Surviving Sister

I'm Starving!!

2011-05-22T23:02:00.001-06:00

Don't you hate when you're starving, and your hands are full...with chicken nuggets?

Ellie Smorgasbord

2011-05-22T22:34:00.009-06:00

Who needs to blog when you have facebook? Oh yes, I forget there are stories behind pictures and movies. Stories that one day the kids will want to read about...

Let's start with Ellie's school play.

Ellie the Elephant was darling. She was dressed in all gray (found some $6 gray dance pants at Walmart the night before). Too bad the pants seemed to be four sizes too big...Dan kept filming in hopes that we might have an entry for America's Funniest Videos, but alas...her pants stayed on (could you imagine the melt down that would have caused?).

Ellie's dance competition:

Pre-competition prep.

Ellie's group took 4th out of four (ouch) in their division, and Lucy's group took 1st in their division.

Kindergarten Graduation (*sniff*):

Busy day that day, she had graduation that morning with her dance recital that night. Dan recorded her graduation in its entirety (good daddy).

Dance Recital:

She was cute, and had a lot of fans. :)

Don't Worry...it's just Salvia

2011-03-27T00:03:00.008-06:00

I LOVE kissing...

2011-03-27T00:00:00.002-06:00

Ellie's teacher informed me that Ellie's response to the part in Alexander's No Good, Very Bad Day when Alexander is forced to watch kissing on TV, and he HATES kissing. Ellie very proudly replied in front of her class, "Not me, I LOVE kissing." Help!?

So Sweet

2011-03-26T23:53:00.003-06:00

Rhys is definitely following in his sister's foot steps. He loves balls (also his first word after dad and mom), and babies (possibly his second word). The last couple of nights he points to a "baybay", I'll give it to him, and he'll hug and cuddle the baby doll. He'll even put the baby in his crib before he goes to sleep.

The other night when I put him down, he put his cute, little arm around the doll before falling asleep. It was so tender, and cute.

This is what he looked like today as he was watching his sister play outside with her friends.

Toddler

2011-03-26T23:43:00.003-06:00

Rhys has been so cautious when it comes to walking. He has been standing up in the middle of the floor for the longest time, and anxiously awaits applause. Only recently has he been interested in walking. Still his main mode of transportation is crawling (he's been doing some form of crawling since he was 6 months).

Walking, just another fun stage. :)

Tattoos

2011-03-26T23:34:00.005-06:00

Ellie gave tattoos out for Valentine's Day gifts to her class. We had a lot left over. Doesn't she look like she should have a mug shot?

Dan did mention the one on her eye did "kind of look cool".

Ellie loves to share, she wanted to make sure Rhys had some too. She held him down to make sure she applied them on properly.

I should mention, during the month of February, Ellie's class had a letter writing station during centers. One morning I caught Ellie applying makeup...lots of it before school. Usually, I don't let her go to school all dolled up, but I didn't feel like arguing with her that day. At the end of school, Ellie came to my room...pulled out four letters and said, "It worked."

So, there you have it...she's already using her looks to get what she wants. :P

The Second Child Always Gets the Shaft.

2011-03-26T23:23:00.007-06:00

I just realized I have no birthday photos of Rhys, so here it goes...

Rhys was actually sick on his date of birth, so we partied a week later. So, his delayed birthday party actually took place on Aaron's birthday.

Can't you see the excitement in his face?

Cute, little Rhys...always one to share.

What a difference a year makes. I love that little boy. :)

Not impressed.

2011-02-22T16:50:00.001-07:00

Snowflakes and Anatomy

2011-01-22T19:16:00.003-07:00

I kid you not, one of my students made this gem the day we decorated our room in snowflakes.

B.S.

2011-01-20T21:59:00.002-07:00

Ellie has been driving me crazy lately with her lack of responsibility. One thing that is totally driving me batty is that she constantly misplaces her library book. Library day is on Thursday, and on Wednesdays we are looking high and low for that book! Last night was no different, only I didn't find it.

Well, Ellie popped into my room after school, and as she was emptying her backpack she was telling me about what they had done in class. When suddenly she stopped and said, "Oh B.S., the reason why we couldn't find my library book was because I left it at school."

Now if you didn't catch it, B.S. = P.S. :)

Christmas

2011-01-01T14:44:00.010-07:00

This might have been the first year that I felt the pressure was on for Christmas presents. Ellie asked for a baby doll (of course), and a jump rope. Where to find a jump rope...Luckily Santa found one for her, however, he stored it under the couch, and she found it a day before Christmas. Way to go Santa!!

Rhys got a race track with cars from Santa, and other loud and obnoxious toys for Christmas. Thanks again, Santa!!

Uncle Aaron also got Rhys this cute hoodie...too bad Dad likes the Yankees. :)

And if I could seriously pinpoint my favorite thing about the crawling stage, it would be this. I LOVE when he kneels. What is wrong with me? I think it is so cute!!

Dan mentioned, and I'm not agreeing, but he said Rhys reminds him of someone who is high when he is laughing. I'm not using this as evidence necessarily, but I see where he might feel that way. :)

I just love those kiddos!!

I feel that my family was extremely blessed during 2010...all in all, it was a good year for us. Here's hoping for a wonderful 2011!!

Gender Confusion

2010-12-24T12:42:00.003-07:00

What is one to do when Dad is still out shopping when Mom and sister return to the house, WITHOUT a house key? Why, you go to Grandma's where she happens to have a spare set of jammies. Then you TRY not to cry as everyone laughs.

Suzy Snowflake?

2010-12-24T12:17:00.005-07:00

I think you mean Bertha Blizzard. :)

Ellie had her dance recital Monday night. She did great, and she looked super cute (toddlers and tiaras cute!).

Rhys also looked quite dapper in his jammies...

He was loving the recital for about the first ten minutes, he was dancing with the music and singing. Apparently it got old pretty fast, but he was still such a good baby.

Ellie danced her little heart out, and I don't care if you think I am biased...she's the best little dancer EVER!! Here she is dancing to Suzy Snowflake.

Ellie's amazing dancing resulted in a SNOW DAY on Tuesday...it has been 40 years since our school district has had a snow day. Ellie cried. She wanted to go to Merlene's just like every other day. It was also Elf day for her class, so she was sad to miss it. I admit I feel a little guilty for cheering while she was crying, but I think she has since forgiven me. :)

I'm slightly interested in Santa,

2010-12-08T19:21:00.002-07:00

and that great beard, but doesn't that lady with the multi-colored duster know I have a fear of cleaning?

Love those kids...

2010-11-07T22:44:00.002-07:00

Rhys has become awfully cuddly lately, which means, Ellie has too.

Let's Get Physical

2010-11-07T22:37:00.003-07:00

This is what happens when Uncle Benny babysits. Rhys is wearing a headband, and his shirt is stuffed with two mandarin oranges.

That's enough incriminating evidence...we don't need these pictures to hit the tabloids!

My Kids are the Cutest (at least in picture form)...

2010-10-15T21:33:00.004-06:00

If you aren't convinced, check out these photos!! Chellese of CBCG photography captured these for me, and I LOVE them!! I continually go back and admire them, especially when they are crying or throwing fits...ugh.

I love Ellie's scrunched nose in this picture...

Gotta have the Halloween shots (Halloween is my FAVORITE holiday)!

This is SO Rhys!! I love this picture, and it makes me laugh every time I see it.

I like this picture, but at the same time it makes me sad...she looks so grown up!

These are only a few of the fun pictures Chellese edited and gave to me on a disk. She is seriously awesome, and I would suggest her to anyone. :)

Oh, and have no fear, blogger is cutting off the sides of the pictures, but I'm too lazy to change it.

Good Little Students

2010-10-15T21:30:00.004-06:00

I smile because they are so dedicated to their school work, and I laugh because I'm glad it isn't me!!

Fall Mango

2010-10-08T19:35:00.003-06:00

Ellie loves kindergarten, especially show and tell. For kindergarten show and tell, you bring an object that starts with the letter of the week. This week it was the letter 'F'. Ellie decided to bring a Frankenstein decoration we have. We came up with the clues together.

1. He is shaped like a human.
2. His favorite holiday is Halloween.
3. He's scary.

After school, I asked Ellie how show and tell went, here's how it went:

Ellie: Well, one kid guessed what my show and tell was...

Me: What did everyone else bring for show and tell?

Ellie: Well, two people brought the same thing today.

Me: What was it?

Ellie: A fall mango.

Me: A fall mango? (at this point, I was thinking...fall mango? I love mangos and I've never had one of those)

Ellie: You know, a fall mango...they're pink?

Me: Pink? (I've never seen a pink mango) Oh, wait...you mean flamingo?

Ellie: Yeah, that.

Femurgency

2010-10-05T23:55:00.004-06:00

Well, you've got to document the good things with the bad, right?

