What the...

What a great Christmas! Here is a quick recap of our holiday.
Our Christmas started the Saturday prior when we piled the kids into the car and went to look at Christmas lights. I had heard that Thanksgiving point had a great light show. It cost $7 for us to drive through...it really wasn't worth the money. But the kids had a great time. However, next year we will just drive the neighborhoods. (Something I did when I was little that I enjoyed each year.) I loved hearing Cameron saying, "Wow...Wow lights." On Christmas Eve we went to my parents house for the annual "Merrill" family dinner. It always amazes me how many people we pack into a tiny eating area. This year there were 15 adults and 3 kids. Although my family all lives here, our schedules are very busy. Holidays like this gives us a reason to see each other.

On Christmas day Logan sprung out of bed eager to see what Santa brought. We all ran downstairs and immediately the "What the..." started. I don't know what got into his little mind but every present he saw he would say "What the". Luckily for us he didn't finish his sentence. Cameron went straight towards the left over Santa food plate. He didn't even think of opening any presents. He was to busy stuffing his face. Logan was so happy. Some of his comments while opening presents were "This is the best day ever." "See, I knew I was good. Santa didn't bring me any coal." "We should have Christmas every day." Later that morning we headed back over to my parents house to open their gifts. The "what the..." continued. After a few presents, Cameron started to get the idea of pulling off paper. He helped everyone unwrap their gifts. When we returned home, everyone snuggled up to take a much needed nap. That night we had a nice turkey dinner with all the works.

That was our holiday in a nut shell. It's strange how long it takes for Christmas to get here, but how quickly it is gone! I agree with Logan, Christmas should be every day!

3 weeks ahead??

Last week I went to my monthly Dr.'s appt and she was surprised to find that I'm measuring 3 weeks ahead. I wasn't at all b/c I feel huge for 24 weeks. This same thing happened to me when I was pregnant with Cameron. I went in at 28 weeks and was measuring 33! Ok, so now it's happening a little sooner. What does it mean? Last time, I had a few ultra sounds to rule out any baby problems. With Cameron I just had an unusual amount of amniotic fluid. I ended up having Cameron 4 weeks early, b/c my body thought it was done (my due date always stayed the same but my uterus had a mind of its own). I'm all for giving birth at 36 weeks if the baby is ready! The Dr is going to do a fluid check next apt...until then I suppose I'll keep growing.

On a funny side of things, I just have to add this b/c it made me laugh soooo hard. Jared brought home a dorky gift from someone at work. I was not very nice and said, "Oh good more junk." (Which I know is very mean b/c it's the thought that counts etc etc) Later that night Logan and I went to delivery some neighbor gifts. On one of the porches was a wrapped present and Logan looked at it and said, "Look, they got some junk too!" Yikes!!!! No one heard him say this but I really have to remember to bite my tongue or anything I say will be repeated by him.

Tagged...4th album/4th picture

I have 1,000 of pictures on my computer so this will be fun. The 4th album and the 4th picture is... Logan when he is just about 7 months old. This picture was taken when we had to live in an apartment while our house in Herriman was being built. Looking at this picture, my heart literally melts. Logan was such a happy baby. He loved smiling for the camera. He has grown up so much. I can't believe he will be turning 5 this summer and will be heading off to school. It's truly amazing how time flies. Now I tag Jill, Becky, Brendy, Neena, Ashley, Brandy, and Carmelle. I can't wait to see your pictures.

Disappointed

I am so disappointed at Wendy's fast food. Today while I was taking a rest all I could think about was a BBQ chicken sandwich. As soon as Cameron woke up from his nap I literally threw him in his car and drove to Wendy's. Come to find out they do not have the BBQ sandwich anymore. I was so disappointed that I didn't order anything else, I drove back home empty handed. I then heated up a can of broccoli soup which in no way replaces the craving for a BBQ sandwich. If anyone out there knows of an alternative place to get a great BBQ sandwich (with drive through b/c of the kids) please tell me ASAP.

