The Andre Family

Scatterbrained Saturday: Date Night

2012-01-29T00:10:00.001-08:00

It is funny how when you are married "date night" goes out the window. You spend so much time together why would you need to go on a date?! Oh but you do. You need the thoughtfulness, the fresh air, the time to remember, the time to forget everything else. Tonight we had a very simple date night (which included a babysitter). It was perfect. Saturday is a special day, it's the day we get ready for Sunday! Consider me officially re-charged. Now get dating people.

Flash back picture... This was a little over 5 years ago on a date before we were married :)

Friday Fun: Pintrest

2012-01-27T22:27:00.001-08:00

One Pintrest project completed. I was talked into sewing Tyler's Dad a quilt even though my sewing skills are very amateur. I am so excited about how It turned out and I am counting down to my next project. I have way too many things pinned! I wish I had enough time , money and motivation to complete them all. Have you been pinning?

Thursday Therapy: PICTURE THIS

2012-01-26T21:37:00.000-08:00

I was glancing through a few pictures Ty took at the King's game last night and figured a few of them could use some captions...

My mom let me color on my hands as a kid.

Are my pants too hight?

Drums?

I got a piece of popcorn stuck in my teeth

My parents liked me too much... See Brad's post

We got season tickets to the Kings so that we could watch Jimmer. We have sold a lot of the games, but this is the first one Ty went too. He was pretty excited. We don't Freddette about Jimmer at our house!

Monday Memories: Remembering Martin Luther King

2012-01-23T23:50:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated only 44 years ago. I did not live then and I know that racism still exists, but we are trying to reach our potential. He helped us make those steps and it was through his words that many people's hearts were changed. It was fun to be in such a culturally diverse city to celebrate MLK day. We were able to go the the Crocker Art Museum and join in some of the festivities celebrating his life.

My favorite part of the day was hearing this choir sing. In person, it give me chills. We joked about how we wished our ward choir was this amazing. You can hear the passion behind their music. It is like the truest form of worship and I love feeling their love for The Savior.

Martin Luther King Jr. spoke once about what he would like people to remember him for...

I'd like somebody to mention that day that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to give his life serving others. I'd like for somebody to say that day that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to love somebody.

I want you to say that day that I tried to be right on the war question. I want you to be able to say that day that I did try to feed the hungry. I want you to be able to say that day that I did try in my life to clothe those who were naked. I want you to say on that day that I did try in my life to visit those who were in prison. And I want you to say that I tried to love and serve humanity.

Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major. Say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter.^[130]

I can't help, but wonder what I want people to remember about me and if I am living so that they will.

I'd like them to remember how I raised my children...

I'd like them to remember how I served those around me...

I'd like them to remember how I much I like to smile...

I'd like them to remember how I strived to bring other to the gospel...

I have a lot of work to do.

What would you like them to remember about you?

Simply Sunday: a few random thoughts

2012-01-22T17:44:00.001-08:00

~ I think it is funny how easy kids let things go. The get so mad when they really want something, but never really mad at someone ... After Emree wets her pull-ups for the millionth time, she always says, "but you still love me!" and I do.

~sometimes I wish I loved sports. Ty and I could have some amazing bonding, but I really just don't. I know I will love watching my kids, but Espn every night hmmmmm no. I will try a little harder to care that he cares.

~my time on my phone and computer is slowly on the rise. Today we were challenged to read the scriptures on our phones instead if the time wasters. I am going to challenge myself to read a chapter of the book of mormon, each time I want to do something on my phone. I will let you know how it goes.

~ lastly, I love the show "once upon a time"! :)

Scatterbrain Saturday: The Difference

2012-01-21T15:40:00.000-08:00

At ten o'clock I sit down in front of the t.v. to continue working on a quilt and watch (or hear) a little t.v. I am bombarded with pictures of beautiful women. Really beautiful women everywhere. I kept replaying the question in my mind, "What is the difference between me and them?" Don't worry. I came up with an answer. I definitely needed to pluck my eyebrows and paint my nails. Seriously. I am pretty positive the only difference between me and all of the models are my eyebrows. They may have make up artists, spend thousands of dollars on their wardrobe, actually get their hair colored, and get touched up every 5 minutes. BUT... If I take 5 extra minutes today....

I think it worked!

Friday Fun: Best Cupcakes EVER!

2012-01-20T21:26:00.000-08:00

We got this recipe from ValaRee Roylance, but then I made a change to the cupcakes themselves. She made the cupcakes with a cake mix, which was delicious... I didn't have the cake mix on hand so I made them from scratch, also delicious....YUMMY! Plus, I made them mini. Super fun and super cute.

LINDT TRUFFLE CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES

1 box devils food cake mix (I used triple chocolate fudge)
1 box instant vanilla pudding (small box)
4 eggs
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup oil
1 Cup sour cream
Milk chocolate Lindor truffles by Lindt-approximately 24

Unwrap Lindor trufffles and place aside for later use.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line 24 muffin tins
2. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, oil. and water
3. Sift in cake mix and dry pudding, mix well.
4. Stir in sour cream
5. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full.
6. Bake at 350 for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, lightly press a Lindt Truffle into each partially baked cupcake.
7. Bake the cupcakes an additional 13 minutes (total of 18 minutes).
8. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and place hot cupcakes directly into airtight containers to seal in the moisture.
(I just put the cupcakes on a large roll pan and covered it tightly with Plastic Wrap)
9. Frost with cream cheese Frosting.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

1. 1/2 cup butter (softened)
2. 8 oz. cream cheese
3. Pinch of salt
4. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
5. 3 cups powdered sugar

Cream butter and cream cheese. Add salt, vanilla and powdered sugar. Mix well.
(I piped it on from a decorating tube)

Can be made with Lemon cake mix and white chocolate truffles.

Thursday Therapy: More Medicine

2012-01-19T14:10:00.000-08:00

"The world really on has one effective weapon, and that is laughter." -Mark Twain

Sometimes my house is a war zone. It is a battle to get out the door, a battle to get everyone ready, a battle to take naps, a battle to change diapers and the list goes on... but everyone wins when the day ends like this...

Wednesday Weaknesses: Standing On My Own Two Feet

2012-01-18T16:25:00.000-08:00

"Let us work for what we need. Let us be self-reliant and independent. Salvation can be obtained on no otherprinciple. Salvation is an individual matter, and we must work out our ownsalvation in temporal as well as in spiritual things.”

-President Marion G. Romny.

Ask yourself...

1. What is Self-Reliance?

2. Why is it important?

3. What can I do to be more Self-Reliant?

Our Heavenly Father has asked us to lean on him, have faith in him and to love him, but we must also DO. We have the power to act. We can increase our faith, our love, our service. We must be able to stand on our own testimony of The Savior. We become self-reliant spiritually and temporally so that we can with stand the troubles a head of us and so that we can help others. Imagine that you are swimming in deep water and kicking your hardest to stay a float. You can barely keep your chin above the water... what would happen if a large wave or a storm came in right at that moment? We need to stand on a firm foundation so that when a storm comes we can face it head on.

The Relief Society manuals lists temporal ways to become self-reliant, they are: learn about budgeting, debt relief, employment qualifications,the scriptures and the gospel, teaching others to read and learn, technology,physical health, fitness, addiction prevention and recovery, social andemotional health, preventing illness, gardening, food production and storage,emergency preparedness, and many other things that will help us becomeself-reliant.¹

^{Tonight at our Relief Society activity we are focusing on the health and fitness part of self-reliance}. It is the new year and everyone seems to set new goals on how they can stay healthy. They healthier you are the better you can face life's storms.

When Tyler and I spent two month's in Mozambique, I remember the missions president telling us that if we could help take care of the the people's temporal needs; then they would have the ability to accept the gospel. While The Lord can grant us many miracles, it is can be hard to feed our selves spiritually when we are starving temporally. I think that also applies to physical activity. It is hard to be spiritually active when you are physically stagnant.

Ask yourself...

1. How can I become more physically active?

2. How can I help my home become more physically active?

3. How will this help us spiritually?

This is one of my weaknesses. As life changes the ways we stay physically active must also change. I am no longer a dancer, I am a mom. It defines me. How can I be a physically active and self-reliant mother? Oh! and running after my toddler doesn't count!

Tuesday Terrors: My Kids at Restaurants...

2012-01-17T15:46:00.000-08:00

I would also like to add a small link to a Monday Memory written by my cousin Jackie.... Charlene Baker, My Grandma

Monday Memories: The Celebration Continues

2012-01-16T10:55:00.000-08:00

Ty's parents wanted to give Jesse the gift of activity for his birthday and so they paid for us to go the Sacramento Children's Museum on Saturday. My kids LOVED it! They loved it SO much we couldn't resist buying a season pass and talking some of our friends into doing it with us). Here is my little plug... if you come visit us with your kids... we will take you here too!

Jesse in the blocks

Emree in the dress ups... they had lots of animals

Emree stuck the flower in my hair and told me is was like a princess... I am not so sure

They have a little house with a table, chairs, bed, fireplace, mailbox, so cute...

Water!

We like the back hand on this stroke... I am not sure if she is bowling or painting.

Okay, definitely painting.

Then we went home for naps and went back out at four for some play time at the park. It has been really warm this winter and we have loved being able to get outside. That being said, the rain is suppose to start this week.

Jesse only walks with his hands in the air. It makes me giggle every time.

I know this is not a good picture of us, but it is the only one we took that documented that we were all there... so, WE WERE ALL THERE. :)

The last part of our celebration ended at Noddle's and Co. where we got to go out to eat (again courtesy of Ty's parents). It was so nice because we NEVER eat out and we enjoyed every bite and savored every dish we didn't have to wash.

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Andre for the Birthday Celebration and another day full of memories we won't forget!

Hope you have plans to make and record some memories for your family this week!

Friday Fun: This one is for Ty!

2012-01-13T21:12:00.000-08:00

Ty got his clinical rotation schedule today! That exciting because it means he actually gets to be working the hospital. He does six rotations at UCDavis and here is the order... (drum roll please)...

1. Psych
2. OB
3. Peds
4. Family Medicine
5. Surgery
6. Internal Medicine

I am excited for him and this new crazy step that starts in May.

Thursday Therapy: I think I need a Therapist

2012-01-12T22:17:00.000-08:00

"No More Binky"

Emree is turning three in a month and we decided that it was time to wave goodbye to the fabulous binky. Thank you for all the nights of sleep, thank you for wonderful nap times, thank you for soothing car rides, thank you for stopping tantrums, calming bumps and bruises, allowing me to get through being a mother for the first time and making it seem easy. You have been my dear dear friend and I will miss you. I will miss the way Emree likes to rub you all over her face, the way you make her giggle when she crawls into bed and mostly the way she clings to you at night. Yes, my little girl is growing up.

Emree gave her binky to the Binky Fairy yesterday and received a Tangled dress as a surprise. She was thrilled. We had one hard night, but tonight she did great. All my thanks goes to this Elmo clip ( and Derek for suggesting it). There are a bunch of clips for anyone who needs a little help. :)

What is your binky/crutch that you need to give up?

Wednesday Weaknesses: The Inevitable

2012-01-11T22:16:00.001-08:00

Jill's blog post is my favorite. My weakness is definitely postponing the inevitable. I put things off and put things off. I love what she has to say and I think everyone should take 3 minutes and read it!

1. My blessings today: Jesse is feeling better and loves to pick up toys. Maybe this is a sign for the rest of his life (although I highly doubt that). Emree loves Joy School and gave up her Binky today. Tyler did the dishes and cleaned the kitchen, plus watched the kids while I had a dentist appointment. Asprin... I am thankful for asprin.

2. My weaknesses today: Sometimes I just need to stop what I am doing and sit on the floor and play with my kids. It reminds me of those old commercials... "Family isn't it about time." And of course postponing the inevitable. Some times I need to do those things I am putting off and lower the stress level in my life.

3. Ways to Improve: Take breaks in projects for playing... whatever they want to play. My inevitable : organize my pantry, updating my budget, and finishing a sewing project :)

4. My Tender Mercies: a few of your thought's on your blogs...

What is your list?

Tuesdays Terrors:FLOPS

2012-01-10T21:57:00.000-08:00

I have made A LOT of birthday cakes that turned out to be flops.
Todays couldn't stand up on its own, but the good news is.... Jesse didn't care.

Hmm.. This cake looks interesting...

I think I'll have some off the side...

I am still not so sure about this...

Slight smile...

Full hand grab...

I don't know if I like the test, but I am totally into the mess...

Spaced out for a minute....

Could I get any cute?

The Ice cream was way better?

mmm crusty!

Some day my kids will have amazing cakes... maybe by Em's birthday I will get my act together. ;)

What is something you flop?

Monday Memories: Happy Birthday Tomorrow Jesse

2012-01-09T21:35:00.000-08:00

Can you believe Jesse is ONE! It has been a long year, with a hard baby, and now he is officially toddling into his second year of life. While I will not miss this last year, we do love having him as a part of our family. I love watching my children play together and laugh together.

I have been making little videos of my kids by combining the footage and photos we have. Here is short photo shoot we did of Jesse and Emree. Jesse was about a week old. I am grateful that we have such wonderful means to capture the memories of our kids.

Jesse is a smiley, babbling, active, little walker. Who LOVES his Mom a little too much!

Happy Birthday Jesse...

Simply Sunday: Inspiration

2012-01-08T12:19:00.000-08:00

I missed Saturday. It kind of makes me sad. I was doing so well and really keeping up (although my posts for the day happened at about 11 o'clock, but last night was date night and so it just didn't happen....

