Becoming Me

January

2012-02-01T11:22:00.001-07:00

I can't believe January is already over. January is always such a busy month and I can never exactly pinpoint why. We have Adam's birthday (which is a big event around here) and we usually get our taxes done (check) but that is about all we have going on in January. So it is surprising that it is now Feb and I haven't gotten a new planner (need it) or set up the 2012 filing system yet (yikes).

Some things we did accomplish in January are the following:

Teacher Appreciation gifts (my month) find details here
Switch bedrooms...again (dyl and abs were staying up way too late)
Toliets all fixed by an expensive plummer
Talks in church completed
Bella became a walker!!!
Bella says mama and dada like a pro
New cousin - Makenzie P (just barely made January)
Valentines Day present for A (I used Heritage Makers to make an 8x8 albulm of how we met, fell in love etc and special memories - so excited to give it to him - he hasn't seen it yet and it is killing me to wait until the 14th)

Ran all 5 of our new Zhu Zhu pets out of batteries
Lost all the bullets to our Nerf guns
Read the first 10 Magic Tree House books
Learned you can't send small handmade envelopes in the mail.
Ordered 2011 in pictures all at one (expensive- and I got 100 free (well I got a CD of 700+ photos too) to put in a Project Life Album.

Decluttered from Christmas - this playhouse was loved to pieces - literally (Thanks S & T)
It was well used before we had to toss it....

Took lots of little moments to enjoy each other. Things we haven't done: play in the snow (what snow?), built a snowman, sledding, etc. I need some valentines decor for my seasonal shelf...

One more short month of winter (maybe?) until the busyines of the three birthday month.

Love it

2011-11-10T21:22:00.001-07:00

I just love this picture of my baby. She is a doll and this picture captures her fun, laid back personality. Can you believe she has 8 teeth.

Love this girl.

Can't forget this one either....

Trick or Treat, please

2011-11-10T20:47:00.008-07:00

We had a great Halloween this year. The kids picked their own costumes. Wesley was determined to be a ghost - a scary ghost. He ended up being the only ghost we saw anywhere. I thought it would be more common but I guess not. He practiced his "boos" and ghost calls for weeks.

Dylan wanted to be the Master of the Neverland Pirates. That is what he told me. Turns out that means Jake from Jake and the Neverland Pirates so I just have to make his a vest since he had a pirate shirt from last year.

They were a "scary"bunch.

Abbey wanted to be a cat. I found ears in the dollor bins at Target and made a little tutu for her. I painted her nose but she kept wiping it all over her face so I redid it several times and then I gave up. I learned not to paint a two year old's face.

I decided to take them to the mall because Adam couldn't get off until late and so I figured it would be easier to take four kids to the mall then have them running in the streets. Plus, we could start early and be done for the night but I had to wake Abbey from her nap and she was NOT happy. However, after a temper tantrum in the car and in the middle of the mall parking lot she was happy when she got her first piece of candy in her bag. She picked it up quick! I was proud of her because she pulled herself together and was a tropper.

Bells was a flower. She is cute no matter what she is so I didn't worry about her too much. She sat in the stroller happily the whole time. Love that girl.

2011

2011-07-12T14:43:00.007-06:00

Hello everyone it has been a long time and you know what I STILL haven't ever turned my blog into a book. I worked on it for awhile but with over 400 pages to edit it seemed overwhelming and I try not to be on the computer a super ton. So here we are a year later! It was a fun year. I am so lucky to have my family. I have been keeping a little online journal at gigglesandcrayons.blogspot.com. Here is the family in 2011: 6 yrs, 4 yrs and 2 years.

I have to mention our new little princess - seriously she is the best baby ever. We are so happy to have little Bella in our family. We didn't find out what we were having but man were we excited to meet our little bundle of joy! Wes finished Kindergarten. He is enrolled in Montessori school and I love it! He has learned so much and grown up a lot. I love the focus on respect and all the parts of life that touches. He loved Ms. Kelly.

Dylan also graduated his first year of preschool. Isn't he so cute? We are looking forward to our first EVER family vacation and two weddings this year. Wow.

hey all

2010-06-29T12:42:00.002-06:00

I started a new blog. This one I have suspended until I can get it edited and turned into a book for Christmas - I was hoping last Christmas but it is taking forever so it isn't going to be any time soon. My new blog is gigglesandcrayons.blogspot.com. I don't know if you will like it - it is kind of different. No pictures just letters to my children telling them about what they are doing at this point in their lives, what I see in them, love about them etc. Mostly the blog is for me to share my thoughts and feelings with the future them. The ones I don't know yet but already love. The ones I hope to help create, inspire, shape and teach.

Scruffy needs a good home

2009-11-05T10:33:00.003-07:00

Busy week but I am doing a giveaway at keepthejuicesflowing.blogspot.com. Please leave a comment there so I can enter you in the drawing. I worked hard on him and want him to go to a good home. More info at the other blog

Thanks!

Emergency Room Visit

2009-10-29T07:13:00.003-06:00

For those of you who don't know Adam had to visit the ER on Tuesday night. He came home from work with a lot of pain in his stomach - specifically the right side. It didn't get better just got worse. He couldn't eat and had no energy.

Lucky for us we had some knowledge of these symptoms because Karie had been through this about 6 months ago and she had appendicitis. I immediately thought that is what he had. He wasn't convinced so I called around and asked people and after an hour or two of intense pain he went to the ER. A couple hours later he was in surgery.

Lucky for us his dad was able to go with him to the emergency room so I got updates by telephone throughout the night. Adam called me around midnight, after surgery - he sounded terrible. He was in a lot of pain.

Lucky for us the next day, Adam's mom took the kids so I could go pick him up. It was terrible seeing his hooked to all these things and sitting there pretty much helpless. It was a little shocking to me since I haven't even seen him sick much less down and out. We finally got him home.

We have had so many blessings throughout this adventure. What if we didn't know the symptoms, what if we didn't have Adam's dad to take him to the hospital, what if we didn't have his mom to take the kids? The kids seemed to understand that Daddy was sick and not to jump on him. He seems to be improving each day although he doesn't have a lot of energy and anything requiring bending is out. I think I am a pretty good nurse but I guess I am biased. It is kind of nice to be able to take care of him since he always takes care of me. I kind of feel like I got a chance to return the favor.

Over drugged

2009-10-23T11:27:00.002-06:00

I just got home from the dentist - my entire left side of my face is numb. I look funny when I talk because that side of my face doesn't move. I can't decide if the dentish numbing you is a good thing. It seems like that is what they do but it is necessary? I should try it without being numbed because being numb is the worse part.

Last time I was numb for A WEEK. This time I sat down my dentist and said :Can you numb me less, I mean A LOT less. I am sensitive to drugs and a little goes a long way. Last time you did this to me I was numb for a week and my baby couldn't nurse as well and went from the 50% percentile in weight to the 10% that scares me a little."

He understood

He said he gave me less powerful stuff and only a little bit but it feels the same. My nose and eye are numb too. Seriously. My appointment was at 9 and I am still totally numb. I need to go get fabric for Halloween costumes but I don't want to talk to the cutting people with half a face.

I am seriously considering never doing this again. I didn't feel anything but I still don't and if this lasts a week again - I will scream.

I'd like a fully functioning face please. Is that too much to ask?

Why can't they give you enough to just last 1 hour or just to dull the pain. Its just the dentist after all not anything serious.

They offered me laughing gas - can you believe it. Why go to the dentist if they are just going to drug you up and leave you with an unproductive face and uncomfortable day...or week.

Growing Boy

2009-10-22T14:51:00.004-06:00

My baby boy is growing up - he was a little slow but all of a sudden he is talking up a storm and he says/does the cutes things. His personality is coming out and he does so much better at not getting into trouble.

This is when I first noticed it:

That is a busy parade street there and he just sat there - most of the time by himself with other random kids we didn't know. He never ran into the road, he sat and watched the parade and sweetly asked for candy from the other kids because he wouldn't go in the road to get it. His puppy dog eyes and pout won him the goods for sure. He'd bring them to us to unwrap and go right back to his seat (even if someone else was sitting there). It was endearing.

Yesterday we covered the floor with blankets and read some stories and played Lincoln logs. The baby was crying so D kissed her on her head so gently. A little while latter she cried again and he kissed her again. She kept crying so he kissed her several more times.

"It's not working mommy" he said.

I almost choked. He was kissing her better and thought his kisses would stop her from crying. How cute is that.

It definitely got written in his "happy childhood" journal

I am really LOVING doing these. My handwriting is always messed up because I do it at night and I pretty much always misspell words but it helps me remember all the cute little moments that make up my day. Sometime I had a bad day but when I think of what I will write in their journals for the day I remember all the good times and it ALWAYS makes me smile.

Man Alive

2009-10-22T14:43:00.005-06:00

It's busy. All of a sudden my life is a whirlwind of projects, journal keeping, cleaning and blogging. Today I rearranged my whole kitchen - meaning EVERYTHING is in a new place. We'll see how it works. I am almost done with the bookcase my dad and I built last month you can see pictures at the other blog. I also try to tweet everyday on twitter you can see what we are up to @creativejuices5. I am so not good at it yet and am just learning so pretty much I read what everyone else says, wish I could get in on the coversation and wonder when technology shot past me.

We have been doing some fun family things though. We went on our annual leaf hunt in the Canyon. The boys were excited to find the different color leaves although D got distracted by a creek and most of the time after that was spent skipping (throwing) rocks.

I won

2009-10-14T08:42:00.001-06:00

Remember that post awhile back about helping me win that ring? Well one of you did it! You were anonomys so I don't know who you are...maybe Jules??? Anyways you won so I won. Thanks a lot. I am so excited.

I can't believe I won something (kind of) on the internet

Yeah!!

The AC Baldwin Post - whats going on?

2009-10-13T20:45:00.006-06:00

We got some cute good news today: Ruthie is having a boy! I am excited for her but now I have to get my brain back into boy gear so I can make her some cute presents. I have been in girl gear for awhile now and it is hard to switch back and forth. I notice that now that I have a girl, I don't buy the boys clothes. This is not a good thing since it is getting chilly around here. I am not sure how you keep boy/girl brain balanced.

The other day I bought some patterns from bit of whimsy I bought a doll pattern for the girls and monkey pattern for the boys. Girls like monkeys too though and honestly boys like dolls too but some people don't like to give boys dolls. I think I will create a robot doll or dinosaur doll. Mmmm

I am still unsure what D and Ab will be for Halloween. It will probably be cold this halloween as we are having a cold fall.

Everyone got sick last week, we had family here and there was a lot going around. I am scared of sick people. I came home and gargled listerine, cleaned my nostrils with salt water and drank some hot cocco (those things are supposed to help keep you from catching the flu). I am teaching my kids not to touch their faces and getting them to wash their hands a lot.

I started my first pattern tester project; embrodiery takes time. My evenings will involved a needle and thread for awhile. I will share it when I am allowed to. I can't until the pattern is out.

I realized that I hate sitting around, I have to constantly be doing something productive or I just die of boredom. I probably had ADD I just can't waste time....

We are thinking of moving in the next year. I go back and forth on whether I want to or not. Moving is a lot of work and it seems like selling a house is expensive. I go back and forth...

I am a little overwhelmed with so many things I want to do and so little time. I wish I could give up sleep...I can't, I love to sleep. Maybe I need to wake up earlier or something...oh and I should probably work out - this baby weight isn't going to disappear this time I think. Darn!

New favorite cartoon Phineas and Ferb - so funny. I could watch it for hours! Also loving Castle although ABC always messes up their feed or something. That is annoying.

Our craft blog is on facebook and twitter now so follow us (PLEASE) @creativejuices5

HAHAHA

2009-10-09T13:28:00.005-06:00

Sometimes thing are so great and funny you just have to laugh out loud. You have to read Ruthie's blog post over at keepthejuicesflowing.blogspot.com about all the halloween costumes we invented over the years with just scraps. We NEVER had store bought costumes growing up, we always made them ourselves and because of that we came up with tons of creative ideas - like a lighting strike, a bed, spring, a starry night, a snowbunny, securtity guards, a skunk and a wizard. The how is where it gets funny. We did a lot of pinning and covering things with fabric but without a lot of snowing.

I love creative homemade costumes. They are so much more fun then storebought costumes. Unfortunately for my kids there's have been store bought so far - well last year I made W a knight costume. It was cute:

What are some creative costumes you've made?

Help Please !

2009-10-06T18:50:00.004-06:00

So here is the scoop: Over a year ago our curious barely 2 year old thought it would be fun to flush things down the toilet. You know how that goes. Well, A's ring just happened to be lying on the top of the toilet (don't do that people -EVER!) and he flushed it down the toilet. We didn't realize for a couple of days until we retraced the rings steps and realized he left it there and I remember D flushing the toilet and we put two and two together.

The sad part is I haven't replaced it. I keep meaning too and ever bought one once but it was the wrong size so I had to PAY to send it back (curse you Overstock) so then I had to force him - drag him by the hand to get his ring sized by a professional (he had used those ring paper rulers before but obviously they don't work) so I got his size etc but haven't gotten him one because it seems like a waste to buy a new wedding ring or to spend a lot of money on one etc.

Then comes my PLEA.

HomeSpun Threads is giving one away!! I just need to win it. So if you guys don't want to enter for yourselves --ENTER FOR ME. All you do it leave a comment. If all of you entered for me I would have a better chance of winning.

I never win everything and this I NEED.

If you need something more - our anniversary is this weekend!!! The 10th and wouldn't that be a GREAT present.

