ReCap of Resolutions 2011

MOM GOALS

-baby #2 (or 3 depending on how you look at it) I had a second full term pregnancy producing 3 additional children...I believe this was full filled.
-get Aidan into a preschool type environment He loves his daycare. He has a hard time getting up early in the morning but he loves doing his projects.
-complete the potty training process With the AWESOME help of many visitors and some wonderful friends...yes HE DID IT!!
-teach Aidan ABC's and 123's(in the correct order as observed by everyone besides Aidan) He is learning lots in day care
-more play dates (he loves him friends) Yep all the time.

WIFE GOALS

-be supportive of Brian's career and the things necessary to grow in it moving 2500 miles away...yep
-motivate and help keep a happy husband thriving I think he is thriving well
-help eliminate our silly debt (silly meaning all debt) well on our way. We paid off the truck and some medical bills. Only to get more medical bills but such is life.
-be an equal partner in everything possible I am trying and Brian says yes.

PERSONAL GOALS

-work on my health I tried my hardest with being pregnant for so long. When I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes I did well to keep my blood sugar within the correct levels and I learned to eat appropriately. So yes...
-sewing/quilting classes not this year
-ETSY shop to sell my hobby/crafts not this year. I have a Etsy shop just nothing to sell because crafts were very far from my mind.
-work on forgiveness, compassion, understanding, and finding happiness everyday in everything I tried and think I did a pretty good job. This may be a reoccurring idea, because I think I should always strive to be better.
-make 5 blankets to donate sadly no. I am really bummed by this one. Maybe next year.
-learn to knit or crochet sadly no, no time and no teacher during bed rest.
-more charitable I tried and think I did a pretty good job. This may be a reoccurring idea, because I think I should always strive to be better.
-garden yes. I got one beautiful tomato and that was it. I didn't say a bountiful garden. ha ha ha
-bodega stocked all year long it has been close to depletion multiple times but we have always had something
-do lots of canning and bottling no bottling or canning. Sorry I made babies and moved three times. too busy. :-)

WANTS

-mini van as of Christmas morning...YES!!!
-new toilet we moved three times and in the current house we have, we now have three toilets, so yes.
-Brian a laptop he got a work lap top.
-new kitchen table and chairs I am going to say yes. Joe and Debbie are letting us have theirs. It will be in our dining room as soon as we can go and get it.

TRAVEL

-St. George *3 yes in the first three months...crazy.
-Redfish sadly no. I hope everyone understands.
-camping sadly no.
-vacation elsewhere just moved to VA. Not really a vacation but a new environment
-over night excursion sans the child(ren) I was in the hospital for four days (three nights). Not exactly what I meant but it was without Aidan and the babies were in NICU.

Family Newletter and Christmas Card 2011

Left to Right back row: Brian, Aidan Katie

Left to Right front row: Gavin, Talon, Owen

Hello Family and Friends,

This year has been a busy one in the Larson household. We have experienced many big changes. Every month has been crazy. But we have loved every minute of 2011. And we can’t wait to see what 2012 has in store for us.

In January we found out that I was expecting. This was such a blessing, especially after our miscarriage in August. But with the excitement of the pregnancy we received news that Brian might not have a position at Convergys for very long. So Brian was able to put out some resumes and the first of February he was able to interview with Juniper Networks. Three days after his return from the interview we found out that we were pregnant with spontaneous triplets! We spent nearly a month trying to process this wonderful news. We were beyond confused when Brian was offered the position with Juniper, in Virginia. It took us some time to wrap our minds around the new path that the Lord had chosen for us, but once we did we eagerly boarded a plane for Virginia in April.

I was put on bed rest in May, a very unfortunate time because we had effectively moved our belongings twice in that month. We also had to search for a place to live, and bed rest made everything a little bit more difficult. But we found a wonderful home to rent, within the boundaries of a wonderful church ward.

