My first race-Thanksgiving morning

It was my first 5K race!
I put the number over my stomach to remind me that I was racing with a little partner...four months old in the womb later this week. It would be great if I had a little round pregnant belly like other women. I just look thicker. Like a tree. A short tree.
My romantic dream had always been to be a marathon runner, but I have held a secret aversion to running since 6th grade P.E. The mile and me were not friends.

So, finally, I wanted to accomplish my first goal of a 5K without walking. I had not done this since my mission, and I had never entered a "race". This probably was not a big deal to anyone else, but it was to me.

One of my cute cousins had not eaten pre-race, and started dry heaving. Not me...I prepared carbohydrate-wise by eating 3 packets of oatmeal (peaches and cream:) for two hours before the race. Way too much, but I wanted to make sure that I had no sugar lows, especially while pregnant. And, I tend to overcompensate.

Anyway, it was awesome. I found that after the 8-minute mark, I could run forever. I think that I had usually stopped before that...before I was warmed up. Now I know that I can run forever...or close.

The best part was getting to the finish line and seeing family. It was a like the Celestial Kingdom. Because they are better than I, of course, they reached the Kingdom first, but slow and steady, I made it too. It was great to see them: Aunt Liza, Uncle Loren, Jenna, Jeff, Terry Jr., Trisha, Eric, some of their children, and a few I did not see, but Andrew did, Merissa, Tate, and Tavner.

My Mom said, since I ran, I could eat anything that I wanted for Thanksgiving. Hooray for Aunt Liza and the Draper, UT Thanksgiving 5K.

International Night

I will not lie. I love my ward. Because of Utah's open arms to people from all over the world, we have a ward with people from all over the world. We really saw this on International Night.
Okay, Brother Flemming is not a refugee, but he is proud enough of Scotland to wear a kilt. I think kilts are pretty good-looking myself. This man is one of the more Christ-like people in the world, and I hope that he puts in a good word for me at Judgement Day.

If Brother Flemming does not put in a good word for me, I hope this boy, Matt, from Brazil, does. He glows.

My sweet visiting teacher (on the right). She brought amazing food and goods from Peru. When she first started coming to my home, she worried about teaching because of her English. On her last visit, she taught the whole lesson. I love her.


Some of our newest Young Women, whose families came from refugee camps, I believe, in the Congo. Okay, the girl on the far right is not from the Congo, but cutely completed the foursome.
Sister Tupua, from Tonga. Her husband is our 1st Counselor from Tahiti. These good people have taught me what service really is.
While we were at International Night, Mom and Dad were at our house. It was a stopover to their Thanksgiving in Houston.

My Dad, who has never stopped moving in his life, hung an entire kitchen and living room of blinds for us...
all by himself. He always seems to get more done in one hour, than most people do in two days.
Thank you, Dad.

We are not dead:)

Thank you to all those who have expressed concern. From Tonga to Idaho, people actually noticed that I had not posted for awhile, and I appreciate that so much. I am touched when people care.

What have we been up to?

1. Drew went to China. I did not write about it in my blog, for my sweet sister-in-law mentioned that it might not be safe to advertise a house with lone women-folk, although Sarah's Jujitsu is quite frightening.

It was a grueling week without him. Yet, Sarah and I became accustomed to our girl world, and "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" kept Sarah occupied while Mom was losing her breakfast. Drew returned bearing gifts, including the new Harry Potter DVD (bootlegged of course). I cried when Dumbledore died. I love him.

2. We all suffered from sickness besides "morning sickness". Andrew is literally coughing up his lungs. Sarah introduced her Utah cough to balmy Houston, TX.

