Andy, Mycah and Will

A month later...

2011-10-30T20:24:00.002-06:00

I can't believe my little Chaser Mac is a MONTH old already! Where on earth has the time gone? We have had lots of help for the past month. The Sunday after Chase was born, my Grandpa arrived here in Arizona to help us out. It turned out to be a good thing he was here because we ended up in the ER with Chase for his jaundice. We spent two days back at the hospital while Grandpa hung out here with Will. After my Grandpa left, my Mom arrived. It was fun to have her here and for all her help. We went to the park and bought Will a tricycle! Andy had his white coat ceremony at school on October 21st. Andy's parents came down to be here for that, as well as to help out and visit Will and Chase. Everyone just left on Wednesday, and I have been adjusting to taking care of the little ones on my own. It involves a lot of tv (luckily, we have a patio. So, I can send Will "outside" without having to actually go out there myself. Even though I LOVE being outside. It's hard when one is nursing.) and Will had to learn to wipe his own bum (finally!). The dishes also don't always get done and we had grilled cheese for dinner last night and tonight...Will just ate about a kajillion crackers.

The adjustment has been going well. Chase and I had some MAJOR nursing issues in the beginning. It involved a lot of crying, mostly on my part, a phone call to the Breastfeeding hotline at 9pm and another phone call to my sister in law Becky, where I had a complete melt down and everything just started working again. Will is loving being a big "brudder". He's really just too darn sweet! He plays this little piggy with Chaser's toes while I nurse. He is always trying to get Chase to laugh. It's really the most amazing thing to see my boys. Seeing Will be so loving and concerned with Chase just melts my heart. Chase started out sleeping pretty amazingly...but the past few nights, he's been waking up about every 2-3 hours. It's taking it's toll on the old Moms over here. We'll work it out though. He's got a little while longer still to be in our room, then it's off to share a room with Will. Oh goodness, am I nervous about it! We'll cross that bridge when we get there.

In the next few weeks, we'll be missing Andy, as he has finals. That means he is going to have to STUDY! STUDY! STUDY! But, once finals are over, we get to have TWO uninterrupted weeks with him for fall break! We'll spend the first week here in Arizona, but then we'll drive up to Utah to spend Thanksgiving with family! We're excited for the next few weeks to go by so we can spend some time together!

Welp, that's our update. I'll post some pictures later...probably. hahaha

Andrew Chase Fraser has arrived!

2011-10-07T14:54:00.005-06:00

"Look! Baby Chase! Sleepin! So cute!"

Mommy and Chase!

My three boys, watching Star Wars!

Hey y'all! I thought since Chase is now a week old, I should probably post his birth story! Things have been pretty crazy, and I have been tired, so that's my excuse!

I guess you could say it all started on Wednesday. I had my weekly appointment with Dr. Clinch. When he checked me for any dilation, he says "Wow. You're a good 4 centimeters! I will be shocked if you make it to your appointment next week!" Whoa! What?! So, I picked up Will from my friends and we went to the store to get some meat I needed to make some crock pot meals to freeze. We went to the store and came home to cook dinner...when I decided I was too tired to make what I had planned and we had frozen fish instead. That night I was having some pretty intense contractions, but nothing consistent enough to head to the hospital. Thursday I took it easy, with even more contractions. I was starting to cut some chicken up when Andy came home. I looked at him and said "I think this baby is going to come, but maybe we should go get some spicy Indian food to ensure he comes sooner rather then later..." Of course, at the mention of Indian food, Andy was all over it! We went to a place near our house and I got some spicy tandoori chicken wings. They were SPICY! When we got home, we put Will to bed and Andy decided to go to bed and get some shut eye. Just in case. I stayed up watching some Law & Order and timing some contractions. They were pretty random like they had been the few days before hand, so I headed to bed. I wasn't sleeping well at all. Andy woke up and we were just hanging out while the contractions were going on. Suddenly, I had some pretty intense ones and they started getting closer together. We got our bags packed, called our friend who were going to keep Will for us and headed to the hospital! When we got there, Andy dropped me off and went to park while I checked in. I walked into admitting and they said "How can we help you?" And I said, as calm as can be, "Well, I am pretty sure I am in labor." I could see it written on their faces "Psh, yeah right chick. We'll be sending you home for sure!" They sent me to triage and the nurse came in to check on me. When she checked me, she says "Ohhh! Wow, you're dilated to a good 6...I'll call Dr. Clinch and let him know you're here!"

They took us back to labor and delivery. At this point, I had been pretty open to whatever came my way. I was still feeling pretty awesome, so I denied any pain meds for the time being. We decided to watch some free movies they had on the tv. My contractions were getting more and more intense. I just remember while they were going on I would think "UGH! This is SO painful, WHY am I doing this?" Then the contraction would end and the endorphins would kick in and I would think "Ah, that wasn't so bad. I can do this."

