need to rethink how I communicate and parent my child in the future.

But then again if I keep spelling words out for him to sound out who knows perhaps he could go on to win big trophies and big bucks at spelling bees and could even pay for college this way. Perhaps I will get a great big huge dictionary and start spelling out outlandishly hard words for my son to sound out so can one day become a Spelling Bee Champion. Hey Liam try this word on for size can you sound out the word...

Goodness Still Abounds

2009-10-10T13:20:00.006-06:00

I am drowning in a sea of stress and craziness right now and I apologize to the one and only person who may check out this blog to see what we are up to in Fullmerland. I am seriously struggling with my class load right now and wondering what form of madness I must have been under to elect to take a math and English class together!!! Seriously I am dying a painful death from the weight of my homework. I can hardly wait for the end of the semester. However I wanted to pause and acknowledge the fact that there are good people in this world who genuinely do nice things for others with little consideration about whats in it for them.

My sense of hope in humanity has been temporarily restored as yesterday I had an encounter with two amazing women who took time out of their busy lives to stop and help me. I am touched and grateful to them and I wanted to acknowledge their kindness to those who read this. It also made me think about the recent conference address given by the Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson in the sunday morning session about doing random acts of kindness. The talk is titled, What Have You Done For Someone Today (You can read and view that talk here and here.)

I also wondered more about what acts of service have others done for you that really touched you or that you have or are planning to do? My mind is on this especially since Thanksgiving is coming up next month and I always feel the need to do acts of kindness to show my gratitude towards all that I am blessed with. Not to mention Christmas that makes everyone feel warm and fuzzy and more willing to love and help each other.

Please share with me your thoughts in the comments, thanks!

Awakenings and Reminders

2009-09-20T11:25:00.011-06:00

From a young age I learned quickly to adapt to being from two different worlds the secular world of the Caucasian and the spiritual/mystical world of the Maori. Mostly these two worlds coexist in harmony and peace within me while at times they are at war with one another about how I should function as a product of both of them. In an effort to make a compromise since I live in the United States far away from my other homeland of New Zealand I believe that my inner Maori has chosen to slumber within me to allow me the ability to function in the world that I live in.
However there are times when that inner Maori makes herself known to me and reminds me that she is indeed there and still apart of me. It seems that there is a pattern to her awakenings. When I am particularly stressed, depressed, scared, or confused she arouses to comfort me and remind me that I am a child of Aotearoa and that I have ancestors that are pulling for me on the other side.

The Maori culture is one of deep spirituality where we believe that our departed dead still exist in the world of the Spirits. From the tender age of three years old I have had multiple spiritual experiences where both my beloved grandmother Maku Mei Reihana for whom I am named and my great great grandfather Maihi Paraone Kawiti
have been a source of comfort and peace for me. I feel that it is them that send me these little reminders of who I am and that they are mindful of me despite the fact that they may feel so far away from me as they reside in the world of the Spirits. This past week was a particularly rough one for me filled with disappointment and heartache, yet as a special gift from Heaven, by "accident" I stumbled upon this video on You-tube. I must admit that I sobbed and sobbed watching it as my inner Maori reminded me that I have many ancestors that are invested in me and are mindful of me and all that I am worked so hard to accomplish. This has been a hard week but I am grateful for the reminder that I am not truly alone and that I have ancestors that love me and are supportive of me despite the distance and time that separates us.

Physically and Fiscally Healthy

2009-09-05T12:27:00.007-06:00

As many of you know by now I am a HUGE couponista. I frequent many coupon and money saving blogs. One of my favorites, Pinching Your Pennies had a forum a few months back letting everyone know about a food co-op that just increased its drop off points, Cache Valley being one of them. I have heard of them before but have never had the opportunity to check one out before. Because of the friendly advice, produce reviews, and pictures posted on this forum I felt more confident in placing my first co-op order. Its called Bountiful Baskets Food Co-op (link) For $15 you get at least $30 worth of produce and you have the option of adding extra add-ons such as bread. I opted for one basket of produce and 5 loaves of bread. I paid a total of $29.50 (I was charged a one time $3 processing fee) I arrived promptly this morning to pick up my food and this is what I came home with!! I was astounded, tons of food that I would value between $30-40 worth.
This is what I have:
7-avocados (these on sale are $1 a piece!)
3-lb bag of Gala apples (retail about $3.50)
6-Bosc Pears (about $2-3 per lb. retail)
6-Peaches (.99 per lb on sale)
4-large Grapefruits (unsure price retail)
1-small Watermelon ( .17 per lb on sale)
6-large potato's ($1.25 per lb on sale)
4-large green peppers (Sale $1 each)
1-bunch of radishes (1.25)
1-head of leafy green lettuce (1.25 per lb on sale)
2-bunches of broccoli (1.50 per lb)

