Dance Recital Spring 2016

The girls did a beautiful job at the recital today. They knew their steps and kept a smile on their face the whole time.

** See professional pictures posted in June.

Choir Concert and Piano Recital

Last week Katelyn had her end of the year honors choir concert at school. She has gone to school early every Monday this year for choir practice.

Then Katelyn had her FIRST piano recital. She was a little nervous when she got her recital pieces, but practiced each day. She did an amazing job! We are proud of her hard work and willingness to try new things. Aunt Kristen, Grandma and grandpa Strong, and Aunt Karen came to watch Katelyn.

A Different Outcome

On Monday (May 2nd) I posted this picture on Facebook to announce that we were expecting (14 wks along).....

Then Tuesday night (May 3rd) I started spotting. I didn't sleep very well that night because I was so worried. At 2:30 I used the bathroom to find more blood and the color was dark. I crawled into bed and cried into Scott's arm. Why would Heavenly Father give us this baby if he was just going to take it away from us? I know there is a reason, but at that moment I just wanted to cry and be sad.


I called the doctors office when I got up and was scheduled for an ultrasound and dr visit at 1:10. I tried to keep my mind off of it as best I could. Finally, it was time to drive to the doctors. The ultrasound revealed what I was fearing. There was no heartbeat. I could see my cute little baby with its arms and legs slumped over. The baby measured at 13 weeks, so it looked like I lost it last week. They took me straight back to see the midwife. She gave her condolences and told me it wasn't my fault. Something was probably wrong with the chromosomes, so my body knew to end it. Because I am 14 weeks and I miscarried later then most I was going to need to do a D&C at the outpatient hospital to remove the baby. The scheduler would call later to choose a date for the procedure. I called Scott and then my parents and siblings to let them know. The rest of the day was a blur of sporadic crying. We told the girls that night. They each had tears in their eyes. Katelyn said, "Does that mean it will only be me, Lily, and Hayley?" She knew we were only having four children, so she thought that meant she wasn't getting another brother or sister. I said we will try again when I say four children it meant we will have four children born." She seemed better after that.


We have the procedure scheduled for Monday (May 9th). It is amazing how in one week I can go from announcing I am pregnant and reading everyone's sweet comments on Facebook to next Monday (May 9th) heading to the hospital.


I know there is a reason for all things. That we have to go through our own trials in life. I am not mad and I am at peace that the baby was not well and it was better to say goodbye now. I am thankful for the gospel, because it gives me peace and reassurance. I know we will have another one. He or she is ready to come to earth just not for a little bit longer.
** UPDATE: Friday night (May 6th) I had sharp pains at 5:30PM. Then at 6:30PM I miscarried the baby at home. The bleeding wouldn't stop and I was close to passing out. Kristen drove me to the ER and Scott met us there after making sure the kids were settled with Uncle Eric. Ultrasound found I still had tissue inside. At 1:00AM they did an emergency D&C. I lost a lot of blood so I stayed the night for observation. Went home on Saturday to rest. Cindy Spratling brought dinner on Saturday, Jenny Bradford brought dinner Monday, and Aunt Karen brought dinner Tuesday. Scott stayed home from work Monday. Kathy Hatch dropped off a treat. Kristen came each day for a week to help with the kids, since I wasn't suppose to lift more then 10 lbs. I am grateful for sweet friends and family.

Tombstone, AZ (April 31)

I found a great groupon deal for Tombstone. I haven't been since I was a little kid. We decided to take a day trip. We watched a gunfight show, rode the trolley, played miniature golf, and walked around. My mom was in town so she went and we took Katelyn and Lily. Hayley enjoyed staying home with daddy and napping in her own crib.

 Lily practicing her shooting skills.

 There is a new sheriff in town!

 Waiting for the Gunfight Show to begin!

 Yum! Ice cream!

 We found the marshal

 I enjoyed riding the trolley and listening to the history of the town.

On the trolley

 Lily got a hole in one!

April 2016

Fun month...

 We took Grandma Strong and Aunt Amy out for lunch.

 She loved getting her own crayons and paper.

 Grandma Wilder came to visit for a week.

 I can feed myself! Hayley is over baby food. She doesn't care that she only has two teeth. I cut up her food really small and she eats our dinner now.

 Scripture time! Hayley has started pulling out a book so she can read along with daddy.

 Katelyn giving her sister a ride.

Lily went to the spashpad with her friend Zoe. They are pretending to be at the beach.





Hayley's first time to eat in the front room with her sister. And her first Wendy's hamburger!

Hayley decided to finally try walking now that she is 16 months old. Here she is taking a few steps. After a week she had this walking thing down!

Katelyn grew these plants at school.



Lily's Butterfly Adventure

 Lily's cute little caterpillar.

 It's getting chubby and starting to hang!

 Moving the chrysalis into a bigger space.

 The chrysalis' new home!

We came home from church to find the butterfly.

I love the orange color!

We released the butterfly this morning! 

Butterfly Wonderland

Lily had a field trip to Butterfly Wonderland. I feel like all her field trips land on days that I am watching kids, so I missed getting to go to this one too. Luckily, Aunt Kristen and Cooper were able to take her.

 Getting ready to watch the 3D movie.

 Lily and Cooper

 Love the blue butterfly.

A butterfly landed on Kristen's head!