Here is the link:
http://myhomespunthreads.blogspot.com/2009/10/giveaway-free-engagement-or-wedding.html?showComment=1254876591870#c6360623440348600140

You can just put that you are entering for Sizzle (I left a comment as Sizzle with my pick) to win...

Ghost

2009-10-06T08:13:00.001-06:00

I did a tutorial for making this ghost at my other blog keepthejuicesflowing.blogspot.com. I post there tues and thurs. Check it out and let me know what you think? It is easy enough you could all do this today?

weather report

2009-10-05T09:04:00.004-06:00

If your wondering about the weather report for fall, here it is: There is going to be less of this...

But probably some of this:

More often though it will be this:

Welcome fall!

Getting Ready for Conference

2009-10-02T09:47:00.003-06:00

Today I am getting ready for conference and trying to start some fun family traditions for this special weekend.

The kids are still young so it is hard to think of things that will keep them quite while we can listen but still have it be enjoyable for them.

I have seen some awesome ideas like the conference wall - where you post pictures on the wall of topics the prophet and apostles might talk about then give each kid pictures of the apostles and have them stick the apostle to the appropriate topic - but my kids can't read. I was thinking I could do pictures but still haven't decided.

I did prepare a special waffle dough for breakfast.

Conference coloring books for the kids

Some markers - I have BANNED markers in our house since the kids never put the lids back on but maybe for conference it would be a special treat.

Special treats for being quiet through a talk.

Stickers

conference bingo

More great ideas here

Cats are rodents

2009-09-28T20:25:00.002-06:00

Warning: If you are a cat lover DO NOT READ.

When I was a girl I loved kittens and cats, I loved petting them cuddling them, chasing them around the yard, teasing them with a string or running a stick along the ground and having them think it was a worm.

I wish I could still have those positive memories of cats...

BUT

today when I think of cats, I think of hundreds of them running around pooping in the dirt in front of my house and stinking up the place.

Our neighbor has 9 cats maybe more - I tried to count every one so I could be precise but there were so many and they run all over the neighborhood, there are always different ones. I have seen a lot more than 9 but I think the 9 are actually theirs. It is insane how much poop I have everywhere and I don't have a pet.

The other day the boys were building a river. I loved it. I used to make little "worlds" for my dolls to play in with rivers, lakes, trees etc so it excited when my kids can enjoy those same things. Then I noticed that there was poop all over in the dirt that they play in.

This is in the back yard.

I have tried to ignore the front. Now I find it everywhere. Cats aren't like dogs as pets they are like rats. Fences don't stop cats. They are everywhere. In the paper there have been so many stories of boxes of kittens being dropped off or found. They are becoming rodents.

I don't know what to do about my cat infestation. I don't know how to keep them out of my yard and my dirt. I hate them. I hiss at them when I see them in my yard. I have dumped chili powder and paprika - wasn't sure which ones was supposed to work so I did both. I didn't notice a difference.

I want to move just because of the neighbors cats. Isn't that sad.

All this from a girl who used to love cats.

Sad

Creative space

2009-09-24T10:32:00.005-06:00

I finally got my craft room finished. I love it!! I could seriously spend all day in there if I could. All it needs is a big clock on the back wall between the bulletin boards. I am hoping to find a great deal at a garage sale or a thrift store and paint it blue to match my desk.

You can see more pictures of the room and learn what I did to pull it together on our craft blog keepthejuicesflowing.blogspot.com. I redid or made everything in the space besides the tables.

I am really loving our new blog. There have been so many good ideas on there and we have been successful at posting everyday.

Some of the other things I made recently:

Dishwasher hands

2009-09-21T15:58:00.002-06:00

Remember that I Love Lucy where she tells Ricardo that he promised that she would never have dishwasher hands?

Well today I found out exactly what that means and why you HAVE to wear gloves when doing dishes by hand. Why? Well a week ago I heard water running and kept checking outside to see if the sprinklers were on. They weren't and eventually I convinced myself I was hearing things until A comes home and asks if I could hear water running in the kitchen.

Yes! I have heard it all day. I thought I was CRAZY. I am glad you hear it too.

Well then we had to find out where the water was coming from. Unfortunately it was a HOT water leak so the hot water was constantly running for at least at day.

After breaking some tiles in our kitchen, cleaning up under the sink and pulling the dishwasher out we found the problem. First we thought it was the cord because it was a copper thing and all corroded so we replaced that then we hooked it up and turned it on and our kitchen got a shower.

There was a pin size hole in the dishwashers main water valve which controls the water pressure etc etc.. Very important piece. We tried to use this magic putty stuff to plug it but it didn't work there is way too much pressure.

After a few days or scouring online looking for the part (our dishwasher is a TAPPAN and is pretty old) we ordered the part online but it will take a week to get here. Its already been about a week but for the first few days I let A do the dishes.... I didn't know how to do dishes my HAND. Yikes.

After watching him a few times and worrying about germs I started to do them...my way. Which pretty much takes ALL DAY long but I am Pretty sure they are clean when they are done. Of course, by the time they are done I have more to do so I will have to perfect my routine or just do the dishes after every meal like we used to in the old days, before dishwashers.

I vaguely remember those days. At least the days when my family didn't have one.

So here is MY way to wash dishes by hand. warning" Gloves needed!!
1. First I clean the kitchen and unload the dishes from the sink, then I scrub each dish to get all the gunk off.
2. Then I run the garbage disposal, clean and disinfect the sink with comet, scrub all the gunk off the sink make sure no germs live there anymore
3. stop up the sink and fill with the hottest of hot water
4. soak dishes in the hottest of hot water with soap and then wearing gloves, get them out and rotate until all the dishes are soaked routinely replacing the water so it stays SUPER hot.
5. As they come out I rinse in hot water
6. Set them out while I follow the process for all of the dishes
7. Rinse in cold water
8. towel dry and put away

It takes all day seriously and I can see how having a dishwasher is a life saver but I THINK after this process they should be clean. Right?

Cross my fingers.

P.S. I am sure I will be an expert by Friday when the part should be here and then we'll see if it even works, in the mean time at least the wet under our dishwasher is getting dry...

The result

2009-09-17T11:13:00.002-06:00

Well I used the sewing machine doctor and here are the positives and negatives

1) He showed me how to take apart and clean my machine and put it together again so I can do it myself once every year and keep it in top notch condition
2) He told me the most common problems are having burrs on the metal thing that turns with the bobbin when you sew - you just sand it off and you are usually good. Also the top knob controls the bottom tension and the botton tension is controled by the screw on your bobbin cover - that is how you adjust it and those two things fix 95% of problems
3) He showed me how to do several stitches on my machines including how to free hand embroidery - I learned something I didn't know before
4) It was fast - he fixed and cleaned my machine in less than an hour.
5) It does save me dragging three kids out for a quick trip or taking them into a store that might not be kid friendly

The negatives
1) The price, he even charged me for labor - my mom told me they couldn't tax you on that but I guess she was wrong because I even asked him about it. It was thirty dollars difference than the drop off place
2) Your kids are crying, climbing over you, stealing the guys tools etc
3) He was very late
4) The warranty is only a few months - makes me think he isn't that confident in his services because the other place offers a year warranty -BIG DIFFERENCE!
5) I told him about the other guy (prices,warranty) and how he doesn't have any reviews on-line and the other guy does. He didn't make an effort to stay competitive.

I think it was a good one time thing but I don't think I'd go this way again. I think anyone who does business should be aware of what competitors are doing and stay competitive. Hopefully I never need another repair man and can do everything myself so the cost is divided over the next twenty or so years but if not....

The debacle

2009-09-16T19:17:00.002-06:00

So my sewing machine broke so I called one of the three places in the phone book and they will come to my house and fix it tomorrow but it is pricey. I am still broke from my bookshelf and cricut so I don't know what to do. Although it would be nice to have it fixed tomorrow morning it is 30 dollars more expensive then the other place which has a two day turn around time. I have found reviews for the other place but not the coming to your house place and am wondering if it is even worth the 30. I hate this. This is the first problem with my machine and it is probably children related - if you know what I mean.

So, what would you do?

It wouldn't be a big deal if I didn't have a shower this weekend that I am making stuff for and I am right in a middle of a project. ick

I need a job or something to sell or SOMETHING.
***
Another thing is the toliet overflowed yesterday by a ton in the one bathroom that has carpet - ick. Then we found out that our hot water has been running into our dishwaster non stop but we don't see a leak so we have to break the tile, take it out and investigate so all these things are happening at once and somehow my sewing machine seems less important...but I need it to finish my project.

I am conflicted

The worst part is, oh this is so funny, that we have an appointment with a financial advisor next week and by then we will probably have drained our savings and we will look so bad he probably won't want to help us. Oh well, it is clear in SLC anyways.

Oh, did I mention I have 306 in cavities I have to have done - most of which I am doing on Friday? 263 due that day.

Everything at once man. Good thing I have a sense of humor and think it is funny that things are just piling up and right about the time all the good sales are happening. I supposed this is how to get me to save instead of spend...show me all my NEEDS.

Ironic #2 I never had a cavity until I had kids.

Man.

Ever feel like everything is fighting against you. I am going to fight back and kick this thing in the butt. I want my peaceful life back please! It was the best. I appreciate it totally. I recognize my mistakes and I passed the test. You can stop now...please.

If you haven't yet check out our new sisters blog and become a follower! Please then I will add ads and get a little money. I need it, I promise.

Thanks.

ME

10k

2009-09-15T12:29:00.003-06:00

We have a certified runner in the family and this past weekend he ran his first 10k. He did awesome and the best part is he wasn't sore after at all. We got to the race site at 8:30 am and the kids and I waited for him at the finish line and then we all watched the parade afterwards. Every time we go to Peach Days I really want to live in Brigham City but then on the way back home I notice how far away it is from everything and realize I probably couldn't take it. I need my stores!
Here are the pictures:

There they go...
Watching the parade set up and the big tanks.

Go team Go. Number 130 returns!

Kids sitting quietly watching the parade. P.S. The monkey leash was a LIFESAVER!!

Discovering Me

2009-09-14T15:58:00.004-06:00

Have you ever noticed that you come around to the same things/styles over and over and one day you look at and discover that they things you are drawn too are designed by the SAME people? I love making this discovery because it becomes clearer to me what my style is.

Has anyone ever asked you what your style is and you are like uhhh, ahhh, mmmm. I really don't know but I am coming to find out that I like color and a bit of whimsy, I also like things that are feminine and a little shabby chic. I like "contemporary country" meaning I like it cleaned up a bit but homey and a bit rustic.

My favorite scrapbook paper is always from My Minds Eye. I am ALWAYS drawn to their stuff and I JUST found out they have a fabric line.

Its fun to find things that you LOVE and then realize how they all fit together in a unique style that is yours.

Preschool depression

2009-09-10T20:05:00.004-06:00

Today was W's first day at preschool and I swear that two and a half hours were the longest two and a half hours of my life. I missed him...terribly. It was weird not to have my constantly talking, creative, imaginative little boy running around asking me questions, having me write in words to his books he creates. When he got home from preschool I was SO happy to have him back.

I am glad this isn't an everyday thing. I am really attached to my little boy. He is constantly entertaining me.

Today his teacher told me he is hysterical, I asked why and she said he kept asking if it was time to go outside all day and when they DID go outside he asked if he could come back in.

On the way to the car he explained to me that he didn't see the table with the cookies on it outside. AH HA

For the open house she set a table with cookies and drinks in her backyard for the kids. He thought they would still be there. So really he just wanted a cookie.

******

Monday I moved one of my 6 ft tables into the kitchen to paint some cabinet doors. While I was pouring the left over paint from the tray into the FULL gallon jug he accidentally bumped into the table, it wasn't secured, and the table fell along with my doors and the entire gallon of paint.

SPLAT

all over the tile (thank goodness we got rid of the carpet). I stood there in SHOCK and just said oh no oh no oh no. Wesley expressed his sincere apology and we worked for the next hour and a half cleaning it up. It took a long time.

I thought I could get away with not telling the hubby....but...he noticed the drops of paint on the driveway where I dripped and the grass was covered in paint since I washed out the drop cloth.

We weren't mad...it was an accident....a big one but now I know you CAN clean up paint from tile and it is NOT the end of the world.

******
Curious George on PBS has new episodes and today we watched on about the sprouts (like scouts but into nature) they had a rule book so W created his own rule book and carried it around in his pocket. When D wouldn't share he would pull out his book and find the corresponding rule and "read" it to him.

The rule book is lost.

****
For the last two weeks, W has been creating paper objects - DVD's, monsters, trains, knights etc. He cuts each part out of paper and glues them together. I find them all over the house. They are great. I am impressed. As my sister said the career possibilities for him at this point are endless: illustrator, architect, author, artist....

Here are some pictures - I decided to take pictures of them and make up a story using them as the pictures so he will have them forever but they won't overtake the entire house.

The 5 sisters @ keepthejuicesflowing.blogspot.com

2009-09-08T18:23:00.005-06:00

So my sisters and I got together and started a new blog . We update it with things we are doing and learning. We are going to do tutorials and tips/tricks and inspiration. I think it will be great. Since all of us are in different stages of life and have different talents and abilities there will be something for everyone. Tell your friends and family! We want this blog to be HUGE.

We have a lot of fun stuff planned check it out and better yet become a follower so we can increase our numbers and get it started.

Todays post - my redo of my desk chair! I will tell you how I did and how to do it yourself.

A sneak peak of things to come:

Those are just some of what I have planned; and if you are sick of me, I am only one contributor there are 4 others. It will be AWESOME, I promise.

Keep the juices flowing!!!