Today my mind has been on Visiting Teaching. Sometimes I am good at it and sometimes I am terrible. Right now I am having a hard time getting a jump start. I got a new companion and a new route and it is just hard to get moving.

My last route allowed me to make amazing friends. I wouldn't have gotten to know these women otherwise and it was a true blessing to be called their visiting teacher.

Here is a quick video if you need some quick inspiration and if you are in the same boat as me.

If you have any stories about how visiting teaching has blessed your life I would love to hear it!

Friday Fun: WHEEE!

2012-01-06T22:13:00.000-08:00

What could be better than this?

Thursday Therapy: Laughter is The Best Medicine

2012-01-05T21:21:00.000-08:00

Funny Moments....

Make-up!

As a teenager I would have spent about an hour getting ready in the morning. About 20 minutes of that would have been focused on putting on make-up. With my favorite song on my stereo and lots of choices in front of me, I would have applied slowly and thoughtfully. When I was done I wouldn't be sure if I looked as good as I could have.

As a mom I have a completely different routine. I spend about eight minutes or less on make-up. No stereo because I have to hear what my kids are doing. No choices, I do pretty much the same thing every day. I apply with precision and while multi tasking. Jesse sits at my feet pulling stuff out the bathroom cupboards and banging it on the shower door, while Emree sits on the toilet begging to get some make-up on too. When I am done I always think, "Good Enough."

I wouldn't change it for the world.

What about your day made you laugh?

Wednesdays Weaknesses

2012-01-04T21:27:00.000-08:00

Wednesdays are my day to focus on self improvement. What can I do better? How can I be better?

I will start with the obvious... keeping a record.

Reasons that keeping records are important:

1. It helps us remember our blessings
2. It helps us point out our weaknesses
3. It helps us plan ways to improve
4. It reminds us that we have tender mercies EVERY DAY from The Lord

Before I got married, I wrote in my journal every single night. I love looking back at those entries and reading my thoughts, hopes, and dreams. Those books are priceless. The last few years I have been terrible at journaling and this year I am making a change. I am determined to write down a little bit each day. I want to remember these moments, I want to take the time to reflect, and most importantly I want to build my relationship with The Savior.

Do you journal, blog, take pictures, keep a calender? What ways can you improve your record keeping?

Start small, maybe even in lists. Start today...

1. My blessings today: Jesse's toddling, That Emree has such great little friends to do Joy School with, a delicious dinner (thanks to myself), clean dishes thanks to my husband, and a good friend who stayed and helped me.

2. My weaknesses today: I need to brush my kids teeth more and I need to read them the scriptures every night.

3. Ways to Improve: Do it tomorrow morning.

4. My Tender Mercies: Bonnie sent me a really nice text about how she missed my kids tonight and it made me happy that she would think of me today. I also had a yummy little treat that I desperately needed waiting for me by the microwave. :)

What is your list?

Here is an awesome Mormon Message...

Tuesday Terrors: Is this chocolate or poop?

2012-01-03T21:36:00.000-08:00

If you have ever seen the movie "Baby Momma" than you know the scene I am referring to.

Caroline: [holding her son's dirty hand] Is this chocolate or poop? Is this chocolate or poop?
Caroline: [licks son's hand and smiles] It's chocolate!
Kate Holbrook: What if that had been poop?

My child has painted poop on her walls in the past, and I desperately wished it were chocolate. However, this installment of Tuesdays Terrors, sadly includes both.

The place is Kellogg, Idaho. The scene of the crime is Jordan's pull out bed. The offender ... Emree Andre.

Yes, that is her face covered in Marshmallow Santa (not poo). I am reminded time and time again why I shouldn't leave a toddler unattended with food.

BUT the story doesn't end there. We decided to give her a bath to make sure she didn't get chocolate anywhere else. Once agin, I foolishly left her alone and upon entering the bathroom unsuspecting Jordan discovered the second brown criminal act. Just when you thought you were done cleaning it all up.

Anybody have a Tuesday Terror to share... it is definitely a day for venting or giggling.

Your choice!

Monday Memories: Christmas- The Condensed Version

2012-01-02T22:49:00.000-08:00

Building memories is a funny concept. We do things so that we can remember how much fun we had doing it. I often think in terms of memories instead of enjoying it in the moment. I should probably do both.

This Christmas was one filled with new wonderful memories that I enjoyed along the way. We were lucky enough to spend the holidays with both families. Which unfortunately meant a lot of traveling and fortunately meant a lot of fun.

We drove the 7 hours to the Andre's where we had our first Christmas. We got to spend 4 days there. We exchanged gifts, took Emree to Chucky Cheese, played a Murder Mystery (our gift to Brian), and ate a lot of caramels. The kids loved opening gifts and we loved the time we had to reflect on the birth and life of our Savior.

My kids love being pulled in the wagon. Tanner and Grandpa had to take turns.

Here is Aliza with the fun Magnets she bought Emree... Emree can't wait to paint them. That may be tomorrow's project.

Jesse loved ripping of the paper. Isn't that the cutest runny nose you ever did see?

Brian always likes to throw out a few good hair jokes... or should I say hair-less.

Then, we flew to Washington where we got to spend Christmas with my family.

I love a plane ride with another adult. It meant that Jesse and I got in some snooze time. Emree tried to as well, but the flight attendant wouldn't let her stay on the floor. Bummer.

All of us were together for Christmas and that was amazing. It was a big group with three newer addition:
1. Brittany, The Fruit Ninja

2. Andrew, The Dance Champion

3. and Jesse,The Momma's Boy

We love them all so much! We made a billion treats and delicious goodies, the girls painted some pottery, we all dominated Fruit Ninja,and enjoyed Christmas Eve and the ever infamous re-enactment of the nativity.

Emree was an Angel along with James and Nikki's little girl Jenna. I don't have those cute pictures, but I do have her in the dress she wore because she pretty much wore it everywhere the entire time. When I asked her to take it off she told me, "Why mom? Everybody loves it!" I think she was kind of right.

Here is a picture of us on Christmas Eve...

And me and Em in our PJs...

Christmas itself was magical and fun. I love how much everyone enjoys giving more than receiving.

The Tangled doll was the clear winner for favorite gift.

Easton!

Grandma!

Everyone Christmas Morning

Jesse loved playing peek a boo with his new clothes... wishfully thinking they were toys ;)

All of the boys piling on their new things.

The day after Christmas we went to a resort in Kellogg, Idaho. It had a water park and of course SNOW. Emree loved the snow so much (thanks to grandpa and grandma baker for getting her lots of warm snow gear). She played and played in it with her Dad. Their snow man and reindeer were completely amazing. It was fun to get a way from the house, a blast to play in the water, to watch movies together and do puzzles. It really completed our family time together.
Here are Tyler's snow creations:

Pool Basketball:

We then headed back to Grandma and Grandpa's to play a little three on three,watch Easton play basketball, See Great Grandpa Baker, and pack up. It was sad to go, but always nice to know that I will see them soon enough.

Christmas at the Baker's isn't complete with out the church three on three tournament or a sprained ankle to remind you that you are getting older.

Not as old as my Grandpa Baker however, who is 94 and amazing in every way! I love this picture of Jesse sitting at his feet. Jesse was one of 12 great grand children that were born this last year alone.

I filled so blessed to be part of such an amazing family.

Off we flew to Ty's parents for a couple more days... We went to the zoo, and played to our heart's content.

And last night we finally made the drive home. Phew! It was a long trip, a long blog post, and a whole lot of awesomeness.

I hope your Christmas brought you close to family and close to the Savior. I hope you made some amazing memories and wrote them down.

Simply Sunday: Happily Ever After

2011-12-31T21:26:00.000-08:00

This is my current headboard...

I was excited when I stumbled upon this talk in this months ensign, a monthly magazine put out by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, because it was written by one of my professors from BYU. I loved his class on marriage and family and it was nice to have a reminder of some of the wonderful principles he taught.
My new year if filled with about a billion and one new year resolutions. I consider a new year my excuse to do EVERYTHING better then last year. I get really excited to have a fresh start. This last year has been an amazing one for Ty and I, but after reading this talk I was reminded that having a "Happily Ever After" marriage takes a whole lot of work.
Today was my Grandma Baker's funeral and I wasn't able to be there, but I got to see my Grandpa two days ago and give him a great big hug. They had a very happy, beautiful marriage and I know it was because they put the Savior first and then each other second. My goal is to have a marriage like theirs, a marriage like my parents, and a marriage like Ty's parents. We are blessed with a plethora of amazing examples. This article gave me lots of great ways to start my goal...

Happy New Blog Year!

2011-12-31T08:28:00.000-08:00

I have decided to organize my blog and start fresh this year. I love the clarity and determination that comes in January. Happy 2012 :)

Simply Sunday
Monday Memories
Tuesday Terrors
Wednesday Weaknesses
Thursday Therapy
Friday Fun
Scatterbrained Saturday

I am grateful for my budget...

2011-11-02T20:58:00.000-07:00

We are on a tight budget. There is no shame in it. It is what it is. We are medical students. One day we won't be, but today we are. We redid our budget yesterday. It was nice to see where we were at. We always have room for improvement, but things looked better then I thought they would.

November is always a tight month because December is always a month full of glorious giving and so much receiving. Today I am thankful for our budget. I am thankful for a husband who helps us live with in our means. So, in true gratitude I decided to clean out my closet and reorganize my clothes. It was like going shopping. I found some of my hidden favorites that I have been wanting to wear, but haven't been able to find. I found a few things I forgot about completely. I also found some things I had to ditch. And very excitedly made sure all my maternity and post baby clothes were out of there. There is no need to shop, just a need to clean. It's almost like everything is new again. Hmmm I love November!

West!

2011-10-31T14:23:00.000-07:00

No one in my family has any kids yet. No one in Ty's family is married. We have the only grandkids (need I say spoiled grandkids) and they have no cousins. BUT Liberty (my cousin) is like my sister and she just had a beautiful baby boy. So, elected cousin he is. We drove up to San Jose this weekend for his baby blessing. David, his dad, gave an amazing heartfelt blessing and we are so glad we got to be there!

It was our first time seeing little West and he was absolutely priceless. He seems to be a calm baby, but very aware. He is really long, but starting to put on weight. He smiles just a little bit and smells oh so delicious. There is nothing more precious then a new baby and more tiring.

Heres to many more weekends with the Woodlands!

Joyish School

2011-10-26T22:15:00.000-07:00

We started a little Joy-ish School with Emree and a few other kids. I was the first teacher and we had it at my house today. I was surprised how great the kids were. They must be ready for this kind of thing. They did get a little worn out at the end, but isn't that why we do activities? So our kids can nap! Emree took a great nap and so do Jesse and so did I. Hmm great day!

I forgot to take pictures (worst mom ever :)), but here is my little lesson plan...
CIRCLES – ORANGE –NUMBER 3
Creative Movement: (10 min)
“Can you make your body into shapes?” High, Low, Big, Small, Touch your head, touch you head to the ground, touch your hands to the ground, lay down, sit…
(Show a picture of a circle) “ Do you know what this is? Can you make your body into a circle?”
“We can move our bodies to pretend to be animals, to show how feel, and even to make circles. I am going to turn on a song and I want you to move your body around. When the music stops you have to freeze and make a circle. Are you ready?
Story Time: (10 min)
If you want to read a story clap your hands, turn in a circle, sit quietly
(do hand actions)
Story about Circles
Singing Game: (10 min)
Get the kids in a big circle. Sing to the tune of London Bridges.
I can move so many ways, many ways, many ways,
I can move so many ways around the circle
I can walk on tippy toes, tippy toes, tippy toes
I can walk on tippy toes around the circle
…walk backward steps
…crawl on hands and knees
…move with hopping feet
…fly like an air plane
…slow steps
…sit quietly
“It is fun to move in a circle.”
Counting to 3: (15 min)
“Who can count to three? Let’s all try. 1, 2, 3. Can you show me on your fingers? Can everyone count the pictures with me? (Have three pictures of three things, three pumpkins, three oranges, three circles and count them together). Okay, I need everyone to go find three oranges circle and bring them back to our circle (circles are taped on the wall). Go around to each kid and count his or her three circles.
Now have them sit to read a counting book.
Scavenger Hunt: (10 min) “What color is everyone wearing?” Can you help me find orange things? Follow me.”
(Have pictures taped up all over the wall in different spots. Then walk around the house looking your Orange items.)
Song is to the tune of “Old McDonald”.
I see something that is orange
Do you see it too?
I see something that is orange
Hop there if you do?
(change action each time and give picture to a child each time)
Hop to Snack Time: (10 min)
Snack is Oranges, Orange Jello, Carrots, Orange Milk
Clean up…
Arts and Cookies: (20 min) everyone should have an apron
Decorating Cookies like pumpkins…Orange frosting, circle cookies, each child gets three. Halloween Kids songs will be playing while they decorate their pumpkins. Talk about circles, orange and the number three.
Clean up…
Each kid should go home with: 3 circles, Orange picture, and 3 cookies

Pumpkin Carving

2011-10-24T15:50:00.000-07:00

I remember really loving Halloween as a kid. I think it was because Harvest was over and I finally got to spend some time with my Dad or it could have been the candy. Now, as a mom I understand all the work mom's put into activities. My mom would help us get our costumes, get the candy for our house, make sure my Dad carved pumpkins with us, get us ready for the night, and send us out. I love my mom! My dad would always pretend he dressed up as a cab driver (one of his favorite jokes) and we had to drive from house to house because we lived in the country (I thought everyone did it that way). My favorite houses were Grandma Bergeson who gave popcorn balls, Grandma Heslop who dressed up like a witch and Grandma Goodrich who alway took the dressing up to the next level. The would cackle and laugh and make delicious treats. I want my house to be like that! Maybe when we live in a different neighborhood.