Around 6:30 am, Dr Clinch showed up to break my water. I was also dilated to about a 7. He looked at me and said "Ok, girl, are we doing this natural or what?" I said "...well, yeah. I can do this!" So, that was that. It was too late from then on out! My contractions got more and more intense. I was having to focus more and more on breathing. This lasted for a few hours. I was getting more and more uncomfortable. Around 10 am I started to get the urge to push. My nurse call my Doctor. He had gone to the office to see some other patients. I was able to wait for him to come, and when he came in, he was all business. I have never seen someone work so fast. "Ok! It's time. Wait for the contraction, PUSH!" I did three sets of three pushes and BAM! Chase was in the world! I kept saying "I can't do this! I can't do it!" My doctor finally said "Stop saying that. You're doing it right now!" Oh...uh, right. I ended up with a pretty bad tear because he came so quickly and he had a 14 cm head.

It was not fun at first, but here we are, one week later and I feel great! Besides the discomfort that comes from nursing (which has been a whole different battle on it's own) I have been taking some walks and trying not to sit in the same spot on the sofa all day long. But, that's hard when you're always nursing :P We've been trying to get some sleep and make sure Will doesn't feel left out of things. He loves to see "Baby Chase" sleeping and to help me change his diaper. He's been a great big brother and we're so blessed to have such wonderful boys to come to our family! We love them so much and couldn't be happier...(except if we could get a little extra shut eye!)

"Go into labor anytime now, and we don't care!"

2011-09-15T19:48:00.002-06:00

That's what my doctor said to me at my appointment yesterday! You've made it this far, any time after this is just icing on the cake. If this was my pregnancy with Will, I would have had a baby this past weekend! Thankfully, I did not! I am dilated two centimeters and about 60 % effaced. Who knows what that means right now, anyways, right? I could be dilated two centimeters for the next 3 weeks! Things have been going really great! My Grandma spent the week here with us last week. I just love having her here! She is amazing and I couldn't have asked for a better Grandma. We spent time visiting and going to the Zoo. She also took me shopping to get a few post-baby outfits that don't look like "fat clothes". We also got some things for Andy, Chase and Will. Now that she is gone, I am trying to get everything ready for Chase to be here! I am nearly finished washing baby clothes, baby blankets, baby sheets, Will things and anything else I see that might need washing! We're really excited for Chase to be here! I still can't believe we're going to be a family of FOUR! It has not fully hit me...at all. We moved Will's car seat over and are going to get the infant seat out soon. I picked up a friend and her son (who is best buds with Will. They ask to play together...everyday!) from the car shop. We had both of their car seats in the back. Every time I looked back there, I had a glimpse of what my life is to become. I am aware of how incredibly hard it is going to be to have two kids...but I don't think I am understanding it. I just hope that I can get Will to the potty and not interrupt Chase nursing at the same time! I hope I can get dinner on the table most nights and help my husband with the things he can't do because he's busy learning all he can at school. I see lots of positives from this blessing we're about to receive, but I have a secret wish...that I'll be busy enough and moving enough to loose all this baby weight...fast! But, shhhh, don't tell anyone I said that!

34 weeks? Or wait...35 weeks?

2011-08-31T15:23:00.003-06:00

I had another doctor appointment today! I am 34 1/2 weeks, but I am measuring about a week ahead. Baby has dropped, so I can now breath. Thank goodness! So far, everything is still looking great! I see my doctor again in two weeks, then after that it's once a week until baby gets here! How crazy is that?! We are getting excited to meet Chase! Will carries around his stuffed animals calling them "baby". I think he'll be a great big brother! It will take some getting used to, for all of us, but I think we can handle it!

Will uses the potty like a pro now! It's so awesome! We've been going to the pool to keep cool and playing with friends a lot lately! I hope to be able to keep up play dates once Chase gets here, so Will doesn't feel like his whole entire world has just been flipped...cause that's exactly what's happening!

We're into week three of med school. Andy is so amazing! He leaves early every morning, any time between 630 and 730, depending on the day. He doesn't usually get home until between 7-9 every night. He works so hard! He's a studying machine! He's still getting A's on his tests, which makes all the time away from him worth it! Being a single Mom is hard, but I know Andy is working his butt off so we can one day have a good life and he can help others! He's going to make a great doctor! We found out our rotation site is Tucson. We're not too thrilled about that. It means we would have to move to Tucson during his 3rd and 4th years. Hopefully he can switch with someone who has a rotation site here in the "valley" (it's a HUGE valley...we still haven't figured out WHY they actually call it a valley...) It would be nice not to have to move again in two years...then again two years after that to do a residency! We are so proud of Andy and enjoy every minute we do get to spend with him!

