This year's Halloween was spent trick or treating in Jay's parents neighborhood. For the last 3 years, they have done quite the little set up in their driveway and Jay DJ's and gives out the candy (or throws it at kids in some cases).... Good fun! Here are some highlights of the Stay's Halloween:
Waiting patiently to go trick-or-treating. Michael Monkey Yeehaaaw!!! Dee-Jay.....he's faaaaabulouuussss! Oooooo....too...much...candy....(actually, this was an attempt to smile for the camera).
Also, on the 30th David's kindergarten class had a "Storybook Parade" because, of course, a "Halloween Parade" would be wrong. Halloween sure has changed since I was kid, but that's a different post altogether. Maybe another time.... Anyhow~ those kids are just too dang cute!
Posing in front of a cactus... Two cowboy buddies... They had to bring a book with their storybook character in it. I couldn't find one with a cowboy. Do you think this was a bit of a cop-out? I think he looks like me in this picture. The class... I love this kid!
I was only able to catch the last 2 sessions of General Conference, but am so grateful I was able to hear Elder Jeffery R. Holland's talk Sunday afternoon. I was so moved by the power and conviction of his testimony. I felt like he was shouting his testimony to the world. All I have to say is WOW....
Sorry for the lack of posts, but these days it's seems like all I do is wake up, nurse the baby. Take David to school, nurse the baby. Clean, nurse the baby. Pick David up, nurse the baby. Feed the kids, nurse the baby. Get myself ready for school, nurse the baby, etc., etc.....you get the idea. It's amazing how hectic life gets after the 3rd child, and when the oldest (and myself) is in school. I feel like I have no time for anything! But, I am resolved to do better. Maybe I just need someone to be accountable to. Any takers? ;)
Anyhow~ I have finally made some updates. I spent most of the morning recording some tidbits from the last 4 1/2 moths. If you don't feel like reading it, I won't be offended. I just felt that since my blog is the only journal I keep, I better jot some stuff down. Happy day!
September 21, 2009 On this day 29 years ago, Joseph Patterson Stay Jr., was one of a set of twins born into the world to Joey and Lisa Stay. Twenty-two years later he came into my life and it's been bliss (mostly ;) ever since. Here are 29 reasons I (and the kids) love Jay:
1. He is a wonderful daddy. 2. He puts up with a sometimes crazy wife. 3. He does the dishes. 4. He finds the strangest ways to make me laugh. 5. He provides for his family. 6. He plays the plays Star Wars Wii. (from David) 7. He gives the best hugs. (from Ahnali) 8. He's hot. (from me....duh...) 9. He rarely complains. 10. He is always trying to improve himself. 11. He has the most beautiful blue eyes. 12. He works hard at everything he does. 13. He plays a wicked air guitar (and a real one, too...) 14. He puts his family before anything else. 15. He has a testimony of the gospel. 16. He is an example to me and his children. 17. He can still make me blush. 18. He makes me feel safe. 19. He makes me lunch. (from David) 20. He's my daddy. (from Ahnali) 21. "Squeal!!" (from Michael) 22. He smells good. (most of the time) 23. He lets me have my way. (most of the time) 24. He's a good kisser. (Smooches!) 25. He loves me back. 26. He chose me. 27. He loves the Lord. 28. He's a "people person". 29. He's my forever companion.
After spending 2 years at EMECEC preschool, David talked all summer long about getting to go to "the big kid" school. He was very excited to start kindergarten and didn't shed a single tear. Oh, and neither did I.
He already had a friend. My good friend's little boy, Gavin, is in his class.
Walking away to begin his first day of kindergarten.
This is the day my David turned 5 years old. It's hard to believe that 5 years ago on this day, I was giving birth to the first of my children. David is such a sweet boy, and I can't imagine my life without him!! Here are 5 reasons I love David:
Jay took this picture of Ahnali the other day, and I think it's just fantastic! Do we have a future model on our hands? Maybe I should submit the picture in to Huggies...
I have finally collected my wits about me...At least long enough to post about the arrival of Michael LeGrand Stay. Michael joined our family on Sunday May 24th, 2009 (2 days overdue) at 11:28am. He weighed in at 9lbs.11oz. and 22 1/2in. long! His head was 15in. around! Did I mention that this was without any anesthetic?
That Sunday, I woke up at 6:30am to some slightly uncomfortable contractions. It wasn't anything worse than what I had been experiencing for the last month, but I thought I should monitor them anyway. The contractions went from 7-10 minutes apart to 2-3 minutes apart within the hour. We decided to call Jay's mom and she arrived at the house at 8:00. By 8:30am we arrived at the hospital.