Chips or Carrots

As I grab for the carrot bag instead of the chip bag, I started thinking about how this pregnancy has been going. For the past month I have been having these "fun" progesterone shots. My doctor "talked" me into having them. The logic behind the injections is is that it will help keep me pregnant w/o complications until 36 weeks. The doctor was concerned that I had preterm contractions with both Logan and Cameron. With Logan the contractions didn't start until 30 weeks and with Cameron it was 27 weeks. Also, both babies were born early. Even though the Dr. was concerned about that, I wasn't. Both boys were 7 LBS which is a big enough baby for me. At first I wasn't going to do the shots. I thought it was an unnecessary.Then the Dr. reminded me how uncomfortable 3 to 4 months of contractions were and the side effects of the medicine they give you to stop the contractions. Not to mention the day to day worry of, "Are this contractions causing me to dilate? Should I go to the doctor? etc. (Which is soooo true. The day both boys were born I was having the same contractions as before-the only difference is I had a Dr appt. YIKES, what if I had no Dr appt, would I had two home births?) I decided that if I can have a pregnancy without 3 to 4 months of extra worry it is totally worth it. I also had this deep down feeling to do it-you know that "inner voice" we should always listen to but sometimes don't. The injections haven't been that bad. Luckily Jared knows how to give the shots so I don't have to travel to the dr's every week. The side effects haven't been that bad. The last three shots Jared has given to me at night. The next day I wake up a little more "moody" than the day before and the injection site is a little sore, no bruising or anything. The last shot Jared gave me during the day which I won't do again. I was throwing up and nauseated all day long. Time will only tell if the shots will really help or not. I hope they do. Other than the shots, I have only felt the normal pregnancy issues. The baby moves constantly, I'm hungry all the time, and time seems to be slowing down. When I think about how many weeks I am, I'm only 23 weeks today. Since this is the last baby, I haven't been stressing as much about what eat. If I feel like cake, I'm going to have some. In fact I think I have a treat every day. If I need to have a day where we sit in our p.j.s all day, we do it. I've been savoring every kick and movement instead of complaining (at least I'm trying not to focus on all the downsides of being pregnant). I'm trying to enjoy each and little moment. Now where are those chips...I mean carrots. I need to eat.

Visit with Santa

I can't believe Christmas is just right around the corner. The past few years I wondered when Logan would be "into" Christmas and Santa. This year he is more than just "into" he is beyond excited about it, he is obsessed with it. Every store we go into he will ask, "Will Santa bring me this?" "Oh, I want Santa to buy me that." We have also been watching the Polar Express just about everyday. Logan's preschool taught him about getting coal instead of presents if you are naughty. It is hilarious to hear him say, Mom if I tease Cameron I won't get any presents. I will get coal. I'm glad that he is excited, but I also want he to be aware of the other part of Christmas. That it isn't just about Santa, that it is also about the spirit of giving. He said he wanted to save his chore money to buy a special present for a friend who didn't have chore money. I thought that was a good plan. He has been busy doing "extra" things for me. I'm excited to see what he buys or makes, and who he decides to give his special present to.

Cameron is at the age where he will not sit on Santa's lap. I've learned from past experiences to not even try. He sat on mine as Santa hugged us. Check out the Santa in the picture. We have been taking pictures with the same Santa for 5 years and I was a little sad to see a "new" one at Fashion Place Mall. Oh well, I guess as long as Logan thought it was Santa, that is what is most important.

What is Santa going to bring?

The kids and I were talking about what Santa was going to bring this year. This is how the conversation went with Logan.

Me: What do you think Santa is going to bring you?
Logan: A BIG train

M: What do you think Santa will bring Cameron?
L: Playdough

M: What will Santa bring Dad?
L: A arrow and a new hunting DVD

M: What about me?
L: Probably nothing because we won't have any money left to give Santa after he buys me stuff. Oh yeah, you are getting another kid. That's what you get mom.

I laughed really hard when he said this-how could you not.

Twilight Movie Review

I loved reading the Twilight series. The books were very entertaining. I loved reading about Bella and her growing relationship with the popular guy, Edward. The books made me nostalgic for high school. There was such a magic with the story...popular vampire boy falls in love with new plain girl. While reading I was in a trance...I couldn't put the books down. When they kissed, you could feel the passion radiated from the book. When Bella was in trouble, your heart pounded waiting to see how Edward would save her, which was always a powerful moment. The movie however was a huge disappointment. I was grateful to be sitting by a friend that laughed the entire way through with me. It seemed to me that it was a budget film gone bad! (As if budget films are ever good.) I could of filmed it in my backyard and done a better job. The special effects, the script, the camera angles and even the actors were horrible. Edward was nothing like the Edward Cullen in the book. He was a dork, a creepy dork. The other Cullen's were pasty with their white powered makeup caked on. I about peed my pants when Dr. Cullen was introduced-his face looked like a clown getting ready to perform at a birthday party. The scenes with Bella and Edward were nothing but passionate. They were awkward and cheesy-the elevator music in the background didn't help much. At times, it seemed that Edward was searching for words, like he just memorized them and had a hard time remembering what to say. Even though the movie was a bit cheesy, Bella was awesome. I couldn't help but think of what is to come of her in the next two movies. I hope that with the amount of money they are making on this film, they will put a little more in the next two. They should also give the actors some acting lessons. If you've read the books, go see the movie. It will make you appreciate the power of your imagination.

