Songs that make me happy and anchors

We had a Home Teacher growing up that was also a therapist (it seems like our families were always assigned Home Teachers that happened to be shrinks for a living... hmmmm? anyway...). I remember him talking to us about anchors. A song, a smell, a sound, a small thing that happens that brings back a particular memory from your past. Some of songs that I have added personal anchors to me, and the rest just make me happy! A lot of my song anchors take me back to our families kitchen during my teenage years and heart to hearts with my dad, or singing and dancing around the kitchen when it was my turn to clean up after dinner. The Peter Brienholt song reminds me of my first day of college. Hey Mickey reminds me of bathtime when I was probably 3 or 4. The Creedence Clearwater one reminds me of going to my first concert- yes, a CCR Concert with my sister, my dad, and my Uncle Ted and his wife, Diane- sightly pathetic, yes, but it was a lot of fun! And, of course, "The Night at the Roxybury " song (and anything Chris Leduex...)- reminds me of being roomates with Dena- we were quite addicted to that movie.It is amazing how our "anchors" can take us back to a time and place, and we can recall such great memories so vividly. It is one of those joys in life! I hope you all enjoy some of my anchors- it would be great to hear about some of yours, too!

Marleigh and Vincent

Nates brother, Corey, his wife Laura, and their new baby, Vincent, were here visiting for a couple of days. It was so much fun to have them at our house, and the kids were so excited to meet their new cousin Vin. He was born on September 13th, and already looks so big next to Marleigh. He was 10 1/2 lbs at his 2 month checkup- exactly the same as Marleigh weighed at her 2 month checkup- so I'm sure she will catch up quick! It was so fun to see how alike they were in their personalities, but how different they look! Now they are off to California to visit Grandmas and grandpas- we are so jealous!!

A few random pics...

How cute!!

Grandma, Lindsay and the boys at Zoolights

Marleigh and her band of brothers

Yuletide Tag

I found this on Jenny and Josh's blog, how fun!!
When do you start listening to Christmas music?
The day after Halloween, but I am a little bored with it now- a little too much of the annoying ones, not enough of my favorites!
When do you put up your Christmas tree?
The day after Thanksgiving generally. This year I put it up the day before Thanksgiving since Thanksgiving was so late in the month, and it kept my kids busy and entertained for the day!
Favorite Christmas movie?
I think I would have to say "A Christmas Story."
Favorite Christmas song?
"Mary Did You Know"
Favorite Christmas tradition?
One of my favorites is opening a new pair of pjs on Christmas eve. It makes for good Christmas morning pics, I guess!! My mom made them most years. Even though we knew it was coming, it was always fun to see our new jammies. When I was a teenager, I was able to convince my mom to let us open the presents from siblings. I have a hard time convincing my husband of that tradition now, though, when I try to convince him to let our kids open their presents from each other.
Favorite Christmas book?
I really love "Bear Stays up for Christmas"
Fun Christmas memory?
The one that is relived over and over, is the year that I found the Popples. I must have been about 8 or so, because that is the year that Crystal Searle, my best friend, told me the Santa secret. My mom said they were hidden, but I remember innocently happening upon them in my moms room. I went to Austin and Ashleigh and told them we were getting Popples for Christmas. Austin (he would have been 3) ran to my mom and said, "Mom! We're getting Popples for Christmas!!" My mom was SO mad- we went to bed at 7:00 that night, and the Popples were under the tree Christmas Eve with a tag that said from Mom and Dad. I talked my mom into letting us open them, pretending I had forgot about the Popples. (Okay, I guess my manipulation started before I was a teenager...). Okay, maybe not a fun memory, but funny and a family favorite!
If you were one of Santa's reindeer, which one would you be?
I know he's not technically one of his reindeer, but I would have to say Rudolph because I know the most of him, He has his own song and movie!!
I tag anyone who wants to do this.....

Little Girls...

