Pure Felicity!

I have been savoring every little moment that I have had with our new little princess!  She has been such a joy to me!  Let me tell you all about her!  Felicity Grace Durrant was born on June 23, 2010 at 2:07 p.m. Weighing 8 lbs. 7 oz. and 22 inches long.

So Beautiful!

Unhappy...but so perfect!

Let me tell you how it all began...

Myself and the kids had been in Provo visiting my parents for a couple of days so that I could work on the baby quilt and bumper pads that I had been trying to finish.  I had been having contractions on and off for a few weeks and I was not feeling 100 % by any means!  I couldn't believe how swolen my feet had gotten!  I could hardly stand on them they hurt so much!  My Mom was such a help!  She played with the kids and helped me here and there on the quilt.  I stopped working for dinner and my contractions seemed to kick in as I sat there eating.  I told my Mom that we might be having a baby so we cleaned up our mess and headed back home.  I told her that I would give her a call if things got more intense...well...they didn't so I decided to go to bed because in the past I just sat in the uncomfortable bed at the hospital and didn't get any sleep!  We all went to bed and hoped for the best!  I woke up and felt like I had been run over!  The contractions were still coming so we decided we would go in and see what was going on.  Gregg and I left Haley babysitting the other kids and told her we would call as soon as we knew if we were going to stay.  We went to Davis Hospital and Medical Center and checked in.  Not long after that we were in a room waiting to see what Dr. Healy wanted me to do.  I was in labor, but as the nurse put it I had a "lazy" uterus that was not doing it's job!  Dr. Healy came in and examined me at 8:40 a.m. and decided to break my water...so I said, "I guess we are staying!"  The nurse hooked up the IV and started the pitosin to help speed up the contractions.  We were so happy! The kids were so glad that we got to stay!  Gregg and I watched the USA team win the game in the World Cup!  It was very exciting!  Things progressed slowly at the start, then we were ready pretty quickly.  At 2:07 p.m. Felicity was born!  The delivery was tough for me.  I could feel a lot more than I had with the other kids.  I didn't know what to do with myself.  I had to push much harder than before.  I had to push more times than before!  I felt so happy when she was born!  I was so relieved to have it over with!  She was so beautiful!  Heavenly Father blessed me so much!   June 23 is a special day!  President Gordon Bitner Hinckley would have been 100 years old on this day if he were still alive!  I loved that man so much!  I felt so honored to have my daughter born on such an important day! 

Teeth! Argh!

I have one thing in life that I hate more than anything and that is...seeing a Dentist!  I was chewing along last night and one of my crowns just came off of my tooth.  I know that I am going to have to see the Dentist!  I feel the same as the man in this picture!  I feel like the drill might as well be as big as the one the construction worker is using!

 I am so unhappy that I HAVE to go in!  I hope I come out ok in the end!  When I was pregnant with Brigham I had some work done that caused me so much pain that I cried out loud like a baby for 2 days,  and I couldn't take any ibuprofen!   Pray that I can survive the pain and work that has to be done!  Tomorrow might do me in!  I wish I had a way to take myself out of my own body when I am in the dentist's chair...I would really love that!  Today was an interesting day.  I have not felt any better.  I was very tired because I have had a lot of trouble getting to sleep at night.  I find myself very busy in my mind at night.  I wish I knew how to make the stress subside so that I could sleep.  I hope that tomorrow is a better day! 

Discouraged!

I am discouraged in life right now!  I don't know how to coat this post with frosting...or sugar at all!  I am doing all that I can to just keep going...one foot in front of the other.  I am barely receiving a passing grade as a mother and wife.  I don't know what to do about the mounting problems I am facing that I have caused myself.  I feel truly ungrateful that I am complaining, but this is where I am right now.  I want to be my best!  I don't know how to get to that level right now.  I feel smothered with messes, missing homework assignments, unorganized matter in every direction!  I know I can do this...well at least I think I know, but where on earth do I begin?  What do you do when you are a wandering sheep without a shepherd?  How will I ever find my way?  I know that Heavenly Father is mindful of me, but I just can't seem to hear Him right now. 

Layton...land of the free!