3.Visited Texas a.k.a. "Katrinaland", for that is why we went (Katrina is my youngest and adored sister). I understand why Texans love Texas so much. The people there are pretty awesome. But, I liked Katrina the most. Now for many pictures:

Katrina is a rockin' fitness instructor. I had this picture taken our last day together directly following her spin class. The photographer was one of her many fans. Katrina is surprisingly popular in Houston. I am also in her fan club. If you visit Texas, Katrina can get you a VIP pass to all of the clubs she teaches at. I loved working out with her every day...twice a day.
Baby Teik. We arrived on Halloween Day, just in time to see Teikers in his American Gladiator glory. He is a laid back happy baby, who is also a Houston legend. He is well loved, just like his mother.
Sarah started traveling at 4:00 a.m. that morning with a cold and was not the happiest, nor alertest of trick-or-treaters.
But, candy heals all sickness.
This was 'how we rolled'.
Okay, so we were the only people with actual swimming suits on. It was Sarah's first trip to the beach. Sarah will live on a beach in her Celestial Kingdom.

The beach was replete with jellyfish. I worried the entire time about stings, but the children miraculously sidestepped all of these creatures.



This is a one baby stroller.
Katrina is the Primary President in her Branch. Space is so limited in their Branch house, that she is teaching Nursery in the hall between the Branch President's office and the Clerk's Office.
And this is the Church. I had to take a picture.
The front. Katrina and her husband Jon, who both hold multiple callings, said that most people talk about, "When I was on my mission" when referring to extraordinary church circumstances, or times when they really grew.

This sweet couple seriously joked that in their future (i.e. after Dental School) they will use the term, "Back at the Branch". It is a missionary experience and a half.
Sevy being an awesome cousin. I was so grateful to have such a great example with Sarah. Sevy (full name Sevryn Kelly after her grandfather and great-grandfather) was unselfish, kind, happy, and fun. She was perfect.
Anyway, these are the Rail happenings, for the last little while. Thank you, all, for being so good to us.

Not twins

I had my first appointment today. I was really excited. The first appointment in this day and age is the day that you get to see your baby.

I saw him. Yes, I think that it is a boy. But, my Dad that his first four daughters were boys too. Maybe Elder Nelson of the twelve thought that too from time to time. He always quips, "I have all boys, except for nine".

Yes, I had hoped for twins. I wanted to be a twin when I was young with my sister, Brandi. And, I thought multiples were a more efficient way of getting children to earth.

But, I saw my beautiful baby. I am in love. He was "sleeping" apparently. Sarah was a mover (she still is), while this one seems more relaxed. I was hoping for a little more laid back child. Sarah is after my heart, but I wonder what two exuberant children might be like.

The heartbeat is 168, and the ultrasound measured 10 weeks 6 days, while we calculated 10 weeks 2 days. I like the ultrasound date. It is just a few days closer to morning sickness freedom. Maybe he is just a big boy. We feel that this baby will be strong...Samson strong.

We have been questioned as to how we got pregnant. I actually really liked my cousin's (1st cousin once removed) response to that.

Ours was almost as simple. We did not have an undefinable problem. I just had a condition called PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. One of the symptoms is infertility. It stems from the body almost ovulating, but not quite...so you get many cysts on your ovaries ("Polycystic Ovaries"). You might ovulate during the year, but you never know when. So, we accidentally got pregnant with Sarah after several years. Those were our odds.

I went to many gynecologists and endocrinologists, but I had never heard of a REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGIST (thanks, Sister Bear). For years, I had been given drugs for diabetes (I do not have diabetes, but it is a common thing to give PCOS women) and clomid, to no avail. We just had the timing all wrong.

So, our secret was seeing a doctor who specialized in infertility, having a period artificially induced to clean out my uterus, getting perscribed three times the normal fertility medicine, and then having an ultrasound to ensure ovulation, therefore knowing the right timing.

That and prayer. And it worked!

Again, we have a condition that is not so dire as to require really invasive techniques, we just needed a doctor to hold our hands and put us on the right path. We are grateful for him, for going directly to OUR solution, instead of doing things that would not help us. The time was far spent.

Salt Lake's Secret Garden

I had never heard of it.
Backstory: Sarah and I took a drive to return a movie, and when I brought her home, she cried. Home just does not hold the same appeal with a sick Mommy and a momentarily absent Daddy.

