Your upcoming adventure to BEAR LAKE!!!

FAMILY!
I know I have a new blog that I could post this on, but this is a family affair and we haven't worked out the private family tab/page yet.  So here is some information which I have told some of you, but I want to make sure everyone is on the same page. (Let's be honest we are flipping excited to have you all up here we can hardly stand it.)

1.  The House:

You can check it out online  here: http://www.bearlakerealty.com/fine/real/estate/home_view/1146375/mlsname/WFRMLS  ok the pictures don't show the other rooms so fyi there is a master bedroom upstairs. As well as 3 other bedrooms which have queen beds in them (and can easily fit a pack in play if needed) In the basement there are two more bedrooms which have a queen bed in them, and a bunk bed.

2. The Blessing:

  Will be September 8th, at 12:30 pm at our meeting house in Garden City. For directions from where you will be staying to the church follow this link

http://www.lds.org/rcmaps/#ll=41.885507,-111.359782&z=12&m=google.road&x=directions&directions={a:{c:"Laketown",p:"84038",s:"Utah",n:"United States",ll:"41.825494,-111.322426"},b:"ward:105767"}  OR (go down the hill turn right, go to the 4-way stop turn left, go to the stop sign turn left stay on that road for 10-15 minutes and its the first religious building you see on your left. :) (PS if you hit another four way stop turn left, and then take your FIRST left and drive 50 feet and turn left again and wabam! you are in the church parking lot.)

3. What to bring:
  A few things you all are responsible for:
       1. FOOD for you to eat while you are up here, I would HIGHLY suggest stopping in Logan and shopping there before you come over the Canyon. There is not a place to shop here, unless you don't mind spending 5 dollars on a loaf of bread if you get what i'm saying. ( FYI this house has a grill and a full kitchen so you don't have to bring plates/utensils/cups, pots and pans ...)
      2. CLEANING the house will be clean when you get there and will be clean when you leave. That includes laundry. (you may want to bring laundry detergent...) Not that I have any doubts that you guys wouldn't clean once you were ready to go, just passing the word along.
      3. SWIMSUITS and where possible lifejackets (we have access to a boat remember) For you big kids we should have life jackets that fit you, but if you prefer your own bring it. Also if you have little gremlins which call you Mom/Dad you may wish to bring them a life jacket we live by a lake which is a whole lot of fun.
     4. GAS MONEY: If you would like to learn how to surf I think that can be arranged, however, gas money would be appreciated because believe it or not The Man and I are not made of money. Also if the water is good CHASE I believe you told The Man you could jump the wake? He does not believe you and expects you to show him provided the water is good.
 
Ok now I think that is all I needed to remind you guys about. If you are just staying the weekend, that is great if you are staying longer that's wonderful. Either way we want you guys to have a good time on a mini-vacation if there is something you want to do let me know and I'll see if we can make it happen. Love you guys! See you in August. (for Jared's open house)

Don't Hate Us

Don't hate us for a few things. 

1. Because we haven't had our little one join our family yet.

2. Because we are changing our blog for hopefully the last time.  

     Why? Because this blog is set up to my old email, and is done on blogger. I like Wordpress better and once I get better at it then I'll be able to do all sorts of things with it. INCLUDING combining this blog with my BlackSheep lame-o blog and probably renaming the whole thing. 

What's in it for you: Well you will get fabulous updates from me, and if you are lucky maybe even Zack, but most likely me. Also you will only have to go to one place to see what's going on in our lives. I know right? double bonus. 

I don't think you all will mind to much BUT I do ask that you send me an invite to your private blogs to tbmckee19@gmail.com. that would be wonderful thank you. 

My life As of Late

Things I have done lately...

