Baby Brody

Here are a few random pictures of baby...oh how we love this baby!!

Soaking him up

I know this is my last baby and it feels good...our family feels complete. But I must say I will miss not having a new born in my home again. Sure I will have nieces and nephews to hold and someday grand babies but it's just not the same as holding your own little bundle of joy. It's like having an angel straight from heaven bless your home. And that's exactly what babies are - little angels that bless our homes.

I love to sit and hold him after he finishes eating and to watch his eyes roll to the back of his head in complete satisfaction. Or to hear him chuckle out loud spontaneously while in a peaceful slumber. I love to feel his soft breath on my neck at 2 in the morning or the sound of his rapid breathing in my ear as I burp him. I love to watch him suck vigorously on his binky as if he will get something out of it if he sucks harder.

If I had nothing else to do I would lay in bed and hold him all day (which I do most of the time anyways) and spoil him rotten- as I have all my kids. I don't want to miss a thing!! Some of his newness is wearing off, his umbilical cord has fallen off and his "circ" has healed but he still smells like a new baby - what a wonderful smell that is. I love to bury my nose in his neck and hear him grunt in dismay that I am interrupting his slumber.

The new born stage passes so quickly but I am trying to "soak it up" while it lasts and be grateful I had the opportunity to do this 5 times. My life is truly blessed by these sweet spirits that I have been entrusted to love and raise.


Every time I take baby's picture Miss Bridget wants her picture with him - which totally works for me! She loves her baby...the first thing she says after walking in the door from school is "where my baby is...he so cute"
My sister Jenet and her husband Greg were in New York the day Brody was born- so they brought him back this little "I love NY outfit"...he's so long he only got to wear it once and it was stretched to the max!!

I'm a big girl now!!

Friday Bridget was getting dressed and ready to go play and she came out of the bathroom and said "look mom I did my hair" I would've let her go like that if it weren't for the fact that her hair gets in her mouth and in her food and then it's just a mess.
So we compromised...piggy tails with the headband. She was pleased as punch and wore the headband all day.

14 years of Marital Bliss

Today is mine and Todd's anniversary...14 years and 5 kids later I love him more than I did the day I married him. I didn't think that was possible - to love him more than I already did but as the years go by I find myself falling more and more in love with him. Don't get me wrong...we've had our ups and downs and life isn't always "blissful" but we make it through those times and I think that's what makes our relationship better.

He is my "calm" when the storms are raging around me. I need him in so many ways and find such peace when he is near. He's kind, compassionate, witty, charming, handsome and my very own "Knight in Shining Armor"!! He possess strengths that I lack and vise versa which balances us out and makes us a great team!!

My children don't fully understand at this point in their lives, but someday they'll realize how blessed they were to have him for a dad. They love him so much and the primary song "I'm so glad when daddy comes home" says it best for our family!! Sometimes it feels like we are competing for his attention as soon as he walks in the door!

I look forward to many more years with him by side and I am grateful to know he's mine for eternity!! Happy Anniversary Honey, I love you!

Brody Todd Williams
September 19, 2008 5:14 am
8 lbs 3 oz. 23 inches long

We are so happy our new baby is here safe and sound. Our home has been blessed a 5th time with a heathly baby!! Welcome baby...we've been waiting for you- what a lucky family we are!






Ok, this is how the day played out...I was suppose to go to the hospital Thursday September 18th at 5 am unless the hospital called to say they were full. I had a restless night waiting for the phone to ring - and in my dreams it rang every other second!! I slept pretty well until Bridget came to get me at 2 am and from there I could no longer sleep. So I got up wrote a few emails, started another load of laundry and tried to keep busy until 4 o'clock rolled around. At that point I figured it was safe to assume I was going in so I jumped in the shower. Then at 4:10the dreaded call came through, "Mrs. Williams, this is Banner Gateway calling to let you know we are full at this point and hope to get you in with in a few hours." Todd got up with me and we talked for hour and then decided we should lay down before having to get up and get the three older kids ready for school. Todd and I spent the day running make believe errands just to keep my mind occupied. Finally the phone rang at 3:30 letting me know I should come down. We got the kids squared away and off we went. By the time they started my antibiotic (positive for strep b) it was 4:45 and I knew we were in for a long night. I got my epidural around 9:30pm hoping to catch some Zs. Around 4am I asked that my epidural be turned down because my right leg was soooo numb it fell off the bed and I couldn't lift it back on. That was a bad decision because by 4:40 I was felling everything and close to pushing. They came back in and tried to get it going again but not in time. I started to push at 5 and he was here by 5:14 am. I know I had some blocker but I defiantly felt that baby enter the world. As always, bringing a baby into the world is an amazing experience and I am grateful to have had that experience. I love each of my kids so much and thank my Heavenly Father for each one of their sweet spirits.