At 4:30 this morning, (yes, A.M.) as I was starting the days laundry, I realized that this baby girl of mine is the only one who has gotten away with being up for an hour and a half at such an unreasonable time. I guess she is setting me up for life with a daughter! But my laundry was done and folded by 11:00 this morning. Maybe I will start enjoying mornings more and have more productive days! She's so stinkin' cute- it makes it all worth it! And someday soon she'll be big, so I savor this time when I am her favorite person, and she wants to cuddle on mommys lap.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Its too bad Thanksgiving is only remembered and celebrated for a day or 2. On Sunday, a lady in our ward gave a talk on gratitude, and she said she loved thanksgiving because it was a holiday that is personal, and can't be commercialized. It did make me sad to see all of the ads for Thanksgiving day. Let people enjoy their family! However, I am slightly hypocritical here. My mom, sister and I went to Michael's thanksgiving night to get Cricut cartridges, but they WERE closed all day and opened for their sale from 6-9 last night. At least that way people enjoyed their families before having to work. And they only had 5 or 6 employees there that I saw. Not horribly busy or crazy. Anyway, back on track... I am so glad for the chance I get every year to spend holidays with my family. Our 2 years in Mississippi were a little hard, but we still had our own little family to spend the day with. I felt so sad last night at my moms when my brother Austin called. He just moved to Indianapolis in October, and spent the day off work alone. He was really missing everyone. I just wanted to reach through and give him a hug!! We spent the day crammed into my moms house with nearly 40 of or family members. It was so much fun and so great to see and hang out with everyone! There was so much food, and lots of catching up. I love this time of year, because or big group gets together quite a few times. Now the tree is up, and Christmas is in the air at our house! I braved the crowds the day after thanksgiving, and am now almost done shopping. Yay!!

I have Blog A.D.D.

I have found that having a newborn creates a lot of down time. I spend a lot of time in front of my computer, and I just can't leave the background on my blog alone! I see all of your cute blogs, and I am suddenly unhappy with my own. I listen to a song on someone elses blog, and I HAVE to have that song on mine! I think I am suffering from blog envy. I will be starting counseling soon! I can't believe I lived so much of my life without blogging. Its almost in the same catagory as life before cell phones and the internet. I don't know how my mom was a stay at home mom and kept busy and entertained all day. Oh, I guess she had a neighborhood of stay at home moms, and they actually ventured out of the house together instead of sharing experiences via computer. Or maybe she was able to keep up on laundry, or do things like sew and cross stitch. Blogging is such a fun way to share the everyday things that happen, and such a fun way to keep in contact with people. Thanks to all of you fellow bloggers for sharing your little joys in life!!

All I Want For Christmas Is...

We were watching tv tonight, and a commercial for Dominos oven baked subs came on. (You know the one- the pizza guy is delivering the sandwich to the "Submart" employee.) Tyson looks up at me and says, "I want that Christmas!" So easy to please! 2-year-olds are great, huh?

Is it Christmas Yet?

I can't believe how quick Christmas sneaks up every year, and how, even though it happens at the same time, every single year, it is always such an exciting time for both me and my family. My kids both asked at separate times today if we could put up the tree, and I reluctantly told them no. I am so ready to get out all the Christmas stuff and get the house all festive. There is nothing more peaceful than a quiet house at the end of the day with the lights of the Christmas tree glowing. My goal this year (and every other year) is to help my kids appreciate the true meaning of Christmas. Every year, I have great intentions, and as Christmas gets closer and closer, I realize I was not successful, again. My sister and I have decided that instead of exchanging gifts this year, we are going to help someone else. Maybe an angel or two off the angel tree, something along those lines. Nothing too big, but something that will help our kids appreciate Christmas for what it is, and that its not all about the gifts. If anyone has any ideas or traditions they would like to share, I would love to hear them!

Happy Halloween!