Wanted

2009-09-07T21:21:00.002-06:00

Scarlet the doll from this etsy shop. I love red and I think she looks like me....a little? I love her. I want her so bad but she is a little pricey and I think I can figure out how to make one but still. I want, I want.

At least I will always have her picture on my blog. She is beautiful. Don't you think?

Beach Day

2009-09-03T21:37:00.004-06:00

We finally tried out Bear Lake - I have heard about it forever but have never been. We decided to take the kids there last Friday to check it out and hopefully get the kids used to the water. It seemed like we were never going to get there because you go through this tiny canyon and there is NOTHING and then all of a sudden this big beautiful lake comes out of nowhere. I took a picture from the car--so glad we were finally almost there and I love it. I love how you can see me and the mirror and the lake. Bear Lake is shallow FOREVER you can walk out to the middle of the lake so it was perfect.
We took the kids to a water park this summer but they wouldn't get in the water --well ONE of them wouldn't so we hoped that having the sand and water would make it more enjoyable for him that he would WANT to go into the water.

He did and it was a success.

Abbey was darling in her little hat - thanks Ruthie. Its a little big but at least she didn't get any sun.

The power of words

2009-09-01T09:23:00.003-06:00

My friend Marianne recently posted about the power of words on her blog. She also has a great blog about teaching her kids - full of great ideas, visit it here. I liked what she said about words using Elder Hollands talk "the Tounge of Angels" given in April 2007 at a General Conference session of the LDS church...find the full talk here.

These are some of Marianne's selections of quotes:

"...the sin of verbal abuse knows no gender. Wives, what of the unbridled tongue in your mouth, of the power for good or ill in your words? How is it that such a lovely voice which by divine nature is so angelic, so close to the veil, so instinctively gentle and inherently kind could ever in a turn be so shrill, so biting, so acrid and untamed? A woman’s words can be more piercing than any dagger ever forged, and they can drive the people they love to retreat beyond a barrier more distant than anyone in the beginning of that exchange could ever have imagined. Sisters, there is no place in that magnificent spirit of yours for acerbic or abrasive expression of any kind, including gossip or backbiting or catty remarks. Let it never be said of our home or our ward or our neighborhood that 'the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity … [burning] among our members.'"

This quote is from his classic talk "The Tongue of Angels" given April 2007 (read the whole thing- it's amazing!).

I also love what Sister Bonnie D. Parkin has to say about the words we say:

Do we judge one another? Do we criticize each other for individual choices, thinking we know better, when in fact we rarely understand another’s unique circumstance or individual inspiration?

We also lose sight of that good part when we compare ourselves to others.
Her hair is cuter, my legs are fatter, her children are more talented, or her garden’s more productive—sisters, you know the drill. We just can’t do that. We cannot allow ourselves to feel inadequate by focusing on who we aren’t instead of on who we are!

We are all sisters in Relief Society. We simply cannot criticize, gossip, or judge and keep the pure love of Christ.

Elder Marvin J. Ashton beautifully observed:

“Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us.

Charity is expecting the best of each other.”

I also love the talk "The Virtue of Kindness" by Elder Wirthlin, one of his classics.

I wish I could paste the whole thing, but here are few thoughts:

There is no substitute for kindness in the home.

The things you say, the tone of your voice, the anger or calm of your words—these things are noticed by your children and by others. They see and learn both the kind and the unkind things we say or do. Nothing exposes our true selves more than how we treat one another in the home.

Who can tell what far-reaching impact we can have if we are only kind?

I liked the way Marianne pulled things from different talks and put them together to show how our words not only hurt others but also ourselves. Why waste time making ourselves feel inadequate by comparing ourselves to others? I know I can do a better job of only speaking positive words and thoughts, not criticizing others but recognizing their talents and not complaining when things don't happen the way I would like them too. Especially at home where we don't feel we have to impress anyone or be polite when really what we do at home is the most important!

Only with Words

2009-08-31T21:59:00.003-06:00

I found this blog today. This post made me bawl. Some people are so good at putting into words what it means to be a mother.

What it does to you, how it changes you, how you see yourself differently, how you view the world differently.

Some days I take it for granted.

Some days I don't appreciate my children as much as I should. Other days I feel overwhelmed with love and appreciation for them. Other days I feel so lucky to be there mother, so blessed and alive with feeling.

Sometimes you just need a little reminder that childhood passes too quickly and to cherish each day you have.

I needed that today.

Thanks blog world. Thank you for loving your life as a mother and sharing that with me so I can remember that I feel that way too. I have a great life and great people to love.

Quote of the day

2009-08-31T21:52:00.000-06:00

"Don't waste your effort worrying about what you have not done.

Spend your time working on what you now can do.

It's amazing how much you can accomplish when your heart is in it.

Drop the doubts, self-criticisms, and anxieties, and positively put your heart into what you're doing.

Enjoy the delicious feeling of making real progress based on your own focused efforts.Have fun watching yourself accomplish as you complete each task.

Taking effective, meaningful action will put you in a positive frame of mind.And that will open the door to many great new possibilities.

Go beyond wondering about it, or thinking it through, or planning for it.

Just go ahead and get it done.

Choose your destiny and delight in the fulfilling effort that makes it happen. You can do it, and now is when."
- Ralph Marston

Funny kids

2009-08-26T12:32:00.003-06:00

I have been keeping a funny/silly journal for the boys. Every day I write down a funny thing they did or said or something that shows their personalities. It has been fun to try and remember just one thing the kids do so I can write it in their journals.

For the last two Mondays I haven taken the kids to the Dinosaur Park because we could get in for 6 dollars (2 each) and the boys love it. It was my first time taking all three kids anywhere besides Costco and Lowe's. They did good if D was locked in the stroller.

After looking at the dinosaurs and taking silly pictures we went to the playground. On one of the play dinosaurs you could ride on W fell down and hurt his bum. He comes up to be and bends clear over and asks me to kiss his bum.

I was sitting with a friend at the time and she starts laughing - I didn't really know what to do so I kissed my hand and patted his bum. That didn't satisfy him! So still bent clear older he says, "No mom, Kiss it with your face."

Here are some pictures from our dinosaur adventure

Bring on that Powered Milk

2009-08-26T12:15:00.002-06:00

Today I made powered milk for the first time ever. Why you ask? Because I decided to make a new intense budget half way through August and I went over the month the other day and I was WAY over our food budget. Note: never start a new budget in the middle of the month - it just doesn't work.

Oh, and I also spent over 200 at Lowe's- seriously they should give me a prize for going there everyday!

So in order to try to get us back on track I am refusing to buy food until Sept 1st. Really it shouldn't be that hard because obviously since I am SO INSANELY over budget - we have a lot of food in our house. It is really a good thing to clean out my cupboards before buying new because I am finding things are expiring and that is like throwing money away so I need to use them up. The only hard part really is milk. We go through 4 -6 gallons a week. Yep, that's right.

I currently have a fourth of a gallon so I made powered milk to extend our supply as much as possible. I figure I can at least cook with it. I drank it and really there wasn't a difference besides the little after taste.

I mixed it with reg milk for the kids this morning and they didn't notice anything although while I was making it W refused to drink it. "I don't like that milk, I haven't tasted it before." etc etc.

Weekly Goal

2009-08-24T09:40:00.002-06:00

I am reading the book "Secrets of the Millionaire Mind: Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth that my sister Karie discusses here on her blog. The book discusses how our mind stores files on our opinions/philosophy's about different things and when we have a question it only uses those files to make our decisions. In order to change what life offers us we have to change our files and our way of thinking.

We create what life gives us. Our mind is a powerful tool that we can use to work for us, to empower us and to bring MORE GOOD. Thoughts create feelings lead to actions and actions lead to results. One way to get more out of life is to control our thoughts.

This week my goal is to not complain about ANYTHING for 7 days. I don't want to be around people who complain and will only entertain positive thoughts about things/people around me.

Try this with me and see if it brings you a better week?

Another blog

2009-08-16T15:55:00.002-06:00

I've started another blog keepthejuicesflowing.blogspot.com. I am using it to compiles projects that I want to do and don't have time to do or things that I have done to share with others. It will also be my random talking but it will not have family updates or pictures of the kids. It is mostly just my stuff and interests. It is pretty much what my blog was but without the pics so I will put pics and kids updates on here but not there.

Get it.

Who knows I probably won't keep this blog private forever, I really HATE it but I was scared about that story of them stealing a picture of this ladies kid from her blog and a friend of hers found her kid up for adoption (well they used his pic and said he was up for adoption) kind of scary. Ick.

There are some SICK people in the world. My goodness

2009-08-13T11:25:00.004-06:00

This week went by so quickly. Here is a picture of Dylans forehead on Saturday. (sorry this really was the best I could get) He ran smack into the table and had to get stitches - again!! This time though they had to sew him up. It went all the way to his skull. Thankfully it didn't crack. He is so clumsy. I can't wait until he can talk good enough to get his eyes checked. I swear he is blind. This is the cute strawberry outfit I made the shoes to go with. We were really rushed to get to church this week so this is the ONLY picture I got. I will have to dress her up again and do a photo shoot.

On Monday my sister Julie and her bf Nate came over. The kids tried to break everything they owned. This is them wearing their sunglasses. Dylan broke Js. Sad. It was nice to see J and N though. We went out to eat and checked out a new park. Beus for beautiful. I've never seen swans just floating around like that. Nice.

Tuesday I made this - it is a crinkle tag toy- it is for AMY who had her baby Ginger TODAY. Congrats. I got some stuff together for her and sent them with Pat who got there right in time for the baby's birth. This was the funnest day of the week.

Wednesday we had NO WATER. Then it was MUDDY water and today it is almost back to normal. We went and got some fabric for this project. So cute! It is baby season and I have a couple of baby showers coming up. When we got home Dylan ran into a WALL. I don't know if you can tell but this side of his forehead is BLACK AND BLUE. It is also a golf ball sized lump. I swear he is blind. Who runs into walls?

I really can't get him to walk anywhere and he must have spacial problems or something because he is ALWAYS tripping, falling, running into things, getting stuck etc. He keeps me on my toes.

This weekend - starting today I am getting my craft room together - pictures soon.

My own little island

2009-08-12T16:48:00.003-06:00

Today my phone died. I mean REALLY died. I can't even charge it anymore, it doesn't work. It is hopeless. I have tried every outlet in my house without success. I knew something was wrong because my battery life was like 3 hours and I was charging it every day but I wish I knew what happened.

Can't wait for A to get home so I can take it to the store and make them give me a new one. I am MAD. My phone is like 4 months old. Maybe older but I haven't had it for a year yet.

Today the water turned brown. Like mud. Really gross poop colored mud. I have tried to run it over and over multiple times today but it is still brown and gross. The water pressure isn't there either and it spurts and sputters.

No cleaning dishes, cleaning boys hands, taking baths, drinking, cooking etc.

I am going a little nuts.

Wesley got water to paint. He told me that and I didn't think anything of it until I cleaned up his puzzle and it was ALL WET. He used a strainer to get water.

Duh. Who gets water with something that has holes. I thought he knew better... guess not.

I feel cut off from the world, my family and any normal-ness. It is strange to feel stranded in your own home.

I am on my own little island in the midst of this big city. Who knows when my phone will be fixed. Hopefully soon but if not please leave comments and emails to brighten my day and it will be my little life line or my Wilson (castaway reference) to keep me sane in this insane world.

A NEW hobby

2009-08-08T11:04:00.005-06:00

I am officially a garage sale fanatic. I know I have only been out for two weeks but you would believe the deals I saw - some of which I missed out on but I am learning. It is fun to go treasure shopping and boy did I see some. Some of the ones I missed out on was this Victorian padded chair - it was gorgeous but more that I was planning on spending...to bad, I hope somebody picked that beauty up. There were also two beautiful wood chairs that would totally match my living room although I wanted one for my sewing room but I didn't speak fast enough and a lady involved in the sale snatched them up.

Next week I will be quicker. I need a nice chair.

Also there was a beautiful full bed - BEAUTIFUL!! It came with four dressers- they were actually all dressers but they looked like it because they had tons of drawers. I LOVE drawers. You had to buy the set and it was 375. Pretty good for the quality but I couldn't drop that on something that wasn't a need. However, I am glad I saw it.

There were also two nice wood NEW end tables for 12 each but they were sold. I would have been tempted but they weren't on my list either.

Someone had all the Living Scripture videos - perhaps I should have asked about those but I was sticking to my needs list.

There was a table with 4 chairs for 20 but I thought the chairs were too small and it wasn't as good quality as I would like. I figure if I wouldn't buy it for full price then I don't want to get it just to get something.

What I did score however was a like new VCR ($3) --our is broke, the kids put magnets in it so I needed a new one-- some rare Disney videos for 1 each and a TON of brand new never read children's books.

They are the books for the elementary reading list, classics and all in plastic covers and I got them for .75 each. Books are expensive! I was just thinking the other day how I wanted to get more books for my kids but at 7$ a pop for a book it is pricey. This was the perfect solution! For 10$ I got 16 books (4 hardbacks)

The perfect ending to a fun morning; having my boys bring me book after book instead of a movie.

Priceless.

Modified but STILL pretty good day

2009-08-07T15:11:00.006-06:00

So I made it! I did everything I wanted to do today plus some.