Logan's Addiction

Logan has this addiction that he seriously needs an intervention to help him quit. He is obsessed with “little books”. Some may say “How cute, he loves small books.” Yes, this “need” for having a tiny book was cute at first. I would search the store for a small notepad but now it’s plain irritating. We will walk into a store, a house, or even the library. The first thing he says is “Let’s look for a little book for me.” I use to enjoy helping him find his small book, but I soon realized that once he has that tiny book in his hand-the thrill of having it would last only a short time. Then the book would go into the drawer with all the other small books his obtain. The cycle then would start again. He doesn’t read the books, he doesn’t write in them, all he does is carry them around for a short time and then discards them. Beware your house is not safe! He will find a small book to take with him. He has come home with a small Bible (which he carried to school for months), a quote book of famous last words, and tree labeling book. This past week I declared that we will not support his addiction any longer. The books he had, needed him. They were sad that no one was reading them, or writing in them. Before any new books are bought, the old ones need to be used. He has agreed to start using them…only time will tell.

BABY WIGGLES

Here is baby Wiggles-this will be my official name for him/her. To make things easier, lets just call "it" a him. He wiggles sooooo much. During the ultrasound he kept twisting and turning in every direction. I tried to get a glance at any female or boy parts, but most the time I had no idea what I was looking at. When the tech would say, here is his arm, I thought it was a foot. :) These picture are awesome! It's so surreal to look at them knowing this little baby is growing inside of me. It's amazing the love I feel already. I'm half way to meeting you Baby Wiggles!! (Yikes, only halfway-why does pregnancy take so long?)

Can it really be this easy?

I hope I don't jinx myself but Cameron did not cry at all tonight. I laid him down a little early thinking he would be crying for at least an hour. Well, he just played in his crib for an hour!!!!!!!! He didn't cry for the binky once tonight. I guess we will see how he does the rest of the night, and in the morning.

**Night update: Cameron woke up once around 2:30. He cried hard for about 5 minutes. He talked for about 5 minutes. He went back to sleep within 15 minutes of waking up. I'm so proud of him (& myself!) When he woke up at 7 this morning. He told me how his binky was broken. Thanks Becky for the great idea of cutting the binky. I hope this transition continues to go smoothly.

20 minutes

Yeah!!! Today I didn't cave with giving in with the pacifier. I cut off the top of the binky and when it came time to give it to Cameron he looked at it all confused. I told him, "Oh no, it's broken." He started to cry really hard. But I still laid him down and said, "You can have it." He threw it at me. When I left the room I set the timer for 20 minutes. After 5 minutes I went into his room and kissed him, told him it was nap time. I think I went in one more time. By the time 20 minutes on the timer was up, he was asleep. I hope it goes as smoothly tonight!

The Binky

Cameron has a binky that he uses only at night and nap time (there are a few moments I pull it out so I don't pull out my hair). It's funny because it took him a good few months to even take one. Now, Jared and I are trying to figure out when we should take it away. Today I tried and couldn't do it. Cameron has never cried at nap time or bed time (since he was at least one). Today he cried for 15 minutes and I cave. He looked so sad, and bewildered. I've never heard him cry that hard either. He has a blanket that he loves but he also LOVES his binky. He has never gone to sleep w/o a binky (except in the car). We didn't have to experience this with Logan b/c at 15 months Logan gave the binky up on his own. I did help Kate, the little girl I use to watch, stop using the binky at nap time but it seemed easier...even though she cried HARD, and I felt sick to my stomach. I stuck with it. But it seemed she was playing with it half the time, throwing it out of the crib or chewing on it. When she tranistion she seemed more ready...I just don't know if I should wait until Cameron does the same. Does it really hurt for him to have one? How old is to old? I know it will just get harder and harder. He really needs to learn to fall asleep without it. How do you teach that? Is crying really the only way? Any advice would be great.

