Headlines & Happenings

November 7

2009-11-07T11:30:00.003-07:00

- modern technology, namely the internet
- pink -- what other color would look so adorable on a cute baby girl?
- family get-togethers (it seems like I did that already, but because I'm SUPER thankful for them, I'm sticking with it!)

Trick or Treat

2009-11-07T06:33:00.001-07:00

It was a trick keeping up with all the kids as they ran from house to house filling their candy buckets, but it was definitely a treat to spend the evening together.

Aren't my parents adorable?

Here are the Rich triplets. Alice is 5 months, Drew is 8 months, and Ruthie is 2 months.

Ruthie's blessing day!

2009-11-07T06:17:00.002-07:00

We felt incredibly blessed to have Laren's sister, Terra, and the entire Rich side of our family with us over Ruth's special weekend!

She cried through the entire blessing, but we forgave her completely when she flashed her winning smile afterwards. Isn't she a doll?

November 6

2009-11-06T13:50:00.001-07:00

- kid-sized shopping carts at Smith's
- sweet, forgiving people who smile even when their heels get run over by said shopping carts
- sunshine and warmth

November 5

2009-11-05T07:32:00.002-07:00

- SavvyShopperDeals.com
- neighborhood preschool
- Olay Quench body lotion

November 4

2009-11-04T09:14:00.001-07:00

- breastfeeding
- space heaters
- a working vehicle

November 3

2009-11-03T09:12:00.001-07:00

- my baby went to sleep on her own WITHOUT crying!
- community activities
- violin duets

November 2

2009-11-03T09:10:00.002-07:00

- the baby swing
- text messaging
- green enchiladas

November 1

2009-11-03T09:07:00.003-07:00

It's November and I'm trying something new. Each November my friend Sue blogs 3 things each day that she's thankful for. I think it's a great idea so I'm going to do the same. Of course, I'm a few days late, so let me catch myself up.

- testimony meetings
- a great husband who can also cook
- family get-togethers

Happy October!

2009-10-01T11:08:00.003-06:00

Happy October, everyone! I both love and hate this time of year, but for today, I'll focus on all the lovely things about Fall.

I love the crispness in the air and the excitement for the upcoming holidays. I love to pull long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and pants out to wear. I love wearing socks and snuggling up in a blanket with my sweetie or my kiddos. I love eating soup and drinking hot chocolate. I love covering my kids up at night so they stay nice and warm, instead of UNcovering them because they're sweating. I love HOT showers. I love making homemade bread.

So many wonderful things about this season. I hope it lasts long enough for me to enjoy so I can eventually be excited to see the snow fly!

Six Weeks Already

2009-09-24T16:26:00.006-06:00

Here are a few pictures of RuthieLu at six weeks old.
We sure love this little lady!

It Makes Me Laugh

2009-08-30T07:43:00.002-06:00

Click HERE to see what makes me laugh every time!

(Lack of sleep may or may not be a factor in my giddiness!)

Precious Baby

2009-08-22T07:34:00.000-06:00

Ruthie-Lu

2009-08-19T09:19:00.003-06:00

She's here!

2009-08-18T15:48:00.002-06:00

Ruth LuRee Hawkins was born on August 9, 2009 at 11:56 am. She weighed 6 lb. 15 oz. and measured 18 1/2 inches long. She's beautiful and we're loving her lots! Mom's tired, though, so it will be a few more days before pictures are uploaded. Patience, patience.

An Honorable Man

2009-07-31T07:58:00.004-06:00

Today is my Grandpa Ottley's 87th birthday. He is one of the most noble and honorable men I've ever known. Happy birthday, Gramps!

3 Weeks and Counting...

2009-07-21T06:37:00.002-06:00

For me, pregnancy is the pits. I'm grumpy, I hurt, and this time, I'm MELTING from the heat! But all that is going to be ancient history (well, maybe not the melting part) in just 3 weeks!!!

August 9th is the day my doctor said he could induce labor and that's the day I'm shooting for!

Can't wait to meet this little gal!

Can't wait to feel human again!

My Sweetie and Me

2009-07-07T15:38:00.000-06:00

In just a few weeks, Laren and I will celebrate our 12th anniversary! 12 YEARS!

And a week or so later, we get to meet our new baby girl and welcome her to our family.

FIVE kids -- a family of SEVEN!

WOW!

Lots can change in 12 years' time!

Cousin Camp!

2009-06-29T09:00:00.003-06:00

Now that my sisters and their families live closer, we are having a blast getting together each Thursday during the summer for Cousin Camp! The kids ALL love each other so much and, for the most part, get along great.

Here is a picture of the Rich Dozen on the front steps of my parents' house (the traditional Rich kids photo shoot location).Here we are having a picnic in the park.We LOVE cousins!

Strange and Sad

2009-06-26T09:34:00.003-06:00

This is what Michael Jackson looked like when I first became a fan...
...and that's the way I'll always remember him. No matter how strange he was, nobody can deny that he made some AMAZING music!

What a Deal!

2009-06-13T20:55:00.002-06:00

Yep, it's true! If you take an UGLY necktie in to the Orem Krispy Kreme's (before Father's Day), they will give you a DOZEN FREE DONUTS!!! Woohoo! Now that's something to make a pregnant woman happy!

America's Past-time

2009-06-06T15:24:00.002-06:00

I am willing to bet that someday Christian will be thrilled when I am NOT able to attend his baseball games. I'm loud and obnoxious. But, to my credit, I do cheer for good hits, throws, and catches by kids on both teams. I'm a cheerleader...it's what I do! So, until the time when I am banned from games by my boy, I am enjoying every minute of watching this all-star!!!

Brennon Jess

2009-06-02T03:56:00.007-06:00

This sweet boy is our family's biggest cheerleader. He is often heard saying things like "Good job, Mia!" or "Wow, that's cool, Christian!" or, my favorite, "Mom, you're beautiful!"He loves to make people feel happy and special.BJ's almost always willing to help. He's the one in our family who will come and ask "Now what can I do, Mom?" What a great little guy he is!We love having this wonderful boy in our family. He is so precious to us! And, of course, we think he's a handsome one!We love you, BJ! Happy 4th Birthday!!!

SURPRISE!

2009-06-01T07:41:00.006-06:00

On Saturday, May 30th, we had a surprise party for BJ's 4th birthday. He and I went to the park to take some pictures while the rest of the family set up a carnival in our backyard, complete with snow cones, fish pond, popcorn, balloons, streamers, and a bounce house! He was completely surprised and had a blast playing games with his cousins and friends.

Here he is with the other two "triplets". John will turn 4 in July and Jane will turn 4 in September. It was quite an experience for them to figure out the potato sack race and 3-legged race. There were a few tears, but overall they enjoyed it.Amelia had fun at the party, too. She enjoyed just sitting on Mimi and Papa's laps and watching the crazy older kids. I snapped this picture after a hot dog lunch. You can tell by the ketchup on her cute face! I don't even like ketchup, but would definitely eat this face clean! More pictures to come, but for now I'll leave you with one of myself and my wonderful sisters. I can't tell you how awesome it has been the last 5 months having them living close. It is truly like heaven on earth! I love them so much!

Feel Good!

2009-05-16T13:01:00.002-06:00

THIS is one of the many things that have made me happy today! Enjoy!