Happy Birthday Nichole & Michele #17

I decided that I would Journal about my pregnancy with the twins so that I could have it recorded.

Kirk and I found out that we were expecting on December 19, 1991. We were so excited about having a baby. We had decided when we got married in September that we would put having a baby into the Lord's hands. So three months later we found out the exciting news.

Dad wanted you to be a boy and I didn't care either way. My doctor was Dr. Steven Fielding.

On February 21, I had a Dr. appointment. I was excited because I knew that I would probably be able to hear the baby's heartbeat. Dad had to go to work so when I dropped him off to work and just jokingly I said to Dad, "What if the doctor finds two heartbeats?" Dad didn't think the question was a very funny one and said that if they did find two, that I wasn't to come home.

So I went to my appointment and had the usual getting weighed and measured. When Dr. Fielding measured my tummy he asked " Are you sure you are only fourteen weeks along?" And I said as far as I knew, I'm only that far along. The Dr. decided that they better do an ultrasound and see how far along I was for sure. The Dr placed some gel on my stomach and then moved around a small instrument all over my stomach. And to all of our surprise, we found TWO babies. I was going to have twins!! I always wanted twins since I can remember. I have identical twin girl cousins on my Mom's side and I have identical twin great aunts on my Dad's side.

Now I had to figure out how I was going to tell Dad. During the ultrasound, I was able to get a couple of "Proof" pictures so that I could show Dad. It took us a while for Dad to be found but when he came in from the back I said "Would you like to see a picture of our BABIES?" Quite a shock, but now came the task of buying everything in duplicate.

If you were boys your names were going to be Mark and Kyle
If you were one boy and one girl you were going to be Mark & Michele
If you were girls your names would be Michele & Nichole

Since we were expecting twins, our Dr. wanted us to see a twin specialist up north. So in between our normal appointments here in Cedar City, we would drive up to Provo.

Our first visit to Provo, we had another ultrasound (One of many) in this ultrasound they would measure each of your heads, thighbones, and abdomen size to determine how each of you were growing. We also were able to find out that we were having Identical Twin Girls.

Since you are identical twins you are in the same sack, but even though you are in the same sack there should be a small membrane to separate you from each other. They weren't able to see that membrane and that was a concern. The plan was that on our next appointment they would shoot an air bubble into my stomach and see if it was blocked by the membrane or not.

Now that we knew that you are girls we started calling you by you names. Nichole was on the left side and Michele was on the right. Dad would lay his head on my stomach and read you bedtime stories.




We're down to less than three months to go. Mom went to see Dr. Fielding and we were able to hear both of your heart beats. In a few days we will head back up to Provo for another appointment.

We went to our appointment today in Provo Grandma Evers came along so that she could see you and during that appointment found out that you hadn't made it. What a shock. What happened was called twin to twin transfusion, which happens in only 1 in 100 of identical twins which is quite rare. It's when the twins share everything, the same sack, the same placenta, and the same umbilical cord which is where the problem occurred when the umbilical cords got pinched off.

We headed back home so that we could have our families with us.

On May 7, 1992 we went to the hospital. I remember that while I was in the hospital waiting to go into labor that my nurse, Caralee, gave me a booklet to read to help us deal with our loss. She suggested that we hold you. I remember thinking that I couldn't do that because I wouldn't want to remember you that way. After almost eleven hours of hard labor our babies were delivered. You were so perfect in every way. The nurses wrapped you up in blankets and I held you both, touched your fingers and held your little hands, I could see that you were two perfect little angels that just needed a body so that you could go back home to Heavenly Father.

One of my greatest memories was of my Dad (your Grandpa) holding each of you. You each hold a special place in his heart.

One of the worst days of my life, ended up to be a very wonderful and spiritual experience. How grateful we are to know that because we were married in the Temple that we will be able to be with you again. Something to look forward to.

Here are a couple of poems that I really enjoyed from the booklet that I read in the hospital:

Please don't tell them you never got to know me.

It is I whose kicks you will always remember,
I who gave you heartburn that a dragon would envy.
I who couldn't seem to tell time and got your days and nights mixed up.
It is I who acknowledged your craving for peach ice cream by knocking the cold bowl off your belly.
I who went shopping and helped you pick out the "perfect" teddy bear for me,
I who liked to be cradled in your belly and rocked off to dreamy slumber by the fire.
It is I who never had a doubt about your love.
It is I who was able to put a lifetime of joy into an instant.

Until you I never knew there were so many babies.
I see them everywhere...babies in arms, at grocery stores, church, the park, on our block.
I am guessing but somehow know some are just your days had you stayed.
Mothers stare sometimes because I do... one looked curious so I asked, "How old?" And she was one month later than you born.
I shall always see you...little girls at ten...later the blush and bloom of teens...then the coming of grace and dignity of woman.
But wait, let I forget in fleeting time how soon I shall know you.

