Three U Turns

When Ryan and I were first married we moved to Houston for a summer internship.  We spent most of our weekends going on day trips in the area, often visiting his old mission stomping grounds.  We loved being unencumbered newlyweds with the freedom (and energy) to go and see the sights of Houston.  I do remember one uncomfortable moment though, early in that hot Houston summer.  We were on our way to Sugarland and decided to take the toll road.  Ryan was driving and got mixed up as to which direction to take and the error meant we had to pay the toll twice.  This was the first time I saw him get really angry in the car and it worried me a bit.  Afterwards he apologized for his emotions and together we implemented the three u-turn rule.  We decided whenever we are lost or driving someplace new we are allowed 3 u-turns before anyone can get upset.  It was kind of a joke at the time, but we still live by it since it really eases tensions while driving in unfamiliar territory.  

A few of our newlywed adventures that summer, Galveston

Six Flags

Pearland

But why am I sharing this story on our blog now 8 years later?  Because today I had to take a MAJOR U-turn.  You see, today I thought I was having a baby.  Today I timed contractions meticulously and after several hours of monitoring, they starting spacing down to five minutes.   I rushed my husband home from work and we drove excitedly to the hospital.  Then we sat in triage for about 2 hours waiting for contractions to ramp up.  And they did not.  I was so sad.  We left the hospital in search of dinner, new boy and girl take home outfits, and stronger contractions.  We got pizza, bought outfits, but no amount of walking could make the contractions eclipse past the 5 to 7 minute spacing.  Around 7pm I admitted defeat and went home to go to the shower my friends were throwing for me even though they thought I wouldn't be coming due to impending delivery.  Sigh. 

But you know what? Tonight I realized that I get three u-turns before I get upset.  I took my first tonight and I can have two more if I need.  I hope this baby decides to come soon, or at least lightens up on the contractions if he or she really doesn't want to come down to earth yet!  I am feeling pretty good at the moment.  I had a great night with my mom and girlfriends, my contractions aren't as intense, and I hope to get some sleep tonight.  Stay tuned, this story is to be continued.

Our family now.  Hey Lucky, don't you want to come join us out in the sunlight??

What Jenna and Rex learned from General Conference

Our family had a nice Conference weekend. We don't mind if our kids are in and out of the room, but to draw them back in every so often, we dole out a treat every time there is a music. The kids came running for Rice Krispie treats each time the strains of Motab could be heard. At one point Jenna and Rex stayed with us long enough to hear the closing prayer. And Jenna thought it was pretty cool that speaker ended the prayer saying, "in the sacred name of Jesus Christ." Since then both she and Rex have made sure to incorporate this phrase to end all prayers. Which is great, I'm happy to know they are learning that prayers can be different from the standard phrases we often hear and repeat.
But tonight her prayer ending made us laugh a little. Somewhere along the way her phraseology has morphed and tonight at dinner and FHE prayer Jenna closed by saying, "in the secret way of Jesus Christ." What. Do you think, should we correct her or assume God has a healthy sense of humor?

Baby Gear, check.

Today I hit 37 weeks! Over the weekend we retrieved all our baby gear from storage at my moms house.  I wasn't sure where I would put it all pre baby, but necessity found a way.  I give you the baby gear tall stack.  Squished between the wall and our pack and play I found space for Lucky's future carseat, base, swing, bouncy chair, baby bath sling, and bike seat.  We may not have a lot of closets, but we do have a lot of people in this apartment ready to meet, greet, and love this new little baby. 

And how about one more glance at this cute kid who is definitely NOT a baby anymore.  Happy napping Rex, your world is about to get rocked!

Our Streak has Ended!

True Story: We have lived here for four years and one month.  I have not bought laundry soap once.  When we moved in my mom gave me a huge tub from Costco as a welcome gift and ever since we've inherited extra soap from friends in our neighborhood that have moved out.

This morning I went to get soap and I scraped the bottom of the barrel. It was sad day, but still a pretty impressive feat.  Now as I prepare to admit defeat and head to the store, any detergents you like?