It's A .....

It's

A

Boy!

My 8yr. old Dance students had many name suggestions like: Garrett, Landon, and Link. They all turned pink when I told them that I was pretty sure who the cute boys in 2nd grade were. Love the little darlings! They weren't too enamered with William John which is what I think we will name him. William John Talbot, and if he can't be the next king of England with a name like that I will cut off my own head! John and I are thrilled, Adessa will take a little more convincing. I am sure she will love him and have a lot of questions when it's bath time. Hmmmmm...

Rush Hour Miracle

Having a child that is potty trained is glorious! I don't even remember the odours that can arise from diapers, though I do remember that they can be nasty. I have had the occasional leave your cart in the middle of the store to run her to the potty experience, which I don't mind. But our latest was truly a miracle. After teaching dance for 3 hours on Friday evening I grabbed a sleeping Adessa from her grandma's in West Valley to make the trek back home to Bountiful. Of course it is rush hour traffic on the freeway (everyone wants to get home on a Friday evening as fast as they can), and of course I am driving in the car pool lane, and of course she suddenly wakes from a deep sleep screaming that she has to pee! So I panic with the first exit available a mile away, no dotted lines to exit carpool, and 4 lanes of rush hour to traverse to even get to the exit. She is screaming and crying and I panic. Is it illegal to pull over on the freeway during traffic hour to let your kid pee next to the car? I wasn't going to risk it, so I risked life and limb flying across lanes of traffic right to the exit. We were able to exit, drive a distance on Beckstreet to the Tesoro. I pulled her from the car, ran into the gas station, ran into the available potty, sat her down, and let the pee rain down. I walked out exasperated exclaiming as loudly as I could that everyone in the gas station had just witnessed a miracle (John would have been so embarrassed, it's a good thing he wasn't present for my declaration). It isn't everyday that a child is able to allow their bladder to extend to the size of a watermelon, but she held strong until we got to the potty. After purchasing a few treats to get us home, I thanked my lucky stars and my father in Heaven that I didn't have to spend the next half hour taking a part a car seat to wash and sanitize. I must confess that I did let my mind wander back to the advantages of diapers, but really, I would rather run like a banshee to a potty than have those stinky things sitting around. Looks like I have 4 more months of diaper free. Whew!

Answers

Did I mention that next Christmas John and I were going away. It is true, either we have jinxed the Holiday or the Holiday has jinxed us. We have tried to convince Maren and Jake that while they are here in Utah for the holiday next year, we will house sit for them in Texas. Sounds good right? No seriously, as John and I have experienced heart ache and loss for our loved ones the past 2 Christmas' I feel like I have learned a lot. I was asked by a family member why is it that we experience such difficult hardships in our lives? and how is it fair that others seemingly have no problems? First of all I don't believe that there is a single soul out there that doesn't have a lot of problems, and secondly, I believe that when we die we will see that our trials have been equal to the others around us. When I reflect on the most difficult things that I have faced or experienced in my life, Adessa is naturally at the top of the list, but I don't believe for a second that she is the only trial and blessing that awaits me. I don't know what is out there for me, but I am certain that there is something bigger and scarier lurking out there in the dark that I will have to face. But why? I genuinely believe that in order for us to stand before our maker and say that we feel that we deserve to live with him, we will have to have proven ourselves. If life were easy, we wouldn't ever have to make the "right" choice, we wouldn't have to deprive the "natural man", we wouldn't have to "take the high road", we wouldn't have to humble ourselves and ask for help. How can we earn our way when we haven't worked? I can sense how much satan wants to destroy marriages right now. If he can come between husband and wife, then he can crush the family in the palm of his hand. He is whipping out all of his cleverness and working over time. So are we? Are we working over time to save and protect what is most important to us?, or are we willing to tuck our tails between our legs and walk away? I must admit I love a good challenge, and right now each day we are faced with the challenges of the adversary, but in order for us to make it through this challenge, we need to use our tools to aid us. I know right now you are going blah blah blah, is this a Sunday school lesson? I don't do religious rants often, but I am obviously passionate about this one. If we want to save our marriages and families then we need to do all of the basic Sunday school answers all the time. Family prayer and scripture study, family home evening, temple attendance, tithing, a generous fast offering. If we are doing these things then we have the spirit with us and it is harder for satan to wiggle into our lives. I despise him. I have seen him destroy the lives of the people I love the most and would love to rip out his juglar and chew on it before is very eyes. I obviously can't do this, but, as it is the New Year, I am 100% committed to saving my family from the possible slow deterioration that he is more than capable of. Sorry John, but it looks like it is cancer that will have to separate us, because I am here for the long run. We are hoping to reverse the jinx next year so that we can really focus on the Savior, rather than the problems surrounding us. May you all be blessed and keep your homes and families safe.

