Introducing...

Porter Scott McBride

Our new addition was born on Monday night. He was a whopping 8lb 6oz. and was 22 1/4" long. He has already been such a joy to our family. We will post more pics when life settles a bit.

Whats been cooking...

As some of you may know, Anna was diagnosed with Celiac Disease on February 1st after months of stomach issues and skin problems. For those of you who are unfamiliar with CD, it is an auto-immune disease where her body can not tolerate gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley). Instead of processing it, the body turns on itself and destroys the villi in her intestines. So, to be healthy and to keep her intestines running smoothly and absorbing nutrients, she must never eat wheat again (breads, cereals, pastas, and most processed food contain gluten). This has obviously been a big change in her life and in our home. Since going on the diet, Anna has had all of her horrible symptoms go away, and has had an increase in energy. She is quite happy on her gluten free diet (thank goodness!). We are so grateful to have answers finally!


Getting closer to meeting our new little one. Here I am at 32 weeks.


This is me, obviously bigger, at 34 weeks.

Christmas McBride Style

New Christmas outfits (at least for the little ones!).


Making sugar cookies with Grandma Smith.


Blurry pictures taken by children.


Lots of blurry pictures taken by children.


A trip to the Gammage to see the Forgotten Carols.


Time with Grandma and Grandpa McBride.


Candy and sleepy faces.


Presents. Oh the presents.


Tricks by Linc.


Remembering why.


Our Christmas was wonderful. Thank you to all of our family and friends who helped make it great!

It's meant to be...

Boxes are meant to be sat in.


Crazy rain outfits are meant to be thought up.


Bowls are meant to be licked.


My life is meant to be with his.

Hanging in there!

So, I figured that since it has been about 6 months since my last post that it was time to post again. Some news that most everyone knows except my out of town friends is that we are expecting baby #4 in April. It is a BOY and we are super excited to have another little guy in our family. I am finally not throwing up and life is wonderful again.

My extended family had pictures taken a few weeks ago, so we have a few new pics to show everyone. After lots of craziness getting clothes that I like for everyone, doing everyone's hair nice, and trying to keep the kids clean I think it all turned out well. I couldn't have done it without the help of Randy (who is always my biggest ally!) and Autumn, hairdresser extraordinaire.


Anna is now 6 and loves full-day Kindergarten....ok, she would rather be home singing and swinging all day, but is now reading and continues to make us so proud!!


Hallie is almost 5 and gets cuter every day. She is also picking up a bit on reading and loves playing with her friends (especially her new best friend Fletcher).


Linc is our sweet little boy. He is 2 1/2 and is finally starting to talk. He loves basketballs and tattling on his sisters and anyone else who crosses his path. I don't want him to grow up and smother him every chance I get.


Here is my honey. Enough said.


Our family picture...3 out of 5 of us smiling is good enough for me!


My Mom, Dad, sisters, brothers, in-law siblings, and nephews...yep, still waiting on a niece! Thank goodness I have a few on Randy's side of the family!


My baby girls

I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays! We love you all!

Bye Bye Boys!

Last weekend was our ward's Father & Sons. Randy has been looking forward to this weekend our whole marriage, but every year he has never had anyone to take! When my girls were a reasonable age, we discussed sending them in hats but chickened out. Finally we had Little Buddy! Since Linc is almost 2, we decided that this year would be the magical year. So the two of them packed (it is unbelievable to me how few things 2 guys need for a campout!). I told Randy what I always knew I would say on their first sojourn away from me together "Please don't lose him".

I had a GREAT time with my girls. I told them that they had 2 options for our evening. Here were their choices:

a.) Go see the Hannah Montana movie at the theater (we NEVER go to movies, unless you count Redbox!)
b.) Go to Sweet Tomatoes for dinner, and then get a girly movie to watch at home.

These girls are more like me than I thought, because they both chose SweetTomatoes! I was elated...I love that place. We had a lovely time, and were lucky to have my Mom come along for the ride since her boys were on their campout too. We came home and watched a fantastic princess movie, stayed up late, ate popcorn and even broke out some Root Beer. Our girl bonding time was priceless...I just enjoy them so much!

Mr.Wonderful returned home (Linc made it too!)...their first campout was as memorable as our first girls night. We look forward to next year!

My Loves....

I am back by popular demand! Ok, really the only one who misses my posts is my Grandma. Yes, you read that right, my grandma reads my blog. And if you think THATS cool, my grandpa has posted on the family blog. How did I ever get so lucky with those two in my life? So grandma (and gramps) this ones for you!


I have a lot to love in my life right now, let the love begin!

1. My new nephew Taft Jeffrie Garrett. He came barreling into this world (sorry Misty, couldn't help myself) at a quaint 7 lb 14 oz. He is beautiful and healthy. I wanted to take him home in my purse he is so cute!

2. Easter Dresses. Need I say more?


3. Taking pictures of my lovely family. There is nothing like cleaning off the smudgy faces (and hands, and feet...) and coercing the mottley crew into smiling for the camera. It is an addiction...Hello, my name is Amber. Aren't they cute?

4. My mom, my mother-in-law, and my 7 wonderful sisters. I don't know how I got so lucky to have such strong, beautiful women in my life. By blood or marriage, you all inspire me to be better. I bow to all of you! (forgive me for missing all of my McBride sisters...it seems we never take pictures all together!?!?!)


5. My hubby, Mr. Wonderful...who makes me smile and is quick with puns.