I worked out during nap time on the treadmill and had Wesley watch a movie with me. I got my two miles in. I have to work up to running for a whole hour. Adam is running 6 miles every day - I'd like to be at least half that. I don't want to be the bigger one in our relationship! The girl should always be smaller -right? Adam is wasting away before my eyes. His goal is to be able to wear his suit he wore in our wedding pictures. I don't think I will ever be able to wear my wedding dress again. I think I was like 110 and my hips were probably a lot closer together...lol

Maybe when I get back in shape, I will try it on and take a picture. That will be fun, no? Maybe this pose...This is the picture my parents have of me on their piano. The only picture of JUST me. So this silly pic is how they show the world who I am. HAHA
sidenote: While I was looking through my wedding pictures it is amazing how it seems like it was just yesterday but yet so much has happened. I have grown so much since that day in so many ways. My sisters have all grown up and are pursuing their own dreams. J is getting her MBA in Colorado, Ruthie served a mission in Ohio and is now married and will soon have a family of her own, Karie is working hard at conquering the world and starting up her own magazine, and Susie is on a mission in Uruguay after living outside of the US more than in it.

I still consider myself a newlywed...maybe an experienced newlywed. I am sure that 20 years from now I will laugh at calling myself experienced just like I laugh at myself now for thinking that people who had been married over 5 years were crazy to call themselves newlyweds-but now I am proudly one of them.

Back to my day...

I got my peg board primed and ready to paint fun colors - have to go buy a stencil (note to self) Did you know you can make your own with template plastic? I never thought of that. I might try tracing some of my fabrics and cutting out the designs with an exacto knife.

Did you also know that Lowe's sells sample sizes of paint for 3 dollars. I am going to get me some fun colors to decorate my peg board and for some small art projects. It is so fun to not to have to get a whole quart for a little thing. My desk didn't even take half a quart. I think I am starting to see how much you can get in a quart of paint. It is A LOT.

I have to run to the fabric store - tomorrow? to get some more of my pillow fabrics and a the craft store for a silk red flower for Abbey's hair on Sunday to go with her strawberry dress (she is wearing it on Sunday with the shoes I made ((previous post))- pictures coming)

Also, I got my garage sale route mapped out for tomorrow. Start time 7 am!

My IDEAL Schedule

2009-08-07T07:39:00.002-06:00

It's 7 am and my goals of getting up early to read, study and work out before the kids wake up at their usual time (8:30) is shot. Wesley is wide awake building houses with Lincoln logs, Dylan is moderately awake moving around in his crib and Abbey is asking to be cuddled. I showered but that it about it and now I am feeling like my morning was STOLEN. What happened? Why if I wake myself up early to get an early start BEFORE the kids, they have the same idea and if I decide to sleep in they do too? It is a losing battle, if I sleep in I get a longer break but if I wake up early to be productive they take it away from me. Is it even worth trying to get up?

When can I squeeze in a moment to myself to take care of me? I've tried running every night at 8 but that hasn't worked out either. Two days a week, Adam has meeting so he is gone at that time. The weather has been strange so I tried using the treadmill but was interrupted many time by kids crying for their mom and my workout turned into a non-effective interval workout with stops and lulls.

Now my morning idea is shot through with holes and what time to I have left? Wesley is my needy boy who can't seem to give me a second of quiet and he DOESN'T take naps - EVER so basically unless I work out during cartoons or something I am LOST.

Already it is looking like a frustrating day.

Someone told me once that most negative feelings- anger, resentment, hate, worry, arguments etc are cause by unmet expectations. True, True.

I guess I'll go make pancakes or waffles, cut some strawberries and try to turn "lemons" into lemonade. Who knows maybe Wesley WILL take a nap today. Miracles DO happen. Cross my fingers and toes!

Blessing dress

2009-08-06T17:18:00.004-06:00

I am sentimental - I would much rather have something handmade by someone then store bought. I even get attached to clothes simply because they remind me of certain occasions or times of life. I cried when Adam cleaned out his closet and gave all the clothes to DI that I remember us jogging together in when we were dating or barbecuing in etc. I have memories that come to me when I look at pictures and remember the pretty dresses my grandmother always got for us. Perhaps, because of that I asked my mom to make Abbey's blessing dress as soon as I found out I was having a girl.

It is so special to have a dress made by her grandmother so even after her grandmother is gone (a LONG time for now) she will remember that she was loved enough for someone to put time and effort into creating a dress for her first granddaughter. I am sure we will cherish it forever! Her are some more pictures of Abbey in her dress and bonnet. It was a little big - maybe she'll wear it for her baptism---lol...just kidding.

The above picture is

the first picture of Abbey with her grandmother who made her dress. Since Abbey was so late and my mom only saw her in the hospital we realized we didn't get a picture of them together. Good thing she could come back for the blessing.

Faces of Abbey

2009-08-06T17:07:00.004-06:00

I tried to take a lot of pictures of Abbey this week to catch her smile but getting a baby to smile on camera is next to impossible! I did get some interesting faces though and although the pictures probably are good enough quality to print I thought I share here:

After looking at my pictures I found that I HAD a picture of her smile already. This is a picture that was taken right before I took my mom to the airport on Wed. We ran up to her childhood home to get a 4 generation picture with her mom since she is bedridden and on hospice care so she couldn't come to the blessing on Sunday. Isn't she beautiful when she smiles?

before and after

2009-08-06T11:15:00.003-06:00

Remeber that desk I got at a garage sale. I finished it and I am so excited to start sewing on it. I love the color and it goes great with the fabrics I picked out for the pillows I am going to make. The whole desk cost me about 35 dollars after paint, hardware and the desk itself. Pretty good. This weekend I am hunting for dressers and chairs - I need a fun chair to go with it - one I can paint grean or spice...

2009-08-02T16:11:00.003-06:00

Today we had Abbey's blessing. Adam did a wonderful job - like always, I cried. We had a lot of family come out to support her and had a little lunch at our place. It was fun to have people over. Can you believe that it is the FIRST time we have EVER had people over? The first time. We had almost 30 people here so I think we are broken in and maybe we will start to do it more often.

We had the Salisburys, the Jenks and the Baldwins all in one place. Abbey has four generation pictures on both sides or her family. What a lucky girl!

Garage Sale Finds

2009-08-02T16:05:00.004-06:00

My mom and Karie were in town this weekend so I took them garage sale shopping and got some good deals. I was looking for a desk for our laptop so I could reclaim my 6 ft table. I found one but I am thinking it would make a great sewing table so I will have to look for another desk next week.

I want to strip it and paint it a fun color like turquoise.

This glider I got for 5 bucks. I thought that was a great deal. We need to add a couple screws but it is in good shape. I have always been too timid to go to garage sales by myself but after this weeks adventures I think I could do it. Especially with the truck for all of my purchases. :)

July Projects

2009-08-02T15:43:00.006-06:00

I have been busy reading my new books, printing projects off of my favorite craft blogs, buying supplies and fabric for said crafts and getting ready for Abbey's baby blessing. I got these composition books at a back to school sale for .50 and turned them into these cute journals for the boys. I am going to record one funny thing that the boys say or do each day and give them to them when they get married. I think it will be something that they can look and laugh at later. It is funny remembering the silly things they say and do and writing it down. Adam and I pay more attention to what they do to evaluate if it is "book worthy."

First sewing project since having baby - cute baby shoes! Two kinds - they took me a long time. The first time I made the red shoes I forgot to enlarge the pattern to 100% so they were tiny but after 6 hours of sunk time I was faster the second time around. I made the red ones to go with a strawberry outfit Pat got A. I think they look like little strawberries. The white ones were for her blessing. They were much easier but didn't stay on very well.

Confessions of an online addict

2009-07-23T13:16:00.006-06:00

Today was a HARD day. I had to change W's bed 4 times and wash all the bedding in the house and linen cabinet multiple times. I have beached the bathrooms, scrubbed the carpet, changed kids clothes, scrubbed flours, pillows, stuffed animals etc and I can't say I did it lovingly.
So when I finally got a break I looked online- found some cool new projects I'd love to get started on. I book marked them all! I have hundreds of bookmarks. I really wish I had more time or at least would get started already...you know. Just looking and thinking about doing those kind of things gives me a lift.

So here are SOME of the things I am looking forward to receiving in the mail. Yippee!! Can't wait!

What beautiful colors. I might just leave this somewhere to stare at when I need a lift. I am ready to get started doing felt stuff. I am thinking a new quiet book, some little booties for Abbey, a monogram frame for each kid -with little animals on the side (dinosaur for W, elephant for D and flowers or butterflies for A), some little birds to put on the second layer of my mobile I have yet to finish, some new clips for A's headband.

This is Japanese masking tape, it comes in tons of beautiful colors. You can buy it here.
She has a blog that shows you tons of ways to use it. I use masking tape all the time so I am not worried although I am thinking of making journals for all the kids out of composition books (which are cheap right now) and using this as the binding and scrapbook paper for the covers.

Anyone who knows me or reads my blog knows that I love how-to books and these are two new releases that I ordered on amazon.com

As my free time is really diminishing I thought it would be a good idea to get some quilting patterns for pre-cut fabric know as Jelly Rolls, Honey Buns, Layer cakes etc. MODA bake shop also has a lot of fun ideas to do with fabric. I need to start using all that designer fabric I buy.

I am hoping this one will teach me some fun techniques that I will be so excited to try it will get me going. On how I wish I had a scrapbook savvy friend here but this will have to do for now.

And of course some Disney movies. I have totally made use of my Disney movie club membership. I have tons of Disney movies but I needed this one (and the Tigger movie, the old shaggy dog and shipwrecked) because I heart Mulan. This special was buy one get all others 50

% off. I got 4. If anyone wants to join let me refer you!

I have done it twice and I think it was a good deal, certainly helped me build my collection.

Yes I am an online shopper. This is what happens when shopping becomes to hard to actually go out. After this I probably need to cut back for awhile and save money for these furniture ideas I want to get a carpenter to make for me....

Mailman, please bring my packages soon and quit texting on your route so you get here faster!

***P.S. This is a funny video of Ruthie's friend Jen. You'd have to be really patient and a great secret keeper to announce your pregnancy like that.

Annoyed at Mailman

2009-07-22T15:18:00.003-06:00

I am awaiting several things that I bought online recently so I have the habit of watching the window at or around 3 o'clock everyday.

That is annoying in its self because my mail used to be here by 11 am! It was ideal. I loved it but somehow that route changed or something because it gets later and later and later...

I might have discovered why.

The mailman text messages while driving. I think that is illegal! I saw him a couple of times and once he left my mailbox wide open. Kind of scary. Good thing I was watching.

I just hope my packages aren't stuck in the back of that truck somewhere or in someone elses mailbox!

Confessions

2009-07-22T08:40:00.003-06:00

I am a butter snob.

I only use regular unsalted butter - the real stuff not margarine ever. I don't think I have used any "fake' butter since we have lived in Utay but the other day I decided that I should get some other fake butters since realy butter melts a lot when left out for buttering toast etc. Two dollars for real butter vs .80 is a big difference and I could save some money if I decided it was worth it.

I bought a couple of kinds to try
Blue bonnet light - hated it. It was so soft and runny even right out of the refrigerator. You can't bake with it and it has no taste. It is NASTY.

I can't believe it's not Butter- I got this one to try for baking. It didn't make a big difference but the result was a little off. It did seem more like real butter than margarine.
I am just not sure of butter made with lots of different oils - how can that be better for you than what is made by cows?

Margarine - I think I might keep some margarine on hand for toast etc because it seems to be a little less melty and I can leave it out during the day. Also it doesn't attract bugs - I've heard-which can be good or bad. I worry about eating something bugs aren't even willing to eat.

I am also a vanilla snob but my family always used imitation vanilla and I never noticed a difference. If the problem is the money you can get real vanilla for cheap at Costco or Sam's clubs.

However, when baking I like really butter.

Wardrobe Woes

2009-07-19T23:38:00.004-06:00

We went through our clothes this weekend to clean out our closets and give the excess to charity. In the process I tried on all of my clothes and realized I have minimum things that I can wear; either they don't button or they are to tight around the waist or I can't figure out how I could possible nurse in it.

Church is especially problematic because I have to wear something I can nurse in but my dresses don't work. I usually wear dresses so I am left with a few straight skirts that don't fit around the waist or a few a-line skirts that are a little too casual for church.

I know I will be back to my normal size eventually...as soon as I hit the 6 week mark and can start exercising but probably not completely until I finish nursing...in about a year. So I can't give my nice clothes away but I can't exactly wear them either. I don't want to spend a ton of money buying new clothes that will be too big in a few months. What's a girl to do?

Honestly, I can't exactly go clothes shopping with three kids. That is pretty much a one person activity and there are 0 places to shop close by so I would have to take the baby, beg my husband to watch the boys for as long as it takes and explain to him why I need more clothes when I have all kinds of nice things in my closet which I am not willing to throw out and can't wear.

It is confusing to be a woman!! We are so many sizes. I have to have early maternity clothes, late maternity clothes, post baby clothes, nursing clothes and regular clothes. Not only do that but I need all of the above in dress clothes and casual clothes.

How does a girl explain this to a member of the opposite sex who only has dress and play clothes.

Comprendo?

Elusive Sleep in the Raw

2009-07-19T23:28:00.002-06:00

I am going to be completely honest and...Raw. Perhaps it is too much information but I am warning you up front and it is the truth and I think the truth is raw and honestly is essential. There are a lot of things one deals with in pregnancy, and afterwards. I think we are getting comfortable talking about the embarrassing uncomfortable things during pregnancy but what about after baby?

That's where I come in...

I used to be a back or stomach sleeper. I am not sure which one because I have trained myself to sleep on my side because that is what you are supposed to do when you are pregnant. Particularly your LEFT side but now I seem to have a hard time finding a comfortable sleeping position.