Tonight I attended my first political event!  I went to our republican caucus meeting!  I admit I was really scared at first.  I had no idea what I was going to at all.  I was very anxious and thought I might have a small heart attack, but I lived!  Yay!  It was a learning experience for me!  I didn't even know what a delegate was!  I feel silly admitting that but oh well it is the truth.  I was really touched by the patriotism of other fellow Layton residents and ward members!  I love living here in America!  I am so glad that I am free to express myself when I feel I need to!  I am thankful that I have a city to live in, a home in this city, and a street full of wonderful patriotic neighbors and friends!  We are free...well...as long as we continue to support the people who do fight for what is right!  I am going to work harder at learning about the people we vote for!  I have not understood politics at any time in my life so far.  I know that I want to stay free, so I guess that means I have to get up and do something about it!  Sounds like fun right?! Wahoo!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my Mom's birthday!  I am so lucky to have her in my life!  Nearly everything I do well I learned from my Mother!  I have been blessed to have her help me with so many things in my life!  I am happy that we got to go to lunch with her today.  Myself and the kids went to Los Hermanos in Provo!  The kids and I love this place!  We thoroughly enjoyed the chips and salsa!  My Grandma, Aunt's and one cousin joined us as well!  We made her this cupcake cake that looked like a butterfly because she loves them!  The kids love to cook with me!  Carter helped with the oil and water and Sydney cracked all 3 of the eggs...by herself!   Brigham helped taste test the frosting!  He said it was good by the look of his frosting covered face, hair, and hands!  We went to her house after and enjoyed playing with the toys, playing outside with the uncles, and watched the neatest show on the Discovery Channel!  We love being with the family!  The kids loved just being with her!  We are so happy that she is a part of our lives!  Thank you for everything you have taught me and for everything you do for my family!  I love you Mom! 

No More Mr. Binkie!

Today is the last day that Brigham will have his binkie!  While we were at church he threw it 3 times during the first few minutes of sacrament meeting to let me know he was so mad!  It has been one of "those" things that I have let him have because I needed sanity sometimes.  Boy am I wishing I had gotten rid of it sooner!  His fit today started when he had one piece of bread from the sacrament and then decided he should get more because he wants it!  So he chucked that binkie as far as his little hand could!  I couldn't believe it!  It circled around the floor and landed in front of the people in front of us but about 10 people down!  Yes...I know, what an arm!  I kindly carried his thrashing body out to the foyer and watched a beautiful tantrum.  A display of such grace and wonder!  NOT!!!  How embarrassing!  He was hitting the chair, kicking off his shoes, throwing the binkie to the other side of the foyer, and screaming at full voice!  WOW!  I told him that was it!  No more binkie!  I meant what I said, and I said what I meant!  So...he didn't die from it at all!  He did fairly well.  I am glad that I will not be crawling under the car in the parking lot to locate it anymore, or searching the entire house for any of them!  So...the blessing of the day is that we will not have to play hide and go seek with the binkies anymore...well at least until the baby is born!  Yay!  What an accomplishment!

Dixie Ward!

I am so grateful that we live in the Dixie Ward!  We are blessed every day by individuals in our ward!  I am humbled today by the many contributions and donated services by our ward members to the youth for the annual scout and young women's auction.  I can't believe how many people are so willing to give of what they have to help the youth.  Heavenly Father is pleased with the unselfish acts of so many.  I did not donate anything...hence I feel guilt! I could not think of anything to give that someone would want to buy.  Now that it is over I have thought of a few.  I am so happy that we live here!  What a blessing it truly is!

Miracles Happen!

Today I was inspired by a post put on a blog that belongs to one of my dearest friends.  Her daughter has a rare disease called biliary atresia which affects her liver.  They have struggled so much this past year and a half.  I cried so hard it hurt thinking about their sweet little daughter in the hospital again with terrible problems for yet another time.  They had a miracle happen and I just needed to share it!  Because of the miracles of the Lord their transplant is going to be covered financially!  I am so happy for them!  I am so grateful that they are our friends!  I would not be the same person had we not met 11 years ago!  What would I do?!  Heavenly Father has been mindful of them and they have been so obedient to all that He has asked of them.  I want to bear testimony that He hears and answers prayers!  He knows our needs!  He loves little Lydia!  Thank you Lydia for letting us witness the literal hand of the Lord!