Our produce bill is always very high since a large portion of our diet is fruits and vegetables. Often times when people are trying to save money on their food bill the first thing to go is the fruits and veggies. For this reason, two ladies from Arizona decided to start a co-op and Bountiful Baskets was born!

The produce comes straight from the grocer suppliers, so everything is uber fresh and slightly under ripe since it typically ripens in your grocery store or while in storage or transit to your grocery store. I am SUPER impressed with the quality of all items I received. I am super picky about my produce and super excited to have found a cheap alternative that allows us the ability to keep an interesting variety of fresh produce in our diet and budget.

The bread is purchased in multiples of either 1, 3, or 5 loaves depending upon the bread you select. The bread I selected came in lots of five loaves. It was only baked late last night in a bakery and then put on the truck after its pulled from the oven it is UBER fresh and so amazingly good!! I spend at least $3-5 a loaf of bread on the high fiber no sugar or preservatives bread. I was so happy to find that each of these loaves only cost me $2 a loaf. I know I can buy cheaper bread but its filled with filler stuff that isn't so good for our bodies and so I am very very pleased with this bread!! I have already had some made sandwich and some toasted and it is super amazing! Its the 9 grain bread with some roughage and the texture is chewy and elasticity like good homemade bread should be like. If you are in the Cache Valley area or are willing to travel bi-monthly to Cache Valley (there are two pick up points here, one north and one south) or are curious if they have a drop off point in your area you can check out this link which is their website or this forum to ask more questions. I am so happy and excited that I have found both a physically and fiscally healthy alternative for my family. Let me know in the comments if you are interested, if you belong to a co-op, or what your thoughts, questions, or suggestions are about keeping your family healthy on a budget.

Failed To Mention One Little Thing...

2009-08-24T14:22:00.005-06:00

I have failed to mention one major accomplishment that I was able to achieve over the Summer. In the past 9 months I have completed 25 credits and in so doing I have advanced to becoming a:

Today was the first day back for all three of us:
Bill: Finishing his Masters Degree
Me: Advanced on to being a Sophmore
Liam: Has advanced to the Four's class at preschool.
I am looking forward to this next semester and hope that we all survive! Also wishing each of you much success and happiness in all your personal endeavors as well.

Restored

2009-08-23T15:38:00.005-06:00

We had an enjoyable and memorable family vacation to our most favorite place on Earth, Tony Grove in the Cache National Forest. I feel restored, mostly well-rested and rearing to go back to school tomorrow. I hope that each of you have remained sane as you are either going back to school, preparing a spouse or children for school. Hope its a great and successful year for all!

Be Back Soon

2009-08-16T12:59:00.002-06:00

We are getting ready to head out on our last hurrah of the Summer. I am just letting you all know that we will be far from civilization and therefore unable to post about our amazingly interest lives. We will be back next week to report back on our family vacation and how the first day of school goes for each of us. Hope your all enjoying the last few weeks of Summer as well!

The Fullmer's

The Couponista Strikes Again

2009-08-14T12:49:00.010-06:00

My husband has given me an apply well deserved new nickname, it is the Couponista. I am an obsessed coupon bargain hunting mama that has been couponing now for about 6 weeks and I am LOVING all of the amazing crazy deals that I have been scoring. Here is my latest conquests.

I shopped from three different stores, Albertson's, Smith's Marketplace and Lee's. All of these groceries would have cost me: $196.63
But I only spent $ 82.21 OOP (Out of pocket)
Here are some of the amazing deals I scored in detail.

