Hello Again World!

Well, its safe to say we have been MIA for a season or two...my fault. So much happens and so many opportunities to write pass me by. I've finally decided to take in my husbands pleas of writing once again. No promises on if the habit sticks, but I'll try.

First things first...Too much to back track o I'll just start with our summer - here and now. Its been a doozie.

Brett's father, Thomas Sorensen, passed away in June. It was hard. One of the greatest men I knew and loved. He made my husband the man he was - strong, caring, hardworking, concerned for others,..sometimes stubborn...a great Father - All of those traits from his wonderful Father and Mother. He had pancreatic cancer and survived for almost 4 yrs. Which is unheard of, but Tom wasn't going to let anything beat him. Even until the very end, he fought and fought trying to beat it. I never saw him complain any in those 4 years. We were far apart in miles, us here in NOLA and he in Utah, but never did I hear a worry about it. we knew things were getting bad at the end of May and hurried to make a quick trip out there to see him....all 6 of us. It was so wonderful and the Lord had such a definite hand in every detail. Plane tickets just the right price and just the right time, all of his brothers and sister happening to be off the same weekends, his strength he had for all of us to be there, his good health that day to take family pictures when the only day it would work out to get everyone in, and also, his sudden decline as soon as everyone left. Like the Lord knew, and Tom even maybe, knew this would be it. I'm so glad my children were there to see him. I'm so glad my husband got to say goodbye. Tom died six days later. Brett and I flew back for the funeral and left the kids in Texas with my family. It was beautiful to be there and feel the peace and love that a true knowledge of the gospel and a glimpse of it's power in our lives. I'm so glad the Lord knew everything that needed to happen when it happened. We know its never the end, just a "see you later" - a gift of an eternal family. We love you Dad and we'll see you again. Always in our thoughts and forever in our hearts. Thank you for you.

Now we are home and trying to return to some normality. Summer brings care free schedules and a little bit of insanity to everything. All 4 kids at home all day long reminds me a lot of my bad parent habits. So, there will be venting, there will be smiles, there will be arguing and there will be laughing - a lot of those things in the same day over and over again and again. But hey, that's life right now and you can either learn to swim or you can drown. Lets hope i take a big breath....

That Time we had a baby

We had a BABY...a month ago haha. Miss Braylee Diane was born on March 11th. She weighed 6.7 and was 20inh long. Super chill and super sweet baby so far. Everyone is in love with her. This was my only baby that didn't come early. With Adalie, Cason, and Brody all being early (1, 2, and 4 weeks) we were SO SURE she was going to be coming early and no where near her due date. Well, it looks like she was turned wrong, so although I was having TERRIBLE pains, false labor non stop - she wasn't going to be coming on her own. So we set an induction date for that morning at 6 a.m. Rebecca and Brandon came to stay with the kiddos the few days while I was in the hospital which was SUCH a relief and helped me de-stress about the whole situation. It is always so hard to have family so far away - Dr apts, carting kids around, grocery shopping - it's always a million times harder with no one to "drop" the kids off too "real quick" to go and run and errand. They either come with or you don't go....so ya HUGE help for us. We had a friend backed up for emergencies but making it to a scheduled date was actually kind of nice this time to plan it all out. and this way I knew I would get rugs =) haha.

We went in at 6a.m. got all checked in and hooked up and they started me on pitocin at about 7:30. Dr came in to see us and check me around 8:30, but decided not to pop my water because she had 2 c sections she needed to do first and wanted to be able to be there if baby came. I got my epidural around 9:30 (which was heaven) and then was chillin until Dr Truit came back in after lunch to check me out again and popped my water. 15 mins later, the nurse came in because baby girls heart rate was super fast, checked me, said "Do not move" ran out and got the Dr and as they were trying to get the labor table ready, Dr. truit barely made it to catch baby girl who kinda just fell out on the bed. The Dr. didn't even have time to put her gloves on...had to catch her with her hands still in her sleeves. Daddy got to cut the cord, mommy got teary, and baby girl was so little and perfect. Brett and I were extremely glad however that all those nights were wanting my water to break, it didn't - otherwise we would have delivered a baby at home. NO WAY we wold have made the 22 min drive to the hospital, and since there was no pushing involved, she would've literally just fallen out in the parking lot at best.