Last night we carved pumpkins. Emree is still too little to help very much, but she seemed to enjoy the activity anyways. We had our friends the Reeds come over and join in the festivities. None of us are big pumpkin carvers. Ty got a little creative, but mostly we stuck to our circles and triangles. Good thing two year olds get excited about EVERYTHING! Good Luck with your carving...

Any good Halloween memories?

Kids Live Here

2011-10-22T22:28:00.000-07:00

I had to giggle as I went around the house tonight taking pictures of a few things that remind me that my kids live here... or maybe I should say Emree.

1. The toilet paper is constantly getting unrolled. These days there is a perfectly logical explanation each time... logical to a 2 year old that is.

2. Pictures on the fridge. She even taped pictures on top of pictures tonight.

3. Emree decided she was old enough to put the vacuum back together. I vacuumed with it like that before I realized it.

4. This shirt needed more soap then the others apprently.

5. Another money bank... and I thought we had kicked the habit.

Do you have any things around your house that make you giggle when you pick them up each night.

All She Needs...

2011-10-21T21:34:00.000-07:00

All any girl needs is a few accessories. My latest Halloween sewing, gluing, cutting, and crafting project has left Emree filled with excitement. I made her day by making "Hoppy" a Peter Pan Hat just like Jesse's and Her "Baby Jaguar" a head band. She has been really into dressing up her dolls and playing house. Any body have any good ideas on what I can make with a ton of extra green felt?

Quirks

2011-10-18T19:36:00.000-07:00

We all have our quirks.
I love reality t.v., listen to my favorite songs so many times until I hate it, swoon over old musicals, and can't stand youtube videos.
Ty loves to beat balloon towers, listens and sings a song so loud you can't hear it, seriously thinks almost every movies is good, and loves youtube videos.

Emree, well, she is a hoarder. She collects things. All things. Mostly garbage. She has been collecting for a while now and I was starting to worry. I know kids go through phases, but this phase has to say something about me. Is she somehow showing how much I dislike things cluttering up my life. She is letting me know that her heart hurts every time I throw away another picture or painting that she wanted on the fridge for all of eternity. I think I may have messed my kid up... can i get a do over?

Just when I was feeling really bad and making her throw away the crackers in the very bottom of one of her many filled to the top purses that we can't clean up and we hang all over the house, she told me the truth. She said she put stuff in her purse so that she didn't have to share with Jesse. Interesting. And she hung up her purses so that he couldn't reach them. Interesting again. Now, I guess I need to let her know that some stuff is just hers and we don't have to hide it away to keep it safe.

Phew. I dodged a personality disorder.

This mothering thing is no joke. :)

No More Sleepless Nights

2011-10-13T16:50:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a baby that was a TERRIBLE no good very bad sleeper? Well, I do. Nine months later he has slept through the night two night in a row. His first two nights EVER. So, here is to saying Goodbye. Adios to a year or more of not sleeping. Of getting up to go to the bathroom, get a drink, turn on the air, feed the baby, rock the baby, change the baby and everything else in between. I will do all of those things all day long, but no longer at night. For now, I will sleep and enjoy every last "Z" I catch.

Ode to Projects

2011-10-11T23:16:00.000-07:00

I think of you each moment of wake,
and can't turn off my brain for dreams to make.
I make you up to fill my time,
but you become the most important thing on my mind.

You clutter my house, my floor, my car.
I start you to save money; there's no way you are.
I buy supplies and tools to learn a new art,
I read blogs and tutorials to increase my smarts.

I've made cookies, cakes, painted and sewn.
Cookie cutters, cake pans, fabric scissors I know own.
I can do that, I think; That'd be fun, I say.
On to another project and another day

This are pictures from our t-shirt quilt project and a few things I have been doing for our Relief Society "Getting To Know You" Activity. Stole the cake idea from Susan and the flowers from my sister in-law Aliza! By the way... Tyler and I don't know how to sew at all, it has been interesting.

On a side note...
Emree seems to maybe be trying to potty train again.
Jesse is standing up on EVERYTHING and wanting to walk.
They both love oranges... and projects :)

Wrap up

2011-10-08T20:22:00.000-07:00

Oh to blog. There is not enough time in the day.

Tyler had a test on Friday and has another on Monday. We had a "date" night last night, but really we just bummed around. I think sometimes those are the best nights. The kids were more then excited to see him when we got home. I have honestly never seen bigger smiles. It was definitely a moment I wish I could've captured. Although, it was also priceless to see me trying to get my two huge bags and car seat of the baggage claim belt with my toddler gripping my leg and my toddler/baby in my arms. A moment I don't want to relive.

Emree was sick earlier this week, but got better by about Wednesday. She has been exhausted though. Sharing a room with Jesse is keeping her up at night. Tyler and I both have contemplated a 3 bed room apartment after this week, but neither of us want to move. How does anybody do this? Seriously.

Jesse has been SO SO SO happy. I have never seen more smiles then the ones we have been getting lately from this boy. It is so dang cute. He is crawly and pulling himself up on everything. Today he didn't stop so hopefully he will sleep better and in turn Em will sleep better.

Me, well I am me. I made pumpkin cake with maple cream cheese frosting last night. It was delicious. It was suppose to be cupcakes, but I filled all the cupcakes tins and then realized I had forgotten to add the pumpkin. So, I dumped them all out and put in the pumpkin and then had to make it a cake because i was out of cupcake tins. BUT it was delicious regardless. Then I made Cafe Rio Pork Salad (with chicken instead of pork) and took it over to a friends tonight to see her new baby. She was so beautiful and only 8 days old. There is something truly magical about new babies. Seriously magical.

So, here is to another week gone and a new week beginning. I definitely could use a new week!

That's right: danielle BAKER andre!

2011-09-19T09:43:00.000-07:00

If you remember last year I made the worlds most terrible birthday cake. This year I made one that was terribly delicious. It was seriously delectable in every way. I saw it on "Smitten Kitten" and had to make it.

Chocolate Cake (moist like Texas Sheet cake with sour cream), peanut butter cream cheese frosting, and dark chocolate peanut butter ganache, with white chocolate curls. YUMMY~

If you need a cake to eat... make this one.
http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/08/chocolate-peanut-butter-cake/

The rest of Ty's birthday went great as well. We had a few friends over to celebrate and eat my cake. It was fun and now it's done!

You Make Me Smile!

2011-09-17T16:34:00.000-07:00

Birthday posts are the worst. There is all this pressure to say something magnificent and meaningful about the person you love. Well, I decided to steal other peoples words and phrases. So, here's to Ty. Happy Birthday! I love you more now that your 27. You make me smile everyday, so I thought I would try to return the favor.
1. "Behind every successful man there is a surprised woman."
Okay, I am not that surprised. You definitely have good judgement because you chose me.

2. "Perfect numbers like perfect men are very rare."
Also rare, looking manly with a pony...

3. "My mom said the only reason men are alive is for lawn care and vehicle maintenance."
Not completely true, but I would definitely say it has been a perk.

4. "A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend. A successful woman is one who can find such a man."
Over the years we have cut down on spending by our many "do it" our self projects. One day we can hire someone else to do it for us or our kids will be old enough :).

5. "The best way to get a man to do something is to suggest they can't do it."
Works every time... you can't grow a garden in that mess, you can't can peaches, you can't cook at work, you can't start a business...

6. "You see a lot of smart guys with dumb women, but you hardly ever see a smart woman with a dumb guy."
Amen

7. "To be happy with a man you must understand him a lot and love him a little. To be happy with a woman you must love her a lot and not try to understand her at all."

8. "You know, men and women are a lot alike in certain situations. Like when they’re both on fire – they’re exactly alike."
It seems like we always react to situations differently, but I think that is what makes us work together so well.

9. "My most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to persuade my wife to marry me."
I am sure Tyler would totally say that...

10."You call it madness, but I call it love."
No one will ever truly understand us, but us.

11. "Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute, and it seems like an hour. Sit with a pretty girl for an hour, and it seems like a minute. That's relativity."
~ Albert Einstein
It seems like yesterday, seriously.

12. "People shop for a bathing suit with more care than they do a husband or wife. The rules are the same. Look for something you'll feel comfortable wearing. Allow for room to grow."
Lots of room to grow, and change, and hopefully become better together.

13. "Before I met my husband, I'd never fallen in love. I'd stepped in it a few times."

14. "The only time a wife listens to her husband is when he's asleep."
Not true, but funny.

15. "My husband said he needed more space. So I locked him outside."
Lock Tyler outside and he would be happier I think.

16. "When a wife has a good husband it is easily seen in her face."
I would add it is also seen in her home and on the faces of her children.

17. "An archaeologist is the best husband a woman can have. The older she gets the more interested he is in her."
My husband isn't an archaeologist, but I figure the older I get, maybe my medical problems will become intriguing.

18. "He's the funniest, smartest person I know. It doesn't mean he doesn't bug me and I'm sure I bug him sometimes."
Like when I broke his golf club.

19. "Smile at each other, smile at your wife, smile at your husband, smile at your children, smile at each other -- it doesn't matter who it is -- and that will help you to grow up in greater love for each other."
One thing Ty has taught me to do is to laugh at myself and him, mostly him.

20. "Love is the thing that enables a woman to sing while she mops up the floor after her husband has walked across it in his barn boots."

21. "A man who is right by your side through everything makes you happy. But he can leave your side to make dinner once in a while!"
Ty is an amazing Dad and Husband...brag moment... he often makes dinner, or feeds the kids, or bathes the kids, or plays with the kids, or gets up with Jesse!

22. "What is a husband? He is the one who, with a touch, can bring back the starlight and glow of years long ago. At least he hopes he can - don't disappoint him."

23. "I love being married. It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life."

24. "Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction."
For us that direction is focusing us on our savior, each other, and our children.

25. "For all the advances in medicine, there is still no cure for the common birthday."
Although I love birthdays and so far I have loved you more with every birthday you've had.

26. "Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that the people who have the most live the longest."

27. "Birthdays are nature’s way of telling us to eat more cake."
Or rat, which ever you perfer.

Here's to many many many more birthdays with the man who makes me smile and laugh out loud. I was blessed to have met you, overjoyed to have married you, and eternally grateful to spend forever with you!

S'Most!

2011-09-14T14:20:00.000-07:00

To quote the movie "The Sandlot"...
Sam Porter: Hey, you want a s'more?
Smalls: Some more of what?
Ham Porter: No, do you want a s'more?
Smalls: I haven't had anything yet... so how can I have some more of nothing?
Ham Porter: You're killing me, Smalls! These are s'mores stuff. Now pay attention. First you take the graham. You stick the chocolate on the graham. Then, you roast the mallow. When the mallow's flaming, you stick it on the chocolate. Then you cover it with the other end. Then, you stuff. Kind of messy, but good!

We decided we wanted more than a s'more and so we had to invent the S'MOST! First you take the chocolate chip cookie then you stick the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup on the cookie. Then, you roast the giant mallow (did you know they make giant mallows?). When the mallow's flaming, you stick it on the chocolate and cover it with ice cream, chocolate sauce and another cookie. Then you stuff. Really messy, but amazing! SERIOUSLY!

We went camping this weekend with our good friends the Mitchell's and some new friends the Walkers. Derek Mitchell's Grandfather built a cabin in or around the 1940s and it has obviously had some renovations since, but it was beautiful and built up next to Buck's Lake.

Tyler was so excited to fish with Emree. In preparation for the trip, he took her to the store and let her pick out her very own princess fishing pole. She carried it everyday and every minute we would let her. He couldn't wait to see the look on her face when she caught her very own fish. Unfortunately the fish only bit on Rusty's pole. We tried to get Emree to reel it in, but she refused. She also refused to touch the fish until it was being cleaned and gutted. Once decapitated, she touched the head and sides over and over, yelling, "I touched the fish." I guess it was a little less scary in pieces. Don't worry we washed her hands quickly afterward.

We also took the canoes out (pictures coming soon) and our little family canoed around the lake. Jesse just wanted to jump in the water and Emree thwarted Ty's paddling with her very own pink paddle. She is definitely in love with the color pink these days. We also sang "Just around the River Bend" at the top of our lungs and decided it didn't matter to our two year old that we were in a lake not a river.

Jesse mastered his crawling, but I honestly think his favorite moment of the whole experience was sitting in the suitcase with Emree. We should get him one for Christmas!

We came home dirty, tired, and full of sand, but smiling. It was the S'MOST fun we've had in a while!

I spy with my little eye something that is red!

2011-09-10T11:53:00.000-07:00

We have been playing that game a lot lately. It has totally helped Emree embrace colors. She is getting pretty good at spying and either way it always makes me laugh.

Here are some pictures of the some strawberries we made last week for the shower. I love love love chocolate covered strawberries and so did my kids. However, I made them a little two early and they kind of fell apart by shower time. They needed to be done just right before... Oh well!

Jesse's 6 month Pictures

2011-09-09T15:01:00.000-07:00

I know he is 8 months tomorrow and we got them at 7 months, but here is to the memories!

You're Awfully Cute When You're Angry!

2011-09-08T21:08:00.000-07:00

Well, we had our first public full out tantrum. I feel as if I should be congratulated or taken out to cake and ice cream. I survived it!
Em went a little off the wall at the public library. She slammed a little friends fingers in a drawer because he was trying to take her puzzle. I put her in time out, she freaked out. I tried to get her to leave, she freaked out. I tried to get her to walk (carrying two giant children is close to impossible) and guess what happened... she freaked out. I had to find my keys and she ran into the scary park. Her little friend tried to hold her hand in the car.... it goes on and on. Good news: the day got better from there and my mom says those kinds of incidences only happen a couple times with each kid. One down for Emree.