A little over two weeks ago, I dropped Rhys off at the babysitter's. I nursed him and then put him down for his nap. I can remember that he was super tired, and fell asleep pretty quick.

When I returned to pick him up (3 1/2 hours later), he was red in the face and screaming. The sitter was trying to shove a banana in his mouth (because if you've seen him recently, you'd notice food is his kind of thing). Normally when he sees me, he'll smile and reach for me...not that day.

I got him home, and it seemed like I couldn't do anything to calm him down. He wouldn't nurse and wasn't interested in anything really. I put him on the floor, only to have him scream. He wouldn't scoot around like he normally does. He would cry out in pain, and his little lips would quiver.

I knew something was wrong, but I called my mom to come over to check him out. Upon seeing his reactions, she said she thought something was wrong too. I called the sitter, and asked if anything happened while he was at her house. She said no, and claimed he had just been fussy all day.

I made an appointment with the doctor. We couldn't get him in until 8 pm. I bathed him, and put him down to sleep. He was exhausted and his little eyes were puffy and red. I ended up waking him up to go to his doctor's appointment. The doctor had Dan gradually move up his leg from the ankle to see if he could get a reaction from Rhys. Sure enough, Dan got just above his knee when Rhys screamed in pain, and his poor lips started quivering again.

We were sent to get some x-rays, and it was confirmed...Rhys had a broken femur. I immediately started crying, and asked the doctor how a baby could break a femur. He explained that it was not a "malicious break", but a break that would have happened if someone fell or jumped on him, or if something very heavy had fallen on him.

You see, femurs are very hard to break, even harder to break for babies. He said it was a bad break, but not a bad break. From what he could see in the xrays, the break had just missed his growth plates.

The doctor said he didn't need a cast, because he wasn't walking. He said to be extra careful with him, and that Rhys would not use that leg if it hurt. He also said it would take 4-6 weeks to fully heal.

I immediately called the sitter, told her what happened, and she texted me back...that was annoying. She once again claimed that he was just fussy that day for her, and not crawling around like he normally would.

She texted me (if you can't tell yet, I'm totally unimpressed with text messaging :P ), and asked how he was doing the next day. I told her he was still in pain, and that I was taking the rest of the week off, and that he would not be coming back to her for at least a month. THEN, she called and asked all sorts of questions. I asked her again if she knew what or when it happened. She denied anything happened in her care.

Thursday I received a text from her stating that she would no longer be able to watch my baby. Apparently her three year old was struggling with her watching so many kids (three babies total). I cried, AGAIN. It was SO hard finding someone to watch a baby in the first place, and although I didn't want to take him to her, I didn't think I had any other choice. She had his playpen and some of his belongings still at her house, and she said she would bring them by. I had some papers for her to sign and she also owed me some money (I prepaid at the beginning of the month). I told her I would stop by her house, and get everything.

Well, Rhys woke up early Friday morning, and we were downstairs as Dan was leaving for work (6:30 am). He opened the door and ALL of our stuff was on the doorstep. I was LIVID!! I had been so diplomatic in all of this mess, and I felt that the least she could do was drop off his stuff while I was home or better yet, awake!!

It also didn't help that due to small town gossip, word got back to me that not only did she know when it happened, but she knew how it happened, and she let my baby suffer to cover her butt. All this time, I had felt bad for her. I would have felt awful if a child had been injured at my house on my watch, and it wasn't until Friday that I actually started feeling sorry for my baby. It turns out that her 3 year old was jumping on the furniture, and jumped on Rhys' leg and broke it.

She came by my house Friday evening, and I gave her one last chance to be honest. She flat out lied to me again. I called her on it. I told her that our town is a small town, and that if she was going to lie to me, she needed to lie to everyone. I also told her that she'd be getting Rhys' bills, and that she better pay them. Honestly did she think it wouldn't get back to me, I'm the only mom in my town to have a 7 1/2 month old with a broken femur!!?

Personality wise, I am an avoider, and let me tell you...that confrontation was SO not me. However, I realized I needed to be an advocate for my child. How long did he have to suffer so that she could try to put the blame on me? He is a baby, and sadly what happened would have never gotten back to me if it wasn't for a friend of mine who heard what had happened from the sitter's neighbor. It has seriously made me sick to even think about.

Rhys is doing much better. He is finally starting to move his right leg again, and he really never let it slow him down. We have also found a new babysitter, and can I just tell you it is so refreshing to find a happy baby in her arms. He is the only child in her care, and Rhys is just eating up...

Moral of the Story: When telling a lie: 1) Remember who you've told 2)When a lie involves a broken bone of a baby...it is just best to stick to the same story. 3) Lying makes you look like a heartless ass instead of a dumbass.

Hooray!! Boo!!

2010-09-06T21:44:00.002-06:00

Hooray for tight-fitting pajamas that show off big guts and diaper butts (especially in matching themes)!!

Boo to OshKosh closing at Draper Pointe!! Now I have to go to Park City for my OshKosh deals!!

Special Delivery

2010-09-06T21:39:00.002-06:00

Ellie has been playing hospital. She is a doctor and recenlty delivered a whopping 19 lber...I feel sorry for that mom.

Isn't that the most alert newborn you've ever seen? I'm sensing he comes from a musically inclined family...he's already rocking the tamborine.

First Day of Kindergarten

2010-09-06T21:26:00.005-06:00

*sniff*

Yep, she REALLY is that big!!

Ellie started kindergarten last week. I decided to have her come to school with me, which sadly means that, yes, I am back at work too. :( Ellie loves school!! During her kindergarten assessment, her teacher asked her to count as high as she could, and Ellie kept going and going...finally her teacher stopped her once she got to 100. Miss Harris can thank Grandpa for her mad math skills.

Rhysky had a rough day at the babysitter's without his big sister. Apparently Ellie rushes to him when he makes any kind of sound. He loves that big sister of his. He was so happy to see us when we picked him up that day.

Ellie just outside her classroom. Notice, she isn't in her brand, new school clothes. As a teacher, it cracks me up to see kids show up to school on the first day wearing their long sleeve shirts, jeans, and tennis shoes in 85-90 degree weather. I've done my fair share of school clothes shopping, and I honestly can't wait to get her skinny jeans and ballet flats out...maybe a couple more weeks...

Ellie has been going by Elisabeth for the past week. It has been stressing her out, because she doesn't know how to spell Elisabeth. She told me she didn't know where to hang her backpack...darn grandma and her encouragement of giving her a "grown up name".

Open the Garage...

2010-09-06T21:21:00.002-06:00

Here comes the car.

Tuckered Out

2010-09-06T21:02:00.008-06:00

A month ago we had our Jessen family reunion at the farm. Dad and Mom got us all a hotel room, because I don't camp. My camping is a cheap motel. Dan did a 10k (10k at 10k) Saturday morning. He said it was one of the hardest he has raced (steep incline at the beginning of the race). He did great, and I'm only slightly jealous that I haven't gotten back into running yet (five more months!!).

I got a few of Ellie and Lucy after the barrel racing. Our team won, although Bryce did put in a good effort.

We really were roughing it at that hotel. As you can see from the two kiddos fast asleep in their carseats.

Ellie's POV

2010-09-06T20:41:00.008-06:00

Occasionally, Ellie will run off with the camera. After going through the 50+ pictures she has taken, I usually save a few. I love seeing her feet in the shot, and the inside of my nostrils (it isn't often that I get a good examination of those).

As she was snapping away photos, Dan happened to pull up in his work truck. Lucky day for a photo op.

Ellie has also mastered the self timer. ;)

Ellie's Last Day of Swim Blessings

2010-09-06T20:09:00.005-06:00

I thought I better update in at least a few areas. Ellie did awesome in swim lessons this year. She is a great swimmer! She doesn't really enjoy floating on her back (she gets nervous), but she does it. She is pretty impressive.

Going Private

2010-08-01T20:50:00.002-06:00

So, this is for realsies for the time being. I've decided to take toxic people out of my life, but at the same time take the loves and joys of my life out of it. Stalkers, who cares about stalkers? I'd take them over family any day. Leave a comment with your email address, and I'll be sure to add you. I'm closing out at the end of the week. :)

Grateful

2010-07-27T23:10:00.006-06:00

It has been a rough couple of days, days I didn't really ask for, but happened anyway. Hello, where is the off switch!!? Although, life can be a drama blur at times, I'm happy to just stay around my highly entertaining family.

Rhys is bound and determined to figure out how to get out of every baby restraint. He is constantly fiddling with his carseat and high chair buckle. However, his buddah belly gets in the way. I think it is about time Dan and I teach him the "truffle shuffle".

Dan's been working a bit more (which financially is better than less). He actually picked Ellie up the other day, and gave her a ride in his truck. She was in Heaven. If, she lowers her standards and wants to be a truck driver instead of a doctor that delivers babies...you won't see many happy posts about him anymore. ;)

And that Ellie girl of mine...how do I get her to stop saying OMG? I claim majority of the abundance of colorful language that comes out of her mouth, but that is definitely not one of them. TV gets the blame for that one.