4 BOYS...

About a three weeks ago Jared and Logan went to the pet store to get fish. When they came home, they had a little baby kitten with them. I was very surprised but the minute I looked at the kitty and held it I fell in love. Jared said it was a girl and her name was Lucky. He thought it was a fun "sign" that our baby would be a girl. Last week I took Lucky to the Vet to get shots. The little girl kitty is actually a boy. Hmm what does that mean with our "lucky sign"! I thought it was pretty funny that we can't even have a girl by choosing one! Lucky is very very cute and cuddly. He lets the kids drag him all over the place. He never scratches or bites them. Even though he is a boy, he is perfect for our family.

BABY FRIEL

Reading over past blogs, I've discovered that I haven't even written about baby number 3. I'm really not sure why. I think that there has been so many other things going on in our lives that my little growing belly was forgotten. Not today! This post is all about baby Friel-watch out. You might read a little more information than you wanted to know about me. LOL
I'm 99% sure that this baby is our last. I always thought I would just have two, but then Cameron was a born, I knew we would try for a third. In my heart I knew we were suppose to have one more. At 18 weeks I'm just about half way to finding out what this little runt will be. Yup, that is right, we aren't going to find out what we are having. I get my ultra sound next week and I'm dying to know. But then I think about being in the hospital when the baby arrives and how fun it will be to have the doctor shout "It's a ....." I get all giddy and happy when I think about it. I'm telling myself it's a boy. Just because I feel the chances of us having a girl are unlikely. We got pregnant right away, we have two other boys, and my sister cursed me when I was little that I would only have boys-thanks Marsha. I'm also not finding out because I don't want to hear other people's disappointments for 5 long months. I can just hear it, "Oh you are having another boy...that's to bad." Everyone knows that I would love a little girl. Sometimes I even start to cry when I think about having a little girl. I would love to see what a little Jared and Liz mix together would be like. I love to think about her personality, what she and I would have in common, etc. I love my boys more than anything and having another boy would be wonderful-especially with all the boy stuff we have. But the truth is, all I want is a healthy happy baby. When this baby is placed in my hands I'm not going to feel sad or upset if it's a boy. I'm going to feel complete joy. Gender will not matter.
The biggest problem for me with not finding out is the "planning" and being prepared. But I've decided that I'll have everything washed and ready for a little boy. If it's a girl, my family will be in charge! With four sisters (and two brothers), and a wonderful mom- things will be done by the time I return from the hospital. I don't need to know the gender to make sure I have plenty of diapers, blankets, and other essential baby items.
This pregnancy has flown by. The first few months were exhausting both emotionally and physically. I had some issues that made me think I was going to miscarry. Then came the all day throwing up. Now I find myself enjoying food again-way to much. I mean I actually crave food. The other two pregnancies I hated food. This one I want candy, chocolate, chips, soda, pasta, salad, cheese, BBQ sauce, apple pie, beans, oranges, and bananas. I have wanted to avoid most meat especially hamburgers and fried food. The smell of a fast food place makes me want to vomit. The most overwhelming craving has been soda-which I'm not a pop drinker so this is really strange for me. The first couple of weeks it was diet coke with a lime. Then just diet coke. Now it's diet cherry coke!! Totally random.
At about 14 weeks I started feeling the baby move. Now I can feel him/her a lot. I love this feeling. I even miss it when I'm not pregnant. I have felt really good the last two months. Sometimes I even forget I'm pregnant-that is until I look in the mirror and see my stomach sticking out. I haven't had any massive headaches. Gosh, with Logan and Cameron i had migraines every night. My biggest complaint would be that I'm extremely tired ALL THE TIME. Jared says I talk about sleep to much. I probably do b/c I'm just so tired. In reality aren't we all tired -kids, work, play, its exhausting.
I went online to find some old wives tales. Here are my answers to them:

