The Story of Us: The Proposal

I think we left off where I was headed to my other date and Alex was off to save the world.

The date was okay, but he wasn't my prince charming. This guy planned dinner a movie and then wanted to take me bowling. I was able to talk him into just dinner and a movie because I had plans with my girlfriends that evening.

Alex came home from Idaho and we went to Temple square to see the lights....my cousin convinced me that he was going to propose and to tell you the truth I was kinda liking that idea. We had the best time, the lights were beautiful and we had alot of fun. We stopped at Burger King on the way home and I even convinced him to let me take a picture of him in a Burger King crown. But no proposal. I was okay with that too because we had only been dating less than a month.

We went to a Stake sing a long for Christmas the first Sunday in December. On the drive up there he took my hand and asked if I had thought about marrying him. I told him I had and asked him the same question. He responded that he too had thought about it. He then asked if I knew what my answer would be, when I told him it would be a yes he told me he had already bought a ring. And that he had it with him but wanted to speak with my Dad first. He wouldn't even let me take a peek at it.

He will tell you that he planned on asking my Christmas Day but that didn't happen. That Wednesday he took me to dinner and told me he was going to ask my parents that night. I was excited and nervous. I don't think that I was as nervous as Alex was though. But they immediately gave their blessing.

He took my hand and asked me to walk with him to the new fire station that was under construction. He wanted to show me the details and explain to me why it was important to him. He said to me "this community has given me so much, they accepted me in my youth and helped raise me and I feel the need to give back."  Here is a link to a news story they did on him a year ago.
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=14962572&pid=0

As we walked to the Fire station and the park next to it, it was almost midnight, it was dark and the drizzle of falling rain was slowly turning into snow. He helped me through the unfinished fire station showing me where the gear would go, the trucks, and the training rooms. He explained that alot of the work was being done by the fireman on their days off, like the tiling and the heating ducts. I was amazed at his courage, and his willingness to give. I wanted to be apart of it. I decided then that I would join the fire department too. (Betcha didn't know that about me did ya?)

In our city our fire department is also our first responders. So my medical training would be a benefit. And not to brag but I can say I have "caught" a hydrant at least once. Unfortunately for me it only lasted about 4 months then we found out I was pregnant with Lydia and since then someone has to stay with the little ones. But one day I will go back, they always ask me when I am. Anyway enough about me back to the story.

Once we were done with the tour he walked me to the pine trees that lined the park to get out of the rain/snow. He got down on one knee and asked if I would be his wife. I joyfully said yes! He put the ring on my finger and I held out my hand. "It is so beautiful!" I told him. He laughed. It was so dark that I honestly had no idea what my ring looked like and he knew it. But that didn't matter to me. It was mine, from the one I love and want to spend my life here and in eternity with.

And when I got home and saw it in the light, it was everything I had hoped for and more.

My beautiful ring

Our Tree

Our Family Tree.

I never thought I would hear my child say.....100 years.

Our school district is celebrating 100 years of being a district. They had a big party last week on the 100th day of school. Lydia came home and was telling me about her day and mentioned that they had them draw a picture of what they would look like in 100 years. My daughter is very grown up in personality and very analytical (she made a picture for her teacher out of buttons and when asked to tell her about the picture she looked at her teacher like she was stupid and said "It is a piece of paper with buttons on it) Get the idea? Curious I asked what hers looked like she responded with:

I drew a picture of my headstone with my birthday on it because that is really old. Seriously mom, I will be dead before I am 100.

I haven't received a call yet from the school.....

Fundraiser or Extortion?

I received the following email from the Principal at our school today (underlining is my addition):

Hello Families;
Our "Change the Rules Day" is coming up on Friday, February 24th. This idea has been tried in other schools as a quick fundraiser with proceeds going directly to the child's classroom for math manipulatives or reading materials. This, of course, is optional. Your child's teacher will send home a list of small activities which a child can participate in during that day. Most of the activities are similar to what we would do on a spirit day or other activity day. Families can donate the amount of money for an activity or choose not to participate at all. It is only one day (short day) so it will move quickly.