A Project!

2011-08-31T19:50:00.000-07:00

When I think the word project I think work. Yes, this was a lot of work. Especially considering that I have only made sugar cookies once before and they were absolutely terrible. This project started Saturday night when I tried my first recipe for sugar cookies and ended today with an end result I am pretty proud of and a huge mess that I was not so proud of. I know, I know, they are nothing too amazing, but I am totally tickled with myself. They are for my friend GayLynn's baby shower.

As usually Emree wanted to help... and help she did. Lucky me. She rolled dough, cut stars, frosted cookies and even ate the "B"s off the cookies I had already decorated while I was in giving Jesse a bath. Thank goodness she only ruined three cookies before I caught her.

Jesse needed a bath because he was given a sugar cookie by his sister and wow there was no taken that away. He was pretty happy about it!

Drum roll please...

I am thinking my next project might involve cookies again... you can only go up from here right?! I thought it was totally fun and delicious.

What? It's Free!

2011-08-29T15:48:00.000-07:00

We are dazzled and enticed by the word "FREE" at our house. We went to a FREE kids fair, we got FREE books. We got FREE tickets to fairy tale town and don't even think about offering us FREE food. We will take it every time, even if we are stuffed. Every time.

This morning we woke up with a plan, but the words FREE flashed across my computer screen and we were off. Off to the Zoo. The FREE day at the zoo. Of course we had to find some friends to share our new found FREE experience with!

Okay ! So, in the end the day wasn't completely FREE. Kim bought the girls purses with animals and I bought them suckers. BUT it was definitely fun. My favorite however, was when Emree and Sadie said goodbye to each other. The hugged of course and then Emree said, " I am so glad you could come with me today." It was totally priceless :).

Garbage Disposal

2011-08-25T20:50:00.000-07:00

Warning: this is not for those with weak stomachs!

I eat lots of things I never would have thought of before... before I was a mother I mean. I laughed a little today when I thought of Jesse trying to eat everything and then I thought, look at what I am putting in my mouth. I am literally the garbage disposal of my kids left overs.

Just today I swallowed the following:

1. The last half of Emree's banana
2. a few spoonfuls of Jesse's blended banana
3. The last few bites of Emree's cereal
4. The gold fish Emree dropped on the floor at the mall
5. I split a Pretzel with Emree, but Jesse grabbed a bite and sucked on it until I caught him. I then ate it.
6. I finished Emree's sucker (Jesse licked some too).
7. I ate my own dinner, but did finish a little of Emree's- that she had licked the ketchup off of.
8. I ate the last bite of her popsicle

No wonder the first thing I like to do when they go to bed is have a little treat to myself.

Don't worry though... I didn't have any of Jesse's peach.

Or Emree's yogurt!

7 months and another trip to the Doctor...

2011-08-23T15:47:00.000-07:00

It is not as fun to report your child's height, weight, and head circumference when they are always off the charts. Let's just say he is big people! Really big! He did so awesome with his shots and has been sleeping a lot better. He is taking a bottle and anything we will let him put in his mouth. We are in heaven :). Today he tried to eat the band aid off his leg, the wipe I used on his bottom, Emree's shoe, grass, otter pop, and a gold fish. The scary thing is not what he tries to eat, but what I find coming out the other end. Seriously! We love him though and we'll keep him!

Emree told everyone at the Doctor's Office that her daddy was going to school to be a doctor and today it wasn't her turn. She also found out that she has bones. Lots of bones. Except not in her eye balls. We learn something new every day!

Reality T.V.

2011-08-22T16:42:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought it was all over and I would have to go back to normal boring shows. Just when you thought it was all over and you would be able to stop hearing about it. We were wrong. Oh so wrong. While nothing will ever compare to watching Caitlynn on SYTYCD, I am proud to say that I will be tuning in to Survivor this fall. September 15th to be exact. Why do I care? Why do you care? Well, I competed in the Miss Washington Scholarship pageant in 2006 as Miss Moses Lake. Elyse and I became instant pageant friends. She is pretty hilarious. The next year Elyse won Miss Washington and now she is going to be one of CBS's latest castaways. I am excited to watch and glad I don't have to vote.

SYTYCD... just to wrap it all up. Caitlynn was absolutely amazing. She finished in the top 3 girls on the show and said countless times that she couldn't have asked for a better experience. We got to go watch a live taping of the second to last week of the show. We saw one of her very best numbers live and got to giver her hugs and support. It was probably one of the most amazing and fun things I have ever gotten to do. I also got the chance to welcome her home with the rest of Moses Lake and Tyler and I will be cheering her on when they stop at Stockton on tour. Caitlynn said she wanted to go on the show to prove that even a little girl from Moses Lake could accomplish her dreams... My mom has always coached to her teams and her kids that your best is enough. Sometimes my mom had to push us because she knew our best was far more then we were actually giving, but how true it is. My best is enough, your best is enough. That is all that is asked of us. I can not wait to see where Caitlynn's next dream will take her.

Last thoughts... Dance taught me how to work hard. It taught me discipline, grace, team work, how to think outside the box, it taught me how to lead, follow, adapt, readjust, and fix problems. Dance taught me how to work together, toughen up, smile when I don't feel like it and even when I do. I choose to be a mom and not a dancer, but I take the lessons I learned from dance with me in everything I do. I guess I will always be a dancer even if I am not always dancing.

It did!

2011-08-17T16:09:00.000-07:00

I love the Brad Paisly song, "It did!" It talks about how life just couldn't possibly get any better then it is right now and then IT DID. This last two weeks my life has really felt that way. A huge part of that is I got to go to Utah and Washington and be there for my sisters wedding and reception. She married an amazing guy, in the perfect place and everyone was there. Kenzie was married in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity to Andrew Nielsen. Our family could not be any happier for the two of them. I love them both and wish them all the happiness this world has to offer.

It has been fun to watch them date, be engaged, and get married. It has reminded Ty and I of all the wonderful things we went through as a newly married couple. We have laughed over our first ruined meal together and putting together our apartment. I can hardly believe my little sister is married, but I at the same time it seems completely perfect. It only gets better from here on out. :)

Our whole little family went to Utah and got to be there for the wedding and then I left Emree with Tyler while Jesse and I headed to the reception. I wouldn't have missed it for the world. I am so glad I went.

A & M Nielsen... "Teaser" from Elevated Films on Vimeo.

Potty Time?

2011-07-23T22:26:00.000-07:00

Last week my dryer broke. It broke on the worst of all possible days, although any day would be bad. It broke on the day that Emree decided to smear poop on the wall, the sheets, the blanket, the pillow, and everything she was wearing. She decided that this would be a great activity to repeat the following day. However, this has not occurred since! Yeah, yeah, yeah. I can promise you that I could not have handled any poop smearing in my life this week.

Artwork...

Monterey

2011-07-18T19:26:00.000-07:00

Did I mention my cousin Liberty lives close to me. Okay, I know I keep talking about it, but I am pretty excited. This weekend we loaded up the car and headed about 3 and a half hours away to Monterey, Ca. But first we picked up the Woodlands in Concord. It was seriously so fun.

Our first stop was the bath tub, I mean the hot tub. It was only about 90 degrees, which was perfect and meant we could all get it. Even the little kids and the pregnant lady.

We spent the night playing Monopoly Deal and Labyrinth while the kids slept. However, Tyler had to take Jesse in the car and drive around at about 4 in the morning.

He still wouldn't fall asleep so Tyler went to Wal-Mart and bought us a few things (It was almost like we had Brian on the trip, minus the Orange Juice.Ty's family will know what I mean).

The next day we went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

It was seriously a must see, especially with a two year old who knows "Finding Nemo" better then her ABCs. She found...
Nemo & Dori,

Turtles,

Sharks (Can you find it),

Jelly Fish,

and so much more.

She was as excited as she could be and loved every minute.

We took the 17 mile drive along the bay and saw many "preferred" views and stopped at the beach.

We finished the night by eating out at a really yummy restaurant via restaurants.com (if you haven't discovered what that is, you need to). With great conversation on the drive home the trip was a success. I don't think our kids even scared off Liberty and David. Or at least that's what they said. YEAH!

I love to See The Temple!

2011-07-12T15:26:00.000-07:00

Emree asked us on Saturday night if we could go to the temple. We have been teaching her a lot about the temple since Quinn got married in December and Kenzie will be getting married in August. My first reaction when she asked was to say no, but Ty was quicker then I and said "Sure, Why not!" So, we packed a lunch and went up to the temple on Sunday after church. We are so fortunate to have a temple 15 minutes from our house. We ate lunch and then walked around the grounds and showed Emree how beautiful the temple was and how beautiful the flowers surrounding it were. She told me she was going to get married in the temple just like Mom and Just like Kenzie. She also told me she was going to dress like a beautiful princess.

This the Sacramento Temple.

When we got home we decided it would be fun to put a picture of the temple up in her room. She was so excited! I am so glad my parents were sealed in the temple and set the wonderful example for me. I am also grateful for my own sealing in the temple and that I can live with my family for eternity.

This is the picture we put up in Emree's room. It is painted by our friend Bobby Johnson's Mom. She is amazing!

I love to see the temple.
I’m going there someday
To feel the Holy Spirit,
To listen and to pray.
For the temple is a house of God,
A place of love and beauty.
I’ll prepare myself while I am young;
This is my sacred duty.

I love to see the temple.
I’ll go inside someday.
I’ll cov’nant with my Father;
I’ll promise to obey.
For the temple is a holy place
Where we are sealed together.
As a child of God, I’ve learned this truth:
A fam’ly is forever.

2011-07-11T07:51:00.000-07:00

I can not believe that Jesse is already 6 months old. Craziness. He has grown up so much in just the last few weeks. It is fun to see his little personality come out and to see how him and Emree interact. I went back to Emree's 6 month post and realized they are just about the same developmentally. So, here are Jesse's 6 tricks for 6 months.

1. Rolling Over... He has been able to do this for a long time, but hardly ever does because he hates being on the ground. He can only roll from back to tummy though.

2. Smiling at Everyone...He has been doing this for a long time too. With Emree I thought it was amazing that she was smiling at me, but Jesse almost came out smiling. The best part is that he hardly ever smiles with out sticking his little tongue out. It is pretty adorable. His laugh melts my heart, but the best part is that him and Emree have the same giggle. So cute!

3. Sitting Up... He is loving this trick and loves reaching for things. Oh the dreaded baby grab. I always underestimate his reach and something gets in his hands that shouldn't. The fish bowl, the fork, food, glasses of water, Emree's hair...got to love it.

4. Pacifier Inserting... He doesn't take a pacifier, but Emree does. She sleeps with two. Every morning when Jesse and I go in to get Emree out of bed she gives Jesse one of her binkies. They both just lay on the bed with binkies in their mouths and giggle. That is the only time Jesse will touch one.

5. Yelling... Jesse loves to talk as loud as he can. All the time. This trick is not so cute and makes sitting through church basically impossible, but it is pretty funny.

6. Eating... Jesse just started eating baby food and loves it. Now, if I could only get him to love a bottle... You'll never hear me stop complaining about that until he does.

Jesse has definitely been a much harder baby then Emree and I have said that about ten million times, but we love him so much. His personality is hilarious as he giggles and smiles, and teases us. He is so much fun and I can not wait to watch him grow up! I think he is going to be super social and outgoing. He is so fun and has such a tender heart. He will laugh at everything Emree does and will give up any toy for her. Their little bond is priceless.

The Day We Get Ready For Sunday...

2011-07-09T21:05:00.000-07:00

As a member of the LDS church or as a "Mormon", we believe that the sabbath is a day of rest. A day to take a break from the normal hustle bustle of life and try to focus on our Savior. We try to refrain from playing sports, going swimming, spending money, and working, the best we can and spend our day doing church and family activities. That means that Saturday can be busy! We often clean our house to make sure we can have a restful Sunday. Go to the store to make sure we have everything we need for Sunday dinner. Tyler usually has to do extra studying so that he can have Sunday with us. And I try to get the kids bathed and stuff on Saturday night.

Spending Sundays together has blessed my little family. Sunday is the day we look forward to as we get to focus on what is important. It is our day to reevaluate as parents and to remember that the most important thing we can do is teach our children about Jesus Christ.

Here is one of my favorite mormon messages... Emree made us watch it about 500 times!

Liberty!

2011-07-09T07:35:00.000-07:00

Liberty came! My cousin Liberty and I grew up a mile apart from each other (or less) and spent so much time together growing up. Having her close was like having another sister. We loved to eat popsicles, play barbies (even when we were too old to play barbies), sing songs, watch old movies, and sneak treats. She just moved to San Jose and is going to be about an hour and 20 minutes away. I have never been so excited. She might even come stay at our house in a couple weeks while her cute husband is out of town. Does life get any better then that!

One of my favorite things about Liberty is her willingness to serve. She even came over and helped me paint my apartment when I was 8 months pregnant and taking on a crazy project. She came with a smile on her face and paintbrush in her hand. She also brought a friend to help get the job done. So, if she has any crazy projects in the next couple weeks (seeing as she is going to have a baby soon) I am totally down with helping! I love you girly :)

Here's to dreaming!

2011-07-07T17:46:00.000-07:00

My dreams of an Olympic Gold Medalist in the 100 Breast stroke have been completely crushed, but isn't she adorable? She cried about 15 minutes of the half hour today, but hey she still got her participation certificate! Here is to the generation where everyone is a winner!