You are carrying the extra weight around the hips and bottom, so it's a girl. The hair on your legs isn't growing. So it's a girl (I just feel like I shave less b/c I wear pants more than shorts.) I'm carring low. You are going to have a boy. (Maybe I'll redo this one later, isn't all babies low in the beginning?) Sleeping in a bed with your pillow to the north indicates that you will be having a boy. (Well it's not by choice, that is how our bed faces-north. I don't have any other way I can sleep.) Your feet are not colder than they were before pregnancy. You are having a girl.You refuse to eat the heel of a loaf of bread. You are having a girl.Dad-to-be hasn't been gaining weight along with Mom-to-be, so it will be a girl. (Jared never gains weight, he looses it b/c he works so hard and doesn't eat!!) The maternal grandmother has grey hair. BoyYou had morning sickness early in pregnancy, so you are expecting a girl. You are not looking particularly good during pregnancy. Therefore, it must be a girl, because girls steal their mother's looks. (I've had a lot of zits, and I just feel blahhh. My maternity clothes are 4 years old. Everything fits weird etc.) Your chest development has been quite dramatic during pregnancy. You should expect a girl. ( I swear ever morning they grow more.) Since the sum of the mother's age at conception and the number of the month of conception is an odd number, it will be a girl. A needle on a thread held over you belly moves from side-to-side, so it will be a girl. Your urine is a bright neon yellow color, so you will have a boy. You are craving sweets, which means that it is a girl. Your nose hasn't changed during pregnancy, which indicates a girl. You have been craving fruits, so it is a girl.Your baby's heart rate is 140 or more beats per minute, so it's a girl. (last visit was 155) You must have orange juice every day, so it's a girl. (This baby loves orange juice...it moves around right after I drink it.) You are not having headaches, so it's a girl. Your belly looks like a watermelon, so it's a girl. You show them the palm of your hand, so it's a girl. You use the body of the mug, so it's a girl.

Based on my answers it's a girl. Some of these questions are so funny...like the mug and hand one. Those are quite random. As I get closer to April we will have to have a bet and and a due date prediction. Until then I will try to post more about BABY FRIEL.

Watch out...Liz was in the kitchen

One day last week I found myself with some spare time :) LOL The kids were outside getting dirty therefore not inside needing to be entertained. I decided to attempt to make bread. All of my teaching buddies have all talked about making homemade recipes where as I make food only from packages. I searched online to find a yummy sounding bread recipe that seemed easy for beginners. When I went to the store to buy the ingredients I had to ask where to find the yeast. But at least I knew where to find the flour. Before I started cooking, there were a few terms I had to look up, such as punching out the dough after it has risen and shaping the dough into loaves. Thanks to the Internet I had a step by step guide to making my first loaves of white bread. I am happy to say it turned out great. Everything went smooth, from the yeast puffing up. To the dough rising. The smell of fresh baked bread was so yummy. The final test was the taste. I would rate the bread a 7. I'm not a huge white bread fan, but it was delicious with honey and jam on it. It was fun to try something new in the kitchen. I can't wait to make wheat bread next.

Simple But Sweet Halloween

Halloween was a blast. Logan had the hardest time trying to decided what he wanted to be for Halloween. It went from a lion with claws, to an astronaut, to just nothing. Then one day he found this cop costume and said he wanted to be a cop so he could put people in jail. (Which lead to ongoing questions about jail and who goes there. How long someone goes there for...etc)

Cameron was a little frog. He didn't even flinch when I put him in his little outfit. They both had so much fun going door to door to get candy. Cameron caught on quickly of the idea of showing the person at the door his bag to get candy. Logan loved coming home and sorting all the different kinds of treats he got. He had to see all his choices before choosing one to eat.

Halloween Fun

Last Saturday we went as a family to a nearby pumpkin patch. Every night for the past week we have been reading Halloween stories and so this was a perfect activity. Logan kept saying, this is just like the book mom! It was so much fun to see the kids pick out their favorite pumpkins and try to carry them to the car. Cameron loved sitting on the tractor while making "tractor" noises. Logan was determine to drive a tractor. I'm excited to make this one of our yearly traditions for Halloween.

Last week we also had a couple of friends over. I couldn't help but have some fun Halloween activities for us to do. We made the cutest Frankenstein paper plate candy holders. Then we decorated pumpkin cookies.

A Thousand Words

I love photography. I carry my camera around everywhere. I love taking pictures of simple things like leaves, old houses, doorways, etc. I love snapping a picture of a priceless moments with my kids or family when they aren't looking yet the picture captures exactly how they are feeling. I recently downloaded a photo shop program. I spent to much time yesterday playing around with the different features. It was fun to change the colors of the photo or crop a image out.