The triplets were born on August 12, 2011 via emergency c-section. Gavin Michael, Talon Jeffrey and Owen Kay were born very healthy, just early. They spent about 14 days in the NICU for observation and jaundice. We were very blessed to have such happy healthy babies. Their weights were 5 lbs. 1 oz. (Gavin), 4 lbs. 9 oz. (Talon) and 5 lbs. 10 oz. (Owen).

Since their birth we have had a slue of family come and visit. What a wonderful help they have all been in this odd adjustment period. All these experiences have been wonderful for our little growing family. I have found that Brian can cook; he can even bake better than I can. Brian is also an amazing dad and husband and is an awesome multi-tasker.

Aidan has also been busy. He has made many new friends. He has finally finished potty training himself. He is currently enrolled in pre-school, which he LOVES! He is also a very awesome and helpful big brother. The triplets love watching him play and then especially love it when he sings to them.

What a year it’s been for the Larson Clan. We have experienced many changes, and many adventures. We are so grateful for all of the help and support we have received from so many friends and family, near and far, old and new. Thank you so much for your thoughts, prayers, gifts, letters, support and example. May the New Year find you and yours happy and healthy and ready for new adventures!!

To blog or not to blog....

I have been wrestling with what to do about this blog. I have been wrestling with what to do about Facebook and other media (computer websites) that occupy my time. I find myself using these things as a means to escape my current crazy life. I can't run out of the house and do anything, because I am bound by three babies, an independent 3 year old, a lack of car large enough for us and a lack of confidence both in my surroundings (I have know idea what to do around here) and my confidence in leaving the house with three babies. So as a means to escape and see the outside world I find myself on the internet.

As I spend time exploring such wonderful technology I am constantly reminded of what things can be done, are being done and what could potentially happen in cyberspace. Maybe my mind runs away with thoughts of evil and horrible actions by others. But maybe, just maybe, my mind is trying to help me foresee the potential of others and helps me to realize just what is happening. Either way my desire to blog, desire to post on FB is wavering.

I enjoy being able to be in contact with friends and especially family. I have but one friend here in VA and so reading about the lives of everyone helps me stay connected. But as I stay connected I remember that everything on the internet stays on the internet. So I try and stay vigilant in my wordings, sharing and overall postings. It is at this time that I come to the conclusion that though I may try and avoid drama, confrontation, mishaps, and other malicious type behavior, that those who I cherish the most may be my undoing. Some don't understand my positions. Some don't understand my desire to be private, especially with family. I don't understand it. I want nothing more than to feel safe and comfortable for all my friends and family to stay connected with me and my family. But something, possibly my inability to trust others of past actions, I remain nervous and concerned about those closest to me.

Every time I think the dust has settled and life can return to the psuedo-normality that I have come to want and desire, someone or something kicks up a storm again.

Back to square one.

Ladies and Gentlemen. I have trust issues. HUGE TRUST issues. I have feelings of betrayal and confusion. It takes a lot of me to be in a position to WANT to trust again. But I have also noticed a new side effect of my trust issues. I want to block EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING that could POSSIBLY (INTENTIONALLY OR UNINTENTIONALLY) cause me any GRIEF, OUT OF MY LIFE AND MY FAMILIES.

I know this is not a good thing, but repeat offenders, repeat actions have made this a strong feeling.

I know a new "goal" to work on for the new year.

So that being said...should I continue to blog? Should I cut everyone out until I can make sense of these thoughts and feelings? My brain says yes, my heart is undecided. My better half, Brian, says not to let those BAD THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS WIN. What to do what to do.

My options...

1-stop blogging.
2-stop FB
3-tighten my "circle" to those who would not hurt me or my family (very very small)
4-stop blogging and FB
5-stop everything and concentrate on letter writing and phone calls
6-start a new blog, very private very very private

What say you readers...if you are even still out there? My decision needs to be made sooner than later.

New Blog for a while...

I was planning on updating this blog and my new blog, BoredOnBedrest, but I think I won't. Too much work and too much repeating myself. I plan on starting this blog up again in the near future, but don't quote me on that. My desire to blog is slowly diminishing. And I feel that when these triplets arrive I will have so much on plate that a blog will be the last thing on my mind. But like I said, I could be wrong.