A walk in the park! Well...not exactly!

Today was the second day that my friends and I walked through the park on our morning excercise!  It was so wonderful!  I felt so energized!  The kids love going for a walk there because we get to see a lot of....

DUCKS!!

They love to look at all of them as we zoom by!  Which is why I say it is not just a "walk" in the park!  Carter loves when I chase them!  He thinks that is the best thing ever!  I love the sound of the birds!  I love the sound of the stream!  It is so relaxing!  The sights and smells of spring are so wonderful!  I really do love to walk!  Thanks so much to my 2 sweet friends who saddle up the kiddos in our double-wide strollers and take in a bit of morning air!  Heavenly Father certainly had us in mind when he created the earth!  We have so many wonderful things to enjoy!  The ducks are a reminder of his love for us!  I can't wait to zip by some more of them in the morning!  What a great way to start the day!  LOVE IT!

"Lucky" Me!

HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY!

Weeee!  Thanks to Haley, Carter loved the swing!

Garrett really enjoyed his cookie at the park! 

Haley...enjoying her leprechaun creme filled cookie!  Yummy!

Carter looks as if he is up to something! 

What are you going to do at the park?

Sydney loves to push Brigham in the swing! 

 I think he looks like he is not so sure of it all!

Leprechaun cookie goatee!  Yummmmm!

Sydney loves her Leprechaun Pixie stick! 

Sour...but Good!!

As you can see I am so "lucky" to have these beautiful children!  They love doing any kind of adventure!  We really enjoy going out to the park and feeling the sunshine on our faces!  Today was amazing!  The weather gave us much hope for spring!  I am so happy that I get to be their mother!  What better blessing could you find?  Thank you Heavenly Father for my kids!  What a "lucky" mom I am!

Tiny Baby Blessings

Today I visited with a friend who used to live in the ward.  She has a new baby in the NICU at the hospital.  We talked about the blessings of the Lord.  He preserved this little baby's life so that he could come and be a miracle for all of us to see.  I am so blessed to be carrying this special baby girl!  I have thought about what I would do if I had to deliver her too early.  I have been so blessed!  I am currently just over 24 weeks along.  Babies in the NICU are so small and sick if they are born at this time.  I am humbled that I have been able to go this far without complications!  I recognized the Lord's hand in my life today because he has blessed me with great health!  I pray for all of the little tiny babies that are growing out of the womb instead of in it!  What a miracle modern medicine is!  Thank you Heavenly Father for blessing me!

There is Sunshine in My Soul Today!!

I believe there is nothing better than feeling the warmth of the sun!  Today has been so beautiful!  This morning we went for a walk.  I listened to the birds singing!  I felt the light and warmth from the sun!  I needed this in my life!  The kids are out playing and loving the signs of spring!  I think it will be very hard to get them to come in!  They have spring fever!  I am so thankful that we live in a place where there is so much beauty everywhere!  I feel so blessed!  I love the sun!

Sisters in Zion

Although this is not a picture of myself, I love the expression on the women's faces!  The expression of joy sums up how I feel about the women of the Dixie Ward!  We are so blessed!  I sat in Relief Society today thinking of how much the Lord has blessed me to live in this area at this time in my life!  I love the sisters in our ward!  I laugh with them, and I cry with them!  I feel my testimony grow when I am taught by each one of them on Sunday!  I felt the spirit today!  I love that!  There is no place I would rather be!  Thank you Heavenly Father for blessing me with wonderful, amazing Sisters in Zion!

Husbands are Heroes!

This picture is worth a thousand words!  My husband Gregg is amazing!  He has always been able to take care of the kids on his own.  If I have to go somewhere he never complains!  He just takes care of the kids and does what he can with them!  I love him dearly!  He let me go to Provo for Friday night and Saturday all day!  I feel so happy that I am able to leave them with him and he cares for them just as well as I do, if not better!  What greater gift can a man give than to let his wife do things on her own and not have to worry!  Thanks for letting me spend time with my mom and work on our easter basket project!  You are the best husband I could have asked for!  You truly are a hero in my eyes!  Thank you Heavenly Father for granting me this wonderful gift!  What a man!

Fabric, Fabric!!