Just some candid shots

These were just some funny pictures that were taken during our family photos shoot in November. Derick has always hated smiling since getting braces on so we have to do a lot to get him to smile natural.

My bad

I was informed that it is pronounced "Kahoneyos". There you have it.

keehoanyo's?

Tyler might not appreciate this but kids do the darndest things. Last Friday was Tyler's 5th grade maturation program. When Derick had his Kirk couldn't go, so who had to go, ME! Not a problem me being the only Mom there about, oh well we had fun and went to DQ afterwards for lunch and to answer any questions. Anyway it was Tyler's turn on Friday and we ended up taking the kids out of school that day for Spring Break with cousins in St. George. Whew, I didn't have to go to the maturation program again. Well Tyler comes into my bedroom the other night with this little booklet on puberty. The first sentence in the book says, "Try talking with your DAD, Another adult you trust, your OLDER BROTHER, GRANDFATHER , UNCLE or Mom. Notice that Mom is the last one listed, but no going to the first 4, Tyler comes to me. I really don't mind because I can talk open to my kids about anything, I just think it's funny that he didn't at least go to Derick for all the info. Well we flip through the pages and talk about puberty, hormones, making sure that he is always nice to his mom,(I threw that little bit of info on my own), stinky armpits, and hair on various parts of the body. I was then informed that you don't say the "P" word but we call them KEEHOANYO'S. I'm about 99% sure he learned that from his Uncle Greg. We ended up all surviving the conversation, I got to smell his armpits with oldspice deoderant on. All in a days work for being a Mom. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Dinner with Dale Murphey

Ice Cream in a bag

For our Family Home Evening activity and treat we made Ice Cream in a bag. Derick was in charge of treats tonight and had to do this for an assignment in school. It turned out great, and was a first for us but I'm sure not the last.

Spring Break with cousins

Lori and her boys came down to our house for their Spring Break. I took my kids out of school on Friday and we went down to St. George for the day. We first went to the mall, lunch and then to Santa Clara to the pool there. The kids had such a great time. Kaitlin had the best time about a 1/2 hour before we left when she finally got the courage to go down the slide. Once she did it, that's what she did the rest of the time we where there.

We had planned on taking the kids hiking but they just wanted to hang out and be together so that was fine with us Mom's. I had a great time with my sister visiting and learning more tricks to digital scrapbooking.

Tree Trimmin

Every year the city comes and picks up any of our yard clean up materials. So we put them to work this year. We trimmed our tree in front and filled the entire road in front of our house. Thank goodness we didn't have to haul it off.

Tyler's 16th Great Grandpa

Come listen to the Prophets voice.

I always look forward to General Conference every six months. This year I did a page with some of the thoughts and quotes that I enjoyed and wanted to remember. I think that one of my favorites from the Sunday session was given by Brother Gary E. Stevenson of the quorum of the Seventy.

Really Rosie

Kaitlin has been working for months on the play "Really Rosie". She played Dolly's Mom and did such a terrific job. Really Rosie, is about a girl who loves to act and is trying to find a cast to put on her next play. Kaitlin loves to perform and I'm sure that this won't be the last we will see of her.

and the winner is...

Kaitlin had clogging practice today and guess what we found out? Kaitlin's clogging team took first place on both of their clogging dances. I guess if we would have hung around we would have found out. We are so proud of her for her hard work, she did such a great job. The main thing that the judges said that they lacked were SMILES! It's hard to smile when you are scared to death.

When I can get a picture with Kaitlin and the group trophy I will update.

Tyler Circut City

Tyler's fifth grade class decided to to a group science fair project this year. This is the way I wish they would do it every year, way easy for me! Each of the kids made their own circut city with boxes, paint, papeclips, batteries, brads, and Christmas lights. Good job Tyler!

How adorable

My sister did this layout of my brother Greg and nephew Jaron. I just love it and had to steal it from her blog to put it on mine. Thanks Lori.

Down the drain...or up?

We sure have had our share of plumbing problems. This last time it came up in Tyler's room and the Family room. Thank goodness for insurance! We are in the process of replacing carpet in both rooms and walls in Tyler's. Luckily these were two of the rooms on the remodel list, which just ended up at the top.

The double double with fries

Yesterday while we were in St. George for Kaitlin's competition, we introduced our family to the In-N-Out Burger joint. When they say in n out, that's what they mean. We were hesitant to go because there were cars pulled all around the building for the drive through and lines coming out the door. Once we got in line to the time we received our food took less than 10 minutes, pretty quick service I would say.

Kaitlin had her first clogging competition today and did such a great job. She nominated me to be the group "mom in charge" so I got to make sure that the kids practiced and made sure they were in their places and ready to perform. She has really enjoyed clogging and I like it because they can be modest and have fun. The first dance was to "Walkin on Sunshine" and the second one was called "Slam".

Derick and Tyler's new assignment

Derick and Tyler got the task of hanging lights this year. They were quite excited that they got picked to do this, little do they know that from now on it will be their job and it won't be quite as exciting.

