August Adventures

She is happy to be alive, and we are completely in love!

Do you ever feel like you’re drowning? That is how I have been feeling lately, and I am not a fan. We have been having a wonderful summer, but once school started… reality hit. Going out of town for a week and coming back with 1 day to prepare was insanity. Having my parents visit the day after that made things better, but once they left… drowning… I rarely have days where I feel like I’m not enough and always feel that if there were only more hours added to the day, I would be able to get it all done. Well, I now know what it feels like to not be enough and to walk around in circles trying to figure out where to begin. In short…. This is me catching up on all our adventures while trying to figure out how to accomplish this Mt. Everest that has been placed in front of me. It doesn’t help that my big helper is at school all day ☹

Well, I guess to start… we decided to make a big trip to Montana to visit the place where Jason grew up and the people that we still stay in contact with. Our flights went much better than our ones to and from Washington, but we did have to drive all the way to LAX (3 hours away). After the craziness of going through security with 2 babies, a 6-year-old, and all their things, we sat back for a delayed flight and a sprint to our connecting flight in Salt Lake City. We barely made it and were the last ones on the tiny plane to Great Falls. When we finally arrived in Great Falls, we were all too happy to see our hotel room beds, and crashed hard from a long day of travel.

Wednesday was an interesting day, as we started to notice a rash all over Daxton’s body. It didn’t help that he was incredibly crabby with a fever and just not doing well. We stayed at the hotel most of the day, Carter and I went swimming, we went out to find some lunch, and that was about it before we met some friends for dinner. Seeing Jason’s second mom, Tina, was so good. It was great to see that she was so happy and doing well. We love that Tina girl, and were so happy that she finally got to meet Carter, Daxton, and sweet baby Callie. A long night of visiting went all too quickly.

Tina and Jason, we love you!

Thursday we were off to another city. Daxton’s rash was only getting worse and so on our way to our destination in Missoula, we hit up an Urgent Care. About an hour later, we were still left feeling frustrated and concerned about our sweet baby’s skin. The doctor had no idea what it was or how he could help. Our only option, to wait it out and see if it got better or worse. Our luck only got better when Carter informed us, he was not feeling well and threw up in his backpack. It was a pretty awesome ride. I’m sure you would have loved to be with our family in those moments.

My sweet sleepy girl

Once we got to Missoula, we checked into our hotel and hit the road to find some friends and go swimming. The swimming commenced and dinner was consumed at Buffalo Wild Wings. With full belly’s and a hard day of playing, we went to bed right after dinner. I’m just glad we didn’t have more adventures with kiddos getting sick.

My sweet sleepy boy

Friday, we had planned to hit a water park, only to find that it was raining and our little guy was still not feeling well. We decided our travels were probably better to be alone and off we went to meet some new family members on Jason's side of the family. We had a delicious lunch, let the kiddos play, and enjoyed meeting Jason's Aunt and her kids. After visiting for a bit, we were off to Glacier National Park and American Falls. There we spent yet another night in a hotel, but decided to go mini golfing, hit up a DQ, and then rest from all our sickness to be ready for another big day of riding in the car.

A wonderful time meeting family members!

Saturday was awesome! We started our day out with going to a fun park, riding in go carts, and shooting each other with water on bumper boats. The only hard thing with 2 little babies, is we took turns going to do things with Carter and let the babies get some much-needed zzzz. After that fun little jaunt, We went to a place called the house of mystery. There in the forest is a vortex of energy that makes tree grow all twisted and in different ways, a house is sliding off a cliff, but when you walk inside you can stand up straight, and many other weird things. It actually made me quite sick.After our interesting tour, we got in the car and drove to Glacier National Park. It was gorgeous, and we even got out to walk a bit. We ended our journey in Cut Bank and got to stay in our friends’ house! It was a welcomed change to all the hotel rooms we were starting to get accustomed to.

The house of Mystery

Montana Boys

Stopped for a picture in Glacier Park

Sunday was a day of rest, church, and lots of visiting. Jason also took us to see his old stomping grounds and where he used to do things. He loved telling Carter about all his childhood adventures and taking pictures of Carter in all these places. On our way back, we got caught in a down pour of rain and were soaked with in seconds of getting into the house. Our awesome friend sacrificed himself when he ran outside with an umbrella to hopefully lessen soakage.