I realize some are not as fortunate as me, and that makes me sad, but never should someone's happiness and joy be someone else's source of belittlement and anger. It just isn't right.

Swim Blessings

2010-07-15T20:14:00.003-06:00

Lucy and Ellie finished their first week of survival swimming this week. Ellie LOVES it, and Lucy wants to love it. They both worked really hard today, and did some pretty amazing things. In fact, Dan and I took Ellie to the pool today only to have her jump in without either one of us in the pool, and then she swam back to the side...awesomeness.

Don't mind the pantless baby...

Awww...he's "cute"

2010-07-13T22:46:00.004-06:00

And you wonder why I don't believe you when you say my baby is cute, family.

"He looks like Larry H. Miller."

"He looks like the Clown on Spawn." That one was particularly hurtful. :P

Age Progression

2010-07-11T22:53:00.012-06:00

Phew...I'm glad that is over!!

2010-07-11T22:36:00.009-06:00

Ellie had her first friend birthday party this year (and fingers crossed, I'm hoping her last). The party was bug themed. We made antennae headbands, had a bug hunt, made dirt cups, opened presents, and broke a pinata.

One of the many presents from her friends. This one is from our cute, new neighbor Kaylee. Ellie loved it!

The pinata, and a couple of action shots.

And then what do you do when your party ideas end 45 minutes before pick up time? Panic followed by Improvising. We played I had a little Buggy (think I had a little Doggy), followed by musical leaves, and then when all improvised ideas were out, we put in a Bug's Life.

Dan took a two hour nap, we went out to eat, and then Dan took Ellie to the pool with our friends while Rhys and I took a nap. I'm so glad the friend party is over!!

Take Five

2010-07-11T22:25:00.007-06:00

We celebrated Ellie's birthday with family on her actual birthday. Dan pumped up Ellie's new pool all night long, just so she could swim in it the moment she woke up in the morning. She loved it, and stayed in her swimsuit all day long. Well, until it was time for the family party.

Dan told her she could wear whatever she wanted. She chose this:

Doesn't this picture look questionable?

Her cake looked like this (don't be jealous over my cake making skills):

Her favorite present was a pillow pet. Ellie is a walking infomercial, and now everyone on our street has a pillow pet. You're welcome neighbors. :)

Fur Cute!

2010-07-04T11:52:00.001-06:00

28 is Great!!

2010-06-29T22:56:00.004-06:00

Precious. Rhys is sporting my age in pride (okay, actually crankiness).

My wishes for my birthday this year were: 1) Dad could get into a Rheumatologist (he's been battling something (all signs point to Lupus) on and off for the past six weeks. He was still weeks out from actually getting to a specialist, but they had a cancellation today, and my Dad got right in!! Hooray!! 2) Rhys would get over his cold. He sounds like a full on smoker...poor baby. Unfortunately, Rhys is not better. I will be taking him to the doctor's tomorrow (basically it is the day before our new, crappy insurance kicks in). 3) Sleeping in until 10 am. No go on that one. Rhys got up at 6:30 am, I finally got him to sleep at 7:30, and Ellie woke up at 8:30. I'm thinking this could be a belated gift...Saturday is looking good to me!

My grandma made dinner. My mom made my favorite cake. I got grundles of clothes. Sadly, I also got caught in a purchase...I hate when that happens. Dan bought me the same exact shirt for my birthday that I bought a week earlier. I always try to fly under the radar when I buy something, and wear it after it has been hiding in the closet for at least a week. I was wearing the afore mentioned shirt while I opened the identical shirt today...oops!!

I could have not asked for a better day. :)

The Wednesday Whine...

2010-06-09T12:16:00.004-06:00

Birds.

Need I say more?

And That's for Calling Me a Girl!!

2010-06-07T20:40:00.004-06:00

I took Rhys to his 4 month check up...he's ginormous in weight (16 lbs. 6 oz.) and head (17 in.), but only average in stature. :)

His pediatrician kept referring to him as a she. "She's definitely healthy.", "If you could just pick her up..." I wasn't going to correct him. I knew he'd figure it out once he opened his diaper. Sure enough, the doctor opened his diaper, and Rhys peed on him. The doctor then replied, "Okay, now I see that you are actually a boy." ha ha...

Rhys has recently displayed his affection for fabric, stripes and paisley are some of his favorite. He especially likes the freshly ironed variety...

I think he got a little more than he bargained for in this picture. :) Now I need to re-iron my shirts.

Rhys' Crack

2010-05-31T23:23:00.003-06:00

What did you think it was going to be? I actually think it would be easier to break a crack addiction than a thumb sucking addiction...that thing is attached!!

Remembering...

2010-05-31T22:57:00.009-06:00

I can't remember the last time I went to the Veteran's program at the cemetery. Usually we go afterward to find Grandpa's flag, and look at the beautiful flowers grandma has arranged for his headstone. The program was very nice, and an amazing young boy sang the national anthem and another song (didn't catch the name, Rhys joined in wailing)...wowsers!

When Ellie isn't being a rotten four year old...she can actually be really tender. She was really sad last year when she realize there were babies that had been buried at the cemetery. She was even more sad when she noticed they didn't have flowers. My mom and dad bought about twenty flowers for Ellie and Lucy to distribute to babies in the cemetery. I thought it was really sweet.

Cute Lily always tries to get to Rhys. Apparently she wants to chomp down on those chubby thighs too. He was definitely loving on her though. :)

Then it was time for the great baby switch. I love Rhys' furrowed eyebrows.

Next are some photos from Ellie, photographer extraordinaire. I love photos from her view point. She then started taking pictures of headstones (camera strap and flip flop included). If you see anything "supernatural" in the picture, don't tell me. I might have to avoid the cemetery indefinitely.

Dan would like a disclaimer on this picture...he doesn't have a gut (unless you're looking from Ellie's point of view).

What the Fluff?

2010-05-30T20:24:00.011-06:00

I wasn't really familiar with cloth diapering until I had a friend cloth diaper her daughter about two years ago. It definitely peaked my interest. Once I found out I was pregnant with Rhys, I started researching it a little more. I decided I was going to cloth diaper, and any extra money I had went to buying diapers. Not only do I think cloth diapers are better, I also think they are cuter. :)

I have a variety of cloth diapers in my stash right now as I am still trying to determine what kind works best for our family. Dan prefers velcro, and I prefer snaps. Right now the stash is half and half, but with the free Bumgenius coupons floating around, I may end up with more velcro.

First up is a pocket diaper. This particular diaper is a Fuzzi Bunz. It has an insert that you place between the waterproof fabric, and the fabric that sits up against the baby's bottom. Fuzzi Bunz come in One Size with adjustable snaps (fitting newborn to toddler age) or Perfect Fit (comes in extra small, small, medium and large). Rhys is modeling the Perfect fit size small.

Next is the Bumgenius All-in-One. This diaper doesn't need any inserts, and has velcro closure. This is definitely one of the easiest to adjust from disposable, and you get a free Bumgenius with ever $10 spent on Bumgenius, Flip or Econobum purchases right now...a serious steal!!

Next is a one size Flips (a hybrid diaper). The cover is re-usable, and you really don't need to wash it unless you get poop on it. This diaper comes with inserts that you place inside the diaper, and then you just toss the insert in the wash, and replace with a new one. I currently love these diapers the most at the moment. They are super absorbant, and I've never had a leak with them yet. I actually haven't tried them yet, but this particular diaper comes with disposable inserts...I'm thinking this might be the route I take once I start work again in the fall.

Current Stash:

4 Bumgenius AIO (with four more on the way)

3 Fuzzi Bunz OS

3 Fuzzi Bunz Perfect Fit

1 Flip System (with two more covers and six more inserts on the way)

1 Thirsties AIO

2 Cutiepoops (OS pocket diapers)

2 Dreameze AIO on the way

1 BRSB AIO

I have about 1 1/2 days worth of diapers without the diapers on the way. Hopefully when I get the eight more diapers plus inserts, I'll have about 2 1/2 days worth of diapers.

Baby Boom Boom likes his cloth diapers, but isn't a fan of pictures...go figure. :)

And just one more for cuteness sake.

Celebrating Mediocrity

2010-05-29T22:12:00.007-06:00

Ellie graduated...from pre-school.

When Ellie grows up, she wants to be a doctor that delivers babies.

Grandma, Grandpa and the recent graduate

Miss Ashley. Miss Ashley gave Ellie the following note:

Ellie,

You can make anyone smile wherever you go. Your smile and laugh are contageous. You are so kind and helpful to everyone around you. I'm so lucky to have been your teacher.

Miss Sanah

Miss Jessica

Josie, Maddi, Ellie, Mia and Miss Sanah

I'm amazed at how quickly this time has flown by. Ellie will be starting kindergarten next year at my school. She has become quite the social butterfly, and on our first day of summer vacation she told me she already missed her friends from pre-school.