Played water kickball with my young CubScouts it was a ton of fun and the boys had a blast. The boys were giving me a hard time about not playing so I thought wisely to myself "Self you can kick the ball a long long ways and easily clear the bases." Brilliant idea then everyone gets wet one last time. I kicked the ball WAY far and started a jog to first... then started to go to second and realized they had gotten the ball faster than I had thought and my "I cannot be thrown out" attitude got the best of me and I took off to second as fast as my wobbling body would allow. (Which I was told was pretty quick). Upon safely reaching 3rd base I knew I had hurt myself. I quickly ended the game and we handed out otter pops for the boys.  Zack and I drove some of the boys home and then I cried. Yes, good people it hurt that bad.  The following Monday I went to the doctor (because I see him every week now) and he informed me to avoid playing kickball at 9 months pregnant he also told me I had pulled just about every muscle on the left side of my body I would need to assist in getting London here. He also told me I was 50% effaced and dilated 1 cm. Whoot whoot! (you should have seen me walk priceless)  Here is how I got around our little abode.

Yes good people I used the baby stroller as a walker. Completely flattering picture as well I know.   In other news this past weekend we found Zack a pet or one he would like to have. On Sunday we went on a little adventure. Over in Round Valley (basically TQ Ville) is a guy who has a free petting zoo with all sorts of animals. Like big smelly Yaks, different breeds of Llamas, 100 beautiful peacocks, wild ponies, an African Bull with HUGE horns, a huge white dog name Cash,  and Zack's favorite baby raccoon's. He carried this little one all over the tour with us. 

Also family I usually go to the Doctor on Mondays just so you know and since it is Tuesday here is what you need to know. I'm dilated to a 1.5 cm, and 80% effaced. Which I didn't know what that meant so I asked the doctor and he said it's a really really good thing. (and no I wont explain it to you how he explained it to me.) 

Zack and I are both getting crazy excited about London's arrival (yes even the birthing part I am way excited for that as well). I've been doing some birthing homework and have decided I am going to try to do this naturally.  Bring it. If you have negative feelings about this... Go jump off a bridge.  :) I will not be listening to you at all if you try to talk to me about it. I am excited to try this method I was told/and have been studying/practicing for a few months. So gees Why not? What's the worst that could happen? :)  Anywho's I'm sure London will join us eventually and till then I am going to try to be patient. She is due on July 9, but the Doc is expecting her possibly a little earlier. I have had some sporadic contractions and am looking forward to making the drive to Logan next week to check on the little one.  Love you guys! 

Not a whole lot to talk about

Our life right now, baby baby and more baby. 

Basically, not a whole lot has been going on. I would like to say "I'm totally prepared for this baby whoot bring on the labor!" But let's be honest that freaks me out, so I try not to think about that part of it. However, I am quickly approaching 8 months, and another doctors visit in a week or so. The last one I was at they gave me a shot for my Negative blood and tested me for Diabetes. Dr. Horsley is awesome. I'm a huge fan of him, we always are his last appointment and that guy treats us like gold. (probably because he knows when he sees us his day is almost over.)

Zack and the nephews Lochlan and Keagan. 

The Man's new home teaching companion told Zack stories about all of his kids being premature. (8 weeks premature to be exact). He told this to Zack on a Sunday and we went to see the Doc the following day. Which of course Zack drilled him on where we should go, who we should call, and what we need to do when that bless-ed time comes. Love him.

I can't help but think about how the two of us are going to be when we make that drive to Logan. I'm sure it will be nothing like we expect. Especially since Zack has timed the Canyon at 45 minutes obeying the law, and 35 minutes otherwise. I am pulling out my phone when we get in the car and timing that drive.

Our life is busy lately we have new neighbors who are not members who have begun taking the discussions with the Elders at our place. It's been a rather awesome experience to be a part of. I could go on and on about it. But all I really need to say is, the Spirit is amazing and will testify the truth of all things.

Other news... we bought diapers! I know so exciting! NO what is exciting is it was 100 degrees (parked on pavement) in Bear Lake a few days back and needless to say i'm looking forward to our Southern Utah get away in a few weeks.  Also Fam a couple of questions for you, because i'm new at this.