That's a current update to all you "readers" out there. I don't even know how many people read this thing, but I don't care. I like to go back and read things that happened a year and two years ago!

32 weeks + Frist week of Med School

2011-08-17T14:38:00.003-06:00

I am officially 32 weeks now! It's hard to believe that Chase could be here next month! I had a doctors appointment today and everything is looking good. Chase has moved down some more, but I am not dilating and everything else is in tip top shape! My grandma is coming to visit the week of Labor Day and I am so excited! I love it when she comes to see us! In the mean time-I am trying to take it easy, when I feel too tired, I rest. This is about the time I went into labor with Will and I don't want to push myself to see how far I can make it.

Andy had his first week of medical school last week. Things went really well. I think we are setting up a routine. It's a little lonely not having him around as much, but we try to keep busy with play dates and potty training (I'll get to that.) He studies pretty much every minute he isn't in class. He got an A on his first test this past Monday. I am happy to know that all that studying is paying off! It's a lot of stress on him, and he's handling it so well! He's such a great husband and Dad!

We've started potty training Will. He's into his second week, and I would say he's pretty much potty literate! He tells me when he needs to go and he goes. He loves wearing "big boy underwear" and getting a treat after he goes in the potty! I am happy I am not buying diapers for him anymore! Although, I think he would rather walk around completely naked most days. Who can blame him, it is still 107 outside these days! We look forward to cooler weather and meeting brother Chase!

30 weeks + a little piece of my mind

2011-08-04T08:56:00.005-06:00

Yesterday was a busy day! This is Andy's last week before school "starts". Really, they should just say it starts the week before it actually does. The first year students have orientations everyday, all day Tuesday-Friday. So, it's been my first week in about two months that it's just me and Will. I didn't realize he had orientations all week, when he woke up early yesterday morning and got ready to head out. I was pretty stressed out when I realized I had laundry, dirty dishes, a doctors' appointment, grocery shopping and a significant others' orientation at Andy's school...and I was going to be doing all these things by my large self! I was definitely spoiled having Andy here these last couple months. Since my stress wouldn't let me sleep, I decided to go ahead and get up, even though Will was still zonked out. I showered and got ready for the day, as well as got a couple loads of laundry started, and was working on my menu/grocery list when my little ball of sunshine woke up with a smile on his face because Mommny was right outside his door! We have Netflix now and Will had discovered "The Backyardigans". He loves the show! I put that on for him and got him some breakfast, finished my menu and list.

Then, it was time to get Will dressed and head to the doctors office. My office has a huge fish tank that Will just loved looking at. There is one fish in the tank that has a bumpy face and Will asked "Owie?" It was pretty darn cute. I was so impressed at how well Will behaved and listened at the office and during my appointment with my doctor. He was a little freaked out when I sat on the table and he was on the floor. My doctor had me scoot over and put him beside me while he checked everything. Will was fascinated with hearing the heart beat! My doctor says I am measuring right on track. Baby is head down still, so that is great news! The best news is that I only have FOUR more shots to go! He says I can be done with my shots at 35 weeks! I am so excited! My poor bum is pitiful looking and the shots hurt like a mother!

After going to the doctors' office, I had to go to the grocery store. I shop at two different stores, and I like to go as early in the day as possible. Otherwise, it's too hot and things start to go bad. It was already about 1045, so I decided to just go. Will was being great! We went to our first store and he was doing a great job. He doesn't usually like to sit in the cart, and he was being a great listener and helping me put groceries in the cart. We then went to our second store. I was nervous about this one because he usually acts up more in this store. He was great though! He sat in the cart most of the time and when he wasn't, he was standing right along side me. I hate check-out lines because they put all the candy right in a little kids face. I picked a line and Will brought me a bag of candy, which I told him he could not have, I would give him a treat at home. He yelled at me, and I bent down and was telling him we don't yell at Mommy or in the store. I happened to glace at the cashier, who gave us this annoyed look and then said to the current guest she was checking out "Oh, the melodious sound of children!" Very sarcastically. I could not believe this lady had just said that, to another guest! I was so upset, I got my cart and moved to the next open line. I have read a lot about this whole "kid-free" movement, where people who don't have kids are basically annoyed with people who do have children. It upsets me that because some people do not care how their children act in public, these people want all kids to not be allowed places. These include restaurants, stores and people are even trying to get kid-free flights. (Sorry, but I paid the same amount of money that you did for this flight. In fact, I paid more because I had to buy my TWO year old a seat!) These are people who are either empty-nesters or don't have children of their own. I can totally respect the annoyances of children (Obviously, I HAVE ONE!). I don't like it when parents just let their kids run wild. But, I am trying to teach my child how to behave and use his manners. He's a KID, he's going to act out sometimes. And I am NOT going to take my child to the parking lot and beat his bum. I was so upset when I got home, I got Will some lunch ready and wrote a letter to my local store about my disappointment. Andy walked in the door about that time, and I started telling him what happened. I burst into tears! Will had done SO well the entire day of errands! I had done so well during all the errands. I did not appreciate being treated like one of those parents who doesn't care! I did not appreciate having a cashier speak to ANOTHER guest about me. If you have a problem with the way a child is acting, SPEAK TO THEIR PARENT. And I really did not appreciate the way my child was spoken about by perfect strangers. I hope my letter does some good. It at least made me feel better in the end. Even though I totally broke down when Andy came home. I didn't realize how hurtful it really was to be treated that way.

