The tree.

Last year I did a lot of after Christmas shopping. But, I didn't spend a whole lot of money. I hit up a lot of the 75% or more off sales. We were in Idaho until New Year's, and I really didn't shop until we got home. We ended up with two fake trees, lots of glass balls, and lots of wrapping paper. One of the trees was 6 feet, and only 4 bucks. The other was 7 feet and 7 bucks, at 90% off. I thought it was a good deal, and was so excited about it all year long. I couldn't wait to put up my seven dollar tree. And then I took it out of the box. All of this time I hadn't ever realized that it was a slim tree. I probably saw it, but didn't think much about it. I mean it was 7 bucks! But, like the description says, it's a slim tree. Very slim. We have huge ceilings in our front room. Like massive ceilings, and this little skinny tree looks kind of silly. Adam just laughed when he saw it. It isn't a bad looking tree if you get past it's skinniness! I thought that maybe it would be better after the lights and the decorations, but no. Still slim. I guess it'll be the last year of the 7 dollar tree, and we'll be shopping for another one soon. You win some, you lose some. That's how the deal goes. Oh well. It's a tree...it's up. It's decorated. I'm done.

Macie Alida

Macie is just so cute. Noah is sick and Adam has a lesson to teach, so I decided to stay home with him. Which gave me lots of time to get Macie ready for church. She loves to wear dresses and get her hair done pretty for church. She loves to go to nursery. She talks about it all week long, and then Sacrament meeting seems to take forever for her. She just can not wait to walk into the nursery room. Last week she fell asleep during Sacrament Meeting, so instead of waking her up, I let her sleep, and she ended up sleeping throughout the rest of church. So, she missed it. And she talked about it all week long. She kept telling me, "I sleep, no go nursery?" As she told me this she had her little look that she does, if you've ever spent time with her, you know what I'm talking about. She kind of makes and expression and talks out the corner of her mouth...hard to explain, but so Macie and so cute! But, today, she was exceptionally excited for nursery. Not only was it that, but she got to go to church just with Daddy. She loves her daddy. Last night I asked her if she was Daddy's girl or Mommy's girl, and as quick as I asked, she told me she was a Daddy's girl. And she definately is.


The other day she took a blue Sharpie marker to her arms. She does this quite often, actually. So, she needed a long sleeved dress for church. Her sweaters were dirty, she needs new tights, and only has red or black church shoes, so her options were slim. I bought her a skirt at Target that is kind of like a tutu. She loves it, but I never wanted it to really be a church skirt. But she insisted on wearing it. She looks like a little ballerina in it. Oh well...I'm not with her at church today, it'll be okay! She's a funny little girl. Already very opinionated in her clothes and hair. I wanted to take her picture before they left for church. She had her purse all packed up with snacks and books...she was ready to go. But she didn't want just a picture, she wanted to go outside for a whole photo shoot! We went outside, she showed me where she wanted the pictures taken, she sat on her stool and posed. She's quite the model. She is just so dang cute! How can you resist that face? Oh, she's just too cute!! I love her personality. She is so funny. She is the sweetest girl ever. I can't believe she's so big and won't be my baby anymore. But, she's going to be the best big sister ever! I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to brag about my daughter. She's great.

My first Thanksgiving dinner.

I haven't ever made Thanksgiving dinner before. I have always been so blessed to be able to just go somewhere and not have to worry about the cooking and the cleaning up the cooking. But, there is always a first for everything, right? When the pre-Thanksgiving ads came out for the grocery stores, I priced everything. Thanksgiving dinner isn't cheap. For just the four of us, and Macie and Noah don't usually eat a whole lot, it would have cost 40 bucks. It was hard to be like okay, forty bucks and I have to actually make the food. It was very tempting to just say we're going out for the big feast! But, our friends, the Barkers, came up from Costa Mesa. For four adults, it made me feel a little bit better! In hopes that I would have the baby, I got all of the shopping done on Monday, and printed our recipes...just in case I wouldn't be able to make the dinner, Adam could. I got a 22 pound turkey. Yeah, it was quite large. But as the deal went, I could have gotten a 12 pound turkey for $7.88, or a 22 pounder for 2 bucks more. 10 more pounds of turkey goodness for 2 bucks? Of course I went with that one! I mean, would I pass up a good deal?

Obviously, the baby didn't come. I jinxed it by buying a cute little Thanksgiving outfit. So, I was the cook of the dinner. I took the easy way out, and bought the rolls and the pumpkin pie...I'm 9 months pregnant, I can do that! But everything else was handmade. Our menu consisted of Butterball turkey, which Anniece did most of. She brought the Oven bag...which from what I can tell is the way to go. You just put the turkey in, tie it up, and let it cook. The clean up was easy, and we didn't have to baste anything. Next time I make a turkey, it'll be that way. And then we had Sweet potato puff {thanks Kimberlee, it's my FAVORITE thing to eat!}, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry cherry jello salad, dixie salad, rolls, stuffing, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. And of course we had Cranberry Sierra Mist. I'm a big fan of the cranberries. Our stuffing even had cranberries in it. It's a seasonal thing, you can't not have them...they are so good.

I'm not a very good hostess when it comes to making big dinners. I usually stress out and think everything is a disaster and end up apologizing for stupid things all throughout dinner, but this dinner was good. Everything went well. The sweet potato puff was puffy {it isn't usually...I usually mess it up}. The turkey was delicious. And everything was good. I think I'll even make another Thanksgiving dinner again sometime! It wasn't as bad as I thought. Thanks, Anniece for your help in the making and the cleaning up! I couldn't have done it without you! And, thank you to Adam for carving the turkey. I'm pretty accident prone and don't have a very good history with knives...I would have ended up in the ER with all my fingers cut off! But it was a very successful dinner! Not my grandma, Myrt's but it sufficed!