These cereals were on sale for $2.50 so 4 for $10 however if you bought them in quantities of four you were given an instant discount of $4 so that makes it 4 boxes for $6 and I used 2 coupons that were $1 off of 2 which gave me another discount of $2 bringing my total down to $4. I added the $1 Easy Mac to bring my total to $5 so that I could use a $5 catalina or coupon from a sale from last week. So my actually total for this order of 4 boxes and one Easy Mac was...only .21 cents!! You read that correctly .21 and I was also given a $3 catalina to use on my next purchase and so this was what we couponers call a moneymaker. I made 2.79 off of this transaction! (Coupons used came from 8/9 SS)

Bottom line: .21 OOP with $3 cat making this a $2.79 moneymaker

These boxes of cereal were on sale for $1.50 if you bought them in quantatities of four, I had three coupons that were $1 off of 1 box and one coupon that was $2 off one box. My coupons totalled $5. Four boxes at $1.50 each equals $6.00 with $5.00 taken off totals for me $1.18 OOP for four boxes of cereal. Thats like paying only about .29 per box!! WOW. (For those who are curious the coupons I used on this transactions came from 8/9 SS and a printable coupon from a link on Pinchingyourpennies.com)

Bottom line: $1.18 OOP, only .29 per box!

This is my Kraft Rebate where if you purchase $25 worth of participating items at Albertson's (and other qualifying grocery stores per Kraft's website) Then you will have a $5 catalina print out for you instantly with a $20 rebate form that you submit printed with your receipt. I have sent my rebate in and I will get paid $20 for these items. The kicker is can you guess I much I paid for these?? My total was 25.75 I used $5 worth of coupons on four boxes of the Ritz Crakerfuls ($1/1 SS 7/12 and a $1/1 IP for the Easy Mac) I then used $20 worth of catalinas that I saved from last weeks huge sale and so I paid .75 for tax, that was all that this order cost me!! I used the $5 catalina from this order to purchase the guacamole in the post below. So I spent only .75 OOP will get $20 rebate check and used the $5 catalina to buy guacamole on sale!

Bottom line: .75 OOP with additional $5 cat and $20 rebate check. $24.25 monemaker!

These were on sale for $2.50 each I used four $1/1 (one dollar off of 1) the coupons made each $1.50 times four makes the total $6 plus tax I used the $5 catalina from the above transaction and I only had to pay $1.75 for four guacamole's. This is our favorite brand and the amazing thing is that you can freeze it! Hooray! Bring on the chips and salsa!

Bottom line: $1.75 OOP, .44 each

This transaction isn't the coolest ever but I wanted to show how you can "stack" coupons together. The Yogo's were on sale for $2.50 I had a $1 off of 2 which made them $2 each but I had a coupon that if you bought two boxes of Yogo's you would get $2 off of store brand bread. I selected a loaf that was only $1.25 making this bread total free for me.

Bottom line: $4 total for 2 boxes plus free bread.

This is a similar transaction from the one above only with bananas. The cereal was also on sale for $1.50 per box but I used 2 $1/1 coupons making each box only .50 each and then I added a coupon that if I bought two boxes of participating cereal that I would get $1 off off of fresh fruit. Bananana's were .59/lb and so I made sure I only had $1 worth making them free.
Bottom line: Cereal .50 per box with free bananas.

This is an example to me of being prepared and looking around in case you find killer deals. I happened upon the Mac and Cheese aisle and spotted these boxes of Deluxe Mac and Cheese that retail for about $3 per box on clearance for .97 but I happened to have 6 coupons that were $1/2 so I saved .50 per box making them .47 each. I bought 12 boxes totalling $5.64 for 12 boxes. These would have cost me $36.00 at regular retail-- so as you can see, huge savings!! Moral of this story: keep your eyes peeled for unadvertised specials and have all of your coupons organized with you so that you can strike when you find crazy deals like this!!
Bottom line: 12@.47 each totaling $5.64 for 12. These retail for about $3 a box on sale!! Huge discount for me!!

I was also able to get some amazing fresh produce from Lee's such as green peppers were .50 each, Apples .89 per lb, and a 3 lb container of cheeries for $3.49!! Thats $1.16 per pound!! WOW! Score! Mmmm...I am looking forward to enjoying all of this yummy fresh produce!

This my friends is why I am OBSESSED with couponing! With both Bill and I in College and affording Liam's daycare bill, I have learned to LOVE coupon hunting as Liam calls it! I hope that these posts about couponing are beneficial to you all and that they are not just plain annoying! If you would like to know more about couponing I would highly recommend clicking on any of the buttons on my sidebar. These ladies are amazing and highly knowledgeable about all things relating to couponing and scoring amazing deals! I seriously couldn't do all of the amazingness I do without their sage advise!

UPDATE: Oops I posted the wrong picture in the beginning of this post the following picture is the picture of all of my groceries that I paid 82.21 for!