When I look at my pictures, I've always wondered, what makes a great picture? Is it the photography or is it the person looking at the picture? I think a great picture is when both people are somehow moved by a photo. Hope these pictures bring something special to your day. :)

Cameron

Yesterday I got to spend some "alone" time with Cameron while Logan and Jared hung out. At times I wonder if Cameron is getting enough attention. Being the 2nd child must be hard. It seems that Logan sometimes requires sooooo much attention, Cameron gets so much less. I know in reality this isn't true. But I can't help worry about it.

Cameron is such a sweet little guy. Lately he has been giving hugs and kisses all on his own. He'll just walk up and squeeze me. I love it. He loves being outside, around animals, and listening to music. He hates getting dressed, being told to come inside and he really dislikes sitting in the shopping cart. Jared and I think he was born speaking "Indian". He has full conversation with us that are full of babbling, yet his conversations are filled with such expression not only in his voice but in his hand gestures and face. It is clear he is telling us something. He loves to cuddle. He will sit with me for over an hour, which is a life savor if I'm not feeling good or just need some down time. I worry a little about how he will take having a new baby in our home. He gets really possessive if he is sitting with me and Logan tries to cuddle too. Currently he has learned how to say egg, park, boy, slide, chicken, cracker, color, eat, go, stop, and wash. The more words he learns the easier it is to figure out what he wants. However if he does get frustrated he throws his whole body onto the floor and kicks his feet. It's hard not to start laughing. I usually walk away so he doesn't see me smile. The funniest thing he does is try to wrestle with Logan. He will pull on his shirt until he falls down. Then he'll sit on him. Logan thinks its hilarious. We are very lucky to have Cameron in our family. I can't imagine life without him.

Boring Day

So today I was in a really bad mood. (Could it be from Logan waking up at 5:30 am to go to the bathroom but not to go back to sleep???) I just felt bored. I felt tired of doing the same thing, dishes, cleaning, cooking, playing cars, watching kid movies. Frankly I was sick of it! I sat on the couch thinking...I need something more. Yet I have plenty to do. I don't know what I want to be doing, but days like this I just want to be on the beach doing nothing.

Even though I felt completely useless today. I still managed to clean and to cook. I took the kids on two walks. We made Halloween spiders from egg cartoons. I tried to finish a really boring book while they watched a movie. I hope tomorrow brings a little excitement. But for now, I will finish my boring day with a boring blog. LOL

Transition

This week we all felt the cold air coming our way. I prefer 80 degree days and cooler nights. I DO NOT LIKE BEING COLD. However, the changing of seasons marks one of my favorite times for me. Fall pictures! I love dressing my kids up into cute outfits and taking them where there are pumpkins, hay, and trees. I love watching them be kids as I try to snap pictures of them. This year it was a little difficult to get both Cameron and Logan smiling in the same picture, but I still managed to get some great pictures. Logan has always had a "camera smile". Even as a baby he would smile on cue when he saw the camera. Cameron smiles when he is having fun or being tickled. I couldn't pick just one picture to share so I shared all of the pictures that I love. Each one catches Logan and Cameron's personality.

What is it about nap time that is so wonderful? I love nap time sooooo much. I don't know what I would do if my kids didn't take one. I love the quiet, the ability to finally do something for myself or the possibility of me even taking a nap. Logan has always been a great napper. He is a little over 4 and takes two or three a week. When he isn't napping he is at preschool or has quiet time. When he has quiet time, he will stay quiet in his bed for over an hour!!! For Logan this is awesome. Most the time is constantly at a go, so if I can get him to "sit" without entertaining for an hour, I'll take it. Cameron usually takes a two hour nap everyday. I love how predictable things are right now. I'm dreading the time when things aren't...I'm sure when this baby arrives I'll have to learn how to transition to a new schedule and routine. But until then I'm going to enjoy my quiet afternoons! (I just have to mention that Jared went hunting/fishing this weekend. At only 9 this morning I was done being mom. But then this afternoon we all took a 3 hour nap!!! That's unheard of, especially when all we did was sit around this morning. I was concerned about bedtime but both kids went to bed at 8:30. Someone was smiling on me today! Thank you thank you)

Hurray...It's my birthday

Today its officially my birthday! 31! Wow!!! I can't believe I'm over thirty. I remember being little and thinking 30 year olds were soooooo old. BUT THEY ARE NOT! No, I'm 31 but I'm very much still a kid. (I remember hearing that too.) Sometimes when I think about the past I wonder what my life would of been if I would of done this or that. But that is no way to live life. "You can't be happy with the road your on until your happy with the road you've been on." I read this quote a while back and it really stuck to me. There will always be things in your past that if you knew what you know now you would do differently. (Like sleeping! If I would've known that from the moment you are pregnant you'll never sleep again. I would of slept for a whole month :) ) But then you would not be the person you are today. I am the mom, the wife, and the friend I am today because of the experiences I've been through. I am very HAPPY with where I am today. I've decided to share 31 things I am greatly happy for. Enjoy reading.