Even though Thanksgiving has come and gone, I am still thankful today for what I was grateful for on Thursday! I'm so thankful for my family...my entire family. I wouldn't be the person I am without them. They are truly my joy. I am very thankful for the gospel and the blessings we see from it every day. I am thankful for everything that we have...our house, our car, Adam's job, our income...everything. I'm thankful for trials, they make us stronger. I'm thankful for this new baby that doesn't want to come out...having babies in your home make it so fun and enjoyable! I'm thankful for lots of things...too many to just sit and list, the list would go on and on. But I am thankful for this holiday that we have to reflect on what we are thankful for. It's a good reminder...something that we should just remember each and every day. I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving...now bring on the Christmas season!

Happy Anniversary, Adam!

Five years ago today, instead of waking up at the crack of dawn to beat the crowds to the best deal, Adam and I woke up to get ready for our wedding. I woke up pretty early to do my hair and get all spiffed up, and Adam drove down from Rexburg to make it to the temple by 7:30 AM. I was late. Just a little bit. Like 5 minutes, maybe, but Adam was a little freaked out. He thought I had changed my mind. Of course I hadn't. But, we were married shortly after, and it was a great sealing session. It was such a good thing to know that I was being sealed the man I loved for time and all eternity. To be honest, I have no idea what the sealer said...I wish that I had listened a little better. But, it was a good day.



Five years later, we have two beautiful children with one on the way. We have lived in three different states, and in 8 different houses...but it's been fun. And there will be many many more years to come, and it will just only get better. Thanks for the great 5 years, babe. I love you!


{on a side note...I went to the hospital today, thinking that I had a lot of pressure, and thought I could have the baby today. Nope. I thought wrong. Still nothing. So, we won't have an anniversary baby, but that's okay.}

No baby.

He' still cookin! I went to the doctor yesterday. He's kind of a strange doctor. He doesn't like epidurals, inducing, or sleeping pills. I should have looked into this before I went to him, dangit. I thought they were going to strip my membranes, but my Strep B test came back, and it wasn't positive or negative. They had to redo it. And so the doctor wouldn't even check me until that came back again. I was mad. So, another week goes by. And still no baby. The carseat has been in the car for weeks...and that didn't encourage him to come. My house was clean a while ago...that didn't work. And it didn't last long, either! Did it too soon that I have to do it again! I have the diapers. I have the bed set up, the bags packed. What else do I need to do?? I guess I'll continue with my long walks, and jumping jacks. So far it hasn't helped...maybe this time I'll get lucky.

The happiest place on earth, huh?

As previously posted, we went to Disneyland. Yes, we go to Disneyland a lot. We live in California, and got our annual passes for a killer deal. And when I say killer, I really mean killer...three for under 100 bucks. That's another story for another time however. But, honestly, who would have passed up that offer? Anyway. On Friday it was the first day of the Christmas themed decor and festivities. You'd think the Christmas spirit would be in full force, especially at Disneyland, it is considered "The Happiest Place on Earth". That did not hold true this trip.

I was with the kids while Adam went on the roller coaster at California Adventure. We were in line for the new Toy Story ride. It was popular one since it's new and all. So the line is pretty long. Noah is quite the doddler. He kind of is in his own world sometimes. He gets easily distracted, a lot like his parents, actually. So, he plays with the chains and ropes while in lines, and doesn't really pay attention. I'm always calling him to join us in the line. And since I'm pretty pregnant, and was holding Macie, I wasn't caring about it too much. I mean, we're in a line, it wasn't moving very fast, and we weren't going anywhere. So I let him be slow. A lady behind me was in line alone. I guess she had just had it. Noah caused us to fall about 4 feet behind the next in line, and she let me know. She said, "We're in a line, you need to move." Of course I apologized. I have a problem with saying sorry to anything and everything. Most of the time I probably shouldn't be sorry for it, but I feel like I have to say sorry anyway. So the next time I made sure there was no space between us and the people in front of us. But it was just too much, having to say, "Noah, come on" every minute got old. And again, I found ourselves with a few feet distance. I mean, it's a few feet. Who cares? Well, the lady behind us did. "Excuse me...you have to move," she said. We're in a line, right?? Along with being pregnant, I get really annoyed. And, Cory and my Mom can attest to this, I get kind of mean to people that make me mad. I don't hold it in. I don't know if it's a pregnancy thing, or just a Disneyland thing, but if people do something to make me mad, I let them know it. So I turned to the lady and said, "We're in a line...you aren't going anywhere, deal with it." She looked at me like I was this evil person. It was funny. People around me were cheering me on and telling me good job...oh good times. But the story gets better. Remember, this lady was in line alone. We waited in line for a good 40 minutes. And she stood there by herself. We were very close to the front of the line, probably had to wait another 5 minutes, and who shows up? Ten of her family members. Yes...10 of them. She let 10 people cut with her in line. And she was so upset about us leaving a small little gap in a line that wasn't going anywhere anyway? Oh, people make me so mad sometimes! So, that was the first encounter. Don't worry, it doesn't stop there.