We have had great response so far and just wanted to make families aware that the day is coming up on Friday and that perhaps the money could come in on Thursday if possible so that the kids can enjoy their activities. As always, we appreciate your support of our school.

Sincerely,
Principal

Copy of the letter sent home by the school with the kids.

I am all for supporting my children's schools. I am fine with the taxes and registration fees, I am even fine with the fees that are for extra curricular activities. But to have an activities day were they are allowed to wear hats, crazy hair, pajamas, be principal for 5 minutes, or extra minutes at recess and treats. But if the student (or their parents) don't pay the price allotted then they are not allowed to participate and enjoy the activities is wrong. It sets the children up for harassment by their peers. Some families can't afford their own bills let alone pay money to allow their child to wear their pajamas to school.

I know they are trying to raise money for classroom supplies, books and math manipulatives but I believe there is better ways to do this. Ask for donations. Have classrooms compete together to see who can raise the most of an item and them reward the whole class. They have fall festivals, so why
 not a spring festival? Something that will not segregate the children.

This really upsets me. My husband does construction work and winters are bad for us. I will be keeping my child home from school Friday so she doesn't get her feelings hurt or is disappointed that she can't participate in these activities that cost the school no money at all. I feel like the email from the Principal was like an ultimatum pay up or else your child suffers.

So I want opinions people, one from everyone who reads this post please! Am I being overly sensitive or do you think that there is something wrong with this fundraising tactic.

Love Bugs......Happy Valentine's Day

Our Valentines day started extra early. 3 am Austin made his way to our bed and tossed and turned for about half of an hour. When he finally ended up on my head I told him to lay still or he would need to go back to his own bed. To which he responded by saying "Mommy I think I am going to be sick" He vomited until about 8am. I crossed my fingers nobody else would get sick  and groggily headed off to work for a half day.

I pulled into the parking stall, locked the doors, and made my way to the hospital. When someone just starts honking their horn at me. I was like what the heck is the problem? I turned around to see my Daddy getting out of his car with a rose for me. He had followed me from my house trying to get me to stop. It was so sweet. I loved telling everyone who asked about it who it was from.

When I got home we opened our valentines with the kids. It was alot of fun. I made some fun crafts that I found on Pintrest ( I LOVE pintrest!) It was fun and cost very little money.

Made this for my kids and Hubby.

And from this blog

Made this for my Hubby but changed the words to You Da Bomb!

And from this blog I found these,

Made this for hubby too.

We also got the kids candy hearts and marshmallow cupcake suckers. It was alot of fun. I was given chocolates and jewelery.

We went up to my moms and helped the kids decorate sugar cookies, and then brought the little ones home for a nap. My parents had agreed to watch the kids so Alex and I could have a romantic dinner.

We dropped them off and headed to Ruby River. We enjoyed the hour wait time chatting, and eating our appetizers. My stomach started to feel uneasy, but I wasn't about to let it ruin our date. I tried so hard to enjoy the night but as soon as they set my steak in front of me I told Alex I had to be excused.

By the time I rejoined him he had almost finished his meal and had lovingly cut my meat for me. I was able to take a few bites and we ordered to go boxes and also a dessert to go. I felt so bad missing our dinner. But the stomach "love bug" from Austin had found me. And like Austin after about 4 hours I felt fine.

All in all it was a great day. I want to leave you with a something else I found on pintrest. I framed this for my family. I hope you all had a wonderful valentines or Single Awareness day and that you only were bit by the good love bugs.

I found this here.

Things I never thought I would hear from my children:

2am as I help Austin to the bathroom and get him a drink:

Mommy you look so beautiful.

Things I Never thought I would say to my children:

Stop running that piece of pizza through your hair!

To AJ at dinner tonight.

On the day that you were born.......

My Dad would sing this song to me every year on my Birthday.

My mom would make me a heart shaped caked.

And my Brothers have a competition to see who can get me the funniest card.

 (Well maybe not, but it seems that way)

 Now I look forward to hugs and kisses and homemade cards from my little ones,

 and my Hubby is the best gift buyer anyone could ask for.

My mom still makes my cake,

for the last 2 years my request has been Rice Krispie treats

because by the time the boys and Taylie's parties are over

I am caked out. 