Dance Recital

2010-05-29T21:54:00.004-06:00

Ellie's dance recital was the week after competition. I finally got the camera to work, so I filmed the winning dance. It just made me wish I filmed the competition instead, they did tons better there (look at me being critical of four year olds...).

Grandma Gigi brought her flowers. By the way, doesn't she look cute in her sailor outfit?

Ellie, Grace and Laney. I think Dan would trade Ellie and Rhys for Laney. Yes, she really is that cute.

Dancing Queen

2010-05-29T21:05:00.009-06:00

Ellie had her first dance competition May 15th, and can I just say...they ROCKED it!! They earned first place for their age group. My camera was having issues, so I didn't bring it...but being the lucky sucker I am, my friend Heidi rattled off some pictures of Ellie. She's such a good friend. :) I also stole some pictures from Zack...lucky me, Grace was Ellie's partner during the dance.

Also, brag moment...you'll notice that Ellie is front and center. I'd like to say "that's MY girl", however, I was never that great at dancing. My grandma will tell you that I always watched Kellie D. at my dance recitals. That could be the reason I got all teary-eyed...I was SO proud (lame, I know!!).

Bless-ed

2010-05-29T20:46:00.003-06:00

Dan and I continually joked about Rhys' baby blessing...should Dan do it in baby talk? Maybe he should just break out into Rascal Flatts "My Wish"...I admit I would have been happy with either. :)

He ended up giving Mr. Rhys a wonderful blessing, and if Rhys does end up living even remotely close to the blessings Dan blessed him with...he truly will be a remarkable person.

Dan and I were only slightly rebellious by not bearing our testimonies. We like to live on the wild side. :)

We're grateful for our friends and family that were in attendance, and for those that came to our teeny tiny house.

Love

2010-05-29T20:44:00.002-06:00

Ellie adores her brother. I believe the feeling is mutual.

Holy Catch Up, Batman!

2010-05-29T20:40:00.002-06:00

Hi, total slacker here. Finished my first year of teaching...I'm going to miss those kids, well...most of them. ;) I'm excited for the summer, but was already disappointed that on the first day of summer vacation, Ellie and I were already bored. I need to find a bunch of activities for that girl. Dan says it is okay to be bored...I'm not convinced.

In other news, I finally made it back to Terra Mia after four months of avoidance. I left an extra nice tip to cover the cleaning of my amniotic fluid from the last time I ate there. :)

Well, tons of updates will follow...pictures included.

Poor Ellie

2010-04-10T21:15:00.002-06:00

To preserve Dan's sleep, he's been sleeping with Ellie while I take care of the night time wakings. One night Dan decided to sleep in our room, and this is how Ellie slept in her bed. :)

Houston, we have a smile

2010-04-10T20:53:00.001-06:00

Surviving Sister...

2010-04-10T20:45:00.007-06:00

Warning, content may be unsettling to some...

What a Chunk!!

2010-04-10T20:36:00.003-06:00

Rhys went from 8 lbs. at his two week check up to 13.2 lbs. at his two month check up. Basically, he went from this (wearing same outfit for dramatic effect):

To this:

Be Afraid...

2010-03-12T09:32:00.003-07:00

This my friends, is what it looks like when your water breaks. :)

Thanks Meagan for documenting the most humiliating day of my life in a picture. Dan and I have been laughing about that crazy day all over again. :)

Sleep Deprivation

2010-03-12T00:06:00.002-07:00

I somehow managed to send Ellie to pre-school with a dirty diaper in her backpack. :)

During one of Rhys' midnight feedings, I asked Dan to turn on the lamp. He grabbed his alarm clock, sat up, and tried using it as a remote. He then laid back down. When I asked him again to turn on the lamp. He said, "I already tried!!"

When does baby mode kick back in?

Picture Perfect

2010-02-23T20:26:00.009-07:00

So, I think it is fair to say that I enjoy my children more in picture form than in real life form these days. :)

Rhys, although very cute and cuddly, is quite the screamer. He will make it known that I am to do nothing other than be his human pacifier. I'd be lying if I said watching him actually attack a binki didn't make me nervous.

Ellie loves her little brother to pieces. She loves him so much that she can't go a minute with out planting a dozen kisses on him. Sweet, right? Not really. The worst is when I've just put him down, planning to get a few things done. Next thing you know, Ellie will walk out of my bedroom holding him while he is famously screaming!!

Ellie and Rhys recently had their pictures taken by CBCG photography. Chellese turned up the heat, and we stripped Rhys down. I think they turned out so cute, and I'm sure in the near future I will find myself locked in the office looking at these pictures, and thinking my kids sure look sweet, while Ellie is provoking her brother, and her brother is screaming bloody murder. :)

Enjoy.

And The Moral of the Story is (Rhys' birth story)....

2010-02-07T21:14:00.004-07:00

Friday night I went to dinner with some friends to a yummy place called Terra Mia. I had been having some tightness and cramping before hand, but nothing that wasn't manageable (I just chalked them up to braxton hicks). I remembered contractions with Ellie were really painful (but I was induced)!!

Anyway, I picked Meagan up at her house, and explained the contractions and everything, but told her I wasn't too worried. We got to Terra Mia, ordered our food, and we all had a really good time visiting with each other.

As the evening was winding down, Meagan suggested (yes, this is all her fault!!) we play a prank on Dan. He was worried about me going to dinner, but figured I knew more about contractions than he did. So, Meagan preyed on his worrying, called him, and said I was in the bathroom because I couldn't decide if my water had broken or if I had peed my pants. Dan said he'd keep the phone by him, called my mom to come over to watch Ellie, and was getting ready to meet us at the hospital.

I told Meagan to call him back and see what name was on the calendar for February 5th, she did. He then asked her if she was kidding, and Meagan could no longer carry on, and admitted she was teasing. He laughed it off, and continued doing what he was doing at home.

Meanwhile at the restaurant (lapsed time is about 10-15 minutes), we had stood up to leave. I started having another annoying contraction, and sat down. Not even kidding, the minute I sat down my water broke. Mind you it wasn't a trickle (probably would have been had we not pranked Dan), by the time I got to the hospital it looked as though I had jumped into a pool.

I was so mortified about leaving the restaurant, that I sat there, dumbfounded. Becky asked for a towel. Amber offered to spill water on me, Angie got the car, and Lacey had to reassure Dan that my water REALLY did break. During all of this, I was laughing so hard...seriously, what are the chances!!? Each time I laughed, more water gushed out, and every time I had a contraction MORE gushed. Then I started getting nervous thinking a waiter would walk by our table and slip in the amniotic fluid...it was AWFUL!!

Finally, I got up the nerve to stand up, and yep...even more, apparently I was packing a large aquarium in my uterus. I only had to get past a couple of tables, so the friends created a human shield, and as soon as the door was opened, I made a mad dash to the car.

Meagan drove me to the hospital, and in perfect timing, Lacey sent me a picture of the now infamous table with a "slippery when wet" sign next to it. Apparently when they told the owner (the very handsome owner who I might have a small crush on) what had happened, he had said to tell me congratulations. Once I got the picture, it gave me the giggles, and Meagan and I laughed the whole way to the hospital.

Once we got there (and after Meagan documented Niagra Falls with a picture), the contractions were a little more intense. Meagan got me a wheelchair and wheeled me up to the third floor, and waited with me until Dan got there. I owe her big time, but I'm doubting she will ever go out to eat with me again!!

Dan arrived between 8:30-8:40. I was busy telling the nurses the story, and seeing him and listening to him tell his side got me laughing again. After all the excitement had leveled, I started to feel some pretty intense contractions. I asked the nurse if I could labor in the tub...I was going to do my best to have this baby natural. She said that was fine, but she needed to check me, and get me hooked up to the IV.

She checked me, and was shocked. She assumed with the way I was carrying on a conversation that I was no more dilated than four centimeters...I was 8 1/2. She sent a nurse to get the on call doctor who was just about to begin a C-section. Not even five minutes later, I was ready to push...the doctor finally walked in, and after two pushes Rhys was born. :) He made his grand appearance at 8:58 pm. We figured we were done before Meagan even made it home.

Rhys had some minor complications: low blood sugar, he had ingested some meconium, and his breathing was wheezy. He spent the first two hours in the nursery getting tests done...poor thing had purple heels by the end of his first night.

Anyway, he is doing really well now (besides his boy parts...ugh). Ellie adores him, and so far he seems to be a pretty mellow kid. We're glad he's here.

Rhys

2010-02-07T14:16:00.003-07:00

7 lbs. 7 oz. 18 1/2 inches long

Dear Maternity Shirts,

2010-01-24T12:43:00.002-07:00

This isn't a good look for me. You make me want to cry, especially when Ellie says, "I thought that was a stretchy shirt, Mom." *sniff*

The Daily Life...