1. What are two things I must take to the hospital with me when we go?
2. As a new mom what is something I need to have in supply for me? (April I already know yours you already gave it to me.)

Little She-Gremlin

To our avid 5 followers, I'm sure we would have more if we posted more often,  hello! As you know we are expecting a little SHE-Gremlin to be joining us here in the next few months. I would say I have a countdown but I don't, the last thing I counted down for I was sorely disappointed. (for those of you wondering what that tragedy was please see the previous post.)



        LIFE UPDATE for us not the SHE-Gremlin. The Man diligently labors in the office at the top of the stairs at 8 and says goodbye to me at 9:30. ??? Wait what? T you actually leave your apartment? Yes, my dear friends this little pregnant hermit leaves her apartment Monday-Friday at 9:30. Where do I go you may be thinking. Well do to some rather long stories, and a much needed/anticipated change I have become the new Office Manager of Bear Lake Realty. Yes, they put me behind a desk. (For those of you wondering if I can still fit behind a desk amazingly yes I can, but I think that is because I have a chair with wheels on it.) My life is being consumed by BLR and MLS and all sorts of other short hand type things oh and a DINOSAUR computer. I'm officially the main dude next Monday till then I'm learning all sorts of things, and taking more notes than I took in college. The Man is working with a few new clients and I think he likes it.
     
 For your viewing pleasure I give you the SHE-Gremlin:
THINGS SHE LIKES: Carrots, BANANAS, and cereal. The Cha-Cha and hiding from the camera. This picture is the only one we have where her hands are not in front of her face.
THINGS SHE HATES: Rap Music (I literally feel sick when it comes on at the office) Arguing, A Horse named Charlie and the smell of turkey.
HER CURRENT EXPERIMENT: How long will moms bladder last if I continually poke it while she is in a meeting?
HER FAVORITES: Zack she loves to hear his voice and punch/kick/elbow his hand unfortunately her aim is a little skewed.  Me I am her 2nd favorite thing which is I'm sure how it will be for a very very long time. But with a dad like Zack can you blame her?

It's a bloomin' Miracle

In reference to the title NO I am not talking about us expecting a little something in July. Though that truly is a miracle. It's a miracle that I actually remembered HOW to post on this blog since I haven't done it in forever.

After a recent conversation with Miss April May I think I made to clarify something so I don't get ripped out by anyone.  When we went in for our first UltraSound back in January, they told us to come back on February 6th (Happy Birthday Brans!) to find out what the sex is.

Please ignore my chubby face and double chin.

Needless to say we were horribly excited and literally had a countdown.  Now some of you may be saying "Now wait a sec the 6th was on Wednesday and those Northerners didn't say anything..." Before you start throwing rotten tomatoes at us, let me explain.

I would love this on a dark wood cabinet just without
 Winnie the Pooh at the bottom I don't really care who said it. 

We were already to go and had told just about everyone we know that we were finding out on the 6th.  On Wednesday we were heading to Logan a little bit later than we had originally planned and so I called ahead to let the hospital know we would be a wee-bit late. In conversation they asked us what we were coming in for and I told them to find out the sex of the baby.  The nurse pulled up my information and informed me I was only 18 weeks along (funny enough I already knew that one). I waited not quite sure where she was heading with this. She continued and told me, we would have to come back in when I was 20 weeks along because apparently that's when they measure all of the little gremlins organs and such and usually tell us the sex of the baby... I laughed it off on the phone told her no worries and re-scheduled for the 21 at 9 am. Once I got off the phone I told Zack the news and we were kinda glum about it for a while, but we went to Logan anyways shopped around a bit, and completely avoided the baby section. (Mostly because I was really looking forward to buying the baby's first set of shoes and now didn't know what color to get.)

We are however, starting our collection of baby supplies.  What we have so far...

