Number 2 in Command

At the risk of sounding like a proud parent- I'm going to brag about my wonderful Lexie- my #2 in command.  Due to Shane's work schedule of late, I see him roughly 30-45 minutes a day sometimes alone, but mostly chaperoned by Shane's other girl who is a bit demanding of his attention. ;) 


 Proof we're still a family or something.



  Since Shane is busy bringing home the bacon (from two jobs that hopefully will be trimmed down to one at the end of the month- YIPPEE!!!) Lexie and I hang out lots. And she's learning lots of my parenting habits/tactics and repeating them to kids younger and even older than her to "help" me out. Like I said, she's my #2 in command.
  A lot of parents worry how their lives will change when they have a baby. For Shane and I, we knew there would be change, but for the most-part eased into parenthood.
  With the second kid on the way, a lot of parents wonder how their other kid will handle a sibling, and we're still not worried. This little girl is rock-soild in the potty department (thank you little lady!) She's obedient- most of the time, extremly helpful-almost to a fault.
   Lexie's kind and gentle to her dollies, kids/babies she knows and doesn't know and always concerned about the babies around her. And at church- oh my word- if there's a baby making a fuss around us, she looks me straight in the face with concerned eyerbows arched and says, "Baby crying!" then charges to the resuce and gets extremly upset when we won't let her "help".  And when she sneeks away before we can stop her, she magically knows what that baby needs- ie binkie, blankie or a kiss. Seriously, it's just precious to watch!
   From day one Lexie knew there was a baby in my belly, who now has the name- Linkin, and she prays for him and lifts up my shirt to talk to him often.
   The other night I was sitting on the couch and Lexie knocked on my belly. "Linkin! How you doing? ... A- Good?  Okay!"  She kissed then patted my belly and walked away. She makes my heart leap with joy. Parenting two kids will/should be easy...-ier with my #2 in command nearby. 

  P.s-Did I mention my due-date got pushed up 2 weeks? So there is a definate shift in my belly picture documentation since 2 weeks happened without any warning. Short story- At our 29 week ultrasound Linkin measured big, on the outside my belly is measured big, so Linkin's new due date is June 20th! So I've got 6 more weeks till this little one is coming??? Oh wait- there's more! Now to add to the stress a little- according to Lexie's track record, she was ready at 38.5 weeks. If and I mean IF Linkin is the same we're looking at the first week of June- as in- 4 weeks away- Holy hana!! I've got lots and lots to do and suddenly don't have a whole lot of time.... Wow...  maybe I should just quit while I'm ahead and go to the beach for a week long vacation instead?

The Number 6 Victory.

Yesterday was a FANTASTIC day and for some reason the number 6 was involved with everything. Allow me to elaborate for a moment...

Shane has been working extremely hard this month and it's finally paying off- he signed 6
policies yesterday! So far the record for one day is 4, so last night we
celebrated in his behalf, and in mine...

Yesterday I too heard some fantastic news- from the agent about my novel. Before I tell you the good news- let me explain the watered down four steps before publication...

1. Agent contacts publisher, teases them with a one sentence summary of novel- if the
   publisher is interested proceed to step 2.
2. Publisher requests the first 2 maybe three chapters and reads them- if publisher is
   interested- step 3.
3. Publisher requests entire manuscript- if publisher likes it- step 4.
4. Publisher purchases novel.

This is the process as far as I understand it so here's the good news- I currently
have 6 publishers at step two-reading the beginning of my novel!!!!!