8 hours to go

Well, the time has come!! I'm due to check into the hospital 8 hours from now...unless of course they call and tell me that they are full with women who actually go into labor on their own! Which I am trying to be prepared for but let's be honest, if that happens I will be a head case.

Sunday night we sitting in the family room together talking about how we would soon have a new member of our family and how excited we all were. Nicole's words were "I can't wait to hold that baby in my arms" and we all echoed her feelings. I went around and asked each person 6 questions like how much do you think he's weigh, how long will he be, will he have hair, what color eyes do you think he'll have, what time will he be born, and WHAT should we name him. Here is every one's response!!

Dad
8lbs 1oz
20 1/2 inches long
blond hair
green eyes
7 pm
Paxon Todd Williams

Mom
8lbs 3oz
21 inches long
blond hair
blue eyes
2 pm
Brody Todd Williams

Nicole
8lbs 5oz
20 inches long
brown hair
brown eyes
1:30 pm
Paxon

Gunner
7lbs 5oz
21 inches long
bald
brown eyes
midnight
Brody

Courtney
20lbs (he feels like he weighs that much & I think in her eyes he looks like it too)
brown hair
brown eyes
6 pm
Coby

Bridget
baby brother was all she said on each question...she has no idea how her world is about to change!!!

It will be fun to see who's predictions were closest!! Our home has been blessed 4 times by healthy happy children and we look forward to welcoming another baby to our family. I know many of you will be thinking of us and praying for us tomorrow and for that I thank you. It is a time filled with so many emotions and I need your prayers at this time. My sweet husband gave me the nicest blessing tonight surrounded by the three oldest kids and the spirit that filled the room caused me to cry...SHOCKER

I better get back to my laundry...I've only done nine loads today but there is still more to do. I had to wash every one's sheets and make the beds because who knows when that will happen again!! Wish me luck

9-11 May we never forget!!

Boy what a day I had!! It all started when the granite guys showed up almost 2 hours late to install my new bathroom counter tops - which had me so flustered that I forgot to take Gunner's lunch money to the school!! Sorry Gunner...I know how you love PB&J's!! Then I hurried off to McDonald's drive through @10:25 (I had to be to the OB my 11) to grab Bridget a happy meal to take to Grandma's before school only to be told they didn't serve lunch until 10:30!! Are you kidding me was my response... that's five minutes you can't just throw her nuggets in the hot oil a few minutes early. "NO" was the answer I got...so I pulled through and waited in the parking lot until 10:30!! Quickly dropped Bridget off at my mom's and raced to my Dr's appt.

I arrived right on time only to hear...he just left for a delivery but if you'd like you can wait you're welcomed to. Yes, I think I'll wait!!!! 2 minutes later the nurse Nicole says, "Julie your appt. is tomorrow"...NO was my answer this time!!!!! No worries she says we'll work you in before he leaves for lunch. Thanks Nicole...I took back Krispy Kreme Donuts for that one!! Found out I'm dilated to a 1 1/2 (not great but I'll take it) and on the induction list for September 18th at 5am!!

