Eleven Years and Counting!

I know, I know, I can't believe it either! I'm blogging! My heart is just so full, I thought I should take a sec and blog....
Today is my anniversary and it truly boggles my mind that we've been together 11 years. A third of my life I've been a Foutz. We've been through good times, hard times, trials and triumphs, but through it all our love has always carried us through. Dan is so much more than a husband, he's my best friend. (Ok, I'm allowed to be cheesy here--it's my anniversary for crying out loud!) While I was in Ohio last week, I kept thinking, "I wish Dan could see this" or "I wish Dan could be here so I could school him in this game" or "I wish Dan could taste this amazing Indian food", I realized that life without him would be very drab indeed. I feel so fortunate to have him in my life and look so forward to what the next decade has to offer! Now isn't that just the cutest couple?!

Personally Charming

Ok, I admit I've been dead to the blogging world for about 7 months now, but finally I have something worthwhile to report:

I have joined the corporate world. Ha ha What's even crazier: I'm blogging about it!! Just humor me and check it out at http://www.personallycharming.blogspot.com/. And then come to my house on Thursday to see what it's all about.

Peace out.

"Twofer Tuesday"

Yesterday was Henry's 5 week birthday. What did he do to celebrate? Well, besides the usual babyness of pooping and spitting, he welcomed not one, but two new cousins to the world. It was all very exciting. So exciting he couldn't sleep at night! (he must be excited every night!) Here's the stats:

Anne Muriel
Due on July 22
Parents: My brother Vernon Henry and his lovely wife Lauren
Weight: 8 lb 4 oz
Hair: red (huh? how did that happen?!)
Attitude: Sassy

Less than 5 hours later.....

Arya Kaethe (pronounced Aria Kayta)
Due on August 6
Parents: Dan's brother Mike and his lovely wife Katy
Weight: 8 lb 0 oz
Hair: blonde and curly
Attitude: Serene

We are so excited they are finally here!!! As you can see, I can't complain at being 1 week overdue when Lauren endured twice that long! She is an amazing woman.

And if anyone is going to RC Willey to shop for furniture, you can thank Mike for taking Katy to the hospital before they tested new couches when her water broke in the parking lot....

Baby Henry

Introducing the newest member of our family! Henry James Foutz came in his own due time, and we're so in love with our baby!
So for all of you that haven't heard, here's the details: He actually made it in June!!!! I'll forgive him for coming 6 days late since I didn't have to be induced. :) My parents had just barely arrived and I woke Dan up around 1 am on the 30th to go to the hospital "early" because I didn't want a repeat of Lukas' labor when he arrived 5 min after getting to the hospital. We got there around 1:30 and my water broke right when I stepped out of the car (much to Dan's relief) so I knew at least they wouldn't turn me away! I was very perturbed to find out that all the contractions I had been experiencing in the car hadn't changed a thing from my appointment that morning. I thought it was going to be a long labor. Dan went to park the car while the nurses tried to give me an IV. I have "squirrelly veins" and it was taking them forever to find one. And it seemed like they were always trying during a contraction. Finally I couldn't take it anymore and blurted out "Oh my gosh, I have to push!" No one believed me that I had changed from a 4 to complete in 10 minutes, including myself, but sure enough, I had arrived at that glorious moment in record time! My doctor RAN in, and amazingly made it for the delivery (especially since Dan told her on the phone we were being conservative and leaving with plenty of time for her to arrive.). He was born at 1:59 am, weighing in at 8 lb 3 oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches long. Since then, he's grown to 8 lb 10 oz and 22 inches! If they could just stay little!
I am forever indebted to my mom who was able to stay for 3 weeks and help me catch up on my rest. It took a car accident to total her car and persuade her to stick around even longer than she had planned, but I was grateful it bought me some more time! Thankfully no one was hurt. Henry even slept through the whole ordeal. If only he would sleep that soundly at night....

As you can see, my dear friend Cama has done it again and captured the sweetness of a newborn. I must admit, though--even the pictures don't do him justice--he is too precious for words and I am so so happy he's here!

Happy Father's Day!!!

To my dearest dad and the daddy of my children:

I salute and honor you. I couldn't ask for better examples for all my boys for the type of men I want them to become. You are men of faith and integrity and treat the women in your lives like queens. I love you both and hope you had a wonderful day!