Today I had the pleasure of picking 13 sets of coordinating fabrics for some easter baskets that my mom and I are going to sew!  So in total 26 different fabrics!  What a chore!  I found myself in quite the bind as far as thinking is concerned!  I think that being pregnant doesn't help!  I am so thankful that the women in the store recognized my frustration and helped Carter cheer up by feeding him multiple packs of smarties!  Before they came to his rescue he was basically saying "I am starving to deaf!"  I told him that I would not be much longer!  Well...many minutes later, with the help of the women in the store, we managed to leave with a bag full of beautiful fabrics.  I wish I would have taken a picture of the stack of fabric, but this photo is of someone elses stack.  I just wanted you to see what a daunting task it really was.  I recognized the Lord's hand in my day when the wonderful women in the store stepped in to rescue me right in the time of despair!  I am so thankful!

Work!

Tonight we had a wonderful Relief Society Meeting!

Sister Johanna Flynn came and spoke.  I appreciated so many things that she said.  The thing that ispired me that most was her comments about work.  She actually called it "discipline!"  I have struggled this past year with keeping up with the mondane things of life.  I know that dishes are not that difficult, but for some reason they seem to get out of control on a daily basis.  Heavenly Father has extended me another chance to be a better mother, yet again!  I need to do these things every day as a form of discipline so that my children will be good at work as well.  I will do better!  I know it will not be easy! So...high ho, high ho it's off to work I go!  I am whistling while I work!  I love to work while singing or listening to "The Happy Working Song" from the Disney movie "Enchanted."  It has to be one of my very favorites!  I wish I could have a little help from the verman that work instead of seek and destroy!  I guess I just haven't sang loud enough out of my window! 

Nobility in Motherhood? Joy in Womanhood?

I have been thinking deeply today about something very dear to my heart.  I have found myself in a place in life where I struggle to see the greatness in every day.  When I started my blog, I was inspired by a conference talk given by President Henry B. Eyring.  I believe it was titled "Write This Down."  I wanted to take the time every day to recognize the Lord's hand in my day, and ultimately in my life.  So I am going to try not to bore to death those of you who do read this.  I will from this day forth write something down every day.  So...whether you chose to read or not is your choice, but I have to do this for me.  Today has been a difficult day.  Brigham has had a fever and cried the entire day!  Carter ate Brigham's left over yogurt and finished off his drink as well.  I had explained that he would get sick, and yet...he still did it! Ahhh! What to do with that?!  He was already sick with something the previous weekend!  Then Sydney came home from school and said that her throat hurt so bad she could hardly stand it!  Great!  That is the last thing I needed to hear!  Whatever will I do?!  However...during the time I was holding Brigham I was thinking about a part in the Relief Society Declaration:  "Find nobility in motherhood, and joy in womanhood."  I struggle with these things!  How could I possibly feel this way when I am knee deep in the trenches?  Then...I read an arcticle from the 2002 Ensign that said:  President David O. McKay (1873–1970): “[The] ability and willingness properly to rear children, the gift to love, and eagerness … to express it in soul development, make motherhood the noblest office or calling in the world. She who can paint a masterpiece or write a book that will influence millions deserves the admiration and the plaudits of mankind; but she who rears successfully a family of healthy, beautiful sons and daughters, whose influence will be felt through generations to come, … deserves the highest honor that man can give, and the choicest blessings of God” (Gospel Ideals [1954], 453–54).  WOW! I was nearly knocked off of my feet!  I have been going about things all wrong!  I have been trying too hard at some things that really don't matter!  So I pray that I might find myself and become this type of woman that President McKay was talking about.  I really desire this with all of my entire beating heart!  I want my daughters and sons to know that I have my eyes fixed on the goals of lasting meaning.  I want charity to never fail in my home! I want my home to be a house of God.  I pray that Heavenly Father will take the time to lovingly guide me so that I might do all that He desires of me.

I can't believe it! It's a Girl!!