Last night I had a pre birthday celebration with one of my most awesome friends in the whole world!

I am 29 today.

I am not letting it bother me that it is my last year in my twenties.

I am not.

Really.

I have been thinking about making a list of 29 things I would like to accomplish this year before I celebrate the 1st anniversary of my 29th Birthday.

Any ideas?

Anyone?

 Anyone?

Birth to 20

New blog........Lifes Honest Moments

I have felt lately that I have been blogging about all the happy moments in my life, which is okay. But life sometimes isn't always happy, sometimes I just need a place to write down my thoughts of events or the day that sometimes aren't always happy. Sort of as a therapy. Or confession blog. I am making this blog for me mainly. But I realize that there might be others who might be going through the same things that I am. So it will be open by invitation only. If you would like an invite please feel free to leave your email address below, or you can send it to me personally at tftolman@yahoo.com

I will still be blogging at Alex Tracie and the wee ones. This other will be when I just need to clear my mind and get my feelings out and on paper so I can sort them out. And maybe get feed back from you!

Happy Birthday dear AJ, Happy Birthday dear Austin, Happy Birthday dear Taylie!

Amazing what 2 years can do.

Happy Birthday guys!

We love you!

Taylie Hope: Our Party Girl

After the twins people would assume we were done having children. We always knew that we were not but the discussion of when we should have another one was one of great concern. It took almost a year to have the twins but Lydia was our honeymoon baby. We finally decided that we would start trying for another baby when the boys were about 16 months. They would at least be two years apart but we were hoping that it would take a little longer so that the space between them would be greater. I learned that when you plan, God laughs.

June 6, 2009 Alex's 26th Birthday

A positive pregnancy test.

After only one month of trying.

Surprise!

Alex made me take 2 more tests just to be sure. We did the math and by our calculations our baby would be born February 11, 2010. Just a week after the twins and 2 days after my birthday. Wow, not quite what we were expecting but we were happy none the less. I thought it would be fun if she was born on my birthday or Valentines day. Just not on the boys birthday, they already had to share.

We decided that we would wait to tell family until we knew what the sex was and how many just in case. My pregnancy went like my others, very sick in the first trimester. So sick that I wasn't able to hide it from my coworkers. That and I was so emotional they knew something was up, and I finally had to confess. I was so tired with this pregnancy that instead of taking my 1/2 hour lunch break, I would go into an exam room, set an alarm on my phone and would take a nap.

We were nervous for our first appointment with Dr N. Would their be one baby or two? As we reviewed my history he asked about my other deliveries. I told him about Lydia and when I got to the twins and mentioned the emergency c section his response was. "Oh I remember that, it is never a good thing if a Doctor remembers your delivery." I wasn't sure if I should be proud or worried.

He started the ultrasound and we were excited to find that we were just having one, and I just knew it would be a girl. We hadn't even told our children but I soon found Lydia asking me when we were going to have another baby, she said my belly was growing like it did when we had the boys.

I found her telling my parents that mommy's belly is getting bigger. I had to lie when they asked if I was pregnant. But soon enough we told the kids we were going to have a baby and that we were taking them with us to find out if it was a boy or girl.  The verdict a GIRL!!!. We bought pink balloons and announced it to my family. It was Alex's Dads birthday so we decided that we would sign the card and baby girl . It took a few reads but they were so excited.

This pregnancy was different than the twins, I was working full time again. It was fun being with my friends, having them feel the baby kick and showing them my ultrasound pictures. I soon found out though that as much as they love me they wouldn't be willing to deliver my baby for me.

February 2010

Dr N. is concerned about my blood pressure and wants to induce me on February 4th, I was able to talk him out of that day as it was the twins birthday but he made me promise to come in that night to be induced and deliver on the 5th. I took what I could get and promised I would.

February 3, 2010

The night before the boys birthday we decorated the house so that they would be surprised when they woke up the next morning. My job as I was much too big to do anything else was to blow up a pack of balloons. A pack of 72 balloons. It mimicked pushing, so I thought it was a good idea to keep it up. To remind myself how it was, prepare by body. Bad idea.