Anyways, that's my rant and rave...sorry it's so long! If you have made it this far, you should probably earn a prize! So, here's a hug to you from me! Thanks for listening!

Wow!

2011-07-14T20:41:00.004-06:00

Wow! I can't believe it's been nearly a month since I last updated all of you! This past month in Arizona has been great! We have really been enjoying spending time together! We have a wonderful ward and absolutely love it! It's been quite warm, but we spend just about every afternoon at the pool, so it's not so bad. Our home gets super hot when I start cooking dinner...I am pretty sure any calories I consume during dinner are just replacement for the ones I burned cooking said dinner. I found a new doctor, who I LOVE! He's amazing! We celebrated the Forth of July in Sierra Vista, visiting my Aunt and Uncle. They were close to where all the wild fires were happening here in AZ, so we didn't get to see fireworks. It's ok though. We spent a lot of time getting to know their family and eating homemade ice cream! We also went to "The Town Too Tough To Die: Tombstone, AZ" We got to see the gunfight at the O.K Corral and eat at Big Nose Kate's. It's a great little town and it's fun to learn about all our favorite cowboys!

Other things that blow my mind...I just entered the THIRD trimester of this pregnancy. It's been a good one so far. Aside from the sore tush I have on a constant basis from my progesterone shots, things have been great. I definitely am smaller this time around then I was last time. I have felt a few pretty big braxton hicks contractions, but I am sure to take it fairly easy. Next week I get to take the wonderful glucose test and get my rogam shot. Joyous! We are excited for this little guy to come into our family! Will is going to be such a great big brother. He always points to my belly and says "baby?!" These next 12 weeks are going to just fly by, I am sure. I am going to get curtains made for the boys' room in the next month. I think I am going to go for a woodland creatures theme. I saw a cute spread at Babies R Us that I am pretty sure I could replicate. My grandma will be here when I am about 4 weeks away from my due date and help me clean and make meals for after the baby comes. Then, my mom will be here and then Andy's mom will come. I don't know what I will do when all our help goes back home!

Here are some pictures from our trip to Tombstone, enjoy!

Will, riding a 'horsie!"

There is my favorite cowboy in the West, Doc Holliday!

Andy, with the Earps!

Me, with Doc Holliday.

Welcome to Sunny Arizona...seriously, it's sunny here!

2011-06-21T12:15:00.003-06:00

We finally have internet, so I feel now is a good time to post about our move to Glendale! The last week before our move was an absolutely crazy time, and I am SO glad that part of our move is over! We moved on June 9th, so on June 8th, my wonderful sisters and friend Malina, came to help us clean the apartment! We got something that would have taken me all day, finished in just a few short hours. Plus, we got to spend time together. There were some teary goodbyes to my sister, Becky. It was the last time we were able to see her before the move. I also had my last appointment with Dr. Lamb. I then had to go back to the dermatologist to have stitches removed from a mole I had taken off. After we finished cleaning, we just hung out in our old place for a few hours, mostly packing the last few valuables in the car. After wards, Andy went to have dinner with an old mission companion and Will and I had dinner with one of my best friends and favorite volunteers, Lisa. (Hawaiian BBQ, yum!) When Andy got home, we shut off the lights and headed to his parents house, where we were staying the night. They were going to make the drive with us, so it only made sense to stay there...seeing as there was a bed at their house and not one at ours. When we finally got there (around 10pm) Our sister, Cassie, was there with her little girl, Kenadie. We had fun hanging out with them, even though Andy, his Dad and brother, Jake, spent most of the time reorganizing the car. After Cassie left, we all got ready for bed and tried to sleep. I think we were all so exhausted, we conked right out! We decided to take a late start in the morning, since we were up so late the night before. It was quite an exciting night! I decided I wanted to shower before going to bed. I had just cleaned a yucky house most of the day. While in the shower, the band-aid I was wearing from the dermatologists came off. So, I just left it off. I thought everything would be fine with it. After showering and having my shot, I went to give hugs to everyone. I had my hair wrapped in a towel, and the towel had my ear in it, just a little. When I went to give hugs, it must have been wrapped just enough to get tugged on because my incision popped right open! So much for the stitches! I had to butterfly bandage it up and sleep on the opposite ear!