There are sooo many reasons I am excited about this news and I hesitate to share all
of the reason for fear I might offend, or brag, but how can I be bragging if I tell you what the agent said?? So forgive me ahead of time- but this is why I'm excited and what the agent said:
I am excited because:

1. It's only been a month since I signed the contract.
2. Two of these publishers are BIG names!
3. Dr. Western has told me lots how hard it is to get published right now because of the economy etc HOWEver, yesterday she reiterated several times how easy it was to get my novel through the publisher's door because it's such a"hot topic" right now and because the novel was professionally edited- putting the novel at the top of the list.
4. Dr. Western said she really wants these two publishers to make on offer on the book (yeah
   me too!), and would be surprised if one of them didn't. And then causally mentions, "So i hope you are working on the sequel (it's a three book series) because when they buy this one, the book will be published by Christmas- the perfect time to sell it, but the publisher's will expect a rough draft of the sequel within three months of our contract so they can sell the second book 8-9 months after Christmas and so on."
5. If I was chewing gum I would have swallowed it. Finally finding my words I said, "I have an outline for the second book, as well as the third, but I'm concerned that the publishers will request/demand something different-like a major character plot change- in the first book that will change the second and the third." Dr. Western: "Well Morgan, you're the author, write the novel how you want, go with your gut. You've got great instincts, they've gotten you this far." (*insert short bows here-thank you, thank you).
6. In addition to all of this great news, Dr. Western asked for another set of 6 copies of the first three chapters so she can continue to contact publishers and send off my novel. She was so sweet when I talked to her yesterday reassuring me that this waiting game is the hardest for authors. And I smiled and said, "Actually no, my novel is in your capable hands. I've done everything I need to do, so there's no stress on my end."

I can't express what a fantastic investment having an agent has done to my stress life!
Holy Hanna, I know I wouldn't have this much success on my own, especially within the first month with these major publishers. Phew- what a blessing to have Dr. Western in my life. It's fabulous!

Anyway, I'm sure there were more things said yesterday, but at the moment I can't think
of it all- but the most important is written down. Yesterday I was walking on cloud nine- it was fantastic, and with Shane's success- we celebrating by going swimming at sand hallow rec. Our ever timid in the water- Lexie surprised us both and was extremely brave in the water, going down the massive water slide with daddy (couldn't convince her to stop), got her face wet several times without crying, practice her floating and kicking, went down the kiddie slide and played in the water without fear.

Yesterday was a fantastic day, a victory for the whole family.
P.s tomorrow I have another ultra sound and I'm beyond excited to see our little man again! Maybe if I can figure it out, I'll post the ultrasound picture on here.... maybe. :D Have a fantastic day blogger world!

6 Years and March

6 years later and still in love...

Last month we celebrated our anniversary in SLC. We did a live session in the SLC temple- a must-do- if you haven't done it before. Then had Rodizio Grill at Trolley Square then spent the night at the Anniversary Inn. This place is amazing because every room is themed and they go full out! Shane and I stayed in the Phantom of the Opera room. It was a blast sitting in a tub big enough for my growing belly, watching TV in bed, staying up late, ordering room service, having breakfast in bed, then shopping the next day. A fabulous way to celebrate our anniversary.

Can't express how grateful I am for Shane in my life. I didn't think it was possible, but I love Shane more today than I did when we got married. He's an amazing, supportive husband and I couldn't ask for a better half. Love ya baby! And thanks for always making me laugh!

Later that week in SLC we went to my cousin's wedding. Brittney was a gorgeous bride and I didn't get one picture of her and I?!? I don't know what my deal was. :( Bummer!

Babysitting the girls while waiting for Brit to come out.

During our stay, we also visited cousin Whitney, Tyler in their new house- which is awesome- and their little boy Maddox who wasn't too happy to be in bed before dark...

and later that evening had dinner with Thomas, Jesi and Greyson in Ogden.

Our other fine adventure while up North consisted of a horsey ride. My parents just got a horse and we were taking turns riding Candy. This was taken while Lippy and I waited.

Can you believe my youngest sister and I are 20 years apart? Although strange, I love that Lexie has more than one friend to play with when we visit.

Here's the darling mini-horse taking my mom, Lexie and Shane around the block in a buggy. Darling, darling pony and who knew she could trot so fast? I didn't- quite the ride!

On other developing news- Lexie got her lala (Princess) bed. She's been in a toddler bed for several months, but she had to earn stickers (ie by being a good dolly) to earn the princess bed stuff. Needless to say- earning stickers and getting princess rewards works like a charm!

The Cherry Blossoms- proof the weather is changing and hopefully warmer weather is around the corner- yippee!