Silly Sisters

2009-08-10T11:45:00.006-06:00

I am smack dab in the middle of five brothers. Each time my mother would discover that she was pregnant, I would begin praying in all earnestness that I would be blessed to have a sister. I remember tiptoeing into my parents bedroom after the birth of my brother Kawiti and upon discovering I had another brother, I cried out, "But its a boy, can't you send him back?" (Sorry Kawiti, I would never trade you in for anything now!)
When I was just a few months shy of turning 8 years old my mother had finally complied with my wishes and had birthed me a new baby sister. I went from door to door in the neighborhood early that morning to tell everyone that my mom had just given birth to a girl, I could hardly contain my joy!! Here I am many years later grinning from ear to ear since I have struck the jackpot with five younger sisters. We range in age from 33 to 17 and despite our age differences we are exceptionally close. We have been able to build and nourish our relationships with one another despite the age differences and different phases of life that we are each in.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to be with my family at a wonderful baby blessing. When we get together we are like a pack of laughing hyenas. We can't seem to contain the joy we experience being together and so we express it through juvenile teasing and hysterical high pitched girly laughter. I love you my sisters and I wouldn't want to whoop it up with anyone but you ladies.

M.I.A. (Missing In Action)

2009-08-08T13:13:00.006-06:00

Is this a post about Chuck Norris or the courageous actions of war veterians? Sorry, no I am currently too shallow for that. Rather this is a post to appologize for my lack of posts and to share with you all how I have been missing in aciton in other ways as well. Last Friday the week ended with Finals and I felt that I in order to reward myself for all of my hard work that I deserved a few extravagances. Here is a run down of those...

I excused myself from making dinner every night and we all ate lots and lots of cold pizza and cold cereal. (Just not together, ewww!)

I gave myself permission not to clean or pick up a single thing all week, here is evidence...

I slept in every day this past week and was late to work all week! Oops!

I have enjoyed slacking off all week and must admit that I think I will go M.I.A more often since this past week has been so enjoyable!!

Moana 168, Bill 1

2009-07-29T21:44:00.011-06:00

After many loving hints, winks and nudges it has gotten through my force field of busyness that Moana would like some posts from my perspective on our lives.

Whenever Liam pulls one of his cute little antics I quick draw a pic with my phone. This has captured many interesting moments here a few.

one morning Liam decided that is was my birthday and therefore he needed to make me a "cheesecake." This particular cheese cake is composed of

1. Babybel round cheese followed up with

2. squished out laughing cow onion swiss triangles.

3. It is quite apparent that he believes it will taste like the cheese cake his mommy had for her birthday.

Since Moana's first class begins at 7:30 am I get Liam up for Preschool. Even in his deepest sleep he can put a smile on my face.

Sunday evenings we go to see my mom in Smithfield. Liam has always been fascinated by Papa's guitar and by Papa's Piano. Since he has two little busy hands he branched out musically and plays both instruments simultaneously.

I am not nearly as eloquent a writer nor so visually gifted as Moana, but I am indeed honored that she would let me plug in my pics and 2 cents.

Thanks honey you are so wonderful. I love you very much.

The Case Of The Cute Computer

2009-07-29T14:51:00.008-06:00

Way back when the dinosaurs roamed the Earth back in 1984 my parents purchased an Apple Computer much like the one pictured above. My siblings and myself would spend countless hours drawing on mac paint. At that time street art or graffiti was the "hot" fad and my older brothers would spend hours and hours perfecting their skills.

Whereas Quinn (my just younger brother) and I would challenged each other at speed games, such as the maze or the puzzle.
What, might you ask, has prompted this sudden nostalgia? I recently had a fellow classmate accuse me of owning a MacBook only because, "It was cute."
I was quite taken aback since I had never thought of a computer being capable of being "cute." In vain I tried to share with her my computer ownership history in hopes that she would understand my long affiliation with Mac and that my current ownership had nothing to do with its scale of "cuteness."Yet I struggled on in vain since all she had to say in response to my discourse was, "WOW, what a cute story!"

Why Being A Food Hoarder Really Pays Off!

