We're here!

So we made it! Our flight was, well, interesting. Everything went well. The people sitting around us were so nice and the flight attendants were so helpful. The kids were really happy pretty much the whole time. Jack even took a little nap.

The hardest part was potty breaks! Who's ever tried taking a recently potty trained toddler on an airplane? That was an adventure! She went four times and every time we'd squeeze into the tiny little bathroom, me holding Jack, and Payson trying to decide if she was afraid of the noise coming from the airplane toilet. And it seemed like every time she had to go, the flight attendants were making their way down the aisles with the food carts. Good grief! But we made it through with no accidents! Hallelujah! (I was prepared for disaster, with extra clothes and underpants, and LOTS of wipes!)

Payson mostly just colored and watched her movies. (Thank heavens for portable dvd players!) Although, she would randomly burst out as loudly as her little lungs would allow with, "GOOD MORNING, BALTIMORE!!" Each time she'd sing (you know, the song from 'Hairspray') I would apologize to the other passengers she had awakened.

Jack spent the flight either asleep, or giggling at the man behind us. I don't know what the guy was doing, but Jack was laughing out loud most of the flight!

After we landed everyone around us commented on how adorable and well behaved my kids were. Whether they were correct or just being nice, it definitely made me feel better. So I guess my first time alone with my children on a plane was a success.

Seeing Jason waiting for us at baggage claim was such a relief! I was so happy to just be with him again. I missed him like crazy, even just for those few days. Having him around just makes me feel better about everything.

So we got to the apartment, did some grocery shopping and got everyone settled in. The place here is SO nice! I have a bunch of pictures of the kids on the plane and of our new apartment, but we haven't gotten internet yet. I'm using the club house computer so I can't put my photos up.

The kids adjusted to the time change out here within a couple of days which has been SO nice!! Now if only I could adjust!

We went to our new ward on Sunday. It's about 25 minutes away, so we made sure to leave early. It was nice to remember that the church is the same everywhere! It felt exactly the same as church at home. There were so many smiling, friendly faces. Lots of young families with kids close in age with mine.

The best part of church was right at the beginning! We were sitting quietly in the back and a couple walked in a little late. I knew that face! Oh my gosh! It was my boyfriend from seventh to ninth grade!! Jake Nelson and his wife Stacy! I knew they had been living in Maryland but I never would have guessed we'd be in the same ward! We said hello after sacrament meeting and I was so excited to know someone! And then, we ran into a girl that Jason had gone to high school with in Idaho! How random?!

Sunday, we went to my aunt's house for dinner in Virginia. They're just less then an hour away. I loved getting to see their beautiful home and the kids! I love being near family!

We still haven't gotten around to any sight seeing, but soon! Anyway, this is a long post and I've got to run! Hopefully we'll get the internet up soon and I can post some fun pictures!

Baltimore, HERE WE COME!!

So, who knows when my next post will be before we're settled in out in Baltimore, but who cares! Because I miss my husband and I get to see him TOMORROW!!!!!

Not that I won't miss you all terribly, because I will. Most of my best friends and family live here in Utah and I won't get to see you all for months! We'll be missing all of the fun summer get togethers and play dates. BIG BUMMER!

But the good news is, I will get to see you all again in a few months. This is a short term move. And an adventure! I have so many different feelings about it, good and scary!

But at this point I'm sure that it's the right move for our family for now. Everything has "magically" fallen into place for us and we feel like we are being very taken care of by our Heavenly Father. I'm so grateful for that! Because this could have been a much more stressful event!

So, so long! Farewell! Auf weidersehen! Good bye! (Kimber, you'll appreciate that). We'll see you all in August! Unless of course, you want to come for a visit which you are all SO WELCOME to do!!

Beware! Mushiness to follow!

Jason left this morning for Baltimore. He's driving out with our car full of our junk and the dog. The kids and I will fly out Tuesday morning and meet him. But that's a long time away and I MISS MY HUSBAND! He really is my best friend in the whole world and I hate not having him around. I don't sleep as well without him. I feel like just curling up in my jammies and waiting for Tuesday to roll around so I can kiss him!