It is that awkward phase when you are nursing and your milk supply isn't quite leveled out yet and sleeping on your side no longer works because you are heavier on one side than on the other and eventually it starts to hurt. In order to compensate for the hurt you have to lie on the side that is the heaviest but after a feeding you have to change positions because THAT side isn't heavy any more.

My back no longer works because it feels weird. It feels uneven, unnatural and weird.

My stomach no longer works either because it is sensitive. So how is a girl supposed to sleep. I haven't figured it out yet. Eventually I guess I just fall to sleep and I have no idea what position I fell asleep in because I was too tired to think about it but then I have to reinvent the wheel the next night. So where can I get a book or doctor who can tell me the appropriate way to sleep when you are nursing so I can train my body to fall asleep in which ever uncomfortable position the doctor orders and be done with it?

Harry Potter- revised

2009-07-18T16:47:00.005-06:00

Well I must say I was disappointed with the newest Harry Potter. Perhaps it was a mistake to re-read the book prior to seeing the movie because I noticed how much they changed - it was A LOT and how much of the good stuff they left out. I think they got the main points of the story right obviously they wanted us to know about horcruxes and that Dumbledore died but the other stuff in the book --I think they are putting in the next movie.

I think the build up made you think that it was going to be intense. It wasn't. It was mostly the kids looking at each other and being in-love teenagers. I think the next one will be better because they are going to show the ministry of magic stuff and people disappearing and them recruiting Harry. (totally left out of this one)

The parts most missed: Two main memories about tom riddle becoming VOLDEMORT and about him working and burke or botts (?) and finding/stealing the necklace and hufflepuffs cup. How are they going to get that in now that Dumbledore is dead? There was a lot of discussions with dumbledore about the horcruxes and what he thoght they were etc that are essential to the next book but they were totally left out.

The fight - Where was the fight between the Order of Pheonix and the D.A. with the death eaters- in the movie they came and left. No fight.

Review: Obviously I don't think you can skip it but don't bother to read the book before it will just ruin it for you. The whole time I was like - what this isn't in the book, or this is entirely WRONG and why did they leave that out and keep that?? Adam, who didn't read the book, enjoyed it more. It was not intense at all... It was a let down for me. I thought it would be really good/exciting. I was left wanting...and bored.

It would have been better to leave the joke shop out and some of the love stuff out and put more of the lessons with dumbledore out. There also wasn't really a need to put the quiddith stuff in there if they are going to leave out the last match and Harry getting hurt by McLaggen. Why was he even in the movie?

Shopping Successes

2009-07-14T21:53:00.004-06:00

I have had several shopping successes this past week.

My Ralph Lauren diaper bag I found at Ross for 24$. It is perfect!! There are tons on eBay if you can't find one at Ross. I was so excited when I found it.

Spice colored (I have been looking for these for awhile) curtain panels at Lowe's for 7$ each, now I just need hardware for our corner window...

WD40 pens for .50

Jumbo boxes on Cereal for less than 2$ a box

Year subscription to Real Simple magazine for 5$

We were looking at vans and I found a great deal with 0% on a Toyota Sienna but we decided that we will probably wait on the van for now until we find something PERFECT. Maybe in the winter...we'll see.

I just bought two new craft books today on Amazon- don't think they are a great deal but they were 32% off and I am excited about getting some new books especially since one teaches me scrapbooking techniques like inking, distressing etc... FUN FUN.

A baby changes everything

2009-07-14T19:00:00.003-06:00

I was contemplating the other day of how just having a baby in the house makes us become better people. I think they take us back to being more thoughtful, quiet and loving. Today I was holding Abbey and the boys gathered around me and just looked at her and then softly took one of her hands - each. They sat there lovingly, quiet and in awe of the newest member of our family. "What a little cutie cutie," Wesley said.

Moments like that melt your heart.

A family is a powerful thing.

A baby is a miracle.

Some of the things having a baby teaches us.

Patience

Understanding

Listening carefully

Empathy

To relax and let the unimportant stuff

Sitting still and holding a baby is the most important thing

Showing love and affection often but gently

Service

Selflessness

Sharing

Property Rights

How to have a peaceful home - a baby doesn't like screaming, squealing and whining

How to comfort/soothe

A yard is so important for growing boys and mom

I am sure there are so many other things but what a miracle a baby is. Dylan is calmer when the baby is around (most of the time) he is starting to talk as he realized that he is a big boy. Wesley is my big helper and even puts D in time out for me if I am feeding the baby and can't. It is nice to having someone who will let me hold and cuddle with them again. It can't get any better then looking into a babies eyes taking in the world.

Red, White and Blue

2009-07-10T21:24:00.002-06:00

I saw these cute baby quilts and family quilts at http://thequiltingdiaries.blogspot.com/2009/06/hurrah-for-red-white-blue.html

I never thought of these colors as a gender neutral color scheme. I love it. I am thinking I need to make these little quilts for friends and family....as soon as I get back into the crafty mode.

I love this flag quilt too. http://thequiltingdiaries.blogspot.com/2009/07/happy-fourth.html

Wish I could go to this conference in SLC http://www.createdbymom.com/Moms_Who_Make_It_Conference_CreatedByMom_com_s/160.htm

Three is a lot!

2009-07-07T17:01:00.003-06:00

For as long as I can remember people have told me that three is the hardest and after three adding another kid doesn't make a big difference - either the older kids are able to help out more, some are in school or maybe they just have everything figured out by then. I don't claim to know the why only the fact that many mothers - great mothers at that - told me so.

Now that I am entering the world of three I am seeing what they meant. There is no down time. Someone is always needing your attention. Someone is always needing to be fed or changed. Someone is always crying or whining or getting into all sorts of mischief.

If the baby is out of site for a minute someone is touching her eyes or pushing her in the swing or some other way annoying her. When I am with the baby, the boys fight or run into things or throw something. It is a zoo. I am the zoo keeper.

Thing I have learned in the last three weeks
1. i need a schedule for the older kids
2. grocery shopping should be done at night - ideally with only one kid and one who you can buckle up in the cart
3. A sling is a necessity
4. Number 4 diapers work for an infant - in a pinch
5. Popcicles are essential to getting the kids to play outside
6. Deal shopping is not worth it anymore -getting in and out is much more important

7. Baby girls are so cute and cuddley and GOOD.

8. I would rather nurse and hold the baby than anything else.

9. This list will grow quickly

Independence Day

2009-07-05T16:47:00.003-06:00

This Independence Day corresponded with the Warwood family reunion so Karie came and hung out with us and took in the activities. She is Dylan's favorite aunt. We had a BBQ with Adam's family and dinner in Perry with our extended family. It was nice to see some cousins we haven't seen since there were young and see how grown up they are. We are grown up too, I guess. Weird. After a weekend of festivities and traveling around we did our own fireworks. Our first time! The boys loved the sparklers although we had to keep Dylan from running into people and plants. After our little firework show the boys were so exhausted they went to bed really quick. Dylan was so tired he would just cry, it was a late night - they went to bed at 10. REALLY late for Dylan who is usually in bed by 8.

Mom and Baby

2009-07-05T16:42:00.002-06:00

To go or Not to go

2009-07-02T10:51:00.003-06:00

So I am feeling cooped up today. The boys are really feeling it, they haven't left the house all week except for a walk around the neighborhood. I want to get out but I am trying to look out for the safety of the baby. I def don't want her to get sick but when is it okay to take her out? I took her to Costco when she was 6 days old since it was just the two of us I thought it would be okay but at the very end she started crying and people asked me how old she was and when I told them I got funny looks. I guess it was TOO early.

I thought the summer was a safe time to have a baby but my baby's doctor said that swine flu is still really out there - they had an outbreak in Layton - and to keep her away from crowded places and people with coughs.

What does that mean? What is crowded?

I was at the Carter's outlet the other day and one of the workers was on the phone and said she had the FLU! Who goes to work at an infant clothing store with the flu?

I left immediately and didn't buy a thing.

People don't get it.

It is dangerous out there.

But I want to get out of the house. Where are safe places to go and things to do with an infant? How do I take three kids anywhere? I haven't gotten the grocery store yet. I guess the sling and have Wesley walk but that looks like a nightmare from where I sit.

The doctors office yesterday was a nightmare. Luckily they were so distracted they forgot to do any shots - which I didn't mind. It was a mad house. The nurse wanted to get out of there asap. The doctor didn't mind so much but she is a great doctor. Abbey is back to birthweight and looks great. Hurray!!

So when is it okay to take baby? Where is it safe to take baby? What are some activities I can do to keep myself and the boys from going insane? After all we are barley at the two week mark....

Growing Pretty

2009-06-30T09:31:00.011-06:00

I am amazed at how much Abbey changes everyday! She gets cuter and cuter. She is so soft and cuddley and loves to be held. We went walking yesterday and she never cried while I had her in the sling. Here are some recent pictures - can you tell she is changing?

Legal Tender

2009-06-29T18:47:00.003-06:00

Saturday I packed up the boys to take then over to Spoon Me for a refreshing treat. Wesley prepared by making some money to take with us. After ordering his frozen yogurt he handed the cashier this piece of paper and took his treat to a table to eat.

I explained to the guy that this was his money - he likes to pay for his own stuff now. Then I gave the cashier the real stuff and took the paper back.

Wes saw me put it in my purse and said, "hey why'd you take that guys money?" I told him so he can reuse it - maybe not such a smart idea.

Shades

2009-06-24T20:31:00.003-06:00

My kids really want kid's sunglasses but so far I haven't been able to bring myself to buy them some knowing they will probably break them the first day. So they make do with mine.

Almost a week

2009-06-24T20:28:00.003-06:00

It is amazing how much she changes every day. Already she is a lot less alien like and her personality is coming out. I have been lucky because she has been a great sleeper so far. I guess my prediction of her being laid back is true because she SLEEPS. I love it, but I am thinking it won't last long but I hope it does. Adams parents have had the boys this week so I have been able to just focus on her. It has been a great week.

Fathers

2009-06-23T19:33:00.002-06:00

I got this from a friends blog- I am not sure where it came from, she said a girl shared it in her talk on Sunday. I wanted to share it because it made me cry. Fathers are the greatest!

When the good Lord was creating fathers He started with a tall frame.

And a female angel nearby said, "What kind of father is that? If You're going to make children so close to the ground, why have You put fathers up so high? He won't be able to shoot marbles without kneeling, tuck a child in bed without bending, or even kiss a child without a lot of stooping."

And God smiled and said, "Yes, but if I make him child-size, whom would children have to look up to?"

And when God made a father's hands, they were large and sinewy.
The angel shook her head sadly and said, "Do You know what You're doing?" Large hands are clumsy. They can't manage diaper pins, small buttons, rubber bands on ponytails or even remove splinters causedby baseball bats."

And God smiled and said, "I know, but they're large enough to hold everything a small boy empties from his pockets at the end of a day ... yet small enough to cup a child's face in his hands."

Then God molded long slim legs and broad shoulders.And the angel nearby had a heart attack. "Boy, this is the end of the week, all right," she clucked, " Do You realize You just made a father without a lap? How is he going to pull a child close to him without the kid falling between his legs?"

And God smiled and said, "A mother needs a lap. A father needs strong shoulders to pull a sled, balance a boy on a bicycle, or hold a sleepy head on the way home from the circus."

God was in the middle of creating two of the largest feet anyone had ever seen when the angel could contain herself no longer. "That's not fair. Do You honestly think those large boats are going to dig out of bed early in the morning when the baby cries? Or walk through a small birthday party without crushing at least three of the guests?"

And God smiled and said. "They'll work. You'll see. They'll support a small child who wants to 'ride a horse to Banbury Cross,' or scare off mice at the summer cabin, or display shoes that will be a challenge to fill."

God worked throughout the night, giving the father few words, but a firm, authoritative voice; eyes that saw everything, but remained calm and tolerant.

Finally, almost as an afterthought, He added tears. Then He turned to the Angel and said, "Now are you satisfied that he can love as much as a mother?"

The angel shuteth up.

Diaper Bag

2009-06-23T19:18:00.004-06:00

Seems like with a new baby you at least need one new gadget-this is mine. Its a new kind of "diaper bag" basically it comes with all the pockets and you can throw it into any bag you want and keep your diaper bag stuff separate and together. I think I would like this because I don't like carrying extra bags if I don't have to and this will allow me to keep all the baby stuff separate but still throw it into the same bag I use as my tote or purse. Now I can start looking for some super cute summer bags and not be stuck with one look. :)

You can get your own at http://www.pishposhmommy.com/

Compare

2009-06-21T09:59:00.005-06:00

Who does Abbey most look like Dylan (top) or Wesley (bottom)?

The Baldwins could tell from the ultrasound and they were right, I didn't think it was possible but the proof is in the pudding.

Details

2009-06-20T15:09:00.003-06:00

Abbey Ellaina
7 lbs 8 oz
19 inches
43 hours old

Named after great grandma Abbey --Adam's side, and my mother Elaine
Meaning of name - Father's joy and our shining light (perfect for father's day)
Status of mom and baby: getting some sleep and waiting for milk to come in.
Status of boys thrilled to have her home and loving her already. So far we have kept them away from each other mostly but W loves to bring all her blankets (and any fabric I have lying around) where she is. D loves to touch her head if he can get to it. Fun times ahead.