I know!  It is the most amazing thing!  We were having a boy last time I knew and now... What?! Words can not express how I feel at this moment!  It has now been 7 hours and the "shock and awe" have not worn off!  I am completely surprised!  I feel sad because I am not having a boy now!  One thing I know for sure is that this little princess is my sweet daughter sent straight from heaven!  Someone I need!  I know Heavenly Father is mindful of each of us!  Today He threw out a large surprise and blessing!  I have no words!  I pray that I will be the mother she needs to be an amazing young woman!  My children are so happy!  They have all desired to have another sister!  We are the new Brady Bunch!  It will take days for me to get used to using the word "she!"  I can not believe it!  What a day! :)

The Best Scavenger Hunt! It's a Girl!!!

Clue #1:  The number one necessity...Diapers!

The kids...Reading the first clue!

Clue #2:  My favorite baby soap!  A very "clean" clue!

Haley reading clue #2

Clue #3:  Binkies!  Yay!  What a wonderful thing!

Garrett reading clue #3!  What a great little reader! WOW!

Sydney & Garrett chose the pink binkie!

Haley & Carter chose green!

Clue #4:  Green binkie dismay!  Keep looking!

Clue #4:  Pink binkie success!

The kids...reading the correct clue #4! 

They are currently very confused!

Now they get it! YAY!  They were soooo excited! 

It's a GIRL!

These are the cutest, most precious things I have! 

How could you not love each one of them?  I know I do!

Bye Bye Houston!

Today my brother, Elder Kolby Brown, is officially finished with his mission!  He has been faithfully serving in the Houston, TX area for 2 years now!  I am so happy!  I just got off of the phone with him!  He sounds great! I can't wait to give him the biggest hug!  My parents and my brother Jordan drove the 1500 miles to pick him up so that they could visit my other brother Chris, and his family in Bedford, TX on their way to and from!  I am overcome with emotion when I think of all that he has done while he was there!  I am so lucky to be his sister!  I know that my kids are anxiously awaiting his arrival...all because of various personal reasons, but in all they just love him!  I think of the many people who have been changed by his willingness to serve.  I being one of them!  I know that it has not been easy for him, but he has inspired me time and time again through each and every challenge he has overcome!  I do love him!  I am thankful that he has shared his life with my family!  I have had an interesting day.  I know that I am capable of doing hard things...even with a good attitude, but I am flogging myself currently for what I have not accomplished that I should have.  I am struggling with a balance of anything in my life currently.  I was touched by a testimony that was given on Sunday.  This person said that if you are questioning anything in your life, then turn to the scriptures.  This is an area I could definately improve on!  I have managed to add in excercising daily, now I need to fill the spiritual void every day as well.  I know that I can do this!  I have to self talk a lot!  Please forgive me for running on, but I need to remind myself every day that I can.  I CAN!!  Not just I think I can, but I KNOW I can!  I wish that I could have seen Houston for myself, but photo's will have to do.  1500 miles is exactly 1400 more miles than I think I could bear with the kids!  Well...I guess it is time to say goodnight!  Tomorrow will hopefully have more sunshine!  Man do I ever need a little of that!  What a "delight" that would be!

Friends are wonderful!

I am so blessed!  My friends make such a difference in my life!  I am surrounded by people who truly inspire me on a daily basis!  I have enjoyed getting connected to old friends who I have missed so much!  I love having friends near by that remind me that everything I do is for a purpose!  I am thankful for my family!  I love them so much! My heart is full of joy because of the things I have felt today!  I know that we were sent to this earth at the same time for a reason!  People, not things, are my greatest treasures!  I don't know what I would do if I didn't have the friends I do!  Thank you to each and every one of you that blesses my life!  May you receive the blessings you are in need of because of your kindness!  I recognized the hand of the Lord today!  I know that he is ever present in my life!  Thank you my dear sweet friends! :)

Single Mother seeks return of Father!