2009-07-27T08:51:00.009-06:00

You may have noticed that I have added some new buttons to my sidebar and perhaps just maybe you have been wondering what I have been doing with so many new buttons. I have been challenging myself this month with cutting my grocery bill in half.
I have always been a thrifty person who only ever shops a sale, clearance, garage sales, etc and yet for some reason I have never been able to keep my grocery bill under control. Now with all of the amazing blogs and such that are dedicated to couponing and grocery shopping, I have dedicated July as my month for "test driving" couponing to see if its something that will really benefit our family. I am happy to report that I have been pleasantly surprised each week as I have been scoring some SERIOUS deals on my groceries. Granted, I already have an impressive stockpile of food storage that I have been using to augment my weekly menu with, but I have scored big time on items we use a lot of and are running low on.

I am a food hoarder and yes I am OK with it, if the end of the World comes tomorrow I don't want to be without Pop Tarts!

Neat rows and rows of boxes of food makes me feel...prepared! For what I don't know perhaps nuclear fall out!?

What is the big secret to scoring sweet deals?? Multiple newspapers with coupon inserts and using lists like the list found here. (If you would like to know more about this list etc you can go here.) I select my grocery store, I then choose to view only the hot items of the week and then create a menu and weekly shopping list from the four and five starred items only. I love this list because it tells me where to find the coupons I will need and it also provides online links for coupons that are available for printing from my very own computer. I then staple all of the coupons I am going to use to the shopping list which I have highlighted and specified how many of each items I am purchasing and I am ready to go shopping.

I have also created a coupon book that I will post more on later. But here's a peak of it in all of its organized glory ready to save me big bucks!

Important lessons learned thus far:

Couponing DOES take a lot of time, you decided how much time and effort its worth to you.
Finding the balance between scoring deals and the time requirement necessary is where I am stuck right now.
Double coupons rock!
Don't go shopping with your spouse or children when couponing. Especially in the beginning it takes a lot of concentration and focus to ensure your getting the deals you think you are getting.
Its frustrating when you do all the work before hand and get to the store to see the stuff you wanted is GONE! You then have to come up with other scenarios which gives me huge headache!
You get better at it each week, just keep it up!!
Its addicting and you will annoy people with your talk of amazing deals!
You may even acquire some new math skills.
You can buy the nicer brands for cheaper then the generic brands at Walmart.
Shopping at Walmart has become a rare occasion!!

Can you guess how much this lot of food rang up as? Before coupons and deals it was $36.00 after coupons etc I only paid...$11.34 I saved $23.76!

All this chocolate was can you guess??? FREE!!!

I only paid $4 for two bags of mini candy bars! Sweet or is that double sweet!?

These olive oils were each $7.49 each before killer deals and I only paid $2.99 each!! Gotta love a great deal!

I made a trip to Albertsons and went through the checkout twice in order to use 6 double coupons. Before deals etc my total receipts were $69.79 but I only paid $21.30 about 40% ??
(math not my strong point!) HUGE savings!!

It makes me feel awesome saving money, getting the things we need, and a few extras while saving money for going on a family vacation. I am sold on couponing that is for sure and my husband is even loving the deals and asks me what coupons I have so that we can go out and get a free dessert or so that one of us can eat for free on our date nights. Its been amazing to see how much we are saving and I think I am totally addicted so please pardon all of my new buttons besides who knows perhaps you too will get bitten by the couponing bug! Cause after all hoarding food is what loving moms do for their families!! ;)

The Galilean Moons

2009-07-23T08:18:00.007-06:00

I had to share one more astronomy tidbit. Last night we had another observatory session and I actually watched Jupiter rise up from the eastern horizon. Through the telescope it looked much like this shot with the four Galilean Moons orbiting Jupiter. (Sidenote: Jupiter has over 60 Moons with more being rapidly discovered but four of the closest of which Galileo was able to observe were named in his honor.)

Galileo actually viewed Jupiter and its four nearest Moons, thus they were named after him.

Here are some close-up pictures that were captured of each of the Galilean Moons of Jupiter and some links for those of you who are intrigued to learn more. Io has the most active volcanos in the Solar Systmem and Europa with its thick icy crust with water underneath are my favorites!

There And Back Again

2009-07-19T18:25:00.013-06:00

I am currently taking an Introduction to Astronomy class for the past six weeks and the class will conclude on July 31st. I have enjoyed this class and can safely say that its one of the funnest and most intriguing classes I have ever had the privileged of taking. I just wanted to post some cool pics and links to make you all aware that its the 40th Anniversary of the landing on the Moon. I am also taking a Cold War In Asia class and we have spoken of the Space Race the United States and Russia was engaged in during this time.