Labor story- if you are interested
I had a lot of fake labor this time and a lot of contractions that worked for a long time but never got closer than 3 or 4 min apart and would eventually petter out even after 10 hours, they were never painful but I did have to relax through them.
Thursday I went in for my 40 week appointment, about 1 o'clock - two days before I turned 41 weeks. I was a 5! Wow, I got a great head start. I didn't want to artificially start anything and was fine with waiting. The doctor told me that they would want to induce me at 41 weeks or I could come in for Non Stress Tests and they'd let me go for another week. She told me she was going out of town the next day for Myrtle Beach but her partner who is really good was on call this weekend and I shouldn't worry. I decided that since I was already a 5 I would let her strip my membranes a little but not break my water and definitely no induction! I set up a non-stress test appointment for Mon, just in case.

We left and went shopping for Father's day but when we got to our last stop - Sam's I was having contractions so mom went in alone to get what I wanted and I stayed with the boys and timed them. They were two minutes apart. Of course I have had a lot of contractions so I wasn't worried but they kept getting stronger so when mom got back I told her I thought we should go home just in case. We did, I took a shower, she fed the boys, they hadn't stopped and were still growing so she packed the kids up and took them to Pats house. I was thinking how stupid I would feel if these weren't the REAL thing. I called Adam home from work about 3:30 still not really worried but thinking that they were real...would they turn into a baby THIS TIME? We watched tv and I sat on my birth ball relaxing and paid some bills, etc. At about 4:30 I called the doctors office to see if I should come in, I wasn't in any pain so I thought I should wait but because they were consistently two minutes apart I thought it would be smart to check in hoping they would tell me to stay at home. My goal was to stay at home and be comfortable as long as possible but I was already a 5 so I had to play it somewhat safe.

I called, they wouldn't let me talk to the doctor but said if they were two minutes apart to come in. I grumbled, told Adam, got something to eat and we worked on sneaking out of our house since our across the street neighbor was on ALERT after seeing the kids leave and was mowing his lawn as slow as possible. We didn't want to be seen and start any rumors so we wanted to sneak out. We waited till he turned his bag and RAN. I put the seat all the way down so he couldn't see me and Adam strolled in slowly but still got in before he looked. Woo we made it
! We waited to start the car until he turned the lawnmower on and made it out of our driveway undetected.

We got to the hospital around 4:30. I was hating it already. I got into one of the ugly gowns and laid down in triage where they asked me tons of questions, monitored the baby and my contractions, checked me and since I had been checked only a few hours ago and there hadn't been a ton of change they told us to walk around here for an hour and they would check me again. I thought I would get dressed and walk outside in my own clothes but NO I had to stay in that ugly gown and walk just around the labor and delivery place. Boring. I did and contractions got a little harder but nothing bad. Adam would massage my back every time we made it around the circle of more if I needed it. Some of them were strong enough that I couldn't walk through them but stopped and had him massage my back or would just rock back and forth holding on to a table or something. I saw my doctor while we were walking and talked to her for a little bit and introduced her to Adam - I still had a solid minute between contractions where I could talk, relax etc but they were getting stronger so I was becoming more sure this was the real thing.

About an hour later I didn't want to walk anymore and have to stop and have a contraction in front of people so we went back to triage and I laid down and relaxed through the next ones (thanks Bradley) it felt better to lay down at this point. The nurse checked me, she thought I was a 6 but wasn't sure so she called in my doc who checked me and said there was a change since she had seen me earlier that day and to admit me. Yippee, we had made it. At least now I could get settled in a real room and get comfortable.

We got into the room, called mom up --she had been waiting in the car until we got admitted. She got there and they set up an IV which was just a cap so I wasn't attached to anything it was just inserted in case anything was to happen. They all knew I wanted to go natural on this one and everyone was really supportive. They hooked me up to the monitor for a few short minutes and then let me off to walk around or do whatever I wanted. The nurse told me they would just hook me up a few minutes of every hour - they never did though-there wasn't time so I wasn't hooked up to anything, ever. Nice.

Adam left to get some food and my mom and I started out to walk but my contractions were really strong and I didn't feel like I could walk through them. I tried, didn't work so I went to the bathroom and sat on my ball for awhile, tried the rocking chair, tried rocking back and forth holding onto something. They were getting stronger - Wow this was really it. I was excited and starting to focus. Adam got back and I was in full labor. I found I liked holding him close and trying to relax, I liked cold things on me like a wash rag or cold hands or air blowing on my face. He fanned me for awhile. Mom ended up in charge of my back and would add pressure during contractions, they were 2 minutes apart and one and a half minute long so I only got a 30 second break but still it was a break. I would talk, tell them what I liked and what I didn't etc. The nurse came into the room and checked me, I was an 8! It had only been an hour since I'd been admitted. I was in transition - no wonder they were intense but I was almost done and knew it! Adam and mom were great telling me wow, look what we did in such a short time. She will be here soon. The nurse told me how great I was doing and called the doctor who was at a banquet about my progress. All of a sudden I really REALLY had to pee. I told mom and Adam they had to take me to the bathroom. I tried to go nothing, It felt like it was on fire. I kept saying I really needed to go but couldn't. The nurse told me that I could be feeling the baby and to lie down so she could check me again - I did, I was a 10! It had been no time at all - maybe three minutes. I was DONE. WOW!

Right after that I said uh, I am going poop! It really felt like that, nothing more than a poop. I was like its coming out, I am going poop I need to go to the bathroom. The nurse told me I wasn't pooping, she would tell me if I was and that they baby was there and on her way. They hurried and called the doctor and told her I was done and to hurry. She was on her way already but I felt the urge to push strongly and I wasn't stopping for anyone. I said so and pushed. They told me to hee, hee through the urge to push so that the doctor could get there and I pretended to but really I was still doing what I felt like. They were keeping me appraised on the doctors movements but I was in my own world gripping Adam while I pushed regardless of whether the doctor was there or not. I was on my side. She was coming, I could feel her, it totally felt like poop not a baby, not big just a normal sized poop. The nursery nurse was there and was like don't worry if she gets here before the doctor it is fine. Not that that mattered to me, I was pushing anyways. I heard the doctor come in and I guess she threw up a cover over her nice clothes and they said okay you can push now. The doctor broke the babies water - it had never broken but was intact when the baby crowned. I did one push and the babies head was out. This had all taken less than 10 maybe 15 minutes.

I was still on my side, I don't think I could move if I wanted to. I didn't. I was holding onto Adams waist the whole time. I felt a lot of comfort having him there and we did this together -just us. We got her here safely on our own and in our own time. I had a great team. I was glad my mom could be there. I pushed the baby out. Wow, it was over. I had a real baby girl. I made sure to ask whether it was a girl just to make sure. I couldn't believe how fast it happened. I was in the delivery room for less than three hours and it only really hurt for an hour. I did it! It went perfectly. No complications at all. I never felt trapped or betrayed. Everyone was there for me and I did it my way. I couldn't have asked for a better doctors, or better nurses. It was an amazing experience. It was so short, the pain was intense but I could deal with it. Then it was GONE. I felt completely normal, not loopy, not out of it, just me. I was ready to walk home that instant. I had been there 100% for every moment. I had done what I set out to do, what I wanted to prove to myself I could do. I tore a little bit so I held the baby while they stitched me up - everyone told me how amazing I did. The doctor congratulated me on doing exactly what I wanted. I felt good. Adam started taking pictures, they numbed me and did they final stuff. I still couldn't believe it was over. She was here.

Today I am still in a little shock. It is always amazing to see what has been a part of you for so long become a separate part. Now I get to watch her become her own person, see her personality develop and grow. Already I have seen her do exactly what she did in my stomach. Her mannerisms are the same as they were in ultrasound pictures. She looks around at most new sounds but the sound of a toilet flushing doesn't phase her. I realize that I knew her before I met her and that she knew me. She recognizes our voices. It is amazing to have our little miracle.

I just hope the stitches heal soon.

Thankful Today for...

2009-06-19T19:45:00.003-06:00

a jelly full of belly letting my know that I am not pregnant any more

A beautiful baby girl who seems to be calmer than the others so far

A great delivery - totally natural just like I wanted

Great support people who helped me through - Thanks Adam and mom

A great doctor and nurses who were totally supportive and helped me get out of the hospital asap

Normal sized pads

Throwing away netting underwear
a nice bed to sleep in tonight
a great husband who is willing to hold the baby as much as possible
Feeling good enough less than 24 hours after birth to go shopping to get my own pads and not have to embarrass my hubby by having him go get them

Having family close by to help out when we need them most

That my mom could extend her flight one more day

That the baby made it the day before her plane left and she was able to hold the baby all night long

A quick 3.5 hour labor (not counting the two weeks of contractions that got me to a five for my appt yesterday)

A husband who took lots of pictures...

Celebration

2009-06-13T06:52:00.006-06:00

Well I am being a bit sarcastic with the title but since today is that day that has been circled on the calendar for the last nine months and I have been "counting" down to it I thought it deserved some kind of celebration.

After asking my husband to take me out for breakfast or to the most girly movie I could think of and being laughed at because, after all it isn't MY birthday I decided that perhaps some pictures on my blog would be nice.

So here it is folks my 40 week picture. I can't believe it. This baby better be big is all I have to say. I am not really that upset about it but I have had contractions for full days and as soon as I go to sleep so does she! My hope is that this bodes well in the future and I will have a perfect sleeper at home.

Otherwise, yesterday was a perfect day. The weather was perfect! I can't believe all the rain we have been having. My doctor called me and said that even though she is off this weekend that she would come in to deliver my baby anyway and gave me her cell phone number. That made me happy! I was a little worried. She just has an obligation tonight but other than that she is on call to me. Wow!Because the weather was perfect we were outside most of the day and got a lot of our ugly bushes taken out. The kids had fun in the yard. We cleaned. I watched Jane Eyre. I ate some Cafe Rio style pork and dressing I made yesterday. Delicious. Karie came up from Provo so now I have a full house of people to recruit to do what I want although I haven't decided on what that is.

I made the perfect rice crispy treats - these don't always come out right but these are soft and tender and the perfect combo of butter, marshmallow-y goodness. Yum. For my second dessert I had strawberry pie which I also made the other day. It is not my favorite strawberry pie but it was good enough. Oh and for dinner A made lasagna. It was a good food day for sure :)

Other good news: My friend Casey called who was due on the 23rd of this month and they HAD their baby! Congrats! He was early but still 7.5 lbs and she got there and was a 10 and only had 6 hours of labor total. (If I count all this fake labor I've been having I am at 29+)

She lived my dream. It was fun to have her be pregnant at the same time because we could talk about it and not bore anyone, swap stories and worries, and articles etc. Now I am in it ALONE. Oh well. I am really happy for her although I wish I was at the hospital at the same time--I have until Sunday for that.

Anyways there you go; the good, the bad, and the ugly and I am hanging in here knowing that my future holds a baby, but that future may be a little further off than I thought and trying not to be depressed by all the fake stuff. At this point when it REALLY starts to hurt I will be thanking my stars. Until then I will be trying to think of fun things to make other people do with me or FOR me to celebrate this day of days which may not be anything at all; but which still deserves some sort of celebration for making it here and keeping my sanity.

Pregnancy is long!

You can't be Pregnant forever

2009-06-08T08:03:00.002-06:00

I took a 39 week picture but I already packed my camera and am afraid that if I take it out it will be forgotten when the big day comes. So sorry. It is bigger and better than the last I can promise you that.

It is weird knowing that something big is going to happen sometime in the next week or two but not knowing exactly when or how. It a way, I feel like I am just waiting but then on the other hand trying to get as much done as possible while I still can.

Thankfully I feel really great. I have been getting great sleep every night. I can get up and down pretty easily and haven't really felt that feeling of impatience or just wanting to get it over with. People ask me how do I feel and the honest answer is I feel totally fine. Are you sick of being pregnant? No. You must really like being pregnant... HUH!

That is just silly to me. Why do people think that if you aren't ready to force the baby to come out for convenience, you like being pregnant? Honestly, it gets a lot harder once the baby gets here - feeding, dressing, more diapers, no sleeping, crying, running after three kids instead of just two. Whats the rush? Today I can relish the normalcy of picking up after only two, feeding only two, nursing 0 and having a good nights sleep.

Whats the big rush?

On the other hand - I am ready when she is and hopefully she will come someday. I really don't want to have to go to church next week at over 40 weeks and answer more annoying and silly questions. I do want my doctor to be working and not off or have to deal with the on-call weekend doctor who I have never met. (My docs weekend was this past one and I missed it) I really would like NOT to have to be weighed again on Wed at my next appointment but if I do I will live, I suppose.

I do wonder how much she'll weigh. If she'll have hair. If she'll look more like Dylan or Wesley. If she'll even fit her name or if we'll change it last minute. I still would like to be 100% sure it is a girl and see her with my own eyes. I've waited this long...whats a couple more days or weeks (ick)

Any guesses when she'll make her appearance? Due date is Sat June 13.

Feeding the Ants

2009-06-01T20:03:00.002-06:00

Dylan loves to watch bugs - he'll sit there and watch them for hours and put his face right up to them. He has killed a few rolly pollys because he overplays with them. He doesn't understand that ants bite and luckily he hasn't gotten any bites yet - at least that I have seen.

So today as Dylan was letting the ants crawl all over him and I am freaking out a little bit I decided that they would like to watch them eat. I got a wheat thin and broke it in to crumbs and we watched the ants take the food into their home. They worked together to carry the bigger pieces.

They wondered where the food was going so I read them the fairly tale of The Aunt and the Cicada. It was a nice activity and I'd say it was more entertaining for them then feeding the ducks.

They watched for an entire hour until all the crumbs were gone.

First Family Movie

2009-06-01T19:58:00.003-06:00

This weekend we took both kids to see UP. I was worried because Dylan would not stay in his seat when we first got there and I didn't see any booster seats. Luckily Adam got popcorn and asked someone for a booster so we were set. Dylan sat there the entire time eating popcorn-he never stopped! The kids liked the movie and it was good for the entire family.