Ok...so, to the actual move. We left around 830 on Thursday morning. We stopped at Subway for breakfast and hit the road. We were making pretty great time! It helps when you don't have any little people who need to go potty (which we're working on...that's for another time though) We stopped a couple times for gas and to just stretch out our legs (mostly mine, which kept swelling up from sitting so much) We had lunch in Hatch at the Adobe Deli. Yummy! We almost didn't go there though. Andy and his Dad were chatting so much, the completely missed the exit and didn't realize it for quite a while. Luckily, we HAD to go through Hatch to take the route we wanted, so we back tracked. I tend to get car sick on long rides. I usually fall asleep on trips so I don't end up sick. I slept most of the time after lunch and didn't wake up again until we were already in Arizona! We stopped at a Maverick for gas and I couldn't believe how hot it already was! Driving through Arizona was pretty uneventful. We made it in about 930pm, which is 1030pm in Utah time. It was still HOT outside! When we woke the next morning around 8, it was already 86 degrees outside! We were able to get all of our things moved in and we are pretty much unpacked. We are taking our sweet time because we are going to move to a different apartment in the same complex for a better view and more shade. We've spent most of our time unpacking, going to the pool, playing Mario Cart and watching movies. Will has had a hard time adjusting. We've had lots of time-outs around here. He doesn't like to eat the dinners I cook...it's been a long time since I have cooked! haha We have a really great ward and are excited about this adventure. We do feel pretty alone and miss family and friends dearly. We're excited to go to Sierra Vista on July 1st for a week to spend time with my Aunt Maureen and Uncle Jack. They are the closest family we have and we are excited to get to spend time with them! Andy doesn't start school until August, we're going to spend as much time together as we can...then he'll go MIA once school starts!

We're loving AZ and loving even more that we are getting tans!!

Fun in Bryce

2011-06-02T09:39:00.002-06:00

This past weekend, we spent time camping and being with family. This is Will with his two cute cousins, Kenadie and Melanie. They spent a lot of time together playing in Uncle Steve's truck bed.

Our family spent two days exploring Bryce Canyon National Park. This is Natural Bridge. It's not really a natural bridge, because there is no water that flows under it. It's an arch, like you would find in Arches. But, then again...Bryce Canyon isn't a real canyon.

This is a tree that is growing on the Navajo Loop Trail. It has no branches until it reaches the top of the slot canyon, and then it has branches a leaves. It was such a sight to behold. We did this hike. It was so fun. And even being pregnant, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. We did end up stopping about every 20 feet so I wouldn't run out of breath or start getting cramps.

This is our cute family (all FOUR of us!) at the entrance to Bryce Canyon. It was May 30 and the high was 45. It was pretty chilly and super windy. We came home with dry skin and wind burn.

Here is Will playing on a bench at one of the stops. This was the day is was super cold. The cliff off the side of the points are unforgiving. I was a nervous wreck anytime Will would go to the fence. With my vivid Mommy Imagination, it was not a pretty sight. But, this sweet face is just amazing!

We really enjoyed our last hoorah here in Utah. It was great to be able to take a break from life and just hang out with our family, while seeing some of the beauty Utah has to offer. Our camp site was at my brother-inlaw's cabin. In the middle of no where! And I loved it! It's totally my kind of spot! Andy, Will and I loved spending days together, uninterrupted from the phones, or tv, or computer! We are sad to be leaving Utah and our families. We are excited for this new journey in our lives and look forward to whatever The Lord has in store for us!

"You haven't been sleeping well for days."

2011-05-25T09:26:00.002-06:00

Today is the first real nice day we have had in days. It's going to reach 74 today. It's almost June. My family and friends in Georgia have had their pools open for weeks. Don't get me wrong, I love the rain. I just don't like the rain when it's also cold. I love a nice spring rain, with the windows open and the air muggy after. I am glad Mother Nature has a smile on her face today and decided it was okay to let the sun shine down on us.

