The Birthday that was a "Little Bit Boring..."

Gracie just wanted 'more guests' at her Sixth Birthday Party.  As she explained in the video, she had a decent time; she appreciated my effort...but when she was being completely honest with herself...the party was...well...just boring.  But just a "little bit boring" (as to not totally hurt my feelings).

This video cracked me up.  I was trying, the entire time, to not burst out laughing.  Polite Gracie, hesitant to explain that next year she would like to see some changes made to the way I throw parties.

Gracie and her 3 "Guests":  Morgan Rich, Alexa Peterson & Ruth Pilling. 

I made Gracie a Rainbow Dash Birthday Cake.

  Gracie was excited about the Princess Luna Pony Morgan gave her as a present; so excited she toppled her over with a giant hug.

And what would a Rainbow Dash Party be without cups full of skittles?!?

We also celebrated with Grandpa and Grandma Tait at their house.  
Gracie had decorated this cake for us to enjoy.  

Aunt LaMae gave Gracie a Tinker Bell doll for her birthday.  Her reaction was awesome!

Gracie's birthday always falls around Thanksgiving.  It's a busy time of the year, but we wanted to take her out to eat.  She chose to eat at the 'Spaghetti Factory' in Orem.  Then we went to Build a Bear to stuff some highly talked about My Little Ponies.  The girls were so excited!

 

Gracie knew Sienna would be devastated if she didn't get to take home a pony too!  Gracie was way happy to share the fun with her younger sister.  Gracie chose Rainbow Dash (of course) and Sienna picked out Twilight Sparkle.  All was hunky-dory until little sis changed the music that big sis was rocking out to.  Sometimes you just want to let loose to "One Direction"...and then....

We Have Some News....

Chocolate didn't look good.
My brand new liquid eyeliner suddenly smelled like a beef stick...so I buried it in a drawer.
The scent wall plug-in's in my home that used to smell so good - sent me running for the bathroom to throw-up.

Something was happening to me - I was pregnant!



I found out I was expecting the end of November 2013!  I was thrilled.  We had been trying for nearly a year, with some medical complications and a miscarriage mixed in between - so this was great news.

The foods I look forward to at Christmas Time weren't nearly as appetizing.  There were days I sipped on sprite and ate 2 saltines...and avoiding throwing up every time I brushed my teeth was one of my main priorities. 

I started prepping the girls by asking Gracie when we should have another baby.

"Probably when I'm ten," she replied.  "That sounds like a good time.  I just don't want you to get a giant tummy, Mom...okay?"

Well - that was a problem.  The giant tummy was inevitable.  And months later (when I was 9 months pregnant) she was singing a different tune.  Gracie was very complimentary about the expansion in my mid-section.  She told me, all the time, that I looked great.  It made me feel happy.  She was very sweet during my pregnancy, and now that baby Adalynn has arrived, she is a great helper.

Sienna was also excited.  In the beginning, she insisted we name the baby 'toothbrush' or 'twilight sparkle'.  She gave my tummy kisses nearly every day.  We had these pictures taken in November - soon after I found out I was expecting.  Our little family was about to grow.

We would later find out we were expecting our THIRD girl.  Another sister to love and make memories with.  Look at these two; such different personalities...yet even in the moments where they disagree - we all know they could never live without each other.  Sisters have a special bond.  I never had a sister growing up.  I love being the mother of little girls.



The second week of February 2014 - we surprised Grandpa and Grandma Tait with our news.  Jeff, Lacey and their girls and Greg, Kylene and Summer were there too for the announcement.  Gracie and Sienna were WAY excited to tell everyone.  I was 13 weeks.  My talented friend from High School, Kelsey Behrend, made these darling cookies.  Gracie & Sienna offered everyone a cookie...and waited for their reaction!

   We shared the good news on Social Media when I was 15 weeks along.