Toy Story is a 3D ride. You wear glasses and "play" carnival games in 3D. It's fun. And the glasses are cool. What little kid doesn't like to wear 3D glasses? When we approached the glasses bin, Macie insisted we get come for Daddy, eventhough he wasn't riding with us. We had four pairs of glasses. Macie loves to wear sunglasses. In fact, she wears Adam cool safety sunglasses to church. She just loves to wear glasses. After the ride, you are supposed to deposit your glasses into a bin so they can clean them and whatnot. Macie refused to give up hers. And she had to give Daddy his. And instead of fighting with a kicking 2 year old kicking my very pregnant belly, I let her take them. No one stopped me. Disneyland has many many cameras all around, places that you wouldn't expect. If they had a problem with her taking the glasses, I'm sure they could have stopped us. They probably cost them, what? 10 cents maybe? Not much. I'm sure they get taken everyday, and Disney doesn't even blink an eye at it. It's inevitable. So we took 2 pairs of glasses. I know, I know...I'm encouraging a thief. So, Adam took Macie to ride on a ride and I took Noah to the potty. As we were leaving the bathroom, a boy walks up to the stroller, and looks at the stolen 3D glasses and asks me, "Weren't you supposed to return those?" He was maybe 13 or so. I don't know why he even asked me about it, really. And I explained to him that if he was pregnant, and had a screaming 2 year old and a 4 year old running away, he would take them too to avoid any further disaster. This boys mother, however, piped up and had the nerve to say, very loudly mind you...to make sure I heard her, "That is the reason Disneyland prices keep going up, they have to replenish things like that when mother's don't watch their kids." The nerve! And then she grabbed the glasses out of the stroller. Out of our personal space. What in the heck was she going to do with them? So, I grabbed them out of her hands, and was like excuse me, what are you doing? And then walked off. Who does that? First, her son comments about what is in my stroller...none of his business anyway, and then the mom takes my things? I know they aren't rightfully mine, but still. Disneyland prices keep going up, because they can. People will still go anyway, why not get the most money they can. Those glasses are not a concern to them! Anyway...interesting.

And then the end. This is becoming a longer post than I intended, sorry. I just thought the stories were funny. But at the end of the night, we really didn't feel like fighting through the seas of people with our double jogger, so we opted to ride the train around the park that would drop us off at the front of the park, thus avoiding all of the people. We had the double stroller, and I have a big belly. We asked a ride train guy if we could just wait in the exit for the next train so we wouldn't have to carry the fricken huge stroller up the stairs to the train station. He said that it would be totally fine, since people probably wouldn't be getting off since the park would be closing soon. So, we waited the 7 minutes for the next train. The train lady on this train wasn't so nice. She told us that the Exit was for handicapped people only. Not for strollers. She was pretty rude about it. And wouldn't let us on. She told us we'd have to go wait in the other line for the next train. It wasn't a big deal, we were going to do it, and then she grabbed Adam's arm. She's like you need to go over there. You don't touch people. Did she think he didn't understand, and had to physically move him over that direction? He's 31 fricken years old! Technically, she shouldn't have even touched him anyway, for harassment issues and things. As soon as Adam pulled his arm away, I think she realized what she did was pretty stupid, and she let us on the train anyway. It was funny. Maybe we should write a letter to Disneyland. Maybe we'd get lifetime passes to avoid any further legal procedures?! Just kidding. It was just funny how our day went, and that was the end of it. Kind of a weird Disneyland experience. No Christmas spirit that night. And obviously no Disney spirit either.
People these days.

Christmas vacation

We decided kind of last minute that we were going to to head to Disneyland on Friday afternoon. Adam got off work at 1, so we headed out then. It should only take around 3 and half hours to get there. So I figured we'd get there around 4:30, we'd have the rest of the day at Disneyland, since it was open until midnight. My sister Erin got us a room in Anaheim, {Thank you so much, Erin!!} so we didn't have to worry about just coming straight back home. It was very nice. But what wasn't so nice, was the traffic. Friday LA traffic before a holiday, is not fun. We didn't en up getting to Anaheim until around 6:30. We got to California Adventure just at 7 to find out that it closed at 8. We hurried and rode the carousel, while Adam rode the roller coaster three times, and then went on the Toy Story ride. We made it barely in time for Noah and I to ride on Soarin' over California, which he loved. It was fine though. We have the passes, we weren't too upset that we didn't get to do much there! I can't really ride on much there anyway. Remember, that I'm like 9 months pregnant! I've been dilated to a 3 for nearly 3 weeks, and I went to Disneyland, it was great!
After California Adventure, we ventured to Disneyland. It was the first day of the Christmas stuff, so it was pretty busy. A lot of locals came out for the festivities. We didn't ride on much there, either. We hit up Buzz, Adam took Macie on Matterhorn {Noah is afraid of it.} and I watched the Christmas fireworks with Noah. After the fireworks, it snows. I'm an Idaho girl. I'm used to snow at Christmas. So, of course, since I'm very emotional and pregnant, I cried. This was the only snow I was going to see this Christmas. As fake as it was, it was still snow. It made me all teary to see all the Christmas lights and the snow, and people going crazy. Noah jumped out of the stroller just to touch a "snowflake" or soap bubble. And the jumped in and wanted to call Momo to tell her that he snowed. He's such a good kid. After the fireworks and the snow we were going to go on Small World. They just barely redid it with all new boats and things, and it was Christmasy. But...in their right mind would spend 4 fricken hours in line for IT's a Small World? Definately not us. We got out of line and went to the Haunted Mansion, which is decorated for Christmas, too. And the kids love it just as well. We didn't do much else. But, it was enough. It was fun to get to do something like that with the kids before the baby was born...even if I am way pregnant!
Then on Saturday we just visited some friends from our old Torrance ward, and Adam's friend from high school who lives in Lawndale. We went to the beach we used to go to all of the time when we lived there. It was fun. It was a good day. We ended it at Seagull Book in LA and got to see the temple almost decorated for Christmas. It was a good little weekend trip. It's our Christmas vacation, since we'll be having a baby this year instead of travelling. I thought maybe all of the bumpy roads and walking would help induce this baby...but so far no luck. Tomorrow they may strip my membranes. Maybe we will have a baby before Thanksgiving. Keep your fingers crossed!!

Where a kid can be a kid...