My dreams of one day being able to leave Jesse with a babysitter are slowly being realized. He loves carrots! YEAH!! I am basking in the small accomplishments today.

My dream of having family close is coming true tomorrow! I am getting a visit from Liberty! One of my all time favorite cousin :). She just moved a little over an hour away. We are pretending it is 5 minutes.

And lastly, here are two pictures of one of my cute friends and her little boy Brenden who did swim lessons with us. We love them! We couldn't have dreamed up better friends :).

2011-07-06T18:40:00.000-07:00

I would have blogged last night, but I was busy voting for Caitlynn. She was absolutely stunning in her contemporary piece by Mandy Moore. We watched it four times and I am pretty sure I had tears every time. Choreography can be a dancers life line on the show or the kiss of death if it is a terrible piece. I truly believe that after last night, Caitlynn will be there one more week! Tyler and I just really want her to make it to the top ten so we can go watch her on tour, selfish I know!

Yesterday, I felt a little bit like someone was dunking me under the water a few times and I was constantly having to come up for a big breathe. I guess I shouldn't say it was too bad, but I did have the worst grocery store trip ever. We had swim lessons in the morning and then I took the kids to Savannah's house to go swimming in her pool. Let's just say, when we left around three my children were exhausted. Jesse was screaming and Emree fell asleep, but I needed to get gas and go to the store. At the gas station I couldn't get my credit card to work and had this huge fear that I was going to have to wake Emree and drag the two kids into the store with me so I could pay at the cashier. I don't know if you have ever had to do that, but it is the worst. Luckily I did have my debit card and off we went. Disaster averted. However, not so much at the grocery store. I forgot my list, Jesse was screaming, Emree was crying and I tried to go in, but had to turn right around and go out and feed the little guy. Second try 15 minutes later, things were definitely looking up, but I didn't want to push my luck so I tried to hurry. Why do I ever try to hurry. When I got home I noticed that I had grabbed the wrong milk, forgot about a dozen things, and gabbed the wrong drink for Emree. How annoying.

Emree: had a good time at swim lessons. She blew bubbles in the water, tried swimming on her tummy, and made tiger fingers and swam them through the water. It was pretty cute. Anytime the swim instructors asked her to do anything she yelled, "No Way!" Yes, I have one of THOSE children. It is slightly ridiculous. We went in the deep end and dunked the kids again. She did a tiny bit better this time. Bragged just as much to dad though. It was pretty funny.

Emree has been obsessed with making everything in to her little baby and putting it to bed. She puts her bath toys to bed and her food from her kitchen. She finds everything a blanket and a pillow and rocks it and SH-SH-SH s it until it falls asleep and then she lays them all over the house. If only Jesse slept as much as her toys do. :)

Jesse: Did so good yesterday. Dad stayed with him during swim lessons and he slept the whole time. Yeah. He loves, loves the water. When we go swimming he giggles and splashed the whole time until he falls asleep. It is really cute how much he loves the water and how much he loves splashing Emree. He splashed water at her and laughs and she cries because he got water in her eyes.

Tyler: was awesome at watching Jesse for me and then he watched the kids while I went to a Zumba class (which was awesome). He had a homework assignment and a quiz due, but still managed to clean up dinner help me clean up so we could watch sytycd in a clean house. I love that he watches the show with me, votes with me, and cares almost as much as I do. It is so fun to sit down together and rewind, laugh, eat popsicles and just enjoy each others company. He has even been reading the forums with me and posting for his friend on facebook to vote. Best husband ever! Seriously.

Me: I felt really busy yesterday, but it was all good things. I loved swimming with Emree, swimming with both my kids, zumba and then watching my favorite show with Tyler. We have been reading scriptures with Emree. We just read one verse a night and we have Emree say some of it. It is mostly for us to start the habit, but I really enjoy it. I always need to get better at my personal scriptures study lol I could probably get that done too if I only read one verse... just kidding.

I have been a little home sick lately, but I just wish my family was like 2 hours away instead of 14. I wish I could go do choreography with my sister. Help my mom plan the wedding, Let Jordan, Tyler, Quinn, Dad, and Easton go golfing and be excited to BBQ with everyone when they got home. I miss that about being in Moses Lake, but it is nice to have our own space in Sacramento and not be in anyone else's space. Family is the most important thing to Tyler and I. We love our families so much and feel so blessed to have so many amazing people in our lives.

I am grateful for a supportive husband, healthy kids, and for everyone who voted for Caitlynn!

Here's to keeping a journal...

2011-07-05T22:01:00.000-07:00

I use to be amazing at keeping a journal. I don't mean to toot my own horn, but in this case it is true. I wrote in my journal every day and loved to write about, not only what I had done, but my thoughts and feelings about the things going on in my life. When Tyler and I got engaged I was in this journalrific stage. I have so many awesome journal entries about all of our dates and just the feelings I had as we fell in love. I am so grateful for these memories.

Now, I am terrible. I just let that skill slip away into the deep dark world of sleep deprivation and everything else that comes from a child like Jesse. If I am going to continue blogging and going to start journaling, I am going to have to do them together. I am just a little too tired to do both. So, here is to my journal blog. It may bore everyone else to pieces, but me!

June 5th,

Todays was Emree's first swim lesson or first lesson of any sort. I decided to sign her up for a mommy and me swim class (politically incorrect I know). Our friend Savannah and her little boy, Brenden, are doing it with us. Ty teased me a little because he thought I could just teach Emree myself, but I thought it would be nice to just experience it with her instead of telling her what to do.

Emree is very very cautious of everything. She is not the first to try anything, or as Ty pointed out today, she is not the second either because she refuses to succumb to peer pressure. We hope this is a trait she will keep for a very long time. She is very cautious around water, mostly because she doesn't like to get her eyes wet. She told me today, "Mommy! I can't get my eyes wet because I can't see in the water." At least she is logical. She did blow bubbles in the water with her mouth and I did dunk her under as she cried. Let' s just say, I hope tomorrow goes a little smoother. Tyler and I were hoping we were breeding an Olympic Swim Team. I guess not. (Side note: she may have not been the best swimmer, but she was the cutest!)

Jesse is starting to eat baby food. For how much he loves to eat we are off to a very slow start. He doesn't seem to love anything yet, but we did start with squash and sweet potatoes. I don't like those either. He loves to stick his tongue out constantly and this makes it almost impossible to swallow. I am seriously curious to see how long it will take him to master this eating business. I tried a bottle today too. I wouldn't say it was a failure, but it was far from a success... tomorrow is another day.

Jesse has been such a hard baby. I love him and his giggles and personality bring such a light into our home. He truly lights up a room and can get a smile out of us, but when he is sad... he is hard. A big part of it is that he is so heavy and hard to hold all day, but also, he can only be soothed by mom. I am just barely feeling like I can handle my life again, but he definitely keeps me busy.

Tyler is smack in the middle of learning all about the brain. Piece of cake! Just kidding. I love seeing how excited he is about each new thing he learns and how everything fascinates him. I wish I was more like that. We didn't see Ty much today because he goes to mutual and basketball on Tuesday nights, but the time that he was home he was amazingly helpful. I am not looking forward to the craziness that third year and residency bring.

Me- I am good. More than good. I am super happy where I am. All I need is a little more sleep and I am good to go. Tonight I got on the floor with my 6 month old and 2 and half year old and played with blocks. Jesse was laughing as he put blocks in his mouth and watched Emree. Emree was laughing as she threw the blocks all over the place and I couldn't help, but smile. Then my heart melted as Emree sang, "I am a Child of God" to Jesse. The love between them is one of the most precious things I have ever experienced.

I am so grateful for the gospel, I am so grateful for prayer, family, and friends. I am even grateful for journaling.

My Current Obsession...

2011-06-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

My mom co-owns a dance studio in Moses Lake, Washington. It is run by three amazing women: Janet, Peggy, and my mom of course. They have a little experience in dance and wanted their daughters to be able to enjoy in a successful company and so the started the studio 11 years ago. They pushed us to work hard, to always improve, and to never be satisfied. I watched my mom sacrifice hours with her family and friends to help make Today's Generation the amazing studio it is today. However, we are still from a small town. Moses Lake has 20,000 people and it is a farming community. We are not close to LA or New York. The dance opportunities have never been knocking on our door. We had to go searching. That is why this season of So You Think You Can Dance has been so amazing.

Caitlynn Lawson, is one of my mom's dancers, but she is so much more then that. I have known Caitlynn since she started dancing and have been close with her family since she was little. When I was Miss Moses Lake she was Miss Moses Lake's Outstanding Teen. When I taught dance in Moses Lake she let me help with her solo and I loved the opportunity to teach her and the girls in her class. I have done a lot of choreography for my mom's studio and for the High School Dance Team that Caitlynn was also on and interacted with her under countless circumstances.

Caitlynn is more than just an amazing dancer, she is more than just a beautiful girl, she is a wonderful friend, role model, and all around person. She is the first to help someone and the last to stop practicing and the last one to stop doing the routine full out 100%. (She is also the first to forget pretty much all her stuff when she leaves the studio, but who cares, she'll be back tomorrow).

It is amazing to watch her up on that stage because we get to watch her biggest dream come true. It is amazing because she is from a small town, but it is not surprising because she has always been amazing. If you haven't yet, you should watch her on So You Think You Can Dance and join TEAM CAITLYNN! This kind of experience doesn't come around every day. Caitlynn, I am so so proud of you!

"I don't want to touch it!"

2011-05-28T14:46:00.000-07:00

Emree is a scaredy cat. She does not like animals, not one bit. Well, she loves the zoo, but pets are a no go. My parents have a dog and we are constantly being informed that Tanna is in the backyard, but it is always followed up by..."and I don't want to touch it." The boys can not help, but tease her and ask her if she wants to pet the dog over and over again. I am not sure I blame her for making that point very clear.

We asked Emree if she wanted to go horse back riding this week and we all knew getting her on a horse would be a challenge. She was so excited. She talked about it a day in advanced and begged for me to take her until the time actually came. Of course she cried. Of course Tyler had to force her onto the horse. And of course she yelled over and over, "I don't want to touch it!" She did eventually calm down and enjoy her self a little bit. Then when she got off there was no way you were getting her back on. She refers back to the horses fondly. She tells us how fun it was and how daddy and her chased the butterfly, but she always lets us know that she still doesn't want to touch it.

Was it worth it? I am not sure, but our pictures are sure cute!

Andre Look-alike Meter

2011-05-05T13:38:00.001-07:00

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

Andre Look-alike Meter

2011-05-05T13:35:00.001-07:00

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Geneology

Four Years!

2011-05-03T21:02:00.000-07:00

Four Years ago I married the man of my dreams. Every day is not a fairy tale, but we are living happily ever after. We often look back at that time when we met each other as the best days of our lives. I think it was/is so magical because you meet someone and you both love each other so much that you want to spend eternity together. You can not imagine one moment in your life with out that person by your side. Then you get married and we chuckle because sometimes you feel stuck with them. As the Huey Lewis song proclaims, Ty-"I'm happy to be stuck with you". Four years ago he swept me off my feet and yesterday I was super grateful he swept the floor! Four years ago he was my knight in shining armor and this whole week I am thankful he stayed up at night with Emree. Four years ago I was so excited to fall asleep every night in his arms and now we are still excited for that because our baby is the worst sleeper ever :). Not much has changed and yet so much has. I love him more at this very moment then I did yesterday and so much more than I could have imagined loving him four year ago! Happy Anniversary to the best friend a girl could ever ask for. I love you.

Sick!

2011-04-29T22:15:00.001-07:00

I would have to say that we know how to spread sickness just as good as we know how to spread jelly. Our poor poor friends.

Monday night Emree threw up. This is where it all began. She was pretty happy right after. Tyler and I tag teamed the clean up and Tyler slept on her floor to make sure everything was all right.

Tuesday morning was my craft get together. I text messaged everyone to let them know Emree had thrown up, but reassured them that it would be fine and that we thought it was just something she ate. Everyone came. Everyone crafted.

Tuesday night in the middle of the night we had another round of throwing up. Ty and I tag teamed the clean up. Another bath, another round of laundry and this time we set the baby monitor up in her room. We had to do that twice that night. Ty slept on the floor and got the third time with a bowl.

Wednesday night "same song, different story." This time I got sick to. I do not throw up, but I was feeling it. While we are cleaning up Emree I had to try my best not to lose it.

Thursday...long day for everyone (did I mention that Friday was Ty's first of many finals). This is when I decided to message all my friends who had come to do crafts. If I wasn't feeling good that means that some of them must have gotten the bug. So far four of them have been infected. What is this bug? Take it away!

Friday or Today... we thought we were better. I felt great, Jesse seems completely unaffected. Emree has gone 24 hours with out throwing up and so we head to the store. I spoke too soon. Poor Emree it was all over the grocery store floor. I fought every thing in me that told me to run and hide my face. I wiped Emree up with a wipe and then went and got an employee to clean up the floor. I told my mom later that I was just glad she hadn't done it in the car.

Friday night...Tyler is not feeling so good. Hmmm this is never ending.I only hope my poor friends will forgive me!

Crafty?

2011-04-26T17:22:00.000-07:00

I definitely would not say I am crafty and my mom will attest. Crafts do not come natural to me, I am not always a perfectionist, I get bored, and I talk to much to get anything done. BUT I refuse to not do crafts. I love doing them. I love when they actually turn out and I love giving gifts I have made to people. It seems so much more personal. In fact, my crafts are kind of like my blog. A little messy and thrown together, but who cares! :)

So, I decided to do a host a little craft get together today. I invited a few women in our ward to make some hair bows. Five women and 3 toddlers and 4 babies later we had survived. I did most of my bows after everyone left lol. I am not sure any one got a lot of crafting done and I should have provided more food (what is a get together with out food), but everyone enjoyed the company.