Brett got to stay with me in the hospital the whole time thanks to my wonderful sister. We haven't been able to do that since Adalie was born. the kids came up on the 12th to meet Braylee and fell in love, which I am so glad. Brody could have card less after the fist meeting and even a few days after but now - always wants to touch and kiss her all over.

As of now - Braylee is out last one. Brett is 100% sure and I am about 90%. Its not that I think I want another, its the option of doing so being completely out of the picture....does that make any sense?

Anywho, we love our little girl and are SO excited she is finally here. Welcome to our beautiful family Braylee Diane

Another February birthday!

AND Happy 5th Birthday Cason Brett!! Cason turned 5 on the 19th, so we got to have MORE cake and MORE presents. I tried my not so awesome cake making skills and tried to give him the sports cake he wanted. Cason seemed happy about it, so I am once again glad about that. He has turned into quite the sports enthusiast lately, MUCH to daddy's delight and excitement. Football season was a  beast with both of these boys wanting to watch all day everyday. And when the games were too late or after bedtime, you better believe it would be the FIRST thing he would ask for every morning after dad would record it for him. and he watches the WHOLE game.

 Cason is our Daddy's boy and what I would definitely classify as a middle child. He and I seem to be going through a rough patch...I think we spend WAY to much time together. Her in NOLA preschool is SO expensive, so we don't get much of a break from each other, which I think we both might need....he gets to start school this next fall, which I know will be very exciting for him. He is always super busy and constantly wants to be engaged in something. This kid is SUPER smart and very hands on...constantly wanting to learn and do new things. His recent obsession is games. ALL KINDS - board games, wii games, card games, puzzles...he LOVES them all. Dad is even trying to teach him checkers - which he will need to learn that daddy NEVER loses to checkers and should probably just give up now - but this kid is determined, so who knows. Brett actually might have some competition on his hands one day.

We got to have Grandmamma here too and also skype again with Grandma and Grandpa Sorensen. He got a 2 new games and a new movie, and of course the tramp. He seemed like a pretty happy kid on his day....except he kept telling everyone he was king and got to tell everyone what to do on HIS day. Ya, had to work that fun fact of the day....

Oh, and Adalie wrote him a sweet little note and picture...."you are the best brother and you are my best friend. you are always there for me, So I wish you a happy, happy birthday - love Adalie"



Cason, you're spunky little attitude keeps us constantly on our toes. You're picky and strong willed which I hope one day makes you into quite the go getter!! You are so sweet, when you want to be, and are always looking for the fun in everything. Happy Birthday buddy, We love you so incredibly much and we are SO HAPPY you're our little boy - picky eater and all =)

Brody's 3rd Birthday!!

Let's post about this one before it gets too crazy and doesn't happen.

Brody Vance turned 3!! WooHoo!! This kid..man, this kid is quickly discovering how to push buttons and make this life his own. I can only remember terrible 2's with Adalie, but both Brody and Cason it has hit a little closer to the 3 yr old mark for sure..it's more terrible 3's for us here.

He is in love with ALL the typical boy things....dirt, cars, trains, and food. Brody LOVES his food. He is our biggest and stalkiest kid yet, pretty much the same size as his older brother Cason - 2 yrs apart from one another. It doesn't help though that Cason eats like a bird and Brody is our human trash can and is CONSTANTLY hungry for something....good things though like his obsession with strawberries, oranges, and bananas - so can't complain too much on that one. This kid will be the one to eat us out of house and home one day. We call him our "line backer" baby, while Cason sees to be taking on the role of more of a "kicker".