When we were dating (which was long distance) I would make him stay on the phone with me at night and I'd eventually fall asleep. Once he knew I was out he'd hang up. But it was always a weird comfort to me to have him close, or at least have his voice close, so that I could sleep better. I warned him to expect that the next few nights. I'll be dozing off to the sound of him breathing in the phone.

Ah, well. Enough of the mushiness. I'll see him in just a few days, right? Man, it's going to be a LONG few days!! I love you, Jas! See you in Baltimore!!

Charlie bit me...

I just thought this was so cute and hilarious! My little sister, Maren's friend showed me this YouTube video and it cracked me up. The kid's accent is so cute! And the baby totally laughs like he did it on purpose! So funny! Anyway, if your sense of humor is anything like mine, maybe it will be a laugh for you too!!

What a FABULOUS day!

Wasn't today just absolutely perfect?! Okay, well my day wasn't really perfect either, but it was definitely a great one! It didn't start out quite so wonderful, however. Knowing I had myself and four others to get ready for 9 am church, I planned to wake up at 6 am. The alarm was set and I was prepared, after going to bed around midnight, to be a bit tired in the morning. No biggie. Tired is my middle name.

So anyway, this morning I wake up and...it's WHAT? EIGHT AM!!! How did that happen? I'll tell you how that happened. Certain husbands, who shall remain nameless, woke up, turned off the alarm before I could hear it, and just climbed back into bed. Argh!

I hauled upstairs and got Madison and Maren out of bed (Mom is in Denmark with her mom, aunt, and two sisters right now, and Dad had early high counsel meetings, so I'm the resident Nazi). The girls had instructions to forget making their beds, scarf down whatever they could find as quickly as they could, brush teeth, get dressed, and then report IMMEDIATELY for hair and make up!

While that was being done, I shaved my legs over the side of the tub knowing that a shower was out of the question. Payson and Jack were awakened and the above mentioned, nameless husband was told to get his lazy butt upstairs and feed them quickly!

Before I could do much of anything, girls were ready for hair and by the time the four kids and Jason were ready I was standing there sweating with last nights makeup all over my face, a curly, matted ponytail, and a big fat frown. I was feeling so frumpy! There was no way I was going to church like this!

So I didn't. I sent Jason with the kids and I hopped in the shower. As much as I hurried, I made it back about fifteen minutes before Sacrament Meeting began (their ward is backwards: RS/Priesthood, followed by Sunday School, and then the sacrament).

At this point I was feeling better about myself and sat on a cushioned pew upfront ready to enjoy the meeting. And I did. At least, the first half. Eventually Jack got super tired, but refused to just give in and sleep. And Payson started running around the chapel. Well, not really, but she made several attempts to get as far from my reach as possible. Ultimately, Jason and I spent the last half of the meeting in the hall. (Fortunately, this does not happen to us very frequently. Our children are typically somewhat reverent).

Needless to say, I was glad when the meeting ended and I could run home to some jeans and the sofa. And Jack went down easily for a good long nap.

AND THE WEATHER!! It was beautiful outside! We jumped on the trampoline, played on the slide and swings, played Catch Phrase and Zilch (a family favorite dice game) on the patio, and just enjoyed the sunshine!! Later we had a delicious dinner. I made Pesto Tortellini, salad, and asparagus and Dad grilled up some chicken breasts. Oh so YUM!

After dinner, we played some more and then decided it was a great night for a ride! Well, there weren't enough motorcycles for drivers and passengers, so we opted for hooking the trailer up to the back of the four wheeler and running around in the foothills a little.

We spread blankets on the bottom of the trailer and grabbed light sweaters and blankets for my babies. Dad drove, Brennan hopped on the back of the four wheeler, and then Jas, Madie, Maren, Devin, Payson, Jack and I piled on the back with Louis (my parents' chocolate lab). The view of the valley tonight was breathtaking! And we ran into numerous herds of deer grazing on the hillside. They stood in the headlights staring at us, probably baffled at the idea that we humans were so obsessed with staring at them.