Monday, we had the hard task of realizing our trip was almost over. After visiting one more friend, spending some time with our friends who so graciously put up with us for a couple nights, and realizing we were one day away from home, we packed up our things and headed toward Great Falls. On our way we stopped for some yummy food with yet some more friends, and forgot to take a picture with them. We were happy to see Adam and Amber with their beautiful children, and visit them after 9 years of not seeing each other.

We love the Shultz family!

We got to our hotel late and prepared for a crazy early morning with yet more airports and airplanes. Our flight back was less hectic and we actually didn’t have any delay. When we got back to LA, we decided to kick it on the beach for the afternoon and headed to Santa Monica. We had a great time there, and were covered head to toe in sand before we took off in the car again to finally head home.

My Boys on Santa Monica beach

The beach is our favorite place to be

Our time at home was short and quick. We had one day to run errands and last-minute school prep, then it was off to school for Carter early in the AM.

First day of school!

Already loves his teacher

I wasn’t actually sad this time, because I had much to do with preparing for my parents’ arrival. Later that day they pulled in and unpacking and packing began. Once Carter got out of school the next day, we were on the road again to stay in Pismo Beach California. There we had a wonderful time of camping, hitting the beach, and deciding to stay another night. When we arrived home on Sunday, we unhooked trailers, ate a quick lunch, and then it was off again to Sequoia National Park. We saw massive sequoia trees and said hello to General Sherman, one of the oldest trees on the earth. We enjoyed our time and didn’t want Monday to come. Monday was the day we said our goodbyes to my parents and dove back into everyday life and the giant Mt. Everest that seems to always be there after a long vacation. Now that we have another week of school under our belts, things seem to be getting better. Let’s just hope we can survive this one! Happy Reading!

Waiting for Grandma and Grandpa to arrive

He's excited to be camping!

Pismo Beach California

Oldest Tree

My beautiful smiley girl

Now That It's September...

Ok, let’s try this again. This is only the millionth time I’ve started this post, only to look at it weeks later and find that it is very out of date. I honestly don’t know how most bloggers post all the time, but then again, our circumstances are probably very different. Life is wonderful and crazy when you have 3 children, 2 of which are under the age of 1, and 8 months apart. I am in love with my little family though, and have loved all the adventures we have had together. July was a fun filled month with celebrated milestones, lots of laughs, hot days of swimming, a trip that took me 15 hours on the road, meeting new family members and hard anniversaries. I would say, for the most part, we have lived life to the fullest!

4th of July fun

Little Man is already driving!

My little nephew had his baby blessing at the beginning of the month. It was all the way in Utah, and me needing a break with all of Jason’s out of town adventures, I wanted so badly to get out of town and see my family. Well it worked out great. I got a sitter for the 2 boys and Callie girl and I were off for a long weekend trip. Driving the day after the 4^th, probably wasn’t the best idea, because there were so many people driving. Traffic was not the greatest, road construction was everywhere, and when you have to stop every 3 hours to feed your newborn baby and visit friends on the way, well it takes you 15 hours. My sweet baby girl was a trooper though, and I sure loved showing her off and loving on her. It was nice to have one on one time with my sweet baby even though I missed my boys.

Cousin Time

Beautiful babies on Elias' blessing day

While I was off adventuring in Utah, Jason took the boys on their own adventure. Saturday, they took a train all the way to Sacramento, and there they went to a train museum, road in a dining car with tables (that was Carter’s favorite part), and were delayed on the way home making for a very long day. When they finally got to their bed at 11 pm, Daddy and the boys were happy!

In Sacramento with daddy

Poor sleepy little boy

Sacramento for the day

Carter's favorite part

While in Utah, I also got to visit my girls’ grave. It was bitter sweet to go there. Callie and I said hello to them and as we sat there, I thought about how much I missed each one. I often wonder what life would be like with all of my girls here. Poor Carter and Daxton would be out numbered, and I think I would feel a little more overwhelmed with 6 beautiful baby girls 3 years and younger. Oh how I cannot wait until the day I get to hold, cuddle, and kiss their sweet faces. God is good, and I know that every loss we experience here on earth with be compensated as long as we do all that we can here on earth to live the way He would want us to live.