So far...not off to a great start, and then it dawned on me what the date was September 11, 2008 seven years since that tragic day. Suddenly my simple woe's no longer seemed that bad. My thoughts turned to that dreadful day and my heart ached for all those people who tragically lost loved ones in an evil act of hate. I can still recall that awful morning...I was laying in bed sick as a dog...pregnant with Courtney...when the phone rang at 6:30am. I thought "who the heck is calling at this hour?" Todd was headed out of town for business and had left early that morning, but he knew better than to wake his sick pregnant wife!! I dragged myself out of bed to answer the phone only to hear Todd's worried voice on the other line. "Julie, I just wanted you to know I never got on the plane I'm still in Arizona something terrible has happened". What are you talking about was my response! "Turn on the TV you have to see this." Still dazed I turned the TV on just as the second plane flew into the 2nd twin tower...something I will never forget! The horror of the scene made my morning sickness almost unbearable.

I stayed glued to the TV for days, especially since I was spending most of my time in bed. I listened and watched as people held pictures of their loved ones begging to know if anyone had seen them. Searching hospitals praying they were in one!! It started to consume me until Todd forced me to turn it off. I couldn't imagine why someone would do such a thing. What would make someone "HATE" us so badly that they were willing to die alongside so many INNOCENT people.

To this day I still don't understand the meaning behind such a vicious act, and never will but what I do know is that day changed our Country forever! I came to the realization that"Freedom" is not free - something I guess I always took for granted. Men and women have been dying for this great country for centuries and for that I am forever grateful. I am proud to be an American and pray that God will continue to bless this great Country in which we live. May we always remember that day and show honor to those who have died and those who will die to give us Freedom.

Vote McCain/Palin!!!! I'm afraid to think what might happen if Obama wins!!

Preschool and Eagle Court of Honor

Bridget started "Preschool" on Thursday at Spuhler Sprouts Preschool and absolutely loved it!! I know she's a little young to send off to school but she is so social (shocker...never had one like that before...she gets it from her dad's side of the family) and full of life that I thought with a new baby coming and all it would be good if she had something to do a couple times a week. She gets to go with her favorite cousin Blair and it's only 2 hours a day 2x a week. She misses my big kids so much that it will help break up the day for her. She was so excited on Thursday morning she keep kissing me and telling me goodbye. I can't believe how much she has grown up the last few months. I didn't think I would survive this sweet little angle face!!!
Bridget's backpack is as big as she is!! Being the fourth child and all I totally forgot about a little backpack for her to take until the morning of. Luckily we have a growing pile of old ones - that no one will reuse- so she had plenty to chose from. It was no surprise she picked the pretty pink barbie one and she didn't even know or care that it was a hand me down!! She wore it for 2 hours before school and then the rest of the day after I picked her up.
After a fun filled day of Preschool, we headed off to my Nephew Hunter's Eagle Court of Honor. Gunner participated in the flag ceremony with my three nephews, Ben, John and Robbie and Nicole was asked to lead the music. We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in these activities with my family and feel blessed to live so close. It was an awesome site to look over at the Eagles Nest and see my husband, my 3 brother's, my two brother-in-laws and a nephew in law all seated there. What a great legacy we have to pass on to our kids.
Gunner, Ben, John, and Robbie - are next in line to earn and receive their Eagles. We have all girls between this foursome and the five you'll see below. That seems a ways off, but I know it's not! Time is moving so quickly I can hardly believe it.
Left to right...Nathan, Andrew, Ryan, Hunter, and Jeffrey. These are five of my nephews who have all received their Eagle Scout Award in the past year and a half!! So Awesome...what great examples these boys are to Gunner! He loves and looks up to each one of them.

While I was "blogging"

The other day while I was doing my post on Todd's Alaska trip I suddenly noticed that Bridget was not hanging on my arm begging to see a picture of "Bridget" like she normally does when I'm on the computer and that it was much to quiet!! So I yelled out..."Bridget- where are you" and she responded with "I fine"!! I knew I was in trouble. I said "what are you doing" and she said "looking Colie purse". On boy...she had found Nicole's make-up bag and had managed to open the mascara!! This is what I found when I walked into the bathroom!!
At least she knew what to do with it and where it went. Don't you just love the brush marks!! All I could do was laugh!!