Here are the kids in their Halloween costumes. Tyson and Spiderman, Carter as Commander Rex, Brock as Boba Fett (both from Star Wars, of course) and Marleigh as a cute baby sister! She is wearing a "Babys First Halloween" onsie, but its all covered with her blanket. We went to Trunk or Treat at the church, then Nate took Brock and Carter around the neighborhood. Their handles were broken by the time they made it home. They all had a great time. When we asked Tyson if he wanted to be Spiderman, he responded, "nope." How about a dragon? "Nope." Diego? "Nope." So luckily when it came down to Halloween night, he was okay with the Spiderman costume, which has now been worn by all 3 boys- what a great investment! We didn't get a pic of Nate, but he went as "Ward Hostess"- he had a bakers hat, and wore a sign with Ward Hostess (Hostess logo), and handed out Hostess cupcakes- it was great!!

Bows...

I found this lady online that sells the cutest bows. I decided to have a bow party at my house this past Saturday because I thought everyone would be as excited as I was about her bows. I had one neighbor show up, and my mom and sister. At least I had a good excuse to clean my house- it is the cleanest it has been since Marleigh was born! Here are a few pics of some of the bows I bought. I will definitely be buying from her again, but most of the bows looked ridiculous on her because she has such a tiny head. It will be so much fun once she has enough hair to pull up in little pigtails. Sorry there aren't any pictures of her actually wearing the bows, but she is sleeping so well right now, and was awake a good part of the night last night, so for now, here are the bows and headbands. I have her blog bookmarked on my blog (bowlicous bowtique) if any of you want to check out her stuff. She makes it herself and has such fun stuff- and cheap shipping (like 1.50 cheap), so check it out!

Yes, Christmas Music

I just updated my playlist with Christmas music, so those of you that can't handle it this early, click mute and bear with me! I figure Christmas is such a great holiday- its so meaningful and special, and my kids have been planning for it since their birthdays, so why not prolong the celebration? Hope you all enjoy!! I do have music ADD, so I will probably change it 12 times between now and then! So much to choose from... I do have a fall background though for now (the website I got my background from only has 1 Christmas one to choose from at the moment!!)

Marleighs First Check-Up

We had our first offical Dr's appointment for Marleigh yesterday. She was 5 lbs 15 oz at 3 days old, and is now up to 7 lbs 8 oz. I guess she is getting plenty to eat! The sleepless nights now seem routine and managable. I can't even imagine what a full night of sleep might feel like. The routines of laundry and housework are falling into place. The weather has been nice this week, so I don't have to worry about taking her out- although my boys woke up with coughs this morning. Can't protect her from everything! I am so amazed at how quickly these past 2 weeks have gone, and how much she has changed already. Our family feels so complete with her here!

Marleigh is Here!

So its been almost of week since Marleigh has joined our family, so time to blog! Marleigh was born on Sunday, October 12th at 3:28 pm. She was 6 lbs 6 oz, 19 1/2 inches. She is a pretty happy baby when she is awake. Brock and Carter have had a great time with her. Tyson has begrudgingly given up his place as "baby", but every day is a little better. He thinks its silly that Marleigh eats from mommys "tummy." We have had to ban the lightsabers around the baby, and Tyson had a time-out the first night we had her home for hitting the baby, but now it seems to be okay. I can't wait for Monday to get here, though. This was UEA weekend, and being cooped up with all of the kids the last 3 days has been rough. My mom pointed out today that maybe nighttime is too quiet for Marleigh and that is why she doesn't sleep so well. I think I agree! I don't know how she sleeps through the constant noise of her 3 brothers! We did have to have her under the biliruben lights for a couple of days, but we are done now, and life is great!! I will keep all of you updated!

Lets Get Tagged!