In other developing news: Shane is working two jobs right now. He went back to Wal-mart Distribution 4 weeks ago and yes, Lexie and I are having a hard time adjusting to seeing Shane an hour a day (I'm not kidding). Working the two jobs will hopefully only be for one more month, until he's a career agent with Farmer's insurance, but until then- we'll pull through!

(ps If I haven't mentioned it before- Shane's working as an insurance agent through Farmer's. If you'd be interested in a free auto/home/life quote contact us! Shane would be happy to see if he can save you some $$)

News on the sissy-pants: Lexie's growing up way too quickly, but she's adorable and such a good girl (when she's not fighting me on nap/bed time).

(Here's Lexie after attending Dr. Seuss day at Target- she modeled her fake mustache for us- she's quite the character.)

Yesterday, I put Lexie down for a nap and then laid down on my bed. 45 minutes later, she's tucking me in. I opened an eye squinting at her, "You're supposed to be asleep!" She giggled while closing my door.

Lexie loves her dolly's! She wraps them up then puts the dolls to bed, takes them for walks and even reads to them (adorable!). Lexie also gives my belly hugs without being prompted. The other day she said, "Baby? How're you doing? ... A good? ... okay!" then kissed my belly and walked away. She's going to be an amazing big sis. Oh and did I mention- Katie took some darling pictures of our girls? Here's a favorite of them playing tea party in the Hurricane orchards.

On me: nothing new- I'm almost to the 28 week mark! Yippee!!! Once we hit the 30 week mark time is just going to fly by- it already is, but even more so. I can't wait for summer- for one obvious reason, but also cuz I'm excited for the weather.Oh- I've been crafting lots! I finished a baby quilt and burp cloth for a friend- I can't post it though till I give it away- but it's DARLING! Almost finished our baby quilt- Dr. Seuss style, it's quite impressive. And I've been doing this twice weekly meeting with friends working on quiet books. You know the kind for church? Anyway, it's a HUGE project! I had no idea, but I've grown soo much more confident in my sewing skills- it's amazing. I'm planning to have the project done long before this baby debuts, but we'll see. I still have a crib set to make too! Eekk... Anyone have ideas on how to make cute baby bumpers?

March came and went and I have a feeling April's going to fly by too- take care until next time oh and Happy Easter too!

This is it!

I can finally blog about it:

I got my novel contract!!!!!!!!!!!!

Obviously, this is a big thing. :D

To make a long story short: I signed a 6 month contract, and this week is the first week of Montgomery West Agency representing my novel- Hero- on the road to publication. :D

Now the long story: I've been taking writing classes through the community taught by a literary agent. She expressed interest in my novel over a year ago, she read the novel. Had LOTS of suggestions- and I ended up re-writing the entire novel. The good news, I thought I had a great novel, and now because of the re-writes I have a (pardon my bragging) a fantastic book!

And so, I finished the novel in November, yes- re-writing/editing a 600 page novel can take that long- and re-submitted it. Enter: screenwriting class and my extremely cryptic post in January.... I get to my new class taught by the same agent and she tells me her agency would send me a book contract that week!!! That night I celebrated- hard!

A week goes by and nothing comes in the mail. (I'm relieved I didn't post anything, but sad nothing came in the mail.) I get to class and I talk to the agent. She tells me she can't give me the contract UNTIL the class is over! (Due to her contract with DSC- ah poop!) I told her i'd drop the class so we could get the ball rolling sooner. But, after prayer and thought I decided to wait 6 more weeks for the contract. And it was worth it!

Two weeks ago I got the contract since then have been busy looking over the contract, met with a lawyer friend who looked over the contract for me, accomplished the list of her requirments: giving her a full copy of the novel in the format she wants, chapter-by chapter outline (phew that took forever!), My bio (I have a bio!) and lastly, my novel's updated Sales pitch.

This last Tuesday I signed the 6 month contract, met with Dr. Western learned about their agency's process and left her office 2 hours later knowing my novel is in good hands.