The first movie we took Wes too was Ratatouille and it was a little boring for him. Dylan did much better -- but he had food.

Who said you can't eat paper?

2009-05-29T11:14:00.003-06:00

Last night we all sat down for a nice vegetable dinner of carrots, peas, corn, potatoes, ketchup, milk, rutabagas, celery, pumpkin and eggplant. This dinner was created, plated and the table set by Wesley, our four year old. He made sure we ate his masterpiece in our "assigned seats."

He got silverware and everything out for us but could only get two real plates so he even made up plates.

We oohed and ahhed about his delicious dinner. He was so proud.

Maybe he is warming up to vegetables - Thanks Winnie the Pooh especially Rabbit.

Complete - check, check

2009-05-29T11:06:00.004-06:00

I finished binding my quilt last night - sewed, quilted and binded -DONE! I also got my shelves hung. I am almost done with all my projects. Yeah.

I am thinking I'll do little blocks spelling her name for the shelf...Any better ideas?

Mine!!

2009-05-29T11:04:00.001-06:00

Sometimes I feel like this too...

38 Weeks

2009-05-29T11:01:00.002-06:00

Finally I took a picture of myself and it kind of worked out. Two more weeks to go!

Check!

2009-05-26T13:43:00.001-06:00

One thing done...only 10 zillion left to go! 5 clips for Abbey's headband.

Small successes and the perils of shopping with kids

2009-05-26T13:21:00.002-06:00

My life has become about the small successes as it get harder and harder to accomplish all the things that I want to in a seemingly smaller amount of time. Some days I am lucky to get the dishes done on top of just feeding and taking care of the kids and myself. Other days, I look back and say how did I do all that...but those are getting fewer and fewer although I keep trying.

Simple things take more time these days and much more energy.

Today is a perfect example: grocery shopping with two kids

Grocery shopping used to be a fun thing for me to do and relaxing too but not anymore. Today I decided to go to a further off grocery store because they had double coupons and I had store coupons and they had most of the things I needed on sale. I got the kids in the car, wrote my list, checked online (pinchingyourpennies.com) to see what the best deals were and found the corresponding coupons. I get there and the first thing Dylan sees is a box of cookies. Wesley pulls him down to stop him from grabbing and ripping open the bag on the spot while I was getting the cart.

I tell Dylan no to the cookies and put him in the basket, he starts to wine "I want cookies" well actually he said Daddy which I think he means candy and that included cookies but it sounds like daddy to me. Anyways I get to the produce where I need to get a lot of stuff (we are doing without any processed food and just doing everything from scratch). I get two things in my cart and Wesley is jumping up and down holding himself. Agggh. Bathroom break.

I have to run around the store trying to find someone to point me in the direction of the bathroom before we have an accident and my shopping trip is ruined. Finally I did and we went and crises averted.

On the way out Wesley sees kids sunglasses and proceeds to try them all on. I keep telling him that the ones he is picking out are girl sunglasses and we are not getting any etc. Finally I give up and pick him out a pair of BOY sunglasses, let him look in the mirror at his cool self and get him to move on. Then I dump the sunglasses into a safe high place when he isn't looking.

We are twenty minutes into our trip and I have three things....lunch time is approaching and I can tell a crises is coming.

Trying to tell a 4 year old to hurry is not a good idea. He runs. Then I tell him to slow down and he stacks the shelves by where I am looking or finds hiding places in the middle of shelves where they are empty. Finally I dump him in the cart too. I get some more things and the cart fills up. About this time we pass the day old donuts and the begging starts.

NO DONUTS!!

By this time I am ready to just leave without any food but we have NO MILK and my cupboards are getting precariously empty. Who knows when I will be able to go shopping again - with the new baby this close you NEVER really know. So I stick it out.

Then I realize that some of the things I got you have to buy 10 of to get the deal so I have to organize my cart and make sure I have enough of each item. I DON'T. I have to go back and get enough of the on sale items so I can get the 10 for 10 deal and the cash back - plus I need to spend over 50 to get my 5$ off. AHHH.

Eventually though Wesley decides to ride under the cart - at this point I am thinking I DON'T CARE IF IT ISN'T SAFE AT LEAST HE IS QUITE AND NOT RUNNING INTO PEOPLE.

I check out and luckily the checkout with out candy is open so there is only brief whining about me not getting them a "treat." I find my preferred card, get my coupons out and hope that they all scan in right because I don't have time to watch.

I saved 68 dollars and spent 80 (a full cart including 15 lbs of meat, yogurt, chip, milk (3), juice (4)and lots of produce. Not bad. I get to the car and notice that one of my things didn't ring up at the right price but at this point I will donate 2$ just to get out of there asap.

It is an hour and a half later and I am done grocery shopping.

Now I just have to put them all away, feed the kids lunch, clean the house, do the laundry and if I am LUCKY sew the binding on Abbey's baby quilt.

I am exhausted and it is 11:30

Man!!

Memorial Day 2009

2009-05-26T13:04:00.005-06:00

This year on Memorial Day we took the kids to the zoo. They haven't been in a long time and now Dylan can recognize and say the names of most of the animals - too bad he was stuck in the stroller the whole time. We got there early in the am when it first opened so we didn't have to deal with a lot of crowds but there were so many pregnant people there that it was a little strange. Do all pregnant people take their kids to the zoo trying to get some fun stuff out of the way before a newborn arrives? Dylan loves Horses and a zebra is a type of horse ---right?

Since we were there before it got hot a lot of the animals were up and around and really close to the fences. We got to see the bears, tiger, cheetah and the gorilla up close.

Of course the kids favorite thing we did was to ride the train. I thought it would go around the whole park but it doesn't it just goes in a little circle, lame but the kids loved it so I guess that is all that matters. Next time we go to the zoo though we will go to a real zoo - Like the San Diego zoo. I guess that is our next stop.

Excited to go on the train! We had to stop Dylan from waving to everyone at the gate to get this picture. He is so funny.

"I can't wait!"

37 weeks

2009-05-22T17:26:00.005-06:00

Well here is another non-great picture. I unfortunately do not have the talent to take pictures of myself in the bathroom mirror so I have to wait until the end of the day after sweating away working outside and get my husband to please take a picture of me. I actually turn 37 weeks tomorrow so it is a day early but you don't care right? She is getting bigger and dropped. The doctor said she is about 6.5 lbs already so hopefully over the next few weeks I can get her over 7!! 22 days left!

LOL I blew this picture up and I have flour and paint and fabric all over me. Man I am a mess. Someone come over and take my picture before I get messed up. Please!!

Fun things to do

2009-05-22T17:20:00.000-06:00

I went to hit some Memorial Day sales without the crowds today and I got this cool mat which has slits in it so that you can actually cut multiple pieces without moving your ruler. I think it is going to be my favorite tool. This should help with my red, white and blue rag quilt I'm making for 4th of July. The shelves I am working on. The top one I want to hang her baby quilt from and I need to buy hooks for the lower one.

Fabric for a recieving blanket.

Clips and flowers for headband clips. I made two headband out of some knee high nylons I got for .33 cents at Walmart.

Being Thankful

2009-05-21T09:31:00.002-06:00

Sometimes I wake up overwhelmed with how good life is and how much stuff there is to do...fun stuff. Sometimes it is overwhelming to decide what to do first or what is the MOST important thing today. Having to balance all the good things in life is the hardest thing to do but it is so nice to see how everyone can select different things and be completely happy.

Adam gets back from Boston today and no baby. LOL. Thank goodness! I am not quite ready. I have at least 6 things I want to get DONE before the ARRIVAL. Adam is so thoughtful though - he was gone for what a day...but before he left he did all the dishes, cleaned the house for me and did all the laundry so I would be all caught up and not have to stress about that on top of the kids. Wow!! Thanks babe. Can't get more blessed than that.

Things I am working on this week and next too.

Binding the baby quilt

painting and hanging shelves - adding hooks to one

hanging my handmade mobile of birds - pics when hung

finding silk flowers and alligator clips and making some bows

cutting out pieces for my rag Fourth of July quilt I want to make for us to sit on to watch the fireworks

I also think I want to do an embroidered birth announcement this time since each one so far has been different I might as well keep it up so I need to put together a design

Making some recieving blankets - maybe when mom is here

I think that is it. Any other fun ideas?

A Ball between my legs

2009-05-19T15:56:00.003-06:00

This is how I feel lately. Today I decided to go to Walmart and I felt like any minute something was going to pop. I feel like something is trying to come out and it is a bit scary because Adam is going out of town tomorrow and I really don't want this baby to come this week. The odds are probably in my favor but is it normal to have something protruding every second of the day? What is it?

Maybe I'll find out tomorrow at my doctors appointment but by then A will be on a plane so hopefully it is nothing and I am just really sensitive.

Otherwise pray that nothing pops.

Thanks,

Christianne

dreams

2009-05-14T15:06:00.003-06:00

Hi everyone - I am coming to you from our new fast computer. Now I don't have to worry about my computer freezing up on me but I haven't installed all my programs yet including my picture programs and my digital camera thingy. Hopefully soon!

I have been having the most interesting dreams lately - and when I say interesting I mean strange! I am glad I get to get up during the night and go to the bathroom so I can share the randomness with my sleeping husband and try to remember them.

Pregnancy dreams are so crazy that I thought I would share.

One night we were in our low car riding very close to the water at Wakala Springs - a place in Florida where they have lots of alligators (flashback from childhood I think) I kept telling Adam that we should have used the truck for this as I gripped onto the side of the car.

Somehow I ended up in the middle of the lake wrestling with an alligator who was trying to eat me head first. I was scared but cool enough to grasp his mouth and try to keep it shut.

I am amazing in my dreams.

Help eventually came and I was saved but we had to spend the rest of the day catching every alligator in the area and putting these white powered tablet in their noses. It looked like dishwasher stuff. I guess we didn't know which one attacked me so we had to sedate them all.

Last nights was more disjointed - probably because I didn't wake up as many times to get a grasp on what was going on. We were at some convention and we had hotel rooms but somehow Adam got a really nice hotel room - must have been a big wig or something so I told him I was going to use his room for something or other.

He was a turtle.

I ran to his hotel room which was a mess. I guess turtles can't clean very good. As I had finished up and running down the stairs his little turtle self was coming up so I carried him up and brushed his teeth.

Random huh.

This is why I look forward to waking up for my nightly bathroom brakes so I can have a glimpse into my strange and interesting dreams. Imagine, if I actually slept through the night I would miss out on so much.

The delights of pregnancy.

Friday Night Movie Review: Star Trek

2009-05-08T21:47:00.001-06:00

Hey this was a GREAT movie. It really does deserve its 4 stars. I was skeptical but I really liked it and I have never been a big fan. If you choose one movie so far this year - this one is a great pick.

Wanted:

2009-05-06T21:47:00.003-06:00

Recipes using lemons (I have a huge bag) and sour cream. Any great ideas??
Image from earthinpictures.com

Healthy Cookie Recipe

2009-05-05T13:12:00.001-06:00

Trying these today:
Healthy Oatmeal Cookies (with Honey)
Ingredients:
Dry ingredients
· 1 cup whole wheat flour (a pinch more depending on the moisture of the mix)
· 1 1/2 cups of Large Flake Rolled Oats (smaller flake is ok too)
· 1/2 tsp baking soda
· 1/2 tsp baking powder
· 1/2 tsp salt
· 1 Tbsp Cinnamon (I actually use about 3 Tbsp--got to love cinnamon)
· 1/2 tsp Nutmeg (optional)
Wet ingredients
· 1/2 cup honey
· 1/2 cup oil (corn, grapeseed or olive) * you can also use some applesauce to replace some of the oil if you wish*
· 1 Tablespoon Molasses
· 1 egg (beat with 1 Tbsp Water)
· 1 tsp Vanilla
Yummy ingredients
· 1/2 cup raisins (1 cup for my Dad's batch)
· 1/2 cup walnuts (more for my Dad's)!!
Preparation:
1. In a large bowl, mix all the dry ingredients together.
2. In a medium bowl, mix all the wet ingredients together. Hint: when measuring out the honey, spray the measuring cup with oil or baking spray--your honey won't stick).
3. Mix the wet stuff with the dry stuff. Add the raisins and walnuts and mix. If the mixture seems too wet, add a bit of flour. If it isn't binding together very well, you may wish to add an egg white.
4. COOL the mix for 20 minutes in the fridge.
5. Preheat the oven to 335 degrees (lower temperature due to the honey in the recipe which will burn more easily).
6. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto your baking sheet (I recommend lining the baking sheet with parchment paper). Press down with a fork to ensure even cooking.
7. Bake for about 15 - 20 minutes or until golden on the bottom of the cookie. The cookies freeze very well and make a great snack! Enjoy.

Happy May

2009-05-05T10:15:00.004-06:00

I am so glad it is May! I am looking forward to warmer weather so far we have had LOTS of rain so Utah will be very green this year. Like Virginia green! I would still like to see the sun though.

The weeks have been roaring by and I am trying to get everything done that I want to. I am completing Dylans scrapbook. I am so slow at it but it is getting there - maybe I'll at LEAST have the pictures in for every month. My new philosophy for scrapbooking is "there will never be a better time to use it then NOW." I seem to horde supplies thinking they will be cuter on another project and they never get used and I am stuck with tons of stuff.

I am getting near the end of Abbey's quilt top but I can't seem to find time to sit down and finish it. I still have questions about how to put the corner triangles on. I bought this as a kit from etsy. I love the mixture of colors and patterns and how soft they look together.

