Goodbye Merrick, Hello Rainbow Baby Bear

We were sad to see my brother go back home yesterday evening. I have found that since losing Preslie goodbyes are so much harder for me. We had a great time. It was nice to have him here to talk to and hang with while Chris was working. Chris and Merrick played some great tennis, and we played some awesome Mario Party. We also went to Frankenmuth for the day a few weeks ago. We all agreed that was our favorite day together. Great Christmas store and great food. I know that Chewy will miss his snuggle bud. We love you Merrick!










After dropping Merrick off at the airport in Detroit Chris and I decided to head over to the Twelve Oaks Mall. We have not gone on a date for 2 months, and we decided that we were way past over due. Chris had never been to Build a Bear before so we decided to stop in and make one for Arista. As we were searching through the different animals, we came across a white teddy bear with rainbows all over it. We found it perfect, since Arista is our rainbow baby. We put our recorded voices in it's hand, and a little heart that vibrates like a heartbeat. We then made our wishes and threw in a heart from both of us. After she was stuffed Chris gave her a bath (hilarious) then we picked out an outfit.

We decided that since Arista was named after Ariel's sister Arista, we would dress her like the character in the movie. We bought an Ariel outfit, and then switched out the red hair for blond. We cannot get over how stinkin cute she is. We made a birth certificate for the bear, and named her Rainbow Baby. We really feel like making this bear bonded us all together, and made us hopeful for the future.

After the bear making we went to dinner at our favorite Johnny Carinos. Whenever we have the opportunity to go there we do. We spent the remainder of the evening relaxing, and taking long bubble baths. We even went to bed at midnight, which is really early for us. I think Merrick wore us out. A great way to end a sad day.

Rainbow Baby

9 Months

Dear Preslie,

It is hard to imagine that it has been 9 months since I held you in my arms. I remember staring down at you and thinking how beautiful you were. I have noticed with time that I do not think of all the pain and sadness all the time, although I do have moments especially lately. I can't help but feel envious of all the parents who have the opportunity to raise their children on earth. The question of why I have to wait will someday be answered. Usually the 21rst is so hard for me, but I decided to keep myself really busy. I went to WIC today and sat in the same seat with Arista that I did with you. It was difficult to explain why you were not there with me, and how difficult it has been. I miss you everyday Preslie, but everyday that goes by brings me closer to you. I often wonder how often you look in on us, and miss being with us. I know that you are doing a great work on the other side but my heart still aches for you to be here with me. I was talking to your daddy the other night and could not believe that you would be almost a year old. I got so sad to think that despite my sorrow, life still moves forward.

I can tell already that your sister Arista has a lot of your same personality traits. There have been so many times where your daddy and I call her "P", and then we realize that she is not. I know that you and your sister are close, I can feel it. I received a tender mercy last week that showed me that you too will be bonded forever. She will know everything about you, and strive to be as celestial and perfect as you are.

I wanted to write down a list of some of my favorite memories shared with you...

1. The first time I felt you kick

2. Reading to you

3. Playing music for you

4. Your daddy talking to you

5. When I dropped a pan and you jumped

6. Staying up late with you

7. Watching your little bum move

8. Feeling your hiccups

9. Seeing your beautiful face

10. Holding you

Preslie we love you so much. We pray for you every night, and hope that you are happy. We can't wait for the day where we can meet you, and see your beautiful blue eyes, and see you smile. We will never forget you.

I love you my Baby "P".

Love,

Your Mommy

Road Trip!

Day 1:

We started out waking up at 5:00am and then driving over to our good friend's the Miners house. We got on the road about 6:30am. I had a blast driving with Daniell and switching off between Addy and Braelynn. We arrived in Rochester NY around 2:30pm, and met up with Chris' parents and our good friends the Elwells. We then headed out to Palmyra to save seats for the Hill Cumorah Pageant. Suprisingly there weren't as many people as we thought there would be. We were able to go to the visitors center and watch the Joseph Smith movie, and then look around the musuem. The pageant was amazing. I really enjoyed all the costumes, water effects, and fire effects. I thought it was a tad bit long, but overall a great experience. I was having a "I miss Preslie day" but, felt better after being able to see the pageant.

The stage on the Hill Cumorah


Day 2:

Chris and Merrick woke up early and went and played tennis while I slept in a little bit. Afterwards we headed out back to the Hill Cumorah to climb it. It wasn't a very long hike, but boy was it steep. It was incredible to think that the gold plates were right in that hill.

Merrick and Chris with the Hill Cumorah behind them


Merrick and I on top of the hill


Statue of Moroni


Daddy and Baby Arista (This counts as my 20 week picture)


After the hill we went and drove to the Palmyra Temple. It was a lot smaller then I thought it would be, but it was beautiful. We were able to get some really great pictures there.