2010-01-08T23:10:00.002-07:00

1. I met with Ellie's preschool teacher a month ago. Ellie is doing fantastic. Apparently she is very social, and likes to tell stories that make the kids in her class laugh (sigh). When we got home I asked her to tell me a story that she told her class...

Ellie: I told them that my mom is going to have a baby, she has a big belly, and it is hairy.

Maybe she'll ask me to come to show & tell...

2. A couple days before Christmas, Ellie fell up the stairs. She killed one of her baby teeth. I'm in mourning. If you see her, and she smiles at you...I swear we brush her teeth religiously!! I feel like a pageant mom. I asked the dentist to paint or bleach it, and they look at me like I have five heads. I'm not entering her in any beauty competitions...I like baby teeth. I cry when my second graders lose their teeth.

Actually the horror of the story is that I saw the teeth coming in...awkward years are up a head...poor girl. I understand the need for flappers.

3. I hate tall, skinny, pregnant ladies. Seriously...must you make us average sized women feel so bad about ourselves? Have a twinkie.

4. As you can tell, no pictures of this pregnant lady are available...the baby is big. I also just noticed when I looked in the mirror, my butt wants to be proportional with my belly. I'm pretty much symmetrical.

5. I stripped down last night (in a totally non-sexual way) and asked Dan to search for stretch marks. He said he didn't see any...if I find some after this baby is born, heads will spin.

6. My 30 year old husband is playing Halo tonight. Let me repeat, he's 30.

7. Since when did Ellie become my buddy? She constantly cuddles with me, sits on my lap, and last night when she came into our room, she put her arm around me, and gave me a kiss. I think Dan is jealous. She's suffocating me.

8. I've officially decided that telling family/friends name choices is a bad idea. Everyone's a critic. As for now we have three names sporadically written on a calendar, whatever day this kiddo is born on will determine his name. Sorry if you don't like it family members, just pretend.

9. Why is it that my maternity clothes are tight in the belly, and too big in the boobs. I mean, I'm finally filling an A cup...that's got to be worth something, right?

10. Last, but not least...I'm investing in cloth diapers. Go ahead, tell me I'm gross and a granola. I've already heard it.

Christmas, No Mas

2010-01-08T22:49:00.004-07:00

Anyone notice that as the family gets bigger, more drama arises...ugh. I love Christmas, but it is getting to the point that the smaller the party, the better. :)

We were able to spend some quality time with Uncle Rory, Aunt Joni, and Shannon this year. We had a girl's night in Salt Lake, and we were able to take Shannon and Ellie to Babes in Toyland, and spend the night at Little America. Ellie loved the play, and it might need to be something Dan and I implement with her.

Christmas morning was fabulous...Ellie slept in until 9:30. I love that kid. I can remember my brother waking up at 4 am to sit among his presents. He would wake my little brother and me up too, and as soon as we got upstairs...my Dad would yell for us to go back downstairs. Thanks for nothing Aaron.

Ellie got three more baby dolls...I think our total is now up to 25. She also got a Jack-in-the-Box, and a Snow White Barbie Doll (the three things she asked for), not to mention the plethora of other gifts. The girl was spoiled this year. :)

We did get to chat to Benny. Hard to believe that he'll be coming home in four months!! I miss that kid.

"I really like dancing on stage."

2009-12-20T00:07:00.008-07:00

Apparently Ellie is a born performer. She had her Christmas Dance recital Thursday. She loves ballet, and looks forward to it every week. She's bummed that she doesn't get to go to dance until the beginning of the year. Dan and I were so proud of her...she's definitely no nonsense when it comes to dancing. :)

She also LOVED putting on makeup, and having her hair done. She told us that she looked just like Belle on Beauty and the Beast.

Here is a snippet of her first dance.

And here is part of her second dance.

Grandma GiGi brought her flowers (don't mind that her mascara smeared...Santa came, and she thought we were going to leave without seeing him).

She would still prefer to admire Santa from afar. Apparently he is welcome to bring her presents, but he can't come in the house. One of her friends from dance class waited in line with her to sit on his lap. I guess a little reassurance from someone your own age helps with fear...who knew?

Happy, Merry Whatever....

2009-12-19T23:47:00.010-07:00

So, I'm behind on pictures...possibly as far back as Ellie's birthday. I've always hated scrapbooking, and I thought I'd be better at this (outlook not so good).

Here's Ellie about six months ago, on her birthday (YIKES!!).

Low key pool party.

I think I already posted her presents, just not pictures.

Family Reunion at the farm.

Only the best waterslide ever.

She actually let me take pictures of her this year...what a difference a year makes.

Ellie wanted to be a scarecrow for Halloween. She is proudly standing by the Jack 'o' Lantern she and Dan made.

Ellie, Grace and Laney before hitting up the neighborhood for candy. Ellie really enjoyed trick or treating this year. Last year she wanted to hand out candy, and she was quite disappointed that we didn't let her go to more houses...well, next year we know. :)

Thanks for indulging me. I now feel fully caught up, and ready to move onto the next post. :)

Name that Movie....

2009-12-10T23:18:00.003-07:00

Hi Blog...

2009-12-03T17:59:00.002-07:00

It's me, Katy. I'm sure you've forgotten about me by now...let's just pretend that we skipped November this year (I'm trying to spare your feelings, here). November was uneventful anyway (I think, I didn't write anything down, so I imagine nothing happened...).

I'm already getting the, "So, when are you due?" comments, and, "Wow, you must be having a BIG baby.", and, "You still have a LONG time!!" I don't dare say that I'm actually due (I mean, I think I know) two weeks later than the February 13th I've been telling everyone. Yes, this kid will be 12 lbs....go big or go home. I plan on having a 20 lber, so I can be in the news. These kind of comments have possibly sent me into my anti-socialization mode.

My mom takes pictures of my lovely, lady lumps for Ben (I'm sure he wants to see them), but I try to erase them before I leave her house. Who needs that kind of incriminating evidence?

I still haven't told my second graders that I'm expecting. When they ask if I'm going to have a baby. I just tell them I had a big lunch...possibly a Kindergartner. Yesterday a boy in my class said, "C'mon we already know you're having a baby." to which I said, "Then quit asking me about it, Mr. Know-it-all!!" Was that too harsh?

Four year olds kind of suck rocks. I loved 1-3, but four...ugh. We've been practicing like crazy for the circus. Is four too young to join? It doesn't help that she repeats everything I say, in the same tone I said it when she's mad at me. I tell you what, if she says, "Listen to me when I'm talking to you!!" one more time, I'm gonna lose it!!

Boy names...they suck too. This kid in me, not only is he a tanker, but he is also a mover and a shaker. He often kicks Ellie. I can't wait until he is old enough to pull her hair. I've also taken up snoring. The baby and I work together to make it impossible for Dan to sleep. I snore, and the baby kicks all night (enough to shake the bed). Broken ribs are possibly in my near future.

Dan told me this year that he refuses to take the day after Thanksgiving off next year. He said he works harder that day than he would if he went to work. Everyone knows Christmas goes up the day after Thanksgiving...and if you don't...we need to have a serious chat.

Again, I apologize blog. I'll post pictures of Halloween and such when I find my camera...it is probably hiding under my bottom somewhere, but I can't really maneuver myself off the couch to see...

Ellie Rocks!!

2009-10-26T08:34:00.002-06:00

So, I've been meaning to post about Ellie for at least a week now, and being the good mom that I am...I've continued to forget about it. Well, now that she's sleeping I don't have to hear her tell me to get off the stupid computer (usually I change my mind about her awesomeness when that happens)...

Anyway, on to the reason why Ellie is the best. Last Sunday was our ward's primary program, and about four weeks before the primary president called and asked if Ellie would do this talk again. She LOVED giving/practicing that talk, so of course I was more than happy to have her do it. However, over a four week span, Ellie was sick of practicing. She would throw a couple of fits, and the only thing that would shape her up was when I would tell her I would have Grace give it (her little friend that was coming to church with us). I started thinking this was a bad idea.

Well, the day came. We invited Great Grandpa and Grandma, Grandma GiGi, Grandpa and Grandma Jessen, and Aaron's family (well Aaron called to ask if he could come, because they asked him to talk in church, and he didn't want to). Everyone was there. When it was time for Ellie's talk, I could tell she was a little nervous. That little girl of mine got up to the mic with a full audience of adults (everyone knows she doesn't like adults), and gave her talk all by herself. She rocked!! Dan even said he got a little misty eyed...he loves that baby girl.

Boy, Oh Boy

2009-10-17T08:21:00.003-06:00

On Thursday, we went to my ultrasound to find out the sex of our baby. Turns out what I thought was an umbilical cord was actually a penis (trust me, they are easy to confuse)! :P

We also found out that I am two weeks ahead of schedule...I call foul. Pretty sure I kept track of everything this time around. Ellie was an oops, and I had no idea how far along I was with her. I just think I might be pregnant with a chunk. So, the new tentative due date is February 13th. We'll see what happens.