Can't express how I've felt these last two weeks since it's been an emotional roller coaster ride from jumping for joy to-depressed (seriously!) I'm glad this process is over and I look forward to these next 6 months. Dr. Western only takes on the best novels, and said out of the 9 contracts she represents, 7 of them sale. I'd say the ratio is in my favor. Either way- say a little prayer for me! I want to see Hero on the book shelves. :D

February Crazy

We spent some time visiting the family. Lexie and Lippy played dress-up the whole time.

Found Lexie a trike at a garage sale for 2 bucks- awesome! Since this picture Shane's painted it and made it look brand-new. I'll have to find a pic and insert comparisson eventually. ;D

My little lady is really into dressing up- I love it!

Update on the weekly projects:
Valentine's evening- I had class then came home to this- I've got a great hubby!
Our Little Mermaid


Supposed to say -Week 4-

The family celebrating Shane getting his Farmer's Insurance License.

Shane started a new career this month selling insurance and it's going great! I love his job.

If anyone needs a free auto/home/whatever quote give us a call!

Lexie playing with her pal- Hadly- he's such a stud!
New Years together.

More scrapbooking stuff to come- when I get to it- I've been extremly busy...

Hoping to share some fantastic news this week- so stay tuned. :D

Boy- We're having a boy?

I'm still in shock.

Coming from a family of all girls I have been "pre-conditioned" to expect only girls being announced from the doctor’s office. I told Shane last night, "if there's a boy in here (pointing to my belly) I will be shocked"- and I am. Granted, the Chinese calendar said we would be having a boy- you should never argue with the Chinese! I had this feeling/impression that we were having a boy- but I didn’t want to be disappointed IF this little person was a girl and so I tried to keep my feelings to myself. (Even though I bought the cutest Captain America swimsuit combo on clearence in Oct. he he)

Now I can say it- I’m VERY EXCITED! Everyone tells me boys: A.)Are easy to raise. B.) Less complicated than girls. C.) Easy going. D.) More fun. The list could go on… but I think girls are all of those things! So this little boy should be just as easy right?

Having another little girl would have been fun- get to re-use all the darling stuff I have for Lexie, get matching bows and dresses!! (Ack- I need another girl too!) BUT I’m a thrilled beyond relief that this little man will get to start from scratch. And I do mean scratch. Having aunties close to Lexie’s age, we were blessed (heavily) with all of their hand-me-downs. But now, with two cousins just barely ahead of us, our little guy will need a bunch of new stuff- yippee! Oh how I love clearance shopping. :D
And to feel this baby move at last- oh how I love it! He doesn't karate-chop me like Lexie did. Instead, I get little butterflies in my stomach at random, like you do hitting a bump on the road. Oh it's fantastic, I love being pregnant. And now that I know what to call HIM- phew what a relief! Strange to call my belly him- he he. The rest of this pregnancy is downhill- time will fly. Yahoo!

*********
Word vomit- that’s what this post looks like- a bunch of splattered words mixed together in sentences- I'm sorry. You have no idea how hard this was to write down what I’m feeling right now- as I said, I’m still in shock.
But this little Miss is very excited about a baby coming to the family, and a boy- it's very cute. Yesterday when I told her we were going to take a picture of mommy's belly to see the baby she got excited. Couple hours later she saw a picture of an ultrasound and exclaimed, "baby". I guess she gets it. At the doc appointment today she was darling, oohing and aweing the whole time. She's going to be mama's very big helper. So lucky to have her.
******* This update is for Lindsey ******

OHHH and from the last post I have an update for my dear friend Lindsey who says she's checking my blog daily for an update…. I’m sorry for keeping you in suspense this whole time, and I’m sorry to keep putting you in suspense. To continue to keep it cryptic (again to save my own butt)… hmmm… we hit a bump in this long and exciting road ahead of us… so the plan is put on hold until the end of the Feb…therefore I’ll keep you posted. Sorry I can't be more specific.

Lots of love to my cyber family out there!

Spilling Guts

I wish I could spill my guts right now- let's just say I can't to cover my butt... just in case.

BUTTTT I'm expecting some VERY important mail this week that will determine where a lot of my time will end up during nap time. So this sounds criptic right??