A place that has a huge chunk of my heart

When I returned home from my Utah adventures, I brought with me, 2 wonderful friends! We have been friends for at least 3 years, and they were two of my very favorite people when we moved to Spanish Fork. I have missed them dearly, and was so happy that they wanted to accompany me on my adventure back to California. I talked them into saying an extra day, and we had so much fun visiting, playing with babies and Carter, swimming, and seeing a movie together. They only thing I regret, it not taking any pictures except for one. On our next adventure together, I'll make sure to take a million!

Wonderful friends! I wish we took more pictures!

As I am writing this now, I can’t really remember the rest of July. Only that I am so glad we have a pool in our back yard with this crazy valley heat! It never got less than 95 the whole month of July, and when it costs a fortune to run AC in your house… your house is hot too. I hope you all enjoyed your summer and were able to create so many memories with your loved one. That is what we take with us in the end. Memories of the wonderful life we had here on earth. Happy reading!

Carter lost a tooth!

We have a climber!

My sleeping beauty

Oh my heart

Callie and big brother Carter

11 months already!

She's Here!

I had my baby girl!!!!

I'm a little late in posting this, but that's what happens after you have a baby and suddenly sleep is non existent. Not because your baby won't sleep, but because the precious piece of heaven came a little too soon. Taking care of a tiny preemie is hard work! I now have 2 babies 8 months apart, and a 6 year old that is home for the summer. When ever I get a moment and have time to post, I find myself busy again with being obsessed with my 3 precious pieces of heaven. I'm so blessed!

Our tiny miracle

Callie was born early Sunday morning at 2:55 am. We always joked that our baby girl was going to come on a Sunday. When I went into labor Saturday morning, we thought we might be wrong, but she took her time getting here to make sure it was on Sunday. My sweet little girl even made me miss my own baby shower. 

Hanging out in the hospital

The Story

Saturday mornings I teach 8 classes from 3 to 7 in the morning. My last class for the day was rough to get through, because I started having hard contractions. As soon as I said goodbye to my last student, I laid on the couch hoping that the pain would stop. When it didn't stop, I started timing the contractions and found that they were as close as 2 minutes apart and as far as 6 minutes at times. I let my friend know I probably wouldn't make it to a baby shower she had planned for me, and once our boys were settled and ready for the day, off we went to the hospital thinking we would soon welcome our little girl into the world. I was keeping it together until I talked to my mom. It was then reality set in and I knew I was going to have another preemie.

Well, our babies can never come on a Saturday. They always wait until Sunday. After being monitored for a while, walking around the hospital for a while, and finding out I was in labor but nothing was progressing, we were sent home with a little hope that my labor would stop, and we'd have a little more time for baby girl to cook and become more ready to join our family. The longest labor in history continued all through the afternoon and into the night. Once our boys were fast asleep, it was then baby girl decided it was time for us to head back to the hospital. She made her arrival at 2:55am Sunday morning weighing 6lbs. 4oz. And stretching a whopping 19 inches. She could not have been more perfect! We were instantly in love and cried tears of joy the moment we heard her cry. Before she was born we didn't have a name picked out for her. We had 3 possible names, but that was so hard, let alone picking from those 3. Once we saw her however, we knew that she was definitely a Callie.

Meeting sister for the first time

We were so afraid we would only see our sweet baby for a little while before she was taken to the NICU. I think our Heavenly Father knew exactly where we needed to be, because it turned out the hospital had a program where the baby has their own nurse for 24 hours of monitoring. That nurse is assigned to baby so that mom and baby are never separated. It was hard hearing her cry every time the pricked her heel to check blood sugar, but I think I would have had a harder time if my little baby girl was not with me. 

Daddy and Callie 

After spending 2 days in the hospital, getting a blood transfusion (for me), and juggling 2 little boys at home, we were able to take Callie home and our crazy life began with 2 babies 8 months apart and a very happy and helpful 6 year old. Both of my boys grew up over night, and I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw my baby Daxton. He now seems as big as a two year old although he still has no teeth and he still cannot crawl. He rocks the army crawl and gets in plenty of trouble with that. 

My not so little baby

I've had so much help from family and wonderful friends have offered help, but I'm nervous for when all that goes away. I only hope our sweet Daxton doesn't feel like he's been forgotten. My baby is now a big brother!

Grandma came to help out!