I really have little desire to blog on another blog, but feel it necessary at least as way to pass my time on bed rest if not as a memento for the boys as they grow older. I mean, seriously folks, I don't plan on being pregnant with triplets again, let alone have these kind of experiences again. :-)

Any how the new blog is private. If you want an invite you need to send me your email address. Or be on Facebook as I created a group specifically design to keep family and friends momentarily updated about this pregnancy. You need to be invited to both. So let me know.

The blogs address boredonbedrest.blogspot.com or click here.

And let me know about being a member of Momma's GTOs on Facebook.

Later!

What a month...

I have so much that I need to write and express and journal but I have been avoiding it. Why? If I document this month all the stuff will be locked into memory, not to be forgotten. Is it as bad as it seems? No, absolutely not. But living through this month has proven to be a bit of a challenge. I figured it would be a challenge but this is ridiculous.

Prior to leaving on this "adventure" Brian and I prayed, and we prayed hard to be guided. After many nights in prayer we were encouraged to go forth and head to Virginia. It would be for the good of our marriage, our quickly growing family and for our finances. So with faith we prepared as best we could to leave our home, our family, Brian's job, everything.

Our arrangements to come out here were just the beginning of everything seeming ideal but really being as difficult as possible. Brian's new employer was going to pay to fly us to Virginia, pay to put us in temporary housing for 30 days, pay for a rental car, hire a moving company to pack/unpack our belongings and transport everything from Utah to Virginia, and then help us get a place to live by giving us a $4000.00 moving allowance.

Everything seemed ideal and manageable. But let the drama begin. Brian's first day was scheduled on April 25, the day after Easter. He was given a month's notice on his start date. He was then told to be in contact with a "moving specialist." Excuse me but moving specialist, that is a joke! If I ever have a chance to meet "Joe" he and I will go the rounds, with me probably punching him in the face.

Brian's start date was set and then he received his offer letter. Inside this offer it was supposed to state all of the information listed above as well as his wages, benefits etc. Later that week he received an offer letter, a partial offer letter. Nothing concerning his travel arrangements were listed. So we had to start all over. Fast forward ten days. Leaving us with 21 days to arrange our lives. After the real offer letter was signed we were put in contact with a travel specialist. She was so much better than Joe. Within one 20 minute phone call we had an idea of when our flight would leave, where we would be staying, information about the movers, etc. What a relief!

We booked our flight to leave on April 23rd, early AM for Aidan. Linda, the travel specialist, was very understanding about our unique situation and worked with us on housing as best she could. We wanted a bottom floor apartment because I have a hard time with stairs and we have a rambuticous three year old. She looked for the better part of a week to find us something like that. Finally we settled on a four floor apartment with no stairs.

As for the movers, they would be moving our stuff two weeks after we got to Virginia. Our car would be transported differently than our stuff. We were told not to touch anything, that was their job. Then we were told we needed to pack everything. Then we settled on them just packing what we hadn't got too.

Our flight was relatively uneventful, and that was wonderful.

Once we landed we found out we had to walk what was the equivalent of probably 1 mile if not closer to 1.5 miles. This was because our gate was a distance away from baggage claim and then the car rental shuttle stop. This was difficult because we had all our luggage, a wandering three year old and my feet and legs were swollen more than twice their original size. Painful!

When we arrived at the designated car rental spot I sent Brian to go forth and get me a car. As he approached the desk and began getting the car it was mentioned about how much would be charged to his card... what? After panicking and then correctly explaining that his employer would be paying everything seemed fine. Until they saw me and told Brian that they would have to charge him personally for additional drivers to the car and that price was $150.00. After some more talking and promising that if I was to cost that much to add, I didn't need to drive for two weeks so I would not be driving, she finally believed us. We find the car and move all of our luggage and the car seat to the car only to realize that this small Toyota Corolla is going to barely fit all of our luggage and child in it. Great!