Noah has wanted to go to Chuck E. Cheese's for the longest time. He has seen the commercials on TV, and wanted to go to the place "where a kid can be a kid." He reminds me that he wants to go everyday. When we moved here, we moved within walking distance. We haven't ever gone. I just think that it's a waste of money, really. The food looks crappy, and very overpriced, and then you just play games. But, since it was his birthday, we took him. We walked over after Adam got home from work. We didn't get pizza, but had a coupon to buy 50 tokens and then get 50 free. That was out plan. Luckily for us, however, we didn't have to spend a dime there. Noah really isn't old enough to know that you're supposed to use tokens anyway. He doesn't understand that you get tickets to use for other things. He had just as much fun running around to every game just playing on it for a second, and then moving on to the next thing. It was funny to watch him. He's so busy. I don't think he would have been able to sit still long enough to play a game anyway, so it totally worked out. Macie had fun just running around too. When Chuck E. Cheese came out, Noah was excited, but Macie only likes things from a distance. We only spent maybe an hour there, and didn't get sucked in to buying anything! This age is great! We'll see how long it lasts!

Noah is 4.

Can you believe it? Noah is 4. How the time flies. I remember it like it was yesterday. His original due date was November 16, 2003. I had gone into the doctor earlier in the Monday, and they stripped my membranes {I know...too much info, but it's part of the story!} And then I went back in on Friday, the 19th. They did it again, because there wasn't any progress. I hadn't even dilated yet. I went to work that day and had contractions all day long. It was a big joke that everytime I walked into work that I was STILL there. I actually enjoyed working up until the day I had him...it helped take my mind off of everything and made it go by faster. All day long, however, my contractions were about 10 to 12 minutes apart. They never got any closer. I drove back to Rexburg and attempted to make dinner. The only thing that sounded good to me was Malibu Chicken, the kind you get at Sizzler. But, Adam was working in Driggs, I think, and didn't come home until later, so I thought I'd make it myself. Bad idea. I burned the chicken and the sauce didn't turn out right. So, or course, I bawled. I was an emotional wreck with Noah!!
I continued to have contractions and eat Starbursts and finish tying Noah's quilt. At about 2AM, I went upstairs to tell Adam it was time. I thought we should probably go. We get to the hospital and they checked me...I wasn't even a 1 yet. Holy crap...I was so mad. Luckily, Dr. Crouch was going out of town and he had wanted to deliver our baby. So he let me stay. In Rexburg there were a lot of babies that day...everyday, really...so there wasn't a room available. We walked around for about 2 hours. The contractions got closer together, but I wasn't making much progress. I finally got into a room, they broke my water, and that got things going. I got the epidural at about 10, and loved it. But I couldn't feel my legs. My sister in law, Kimberlee gave me a green jolly rancher, and said that it was good to suck on candy. But, I ended up throwing it up ALL day long. I will never eat a green jolly rancher every again! But, finally it was time. I was ready. At around 1 PM, I started pushing. And I pushed. And I pushed. Nothing was happening. So I kept pushing. FINALLY, at 3:52PM, out popped Noah, 8 pounds 1 ounce, 21 1/2 inches long. This was before out digital camera days, so we have pictures, but I don't know where they are! But he was so cute, and smooshed!
Shift change was at 4, so I kind of got forgotten. My mom and sister were right outside the door when he was born, so they came in right away. The rest of my family slowly started coming to see the first grandchild. And at about 9, the realized that I hadn't ever gotten cleaned up. I was still sitting in all of that birthing crap. Gross, huh? Again, probably too much info, but it's just part of the story!
Adam held him while I slept, and about 4 in the morning, I got the worst awakening. Adam woke me up to tell me that the nurses had taken Noah to the ICU, he wasn't breathing right and had lost a lot of color. Of course, as new parents, we completely lost it. We rushed down to the NICU and saw our perfect little baby all hooked up to monitors, IVs in his arms, oxygen in his nose...the works. It was heartbreaking. I hadn't even fed him yet. He didn't have any interest in eating when he was born, and the nurses said it was fine. But I lost it. My baby was having problems, and I couldn't do anything about it. I couldn't just hold him and make everything okay. There was quite the dramatic difference in him and the other babies in the NICU. The others were preemies, maybe 3 pounds, all lined up in their incubators, and then at the end of the line was this monster 8 pounder! And the parents of the teeny ones were holding up very well, and we were basket cases. Crying all of the time. It wasn't a fun time for us! All of his tests came back negative. There wasn't any infections, nothing bad. So he was able to come home on Wednesday afternoon. I know, not a long time, but it seemed like FOREVER.
Since then Noah has had his fair share of medical drama, but, he is the best boy ever. Everyday is just such a new experience with him. He's generally a very happy boy. And so funny. He's always laughing and joking around. He's such a boy. Loves everything boy. I don't know where I would be without him. I can't imagine life without Noah. I wouldn't want to imagine life without Noah. It wouldn't be life. He brings so much joy to our family. He is the sweetest, most grateful kid ever. Even after tantrums and fits, it's hard to be mad him. He looks at your with this sweet look that so hard to resist. He always says thank you and tells us he loves us many time a day.
Oh, Noah. You're great. I could go on and on about you. Seriously, I could. But I hope that you have a great birthday. Your Mamma and Daddy love you so much. And your sister adores you. Have a great 4th year. You're the best son anyone could ask for. I'm so glad to be your Mamma.
WE LOVE YOU NOAH!