I had read about a sculpture garden that "no one knows about" near Trolley Square (500 South about 730 East), so we journeyed there. I drove past it twice.

It is a man's testimony in sculpture. The gardens are beautifully kept. And, yes, that is Joseph Smith as a Sphinx.


This is the sculptor. He was Bishop of the 10th ward for 19 years, hence the homage to the 10th ward behind him. The garden was strange at first, until I read the 'whys' behind his art. It is important to know why with artists. It is then that we love them.

By the way...the date on my camera is wrong. I keep meaning to change that. These were taken October 26, tonight, in case people were worried.

The kindness of others

While I am in the throes of pregnancy stomach flu, I have to thank a few people:

My visiting teachee. She lives in a tiny apartment with a dog, 4 cats, a lifetime of memorabilia and her middle aged son. Her sister/surrogate mother passed away yesterday, and she did not have the money to attend the funeral in Montana. Yet, she bought Sarah a little art kit to play with while I am lying down on the couch, and my two year old is overcome with boredom. I was so grateful for her spirit and that art kit.

Andrew, my good husband. In two years, I have rarely missed sleep when Sarah struggles in the night (this has been a lot lately). He is the one the cares for her in the dark hours. He holds her, sings to her, and gives blessings. He is the one she calls for at night.

Katrina, my youngest sister, who by request, got a babysitter and drove into the innards of Houston, to attempt to get a China Visa for Andrew. In the midst of this charity, her vehicle gets towed to an unknown spot, and she hitches a ride with the tow truck, and has to pay $200. Oh, yes, the Visa did not quite work. Yet, Katrina only talked about the lovely drive, and the kindness of the tow truck driver. She is a saint.

Courtney, who serves in the Young Women's with me, somehow knew that top of the line Saltines and a case of Canada Dry, would cure the roughest of tummy woes. It was a thrill to see them sitting on our counter when I came home from church.

I appreciate how kind people are. It makes me want to be a little kinder.

A long absence

I am sorry for not posting for so long. I am just so...sick. I read yesterday that the sicker you are the healthier the baby will be. I am convinced then, that I will have a the world's healthiest linebacker (I do not know why 'linebacker' sounded healthy to me...maybe it just sounded hard to carry).

Anyway, I feel worse than terrible. Andrew, of course has been a saint through it all.

A little update on our activities (besides sleeping, and going to Zumba classes. Zumba makes me feel better. I really like the music. I attended the West Valley Zumba class today. I was one of the only white women. Latinas are beautiful and can really move their hips. My English heritage gave me very little natural hip shaking prowess).

Oh, yes, update:

First, I lost my phone for a week. I found it in that place of no return between the seats of our vehicle. The place where french fries go to die. I missed a few important events, and I am so sorry for being difficult to reach.

Last weekend Andrew actually had Monday off. This is rare and wonderful. He is a crazy hard worker and rarely takes a Saturday off, so this was a treat. We headed on the spur of the moment to Idaho on Saturday, and spent a relaxing and good weekend at the cabin in Island Park.

We saw most of the family, except for Dad. He was driving one of these:

I took this picture as we were heading back to Utah through the truck window. I was proud of Dad for helping the farmers get their harvest in.

The Monday before that (Oct 5), for FHE, we went to Wheeler Farm. It is so harvesty there. We took some pictures. This is a rare full family shot taken because there was a place to prop the camera and set the timer.



Again, I am sorry for the absence. I do not feel sick ALL of the time. Just almost all of the time. I feel better when I am talking with people, because I forget how awful I feel. Hence, I am excited for our Super Saturday Relief Society Meeting tomorrow.

This horrible time too, will pass, in about 2 months...I hope.

The (Whistling) Freezer Video Challege

So yesterday our freezer starts whistling. Like non-stop. Just as Candice left for work.

I was not sure what to do, so I waited until Candice's wiz kid engineer cousin, Shane, gets online and I ask him what to do. By this point I figure out where the whistling is coming from. Shane tells me it is probably our water system. I am not going to disagree. I make him a video so he can help.