Talbot Family Christmas

It was a great Christmas yet once again. We laughed, we ate, we played games, Santa brought Adessa her make-up, what more could you ask for? Perhaps next year we will go to Bermuda, just for a little bit of a change. We hope you all had a wonderful time enjoying the company of those you love.

A Bliss Family Christmas

It is official, we broke the sound barrier. The Bliss family Christmas party was loud, fun, filling, and scattered with an abundance of gifts. "Great" always goes above and beyond for her family. We love and appreciate everything she does to keep us close. I wish I could name a highlight aside from the food, but it was all just plain fun chatting and catching up with the cousins. Merry Christmas!

Talmage, Adessa, Eric, Bella


Dode, Bauer, Simon, Great

Matt and Angela, Bauer and Brian, Nolan, Rae and Collin

Maidie, Sherri, Ty, Eric and Maidie

Sherri and Tessa, Sam, John, Gucci

Addie's Concert

She was spectacular. She sparkled and shined and made her mother cry. Despite the fact that she spent the day vomiting her guts out, she performed and was brilliant. Way to go Dessy Dawn.

Thanksgiving

John and I had the great privilege of hosting Thanksgiving dinner at our house this year. Rick and Sue are in the middle of a huge remodel so we hosted the feast for them. I was thrilled to be able to use my antique China and have a formal dinner. I love the fancy! We had a great time and are so Thankful for all of our family members who helped out with the side dishes. We feel so blessed to have good health, family, jobs, food, friends, the gospel, ect...

The kids

The ladies

The Gents

The Hosts and Great

Thanks fam for a great dinner, loads of leftovers, and lots of laughs.

Things I have done

While I am waiting for John to Download my Thanksgiving Pics. and Birthday, I thought I would share this fun little getting to know you post from my former Roommate Ambers blog.

The things in BOLD are things I have done. The things that are NOT in bold I have not done.


1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band ....at school
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland /world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked (I picked up a hitch hiker, I know, amazing I am still alive)
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie (a short film in Jr. High)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person (even hiked it from rim to rim)
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (fish?)
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone's life (no but I have found someone dead)
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Hmmmm

I think someone stole my daughters hair-do.

Blessings

With Thanksgiving this next week I have so much to be thankful for. I am incredibly blessed and marvel at the blessings that my Father in Heaven continues to pour upon me. I had the most terrifying experience the other night. I have NEVER felt fear and panic like I did at that moment in time. I was one of those crazy girls going to the 2:30 opening of Twilight with some friends, at 1:30 my ride picked me up. I locked the door and then skipped off to the car. The movie was good and we had a great time. When my ride dropped me off I walked to the porch and went to open my door. The door was no longer locked and pushed open as I twisted the knob. In my mind I thought it was strange, but immediately dismissed the thought. I proceeded up the stairs to find that Adessa's bedroom door and my bedroom door were both wide open. John asked about the movie and I asked him if Adessa was in bed with him. John told me she wasn't and hadn't been in all night. I told him her bedroom door was open and he asked if she was in her bed. I turned on the bathroom light and peered in only to find an empty bed. I told him she wasn't there. John popped out of bed and on went our bedroom lights. She wasn't in our room, her room, the playroom, the bathroom. At this point I am shaking with fear and sick to death because I realize that she or someone had opened the front door, and that was why it was no longer locked and shut completely. I of course imagine the worst, kidnapper or frozen to death in the front yard. We are now racing through the house screaming her name searching everywhere for her. John found her asleep on the sofa under the window near the front door. We returned her to her bed and I bawled for an hour. The next morning I asked Adessa if she had come to find mommy in the night. She told me that she had gone to my room, but mommy was gone running, so she went and looked out the door, cried, and then layed on the couch waiting for me to return. I haven't really slept since Adessa was born. I waffle in and out, but one ear is always listening. I can hear her open her door in the night before she even makes it to my side of the bed. But, what happens when mom is gone. Dad doesn't have the same instinct as mom. This is where our Heavenly Father intervened and the blessing came. Adessa could have wandered out looking for me, gotten lost, been picked up by a creep, fallen and been knocked out and frozen to death, I could go on and on about what could have been, but the important thing is that we were being watched over and blessed. Again, I am so thankful for my blessings, for my child, family, and home. Next time I am gone over night I am going to demand that John put a barricade in front of the door. Either that or just put Addie in bed with him so that he can hear her if she wanders. Sheesh, what an experience.