On the way home from the doctor's office, we stopped by the health department to get our H1N1 shots. We waited for 1 1/2 hours. I was surprised how many people were there considering all the negative things I had heard about this shot. Anyway, it all went well. I got the shot and Dan and Ellie got misted, and get this....we're still alive!! :P

Book Ends

2009-10-07T17:01:00.001-06:00

Check Etsy for different listings (tennis shoes, high heels, etc.) and prices.

Locking Her Up, and Throwing Away the Key...

2009-09-11T22:56:00.003-06:00

A boy kissed Ellie at a party tonight...on the lips!! I didn't know that spin the bottle was an acceptable activity when being watched by Grandma and Grandpa. I asked my dad what she did after the little boy planted one on her, and apparently she giggled.

When I asked her about it later, she said that he was her boyfriend, it wasn't gross, and she would do it again.

So, I figure I should write down the next story in this post to embarrass her in front of her potential suitors (don't want to forget it)...

I like my baths. Nice, hot baths. Usually I'll plop Ellie in front of the TV so I can have some quiet time to myself. One day as I was relaxing in the tub. The door burst open, and there was Ellie in the buff, wearing goggles. Swimming lessons have been the end of my hot, relaxing baths.

Bridal Veil Falls

2009-09-07T22:08:00.009-06:00

I tell you what, you really don't appreciate three-day weekends until you are working...today was fabulous.

So, apparently Dan has always wanted to take "his girls" to Bridal Veil Falls, but only ever told us today, so off we went. We played it like usual and picked the path less traveled, and by less traveled I mean, are we lost? After much hiking, and listening to Ellie who hiked with no help repeat, "I can do it!!" (think Little Engine that Could), we made it to the falls.

See what I mean about path less traveled...check out Ellie. She was a powerhouse!!

After the falls, we went to Grandma and Granpa's for dinner that was topped off with Peach Cobbler (per my request). We were able to visit with Aaron, Leticia, Lucy, Lily, Grandma and Granpa Jessen, and Grandma GiGi.

Work tomorrow...grumble, grumble. :P

First Day of School

2009-09-05T16:55:00.005-06:00

I mean, "pre-school". Ellie is so adamant that I say pre-school and not school. She looks funny without a backpack, but her teacher said she didn't need one. Not to worry, she took one the next day, because all the other kids did. :)

So far Ellie hasn't had the chance to make friends. She says she has been too busy. :)

13.1 Miles at 13 Weeks!!

2009-08-23T18:25:00.004-06:00

And they still gave me an XS shirt...I almost cried!!

P.S. Sorry about the sweaty under-boob.

P.S.S. Thanks Heidi for documenting the moment in a photo for me. ;)

A Force to be Reckoned with...

2009-08-23T10:59:00.005-06:00

Miss Ellie just finished her season of soccer. Dan decided he wanted to go all out (he wanted his little girl to be into sports). I found some shin guards, soccer shorts, and cleats for a fairly decent price. Dan was so proud, and Ellie insisted on wearing her full soccer "get-up" hours before her actual game.

Here are a couple action shots for your viewing pleasure...

This little girl LOVED playing soccer. She was so excited about it, and eve scored two goals in one game. Her drive to actually play was soon lost, in her last four games she was seeking out a friend to hold hands with instead of a goal. I now need to look into dance to keep her busy...any suggestions?

Ellie's Primary Talk

2009-08-03T20:35:00.003-06:00

Ellie has wanted to give a talk in Primary for the LONGEST time, she's actually been given the assignment twice before, but we were out of town both times. Well, she finally had her chance to shine. I thought she was going to freeze up, but she did fantastic!! She memorized her talk in one day (and created her own spin on it...). I recorded her right after we got home from church. When she practiced at home, she used the squirt bottle for her microphone and set up the chairs for the audience....

This is mainly for Grandpa who missed her talk, because he was in Korea on a business trip.

You May be Mourning the Death of Michael Jackson, world....

2009-07-07T23:21:00.003-06:00

But today, Ellie is having the BEST DAY EVER!!

It actually started the day before her birthday when she received a card in the mail from Great Grandpa and Grandma Jessen with $5...she was in Heaven!! Ellie had mentioned to me that she wanted to decorate the house for her birthday, so Dan got the supplies and together we trashed the house when Ellie was asleep. The reaction was so worth it, we might do it every year!! ;)

18 hours w/no rides at the end...

2009-07-03T09:27:00.009-06:00

Well, we made it home!! On the 16th of June, we drove to Tulsa, OK for my cousin Lucas' fare-the-well (then he came out here a week later to enter the MTC....pointless vacation, you say?). We actually had a really good time, and Ellie loves hotels...especially hotels with pools. :)

The first day in Tulsa, we got pedicures. I can't remember if I told the story about the day I had a pedicure for graduation...Long story short, Ellie threw a fit, because I told her she could have one too, the lady painted her toenails, and called it good. As soon as we got outside, Ellie had a meltdown because she wanted to stick her feet in the water too!! Well, she finally got her nails done (I'll have to get the pictures from my mom's camera).

After our nails looked beautimus, we went to the Aquarium where we fed and petted the stingrays, and the turtles (well, we didn't pet them, we wanted to keep our fingers). Ellie also pet a starfish, and held a shark egg...ick.

The next day we went to Philbrook Museum. Philbrook Museum was actually at one time a mansion, it was huge!! Check out the gardens:

Saturday, we met back up with the men-folk (did I mention they went to two Kansas City Royals games?) for lunch and then later went to a farewell party for Lucas where Ellie almost drowned (which has really gotten my butt in gear for survival swimming, but we keep playing phone tag).

Sunday, we listened to a great talk by Lucas. He really will make a great missionary. Then we ate Piroskies, and headed home. Apparently Aaron has posted several sleeping pictures of me on facebook...not cool Aaron, not cool.

Much Needed Bathroom Fix-up

2009-06-25T12:00:00.004-06:00

Sorry, I fell a little out of love with blogging for a while, and I've been busy working on the bathrooms, and had a little vacation soon after.

Anyway, here are our new and improved bathrooms sans Ellie's (note to self, don't do any home improvements while angry...you just might break a mirror). I just need some vinyl lettering to cover a crack in the mirror.

I did not take any before pictures. We had knotty alder cabinents with floating mirrors and white walls (gag). We still have linoleum (double gag), but hopefully in the next couple of months we'll get some tile. *Note pictures are not the best, but the bathrooms are now dirty, and I'm not in the mood to clean just for a picture.* :P

Dan is now anxious for me to start teaching in hopes that my home projects will cease (wishful thinking).

Our bathroom:

Close up of mirror:

Downstairs bathroom:

Monkey Girl

2009-05-30T22:39:00.007-06:00

As the two year anniversary of our blog is coming up, I'm going to quickly update so I can get another blog book made (as you all know, I abhor scrapbooking).

Gymnastics was followed by an award ceremony and her very own trophy. Grandpa was able to attend while I dashed to meet with the second grade teachers for next year.

P.S. I know the leotard looks tight, poor thing is built just like her mother...long torso, and short legs!! Oh well, she'll always have bikinis!!

Mmmmm...Dirt.

2009-05-23T18:30:00.002-06:00

As we were driving home from dinner, we saw some baby cows. I reminded Ellie that Great Grandpa had some new calves at the farm. Being cheeky, I also told her we should go visit them before we eat them.

Ellie: Does grandpa kill cows at the barn?

Me: Grandpa doesn't kill the cows at the farm, he takes them to a place that does it.

Dan: They slaughter the cows.

Ellie: What does slaughter mean?

Dan: That is what it is called when they kill cows before we eat them.

Ellie (wailing): I don't want to eat animals!!

Dan: Ellie, Heavenly Father gaves us animals to eat.

Ellie: I think I'll just eat dirt.

Me: Dirt?

Dan: Animals aren't bad for you Ellie.

Ellie: I know, dirt isn't either.

Tender-hearted

2009-05-17T10:15:00.003-06:00

On Friday, my kids from student teaching had their first grade program, and Ellie came with me. We arrived a little later than planned, so we stood in the back of the gym. I stood next to a grandma and some grandkids. I put Ellie down, because let's face it...she's gettin' heavy!! I looked down at her and I saw she was fixated on something on the floor. I got a better look, and I realized it was a potato bug (rollie-pollie). The only problem, a little boy was playing with it.

Ellie watched the little boy continually run over the potato bug with his toy car. As soon as he walked away from the potato bug, Ellie hurried and swooped it up. When he returned he demanded that Ellie give him the bug back, because he had it first. Ellie hid it behind her back, but reluctantly gave it to him when he grabbed her hand. Not wanting to intervene, I just watched. The little boy continued to hit the potato bug with his car. I looked down at Ellie and her eyes had welled up with tears, so I picked up that heavy girl and hugged and love her while she cried about the poor potato bug.