We then go and try and find our apartment. We found it without too much problem except we can't find an entrance into a lobby. After 30 minutes we found it. We quickly got checked in and we went and found our apartment. This apartment is a pretty posh set up. We took video of it and plan on posting it soon. When they said it was fully furnished they were partially telling the truth. Fully furnished for a single bachelor living within it walls, not necessarily for a family of three.

Our first weekend seemed to go pretty smoothly. We went to the grocery store on Saturday and got some essentials. We went to church on Sunday and got some good information.

Through the beginning of the next week everything seemed fine. Brian was enjoying his job and his co-workers. Aidan seemed pretty relaxed and enjoying himself. About Tuesday I started calling around about finding a doctor. We were told Brian's insurance would immediately be activated. Drama surrounding this will be posted later. Drama about finding a doctor and dealing with the insurance is a battle in itself.

About Wednesday we got our first complaint about Aidan being too loud at 930PM. Was he loud? Yes. But we were trying to get him to go to bed but he hadn't all the way adjusted to Virginia time so we were putting him to bed at 730PM, and Aidan has never gone to bed that early, ever.

We were told that the relocation money was on its way. So we casually looked online for a place to stay nothing to fervent though.

Beginning of the second week. With knowledge that additional relocation money was on its way Brian paid some bills. The check didn't come. We had the money to pay the bills so no drama, yet. However, food became a problem as did gas. I promise we aren't living large out here but not having our food storage or stability is beginning to take its toll on us. After some prayers and charity we were able to go to the store. At the end of the second week we had additional drama. Though we cancelled most of our automatic with drawl bills from home, some still went through. We got dinged in our checking account. Enter more prayers and charity. Lucky for us Brian got paid. Things were looking good and back to normal. His check was good, he paid some bills and hung on to some just in case. That "case" showed up. Comcast from Utah took out nearly $200 dollars from our account. What? Never has Comcast been that much. Brian scheduled payments, with an operator, for our student loans. Instead of the $200 he thought he scheduled, some how two different transactions were processed two days apart. One for $200 the other for $426. Um...more dinging. Our emergency fund was just depleted and we are back to negative.

Still no relocation money. Brian then contacts Linda. She does some research to find out that it has been processed and we should get money in two days, literally its in the mail.

Two days later no money. And we are out of gas. Thankfully I still have coins in my purse and very little on one of my cards. We get gas.

Enter complaint number 2 about Aidan walking around loudly. Grrrr.

Beginning of our fourth week. No money, broke again. We are stressing out about everything. Aidan starts to act up, more so than normally. I am hurting because these babies are growing big. Constant headaches (all stress related), and I can't control Aidan. It's hard to discipline and entertain a child while on bed rest in temporary housing.

We begin looking fervently for a house. We contact a realtor that is willing to help us. On Wednesday we go and look at three properties and fall in love with property number 3. 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, large backyard, living room, family room, den and it is being redone. The realtor is the owner of the home and is just as excited to find a renter as we are to find this house. She tells us she and her husband will be renting it for $2000 a month and only require first and last months down. We can do that we have a relocation check coming.

Early the next morning we receive an email from the realtor stating that for the price of first and last months rent ($4000) and an additional $2100, grand total $6100 due on May 31st the house is our to RENT! Excuse me! Brian is concerned and I get pissed off. I tell Brian we can't afford that nor was that the discussion yesterday, if this realtor wants to play we will play and walk away. Brian sends her an email saying $6100 ain't happening. She responds, Oops! $4100 on May 31st is what it was supposed to say. She then begins redo-ing the application process. Only down side to this house is it wont be ready until May 31st and we need to be out of temporary housing on May 22nd. So now we need to find a motel for 9 days.

Yesterday we finally got our "$4000" check. It was printed for $2544.00. Brian immediately calls and says what is this. Juniper taxes all checks such as this as a "bonus check and it is taxed at 25%". And the surprises (hits) just keep on coming. To add to the drama we get online and try and find the nearest Chase bank so that we can deposit this check only to find that the nearest bank is 150 miles away. All the banks that used to be here, went away. Double grrr.

Enter more prayers and more tears and more everything. We were blessed again by charity and love. Is everything better, No...hell no. But we may be able to try and survive.

