Here are some photos of Sam and Dan when they were just little ones. Sammi was always our smiley kiddo and Daniel was not so smiley for awhile. Perhaps when the cord was wrapped around his neck it gave him a headache! I think Sammi was so pleasant so it would be encouraging to have more! I remember wanting another one right away. They were so fun as babies I really look forward to having another one. It has been awhile. Long enough that I have forgotten the pain of child birth! That is a miracle!

Being pregnant this time has been different. I feel generally good, but sometimes I do get really tired. The hard thing is not being able to rest when you want to with the other kiddos. They are not quite old enough to leave unsupervised, maybe when they are 20! I try to get them to "relax" with me every now and again. Naps are a joke though. I am in awe at those who have really huge families. That is amazing. Those women must be super-human. My number used to be 12 children - that was before going through labor. Our current Stake President has 12 kids all living at home. It is just so cool and amazing that people are capable of doing that. They have my total respect and admiration!

So I ran today. It was really weird weather. It was 60 degrees but there were 45 mph winds and rain. So I went out and wrapped Daniel all up (Sammi was at school) and I put a blanket over the stroller for protection. I had to go today because I saw my crooked lady out walking - it looked like she was going to tip over! Anyhow, I went out in the elements and I felt like I was going to blow over. There were peices of trees flying in my face. Pine cones were flying from the huge pine trees and rain was slapping me in the face. I was wearing a baseball hat to protect my head and eyes and it sort of helped. Sometimes the wind blew so hard I felt like I was running in place - not going anywhere. When that would happen I would grip onto the stroller with both hands pull out my strength and say "bring it on!!" and I would run harder. It actually was a slightly spiritual experience. Something about being out in the real weather having your physical and mental strength challenged. It was a good chance to talk to God, ask for strength, and be amazed when I was able to push through it. I love the experiences I am able to have when I go out for a good run. There is nothing like it.

I hope you are all well! Love you lots!