Craig, Alaska- "Guys Trip"

The first week of August, my dad took "the boys" (minus one brother and one brother-in-law who couldn't go due to work) to Craig, Alaska to fish. They stayed with a friend of my brother's who owns a cabin (more like a home) up there and had the time of their lives. They arrived in Craig via float plane- which didn't thrill me- but according to Todd was awesome! Not only did they fish but they saw killer whales, hump back whales, deer on the side of the road, bald eagles, and sea lions (which smelt great by the way) along their journey. There was a lot of teasing that took place and great memories that were made. It really was a once in a lifetime trip and I'm so grateful Todd was able to go. Todd served his mission in Alaska and it is very dear to his heart. If you've ever been there you know how amazingly gorgeous it is! He threatens to move us there every summer and right now...I might take him up on it!! It's so hot and I'm so great with child that a high of 65 sounds great!! But 40 below winters sound worse than the heat to me so for now we'll stay put!! Thanks dad for making this dream a reality for the boys! Left to right- Greg Knight, Todd Kerr, Scott Perk, Todd, John Perk, and Grandpa Perk
Here's Todd holding one of the Silver Salmon they caught
This is just one days worth of fish...they fished 4 days!! They brought home 250 pounds of salmon and halibut!! My freezer is packed full of the yummiest fish you'll ever taste! The cabin behind the picture is where they stayed. It had one main big cabin and three small cabins surrounding it. Each small cabin had it's own bathroom, washer and dryer and room for 2 men. On the top of the "fish hanger" (as I'll call it) it says PARADISE and according to Todd that's what it was!!
Dad Perk, Todd, Todd Kerr, and one of the fishing guides enjoying a day of ocean fishing!!
Isn't that a lovely creature!! This fish is called a Ling Cod- so the next time you have a piece of fried cod fish remember this is what it looked like before it became your dinner!! ENJOY (I do like cod fish- it's just so dang ugly)
Todd, Greg, and Scott
On the last day they spent half the day ocean fishing and the other half lake fishing where they were able to get a sneak peak of a black bear near by. It was to brief to capture on film but Todd said it was amazing! Looks that way doesn't itScott, John, Todd, Greg, Dad, and Todd Kerr

First Day of School

Here's to a great school year!! I'm really not ready for school to start again but ready or not here we go. We had such a great summer together and stayed so busy that we hardly had time to get tired of each other. I don't think my kids are to excited either...but the first day of school is always so fun!
When I took Courtney school shopping this is the first thing she found-her Hannah Montana backpack- and if it had been up to her we could have left right then and it still would've been a successful shopping day in her opinion.
Courtney getting on the bus for her first day of 1st grade!!! Not sure I'm ready for my kids to grow up so fast!!
Gunner is in Mr. Stuart's 4th grade class and according to Gunner it's going to be the "best year of his life"! Good luck Mr. Stuart that's a lot to live up to.
Gunner and his "posse" waiting for the bus. What a cute bunch of boys!!
Look out Stapley Junior High...I can hardly believe I have a child in 7th grade. When we went around on Friday to meet her teachers I told the math teacher I cried the day I took her to kindergarten and I was pretty sure I would cry today- I did better than I thought
Nicole and a group of friends waiting for the bus

Camp Lomia...how we love you!!

Nicole went to girls camp for the first time this year and had a blast! It seems like yesterday I was a beehive at Camp Lomia for the first time and I remember being just as excited as she was. She has sung the songs she learned at camp ever since she got home (after her 4 hour nap of course) and loved everything about camp. She even said the "capers" (camp chores) weren't bad. I'm so grateful she had the opportunity to go and for the great leaders who took time to go making this memory possible. I've been a leader at camp and it's not near as fun as being a first year beehive -but without great leaders like she has it would be impossible. There are 26beehives in her class- with 3 more to come before the year ends!! I had 22 when I was in and that is A LOT of screaming girls. This picture was taken at the stake center before they headed out with "one" of her beloved cousins...Cami Perk
Nicole, Aunt Jenet, and cousin Cami. My sister Jenet was up there the four days prior to our stake and they were coming home on the buses we arrived on so she was able to see the girls before she headed home. So fun- all the nieces love Aunt Jenet! Whenever she sees you she makes you feel like a hundred bucks!!
On the first years hike...isn't she cute
The last day waiting for the buses to arrive...which were an hour and a half late!!