four months (and forever to go it seems)

I have never taken pictures of myself during pregnancy before. Not necessarily because I didn't want to, there just aren't any. So I decided that since this is the last time I am doing this maybe I would document my belly growth until the end. (Seriously with the other kids I have maybe three pictures total from each of their pregnancies).

**I know I look really huge for being not that far along, but please keep in mind that this is my fourth pregnancy so I am poking out much further than I did with my first. The minute my brain knew my body was pregnant it was all over in the flat tummy department...

warning...

I'm tired, and I need a break. So therefore, I will probably not be doing much blogging for the next little while (as if I have been a really active blogger lately anyway). But rest assured, I still read your blog - although, because I am feeling lazy I probably won't make any comments. Maybe next month I will feel like getting back into the swing of things....until then; adios.

hi, i'm gracie, and i am AWESOME!!!!!

please don't go.......

If you are wondering what is in his hair - they are chopsticks. We were wondering if they would stay in and sure enough they did!

Yesterday was a sad day at our house. Since Thanksgiving Scott's brother Darren has been living with us. It is no secret that I have really difficult pregnancies - especially during the first trimester and as it was with the girls well into the second and sometimes even the third trimester (it is a wonder I am doing this again at all). Well I am now of the firm belief that Heavenly Father does watch over us and he does send people to help when we need it most. Darren has been that heavenly helper for the past six weeks! My kitchen has been spotless, floors clean, basement clean, and the downstairs bathroom always immaculate (the one he and Adam shared - poor Darren; Adam often misses. if you know what I mean). Plus he was so good about helping with the kids when I wasn't able. Normally the T.V. would be my best friend during this time because it could babysit for me and normally I would feel so guilty the entire time for letting it come to that. But this time around the kids didn't watch too much more T.V. than usual, instead they played and did little projects and Uncle Darren would roll them up in a blanket to make the incredible human burrito (they loved it). And he never made me feel bad or make me feel like the lazy slob I was being (this was probably a much too vivid introduction into pregnancy for him)

We are really going to miss him here - not just because he cleaned and entertained the kids, but because he is just a great person. We had so much fun hanging out with him (we probably liked it more than he did). It was so fun to hear about his mission (he just returned from Jamaica) and his travels around Europe while visiting his and Scott's parents. Plus I gave him some good books to read and it was so fun talking about them together. Also he would always make me feel good about my cooking - I love cooking for people who rave about the meal. In my family we call it the "DeLong response" - lots of "mmmmmmm" and "yummy"...

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So, Uncle Darren we will miss you. Hopefully your life won't become too busy down there at BYU that you can't come and see us occasionally. After all, who will come and eat all my leftovers (I hate leftovers) and where else are you going to get to do laundry for free....

christmas and such...

Christmas was a hit (as always). Uncle Darren, Uncle Eric, and Aunt Michelle spent it with us. The kids all got just what their hearts desired (it is a good thing their hearts only want things that are cheap). Lily finally got her Barbie car - she has been asking for one since she was two. She also got a bag full of fun art supplies, which I think she liked way more than the Barbie car. Adam got a firetruck, and Gracie got a stroller. Scott got his welding mask (auto-darkening with flames painted on the side - yeah, I am a pretty rad wife) and Lily insisted on getting him a G.I. Joe T-shirt. He loved the shirt and she was so thrilled with the response. Scott was so generous and got me a day at the spa (I went on Friday and can I just say, I really love facials) and a new set of scriptures (the big print ones. I have been wanting them for years). All in all it was a nice day. But I am glad to settle back into schedules and real life.

For New Years Scott and I usually have a quiet evening eating sushi and going to bed at 11:00-ish. But this year our quiet evening turned into quite a party. Michelle, Renee and Ryan, Ryan's brother Tim and his girlfriend, Eric and his girlfriend, Darren and a pre-mission friend all came and we had an Asian feast. Sushi (California Rolls), Tempura, Pot Stickers, Egg Rolls (Michelle made them and they were soooooo good), and yummy drinks. It was a lot of fun - although I have to say, I am just not a night person. It was fun having everyone and all the good food they contributed.