-Hiking Back Pack (thanks Autum and Mark!)
-Crib (Thanks Autum and Mark!)
-An assortment of baby lotion, powder, wash, and diaper wipes.
-A bundle of cute blankets (THANKS MOM!)
- Blessing Blanket

Things we are looking for:
-High Chair (preferably one like Ty and April have because I like that one.)
- A Bumbo
- Life Jacket ( I was already informed by Zack that our little one will be on the boat a few months after it is  born because everyone knows the best water is in early fall.)
-Boats.

DISCLAIMER: Clothes will one day be added to this list, but I refuse to look till I know what we are having.

In other news I'm actually starting to look like a pregnant lady and not someone who has just gained weight. I'm at 19 weeks as of tomorrow and have gained 7 pounds (Which I'm pretty sure Dr. Horsley will give me a hard time about when we see him next week).  I have also started my intense study of pregnancy and stuff I should probably know about being pregnant and the baby. I even have an app on my phone which sends me random information everyday (I know Midge, I know you don't have to say it) A few of the things I have read completely terrify me, and some things I just can't wait for! The little gremlin has started to move around a bit, but not enough for Zack to feel it. A few things it has found recently my bladder, abdomen, and sciatic nerve. The last one is not much fun, if i'm not being careful it will knock me to my knees which isn't a bad place to be when you are pregnant.

A few of the things I love as of late:

I love this! Letto posted if on Facebook not to long ago and I like it,
just not the huge ol' flowers I don't like them to much.

This is one Air found. Yes please, I would take blue or yellow. I'm easy. 

You can't have a baby live by a lake and not have a picture of a whale. I don't need the dresser just that cute whale.

Midge posted this FOREVER ago.  Seriously, I love this.  The babe is all snuggled and warm and you don't have to worry about the face being covered. I think this is a good one. 

General Conference WOAH

I feel like I gipped all of you out of my General Conference thoughts and impressions.  Especially since this past conference will literally change the world. We had a bit of a heads up about what President Monson was going to say. (I mean we didn't know exactly what was going to happen... but we knew something big was on it's way.) One of the Rent's neighbors bumped into a general authority who told the girls that he expected each of them to serve a mission, which they all kind of laughed at, and then he said "Pay attention to President Monson's first talk this weekend."  We were in Provo with Jordan and Skye for the first session on Saturday when we heard the news about the age changes. It was awesome to be sitting there with Cassidy (19 in January) and Brady (turned 18 in May).  Both were so excited Cass texted her Bishop immediately and told him she wanted an interview as soon as possible. Brady called his Dad and I have no idea what they talked about, but he came back in and he will be leaving after this semester is over. Sad to say we didn't listen very well to the rest of the talks that session (I'm still re-reading them) the shock of what had been said hadn't quite left.
   We all sat around talking about how this would affect missionary work throughout the world. Changing the age to 18 for men is such a blessing. Quite a few men are lost between high school and college a lot chose not to serve because of getting an education or they lose a bit of their desire to serve once they are on their own. This will eliminate a lot of that as soon as they graduate they can leave. What a blessing. Not to mention they can put off figuring out what to do in life for another two years. :) As for the women folk.  If I had been able to go at 19 ... I believe I would have what an awesome opportunity for them that desire to go.
  I have been talking with Cassidy and Brady about this lately and they are honestly both so excited to serve it's unbelievable. (I'm slightly jealous actually and I told Zack we would be serving a mission one day.)

     K besides that huge news... Can I just say Elder Holland is one of my all time favorite General Authorities? When he told the story about Peter and Christ I got goosebumps. He literally gave me chills. I love it when he breaks down stories that are so well known, and gives them a deeper more personal meaning for each of us. "Peter. do. you. love. me?" I loved it.  Elder Oaks also when he talked about children it hits home with me, as i'm sure it does with you. Adopted children are so wonderful and special and there are so many other children that need good homes and good parents.

Also family let's all go to conference one time k? It's amazing.