Here are all the bows I made...

The crafting counter. Thanks to Kim we had a lot of awesome buttons!

Baby Brenden was enjoying the new scenery as he crawled under the table.

Baby Annie was the youngest member of our crafty crew, three and a half weeks! She is so precious and loved the swing as much as my kids do.

Isn't this a great picture of baby Jesse?! haha

Baby Eloise joined the sleeping crew! She is also sporting a bow and headband made by her mom Kim.

Here is the rest of the crew. I didn't get one good picture of the toddlers, but look at those hot mommas!

I seriously wish I was more naturally crafty. What do you wish you were good at?

Easter Ideas?!

2011-04-23T11:08:00.001-07:00

For some reason teaching about the Easter Bunny is easy. Emree totally gets it. The Easter Bunny hops on over to our house and brings us a basket full of presents. Of course that makes total sense.

But for some reason I am having a hard time finding a way to teach her about the true meaning of easter. Does anyone have a good idea of something to do for a two year old to help her think about the Savior on such a sacred holiday? Please HELP!

Laundry

2011-04-22T13:15:00.000-07:00

Today I am grateful for "Spray and Wash". It seriously makes my life so much easier. The life of a toddler is messy. The life of a baby is messy. The shoulder and laps of mommies and daddies are messy. I seriously do so much laundry. It doesn't help that Jesse spits up to no end and Emree eats like a bomb went of in her high chair. So far we have four pajamas to wash (mom,dad, emree, jesse). Emree got another pajama shirt dirty because she made me change her after breakfast. Jesse had a blow out diaper and dirtied a shirt and pants, he spit up on two blankets and of course a towel (I am horrible at having a burp rag handy). Emree poured milk all over her first shirt this morning. She got a dish towel dirty that we used as a bib and just so you know we are only half way through the day. I am astounded by how much laundry I do with two kids and wonder how moms with more can handle it all. I seriously want to thank all the moms out there that constantly do laundry for their kids! YOU ARE THE BEST!!! Yep. Today I am grateful for "Spray and Wash."

Side note: I am also grateful for Tyler who cleaned my laundry room for me while I was gone. I came home and it was spotless. Aren't husbands seriously the best!!

Rainy Days!

2011-04-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

Today I am grateful for rainy days. Our rainy day is full of unpacking, laundry, watching "Tinkerbell," sick Emree, happy Jesse, and reading lots of books cuddled in a blanket. Our rainy day is all about recouping from our trip to Moses Lake. Our rainy days is about getting back into the swing of things. Lastly, our rainy day is full of Emree asking for candy and pop (THANKS GRANDMA)! Yeah for Rainy Days.

Empty Toothpaste

2011-04-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

Today I am grateful for empty toothpaste. Okay, it isn't completely empty, but definitely half empty. Yes, half empty not half full. It is half empty because the half that is empty is the part closest to the opening. I have only myself to blame for that or thank for that. Thank you self for always squeezing the toothpaste from the top and not the bottom. I use to think you were annoying, but today I was so glad. Tyler and I use different types of toothpaste and so my toothpaste is just mine and I am the one who has made it what it is or what it is not...

Our house has two bathrooms. This morning I was applying my make-up, bouncing Jesse with my foot on "his" pink bouncer (the battery is dead) and Emree was unrolling the toilet paper. After it was all unrolled, she looked up at me with her big blue eyes and said, "Mom, Be right back. Otay?" She ran out of the room and I knew that meant trouble, but I continued getting ready.

Five minutes passed and I wondered what had happened to Emree. I searched the house and found her in the kitchen holding her toothbrush and my tooth paste. She looked up at me again and this time said, "Mom, It's not working!"

Those are her two favorite phrases these days. They make me laugh in every context. And so today I am grateful for empty toothpaste.

First

2011-03-30T14:30:00.000-07:00

Life is full of firsts...

1. We had our FIRST family vacation. We went to Palm Springs for Spring Break. We partied with the Johnsons, swam at the pool, went to the zoo, and even got to go shopping (golfing for Ty)!

2. Ty built his FIRST shed. It is to store all of the stuff our kids are so quickly growing out of. Of course it will store other stuff as well.

3. Emree spent her FIRST night in her big girl bed. There was only 20 minutes of crying and the best part is she seems to think she can't get off it with out my help, YEAH!

4. Jesse had his FIRST round of immunizations. He is 15 pounds and 9 ounces. I am not sure what his height was exactly, but he was way above 100 percentile for height and weight and his poor little head was in the 50th percentile. Emree was in the 95th for height and 80th for weight.

5. That is not the FIRST time I have had to do a quick blog catch up and I am sure it won't be the last.

The Phone.

2011-03-08T17:41:00.000-08:00

We all have our time wasters, our addictions; those annoying things we do that bug our spouses or our mothers or possibly both. I can rattle off my spouses (cough cough cell phone and a stupid computer game), but I won't. He could just as easily point out mine. However, it seems most people share the addiction of the cell phone. If you live with a teenager you know exactly what I mean. You could be doing the most fun thing in the world and they would be texting while doing it. It is enough to drive you crazy. My married life has never been the same since my husband got his i-phone. He is not texting his peeps, but looking up things constantly on the internet. He knows the weather in Arkansas, the score of the latest football game, what's going on fb, what's going on on Kacey's blog (he only reads kacey's), what test he needs to study, what e-mail needs his attention and any other number of things. His phone is enough to drive you crazy or should I say ME crazy.

Emree wants to be just like her Dad. These two are buddies. When she was one she would steal his deodorant and put it on. When Dad gets home she claps for joy. She wants to shower with Dad, study with Dad, and eat with Dad. She seriously loves her Dad. I would like to say I was her second love, but sadly it isn't true. She has recently discovered that she can't go anywhere with out her pink phone. Maybe I come in third?

* My husband is amazing and he has many wonderful things he does with the rest of his time. For example: he built me shelves last weekend, made dinner this week, studies all the time, and is the best dad ever... just so you know

Popcorn popping?

2011-03-03T12:59:00.000-08:00

I have officially given up dairy for Jesse. It has been the solution! He is now as happy as can be. So, with no more popcorn to fill my nights there is also no more crying. YEAH!!!

Here is to 6 dairy free months...

A Convergence.

2011-02-27T15:45:00.000-08:00

They came from the North. They came from the South. They came from the East. And we live almost as far west as you can. They came, we celebrated, and then they were off. It was such a fun day and a half!

There is nothing better than family and sometimes nothing more stressful. I just felt like with such long trips to get here it better be fun or worth it. Tyler always chuckles at me and tries to remind me that they are just coming to see us, but I still have this fear that they will leave wishing it could have been better. This time, however, I really am not sure it could have (except for if my Dad and Kenzie could have been here, but we totally understand).

Saturday:
The BYU game was definitely the highlight. Then I forced everyone to go sightseeing even though it wasn't too exciting. We spent about an hour at Old town and then our sightseeing was up. Baker trips have always been surrounded by were we can eat, not what can we see. Then we BBQ for dinner and ended the day at the Mall. Everyone loves a little shopping, especially when we grew up in a town with out one. Now the day was great, but bedtime was a disaster. Emree seriously lost it and went to bed screaming. Tyler then layed down with her in her room until 11:30. Then he had to come out and show her that everyone was gone before she gave in. Who can blame her, I wouldn't want to miss the fun. Jesse slept through it all in true baby fashion, but it actual made the day that much more enjoyable.

Emree and her icecream

Tanner (Ty's brother) and his girlfriend Hillary

Aliza (Ty's sister)

Mandi (Ty's sister)

Tyler's Dad

My mom, brother Jordan, brother Quinn and his new wife Brittany with my third brother Easton on the chair behind the couch

Jesse

Quinn and Brittany

Sunday:
We have early church and it the day started out like any other... I slept through my alarm, panicked. Tyler came to the rescue and we drove very fast to get to church on time because I had the opening prayer. Jesse was awake during his blessing, but didn't make a cry or a fuss and that was a miracle.

I love love love having family around. I love the company, the jokes, the laughter, and the love that it brings into my home. I love celebrating the birth of a new member of our family. Someone that they all love no matter what and knowing that my children have a huge support system. I love blessings. I love seeing my husband use his priesthood to bless the lives of our children. And I love looking forward to the next time I get to see them all again... soon I hope!

Thank you for coming from 7 hours south, 11 hours east, and 14 hours north east. Thank you!

Bed Head

2011-02-24T18:22:00.000-08:00

I just thought life would be a little different. You know when you are growing up and setting goals. You are always asked where you see yourself in five years or ten years. When I was 18, I was Miss Moses Lake and had to do a lot of interviewing. That was a question I had to answer a million times. It has now been 5 years and here I am. On paper I am exactly who I wanted to be. I graduated from BYU in Sociology (I thought I would have graduated in Athletic Training which was definitely not for me), but I graduated. I am married to a pretty amazing guy. I have two children and I stay at home and take care of them every day. In my mind I pictured myself much more put together, organized, motivated and let's be honest, prettier. I pictured myself as the person who had it all. Okay, so I am still working on it. I am working on getting it all put together, but I think we constantly are. We are also constantly comparing our worsts selves to other peoples very best. We see what they allow us to see and in turn we only allow them to see parts of our lives. For example, I have the worst hair when I wake up in the morning (every girl on drill team could attest to that). I don't take pictures of myself when I wake up and put them on my blog. I share the pictures I take after I have showered, blow dried, sprayed, and controlled the mane. We are definitely not expected to wake up looking like they do in the movies. So, here is to BED HEAD! metaphorically and literally.

p.s. My Bed Head these days is that most days I don't shower, I have a hard time keeping my house vacuumed, and I wish I would get to reading my scriptures more.

6 weeks...

2011-02-21T14:11:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it has been six weeks since baby Jesse arrived. Crazy! At night it seems longer, much longer. But right now while he is napping and Emree is napping it seems like it has flown by. We are getting excited to bless him this weekend and to have family around too. There is nothing better than seeing all the amazing family in our lives and all the men who have blessed my life gather around our little man and give him a name and a blessing. When Emree was blessed Quinn (one of my brothers) and Tanner (Ty's brother) were on their missions. So, we are extremely excited to have them both here for Jesse.

If you are unsure what a baby blessing is, here is the definition from the church's website :

Naming and Blessing Children
“Every member of the church of Christ having children is to bring them unto the elders before the church, who are to lay their hands upon them in the name of Jesus Christ, and bless them in his name” (D&C 20:70). In conformity with this revelation, only worthy men who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood may participate in naming and blessing children. The ordinance of naming and blessing children requires authorization from the presiding authority.

When blessing a baby, men who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood gather in a circle and hold the baby in their hands. When blessing an older child, brethren place their hands lightly on the child’s head. The person who gives the blessing:

1. Addresses Heavenly Father.
2. States that the blessing is given by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
3. Gives the child a name.
4. Gives a priesthood blessing as the Spirit directs.
5. Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.

We have entered the TERRIBLE twos!

2011-02-18T21:24:00.001-08:00

But today was far from terrible! I said to Ty, " I can hardly believe it has been two years since we had Emree. It feels like we were just dating." He turned to me and said, " That feels like FOREVER ago." :)

We celebrated Emree's birthday today. It was just the four of us and I love it that way! We went to the mall and let Emree go on the toys and the carousal. She loves getting out and about and she loves doing just about anything with her Daddy.

After nap times we opened presents, made mini pizzas, cupcakes, and watched a movie before tucking her in bed.I love this age because each time we opened something we had to open it all the way and play with it. She got a rail for her bed- we had to put it up. She got a doll house from Grandma - we had to put it all together and play. She got a potty - we had to try to go potty (no success). She got a fun wooden cupcake set- We had to open it and decorate away. Instead of making her a cake we let her make her own cupcake! IT WAS A MESS, but she LOVED ever minute!

Emree is always happy. She wakes up happy, she goes to bed happy and she almost always has a smile on her face. The only time she whines is when she is hungry (she gets that from me). She loves attention, even from strangers. She loves to sing, watch Disney movies, take baths, and play with any friend that comes her way. She is quite the talker and of course quite the dancer. We love watching her personality flourish and we are so blessed to have her in our family!

Emree I love you so much and I am so grateful Heavenly Father sent you to our home! Happy Birthday!!

When you are outnumbered by your children...

2011-02-17T19:16:00.000-08:00

I know I have been a little absent from blogging lately, but I am going to ignore that and share a funny experience.

Last week I traveled to Moses Lake with the two kids. The airport was a little bit of a nightmare, but of course we survived. However, we did have a few "fun" experiences along the way. On the way to Washington our bags were sent to New York instead of Pasco. It took them two days to get me my bag. No problem! I only had a four week old and a almost two year old with me. They definitely didn't need anything that I packed (sarcasm is oozing from my finger tips). Thank goodness for my mom, wal-mart, and a washer and dryer.

The way home got even better though. I had a layover in Portland and I was a little terrified of it. Picture this- me with a baby wrapped onto my belly, a backpack on my back, my purse in one hand, and holding Emree's hand with the other. We are cruising through the air-port when we find a bunch of toys. Emree wants to play and Jesse wants to eat. Against my better judgement I decide to nurse him. Emree was playing pretty well, but I looked away for one moment, when I looked up she was GONE! I started to panic. I had to hurry and compose myself and then look for her. Thankfully (if you can be thankful for this) she just wondered into the men's bathroom. I wondered in to get her back and no one stole my bags while I was gone.