I loved this post I read yesterday. http://celestiashumway.blogspot.com/2009/04/tree-of-life-motif-how-it-applies-to.html

I am preparing myself for this process - mostly emotionally and mentally and I have grown a lot. It has been very gratifying preparing for birth as a journey instead of just hoping for the best or planning on using medicine. I feel good about this approach for me but I don't expect it to be right for everyone or in every circumstance. Bring a baby into the world is a powerful thing regardless of how it is done but I need this for me. I am hoping my doctor is supportive - it is hard dealing with insurance because they don't cover exactly what I want so I have to compromise and make do.

Other than that I am trying to drink lots of water and eat a lot of healthy food to get this baby ready for her arrival. My mom is coming in early June so I will probably be finishing up a lot of things while she is here to watch the kids. That is exciting.

Baby Animal Days

2009-04-27T10:04:00.005-06:00

Last week we drove out to Logan to attend Baby Animal Days at the American West Heritage Farm. They let the kids in with the animals and hold them, pet them. We went with MOMS clubs and the kids in our groups favorite part was watching the baby bull pee. I, unfortunately didn't get a picture of that. LOL. They supply antibacterial rub so I was happy about that! Afterwards, I decided to go to the Logan Hobby Lobby to get some girl embellishments (50% off) for the baby's scrapbook. I think I have everything I need now to finish Dylan's and start hers.

Here are pictures from our trip:

(Rabbits)

Sheep

Goats

Ducks - there were Dylans favorite- he ran back there a few times.

On other news, I finally finished my 1000 piece puzzle. The real miracle however was that this stayed on our dining table for about 3 weeks and the kids never messed with it and not a piece was missing.

The joys of being pregnant

2009-04-25T15:55:00.004-06:00

I have had some funny things happen to me and some interesting comments, maybe I ignored them before or didn't really notice but they are pretty funny.

Today at the library I was in an aisle on one side, a woman was in the middle and a big football-ish man on the other side. The woman in the middle looked at me and decided to go around the man instead. I guess I am bigger than a football player.

Last Sunday I got a lot of comments relating to my size:

"Man you really popped out since last week"

"You sure got bigger since last time I saw you"

"You really are pregnant now?"

"How much time do you have left? It must be soon."

"It must show a lot more when you start out skinny"

I told Adam people should just say "My, you don't even look pregnant" even if they are LYING through their teeth. I know they are lying but still I appreciate it. :)

P.S. I know I look terrible in this picture. I didn't get all gussied up for it or anything. Maybe I will do that tomorrow before church or something (I got a new dress since my other one makes me look huge - hence the church comments)

You know you are getting near the end when random people ask you without hesitation when you are due.

Of course the better part is that I am starting to get to know this little ones personality, what she likes and when she is most active.

She is starting to develop an idenity to me. I can feel her getting bigger.

I am getting excited to meet her. I have started reading birthing books - a little late but better late than never right? I always need a refresher and I have more goals this time around - I know more of what I want out of labor. I want a good experience. I am going to get it no matter what!

I am reading Bradley books, I really like there take on the whole childbirth thing. If I would have been more on top of it I would have taken a class but I think that would have made Adam uncomfortable so we will be practicing on our own. Hopefully it helps me get in a better place, not so tense and understand what my body is going through and help it along the best I can.

Getting There

2009-04-22T14:38:00.002-06:00

As June draws closer my list of things I need to do keeps growing longer. Here it is:

Get a booster type seat for Wesley and make sure they will fit in my small car.

If not, buy a new car or steal the truck from adam

If stuck with truck learn how to drive it so the police won't pull me over next time I back out of the driveway

Make and Take kids to doctors appt to catch up on immunizations

Maybe (this probably won't happen) a trip to the dentist for me and W???

Sew baby quilt so she has something soft and beautiful to call her own

Finish DYLANS first year book - I am SO behind. Poor baby.

Finish my birth plan and go over it with doctor and registered nurse at hospital

Finish baby gifts for friends also having babies

Clean house

Catch up on laundry

Try to remember what to pack for me to make the hospital more comfortable: music, cd player, new bathrobe and slipper socks or something like that

Buy new bathrobe

Try to remember what to bring for new baby needs....

Buy small sized diapers and breast pads

Pack bags for kids...

Excercise, excercise, excercise - the weight is piling on fast and I want to stay within my goal or at least not pass it by too much. Maybe I should stop eating pizza and sweets too.... augh

Get COSTCO to redo pictures - they look terrible!!! Not going there again! Kodax all the way

Wash little baby clothes

Buy some more little baby clothes and probably recieving blankets

Plus all the regular stuff that take up all the rest of the time like finishing my 1000 piece puzzle that is taking FOREVER, doing my church calling, going to meetings, taking care of kids and working in the yard.

MAN!!!

Note To Self

2009-04-22T14:37:00.001-06:00

DO NOT take tired children to SEPHORIA or anywhere they have make-up samples that look like gold dirt to your children. Yikes

Movie Review - State of Play, Monsters vs. Aliens

2009-04-20T08:44:00.002-06:00

State of Play: We thought this was pretty good. The journalism side was great and the actors did a great job of showing the internal debate of what is newsworthy and selling papers. The ending was surprising but not bad. It shows how easy it is to be corrupted in Washington. The movie runs a little long - this seems to be getting more and more common but it is a movie worth seeing.

Monsters vs. Aliens: We saw this for Wesley's birthday and it was a little scary for him at the beginning. I wasn't impressed - it was funny but not something that I would want in my house. They tried to get some crude stuff in it like people having to scan their rear ends to enter government offices. I thought that was pretty stupid. Why can't they make good kid movies anymore without having to slip crude humor in there? So it was average I guess...which to me isn't worth seeing a second time or even a first time...

Randomness

2009-04-20T08:34:00.002-06:00

1. Yesterday while doing his business Wesley called me in to do the wipey thing when he pointed to a small bruise on his knee and asked me "Mommy WHAT is THIS?"

I had to explain what a bruise is and how it gets there and what happens to it and why it is different colors.

I guess I didn't realize that he had never seen a bruise before!

Kids are funny. How lucky he is to get to 4 without ever having a bruise. I am afraid Dylan will not be so lucky as he gets several everyday by tripping on everything in sight.

2. We had a nice day yesterday so we went outside to enjoy the sunshine (we got snow last week) Wesley buried a shovel in the dirt and came to tell me about it. I told him he'd better uncover it or we would lose it and he said "Don't worry about it, I'll take care of it." He went on to tell me that he was like Moroni when he hid the gold plates in the earth. He amazes me everyday.

3. Dylan on the other hand amazes me about how much trouble he can get in in the shortest amount of time. The other day he 1) broke Adam's glasses and lost one of the lenses 2)slammed into a lamp which slammed into the wall and shattered the bulb 3) broke the lid off the portable DVD player 4) dumped the bathroom trash out 5) Got in an empty bathtub - in his clothes- and turned the water on - thanks goodness he isn't strong enough yet to plug the drain. 6) knocked a glass off the table and shattered it and then tried to pick it up in his bare feet.

Loves

2009-04-16T14:45:00.003-06:00

I don't want ANYONE to miss my last post but I found some great things online that I just HAD to share. I love all the creativity out there in the universe- it is truly amazing. I love these family trees that Sarah Jane sells in her etsy store. She is so talented and I love her illustrations - I need to buy some! This is one of her new ones and I LOVE it. I love family trees and think these would be AWESOME to have one for each of the kids in their rooms.

This is a link to her blog - I just missed a sale so I will have to check it out more often.

The only thing I wish is that she did more boy illustrations. Her girl ones are gorgeous but the boy ones are not my favorite - maybe a boy painting or two boys playing with trains (for me).

http://sarahjanestudios.com/blog/index.php/2009/04/06/new-spring-items-and-a-massive-sale/

My little girl will definitely get some of this in her room eventually.

My friend Marianne, who we knew from Riverton, has a blog about teaching children. She really does a great job and I loved this idea she just posted about to teach your kids about Jesus and what his life means for us. Might be a great Easter basket idea for next year.

http://howwilltheyknow.blogspot.com/2009/04/my-jesus-book.html

I thought this idea would be great to make for friends and family. It looks super easy. It is a book caddy to carry your church manuals, note paper, pencils etc in a cute little bag for church. I am sure there are other uses too...

http://duffsters.blogspot.com/2009/04/placemat-book-caddy.html

Help: Dates for Karie

2009-04-16T11:34:00.002-06:00

Hi Friends.

My sister Karie has set some goals for herself after meeting with her financial mentor- see her blog: http://skariann.blogspot.com/2009/04/psychology-of-wealth.html one of those goals is to go on blind dates.

So, if you know ANYONE Decent in the PROVO/OREM or greater Salt Lake Area who might be a prospect, lets set them up! Fun huh.

A little about Karie: She is really fun, likes to dance, and loves music. She has a good sense of humor and is laid back. She is a college graduate and is looking to work for a magazine (any contacts?). She is currently an editor/desktop designer.

She is on facebook, twitter and has a blog so there are lots of ways to reach her.

I KNOW you guys know people here in Utah- whether it is friends/family, friends of friends, people through church etc.

P.S. Nobody under 21 please!

Easter

2009-04-13T09:38:00.005-06:00

Easter was so much fun this year. Every year it gets better as the kids get older and get excited about things and can understand why we celebrate holidays like this. We had our Easter Family Home Evening on Monday and taught about Christ's death and resurrection.

I taught them some Easter songs and I think they got it - I know Wesley did.

This was the first year I did full-on Easter baskets for them that were waiting by their beds when they woke up. We made the baskets Thurs at a MOMS club activity. I got some gardening tools, new shirts, a new coloring book (dinosaurs), a small toy (well one was a big wheel) and some eggs with candy. Karie came up for the weekend and the kids LOVE having her here, that was probably their FAVORITE part. A new person to share in their excitement. She was a lot of help with everything for me too. Showing off their baskets they made above and below

After church we went to the Baldwin's for Easter dinner. It was, of course, delicious. After pie the older girls hid a ton of eggs and the little ones searched for them. They had so much fun. It was fun to see them find one and laugh and run to get it. Wesley was FAST.

Dylan didn't see anything until he was standing on top of it but then he got really excited. He shook every egg before putting it in his bucket to make sure SOMETHING was in it. It was fun to see him run around and look under trees and rocks.

Karie was photographer so I will post more pictures later.

They were so exhausted by the end of the day but I think it was a good day. Later that night when Karie went to drive home the kids wanted to go with her. Wesley opened the back door to her car and said "we need to get our car seats and put them in here." It took a little bit to convince them that she had to go to work and they couldn't go.

Dylan cried.

Wesley thanked her for coming and staying for so long and for being his friend. She promised him she would come back soon.

Now its time to clean up the big mess from this weekends activities....

The best toy EVER

2009-04-13T09:31:00.004-06:00

For Dylan's birthday we got this:

Our furniture is on the side to leave ample room for a basketball court.

It has been played with everyday since then but at least one of the three - usually more. We have tried out various heights and distances as the boys have improved. We might have a couple athletes in our midst.

Wesley's Birthday Pictures

2009-04-13T09:12:00.004-06:00

After the movie and other activities on his actual birthday we went to Adam's parents house to celebrate with cake and cheesecake. Wesley wanted a robot cake - this was as creative as we got but he loved it. That big plane in the picture is his latest transformer Megatron. He picked it out all by himself from a whole wall at Toys R Us. There were lots to chose from and he was really good at making a decision.

Wesley has really grown up this year and we are consistently amazed by his many talents. He is an excellent artist. People comment on his artistic ability all the time because it is seriously beyond the 4 year old level.

He is always making things and being creative.

He is so good about playing with his brother and they have so much fun together. It is so fun to watch them play and laugh and enjoy each others company. Often Wesley randomly comments on how great it is to have a brother to play with. I couldn't wish for anything better.

Wesley's latest interest is puzzles. He memorized where every piece goes and once he has done it a few time he can finish it is 15 min. He will work on them over and over.

My sister Karie will attest that these are NOT easy puzzles. They have 100 pieces and some of them are just play with lines.

He is great at entertaining himself. He will color or do puzzles for an hour or more and I don't have to worry about him one bit. It is really nice.

He invents games and activities for him and Dylan to play.

He completely understands that we are having a sister and that she will come out of my tummy.

He told one of the girls who commented in Primary about me having a baby that...

"We aren't having a baby, we ALREADY have a baby named Dylan. We are having a sister named Abbey. She will come out of mommy's tummy tomorrow"

*Of course tomorrow is the future and yesterday is anytime in the past.

Wesley is always saying cute, clever and funny things. He is delightful to be around and I am so happy to have him in my family. He makes me smile and laugh everyday.

Photosynthesis isn't just for plants

2009-04-07T06:48:00.003-06:00

I am so grateful that we FINALLY have nice weather with no snow in the forcast. I have so much more energy and motivation to get things done when the weather is nice. I swear I am a plant. It seriously makes a huge difference to me.

For example, yesterday I had a list a page long of things I wanted/needed to do and I got them done and more much more. I dragged my children to Target, Joanns, Hancock's, BabiesRus, the Quilt Shop, and Costco that is BRAVE and we made it.

I FOUND the poles to the pack n play and that was HUGE.

I still haven't downloaded the pictures from my camera or ordered prints - how do I do that at Costco? Can I send them via email? I am going to have to get 100s. If you see any codes let me know.

I am excited for another BEAUTIFUL day.

P.S. If we get any more "bad" days I am prepared I bought a 1000 piece puzzle for myself and bought a quilt pack (pre-cut pieces and pattern)