Isn't he cute? He's posing with some of the gifts the kids got him for his big day.This really should be another post, but I'm lazy....We had Dan's brother and family over for Father's day dinner and we realized that Katy and I have never been pregnant (aka large)together, although we're both expecting our 5th. Weird, eh? So, we had to get a belly shot for the record. And I believe this is one of the few shots I have of me pregnant at 9 months. Dang we look good! :)We are officially goofy--I'm not sure what I was trying to portray in this shot, but I think I did a marvelous job. I'm pretty sure our babies are passing positive vibes to each other telling each other that even though our moms may be nuts, it's ok to come out.

It's all Semantics

What some people call "impatient," I like to refer to as "proactive." Yes, I realize I still have 4 days left, but my baby only has a short window of convenience to arrive. You see, my doctor is leaving town from Monday to Friday next week, so this weekend is IT. What have I done to speed up the process? Lots of things, but here's the kicker:

I just ran 2 miles. Crazy, I know. But, hopefully it works and the next post on here will have baby pictures. And I'll make up Father's Day to Dan, um, next year.

Who likes Cheesecake?!

In honor of my new springform pan that I got for my birthday, I'm hosting a contest. It's simple and fun and ends in sublime richness.

I'm going to bake a cheesecake for the person who comes the closest to guessing my due date.

To enter, just make a comment with your guess of date and time (in case people choose the same date) and the winner will be duly rewarded. Muah ha ha ha.

In order to make it fair, I am officially due June 24. I have gone between 5 days early and 12 days late in the past. I will not be induced.Let the predictions begin!!

If you live out of town, shoot. I'll think of something, don't worry.

Bumpers and Birdies

I finished it! While I was at my sister's house in Rexburg, all three of us girls started making bumper pads for our babies to match the quilts mom made for them. It turned out to be more of an ordeal than I anticipated, but with Emily's help, I got it done today! Now all I need is the crib!Here's the quilt I was coordinating it with. Honestly, the picture doesn't do it justice. It is so darn cute in person, I can hardly stand it.

And try to imagine it all with a sleeping baby in this crib: Oh, I can hardly wait.

Inside the Curious Mind of Emily Foutz

Yesterday Emily brought home a bound book called "My Year Long Journal" from first grade. It was fun to read and get a little insight to her quirky personality. Some of the entries made me wonder what her teacher may have thought....

Example 1: Being truthful is important because.... We will die if we don't foloe the ten comandment's. I like the ten comandments. You will die if you don't folou the ten comandments. I mean get brnd with fire and then die and not go to heaven. I want to go to heaven agen and see Jesas again.

Example 2: Something I want Mrs. Hill to know about me is.... I'm POSITIVE! I'M CARFALE! I LIKE MYSELF AT EVERY PLACE!

Example 3: Sometimes I wish.... Sometimes I wish my little brother was quite as a mouse. My little brother is blazing loud. He is 3. His name is Sameil, and he loves cars. I love peace. My two brothers don't give it to me. I have 3 brothers. One is quite. His name is Benjamin. He dose funny tricks like making his hands float up automatically.

Example 4: If I could live any place.... I could do the splits. (huh?) I cannot do the splits anymore because I am seven. I am older than I was before. When I grow up...I'm going to live in a store. The store will be blue, and orange, red, purple, yellow, lavender, vilet, and white. I will live in a candy store.

That entry was ironic--earlier she mentioned "I like healthy food. I like banannas. I eat clean ones, not grody ones. I like monkeys that eat banannas, they like me."

Oh Emmers. (or Emrz as she informed me it was spelled) I don't want you to grow up. Please stay little and carefree and full of wonder and enthusiasm for life. I couldn't ask for a better person to be my one and only girl. You bring so much laughter and love into my life.

Birthday Girl!

"Happy birthday to me, I'm the big thirty-three. I feel like a walrus, and I want this baby."

Who's more excited for cake: me or Sam? Dan and the kids made my favorite--pineapple upside down yumminess. Bless his heart.

And of course, the Dan and the kids surprised me with gifts that I didn't even know existed. Who could have predicted drumsticks with flames on them?! Including sweet "silencing tips" so I can rock out at night without disturbing my kids' slumber....Not to be outdone, Mom Mauery pulled out all the stops this year and finished her 2 year long project of an old-fashioned quilt that blew me away. It is so lovely and makes me smile every time I walk by my bed. Pay no attention to the moose antlers in the background. Every master needs horns somewhere. It's good feng shui.Thanks to everyone who made my birthday memorable and delightful. From a much-needed pedicure from Jenny (I'd take pictures of my toes, but I have club feet at the moment) to Dan watching the kids while I got my hair done (I'd take pictures, but alas, it's destined to be in a ponytail for another year), to my book club gals treating me to dinner, it was truly a happy day(s). I have a great life!