February 4, 2010 the Boys 2nd Birthday

I woke up to my last day of work, I was excited and nervous to be started. I had gone into labor by myself with my others so this would be something new. I remember brushing my teeth and feeling the most painful cramp in my life. It only lasted about a minute and then stopped. I was surprised at the intensity of the pain as my other contractions had always happened in my back. Let me tell you abdominal contractions hurt MUCH worse. It happened twice on my way to work. Oh Crap, I though please not yet I have a party to go to tonight. As I walked from my car into my office at the hospital I thought I was going to have to flag a passerby to get me wheelchair because they were so bad I was doubled over in pain unable to walk. Somehow I made it, I put on a brave face and said hi to my lovely friends. And headed to my office next to theirs. Luckily it was just me and the doctor and because he is a specialist his appointments lasted about an hour. I was able to sit and track my contractions. Every 3-5 minutes and would last about 2 minutes. Oh no, this is really happening. I wonder if I can make it until the end of the day.

Another contraction and I am doubled over my desk eyes closed counting when I hear my dear friend Jamece yell "OMG! I am getting Ruth!" I am not I yelled at her retreating foot steps. Ruth came and looked at my numbers, she said to give it a little more time. I was soon greeted by my other nurse friends Faith and Kelly who told me to get my but to labor and delivery because they didn't want to have to deliver me in the office. They even told me they would take me there in a wheelchair if necessary. I told them I would go as soon as I could tell the Doctor.

I called Alex and told him I was in labor, he thought I was joking with him. He said do you know what today is? I told him of course I did I was doing the same thing two years ago, but trying to stop a baby from coming when they want to is like trying to stop a train at full force. He told me to go to labor and delivery and see what they said and then call him back.

As I made my way to labor and delivery I instantly regretted not taking them up on the offer for the wheelchair. It probably took me 20 minutes to walk there. Once I got their and the nurses examined me they said I wasn't going anywhere that the baby was on her way today.

I pulled my cell phone out to call Alex and just as I did I got a text from my office manager with a picture of a cake and telling me they were having a surprise shower for me in the lunch room and to come join them. I told her I would love to but that the nurses weren't letting me leave labor and delivery. She was so excited! I guess in the commotion I forgot or assumed the others would tell her they made me leave so they wouldn't have to deliver me. (You know I love you ladies)

I called Alex and told him to call my mom to watch the kids and cancel the party because we were gonna have a baby. It was just after this that the nurse decided to inform me that Dr N was in a surgery and so they couldn't admit me and get me a room until they spoke with him. This was about noon. This also meant that I couldn't have my epidural, even though I was at 5 almost 6cm. I decided to chat with the nurses to take my mind off my contractions. And mentioned to them about the shower I was missing on the 3rd floor. And to my surprise they pulled some strings and got me a room so that my work could bring the shower to me. She also was able to give me a morphine shot to help relieve some of the pain from the contractions. It was great except when I had a contraction I could still feel them but I was very relaxed in between. My office came and brought my presents and balloons and we had a great time in my little private room. Alex arrived and I could see the look of disbelief. We were going to have 3 kids with the same birthday. WOW!

Dr N finally got out of surgery at 4:30 and came in an broke my water and okayed the epidural. Alex had always wanted me to try and have her at home because it would be cool if he could deliver her. Thankfully Dr N said he would let Alex help him and 2 hours after my water broke we were ready to have a baby! Almost. She was posterior like her older sister. But Dr N worked miracles and was able to turn her and at 6:51pm Taylie Hope Turner entered the world with the help of her Daddy.

She weighed in at 7 lbs 1oz and was 20 inches long.

She has been loved from the moment she arrived by everyone.

Our Little Family

She stole our hearts from the moment she has arrived. I remember when we brought her home I had to have her nap in the bassinet in the room the kids were playing because the boys were worried about "their baby" they always had to know where she was and even if Alex or I left the room with her they would cry for their baby. It was so cute. And Lydia she loves having a little sister to dote on Taylie loves each one of them. She never wants to miss anything. Especially a party.

I am sure many wonder if we are done now that we have 2 of each. 

Only time will tell.

Oh and if you are ever in need of inducing labor try blowing up balloons, it worked for me!