Baby Jacob Update

So. I went to the doctor yesterday. Nothing. Still at a 3. Can you believe it? No progress for like 3 weeks. Crazy. I go again on Monday, so we'll see what's up then! Until then I plan on walking like 5 miles everyday, and doing jumping jacks, eating cream of asparagus soup for every meal, drinking castor oil...let's see, what else? I'm just so ready to have this baby! I know that I'll probably get crappy sleep once he's born, but at least it might be some sleep! Nursing does that to ya, it makes you sleepy, it makes me sleepy anyway. So I'm looking forward to that. Actually sleeping. Right now my sleep it very nonexistent. I went to sleep last night around 11...and woke up at 1, and didn't go back to sleep until about 6, and slept for an hour. Yeah, how crappy is that? Jeez. I was put on Ambien when I was pregnant with Macie, and it was heaven! I loved it. But the doctors here won't do it. They just tell me to take Tylenol PM, since sleeping pills can be habit forming. Wouldn't taking pain relievers when you don't need them be habit forming as well? Every time I go to the doctor at least 3 or 4 nurses and doctors always comment on how tired I look. Yesterday the doctor even asked if I was depressed because I was just so exhausted. I'm like no...I'm just fricken tired. Give me the sleeping drugs and I'll be okay! The Tylenol PM is okay, I get to sleep, but that isn't my problem, it's the staying asleep that gets me! Oh well...enough complaining. I'm done. He'll come when he's ready, because we sure as heck are ready for him!!

background

I decided to hold off on the Christmasy background until closer to Christmas. This blogging thing gets addicting, having to change it all up and stuff! I may not be able to handle it. Or my family and house may not be able to handle it! Don't you worry though...as soon as the Christmas decor is put up, I'll put the Christmas background back up, I'm becoming a pro at all this. Now if I could just figure out how to make a better header, I'll be okay.

Happy Birthday, Mickey!

Today is Mickey Mouse's birthday! I know, I know, I'm a nerd for posting. But it's a momentous birthday. He's 80. Mickey Mouse has been around for 80 years. That's a long time. But to make it even nerdier {well...not really, my mom told this to me, so she's the nerd! Just kidding} write down 08. Turn it upside down, and you get 80. And then turn it to it's side, and it's Mickey ears...cool, eh? So, here's to Mickey and many more Disney years!

New calling.

So, I got put in as the Relief Society Newsletter coordinator for our ward. Not the most exciting calling in world, but it will do. It should be fun. I haven't had a calling for a while, so it's good for me. But, the newsletter we have is kind of boring. Informative, but boring. Does anyone have any ideas that their ward does in a newsletter that I could use in ours? Anything that really gets your attention? If you do, I am more than happy to accept your ideas!!

The Rocket Party

Noah wanted a Rocket Party for his birthday. And when I started thinking of all the possibilities, it sounded so easy, and so fun! So I agreed. We planned everything out. He told me what Astronauts do, and what he wanted. {A rocket and stars} And I started planning. On paper everything looks so good, but when you try to actually do the things that you planned, sometimes it's not so easy. First, it was the invitation.



It was probably the only thing that worked out like I envisioned! Noah was very excited to give his friends the invites. He talked about his party for weeks. He was so excited to actually have friends over to his house. He didn't yet realize that they would be bringing him presents, too! He was just happy they were coming to his house!

I had this wonderful idea to use buckets for the astronaut helmets. But, do you know how hard it is to find white buckets? It's not so easy. I was going to use the bucket and cut out a hole in the front, to resemble a helmet. No such luck. And so on Friday, I decided I would just sew little hoods. They are not Amish...I promise, they are Astronauts. I was up until 2 sewing...and then I ran out of silver trim, so I had to finish them today, and didn't get done until about 20 minutes before the party. Noah wore the "ghetto" one because it wasn't completely done in time, and of course, all of the pictures are of Noah and he was the only one who would wear it anyway. All that work for nothing! But it was alright. Noah liked it. But, they got their pre-shuttle mission picture in front of the flag before "Blast Off". Some kids were late, or didn't want to get in the picture. But there ended up being 9 kids. It was fun! Adam made the rocket ship for them to go inside. We used out IKEA tunnel for the hatch that took them to the moon, and then they got to play in the rocket, have a moon walk for prizes, and make their own little pizzas, and of course eat the moon cake. It was fun. All black and decked out with stars. A little more effort than I expected. And it all adds up. I spent a little more than I had planned. But aren't most things that way?

It was a fun party though. I don't know if it was the smartest idea to be so pregnant and trying to pull this whole party together. I was a stressed out basket case! But it worked out. The cake was my favorite part. The frosting isn't too appetizing looking, but it's the moon. It's cool. They ate it and loved it. I can't believe Noah is going to be 4!! Crazy. And he's old enough to have friends for a party. He did cry a little at the party, but he's allowed to do that, right? Now I have to come up with theme for next year and start the shopping early! What will it be next??

My name is Lindsay, and I'm an addict.

Goodness, I think I have eaten an entire bag of these Christmas tree candies! I'm addicted. I can't just eat one. Oh no...I eat like 4 every time I walk by the bowl. And I walk by it a lot! This candy, the Brach's Christmas Tree Nougats, are by far the best Christmas candy. I don't know what it is about them, the chewiness, the peppermintiness, the cute little Christmas tree...something about them is just so good! I think I even like them over chocolate. But I have yet to have a Reese's tree this year, so I'll have to wait until then to decide! The Reese's trees are the best ones. They have the eggs for Easter and the pumpkins for Halloween, but the tree...that one just is better for some reason. Crap, I think I like Christmas candy a little too much. This a bad time of year. They are getting all of the candy out. But do I need it? Probably not. I still have Halloween candy around the house that we have been eating constantly since Halloween. Those candy companies, they get ya! But the Christmas tree candies, they're the best...go get a bag for yourself and share in the chewy goodness with me! You won't be disappointed.

Thanksgiving decor.

{Dumb Picasa. I think you should be able to see the pictures now.}
Look how crafty I've become! No...that is not a pirate ship. It's the Mayflower. And yes, I made it. Aren't you impressed? And the Thanks thing...I couldn't come up with anything else that would be Thankgsgivingy. It works, it encompasses the whole holiday of Thanksgiving. Thanks...for everything! I really just impress myself. I've actually completed projects. I'm usually just a slacker. But now I have decorations. For almost every holiday. I'm officially a Mormon Mother!