My mom joined us last Thursday to come and help out while we wait around for Baby Girl, so it was fun to have her here for a little party with Brody. We also got to skype with Grandma and Grandpa Sorensen - which is always so fun to feel like they're apart of things here with us too. He wanted a batman cake, so I tried my best. He seemed happy so I guess I can't complain too much there. We also got the boys a combined gift this year they were pretty exited about - a trampoline!! Our tax returns have come in, so we feel momentarily rich and got one for the kiddos.It will be good though, my kids are outside kids and need ways to burn energy - fast. So, it seems like a good investment for now. Plus, we have the perfect yard for it at the moment and a sliding screen door I can just watch them from the living room and not have to be outside the whole time. Super nice perk.

Brody seemed pretty happy with his day. Since it's just been us on our own pretty much for years and years, it's a;ways a short little family affair. He got a Dr's kit from Grandmamma and Grandpa and a new game and movie from Grandma and Grandpa Sorensen. Happy 3rd Birthday Brod-ster. We love you bunches and we are so glad you joined our crazy little family - you make things fun. You think you are the funniest thing on Earth, and we are starting to agree. I see class clown in your future for sure...and I hope you always love to snuggle.

Somewhat of an Update...

Ya, well let's see...It's been a while - yes. Well, lots has happened so I guess I should update things a little.
1. We moved. We're now in New Orleans LA where Brett has started his residency program here with Ochsner. So far things are going good. Brett keeps himself busy at the hospital and has a new rotation every month in a different field. He longs for the day of just podiatry though, but has gotta pay his dues like every other MED student that first intern year. He still can't beleive he is a Dr though and thinks it sounds funny hearing people call him Dr Sorensen in the hospital all the time. We're all still so proud of him of course =)

2. We're having another baby!! Sooner than later now - but we're having another little girl who is due March 12th. However, I have been having some preterm labor issues and considering my baby having history (Adalie 39wks, Cason 37 1/2, Brody 35wks6days) we're thinking she will be here in the next week or two. I am 35 weeks tomorrow actually, and hope she stays in there at least one more week. My Dr. has me on some medicine to help slow things down a bit and my mom is here and trying to get me to rest and slow down too. Who knows, maybe in the end she will decide to wait and I will actually have to be induced!! I am terrible pregnant, as always, so my body hurts all the time - but I wouldn't mind her waiting 3 or 4 more weeks if I had a choice. The other kiddos are sick with coughs and nasty noses so I would rather not bring her into a germ infested environment and also, 4 kids is a scary thought....so I wouldn't mind a few more weeks to try and get used to the idea of it all. The kids all seem so excited, especially Adalie. She is over the moon about having a baby sister. Me too...I am excited to end things with another sweet little girl and lots of pink things =). We're having a little trouble narrowing down an exact name. We have 2 or 3 in the running but nothing solid. I don't really know what we're waiting for - I'm not a big believer in the "wait to see what they look like" thing. I think for me, it's mostly the pressure of thinking this is our last and I really need to get it right haha

3. Kids seem to be adjusting well to NOLA. Though Brett and I are NOT big fans of "city-ish" life, we're makin it work. I hate all the concrete. I hate the schools here and I always feel SO bad for Adalie. Uniforms, no art or music, and ONE recess a day pretty much just combined with their P.E. time...it's a terrible school system here. That's why we're thinking about movin up to the North Shore when our contract is through. For where we are living, it is WAY to expensive and the house is old and terrible.The kids are all getting SO big...I cannot beleive Adalie will be 8, and Cason is turing 5 and Brody 3!!! It all seems to be going by in a flash when I actually stop and think about it.

Anywho...still have lot to catch up on - but lets just let this do for now I suppose!! It's at least something...

We moved...just to move again.