10 years and counting!

Under the guise of "going to Walmart to buy Nancy a birthday present," when we were visiting my sister in Rexburg, Dan whisked me off to Jackson Hole alone for a night to celebrate our big "one-oh" anniversary. Was I surprised? shocked? floored? flabbergasted? YES! I was so confused, in fact, that about 3 times I told him he was definitely going the wrong way to Walmart, he was lost, and I was starting to get a little miffed we were in the middle of nowhere right when we were supposed to be leaving for home. When he broke the news to me, all I could think of was "Did you tell Mom and Mary??!!" He of course had thought of everything, and the getaway was perfect. We had an awesome room with an awesome view with awesome food and awesome company. It was AWESOME!

Downtown, they were redoing one of the famous antler arches. We had some spare time on our hands, and they petitioned anyone 9 months pregnant to help.

Phew, that was a lot of work. Mom and Mary, now you know why we got back later than planned.

Well, Dannyboy, the past 10 years have flown by in a whirlwind of fun and friendship and laughter and love. Thanks for a memorable anniversary and spoiling me at every chance you get. I am so lucky to be your bride.

And of course, I have to give a great big thanks to my mom and sister for watching our handful while we were away--we owe you big!!!

I almost forgot--here's what I gave Dan. Thanks to my uber-talented friend Cama, I finally had bridal pics taken about 10 years late. She says "every man deserves a beautiful picture of his wife." Thanks to her photo software, she was able to make that a reality for my hubby! hee hee. It was wonderful to feel glamorous for a day, even though in reality my dress wasn't zipped and I couldn't breath. But who cares--Dan thinks still thinks I'm a hottie after 10 years and that's all I ever wanted!

Rexburg ROCKS!!!

Isn't everyone's dream vacation destination Rexburg, Idaho? I know it's my kids'! We travelled there over Memorial Day weekend to spend some quality time with the fam and see the newest addition to Mary and Joe's family, Penny, get blessed. Isn't she precious? So is the baby.While we were there, we also took the animals to the zoo to see the children. Or something like that. Monkey faces so realistic it's scary.My loveable lions.I thought this was too funny--you'd think it was their first trip to the zoo!The whole weekend went by too fast and I've been "sisters-sick" ever since.

I'm Ready

I'm ready to have my ankles back.


I'm ready to not cringe every time I see something fall to the ground because I know I'll have to pick it up.


I'm ready to RUN!

I'm ready to feel pretty again.


I'm ready to be able to tie my shoes without making gutteral noises.


I'm ready to eat whatever I want without suffering the consequenses of heartburn.


I'm ready to have a lap again for my boys.


I'm ready to go the the bathroom less than once an hour and pee more than a tablespoon.


I'm ready to feel kicked on the outside instead of the inside.


I'm even ready to smell like rotten milk and change stinky diapers again. I am.


And oh how I'm ready to hold a sweet little baby again!!!


I just don't think I'm ready for labor yet.


And so I'm ready to stop complaining and wait.

Dear Mom,

Have I ever told you that....

Whenever I get a little scratch on my arm, it reminds me of the hours you'd spend in the raspberry patch pruning and then picking them for our enjoyment?

Every time I eat "delicacies" such as asaparagus, rhurbarb, and beets, I think back to how I loathed them as a child, fresh-picked from the garden, and now I only dream about having them grow like weeds in our backyard?

Even though I was a cheerleader in uniform, you were one in heart and mind, always cheering me on during hard times? You believed in me--I have proof in the "You can do it!" sign you made me in college.

I think your fingers are beautiful? They represent hours at the quilting frame and holding a crochet hook.

Nothing is so sweet as seeing you and Dad share loving moments together when you think no one is watching?

Hearing you laugh so hard that your eyes get squinty and your face turns red is one of the most precious sounds in the world?

Whenever people think I am strong, I picture you bucking hay bales along side the men for our family farm?

I am so grateful to you for passing on all the "dying arts" to us girls? Canning as a child used to be something I dreaded, now there's nothing quite so satisfying as filling up my pantry with those beautiful bottles of fruit....

Thanks to you, I can make dinner in less than 30 minutes with practically nothing? (as long as I have some pasta, a vegetable, and some meat, we're good!)