1. Where You Ten Years Ago?
Ten years ago today, I had graduated from high school 4 months prior and I was just starting an accounting degree at LDS Business College. I was pretty convinced that I was never going to find a soul mate, and I had just moved in with roomates Kimberly Meservy and Lori Bodily.
2. What's on Your To Do List Today?
It is 9:36 pm right now, so I am planning on hanging out with my computer and eventually going to sleep. I would like to have a baby before tommorrow, but I think thats out!!
3. What If you Were A Billionaire?
I would pay off the house and cars and all other debt, replace windows and remodel the basement and add on to the house, have Nate quit his job, and take a summer long vacation visiting everyone we don't get to see enough, and help save the world!!
4. Five Places You have Lived?
Magna, UT, Bountiful, UT (4 times), Layton, UT (twice), Evanston, WY, Mountain View, WY, Tooele, UT, Jackson, MS, Winona, MS. Okay, thats 7 but I couldn't leave any out- they are all part of who I am!!
5. Three Bad Habits?
Pepsi and Dr Pepper addictions, staying up rediculously late, not spending enough quality time with the kids.
6. Snacks You Like?
Ice cream, hershey bars with almonds, cheese and crackers, etc... I could go on all night with this one.
7. Who Will You Tag?
Ashleigh and anyone else who may want to try it out!!

Baby Shower

So I was on my sisters blog this morning and she had pictures of my babyshower posted, and I thought that maybe my blog would be an appropriate place for the pics as well. Thanks for the innovative idea Ash! My little sister Lindsay was the photographer, so not very many usable pics, but here are a few! Thanks Ashleigh and Mom for hosting and making it so fun and thanks also for all the great food- it was fabulous!!! So here are a few pics of gifts and one of my cousin, Leah and Aunt Becky racing to put a diaper on a baby blindfolded. Aunt Becky won by about 2 swconds! Great job, guys!

Fall Carnival

Today was the fall carnival at the kids school. I thought for sure they weren't done setting up, because after we had paid $25 for unlimited ride wristbands and we got to where everything was set up, they had a couple of bounce houses and 2 of the big inflatable slides. I was thinking we had just wasted $25. Turns out, the kids don't really mind going down the same slides and jumping in the same bounce houses for 3 hours straight!! Tyson had a hard time climbing to the top, so he went down with a neighbor kid a couple of times, went with Carter a couple of times, and Brock took him once. There was a big pirate slide that he had been down once with Brock, and I volunteered to take him a second time. I thought I was never going to make it to the top! It started out with an obstacle course that I couldn't walk through without falling down every couple of steps! Once we finally made it through that, there was a 6 inch gap to squeeze through to climb up to the top of the slide. Yeah right!! We did finally make it to the top, and this pic is of my legs with my pants halfway up my thighs and Tyson on my lap. Nate took it with his camera phone, so its a little limited, but it makes me laugh now!! After that experience, I decided it was time for me and Tyson to go back home. He threw a fit, but once we got home and I turned on Diego for him, he was fine. The things we do to make the kids happy!! Nate stayed behind with the 2 older boys for a couple more hours, and they had a ton of fun. Next year should be great for Tyson, too, being a little bigger. Can't wait!

Ultrasound

Here is an ultrasound pic of baby Marleigh's face- isn't she cute? I was measuring a little big at my last visit, so we had another ultrasound yesterday (Sept 10th). It's definitely a girl, and we saw a lot of long hair on the top of her head- yeah!! We are a little bit worried because the ultrasound tech only saw one kidney. I guess sometimes they can be hard to see because they can float around a little, and sometimes they are down in the pelvis and you can't see them on an ultrasound. They will take a closer look after she is born to be sure. Since ultrasound technology is relatively recent, it makes you wonder how many of us are walking around with only one kidney. I feel okay about everything and am not terribly worried. You really only need one anyway, I guess. I know she is healthy, and strong. She is already keeping me up at night with her strong kicks!

Okay- My First Attempt at a Tag...

Okay Ashleigh and Dena, I am only doing this because I love you guys so much, and, okay, it might be fun!! It does seem like a lot of work to keep track of when people tag you, it seems like it would be easier to have something colorful and obnoxious flash on the screen announcing "You've Been Tagged!" That would be much more user-friendly for me!! So, anyway, I am done complaining, here it goes!