It has occurred to me so many, many times I should be writing everything down. Something I felt I used to be extremely good at, I have become very negligent. I don't know why - i really do love writing, even if you don't love what I write about. It is a way to express myself that no one else really needs to understand and is sometimes a very welcomed break from the screaming and yelling and fighting and craziness that is my life right now with 3 little children. Being a mom is hard, especially right now as a medical wife/residency mom, in a new place, only to be in a new place again in a few weeks. There's no time to make friends. My social life consists of a 2 yr old, a 4 yr old, and a 7 yr old, with a hubby home for a few hours a day if I am lucky. But during those few hours we all seem to be fighting for his attention. So the hour, maybe 2, I get to spend with him at night are usually accompanied by physical exhaustion on both our parts. Sorry, I'm complaining - but that's the whole reason i am writing....well not to complain, but to help me get out the story to feel a little less....stressed is the word I'm looking for I think.

So, we left you hanging. We made it out to St. George. The whole truck and packing and traveling was a fiasco. The company we hired turned out to be crooks. Brett's mom and dad came to the rescue at the last minute with the truck and tailor. Brett's sister came to help with kids and packing (huge relief). Lots of money spent that we didn't really have...all to get us to a preceptor-ship in St. George Ut that really wasn't EXACTLY what we wanted, but a better opportunity than most. Oh, and our bank account and credit card info were stolen. 2 weeks after we got here, Brett flew out to New Orleans to an interview for a new residency program starting there in Louisiana. They were interviewing 12, so Brett didn't think he had much of a chance. This was the absolute last spot even available to be a resident for this year. 70 students left who wanted it....bad. But, Brett felt like St. George was it and we were both feeling really good about the place. It's a great program to be in with LOTS and LOTS of stuff to do. Basically, a resident without a credit of residency.....confusing, but it works. I however, wasn't unpacking until I new for SURE he didn't get New Orleans. He felt good about the interview, but still didn't think it was the answer. St. George just kinda felt right. So after almost 2 weeks without a word from the program, Brett finally convinced me to start making a home and unpack. I decorated. I threw away so many boxes. I hung up and washed so many clothes and found spots to put all of our crap. There were piles and piles of trash. I was literally hanging up our last photo frame when Brett called one day from Work...."I got New Orleans"
What!?! A million emotions running through both our heads. Gratitude, frustration, excitement, nervousness, overwhelming stress to only name a few. I new it. I NEW it would happen. We would move out to St. George JUST to move again...I totally called it from the first phone call about Nola.

So, here we are in a new kind of wonderful stress. Moving....again. When I think about all the money and time we will have spent moving and driving in that stupid car in less than 3 months, I want to vomit - everywhere. That's 2 uhaul truck rentals with a trailer for the car. Gas for said uhauls and a minivan for over 2200 miles. Hotel stays x 4. And AT LEAST 50 hours in the car....with 3 littlies and a dog. Oh, and it's me in the car with the kiddos the whole time while Brett drives the uhaul. i had mom and Monica helping on the way to Ut which is I am sure, where they saw the absolute worst side of me. A 7 yr old, 4 yr old, and 2 yr old. On the same row of seats, all in reach of one another, in a minivan stuffed to the brims. That was for 20 hours. Now, I get to do 28 all by myself with the same kiddos and dog in a minivan one time more stuffed to the brims. I can't say I am honestly all to exited about the whole situation. Our kids already dread car rides form our last trio we JUST finished.

I LONG for the day to have stability in my life. I want to be in one place, to know whats coming next, and to stop thinking about everything else I still have to do for the next episode in our lives. I have, however, noticed in our past experience that you can't always count on stability. I have my kids, my husband, and my faith which are the closest things to any sort of solid factor in my life. And that's probably the closest we'll ever get to something firm and unmoving in our life....ever.

So almost $10,00 later and we are moving to New Orleans. We're searching for a home and starting yet another new chapter. We have 3 weeks. Lord help us it's gunna be a doozie.