Well, if you don't hear from my for a while, I finally have a good excuse! Lack of sleep, running around with two babies, and enjoying all the crazy blessings that have come our way! Life is hard, but life is also wonderful!!

Our crazy new life

Where Did April Go?

I was talking to a dear friend the other day and realized I had let more time slip away than usual. I sometimes feel awful because my updates seem like word vomit about the last month or so. I often think I don't make sense because I have so much to update everyone on. My thoughts are jumbled because of all the emotions and memories that I relay in that huge chunk of time. So here goes another word vomit post (probably not the most appealing name, but there you have it). I hope it doesn't get too confusing.

I am a little disappointed in myself. April is a huge, busy month for our little family. So many things have happened to us during this month! April is the month I became a mom for the very first time. It's when I met my angel baby Shanna, and since her passing, it's the month we try our best to reach out to others and focus on the fact that life is hard for everyone. April is not always, the month for Easter, but often times it's the month to reflect on the greatest event in history. The death and resurrection of our savior Jesus Christ. Our Aprils have always been so packed with amazing memories.

Oh my heart<3

To catch you up on what we've been up to, here are all the events that commenced in April (I can't believe it's May already!).

I turned the BIG 30 on Sunday April 7th. It was a wonderful day where I was spoiled and got to watch General Conference while Jason took care of the little one, and helped make incredible conference crepes! Later that day Jason claimed he neededto go help a neighbor with a tedious task, and I knew something was up when he came home with out the kiddos. I got a candle lit dinner with my husband that night. Although I missed my children for that short time, I absolutely loved having Jason all to myself for that hour.

Rockin the 30 look lol

Wednesday April 10th was a day that was greatly anticipated for a 5 year old boy. It was Carter's birthday, and I had a hard time believing my sweet baby boy was turning 6. We surprised him with a special lunch out with mom, dad, and baby brother. His request for dinner was homemade mac n cheese. I think he felt pretty special. Carter has been an incredible helper and strength to us. He was what kept us going after losing all 5 of his sisters. Whenever there was a split second we thought we had it the hardest, we remembered that we were incredibly blessed with this little character. He never ceases to make us laugh, smile, and reminds us that we are not perfect. I will never forget the first time I saw this sweet little boy. After he was all cleaned up and placed in my arms, I felt so close to heaven. I was overwhelmed with love for this tiny little person. Looking back on that day, I only wish time could go a little slower.

My 6 year old rock star

Birthday boy with his mac n cheese

Well, April 7th plus April 10th equals April 17th. The day I met my sweet angel girl. Her birth was a miracle. Although we were devastated she came too soon, we saw God's hand in everything that had happened. I will never forgot the moment they let me hold her. We were expecting to have her in the NICU and not be able to touch her until days later. That day only an hour after being born, they wheeled her in and let me say hello. My heart hurt knowing that the tiny little body I was holding, would go through so much in her lifetime. I never thought her lifetime would be just short of 3 months, but she was too perfect to stay any longer. Her birthday reminds me of those wonderful moments we were blessed to spend with her here on earth. We had a pic nic in the park and released 3 balloons for her 3rd birthday. We love you Shanna girl!

Happy birthday Shanna girl!

On April 26th, our other miracle baby Daxton turned 8 months old! Everyday I feel so blessed and so thankful to Daxton's birth mom. She will never know how much she changed our lives. We love our little island baby! He is doing awesome with rolling around, army crawling, and eating food! He still doesn't have any teeth, but I have a feeling they will make their appearance soon. Mothers who place their babies for adoption amaze me. I have left the hospital with empty arms, and it hurts beyond any pain I could describe. For a mother to choose to bless someone else's life with an angel they have been growing for 9 months, blows me away. While we were in Arkansas with Daxton's birth mom, my heart ached for her, but she was happy to give us some happiness in our life. That's what he has been since day 1. Sunshine and happiness! We could not love him more!

My cute little 8 month old <3

Isn't he the cutest?!

He loves his food!

 Jason totally won husband of the year in the month of April. Not only was he patient and supportive through all of my crazy episodes, but he gave me so many surprises. There were a few mornings when I woke up to an immaculately cleaned house that he must have spends hours on, and all while I was sleeping. He has been super dad every time he came home and played with the boys while I rested. He has calmed me down and let me know that we are in this together. I don't know how I ever deserved him. I'm incredibly lucky to have him for eternity. He is mine forever!