After the Temple we went to the Sacred Grove. It was so neat to walk through all the beautiful trees. You could hear birds singing, and the temperature was perfect. Such a great experience.






Then we went through Joseph Smiths house. It looked so small but then there were a lot of rooms. It was crazy. We were able to go upstairs in the attic and it was so hot, we had to get out of there quick.

Chad taking a rest from all the walking



Smallest high chair I think I have ever seen



Chris and his best friend Chris


After a lot of site seeing we decided to head back to the hotel, so that I could rest and everyone could get some good tennis in. I spent the next few hours talking with Garret and Daniell, while Brae played with my feet and Addy took a million pictures. They are so stinkin cute!


Little Addy


Cute Brae


Addy loved to sit on my lap



That night we all went out to dinner at Outback, followed by a card game in the lobby. It was a very fun and eventful day.

Day 3:

Chad, Chris, and Garret woke up at 7:30am and headed back out the the Sacred Grove. Chris said that it was so quiet and all you could hear is the birds singing. Afterwards they went to Sacrament meeting at a church nearby the Temple. It was the largest Sacrament meeting they have ever been too. With 2 Sacrament tables, over 40 deacons passing, and an overflow of people all over the church in various rooms. They all said it was really neat.

After they got back we headed out to Niagra Falls. Niagara Falls was incredible. We got a pass and was able to go to a small aquarium, then we went on an awesome boat ride right next to the falls. We were SOAKED!! Then we went to The Cave of The Mist, and was able to walk up right next to the falls. I bowed out of going all the way to the top and I didn't regret my decision at all, when the boys came down soaking wet. We then took a trolley to see a 40min film about legends and myths of the falls. After that we ate at the Hard Rock Cafe, and then checked out the falls lit up. This was our favorite day!! Beautiful sites, soaking wet clothes, and many laughs.

Daniell and I
















Day 4:

Merrick, Chris and his parents went out early to play tennis. We then packed up our stuff and headed for home. We stopped for lunch at Subway, and then hit some outlets right passed Niagara Falls. Before the film started the previous day, I saw this woman who had the cutest purse I had ever seen. We asked her where she got it, and she said that she got it online and that it wasn't available. Well...at the outlets I went into the Coach Factory, and not only did they have the purse but it was 30% off. Chris bought it for me for my anniversary present. It is so pretty I am afraid to even use it. After the outlets, a dinner stop, and a few bathroom stops, we arrived home about 12:30pm. We were so excited to see our Chew, only to find out that he had a great time digging in my plants and dancing around the couch. We love him anyways!

We all had a very enjoyable trip. Thank you so much Chad and Sue for going with us, and for the great times. We had a great time with the Miners and the Elwells too!

Life Lessons

While visiting my family in Idaho I was able to attend a few Enrichment nights. I was fortunate enough to listen to my Mom and her good friend speak in my old ward growing up. The topic was on optimism, and my mom shared with all of us Regina Brett's 45 Lessons life has taught her. She is a columnist for the Cleavland Plain Dealer newspaper, and her 45 Lessons article was the most requested.

Since being home I can't stop thinking about all of the different lessons learned that I want to take and add into my own personal life. I would like to share it with you.

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.

It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here's an update:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.

17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

45. The best is yet to come.

46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

48. If you don't ask, you don't get.

49. Yield.

50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Ultrasound Pictures of Arista

Sucking her little fingers



Profile picture



Little feet



Long Legs



We have been so fortunate to be able to get many many pictures of our little baby. We wanted to share with you all our favorites. She sure is a cutie already!

The News is in...

After 3 sleepless nights I called our nurse and explained how It is killing me to not know what we are having. She called me this afternoon and told me that if I came in now, she would sneak me in. We literally snuck into the ultrasound room,and after about ten minutes our little girl decided to open her little legs. We are so very excited and thrilled to be having another girl. We have EVERYTHING already, so that took off a huge amount of anxiety about having to go baby shopping. We are keeping our fingers crossed that we will be able to keep this one.

Yes, we already have her named picked out. We found it a few months after Preslie died, and we fell in love with it. Not only is it beautiful, the meaning is even better.

Arista means "The Best" and we thought that Miracle was a perfect middle name. We are hopeful the next couple months fly by, and that we can have her safely here with us. Thank you all for your excitement and love. Your excitement eases our fears and helps us be excited too.

It's A...

After an hour of trying to get our cute little baby to open it's legs...it wouldn't! Everything looks well with the baby, and it's just as cute as can be. We are so disappointed that we don't know what it is, but I guess it will be a surprise to us all when it comes out.