Joys, Fears, Obsessions, Surprising Facts
These are the rules: list 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 current obsessions/collections, 3 surprising facts and then tag 5 other people. Leave a comment for the people you tag so they know they have been tagged.

Joys....1. Being pregnant... while uncomfortable at times, nothing makes me happier than feeling a baby move around and knowing that Nate and I have created a little person we get to keep forever! 2. Nate and My kids- couldn't imagine living without them. 3. Laughing so hard I cry.

Fears....1. Having the baby be born with some unknown illness or abnormality- Nate really likes the Discovery channel, so I hear about things I never knew I should be worrying about. 2. Having something happen to my kids or Nate and having to live without one of them. 3. Not being able to loose the baby weight- okay, not very dramatic, but still something I worry about- I miss my favorite jeans!!

Obsessions...1. Spending too much time on the computer. 2. Vanilla Dr. Pepper from the gas station by my house- its amazing!! 3. Making sure my kids are making good choices and ont being overly influenced by the bad habits of those around them. I am always telling them that they need to be an example and stand up to their friends when they are doing something wrong. Carter did start chasing down our seventy year old neighbor after church today to tell him he was a liar because he told Carter yesterday that his grandson was sick and couldnt play, then about an hour later that same kid was outside playing with friends. I guess I need to explain that you don't need to point out the faults of others!

Surprising Facts...Okay this one is hard because Ashleigh and Dena, you already know everything about me, so maybe the 2 of you can pretend to be surprised while you're reading. 1. I hate seafood, can tolerate the smell most of the time, but can't eat the stuff. 2. Up until Tyson threw things off, Me, Nate and the kids were all born on days that were divisible by 7- Me- May7, Nate- August14, Brock- March21, and Carter- May14. Tyson was the 24th of April, but maybe Marleigh will follow suit. 3. I am addicted to the late night Lifetime Movies- I can't help myself!! I watch them until I can't keep my eyes open- maybe my body is just preparing for all the late nights that are to come.

Okay, that wasn't so bad... I am not going to tag anyone of this one, but anyone that wants to tag me? Bring it on!!

A New Look at Modesty

I was informed today that I don't dress modestly enough for some people. During our lesson in Relief Society today, we were talking about the Armor of God, and got on the subject of modesty. This older lady, probably in her eighties, maybe late seventies, was sitting 3 seats down from me, and raised her hand. The tacher called on her, and she shared with us that it made her really uncomfortable to see someone with bare legs and toes. Here I was sitting, 3 seats down, in a medium length black skirt with no nylons on, and open toed shoes. I guess I need to find somewhere else to sit next week so I don't make her feel so uncomfortable!!

Back to School

Well, the kids are offically back in school, and I am amazed at how much I can get done in small amounts of time! The kids are happy and socializing. Tyson is enjoying the one on one time with mom (with a little help from Diego and his other Nick Jr friends), and I have enjoyed a quiet house! I love the teachers the boys have this year and am excited to see the progress they make. I love having a schedule and routine in our house again. Summer is a little too unorganized and chaotic for me by the time we reach the end. It will get a little tricky in a few weeks when we add a baby to the mix. but I'm sure we will muddle through.

A Few More Crazy Carter Moments

Brock started school on Monday and is loving second grade so far. Carter starts school officially on Tuesday. We had an orientation thing on Monday, and when Brock came home from school, Carter told Brock, "There's not even anyone ugly in my class!" Whew- I was worried his retinas might burn the first day of school and he would never see again!! I am glad he approves of everyone!
Tonight at dinner, Carter asked what city Daddy lived in when Mommy found him. Luckily I found him, or he may still be wandering aimlessly down a deserted road!
Carter is also pretty convinced that he left his suitcase in my tummy when he was is there, and he is letting Marleigh borrow it. Hopefully she brings it out when she is born- I think we may be able to help her out with that... I think it would be great to show Carter the suitcase he "left" in there.
He cracks me up!! I don't know how he can talk with a straight face- I can barely listen to him without cracking up.