Now Shane, being as cool as he is, makes his own video in response.

Awesome vid, Shane. And our freezer doesn't whistle anymore.

THE CHALLENGE!!!

Make your own freezer video and post it on your blog. Who can be the most creative?

Make it, and let us know in the comment section. Invite all those who read your blog to make their own video.

Let's see how many freezers we can see in the world!

How Long Will It Last? or Added Happiness

So I got referred to this site. And I just had to share it with all of Candice's friends and family members because of how cool it is.

http://stilltasty.com/

Ever wondered how long cooked chicken will last in your fridge? Leftover caramels from those candied apples...when do I chuck those? Candice just opened a box of chicken broth to make the best Spanish rice you have ever tasted. How quickly should I find another recipe for the rest of the broth? I cooked all but two of the rib eye steaks for dinner last night. How long will the defrosted ones last?

Normally I delete those types of emails without reading them. This will bring happiness to the Rail Family (no more mysteries or questions)!

Full of Life

Took this photo with my cell phone in our truck's rear view mirror. Was driving on Bulldog Boulevard in Provo.

Awesome!

Catch up

I am so sorry for not posting for a while. It is not merely that I am trying to 'milk' the baby announcement post, the fact is that I am sick; the worst stomach flu, 24 hours a day, sick. Oh, and tired. I sleep 9-10 hours a night, and still wake up groggy.

But, I love it. I am so happy to be pregnant.

So, let us catch up on life that we missed, because I was too sick to mention it:

1. Planting Trees:

Andrew was put in charge of the group gift for a business mentor in a program called Junto. Normal people might present a picture, or a book. But not Andrew. He thinks outside the box. Way outside the box in a wonderful way.

He gave them a grove. Of course it came with a plaque.

It was an amazing idea.

They loved it. For Christmas, I want a grove. What a beautiful gift. Something to last at least 100 years. Then I could make something out of it, like President Hinckley's Cherry Tree Pulpit in the Conference Center.

2. The Science Fair:

Did anyone else hear about this? It is the last Saturday of every month at Weber State University. Free planetarium shows, Free science presentations (we loved carnivorous plants, the physics of sound, and the slime), and tons of fun hands-on activities; even for a two year old. Oh, yes, all FREE. If it is free (especially free science) we are there.

3. I have the best cousins.

Andrew invited Kerianne and Shane Dyer to our house for Sunday dinner. Could there be a happier thing to do? I was amazed at how thoroughly enjoyable they are to be with and talk to. They almost never talked about themselves, unless we forced them. For two such accomplished people, they were humble, and sincerely interested in us.

Sorry, Keri, for including this picture. Sarah took it. I was fascinated because you could see how tired my eyes were. They were bright red. That is how they often look, lately.
Again, sorry about the pic, but I just want to thank Kerianne for all she taught us that night. We thought that we might be a help to her worries about dating and marriage, but we were wrong. She came and taught me about my family, and mental illness. Thank you. I am different now because you came.
4. Free Bowling Passes:

We decided to go bowling, because that is what Curious George did that day. Luckily for us, the bowling lanes were full with tournaments, which might be sad, but they gave us 3 free bowling passes for another day.

We had just as much fun pretending to play video games in the lobby.

The Big Announcement

We have not been getting many comments lately, and that is okay. I know that you are reading, and for some reason or another, maybe time, lack of blogger expertise, or my posts are not evoking emotion enough to comment, the comments are just not flowing.

But I know that you are still there. Thanks for reading.

I thought of a post that would evoke emotion and maybe a couple of comments. Sadly, the post had been evading us for the last 2+ years. But, thanks to Dr. Hammoud at the University of Utah Center for Reproductive Medicine and a ton of prayers-oh, so many prayers:

WE ARE HAVING A BABY!
I even changed the font size and color for the announcement which I never do. I chose BYU blue, because that is where I hope this new one will go to school. But if he or she chooses Utah State, which is also blue, that is great too.

There you go. It is our happy thought and has been our fondest dream for a long time. We are the most blessed of families.