1. Family-I love our little family of 4 growing into 5. Logan and Cameron bring such fun and energy to our daily lives. I also love knowing that my own brothers, sisters, and parents are just 20 minutes away! Jared-after 13 years of being together I love him beyond love-if possible.
2. Jared having a very stable job
3. Having a home!
4. Healthy kids-(Aside from the winter colds neither Logan or Cameron show any signs of allergies or unusual problems.)
5. Being able to stay home-even though at times I get stir crazy. I love the fact that I'm the one with my kids all day.
6. A fenced in yard!! I love being able to say, "Just go outside."
7. A finished basement- for the same reason..."Go downstairs and play."
8. Friends-both new and old. I don't know what I would do without them.
9. Having my my mom and my mother in law as one of my best friends. They both are very unique. I value their friendship and knowledge of life.
10. Living in a state that I don't have to worry about weather catastrophes. It's great comfort knowing how safe we are with the mountains surrounding us.
11. The ability to drive a short distance to do just about anything: swimming, hiking, camping, fishing, playgrounds, bowling, miniature golfing, walking, scenic drives etc.
12. My digital camera!!!
13. Portable DVD players-these are a lifesavers for those longer drives. Who am I kidding anything over 20 minutes I pop in a movie for the kids.
14. Jared being motivated and handy. That man never sits down!!!
15. Having 4 seasons- although I would like winter to be just a few weeks! I love the changing of the weather. It always gives me something to look forward to.
16. Showers without kids!!!
17. Laughter, especially when my boys laugh
18. Naps
19. Reaching the 12th week mark in my pregnancy. Finally after 8 weeks of being best friends with the toilet I'm finally not throwing up anymore.
20. Not being afraid of trying new things.
21. My teaching background
22. Surprises-Not big ones the little ones. A note hidden by your breakfast, or all the chores being randomly done.
23. Flowers-I love unique colors and shapes.
24. The Internet-it's wonderful to be able to have so much information right at your fingertips
25. The power of understanding-it may seem strange but sometimes when you take the time to understand a situation it solves a lot of problems.
26. That despite being a mom of 2 almost 3 kids I'm not totally crazy.
27. Books- the ability to escape reality
28. Fresh peaches...every July my mouth waters for them.
29. Being in walking distances of two parks-my salvation
30. Peanut butter and chocolate-mmm need I say more
31. Birthdays-a chance to reflect on the past year



I started celebrating today by going out to breakfast with Logan, Cameron, and Kate (the little girl I watch). I was really nervous to take all three to a restaurant alone. But I thought, it's my birthday, we will give it a try. If it doesn't work out we can just leave. Amazingly all three were next to perfect. We shared a pancake, egg, and sausage breakfast. I think Cameron and Kate ate mostly chocolate milk but I'm not complaining-no one was crying. I was glad that I took the leap and just went. It feels great that I can manage three toddlers all by myself in a public place. Tonight a great friend is watching the boys while Jared and I go out to a nice romantic dinner. Although this morning was accomplished without any problems. It will feel great to sit across from another adult without having to cut up his food and bribe him to eat.

Weekend Fun

This past weekend I drove the boys through a canyon near our home. Fall is such a beautiful time of year. Here are some fun pictures of our drive.
I love the color of Fall.

Caught this picture right after Logan threw a rock in a small river.

Cameron analyzing a leaf. "Hmm, I wonder if this tastes good?"

Of course the boys found a huge spider. Logan asked, "Is it a bad one? Can we kill it? Mom why do you hate spiders?"

Yesterday Logan wanted a snack. I asked him what he would like to eat. He said a mustard sandwich. Ok, I got out the mustard and bread. He proceeded to squeeze the mustard all over his bread and Cameron's. They both thought it was the funniest thing in the world. I thought it was funny that they ate it.