More information on the Wedgie...

I found this at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wedgie It's worth taking the time to educate yourself further!!

A wedgie (also known as a "snuggie" or "gotch pull") is having one's underwear or other garments "wedged" between the buttocks. This can occur naturally, due to tight garments or physical activity; this is referred to as the underwear "riding up". It can also be performed as a prank or as a form of bullying; this is referred to as "giving (a person) a wedgie". Wedgies are commonly seen in popular culture for example on the popular American animated TV show "The Simpsons" and in "Dilbert" comics.

Give Me A Wedgie!

I had to add "Pocketful of Sunshine" to my playlist because it makes me smile. I was getting in the car with Carter a couple of weeks ago, and "Pocketful of Sunshine" came on the radio, and Carter said, "It's the wedgie song!" I had to have him repeat himself, then he started singing, "Give me a wedgie, a secret wedgie!" I will never sing the song the same way again! Kids are so stinkin' funny! They keep my life exciting.

Our Summer Vacation

It is Sunday afternoon, and we just got home from our 26 hour vacation. We went up to Star Valley for Dena and Johns reception. As we were getting ready to go out of town, I took Brock and Carter to get haircuts. The lady cutting Brock's hair asked if we were doing anything fun today, and Brock said "We're going on vacation!!" I figure I should take advantage of the days when we can call a road trip a family vacation. The drive up was awesome, and we made it all the way there without hearing the kids fight. We did have a good selection of DVDs to keep them entertained, though. We stayed at a condo in Afton, Wyoming. It was so great to have some time together as a family! We got up this morning and tried to teach the kids how to skip rocks in the pond out the condos back door. A little more practice, and I think Brock will have it down. Carter and Tyson were content to see how big of a rock they could find and make a huge splash. We drove home through Idaho- past Bear Lake, then down through Logan. It was a little bit longer that way, but it was fun as well. This time the DVD player stayed off, and Brock and Carter looked for wildlife. Brock was really upset that we didn't see any moose- maybe next time... The kids made it until we were 10 minutes before we got home until they started fighting. What great family memories!!

Summer is Almost Gone...

I am always amazed at how quick summer goes now that I am a grownup. I remember summers being so long, fun, and full of memories. My kids are excited for school to start and don't seem to have the attitude that summer was too short.
I am sad it is almost over, but I am so excited for school to start. I was thinking earlier tonight that maybe I will start a chain- you know, like the Christmas countdown chains from when you were a kid? I am going to start a countdown chain counting down the number of days until school starts. I am also sad for my kids to leave me every day, though. It will be so quiet with just me and Tyson at home. Carter is so excited to be in kindergarten. He is so social and friendly, I'm sure he will do great. Brock is neutral. He is okay with the fact that school is almost here, but would also fine if they decided school was optional. I am looking forward to not having the neighbor kids knocking on the door all day long. That will be nice. They are great kids and all, but this summer has been full of childhood politics. A couple of days ago, the kids in the neighborhood decided they never wanted to play with Carter for the rest of their lives because the day before, Carter was being bossy. I told them they needed to include him, and if he was being mean, he would come in the house- they all played together fine the rest of the day. Almost every day there is something along those lines- "they won't let me use their light saber," "Carter called Hunter a dummy, so he can't play with us anymore," "they don't want to play Transformers, and I do- their mean!" Okay, maybe the house won't be TOO quiet.

Okay, Okay, I'll Give In...

I keep thinking I need to start my own blog. Everyone seems to be doing it. I don't want to feel left out! I also have been thinking I need a great place to post all the wonderful pictures of our baby girl that will be here in October. I know she will be beautiful and amazing, and I want to share with everyone. So now we are official- kinda. We have a family blog. This is fun already!!