Design Flaw

Noah came downstairs this morning with his underwear on backwards. He likes things backwards, or on wrong. His flip flops are ALWAYS on the wrong feet, and sometimes even through the wrong toe. He likes it better that way he says. But today, I told him to turn his underwear around. And he looked at me like I'm crazy. And said, "But then I can't see Buzz." Buzz Lightyear undies are great, but not if you can't actually see Buzz! Very true. Why is the print on the bum? The whole idea is to get kids excited to wear underwear, but who are they going to be showing it off to? I agree with Noah, they should technically go on that way, but for other reasons, maybe I'll just start buying him the plain ones.

 

No progress...

I'm still a '3'. I went to the doctor yesterday afternoon. Nothing has happened. I guess "technically" I'm still only 36 weeks. {until December 9th} But, 38 weeks in my book! I've decided, however, that he's just doing Noah a favor by not coming until after his birthday party. I'll be okay with that. I've put so much thought {and money} into this birthday party, I can't back out of it now!! So, thanks Baby Jacob! You can wait until Sunday. But that's my limit! Just kidding. Anyone have any good ideas of inducing labor?? I'm game for anything, I think.

The potty.

Day 7...only a handful of accidents. I'm impressed. We even go places, and he hasn't had an accident outside of our house, yet. Knock on wood. He gets so excited to pick out his underwear in the morning. It's great. Sometimes, if he's too busy playing, he won't want to go. But he eventually will. I'm just SO glad that he had this little boost to want to potty train BEFORE he turned 4! I don't have to say that my four year old is still in diapers! About a year ago, I thought he'd still have his binky, and then be in diapers until he was 10...but he amazes me everyday! Go, Noah!!

Happy Veteran's Day!

Happy Veteran's Day! Especially to you, Dad! I don't think that the people who serve our country get enough credit or recognition. I'm grateful for all of the servicemen for our country. We wouldn't be able to enjoy the freedoms that we do without them. Thank you for all you do. {I think I've posted the picture before...but that's okay, right?}

Almost there...

36 weeks. And that's until the SECOND due date of December 9th, that I don't want to go by anyway. If I stick to November 29th, that's in like 3 weeks. And if I'm already dilated to what I was when I had Macie 2 weeks early, there is hope that this little guy could come very soon. I've had a few contractions today. Not painful. Just contractions. I'm not sure if they are regular. I probably should just sit down and count them. I really do think, however, that my belly had dropped. A few people commented on it at church. So if other people notice, maybe it's true this time! I'm ready whenever you are Baby Jacob!!

I think she's ready.

We had our friends, the Rice's, come visit us for weekend. And, oh my goodness, Macie was in love with baby Caleb! When she saw him, she got so excited! She wanted to hold him the entire time. She'd get so upset when other people wanted to hold him, or when he needed to eat. But, when she got to hold him, she always had a huge grin on her face, and did really well. She was very soft and loving. It got me excited. Noah didn't like Macie when she came home from the hospital...but there is hope that Macie may like the new baby! We did have fun with the Rice's though. We just had a pretty relaxed day, hanging out, and then out to dinner with no children {except the baby.} It was nice. Thanks for coming to visit! And thanks for letting Caleb be the guinea pig to see if Macie is ready for a new baby!! I think she'll be a great big sister!

Love Mail

Upon hearing that some coalition that's fighting "discrimination" is sending 'Hate Mail' to a Prophet of the Lord, I thought it would be a great time to write 'Love Mail' to the Prophet and sustain him in any way I can - wonder if Jeremiah got any? Not to rock the boat, but I think such letters wouldn't be a bad idea at a time like this. Below is a copy of my letter:

My Dear President Monson,

It was voiced in the news that you’d be getting a lot of negative mail by way of my states Proposition 8 passing, so I wanted to take the time to write you and express my love for our great Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, particularly for our God, He who you are mouthpiece for. I will not falter nor submit to the pressures of the world. Though I am weak, though I am not perfect, I will trust in Him and follow your voice as His own. I hold this testimony sacred and of greatest worth to anything else in this life.

In a biography of Elder McConkie by his son, Joseph Fielding McConkie, Joseph shared that his father taught them “‘the measure of a man…is not found in who speaks well of him but who speaks against him. It is just as important to have the right enemies as it is to have the right friends.’” (p. 265) I find comfort in this and though we are targeted, I say “we” because we are all in this together, though but 2% of this State is LDS, it doesn’t change the fact that a majority of the State voted “Yes”. What a marvelous feet so little could accomplish then. Despite their own twisting of the truth in campaigning, despite the mass media backing them and calling this a Civil Rights issue, and despite the biased wording of the Proposition itself, a majority of California voted “Yes” – again!

What a day we are living in, how exciting it is to be a member of God’s Kingdom on Earth, to be a soldier in the fight for truth and right. I am a father of what will soon be three beautiful Children. I desire to raise them in the nurture and admonitions of the Lord, for this I will not support any dark agenda that’s goal is to instill in a future generation that it is o.k. to be lovers of your own selves. We are still experiencing the “tyranny of tolerance” as Elder Bednar puts it. Their supporters are dishonest and in whose deeds which run in direct opposition to His will. May our Master strengthen all of us in faith and courage. Victory will be ours in this life, if not in the next. Is this countries Constitution hanging like a thread? I don’t think so, but is not this all evidence enough of our righteous fruits to inspire and the necessity of modern-day Prophets?

I will not let the opposition get the best of me, I will seek understanding and love for those who so choose to self-justify their natural man within, and seek to rescue them as only the Atonement sufficiently can. To our adversary I proclaim: stand back oh "accuser of our brethren", the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored! We thank thee oh God for our Prophet!

Yours truly,

Adam Jon Christensen

"It's potty time!"