At 9:30am, my doctor decided to break my water. I was hesitant at first, because I knew the contractions would become more uncomfortable. Luckily, I didn't feel much of a difference until about 11:00. I was having trouble concentrating through my contractions and begged for an epidural. At 11:15 the anesthesiologist came to the room but it was too late! Michael would not wait. Thirteen minutes later I was holding the precious new addition to our family!
Michael is one of the sweetest babies ever! (Of course, I may be a little biased.) He rarely fusses and is such a cuddle monster! Isn't it crazy how it seems that you'll be pregnant FOREVER and once your baby comes, it seems like they've ALWAYS been there? I'm so grateful that this sweet little boy was sent to our family. I'm grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that has entrusted us with one of his precious little spirits. I am especially grateful that we can continue to live as a family for all Eternity. I love the Gospel!
A special thanks to Amanda for being my doula, and making me hold out for the meds! (Although, I don't know if I'm likely to do it again!) And to my wonderful husband Jay for taking all the abuse. :) I love you!
So, I picked up the kids from my parents after school today and on the drive home I look back to see David looking very cross.
"What's wrong David?" "My tummy keeps talking to me." "Really? What is it saying?"
David proceeds to make some gurgling and growling sounds.
"Is your tummy mad at you?" "No." "Is it hungry?" "Yeah." "What is it hungry for?" "It wants cheese..but I don't want cheese! I want chicken!" (pause) Frowning...."It's STILL talking to me! Like this: grrlgrggle..."
Okay, so I know I've taken another long break from my blog, but now a days its been school, kids, doctor's appointments, school, and blah blah blah... You all know how it goes. Jay and I celebrated our 6 year anniversary this last Sunday. Ahh...six years of wedded bliss and 3 babies later... I wouldn't trade it for anything else in the world! :) I must say that I'm married to a WONDERFUL man and he's hot too! I love him more and more each day.
Baby news: We have finally decided on a name for our new little man...but we're not sharing it quite yet. I'm technically not due until the 22nd of May, but my doctor (who is AWESOME) said if I haven't had the baby before my next appointment (this coming Monday), he will strip my membranes. WOOHOO! Hopefully, I'll have a baby by the end of next week. It'll be about time too. My doc says there's a good chance that he'll be between 9-10lbs!
I've taken the last few days off from school. I'm having a hard time coping with being either hunched over or on my feet all day. I did manage to get some things done around the house. I've been feeling the major "nesting" urge, and haven't had a ton of time to submit to my instincts. There's just so much to do! I was able to find some great deals on a new swing and bouncer chair (David demolished the last ones), and I found some time to recover Ahnali's car seat from pink to a very cute brown and blue. I'm very pleased with the results.
Happy day to all, and keep your fingers crossed that I'll have the baby soon! Much love!
Okay~ I know I've been on a blogging hiatus for a while, but after some prodding from my family and friends, I've decided that it was time to come back.
We had a wonderful holiday season, but we didn't feel like we had any vacation time. Jay didn't really get any time off work and I didn't get any from school. So last week, we decided to take a last minute trip to San Diego. We didn't have a lot of time to plan, but we really lucked out. My sister Cathy, was here running the PF Chang's Rock N' Roll marathon (4hrs45min yay Cathy!) and she hooked us up with their sweet time share there for way cheaper than a "cheap" hotel. My little brother Jared, was able to get discounted tickets to Sea World through his work, and his family joined us on our trip. We had 2 day passes, so we were able to take out time and see everything in the park. It did rain on us for 1/2 of the second day, but it was pretty warm for January and wasn't bad. All in all, it was a fun trip and we really needed the time away.
Jared up a tree... This picture just makes me laugh... David looks like an old man sitting on his porch.
Do you see the resemblance??
Me, Ahnali, Pen, and MJ.
Jay, David, and Jared. Riding with the big boys almost made David hurl...
We were in the 6th row. Most of us got pretty wet, but I was quick with the umbrella.
4/2/10 Ahnali: "Dare's a spider on yer shirt!" Me: "Where?" Ahnali: "Wight dare!"......April floors!!!" 3/25/10 After getting sent to his room and getting in trouble, David (crying): "Ohhh....Now I'm fired!!!!"
3/14/10 David: "I want to be called 'David'...when I'm big I want to be called 'Dave' ". 3/7/10 David: "I've got a big booty, right Mommy?"