15 minutes later she was putting on quite a show for those waiting for our plan. She was running up and down and screaming, "I am going to see my Daddy!" She was asking everyone if they were going to see their Daddy's too. It was really cute until she tripped and slammed her head into the wall just as everyone was starting to board. So, now imagine this- Me, with the baby wrapped to my belly, a back pack, a purse and Emree in my arms crying loudly. It was a long flight home, but a teenage girl decided to play with Emree on the plane and saved my life.

Oh the joys of traveling with kids!

Comfort Food

2011-02-01T20:26:00.001-08:00

What is it about food that can make us so happy? I offer Emree a treat, any kind of treat, and she will do anything. She will clean up her room, she will go to bed, she will stop crying at the mention of a fruit snack, candy, ice cream, even an apple or orange. That is how we got Emree to take the picture with Jesse. I was holding an ice cream bar and in between every picture she got to have a lick. I know, slightly ridiculous and yet hilarious at the same time.

Most of the pictures didn't work because she had chocolate all over her face. Even as we speak she is eating popcorn.

But I promise you one thing, we do a lot of teeth brushing.

While I was pregnant I loved ice and popsicles. I ate them constantly. Today, Tyler came home from a meeting and a quick run to the store with some Oreos. I have been counting down the minutes until Emree goes to bed so that I can sit down in front of "Biggest Loser" and eat a few. The real reason for this post, however, is to say that it has been a LONG day and I really NEED those Oreos, but I also NEED to find a new comfort. I hate taking off baby weight :) What are your comforts?

Oh! Here is Jesse sleeping... he does that during the day!

Picture Time!

2011-01-27T20:55:00.000-08:00

So, we are a little spoiled by Brian (Tyler's Dad) and his many talents. We forced him into taking pictures of our newest addition and he did an amazing job! My mom and I picked out the props and Brian helped art direct us. I am keeping one to myself for an announcement photo and he still has a couple to retouch, but here a few of my cute baby!

Funny Story:
Yesterday I was telling Tyler a few things that we needed from the store. I started my list with, "We need some bread, and some milk..."
Emree then said, "and a cup sugar, and an egg."
Maybe we have been making too many cookies lately and eating too many cookies. Maybe that is why I had a almost ten pound baby...

Polka Dots

2011-01-27T09:35:00.000-08:00

Sometimes its fun to say things just to hear Emree repeat them. Stars and Polka Dots caused quite a few giggles

10 Days...

2011-01-20T15:53:00.000-08:00

Mostly I am blogging so I can share this picture on my blog. We are still alive! haha My Mom was here the first week and Tyler's mom has been here this week. The true test is to see how we survive next week. Although it is so nice to feel just a little bit better everyday and to feel a little more adjusted. The best part about having a baby is avoiding all the annoying stuff you normally have to do. Other people get you meals, the Moms have taken care of my house, my laundry, my toddler. My husband has taken care of the baby when I'm tired, my sanity, and everything else in between. I have ignored my bills, my papers, and anything else that could be considered a hassle. It has been a little stressful to find time to sleep, but getting better. I am so grateful for the help I have to adjust. I couldn't do it alone.

Jesse Tyler Andre

2011-01-15T13:33:00.000-08:00

I don't know why I was so impatient for this little guy to come. I kept praying he wouldn't come before, during, or around Quinn's wedding. We wanted to be able to see Quinn and Brittany (my brother and his now wife) get married with out any out of town birth stories to share the rest of our lives. We made it to Vegas and back with out any complications and then we spent Christmas in anticipation. I was due January 5th and was late with Emree, but for some reason I just thought this baby was going to come sooner. I think part of that was the early anxiety of not wanting him to come and part of it was the fact that I was honestly huge and I knew this baby was honestly huge.

January 5th rolled around and I had a Doctor's appointment that ended in tears and frustration. My doctor said he thought the baby was just average size and that he would not like to induce us until we were closer to 2 weeks over. He also said he didn't need to check and see how far a long I was because I was obviously not in labor. I was a little offended. They did schedule us a non stress test at the hospital for the baby for 5 days later and so we sat at home and waited some more.

The day of the stress test arrived and Tyler and I had decided we were not leaving the hospital until they agreed to admit me. I was not in labor, I had really had no contractions, but I would not take no for an answer. Plus, as any 40 plus week pregnant women will tell you, I was not emotional stable.

We got our non stress test and everything looked great. We asked if the hospital was full - they weren't. We asked how we could get admitted. They said they needed our doctor's permission. Tyler called this office, he talked to the nurse, who paged the doctor on call, who called the nurse, who called the nurses up stairs, who checked to see how far dilated I was, who called the doctor, who left it to the nurses, who finally agreed to induce my labor!

I was induced at noon. My Mom flew in at 3:50 and went to play with Emree. They broke my water around 4 ish, I got an epidural around 4:30. I was ready to push at 5:30 had to wait for the doctor to get out of surgery. Started pushing at 6:15 and had the baby in my arms at 6:30.

Jesse Tyler Andre was born on January 10, weighed 9lbs 11 ounces and was 20 inches long. We all joked in the hospital room as we tried to guess his weight because he was such a big boy! He looks a lot like Emree, but has a different eye shape and not as prominent of a dimple chin.

Adjusting is hard, but Emree seems to like him. She kind of treats him like he is a puppy. She loves him, but is little hesitant to touch him and a little scared of him. I am sure that will go away way too quickly.

As always, Tyler and I feel so blessed. We are so grateful to all the friends and family that we have who help us and love us and appreciate everyones thoughts and comments. We are excited! We are happy! and We are TIRED!

Back tracking... Christmas!

2011-01-04T22:40:00.000-08:00

I was hoping I would be in the hospital and wouldn't have time to write this blog post, but seeing that I am not, here goes nothing. We did Christmas at our own home this year because we thought that it would be best not to travel too close to my due date. I honestly thought it was going to be a bust. Christmas is about family and being surrounded by lots of family. And, although I missed both Ty's and my family, we really had a great time. It was so nice having Tyler home and even more fun watching Emree light up as we gave her way too much attention.

The first two pictures are of Emree and Dad going out to do some last minute Christmas Eve shopping. I love the scowl Emree does. She gives us this look multiple times a day!

We made sugar cookies for Santa! Now I know why my mom hates making sugar cookies! They are such a mess. Emree loved, loved, loved making them and I was a GRINCH and hated cleaning it all up.

Christmas morning was so fun! She had to play with every present before we could even get her to think about opening the next one. We have also loved watching her play with her kitchen every day since Christmas. We spend a few hours pretending to make cookies and drink juice. She seriously loves it. I wasn't sure she was quite old enough to get the 'pretend' thing, but I was wrong.

Lastly, We filled the rest of our Christmas Day with doing puzzles (a family tradition) and making gingerbread houses. I also want to throw a quick shout out to my amazing husband. Who, without telling me, filled our stockings and really completed our Christmas. We really didn't give each other much, but I have never felt more loved and that meant the world.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Card!

2010-12-28T21:09:00.000-08:00

Some have been sent, some are still in the mail and more should have been sent, but maybe we will send more next year. Either way, here is the internet version! I have been MIA from my blog because of traveling to Utah for Thanksgiving, Ty's finals, and Vegas for my brothers wedding. Still no baby, but hopefully one coming very soon... we will keep you posted.

PRESCRIPTION FOR HOLIDAY HAPPINESS
The Most Important Time of Year
Name: To all our friends and Family Date: Christmas 2010
This is what we did to feel good this year:
This year was one of working together and adjusting to new things. We moved to Sacramento, California. Tyler started Medical School at UC Davis and rediscovered what it meant to study hard. Emree started talking, running, laughing, singing, and nursery. Danielle went from teaching five winning dance teams to eight months pregnant. We are all counting down the days until January 5th when our baby boy should come (Because we want a baby and Danielle is seriously done being pregnant). But, mostly we are grateful for all our family and friends who offered us support and love this last year and beyond. You are the people who make our Holidays Happy and our New Year Bright! Teaching Emree about Jesus Christ has reminded us of the true spirit of Christmas; May your Christmas be about Service, Love, and Family and leave you surrounded by all three. Always, The Andres
To be administered by: family physician Refills: tyanddani.blogspot.com

Clueless!

2010-11-20T12:02:00.000-08:00

Here is a mommy moment to make you giggle! Emree took a shower with Daddy the other night and was simply over joyed to play in the water. As I coaxed her into getting out and wrapped in her bright yellow towel, I remembered that I needed to grab her PJs. So, I threw Emree on my bed and grabbed her jamas and then proceeded to put a few clean clothes away that were on the dresser. All the sudden a whole lot of whining was coming from in between the sheets. Emree quickly stood up and started yelling at me, "Mommy, Mommy!" Her voice was squeaking, as if life was on the verge of ending. I asked her to sit down and told her mommy would be right there when she finished putting the clothes away. Again the screaming continued. I was pretty fed up with her because it had been a long day of whining, but patiently relayed the same message, " Emree just one second okay." Before I could even turn around she yelled, "Mommy! Poopie!" This time she had little tears streaming down her face and pee streaming all over my bed. I felt so bad. She was trying to warn me and ask for some help. Next time I will try to listen, but for now Ty cleaned up the mess and both of us couldn't help, but giggle! Sorry Em! Sometimes Moms are clueless...

And Sometimes We Fall...

2010-11-12T14:06:00.000-08:00

Anyone who has been around a toddler knows that falls, trips, bonks, bruises, cuts, and tears are a daily occurrence. I have been pretty lucky because Emree is just plain scared. She won't go climbing up things or out of things or into things, but we have still had our fair share of bruises. Today (don't judge me) she fell off the table. It was a big fall and one that left her traumatized for the rest of the morning. She told me about it over and over again and seemed to be easily provoked at play group. However, the best part about kids is their short term memory. Tomorrow I bet she will climb up on that table again and not give it a second thought.

Anyone who is anyone, knows that as adults we often fall into our own silly mistakes. I have recently found myself with a bruise on my ego as I read a talk from general conference. I was crying to Tyler the other night ( I cry a lot normally, but it is definitely increased when I am pregnant) about how pointless my "to do" lists were. I told him that if nothing got done in one day no one would care. He reassured me, as best he could, that he would care. He did what any man tries to do, patiently listen regardless of how silly the topic seemed and then gave me a reassuring hug. Today, I remembered this from President Uchtdorf's talk in October...

Let’s be honest; it’s rather easy to be busy. We all can think up a list of tasks that will overwhelm our schedules. Some might even think that their self-worth depends on the length of their to-do list. They flood the open spaces in their time with lists of meetings and minutia—even during times of stress and fatigue. Because they unnecessarily complicate their lives, they often feel increased frustration, diminished joy, and too little sense of meaning in their lives.

It is said that any virtue when taken to an extreme can become a vice. Overscheduling our days would certainly qualify for this. There comes a point where milestones can become millstones and ambitions, albatrosses around our necks.

Lastly he concluded...

Brothers and sisters, let us be wise. Let us turn to the pure doctrinal waters of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us joyfully partake of them in their simplicity and plainness. The heavens are open again. The gospel of Jesus Christ is on earth once more, and its simple truths are a plentiful source of joy!

Brothers and sisters, indeed we have great reason to rejoice. If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most.

Strength comes not from frantic activity but from being settled on a firm foundation of truth and light. It comes from placing our attention and efforts on the basics of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It comes from paying attention to the divine things that matter most.

Let us simplify our lives a little. Let us make the changes necessary to refocus our lives on the sublime beauty of the simple, humble path of Christian discipleship—the path that leads always toward a life of meaning, gladness, and peace. For this I pray, as I leave you my blessing, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Sometimes we just need a little bruise here and there to put us back on track!

If you want to read the whole talk... here is the link:
LDS.org - Ensign Article - Of Things That Matter Most

Running Out of Space

2010-11-04T21:00:00.000-07:00

I have always been someone who needed their space. I guess I get it from my Mom. Growing up I really enjoyed the time I had to myself in my room or car listening to my own music, writing in my journal or reading. When I went to college I was overjoyed when my room mate ended up renting the apartment, but never living there. It was perfect. I paid for a shared room, but I got my own. I had all the space I thought I needed. My own room, my own car, my own rules, my own everything.

Then, I became a mom. There is no such thing as your own space when you are a mom. Now, I am a pregnant mom. A 7 month pregnant mom, who is wondering what it was like to have my own room, my own car, my own body. It is funny how things change.

Tyler and I had a talk today about how it is important to enjoy every stage of life for what it is. We talked about how he should enjoy school, studying, sports, church and the joys of being a dad. We talked about how I should enjoy this time with Emree, being pregnant, having a lot of free time, church and just the joys of being a mom. Life will change before we know it and we don't want to miss out on what we are currently experiencing.

That being said, I am enjoying it. In fact, I love it. I am just realizing that it will be a very long time before I get my space back, but I promise, I am okay with that.

Hoween! Hoween!

2010-10-31T09:59:00.000-07:00

Some how we managed to get Emree really pumped up for Halloween. Ever since we got home from Washington she has been standing at our door every day waving her arms up and down and yelling "Hoween! Hoween!" It was as if something so exciting was going to come any second. I did insist we teach her to trick or treat early. I figured it would be a total bust if she didn't get the whole concept down until it was over. We bought her a pumpkin purse and then had her go back and forth between Tyler and I saying "Trick or Treat" or should I say "Tick a Tweet." We would then put a fun size snicker in her little bucket. You should have seen the smile on her face (especially since I let her eat about five of them before I put on end to it). We also put her costume on days before to make sure there was nothing itchy and read lots of Halloween books. Needless to say, the preparation was successful.

This is Emree practicing...