Kaitlin's Christmas Concert

Kaitlin has really enjoyed being in the Choir at school. The clip below is my favorite song that they sing, "Hot cup of Cocoa"

Friends

We made some great friends during our married college days. The Manley's and the Vorkinks. We all started our families around the same time and did everything together and also all moved away around the same time. We have some great memories with these families. Just before we moved back to Cedar City I remember telling Kirk that the only thing that would make it better would be if our friends were back there. A few days later we received an email from the Manleys saying that they were back in Cedar City. During the summer of 2006 we received a call from the Vorkinks telling us that they were in town and wanted to get together. So we all got together, had a BBQ and took the kids to the park. What a great day.

Derick's Violin Concert 2006

Derick is a wonderful violin player. We have always enjoyed attending his concerts and listening to him play. Derick has always loved music and has such a good ear. My earliest memories of Derick and music is when he used to sit in Grandma and Grandpa Marchants front room in front of their big speakers and wave his arms back and forth to the music. He wasn't even a year old.

Evers Family Photos 2006

It's amazing how quickly all of our little ones change.

A Christmas Carol

In looking back at my picture files, I had misssed some great ones.

For Derick's last year of Play makers they performed "A Christmas Carol" Derick played multiple parts, Mr. Fizziwig, a pirate, a man on the street and dead scrooge. Playmakers has been such a great experience for Derick and he has had a blast and made some great friends through it.

Weekend with the Fam

When my parents left on their mission we promised them that we would do things together while they are gone. So we planned a get together for this last weekend. The kids and I went up on Friday night and stayed until Sunday. On Saturday, Lori scheduled for us girls to go get a pedicure. This was the first time for me and I enjoyed every minute of it. Kaitlin got her toe nails and fingernails done, but before we did anything she had to go into the bathroom and wash her feet because she was embarrassed that her feet would stink. Afterwards we played Apples to Apples and had a fabulous spaghetti dinner and I ate way to much baguette bread, but it was just to yummy to pass up. We had a great time reminiscing about growing up. The next day we went to church ate dinner and reluctantly came home.

Lori and the boys are talking about coming down here for spring break and then our next big get together will be sometime in June.

Happy St Patties Day!

This picture was taken on St Patrick's day in 2006. I always have the best intentions to be creative on holidays. I have a gal that I work with that loves St Patricks day and goes all out with dinner, decorating her car, dressing up, watching an Irish movie, the works. So yesterday I was telling her that I was going to surprise my kids and at least have green food for dinner. Here is what I did, I made tacos and said "look kids, our lettuce is green just for St. Patricks day!" I know, LAME. Maybe next year.

Souper Elders Quorum Activity

Kirk is now the new Elders Quorum President in our church and to start things off with a bang he planned a Family Elders Quorum party. It was a blast! It was a potluck soup dinner with rolls and then Kirk had some fun activities planned. We did a contest to see who could wrap the best TP mummy in a certain amount of time, and then all of the men and boys, tried to see who could hold a baby, talk on the phone and hang up the laundry the best in one minute. The women had a great time watching this. It was a great turnout which is always what you would like. We have so many young and new couples in the ward that it's always nice to get to know them and for them to meet others in the ward.

Happy Birthday Tyler!

Tyler turned 11 this year and had a very nice birthday. He go plenty of presents including a "Ugly Stick" fishing pole and tackle box so that when the weather warms up a bit we can go fishing. We are all looking forward to next year when Tyler will receive the Preisthood.

Eleven things about Tyler:

1. If you need a hug, Tyler is who to go to.
2. Tyler likes to look nice and comb his hair (most of the time)
   
3. He likes to eat chicken legs
4. He likes animals
5. He is a good friend
6. He is respectful of his teachers
7. He is not to old for kisses
8. He likes to play basketball
9. He has eaten baby octopus' and liked it
10. Tyler is a good singer
    
11. Tyler tells me he loves me
    

Ice Fishing...NOT!

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For Tyler's birthday this year he decided that he wanted to go icefishing. So we packed everything up and headed to the lake with our neighbors the Makun's. Once we drove up to the water we then realized that the ice had pretty much melted. So we just fished instead. Luckily we packed normal fishing poles to use or else we would have looked quite funny fishing with the little ice fishing poles. We didn't have any luck with catching but we had fun trying and enjoyed Taco soup and hot dogs.

Quote of the day

This is a quote that my parents sent from their mission that they found while working with their documents.

"A life that is not documented, is a life that within a generation or two will largely be lost to memory."

I really like it and it makes me remember that the time I spend doing my blog is documenting our history.

Building a fort for Grandma 2006

For Mothers day we usually see what Grandma would like done around the house. She buys everything and then we do the labor, a good deal for everyone. Kirk designed the play fort and then we set to work building. It's always a good experience for us and the kids to help build something.