Will and I went to the mall yesterday to walk around while it was raining. We just needed to get out of the house. I was feeling so on top of this move...Now that it is literally 14 days away, I am feeling SO overwhelmed! I have gone through all of the baby clothes (It's weird that most of the clothes are no longer just Will's clothes. He's gonna be handing 'em down to his new little brother!) I have them organized and put into large bins. I have gone through my clothes and organized them, as well as have had Andy go through his clothes and get them organized. I have gone through, organized and packed all of my craft desk. (Yes, I have an entire desk just for crafting and sewing) Other then that, I don't think I have done much. I still need to go through the toys, box those up, go through the pantry and throw most of it away. I do not want to pack food that probably won't last the trip anyways. Changes in elevation will cause cans to explode. That's a mess I just don't feel like dealing with at this point in my life. I would rather start over anyways, get things which are healthier and we will actually use. I think I am going to get all the books packed. Andy has school books, which I will leave for him. It feels like so much, but so little. It doesn't help that I have been sleeping horribly the last few nights. My nose is so stuffy, I can't breathe well. My hips are killing me, so it hurts to sleep on my sides. So, I end up on my back, which also hurts. I am always hot. Andy and I have battle of the thermostat. I either turn it off because the temperature is perfect inside because it's cool outside, or I turn on the AC, to cool things down. When he gets home, he turns the heat back on. I don't know why the man does it, he's a furnace as it is. It seems like every time I finally get comfortable and fall asleep, I am rushing to the bathroom! I feel like I have exploded in the last two weeks. I actually look pregnant, which is nice. I just don't enjoy the growing pains and itching.

We are so excited about this move....I am pretty nervous about starting over and making all new friends. But, at least Andy and I will be starting over together. He'll have to make all new friends too! For now, I am going to do the dishes and put some things in boxes. Then, I am taking Will outside to enjoy Mother Nature's good mood!

The Results Are In....

2011-05-15T17:24:00.002-06:00

I know, I know, you've all been waiting to hear about the gender of this baby. I have to apologize, I haven't had any time to blog since we found out on Friday. (We had one last trip to Idaho to visit Andy's sister, Nikki!). It was such a crazy day! I took Will to the park, to feed the ducks and play at the playground. That was a blast. I am afraid of Geese. And there are a ton of them at the park. I don't like to not let Will do things, just because I am afraid, or don't like something. (Which is why the child looooves peaches. Yuck!) So, we hung around the geese. Until they started getting aggressive. Not cool. Afterwards, my dear friend came over to watch Will while Andy and I headed out to the doctors office. We had the ultrasound done. The tech was actually an old neighbor of ours, so it was a lot more fun the usual. I honestly had NO idea what we were having. Last time, Andy and I could agree on names, which were all boy names. And we had a boy. So, being logical (and just trying to come up with a reason WHY I thought this baby is a girl) I thought because we had girl names picked out, we would probably having a girl. Well, this little baby is quite the mover and shaker! This baby would NOT cooperate with the tech. In fact, this baby did a complete somersault while we were trying to get a snap shot of the profile! The baby also waved at us in the first couple of minutes!

It was so cute, and great fun to get to see our little.....BOY!!!!

Yep, I am going to be even more out numbered! There were only two of you who thought we were having a boy! I am so surprised! I was completely shocked! The first words out of my mouth were "Are you kidding me?! What are we going to name this child?!" We're excited to have another little man running around our home (and to not have to buy all new clothes!) I am also glad they are far enough apart that I won't have two boys on missions!

Now...the name search begins!

Officially Utes!

2011-05-10T09:06:00.004-06:00

I wanted to post the picture above, only because I feel like it captures our family how we really act all the time. Will isn't paying any attention, Andy is trying to get Will to pay attention and I'm being goofy to keep my sanity!
Here is the graduate! We are so proud of Andy! He worked so hard in school! He received a bachelors degree in History with a minor in Business. He also completed all the requirements for medical school, which is pretty much a double major in science. We are so grateful to him for all the hard work he has put into his education. He earned good grades, studied his tuckis off and pulled more all nighters then I can even count. Now, he gets a well deserved break. Once we move, he won't have a job, which means we can just all spend some quality time with him before he goes MIA during the school year!