I thought the one occasion was just a fluke...sure she's sweet and all, but she's a kid, right? Well, last night Dan was gone at an RSL game. Ellie and I decided to make some Muddy Buddies. She was being so good that I decided I would let her stay up a little later than planned.

I was channel surfing and stopped on Little Women on the movie channel. We were just catching the tail end of the movie when Jo returned home to be with her ailing sister Beth. Ellie was asking me lots of questions like "what's wrong with that girl in bed?", "why is she sick?", etc. When Beth died, I looked over at Ellie, and she was crying!! She looked at me and said, "This show is making me cry!!".

And I thought she only cried about going to her room!!

The Disneyland Positive/Negative Summary

2009-05-12T14:30:00.004-06:00

Negative: People
Positive: Grandma's wearing tube tops around their waists, and still covering their parts.

Negative: Lines
Positive: Fast Passes

Negative: Ellie was too short for some of the rides.
Positive: She wasn't too short for tower of terror, and yes...we did. :)

Negative: The kiddie rides.
Positive: Ellie preferred the roller coasters.

Negative: Temper tantrums
Positive: Ditching the temper tantrumees, and shopping by myself.

Negative: Long, hot days
Positive: A good night's rest

Negative: Tired and cranky
Positive: Did not contract Swine Flu ;)

Negative: Swarms of people during fireworks
Positive: Saw Angie after the fireworks...hooray!!

Negative: $5 popsicles
Positive: Eating outside of Disney, and meeting a new friend and her two kids...hooray!!

Now that you've graduated what are you going to do?

2009-05-12T13:49:00.014-06:00

Nobody asked me, so I thought I'd tell you anyway...

I'm going to Disneyland (well I did)!!

For the happiest place on Earth, there sure were a bunch of temper tantrums. I expected a couple from Ellie, and was surprised by Dan (apparently lack of sleep and no dramamine can make a motion sick person cranky)!! In fact, Ellie may have thrown less...just sayin'.

It was a nine hour drive for us. I bought a ton of activities for Ellie to do while in the car, but in the end, I'm glad we had a DVD player and silly putty.

Ellie made this hat:

First full day at Disney, can you see the excitement?

Ellie rode most of the rides like this (hiding behind one or both of us), she finally got over it once we rode on "It's a Small World".

One of Ellie's favorite rides:

Ellie at Playhouse Disney (she's cleaning up the confetti...OCD):

Dan and Ellie on one of the rides:

Another of Ellie's favorite rides (Monsters, Inc.):

Isn't this a scary thought?

Have you tried watching your 3D movies from this angle? You should totally try it.

Lovely trick:

Graduation

2009-05-12T13:26:00.007-06:00

Graduation was...well, graduation. In a nutshell it was boring, but I did get my diploma while hanging out with my friends from school (they're kind of clique-y :P ). I'll have to get some more pictures from my Mom's camera.

Photo of the Coolest Cohort (some were missing):

Steph and me (her hubby probably got a ten times better picture than mine, but it isn't a competition), and Mike in the background. Luckily I sat by those two, because they're funny, and Stephanie would fix my hat and hair, and then she would ask me to fix her's, and I would mess it up...sorry about that. :) :

The Fam, well at least Dan and Ellie. I neglected to take a picture with my mom and dad. I know, I'm horrible...they showed up to boring graduation, and have nothing to show for it. I do think I could go through everyone else's pictures and find them there.

Highlights from graduation:

Lacey brought Ellie a rollie-pollie playground.

Melodie really did wear a tiara:

Marie made me a pretty (and might I add delicious smelling) lei.
I'm officially done for the time being.
I have a job...Hooray!!

The Dress...

2009-05-03T15:14:00.005-06:00

I know you've all been anxiously waiting to see what my dress looked like, right? :P

It was a tough decision, and I appreciate everyone's input, I decided on this dress:

No worries for fans of the red dress, I found one very similar for Ellie (including gold peep toe shoes). I have pictures from graduation day with her wearing them, but she likes my shoes because they make her tall :) :

I had the green dress made for Dan, but he refused to wear it (WTH?). ;)

"Mom, I just had the funniest dream!!"

2009-04-23T09:33:00.003-06:00

Ellie called out from my bedroom this morning, "It was about potato bugs (sow bugs), and they were crawling all over in my hair."

Why do Ellie's dreams sound like my nightmares?

Yes,

2009-04-14T15:15:00.001-06:00

it really is this much fun.

Wanna Know what I hate about Easter?

2009-04-13T00:30:00.003-06:00

making dessert. I quit. Let's just say my strawberry shortcake turned into a strawberry earthquake...it was a sad day. I didn't take pictures, because my pride is hurting.

Wanna know what made me feel better?

The naughty bunny that hid Easter eggs all over our house...we had to find Ellie's big surprise, which leads me to another thing that makes me happy:
Hula Hoops!!
Ellie sang with the primary today in sacrament meeting (*sniff*), and she went up all by herself (she's getting too big!!). A couple other highlights...
My mom wasn't sick this year, so I didn't have to have Easter at my house.
Lucy didn't poop on my couch, and
Dan and I got $20 in the adult Easter Egg Hunt (pictures to come later)!! Hooray!!

Up For Vote...

2009-04-05T22:41:00.003-06:00

So, I've been on a mad hunt for a dress for graduation, and I've found myself disappointed when I've tried them on. Did you know I have nothing up top (basically I look like an eleven year old boy), and then a lot of junk in the trunk? Anyway, in my frustration my mother offered to have a dress made for me. I'm down to three options, and then once that is decided I might need help with fabric!! :) I'll add a poll on the side.

#1

#2 (short sleeved)

#3 (red, belted)

Light at the End of the Tunnel

2009-03-25T09:36:00.003-06:00

Did you know that I graduated high school nine years ago? College has been a long drawn out process. Here's the run down...

Entered college as a Sophomore.
I got a scholarship to Dixie.
I lost it the next year.
I still went to Dixie.
I wanted to go into Communication. I loved my Public Speaking class.
I took a bunch of classes, just because I could.
I graduated with my Associate of Science.
I went to UVSC.
I wanted to work in PR.
Then I wanted to be a paralegal.
Then I wanted to work with criminals.
I didn't really know what I wanted to be when I grew up, and I took a plethora of classes.
Met Dan.
Took a semester off (dating is hard work!!).
Married him.
Moved to Logan.
Took a semester off, Dan was working on gettting his GED so he could be accepted to USU.
Started at USU, and was told I could graduate in undergraduate courses.
I studied Journalism, but hated interviewing people.
Thought I wanted to be an English teacher.
My ego got prego.
Decided I didn't want to be an English teacher.
Had Ellie.
Moved back home.
Started back at UVSC when Ellie was six months.
Decided to go into education.
Took the pre-requisites.
I was accepted into the program without interviews (I just had really good grades, or they were just desperate for teachers...).
I started going full time last year.
I've done two field experiences: one in fifth, and one in third.
Just yesterday I finished my Student Teaching in first grade...YAY!!
I have two more night classes (and a lot of crap to turn in).
I graduate May 1st with a 3.7....HOORAY!!

I'm so grateful for my family and friends that have helped so much during school. I wouldn't have been able to finish if it wasn't for Grandma GiGi, mom, dad, Ben and Debra taking Ellie for me. I owe them all big time!! With a teacher's salary maybe I could buy you all a pencil? :)

What's it spell?

2009-03-22T22:05:00.001-06:00

My mom was talking about someone, and decided to shelter Ellie from one of the words she decided to use, so she spelled it, "h-e-l-l". Then Ellie chimed in with an "i-e".

I'm sensing a new nickname...

For the Talent Competition....

2009-03-21T10:34:00.004-06:00

Some of you have already seen a rendition of Ellie's "Perfect Situation", I couldn't use that one in this competition...the clip had to be 30 seconds long, so you can watch hers here (she's #9). I haven't gotten the chance to watch all the clips (it is hard trying to decipher what song these little kids are singing), however there are definitely some golden nuggets, and you can't vote for Ellie until you watch clip 7 and clip 11, you will laugh...trust me. Then when you either want to vote for 7, 9 or 11 go here.

I'm a Survivor

2009-03-17T21:34:00.007-06:00

*Situation was re-enacted for your reading/viewing pleasure.*

You bet I'm talking about me!! Everyone has a tough situation to overcome, mine came Sunday night. It went down like this...

The family was all snug in their beds. Ellie had been asleep for hours, and Dan was reading the Ensign (People magazine was waiting on my side of the bed). I was chatting with Dan about some of the day's events, for example we like to talk about how cute Ellie is (yes, we are just that obsessed with our kid).

While chatting with Dan, I started fiddling with the master bathroom doorknob. Dan told me that it wasn't working as well as it normally does. I figured that it was locking when it was supposed to be unlocked and unlocking when it was supposed to be locked. Then I fixed it, because I'm a genius like that.