We celebrated Halloween on the 30th with:
- A trip to the Library for a few pumpkin books

- Trick or Treating in Old Town Sacramento with our hobbit friend Jonah!

- Riding the Spooky Train (for free :))

- And our ward Halloween Trunk or Treat

Tyler and I dressed up as a "Shot Gun Wedding Couple" it was pretty fun. I haven't really dressed up for Halloween in a long time. My favorite was how much Emree laughed at the fact that her Daddy had hair. These are some of our friends from the ward in their costumes as well. The Ribeiras were the cast of Lord of the Rings and the Reeds were very convincing Pirates. Shout out to Jonah who won the ward Halloween costume contest for he Frodo!

Pumpkins everywhere!

2010-10-19T19:45:00.000-07:00

We have been eating a lot of pumpkin at our house. We had candy pumpkins, my favorite! Pumpkin cookies, Ty's favorite. Pumpkin pancakes and Pumpkin sweet rolls, Emree's Favorite. Then last night we decided to carve a pumpkin. Emree really didn't enjoy the process, but she loved the result. Isn't that so much of life? I told her I was sorry she had to learn the lesson so young.

Growing up we always carved pumpkins, but I was telling Tyler that I am pretty sure I never used the knife. In fact, I think my Dad always did it for me and since I have been married Tyler has always done it for me. I am not sure that I am missing out, but I kind of thought it was funny. In fact, I am almost positive I would cute myself and that it's better this way!

What are your favorite pumpkin recipes? We NEED some more.

Becoming Better With Every Step...

2010-10-11T22:32:00.000-07:00

"That which we persist in doing becomes easier for us to do; not that the nature of the thing is changed, but our power to do is increased" (Heber J. Grant).

While are growing up we are constantly improving. We each make continuous goals and accomplish them. Sometimes the goals consist of finishing a school project, getting the splits, completing a scripture mastery and even cleaning your room, but no matter what the task; things are checked off a never ending list to make you a better person. Sometimes I think we need an "Old Women in Excellence" program. I need something to mark off and some sort of clear cut to do list to make me a better mother, wife, friend, daughter and etc.

Lately, I have tried to work at being a better friend. I am not always a great listener because I like to talk. I am not always great at making friends because I like people to reach out to me. I am not always great at thinking about other because I get overwhelmed with my own tasks. But- I am married to a great listener, who easily reaches outside his comfort zone and almost always thinks of others (sometimes before his family, but we love him anyways).

Don't you find that when you become a better friend you have better friends. I have so many wonderful friends scattered far and wide. I have always been blessed by so many amazing people. Thank you for being my friend and in turn I am trying to learn from all of you. So, this is what i am working on: my goal for this week, month, year and so on.

What would you like to be better at?

Blah blah blah!

2010-10-05T22:11:00.000-07:00

I could really talk your ear off. I spend almost all day with a one year old and we talk, almost constantly, but about nothing really. We talk about the alphabet, colors, numbers, animals, animals some more, and tickling. We even talk about how much we love each other and we spend some time every day talking about Jesus. Love and Jesus are important and the rest are sort of important. However, my mind keeps running and most of it just sits there. You should hear me when Ty comes in the door for two seconds. I talk his ear off. I talk about nothing still. I talk about people I saw, bills I paid, things I cleaned and although I promise it is not riveting conversation, he listens. Or at least he is really good at pretending to listen. And to all of you who I call and bug, mostly my mom and Tyler's mom, I am sorry. I just have all of these words trapped inside and no where for them to go. So, I am working on that. I am writing longer in my journal and even typing up this blog post (which most people won't want to read and a few people will relate to). If I only had interesting things to talk about maybe it would be better. If I were only doing interesting things maybe it would be better. And then I tell myself- three more months and there will be another person to talk to. I can talk to him about nothing because I am sure he won't care. Hmmm like I said, I can really talk your ear off.

A True Binkie Baby

2010-09-27T20:42:00.001-07:00

A true binkie baby loves her binkie more than candy, more than a bottle, more than a blanket.

A true binkie baby knows two binkies are better than one.

A true binkie baby only takes her binkie out in between bites and to tell mommy "no"!

But even more than all of that, a true binkie baby did something last night that really made me giggle. I put our little binkie lover down for her night night and closed the door, but this time there was a lot of fusing. A true binkie baby has no time to fuss because they are too busy enjoying their binkie. Then I heard little cries, "Mommy, Binkie Please." I ignored them for five to ten minutes, but knew that she wouldn't calm down until I checked. Before I finish the story I must explain that my binkie baby is also obsessed with sticking things down her shirt and saying, "Where is it?" I always act as if I don't know and she magically pulls it out with a look of pride! Well, I opened the door to her room last night, walked over to her bed and discovered a very upset one and half year old in onesie pajamas. She had attempted to stick her binkie down her shirt and play "Where is it." However, the binkie had slid to far down her onesie too reach. A true binkie baby was very happy when I returned a trapped binkie. What a funny girl!

Talents!

2010-09-22T21:09:00.000-07:00

I like to think I am a pretty talented person. I love doing choreography and editing music. When it comes to placing dancers on a stage I can picture in my head how I want the number to go and most often (okay more often then not) it works out. However, this week I discovered something that I am not talented in...Cake decorating.

It was Ty's birthday and our car was in the shop. There was no running to the grocery store to pick up a cake mix and frosting. There was no walking because people, I live in a scary neighborhood. So, I attempted it all from scratch. I should have just made carmel corn.

It looked descent (Brittany I am here for your wedding cake? lol not really)

Emree still enjoyed walking by and sticking her fingers in it.

We tried some...It was gross.

Sorry Ty! Next time we will go with Betty Crocker.

Happy Birthday Tyler!

2010-09-18T14:20:00.001-07:00

I love birthdays because they give us the opportunity to celebrate amazing people in our lives. Today is the day to celebrate Tyler!
Tyler is talented, motivated, hard working and fun! Finding a spouse can kind of be like flipping a coin. You think a person is great, but will they be great forever?! So far, so good. There are so many great things about Tyler that I didn't even realize when I married him. I didn't realize how wonderful of a dad he would be. I didn't realize how much he cared about others and how considerate he is of Emree and my needs. I love him and I hope he has an amazing day and year!

I'd rather be watching t.v. !

2010-09-04T20:54:00.002-07:00

This weekend Ty gets a break from school. He has no new material to cover and won't have a test for two weeks. We haven't been in Sacramento for long, so we decided we would do what a tourist would do (a cheap tourist)! So, Saturday morning we woke up and headed off to "Gold Rush Days"! Ty and I were both optimistic that it would be fairly fun and it was FREE! Who can beat that? We even started the day off right by finding ourselves a FREE parking spot. (My mom always says close parking is worth paying and usually I would agree. However, FREE parking meant 5 bucks to spend on something else. Yipee!)

Q: So what exactly is "Gold Rush Days"?

A: They cover the streets of Old Town Sacramento with dirt, fill it with re-enactment actors, horses, gun shows, canons, the mormon battalion, bands, activities, and bam you are in the 1850s. Pretty sweet.

We panned for gold.

Found some.

Wished it was real.

Threw it back.

Enjoyed some pretty sweet gambling. Won some money. Wished it was real. Gave it back.

Watched a gun show.

Glad it was fake.

Emree loved watching the horses go up and down the streets. She could be found with her finger pointed outward, screaming, "Horsee, Horsee!" Multiple times through out the day. She was also pleased as punch when Daddy helped her pet a Donkey - who in her words says "HA HA". Lastly, she seemed to enjoy the music and we caught her dancing quite a few times.

BUT- from the look on her face in most (if not all) of the pictures, I am pretty sure she would rather be at home. Parked in front of the t.v. watching Tarzan and eating yogurt.

That was the happiest she got all day!

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish

2010-09-02T12:02:00.000-07:00

Emree has a fascination with fish. Of all the animals at the zoo she loves the fish tank the most. Lions, boring. Monkeys, been there, done that. Giraffes, who cares. But a tank full of Koi, WOW! She will sit by the fish tank for 40 minutes or so before she gets bored. I think that might be better than Elmo.

Last night, Tyler got home from school and decided Emree needed her very own fish. We already owned a bowl, don't ask me why, and so we figure it would be a pretty inexpensive pet. Each fish only cost 25-cents so we thought "What the heck! Let's get two." 50-cents later and a handful of rocks, Emree was ecstatic. Who knew we were such great parents.

My high light of the night, however, was when Tyler thanked the man at the store for helping us and calmly proclaimed, " We'll be back to buy some more when these ones die." I am not sure the store owner appreciated that.

Tyler wants to know if this gets us out of ever having to own a puppy? I said no.
Do you have a favorite childhood pet?

Tantrums...

2010-08-31T21:01:00.000-07:00

I need advice.

Nothing can be worse than the words, "No Mommy! No!!" Except for...

-Throwing Food
-Kicking
-Hitting
-Fake Crying
-Dumping Out Crackers

I think that about sums it up. I know it is all about finding your independence. Just don't tell me it gets worse.

I just feel bad that I get so happy when I look back and see this...

Goodbye Sugar and Spice... HELLO FROGS AND SNAILS!

2010-08-25T21:10:00.000-07:00

Presenting the most marvelous news... the Andres are having a baby boy! We are so excited. Now, it is not that we necessarily cared what sex the baby turned out to be, but it is all in the knowing. It was a hassle to say the least for me to find a doctor and get in for an ultrasound. In fact, I am 21 weeks and we thought we were going to have to wait 4 more weeks before we even got to this point, but a little tender mercy and someone canceling their appointment made our week!

So, it is now time to pack up all the little bows and bracelets and embrace the blue (Hopefully his eyes will be as blue as Emrees)!

He was a little shy today. He had his legs crossed and the umbilical chord running in between them. The ultrasound tech was ready to give up. She turned to us and said, " Well, I think we are done here." Done? Was she kidding me? Tyler ever so slyly inquired if we had another ultrasound or if this was the only chance we had to find out the sex of the baby. He calmly joked about what color we should decorate the babies room and how will we know what to buy. Hook, Line, and Sinker. She said she would be right back. Another ultrasound tech came in to see if she could determine the sex. I laid on my right side, then rolled to my left. A few wiggles here and there and finally... drum roll please...BOY! (or as the lady exclaimed, " a pee pee".)

Emree didn't get any of it. She did love laying next time me on the table though...

If you could only imagine...

2010-08-21T20:50:00.000-07:00

I didn't have a camera, nor would it have done the situation justice, but picture this...
-Saturday night
-Wal-Mart
-An open bag of Oreos
-One Happy little Smile
-Two filthy little hands
-Three tired Andres
-30 minutes of munching while we shopped

It is kind of funny what a parent might do in a moment of desperation.

What have you done?

The Funny Thing About Friends...

2010-08-18T20:42:00.000-07:00

When you are born you inherit friends. Whoever, your parents are friends with, you become friends with their kids. Those initial friends tend to stick because your parents force you into the same activities and classes and you enjoy every second of it. My very best friend growing up was Tanae. We did everything together because we had parents that enjoyed each other and we were the same age. We danced, we sang, we played the piano, we went to school together, church together and had many a sleep overs.

Then you hit college and you are forced to make new friends on your own. Friends you have never met before. Sometimes you are forced into friendships because you live with them (I loved my roommates). Sometimes you find friends in unexpected places. But they can just be people you click with. You, no family, just you.

Boom! You are married and you have to find friends for the two of you. Not just friends you like, but friends he likes. Being married to Tyler makes that easy. He likes everyone. (We are a little loud though, so not everyone likes us).

KABOOM! The cycle starts all over because you have a kid. Now, you have to find friends for you, him, and this new little munchkin. What Pressure!

Newest Friend Making experience: Emree and I went to the Library Reading Time. It was free and I figured, what the heck! She didn't do well, but mostly because I didn't bring snacks. I didn't know all the kids would be sitting there eating there delectable treats right in front of my child's pouty lip. She just stared at them, hoping any second they would throw something her direction. No one did and so we said "BYE" after about 15 minutes. That is when we headed to the swings just outside the library. There they were. Two new friends and they didn't even know it, we didn't even know it. In fact. if we had we would have been even more excited. I put Emree in a swing right next to a little boy her size and a Mom that looked kind of fun like me. One conversation later and phone numbers exchanged.

I think we are going to enjoy our friendship with Katie and Mason. Now, we just have to see if their Dad clicks with our Dad.
(Emree and Mason at...the ZOO-where else?!)

Too Legit to Quit!

2010-08-02T11:53:00.000-07:00

It is now legit! Tyler is becoming a Doctor. They had their induction ceremony on Saturday and today school really began. The induction ceremony is kind of like graduation, but at the beginning. Tyler got his white coat and stethoscope. They walk down the aisle of a scottish band (why a scottish band? we don't know).

They announce their names one by one as they pick up their stethoscopes and there were a few very good speakers.
This is a picture of two of the guys Tyler has made friends with. There are a group of them that like to go play basketball together.

Here is a picture of our new friends the Mitchells. Rachel Mitchell is the only other person in Tyler's class of 100 students that is LDS. Bindi is one and Emree already thinks they are best friends. She tries to force her to take toys and stuffs food in her mouth.

The family!

It definitely made it all seem more real and it was fun to celebrate this exciting start. It was a long journey here and it will be an even longer journey to the finish line, but I am so very proud of Tyler and all he has accomplished (with my help of course :)). We always say that WE are going to medical school because WE are a team. I think it is kind of funny because Ty gets to go through most of the hard part. Me- I just get to swim and go to the zoo. Okay, so maybe my role isn't quite that easy. After the induction ceremony we went out to dinner. Did I mention that Emree loves lettuce wraps and pop?