Thanks for all you do for our family, Andy! We love you more then you can know! (Even though I know you get pretty peeved when you leave for work and Will and I are still snoozing in the bed and I have completely taken over your side! I love you!!!)

~~~~~~~~~~

We have our ultrasound on Friday to find out the gender of this baby. We're still kind of, well, ok, we ARE at a complete loss as to what this child should be called.

For a girl we like:
Katherine-We would call her Kate. (I wonder how many of you have put it together...William and Kate?!)
Sofia-Andy threw this one out there last night, I think it's pretty cute. But, I am pretty sure it's ridiculously common.

For a boy we like:
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Charles?-(we're going with a Royal family theme here. Apparently.) Charlie is a cute name...but I don't know.

So, I guess we will see. We still have 4 1/2 months to figure out what to name his kid. I can't believe I am nearly half way through this pregnancy...and I can't believe I still have half way to go!!

History, in the making, right before our eyes!

2011-05-02T08:15:00.002-06:00

Well, I am a big history fan. I love to learn about the past. In high school, I took AP European History just because I wanted to take the class. I didn't even bother with the AP exam. Andy is a history major and I love hearing about all the things he is learning about. It's so fascinating. This past weekend has really made me reflect on history. With the wonderful Royal Wedding of Prince William and Princess Catherine, I was completely enthralled. I love British History. You can't learned about British history without learning about the rest of the world. They really were a total powerhouse (Until some Americans decided being free was better and totally kicked their butts! It's ok, we're the favorite ex-colony of Britain!) I actually debated staying up until 2 am to watch the entire wedding. Then, I realized it would be shown all day long, and I needed to do laundry. What's better then watching a Royal wedding and folding your undies? It was so fun to watch all the tradition! Reading about Royal weddings of many different Kings and Princes is much different then watching it. While there were obvious modernizations, I loved watching history in the making before my very eyes! It was such a treat for me to watch everything I have read about in the past. It was a real treat for me!

(Andy and I actually really love the name Catherine. Can you imagine if we have a girl and name her Catherine? We'd have a Will and Kate...bahahahahah!)

Last night, we were watching SVU (a guilty pleasure of mine). Andy was online. He turned to me and said "Have you seen the news? Osama bin Laden is dead." WHAT?! There is no way! How can that be?! So, we turned on FOX News and sure enough, there it was, in big, bold letters. "OSAMA BIN LADEN DEAD!" Osama bin Laden is actually dead?! I was 13 when he sent two air planes into the Twin Towers. I was late for school. (I was actually waiting on my mom to take me) I sat on our coffee table and watched the billowing smoke from the first tower. I walked into class and told my teacher, one minute later, our Principal came on the loud speaker and asked all the teachers to turn on the TV. We watched as they replayed the second plane crashing into the second building. Many of my friends checked out of school, their parents afraid that Atlanta (Delta Airlines Hub) would be next, or they had family in New York City. I have never actually been afraid for my safety until that day. My mom had the front page of the paper laminated the next day. For ten years now, our country has been fighting a war and searching for the man who was responsible for the death of so many American's.

It seems surreal to me, to be sure. But, I do think that credit is due where credit is earned. To all the men, woman and children who were lost on September 11, 2001, may peace be with you this day! To their families, may you also feel peace. May you feel a little bit of justice, which you so rightly deserve. To the men and woman who have bravely fought for our country, our safety and justice, may you know how grateful I am to you. Today is a great day to be an American. Today, I will wear red, white and blue. Because I am proud to be an American.

So, while you are going about your day, maybe take a moment and reflect on all the history that has happened in your lifetime. While history is amazing, it's even more amazing to me that my children will read about something I lived through.

Are we absolutely CrAzY?!

2011-04-26T08:35:00.006-06:00

Well, the place we were going to live ended up being too good to be true. After I called them to confirm our move in time, the lady told me "Yes, we have you. You'll be getting our move-in special. First and last month free, as well as no security deposit OR move-in fees." Wow, really? That's...awesome! So, I told Andy. He was shocked. The more he thought about it, the more we realized this may be too good to be true. I had looked up the reviews on the complex. I did think it was a little odd that the reviews were mostly glowing and that they were just from about January. So, I dug a little deeper. I learned that the complex recently changed it's name (in December-ish) and the reviews I found for the old name were....less then glowing. Let's just say, we didn't feel comfortable living somewhere like that with Andy being gone 12+ hours a day. I was more then disappointed. I had done so much work to find this place. I guess my lesson is learned.