Dan and I wrapped up our conversation, and I headed into the bathroom to take a bath (don't criticize, yes, I do stew in my own filth). I shut the door behind me. I then realized I forgot a towel. I went to open the door, it was locked. Now mind you, I am inside the bathroom which gives me control over the lock. I fiddled with it some more, and when it wouldn't budge I politely knocked on the door to ask Dan for some help.

What did Dan do? He laughed hysterically. I then asked him to get me a screwdriver so I could take off the doorknob. He took so long that I started using scissors instead (there are SO many wonderful things to pick a lock with in a bathroom). Finally I heard Dan go downstairs.

He came back to the door, and pushed a granola bar underneath it (isn't he funny?). He said he didn't know how long I would be in there, and he didn't want me to get hungry. It was funny at first, but 30 minutes later I started getting worried, and it may or may not have escalated toward anger (my story, I'll tell it how I want).

I started panicking...I really didn't want to have to call the fire department to have them bust down the door to find me standing in my underwear...what a sight!! No matter how long I worked on my end (because Dan was STILL thinking he was SO funny), I couldn't get the door unlocked. We tried scissors, a credit card, keys, and it wouldn't budge.

Finally, I got the doorknob off. Problem solved, right? The tongue of the door was still stuck, and I couldn't get it to move. Basically I could see Dan's eye and he could see mine. There were a couple of attempts to get the door opened that could have resulted in making one or both of us a cyclop.

An hour later, I bent the inside metal of the tongue, and when that became stuck I totally thought I was hosed, but after fiddling with the door some more it finally came out!!

Could you imagine what I would have done if that happened to me in the morning before I had to go to school? What would I have told my teacher? "Sorry, I'm locked in the bathroom and can't get out!!"

Dan wanted to take pictures during the whole ordeal, because it was just that funny (so he says), but I told him to wait for me to get out first (that, and I didn't need any pictures of me in my undies being posted on the web).

So there you have it...I'm a survivor. I lived off of a granola bar, and made useful tools out of bathroom instruments. I should have my own show. Oh, and our door is still doorknobless. Which is why Ellie was able to get this adorable photo op.

Need a Closet Organizer?

2009-03-08T22:48:00.008-06:00

To make a little extra money during this economic crisis, I am now in the closet organization business....I'll be hiring out Ellie, she does a fantastic job (shoes are not color coordinated though...she's still learning). Let me know if you are interested. ;) By the way, don't kink your neck...I've tried 10 times to rotate the picture and it isn't working...BOO HISS!!

Now if you happen to be sickingly organized, besides thinking you are OCD, I do have another option for you. Daycare provider. Ellie is really good with baby dolls, which most likely means she is terrific with real babies too...

The babies are pictured during nap time....

Oh, did you think I was done? What about those hard to reach places? Ellie can do that too (I especially detest the cupboards above the fridge...really does anyone put anything in those?

Goals

2009-03-01T10:08:00.001-07:00

Ellie: Watch this cool trick Mom!!

Me: Cool!

Ellie: Yeah, I've been practicing so I can join the circus.

ABRACADABRA!!

2009-02-24T22:47:00.002-07:00

I didn't make anything special tonight, just an easy fall back on meal (chicken, pan fried potatoes, and spinach). I always add butter to my spinach, and dump a little vinegar on top...delish.

Anyway, I told Ellie to try the spinach, because it was yummy. As usual, Ellie offered the prayer, it went like this.

Ellie: Our dear Heavenly Father, please bless the food, and please bless that this stuff (pointing to the spinach) really is good.

While eating dinner, Ellie showed us a magic trick. She would take little bites of her potatoes. She proudly exlaimed, "Look mom, I can make my potatoes disappear!!"

I responded with the usual motherly response, "Now work on making your spinach disappear..."

Ellie: ABRACADABRA!!

Me: Not like that, use your mouth.

Ellie (leaning really close to the spinach): ABRACADABRA!! Mom, it didn't work.

Who Needs a Sibling?

2009-02-23T23:18:00.006-07:00

When you have Dan, you really don't need a sibling. These two probably get in more trouble together than Ellie would if she had a sibling...

Apparently Ellie made the comment that she wished he was small enough to fit on top of the TV too. I should also mention he needed my help to get down, but that didn't happen until I got him a shirt so I could take a picture to put on the blog...priorities people!!

Sleepover

2009-02-21T10:49:00.006-07:00

It all started Friday morning when Ellie begged and pleaded not to go to daycare. I hate that. She has a good time once she is there, but she is such a home body. So for leverage, I told her we would have a sleepover downstairs, watch movies and eat pizza if she hurried and got ready. So she did it...she still wasn't happy about it, but she did it.

When I picked her up, we quickly went to get Grandma's birthday present, and then went to her house for some cake and ice cream. Finally we made it home. We moved the coffee table, put down blankets and brought down our pillows all while Dan was picking up movies, pizza and treats.

I got a request from Ellie to draw a picture of her, and then Dan on a Magna Doodle-ish thing. She was pretty impressed with my skills. She then asked me to draw a picture of myself how I looked right then. I did, but I didn't draw one very important feature. I asked her what was missing...she replied, "zits?". No, actually Ellie, it was my glasses. Someone remind me that I owe her big time once puberty hits...

We watched a little Veggie Tales, not the whole thing, because apparently parents let their kids put the DVDs in by themselves. I guess not everyone's dad is anal (we love him). We then played "Truth or Dare" followed by a pillow fight.

Oh the joy of sleepovers, we'll definitely have another one...in a year or so!! ;)

If You're Wondering...

2009-02-16T22:05:00.002-07:00

In case you were wondering why the faucet handle is sticky at my house....

Well, now you know.

Monday Funnies...

2009-02-09T20:10:00.002-07:00

Today at school, I took my class out for a PE break. I asked one of the boys to toss me their football and go long, he did. I threw it over his head. The boys had to pick their jaws up off of the ground, and one said, "I guess throwing like a girl isn't a bad thing."

My dad took today off to spend with Ellie. Last night Ellie prayed that I would have twins and grandpa would take her bowling. One prayer was answered...bowling. Apparently Ellie got a strike today without using the bumpers or the ramp. Forget gymnastics, we are going into competitive bowling!!

After bowling, grandpa took Ellie to the treehouse at the mall (he is wrapped around her little finger). Ellie had to go potty, so my dad told her she needed to go in the boy's bathroom or hold it until they got home. Ellie asked where the girl bathroom was, grandpa told her, and she walked right in before he could grab her. She did her thing, and walked out later and asked for him to button her up. I should say she HATES the boy's bathroom because it stinks and isn't pink.

Six More Weeks...

2009-02-08T14:04:00.002-07:00

First grade, what a trip!!

So, last week my teacher asked me who the new student of the month should be...It was an easy decision for me. There is this little boy in my class that is so speedy and quiet, and he does whatever I say, and did I mention he is sweet. So, of course I picked him!!

Not even TWO days later, a parent of another student in our class emailed my cooperating teacher...apparently the student of the month (that I picked) had been beating up her little boy at recess. Can I pick 'em or what!!?

More 1st grade antics:

During morning meeting we have a current events segment, a couple went down like this:

Alison: Two planes crashed into these buildings in New York.

(kids are gasping, and hands shoot up in the air)

Me: Alison, when did this happen?

Alison: Before I was born.

Me: So, would you say it was a current event?

Alison: No, I guess not.

Me: Yeah, it isn't.

Another meeting...

Easton: You can't buy guns anymore.

Jaxon: My dad hunts, he's going to be mad.

Christian: Why not?

Easton: (shrugs)

Alison: What channel was your dad watching? My dad is a hunter, and if he saw that on the news, he'd be pretty mad, and believe me I would have heard about it at breakfast this morning. So, I'm going to go home and ask him about it, and I'll get back to you tomorrow.

Me: I haven't hear anything about not being able to buy guns either, but I'll definitely be watching the news to see if I hear anything...(guess I should watch Faux News).

We also have an abundance of kidnapping, fire, and accident stories (one kid told us that his mother got in a wreck with one of the teachers...I can't wait to hear more!!).

Crimp it...Crimp it Good.

2009-02-04T20:04:00.006-07:00

First of all there is nothing wrong with the 80's (well except for shoulder pads, seriously...who thought those were a good idea?)...

Since I am not talented in the hair department (your pick...pig tails, pony tail or headband), I decided to try some oldies but goodies with Ellie.

First the crimp (very Twisted Sister, I know):

Second, the side pony tail:
(insert photo here) I have one, but I'm too lazy to clean out the memory card to find it...

Also, please tell me I'm not the only one, but when taking a photo I have to search for a clean part of the house to do it. I don't want anyone seeing the laundry on the couch, dishes in the sink, or my millions of shoes everywhere but my closet. So yes, the ONLY clean part of my house this week was the kitchen blinds.