Believe me, if you're reading this- you're a true friend and can wait a little longer to hear the news? Please say yes!

Until then, I'm walking on cloud nine.

Talk/write to you soon...

The New Year

The December 17th we celebrated Grandma Dewey's 80th birthday!

We celebrated the different decades of Grandma's life by discussing what happened in the era then dancing (with dance cards- awesome!) to a popular song... Lexie loved the dancing part.

Steven and Candace dancing together.

Took lots of family pictures- this ones a favorite!

Grandma's party was a blast and I took lots of notes so I can spring a massive bash for my mother when her times comes. :D

Speaking of mother's- we (and many other supportive family and friends- thank you!) attended the debut of "Could I Have Been There?" A Christmas Pageant that my mother wrote the script and 24 original songs for- and it was amazing! So proud of her and her many accomplishments.

Sisters at a live nativity.

Christmas Eve- Sinter Klaus (the Dutch Santa) came for a visit!

Lexie was thrilled to have Santa in our house and when he called her name to give her a gift (Pj's) she nearly dropped to the ground in excitement to get to him fast enough.

The precious moment of the night was when Santa was leaving Lexie waved and blew him kisses out the door then (without being prompted) said, "Thank you ho-ho."

Christmas morning- we went to church- wonderful, then when we got home took a million picture before we could open any presents. I know I'm an "adult" but it was torture! ha ha I just couldn't wait till Lexie opened her presents.

We all were spoiled in the gift department, and truly we feel so blessed to be so loved. It was a wonderful, wonderful time together this Christmas season.

Jazzy MADE Savannah and Lexie matching owls hats- sooo cool!

The week after Christmas, we played hard and lots- in between spells of the flu- UGH

Went to Temple Square as a family...

Went sledding lots- a favorite picture of mom and Lippy sledding.

Overall, it was a wonderful trip, glad to be with my family, but also glad to be home. :D

And now- for the fun news...

Today at our 15 week appointment we listened to our sweet baby's heartbeat.

Since all- and I mean ALL of my girlfriends who are due around the same time as me know what they're having (girls) and we all know the sex of the babies seem to go in waves- I'm very anxious for our ultra sound.

And so- Jan 31st is the appointment- and I'm not sure I can wait that long!

Okay, I can, and will- but phew!!

Shane jokes that he hopes his boy's swim team wins over the girls swimming team- but we'll see what happens. The Chinese calendar says we're having a boy (and you never argue with the Chinese)- but the thought of growing a boy??!!

We'll see if we're lucky enough to have another little girl that I can buy matching dresses and accessories with (soooo fun!) OR if we're extra luck enough that the heavens smiled down on the Widmer side of the family and gave us a boy! :D

...we'll see how this goes down!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from our little family to yours!

Fall in December

There are so many perks to living in St. George! But how can I list them without making all of
you jealous? ;) So to keep it short- the weather. I love how it's December down here and really- it feels like autumn.

The leaves are falling which means... we play!

(Check out Lexie’s hair!! I’m especially proud because she’s finally letting

me play with her hair and in these pics she’s sporting a braided crown.

Like a princess of course!)

It's gotten a bit chilly down here so we're finally wearing pants (instead of shorts)...

and it never snows.

Don't get me wrong- I love, love the snow!

It's always nice to play in, but the disadvantages, are not fun!

For instance, I've truly forgotten how freak'n cold the weather is when it snows! Wowzer!

I’ve become such a pansy when we visit family up north. We don't have real winter play clothes for Lexie- coat, snow pants, gloves, boots, so when we do play in the snow, there's

lots of improv involved...

Our family with Shane's dad up Pine Valley (30 minutes away from S. G)- Christmas tree hunting- brrrrrrrrrrrr!

Note: Lexie’s double layer jacket, good-for-nothing gloves, and our favorite item- rain boots!

Our Charlie Brown Christmas tree.

In the forest it looked perfect but when we brought it home and put ONE ornament on and the whole tree tilts.... oops! Better luck picking out a bigger tree next time. :D

Have you and your family gone Christmas tree hunting?