Why is it that any good decision that I make, and I make them with the consent and blessing of the Lord, I have to be faced with unimaginable challenges? Why can't the opposition just leave me the heck alone? After all the drama this month I can honestly say yesterday was the only day I had a melt down. I got mad, I got snappy and I got ready to fight. Luckily, we didn't need to fight anyone, at least not yet. We will see what this weekend brings.

Through out the third week

Three days of goodbyes

Today I wish to bid adieu to Time for Families, Meghan Dixon, Dr. Winn, Dr. Hughes and LuAnn And Ivan Lincoln.

Today we went and picked up Brian's cousin Meghan from Time for Families day care (where I used to be a substitute) and went to lunch with her and the McFadden's. While picking her up, I said good bye to the director and got momentarily choked up knowing that my last job for a while was truly over and I wouldn't be around to see it anymore. I also felt a bit of gratitude for Lorraine and helping me get such a trivial job because, I believe, due to that trivial job I have an aura of confidence surrounding these triplets. The day care truly helped me understand the importance of putting children on a schedule and learning how different children react to different things and most importantly, how not to stress out, remain calm and everything will be fine.

I will also miss visiting with Brian's cousin Meghan. She is one of those truly easy people for me to talk to and get to know. Maybe it was because we already had Brian and his family as a topic of conversation. I have especially enjoyed getting to know her and learn more about the Larson side of the family.

Today was also Aidan's last doctor's appointment with Dr. Darin Winn of the Herefordshire IHC Clinic in Roy. I must say I was apprehensive about leaving Dr. Wallin at Tanner Clinic when we changed insurances but he has been wonderful. Aidan loves going to the doctor and enjoys joking with the doctor. I enjoy being able to say that I am older than my family doctor. :) Today was a blessing because he helped us out in so many ways concerning allergy samples, prescriptions and Aidan's immunization records.

Then I headed to Dr. Hughes' office to pick up mine and the babies records. I actually cried as I talked with the staff about leaving. Apparently being the one pregnant with natural triplets makes you some kind of celebrity in an OB's office. They all knew who I was and that I was leaving. They all came to virtually say goodbye, even ones I have never met. They all requested some kind of birth announcement for Dr. Hughes, because he too, is sad that we are leaving him. That mad me sad. Dr. Hughes is the most amazing doctor. He ranks up there as high as Dr. Walling. I will miss him and his demeanor.


And then tonight we stopped by to visit my Aunt and Uncle. Their amazing daughters, we will see on Friday so I haven't felt to sad about leaving them yet. But after driving away from their home this evening I got a little choked up. I have been doing that a lot this week. It makes me sad that this is the first serious family goodbye we have had to do. I have enjoyed spending time with them and visiting. I will miss being able to stop by and visit and have Aidan play with their amazing neighbor kids.

So tonight I say adieu to these people and places. My heart is slowing breaking. Friday and Saturday will be horrible.

Four days of goodbyes

Today I bid farewell to Dr. Silver. He was our fetal maternal specialist, AKA perinatologist for the babies. We have only seen him three times and incredibly briefly but it was all for the sake of the babies and we always received good news. Today we saw him and he announced that everything on all the babies looked fantastic and all three boys were doing well. He confirmed the genders on Babies C and B. Baby A is still unknown though he feels that he is 85% sure Baby A is a boy. We were unable to ascertain a gender because Baby A is lying breech and Baby B is basically laying his head constantly in Baby A's lap, therefore concelling the gender.

I also wish to bid farewell to Mandrin Palace and their version of Tiny Spicy Chicken. Aidan LOVES their tiny spicy chicken. He is always eager give our order to the waitress/waiter. We go their often enough and don't change our order that today we ordered and had our food our as Aidan was saying tiny spicy chicken. We ordered, ate and paid in under 30 minutes. I must add that we don't really go out to eat that much, we just happen to be creatures of habit and that habit brings regularity and familiarity with this local businesses.

So goodbye for now Dr. Silver and Mandrin Palace.