Super Bowl Baby #2: Austin Olegovich

Again as in with some previous posts, this will contain some very emotional and spiritual experiences for me that I feel need to be documented for my posterity. Please be respectful of them.

**June 2005  Alex: What will we name this baby (Lydia) if it is a boy?
                       Me:  How about Austin?
                      Silence.... I can see that he is deep in thought.
                      Alex: No, that is to be our 3rd child's name.

Austin Olegovich 2/4/08

February 4, 2008

Nurse: We still can't locate him.

 Dr N: Well find someone, we have 5 minutes to get this baby out or we lose him.

My heart sank,  please don't let anything happen to my baby I prayed. Please. In my mind (or maybe out loud I couldn't tell you for sure) I would pray, Please don't let them cut me open, I am still awake, Please let the baby be okay. Over and over. I am sure the nurses probably thought I was going crazy. I was beginning to feel weak, dizzy even though I was lying down, I felt like I wanted to slip into unconsciousness but was unable to because of the overwhelming fear and commotion around me.

Dr N: Tracie, Baby A's placenta is trying to deliver before Baby B. You are hemorrhaging (bleeding) quite a bit, I know your epidural has worn off and that you can feel everything. We don't have time to wait until it makes you numb again so we are going to have to put you to sleep. It will be best for you and the baby.

Hemorrhage, Oh please heavenly father let them get him our in time. Please let him be okay and let me be able to have more children.

I am still awake, I am still awake, I am still awake. I remember repeating. I felt like I was going to die. My heart was racing, I was in a cold sweat. I remember thinking that this is more than I can bear. And then I remembered being taught in Church that we would never be given more than we could bear. I turned to my Father in Heaven and had probably the most humble sincere talk with him. I told him that I have born this burden, my heart is heavy and I can no longer bear this burden so I would be turning it over to him. Matthew 11:28 ^aCome unto me, all ye that ^blabour and are heavy laden, and I will give you ^crest.

It was the most amazing peaceful feeling that I can't even begin to describe. I was at peace, he took my burden and gave me rest. I knew He loved me, was there with me and that though I felt alone in the chaos I wasn't. I have often heard that a women is never closer to heaven than when she is bringing Gods children into this world. And I have a testimony of that. For the next thing I knew the veil was thin, looking to my left were Alex and AJ had been earlier I saw the figure of man. He was leaning against the counter and was looking at me with a smile on his face, I could feel the love for me, I could see it in his eyes. I could feel his excitement. And I could here him say "I love you Mom, you are doing great. Everything is going to be fine."

I looked back to the ceiling only to see the face of a new doctor. He introduced him self as the anesthesiologist and told me he would be putting me to sleep and that he would be with me the whole time. My response, don't let them cut me open while I am still awake. As he promised he wouldn't I drifted off into unconsciousness.

Austin Olegovich 5lbs 9 oz  18 in born at 1:19pm

Lydia seeing her brothers for the first time

Everyone seeing the boys for the first time, top right is the twins with my twin brothers.

You are probably wondering where I am in these pictures. I am in recovery, I remember waking up as they where wheeling me there and asking them 3 questions. 1) Is the baby okay? yes he is perfectly healthy. 2) Can I have more children? Yes, they were able to save your uterus. 3) I WANT MORPHINE!!! (okay so the last wasn't a question more of a demand but hey you try having babies from both ends and tell me how you feel)

For a long time I was very depressed about no one being there when Austin was born and if it would have any effect on him the future. I was depressed that I missed Lydia seeing her brothers for the first time, the joy of the grandparents, great grad parents and Aunts and Uncles faced when they did too. Thankfully my wonderful hubby had someone tape it all and take some great pictures. But it isn't the same. I was the last person to hold my babies. But worse, I don't remember it.

But I realize how blessed we were, we had 2 perfectly healthy baby boys. Babies who didn't even . spend one minute in the NICU, who were allowed to come home with me on Friday when I was discharged. Boys who make me fall more in love with them every day.

Me holding the boys and Lydia for the "first" time.

AJ (L) and Austin (R)

Austin (L) and AJ (R)

Coming Soon! Taylie the Party Girl!