Well, I remained pregnant all through April! This little miracle girl is still growing and thriving inside of me. None of it has been easy, but then again hard things are always worth it. I found out that I have PTSD from having my quads so early and losing them. Everyday has been a struggle to be calm and not worry about having my baby early and losing her too. Even though I know with all my heart, God is in control and he knows what's best for me. I often wonder if I will have to go through more heart ache. Here's to a calm in this crazy storm of life. Happy reading!

Baby girl Osborn<3

35 weeks and feeling it..

25 Weeks 5 Days

I figured it was probably that time again, where I should set aside time to give everyone a little update on our growing family. I've been able to reflect a little bit the last few weeks, especially when I hit the 23 week mark for this pregnancy. Surprisingly I have realized that I have been given so much over the past few years. I have been watched over, blessed, and have met people who have been so good to have in my life. Focusing on all the things I've been given has helped me through all the little milestones with this little girl growing inside of me. It has not been easy, we've had a few scares, and I'm pretty sure I have PTSD from all that I've gone through, but through it all, the blessings have not ceased. We've seen haven's hand in so much of our hard times as well as in our good times. I am forever thankful for the knowledge I have of a loving heavenly father and His wonderful plan of salvation.

25 weeks! I made it!

24 Weeks!

A couple weeks ago, I had a very rough day. It was the day I was 23 weeks pregnant. Almost 2 years ago I was 23 weeks pregnant with my sweet baby quadruplet girls. I woke up in the middle of the night having painful contractions and the next 4 days were the hardest I had yet to experience. I often think of those days with my 1lb baby girls in the hospital and the precious time I had with them here on earth. The circumstances were not ideal and any outcome was going to be hard to take. I would never want to go through that again, but life has a way of letting you know you're not in control. That's how I've felt and so every little kick I haven't felt, every little scary feeling I've had, has seemed so much harder. A saying has often come into my head though. "Come what may, and love it. " I believe everything happens for a reason, and that everything we go through here in this life is what's best for us. It's how we decide to react that ultimately makes our experience what it is.

23 Weeks... It was a rough week. 

Ok, so enough about me. Let me tell you about 3 incredible blessings that I have in my life. They are an incredibly loving husband, the sweetest 5 year old you will ever meet, and a 5 (almost 6) month old that is so adorable, you can not resist kissing or squeezing him.

First, my incredible husband. He is doing amazing things and taking care of our little family all at the same time. He is saving the world 1 ice cream factory employee at a time, makes time for his busy and demanding calling of elder's quorum president, and manages to spend time with our family. He has spoiled me with many breaks from my little minions, spent time to take me out and even did a painting class with me! Made fantastic memories with his two little boys, and continues to amaze me with all the things he does around the house. He's one in a million!

I love him!

Jason at our painting class for Valentine's Day. 

Next, the sweetest 5 year old you will ever meet. He is always thinking about what he can give and do for others. He has taught me so much. He loves his little brother fiercely, and is always happy to help with getting clothes, diapers, bottles, you name it. As long as it's for his little brother, he will go to the moon and back. He has made me a little sad lately with news of a wiggly tooth and an adult tooth that is already creeping in. Every day he seems a little taller, a little crazier, and a little less like my baby boy. If only time didn't seem like it was going by so fast.

He is crazy, but I love him!

Brothers

He's so big!

Adventures with daddy in the mountains.

I can't believe he used to be this little!

This little cutie has been the greatest blessing in our life for the last 6 months. He was meant to be part of our family and taking care of him has helped me in so many ways. He has healed my heart, even just a little bit. My heart still aches for my baby girls, but something about having this little man to care for has filled the needed of being needed and having my arms full. He loves to smile and laugh, especially when his big brother enters the room. He absolutely hates tummy time or being on his back. Once he's up on his feet or in your arms, he's the happiest booger around. I couldn't imagine our little family with out him!

Oh my heart!

My happy boy <3

Adventures with daddy in the mountains!

Well there you have it. An incredible husband and father, and two of the cutest little boys. How can I say I've not been blessed or given wonderful things? Heavenly father is always finding ways to bless us. We just have to take the time to see it. Have an incredible week! Happy reading!