He did it! He went an entire day with no accidents, and 5 times on the potty. Yay, for Noah! I put a pull-up on him last night, to avoid any bed wetting before I got the water proof mattress pad. I was downstairs when he woke up, and he came down, naked, and said, "It's potty time!" He had his underwear in his hand...he knows what's up! FINALLY! I cannot even tell you how happy this makes me! It just took him four years to want to potty train, but that's okay. He told me yesterday that all of his friends go potty in the big potty. So, that was the kicker... for him to realize everyone else wears underwear. I'm glad he's observing this! I didn't want to send him to CTR 5 class and be in diapers...that just seems funny. And now, we'll only have 2 in diapers. I can handle that. I've been doing it for 2 years. Macie was interested in potty training at first, but for Noah's 5 hits, she had 5 misses. But, she is very encouraging to Noah. Every time he goes, she says, "Good job, Noah, good job!" It's so funny. She'll get in eventually. Oh, to be able to only buy tiny diapers...that will be the day. That will be the day.

Prop 8 protest

Can you believe this?? People are actually protesting at the LA Temple against Prop 8. Okay...for one thing, it's done. The voting is in...it passed. There isn't anything you can do about it. And they are using the argument that the church has donated 15 million dollars toward the Yes on 8 campaign. Ooh...this really gets to me. I'm like so mad about it. I've never been the kind of person to get so involved with something before. I actually have an opinion. I never knew that I did. I get so emotional about this. When my mom called to tell me about the protest happening right now at the temple, I wanted to cry. My eyes teared up, and I tried so hard not to cry. How can you blame the church for it? Church members in the state of California make up 2% of the population. Yes, just 2. Where did the rest of the 55% come from? They are saying that we changed the wording to deceive people to say yes. Come on. The way it was written on the actual ballot made it totally sound like it was a bad thing. Seriously when I looked at it, I almost questioned it. It was pretty deceiving itself! And that was the ballot itself! Jeez...it's just ridiculous to point the "blame" on the church. We stand for something, and that's a good thing. If we don't stand for something, we'll fall for anything, which is exactly what these protesters are doing. A comment was made on the article that I have linked that reminded people that the church may have made contributions, but what "famous" person in Hollywood endorsed the Yes on 8? How many people publically, over national television, promoted the No? Anyway...enough of my rant. All I have to say is, we won. What are you gonna do about it?

Under Construction...

If you couldn't tell, I'm trying to figure out how to make my blog different. It's under construction right now, as I don't have the time to just sit here and do it! It's taking me longer than I had thought! And so...if it looks weird, don't you worry, it'll look better soon! I decided on a Christmasy theme! Yes...it's not for a while, but I figured if I'm taking this long to make this stupid thing, I might as well have it up for a while! And I like Christmas, in fact, I'm debating on actually decorating my house for Christmas...better now than with a newborn! I don't think Adam is keen on the idea, however. We'll work on that. Anyway, just remember, under construction...

Baby Update

Okay, so you all know how much I want to have this baby. I've blogged about it before. I'm ready. I bought the diapers...and he still didn't come. I ran out of prenatal vitamins last night. And I have no baby today. So all of my predictions as to when I'll have the baby haven't proven true yet! But, I did go to the doctor today. I had an ultrasound just to see where the umbilical cord was. And everything was fine. But, when we went back into the regular room for the regular check up, the doctor said he was shocked as to how low the baby's head was. He asked my due date, and I told him what the other doctor in the office had told me, and this doctor, said that he wouldn't be surprised if I went much earlier. And because the head was so low, he decided to check my cervix. And what do ya know...I'm dilated to a 3! Yeah...a 3. Things could be happening sooner than we thought. Maybe more along the lines of my original due date of November 29th. My house is pretty clean today, however...maybe that's the next sign that the baby will come!! Until then, more waiting...

It passed.

Finally...it's done. Prop 8 passed. It was pretty close, however. And our county ended up with a No vote. But, in the end, it worked out. This guy is pretty excited about it, and should be! Go Prop 8!

Blog background

So, I needed a change from my blog. It's been the same for a long time now. Everyone else always changes theirs...so I thought now was the time. But, everyone else's blogs are cute and all...but I don't want to be the same. I want to make my own. How do I do it? I don't want anything fancy...just a simple background, but I'm blog dumb, I guess. Any suggestions??

Election Day

It's done. I voted. The Presidential vote was a bit tough. I didn't know who to vote for. But to avoid any conflict, I'll just keep it to myself! ;-) But I think I voted No on a Proposition 8, or something like that. Just kidding. I'm proud to report that I did indeed vote yes on Prop 8! Keep your fingers crossed for California that this will pass! And if you haven't voted, go. What are you waiting for? Go now.

My seamstress adventures...

I just got a sewing machine about a year ago. It was killer deal at Walmart. Open box...no box, really...and they sold it to me for 30 bucks. All of the attachments and everything. I was pretty excited. I made curtains for every room in our old house. I sewed Macie a Halloween costume last year. She was Tinkerbell. It was my first pattern experience. Which I learned that I'm not a good pattern sewer. I just like to look at things and figure out how to make it. But, then I sewed Macie a few skirts. Made a few blankets. My lines are getting straighter. So, I decided I would venture into actual dress making. I found this tutorial for a peasant top and decided to give it a go. I made it into a dress and changed the top a little bit. But it turned out pretty well, I think, anyway! It looked a lot like a mu mu at first, but with a little ribbon and making it shorter, it changed it. {In the first picture, she looks very sad. She was very tired, and was mad that I took the purple sweater off.}

It was pretty easy to make the dress, and I can't even sew, really. And it was very cheap. I already had the elastic and thread, and the fabric was on sale for $2.50/ yard. You can't beat a $2.50 dress! I'm going to attempt to make her a Christmas dress now. Without a pattern...we'll see how it turns out. I'll post the pictures of it, if it works, that is.