Also thanks to you, I can't follow a recipe exactly to save my life?

You taught me through example that spending time with your kids is more important than an immaculate home?

Every time I hear the song "Sleigh Ride" I think of our piano duet?

I love you because you understand my phobia of phones and know that I'm thinking of you even if we haven't spoken for a while?

Even though you didn't blatantly preach to us, your testimony came through loud and clear by seeing you read your scriptures and make temple attendance a priority? Even my kids know Grandma's beliefs, thanks to all the FHE kits and special gifts you've given them to help teach them the gospel.

Someday I aspire to be the kind of mom you are?

You're the perfect mom for me?

Well, if I never told you those things, I'm telling you now. I hope you have the best Mother's Day!

Love, Sarah

L-u-k-a-s

Lukas has been into spelling things lately in his sentences. At breakfast this morning he goes: "Mom, you're getting f-a-t. Really big f-a-t! When you get bigger, you're going to be a b-a-l-l!"

So c-u-t-e....I love these little pick me ups in the morning.

Bagels and Recitals

So last Saturday the "Sarah Foutz Piano Studio" had it's first recital! I wish I had a decent picture to post, but they all turned out funny. (sorry Dan) I was so nervous for my students Friday night that I could hardly sleep, but they all exceeded my expectations and performed beautifully. They only had about a month to memorize their 2 pieces, whereas the other students (we combined the recital with another studio) had been practicing since January for this event. That's when I started teaching in the first place! But I can't say how proud I am of the kids for working so very hard and doing their best. They were judged and critiqued and awarded gold, silver, and bronze certificates based on their performances.

They all did great!

Then I came home and have been craving bagels for days. I made these yesterday and baked them this morning and boy-howdy, they were worth it! I admit that they aren't the most gorgeous specimens to emerge from my oven, but the taste made up for that double-fold! Don't tell anyone that I've already eaten 3 of them (with butter and jam) this morning. The baby was hungry.

Oh, and by the way....

I'm due next month!!!

My Man's Big Day

That smile just melts my heart. I was so excited for Dan's birthday this year because he has been working so hard these past few months and I wanted to give him something to celebrate. It actually started at midnight with his brother the day before, and ended with a midnight movie (Wolverine) on Thursday. My guy knows how to party! In between all that, the fam came over for one of his favorite dinners (ham, potatoes, cobb salad, and jello), along with his yearly request of strawberry cake. (Let me pat myself on the back and mention that I also made homemade rolls with strawberry freezer jam for an extra special treat for him--he's been begging for jam for years!) We were all stuffed! That's a big fire, and a lot of smoke! Any guesses on how old he is?!

Then came time for the presents. I was so excited for him to open this. A few years ago he met the owners of Jones' Soda and he told me you could personalize your own soda. He loves their soda, so I looked into it. Thanks to my bro, Timothy for getting this picture last summer. He loved it so much, he put some of it on display in his office. Awww. You can't read the fine print, but you also get to write a personal message on the back. I'd tell you what it says, but it's, um personal.Dan, Dan, you're my man.

"Pine of Jerbies"

Well, that's what Lukas called it, anyway. (Does it really sound like that when I say "Pinewood Derby?" Dan thinks I have a thpeech impediment, maybe he'th right.)

So....the excitement at our house these past few days has been getting geared up for the big race which was held tonight. I must say, after BJ's first race when his weights went flying off, I did not hold my breath the rest of the night and went to help dish up treats in the kitchen. When I finished, Dan told me I just missed the championship race and whadya know, he won! (Obviously he didn't fare so well in the uniform inspection, but we'll work on that next month.) I love this picture so much because I have one kind of like it of me and my older brother, Timothy when we were about the same ages. He (Timothy) wanted me in the picture as much as BJ wanted Emily in the picture, but little sisters are just so adoring of their cool big brothers! Emily was BJ's biggest fan and was as excited as he was. Way to go, Beej!

My Superheros are growing up!

We celebrated 2 super birthdays last week at our house! One for Batman turning three: And one for Superman turning five!

The boys had been telling me for months exactly what cakes they wanted and it was truly a labor of love making them....all day in the kitchen with my super powers. But, the boys were so excited, it made it all worth it. Sam genereally wears his batman costume all day, but when he saw me get the camera out, he had to go and change his clothes really quick so he wouldn't be caught in his pajamas!

Having these boys around all day long makes life interesting and sweet. I am so lucky to have my superheroes!