It was a huge accomplishment to be the first nation to successfully send a shuttle to the Moon and for American Astronauts to be the first to set foot on the Moon. There was a lot of national pride in being the first nation to accomplish this great feat. Aside from this amazing feat I have also found it interesting to note that there were actually three astronauts that made it to the Moon but for safety reasons only two were allowed to set foot on the Moon. How would you like to be that guy? Your name lost to the annuals of history and lost to the media blitz because you didn't actually set foot on the Moon even though you were there "babysitting" the shuttle insuring that the other two astronauts could make it home. Makes me wonder if they drew straws or something like that. But I am sure that it was still a huge honor to go and be apart of history none the less!

Neil Armstrong, Michael Collin, and Buzz Alderin

Check out these great website for more information about Apollo 11. We choose the Moon which is from the JFK Presidential Library and Museum and also this one from the Discovery Channel I found this short clip that I thought was really neat scroll to the bottom of the page and view the short video.

I also wanted to share these amazing pictures of the Moon with you all, hope you enjoy!

The far side of the Moon that we don't see since our Moon is locked in a synchronized rotation with the Earth. Pretty amazing, you can see how old the surface on the far side of the Moon is by the amount of craters and highlands that there are. The rough cratered material indicates older surface material whereas the smoother surface area which is called Maria or "Seas" indicates younger surface material. Maria is the areas in which craters crashed into the surface of the Moon and lava from below the surface flowed into the crevices, creating a smooth surface. Whereas the rougher surface area is from large craters bombarding the surface during the Moons birth.

The more recognizable side of the Moon that is familiar to us. Since the Moon has no atomosphere or plate tectonics, the only way to alter the surface is by a crater or object smashing into it and removing it. Such as the boot prints of the Astronauts will remain unless something crashes into the Moon near the boot print obleterating it. Since the Earth has plate tectonics and erosion the Earth's surface has changed over the course of its lifetime whereas the Moon looks much as it did from its creation.

Verdict

2009-07-19T18:15:00.005-06:00

Thank you all for letting me know what you were thinking about this blog going private. I have made the decision to leave it open as it is for many reasons, mainly from what others experiences have been. I have also decided to include more of my personal narratives, more personal experiences about being a mom in college and lots more pictures. Thank you all for weighing in on this and letting me know what you were thinking. Thanks!

The Great Debate: Reader Feedback Needed!

2009-07-08T09:23:00.004-06:00

I have long considered that I need and want to change my blog and as I consider these changes I wanted to get your feedback about some of the changes I am considering. Here are some of the changes I am thinking about:

Many of my friends and family members have all gone private on their blogs and I am also considering that perhaps its time for me to also join the ranks of private bloggers. However since you are my readers I would like some feedback to what your opinions about this switch would be, such as what you think the advantages or disadvantages are. So please speak now or forever hold your peace as I contemplate and make the ultimate decision whether or not I will be going private.
I am also trying to decide if I want to take my blog to a different level by including more personal narratives, stories, and such that I write that are more about my personal musings. Should I start a new blog that has these musings on them or should I change this blog to include them, any thoughts out there??
I would also like to know what you as a reader would like to see more or less of here on our family blog.

Any helpful feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

A Few Highlights

2009-07-06T09:49:00.004-06:00

I am just posting a few pics from our weekend right now and I will add more later, I am at work and school right now with TONS of homework to get done by the end of the day and so I will post more later. I wanted to share a few of my favorite moments with you all. Hope you enjoy.

Liam went with his Daddy for a LONG bike ride but Liam wanted to wear his Flag shirt totally decked out in all of his pads, helmet, backpack just like a kid going to school. He also wanted to wave his flag at everyone as he rode by!

Watch out World Liam is coming through!

We got the hose out and hosed off Liam and our neighbor friends. The water was cold and Liam kept huddling for warmth, brrrr....it was really cold!

Bill had a plastic bin filled with cold water and Liam had fun splashing in it and attempting to climb into it, it was so cold he would quickly jump out and then huddle in the fetal position for warmth.

The boys shirts and shorts are wet from throwing water balloons and getting wet in the sprinklers. This was before we came up with the great idea of everyone getting their swimsuits on!

Liam and his friend Deepan (pronounced Dee Pon) who is from Nepal. They have known each other since they were only a few months old, it has been such a joy to watch them grow together.