I am 1 day away from getting my husband back!  How do you say relief?  Greggory take me away!  I have been grumpier than ever due to the stress involved in taking care of the kiddos alone!  As our family size increases, my ability to handle them on my own decreases!  Each and every time he has to leave out of town I find myself falling apart!  I guess I need Him more than I thought I did!  I am so grateful for marriage.  I know that it is ordained of God.  I know that we are designed to compliment one another!  I love my husband!  He is the light in my life!  There aren't very many days that I don't complain to Him, one way or another, and He just tells me that it will all work out!  How can a person think that all of the time?  I thought that I was truly a positive person until I had to handle hardships that were what I felt "unbearable!"  I know that I am a very capable parent, and wife, but it is the days like this last week and a half that remind me that I need him!  I am so blessed!  I look forward to seeing his smiling face at the airport!  What a reunion it will be!  Last night I was watching "The Bachelor" online and I was inspired by something that Tenley said.  She talked about what she would do differently with her husband now and she replied that she would never take a moment forgranted!  I do this a lot!  I want to be better!  I will be better!  Each moment that passes will have to pass by me first!  I didn't even realize they were happening without me!  Anyway...my advice to myself is:  Never let my husband or my chidren doubt that I love them more than life itself!  Have a great night!  I will get pictures posted as soon as I unload my CF card to DVD's.  Thanks for listening!

Brigham is walking! Hooray!

Last night Brigham walked!  It was so neat!  He is very mobile, but he would barely take one step away from what he was holding on to.  He was playing with a balloon sword that Gregg and I had made with all of the kids.  They were all crazy!  They were throwing the swords in the air and yelling "surprise!"  He thought it would be fun to try and hit Haley with the sword!  He walked 4 steps, then he continued.  He walked 6, then 10, then 12, then even turned to the side to switch directions.  I was sooo happy!  He is nearly 14 months old, and all the other kids walked before they were a year old.  I loved watching his face when we would cheer for him!  He loves to be the guy in the limelight!  I tried to take pictures, but every time the flash would go he would pause and turn to pose for the camera!  How stinking cute is that! I am so happy for him!  The hardest part of the night was all of the kids were calling his name from this way and that, trying to get him to walk to them!  I had to tell them to be quieter because he didn't know which way to go!  He is such a light in our house!  I can not imagine my life without him!

It's a boy!

I have mixed feelings today.  I am so thankful that Heavenly Father has sent us another sweet spirit, but I thought for sure it was a girl.  So...I am obviously not as intuitive as I believed I was.  I had a hard day yesterday because I worry about raising a son to be able to grow up and take care of he and his own family.  I guess I don't quite understand the will of the Lord.  I am grateful that the baby is growing and healthy.  Dr. Healy says that he is going to stick with our first date, meaning the 4th of July!  What a day to celebrate!  I am happy that the little one is able to sit in the womb for a while yet.  I am not ready to have another little person to care for.  I must sound pretty rediculous, but I will get over all of it.  Let me clarify: I am not unhappy to have another son, I am just unhappy that I was so wrong.  So...I guess we will confirm in 4 weeks.  I hope that I can be a better mother when I see the ultrasound the next time.  Argh!  I hate when I do things that I certainly regret.  When all of the mothers out there who can not bear children wish they could have one son, I am sorry that I complained about having another!  I will have a better attitude today I promise! Now to find a name!  WOW!  That will be a chore!  Sending lots of love to all who read this!  Have a wonderful day!

The Lord Loves Us!

I felt the spirit today at church. I am appreciative of the tender mercies of the Lord. I know that He knows what I need. As I sat in sacrament meeting frantically looking for what song we should sing for our next choir performance, I was reminded of President Monson's talk about "Have I Done Any Good." I knew the moment I read the title of the song in the index that it was what we needed to sing. After the choir performed the song "More Holiness Give Me," we returned to our seats. The High Counselor, Brother Brown, began his talk. He said that today he would be speaking about Pres. Monson's talk in conference. This is the same talk that had previously inspired me. I was touched by the spirit, and I smiled. I couldn't remove the smile from my face for I knew then, and I know now that Heavenly Father knows me, and he loves each and every one of us! I know that it is because of His thoughtfulness that I am who I am today!

Welcome To Our New Blog!

I have shed many tears of happiness in the past as I have read remarkable posts by my friends. I was so inspired on many occasions! I truly had a desire each and every time to "try a little harder to be a little better!" I have decided that maybe I might help someone out just like you have helped me! Welcome to our new blog! I am so blessed in my life! I look forward to days ahead with so much joy! I want to write about all of it! I have never been a journal writer. I love to write though, which probably doesn't make any sense. I love to talk about my beautiful family, and all the great things they teach me. I am excited that I can share all of this with you!
Please come often, and know that we love each and every one of you!