Naughty Teenager

There is not a lack of predictability with clomid. No more long cycles wondering am I or am I not. You pretty much know when day 28-30 rolls around what the answer will be. That being said, my family was wondering and waiting with bated breath on day 28 to find out if: Yes I was, or No I wasn't. It is a difficult thing trying to avoid questions about whether or not you are pregnant when it is still so early and the possibility of miscarriage so high. But, my family knew I would know and wanted some answers. It was a Sunday and my mom pinned me down, I wasn't sure, but that was not the right response, "Pete, get out of your jammies and go buy Ashley a pregnancy test" I thought my dad would argue. He didn't. She had to see for herself whether or not her prayers had been answered. Obviously my dad had no clue what on earth he was doing. The poor man hadn't bought a pregnancy test in 23 years, I don't even know if they had them 23 years ago? I went with him to the store so that he knew what to get. I want you to imagine going to the store with your dad as a 30yr. old woman to have him buy you a pregnancy test. The lady at the counter looked at us in a way you could only imagine if you have had your dad buy you a pregnancy test (I felt like a naughty teenager), it was either, "this poor man has a crack head daughter he is trying to help out with an unwanted pregnancy" or "what a sleaze bag impregnating a woman half his age." My dad was 35 when I was born so I am literally half his age. I thought about saying something out loud with "dad" in it, but it was way too much fun to watch the poor man squirm and look around uncomfortably as she scanned the test. We returned to my moms house, took the test, and there was the faintest bit of pink that my mom could not even see. Again, I had said I wasn't sure. She was not satisfied with this answer. Monday I was off to Pioneer Valley to have a blood test done that would tell her if I was or was not in fact pregnant. It was probably the longest hour of her life and I must confess to feeling a bit antsy myself. The news came back positive. She was thrilled and I was terrified. Miscarriage is such a huge fear of mine. I am certain it has a lot to do with just how difficult it is to get prego in the first place, the idea of losing what I had barely and difficultly gained has haunted my mind since that day. I wasn't ready to announce it, but word has somehow managed to travel around, you tell one person it's a rumour, you tell two people and it is common knowledge. It has become common knowledge. I wanted to share our exciting news with our beloved friends and family myself before they found out from a random person, unfortunately, someone was more than happy spreading the news around (Let's face it, it is fun sharing good news). Sorry if any of you feel saddened that I hadn't shared the news myself, but like I said I hadn't intended to tell until an ultra-sound confirmed things were o.k. I have an appointment at Maternal Fetal Medicine next week and will find out how things are then. We are excited, hopeful, and a little nervous, but mostly excited. I am just starting to feel a little bit better, the nausea was killing me. My Dr. is very careful and has performed tests so that if my health becomes an issue again they will know what to do to help not only the baby, but myself as well. I am not pro near death experiences. We feel really good about things right now and Adessa is excited to be a big sister. Our prayers have been answered.


I know you are thinking right now, "wow, John looks so skinny" and you are right, next to me he does. I doubt I need to point out the almost lack of dimples in my cheeks due to my chipmunk-ification. After seeing this picture I doubt any of you would ever wonder why I swore that Adessa was alpha and omega. Believe it or not, the magnification of my size happened in a matter of one night and then continued for a couple of weeks. I will say that after I had delivered her, rather than losing the water I had a rare condition where you continue to get bigger. I'm the luckiest girl. We love looking back at the pictures of me and my feet and laughing at how huge I had become before it was all over and I was having my blood pressure meds filled along with all of the 80yr. old men. Good times. I am begging new baby to please take it easy on me, don't bloat me up again. We feel so blessed to have another potential miracle in our lives. I am officially announcing that I am pregnant. Now, if you would like to share the news go right on ahead because I will now be sharing as well. Wish us luck!

Halloween

At home in the Graveyard
Addie and Poppa Rick the Pirate
Addie, Dad, and Gucci the scary Witch
Emma the black Cat and Addie Sleeping Beauty
Construction Workers Mom and her little bro. Dode
Grandma Gucci's Scary House

Mom's Beautiful Girl
Addie and Olivia Kate at Gardner Village a few weeks ago.

Halloween was fun and oober busy at the Talbot house this year. We had our Dinner in a pumpkin, zombie brains, Witches brew, and fried Skin Grafts. Soo yummy, and yet disgustingly named. Adessa and I went trick or treating while John stayed home and handed out candy. I know you are thinking, "construction worker?" But seriously, after you get everyone and everything ready, you are just happy to get into something quick. That was this year. We stopped at each of the grandparents house to trick or treat, John's dad and step mom were gone, but we were able to see Pirate Rick and Witchy Gucci. Loads of fun. The Halloween is now down and we are getting ready to host Thanksgiving at our house this year with John's mom and sisters, and my parents, brother, and Grandma. I think I will make his family dress as Pilgrams and mine as Indians so we can re-enact the first Thanksgiving where strangers came together. I don't think the Pilgrams and Indians could have been much more different than our two families are. Fantastic! We hope you all had a fun and safe Halloween.