Ultimately, both of my babies fell asleep during the ride and went right to bed when we decided to come home. The rest of us stayed up and played a little longer, just enjoying each others' company and not wanting our fun evening to end.

Really, the only thing missing was my mom! I'm sure she is having a blast on the other side of the world, but we missed her tonight.

Nights like tonight are my favorite. There was nothing particularly special about it. We were just being our family. There were silly moments of wet willies and sucker punches, and there were laughs! So many laughs! But it was just nice to be together doing whatever it was we were doing. That will be what I will miss most in Baltimore. Family. Gotta love 'em.

My first step towards taking over the world!

So far I have used this cyber space to post all sorts of happenings in the Ralls Family. But lately I've wanted it to be something more. I don't want to feel like I have to have creative pictures or an exciting recent event to share my thoughts with my world (even if that world consists of three or less people). Besides, as cute as I think your kids are, sometimes I'd like to hear from YOU! So maybe, just maybe, you'd like the same from me.

So I've taken over. Don't get me wrong, I'll still be posting pictures of holidays, vacations, my kids doing nothing in particular, etc. All the usuals. But I'm adding a little more ME to the mix. Some days, I may be depressing, others funny, and other days just plain boring. As long as it's me, that's what you'll get! So here's to the start of something new! And if you hate it, SAY SO! That's what the comments are for, right?!

Why?!

Why is it snowing? Yuck! I want to vomit when I look outside! I am so tired of the gloom. I need SPRING!!

Finally Posting Easter!!

I know that Easter has come and gone already, but I'm just now getting around to posting our photos! Anyway, ENJOY!

Late Saturday night, the Easter Bunny left some special treats for the kids! Jack's basket was filled with crackers, cookies, and dried fruit, binkis (because our stinkin' dog chewed up most of his) and a toy hammer that makes noise and lights up when it's pounded. And he got a couple of fun new outfits for Spring. (The Easter Bunny didn't think he would handle the candy quite as well).

Payson's basket was filled with bubbles, sidewalk chalk, an art set, Enchanted (which Mom LOVES), and an outfit as well. She also got candy, including plenty of Skittles, her favorite.

First thing Sunday morning, the kids lined up in age order (Jack was still asleep) and came out to see what the Easter Bunny had brought.

Payson discovering her art set.

When Jack finally woke up he explored his basket.

He thinks this will make him a pretty stylish dude.

Then everyone got dressed up for 9 AM church in their new Easter Sunday clothes.

I happen to think they are the cutest kids alive!!
We had our Easter egg hunt after church since we had to get ready early. Jack's eggs were hidden just slightly more obviously! But he LOVED shaking them!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Payson loved her Easter egg hunt as well, but for some reason I can't get the video of it to work. (I'm sure you're all crying inside). But I did catch a fun shot of her discovering the candy inside the eggs!!

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April Fools!

So, the "I'm pregnant" gag is like the oldest April Fool's Day gag in the book! I really didn't think anyone would fall for it! It AT LEAST had to have crossed your minds! So to clear things up: NO! WE'RE NOT PREGNANT!! Oh, man! I think I would die! There are so many things that would have to work themselves out before I could even think of becoming a mother of three! I'm sure that day will come and I'm sure we'll love the next one to pieces, but now is definitely NOT the time!! But I got a good laugh seeing who of you are the most gullible!! And I happen to know that some of you, not naming any names (Mallory) fell for that trick more than once today! :) All in good fun, right? Hope you all had a wonderful April Fool's Day!!

Surprise, surprise!

Well, I got some unexpected news last night! No this was not planned, and yes I am excited! I guess sometimes, things just happen when they are meant to happen, regardless of what precautions we take. ;) So baby number three is in the works!! He or she is cooking away! I guess that explains my lack of energy the last couple of weeks. I'm only 4 weeks along so far, but I found out at three weeks with Jack and was immediately announcing it to the world! I just get too excited to keep it in for even a minute! Jason never checks our blog and I haven't told him yet. I want to come up with something creative. Any suggestions? And hurry because I know I can't hold it in later than tonight!!