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....