 

Only 5 weeks left. Hopefully sooner, however. My original due date was November 29th. I think I'll stick with that, which only leaves about 3 weeks. I can handle that. I had myself convinced that I would have a Halloween baby. Halloween came...and then went. And no baby. Everything is all ready for him! His bed is put together. His clothes are all clean and organized. I haven't gotten diapers, however. That's it. That's the reason he's not here. He knows I don't have diapers. That's the first thing on my list for tomorrow...and then we'll see what happens! It's almost the time that it's okay for him to born...like physically, I think. I have a doctor appointment on Wednesday, I guess I'll find out more then! I feel huge. I thought my belly had dropped, but I was just comparing pictures, and maybe not so much. I was just being hopeful, I guess. Those last weeks are killer though. I can make it through. I may get very little to no sleep, but I haven't finished the 6th Harry Potter yet, and now is my chance to finish it! I guess good comes from everything, right?

Prop 8

So this is the last weekend before the election. And I'm sure that people are sick of hearing about Prop 8! It's been the big topic of conversation among many Californians and non Californians, as well...just everyone! But, it is a big deal. I don't usually get involved in anything political. And to be honest, I probably wouldn't have gotten into this had it not been for Adam. As soon as it all started, Adam was the first to volunteer to help. I admire that. He spent many many hours going to door to door to different precincts and asking all of the registered voters what their vote on the proposition would be. He's a people person, so it was easy for him. I would have been scared to death! But, he spent a lot of time on that. And then he headed up a thing today. He was put in charge of the door hangers that are going on all of the people's doors who were undecided. The "mushy middle" people. There were 4500 door hangers that needed to go out today. And...people showed up to do it. I was a little skeptical that they would take them, but they took stacks...multiple stacks of about 150 each, and did it. Talk about support! This is important, and it's so cool to see our ward stepping up and helping out like they have. It's amazing. People are just so willing to help. They were even at our house this morning...the day after HAlloween, at 8 AM to pick up their door hangers and routes they were supposed to complete. It's great.

And then, yesterday I was driving. On a busier intersection in Santa Maria, there were youth out on the corners with "Yes on 8" signs. I guess they have been doing this around the area, getting the youth involved with everything. One of them had a handmade sign that said "Honk if you support Prop 8." This may seem silly. And may prove how pregnant and hormonally emotional I am, but there were a lot of cars honking. I was a stop light for a pretty long time, and heard so many cars passing and honking. And...I got teary. Not just teary, I cried. I guess I just realized that what we are doing is being heard. The church has done so much to organize this coalition to help protect marriage in our state. And, since the actual proposition on the ballot is worded kind of funny, with the help of all those who have volunteered, it's clearer and more people are supporting it.

On the flip side of everything, the yard signs get stolen, vandalized, and/or torn up everyday. Some people replace them everyday. Most have been advised to bring them in at night to avoid any further destruction of the signs. There are people are so against it, and are very vocal about it. Instead of helping out their own cause, they just try to destroy ours. They aren't doing much good for their side by just tearing down a sign. Which brings me to this picture that we got from Adam's mom.


We support this cause. It's important to us. Our prophet has issued a plea for us to do all that we can do to help. It's important to our Heavenly Father for this to pass. It is His plan for a man and women to be married. It's the only way for us to return to him. And right now is the time for this to be saved. Like, Samuel, we are and will get persecuted for it, but if we stand up for what we believe, despite everything else, we will be blessed.

I SUPPORT PROP 8! And I love you, Adam, for everything that you are doing to help this cause. It really means a lot.

Buzz and the little witch.

Noah and Macie had so much fun at the ward trunk-or-treat! Macie loved the fact that people just kept giving her candy. She just walked up to them, they gave her the candy, and she was on her way to get more. It was great! Afterwards we took them out for a bit around the neighborhood. Not many people had lights on, however. But for a 4 year old and a 2 year old, they got a good sized loot. They don't need much anyway! In the morning, Macie was playing with some black tulle fabric that I had. And I came up with the best idea. I decided to make her a black tutu to wear as a "day" costume. Just over her black pants with her Halloween shirt. I just folded over the tulle and put spiders inside of it, and sewed it together. It turned out cute. She wore it all morning.
Macie was supposed to be Belle. The costume was already made. Got it for a good deal at disneyshopping.com, so it was done. But, no. She didn't want to be Belle. She wanted to be a witch. Luckily, I had ordered a costume for next year for her, that was a black and purple fairy. But, no. She didn't want to wear that. She wanted to wear the tutu I had just made her. I'm telling you, this girl is ALREADY high maintenance! And instead of fighting with her, I agreed. But, I thought the tutu needed some alterations. As she napped, I folded the tulle yet again to make it shorter and denser, and added more spiders. And Macie's costume turned out to be pretty darn cute! She had a little witch had with a spider on it, to go along with the whole spiders in the skirt thing.

Noah was Buzz. He loved it. He wanted to be something more scary, but after all of the reactions from people about his costume, he decided Buzz was an alright choice. His costume I got at disneyshopping.com as well. It's a very well made Disney Store costume. A heck of a lot better than even the ones they sell for 65 bucks at Disneyland. It's made out of this vinyl stuff, so very durable. It had detachable wings, and then the goggles, it was a very cute costume. And the goggles lit up. That was his favorite part.

We didn't have a theme, as I have noticed that many of you have. But it was fun. They looked very cute! Macie may end up being a witch again next year...if I can find some striped tights. Yeah, it's that cute. The pictures don't do it justice! Halloween is just fun. Noah was so excited for it to come, and then it came and went. And he was asleep by 9:30! I was shocked that the sugar high didn't last longer. But very grateful! First thing this morning he asked if we could do it again, and then he asked where his bag was. We'll see how long the candy lasts. At least Daddy doesn't know where it is...