We weren't sure what we were going to do! My step-mom has family in Mesa, maybe we can stay with them while we try to find somewhere to live. Except we don't know them at all. It might be a little awkward. I was determined to find us a new place to live. I used a different search site and found a few places. We decided if we wanted something worth living in which had a good, safe reputation, we were going to need to pay more then we had originally planned. I was also ready to be disappointed. I not only searched reviews, but I searched Family Watchdog. The national sex offender registry. It not only tells you which offenders live in your area, but it also gives overall ratings for your area in categories like forced rape, murder/manslaughter, robbery/burglary, ect. While this doesn't seem like something fun, it is really important to us to live in a safe area. So, I contacted a place via e-mail. I was completely shocked when they called me back within the hour. This neighborhood is closer to the school, it is a gated community with an access card, they do monthly activities for the families, they have three swimming pools, two spas, a 24 hour fitness center and so much more! We decided this was an answer to prayer. We'd been praying hard, too. We figured if the Lord wanted us there, he would help provide a way. We were able to get approved and assigned an apartment the next day. They do rigorous background and credit checks. Which we passed. They also do a rental history check. I am absolutely willing to go through these steps in order to live somewhere I feel safe. We are very grateful The Lord sees fit to guide us in our lives.

So, I know you're wondering, geesh, enough talking already. But, I still have to tell you why we are absolutely CrAzY! You all know, we recently bought a VW Passat Wagon. We love this car, but it's falling apart before our eyes. The one thing we can't afford is to move, living off savings until August and have our car breakdown. We have been praying about it and we finally decided we would look into buying a new car. Not brand new, but something we knew would be safe. We were worried about paying rent, food and taking on a car payment. We searched online to see if there were cars which we would be able to afford, with good gas mileage and a great car fax report. Again, we figured if it was meant to be, the Lord would provide a way. We found a couple crossover cars which fit our needs. Last night, we test drove them both. One was a Buick Rendezvous and the other was a Chrysler Pacifica. We were pretty disappointed with the Buick. It was pretty trashed on the inside. We want something which will last. Andy went to the other dealership and brought the Chrysler to me at work. Let's just say, it was love at first site. I couldn't believe there was this wonderful car, right in front of me, with everything we need and we could afford it. I drove it around town. It drives as great as it looks! Well...you're looking at the new owners of a 2006 Chrysler Pacifica!

See, I told you were were crazy!

What do YOU think we will have?

2011-04-20T19:31:00.003-06:00

I had another doctor appointment yesterday. Baby's heart sounds great! I talked with Dr. Lamb about my hip pain, my radical emotions AND the fact that I have lost six pounds since becoming pregnant. Oh, and that little bit about my progesterone shots. Well, my hip pain is normal...rest more. My radical emotions? While not typical for me, it's normal when pregnant. Loosing six pounds? Well, it's not unusual to loose weight. Someone brought up to me today that maybe I am having twins...Ekkk! We talked about new developments with the progesterone shots. I will be able to have them! That means NO bed rest starting in July for me! That means NO bed at all.
I set up my next appointment for May. I will be meeting with the High Risk Specialist at Millcreek Maternal-Fetal department as well as having my ultrasound done to find out what we are having! We are really excited and grateful to know what we are having before we make the big move to Phoenix!

Speaking of Phoenix...We officially have a place to live! We got a slammin' deal on some great apartments in the Phoenix area. I also have an appointment June 10 with the Doctor. So, I am hoping we can leave on the 11th. Or even after my appointment on the 10th. It's crazy to me to think we won't be living in Utah anymore. I have to say, with the weather being as it has been for the last, I don't know, MONTH, I am ready for a little dash of sunshine in my life. I have already started getting some things organized and just keeping up with some deep cleaning so it's not as much to do when we actually empty our place out. The Ronald McDonald House has been our home for nearly two years. It will be sad to leave the wonderful people we are able to meet here. That being said, I am also SO ready and excited for this new adventure of ours! It will exciting to have Andy for the summer, just with us! We're excited to have a new baby and work our way towards being 'real' adults!! Who knows, maybe we'll just stay a young, hip family forever ;)

As far as what we will be having in October, I have no idea! Sometimes I think "oh, a girl would be fun...but not if she ends up with an attitude..." "Boys are great...plus, I already have everything I need!" But, only the Lord knows for now. What you all think? I know some of you have a 6th sense about these things. I usually do, but this pregnancy is doing crazy things with my mind!

It's been an exciting time!

2011-04-06T17:50:00.004-06:00

It's been a week since we made the final decision to attend Midwestern University and I have been VERY busy! I have decided I will be going through all of our things and getting rid of a bunch of JUNK, including my clothes I will probably never be able to wear again. I was doing some wishful thinking, don't judge me. I have also been busy finding us somewhere to live. At first, we wanted to BUY a house. The market is really soft down in Arizona right now and we could actually save some money with a small mortgage. Unfortunately, reality hit and we realized there is no way we could find a house and move into it...all in TWO months. So, we decided that renting an apartment or house right now would be the best option for our family. It will give us a chance to get to know the area and check out some places ourselves.

So, I have found some places to check out. And by "check out", I mean "This place has great reviews and the pictures are legit...let's apply". But, really, I spent the WHOLE day yesterday at the computer, compiling "pros and cons" lists of our top 6 places. I mean, I hooked the computer up at the kitchen table, turned on some Jimmy Buffett, and gave Will some paper and crayons. Of course, Will wanted to draw on the table. While we don't have the nicest table on the block, I still take pride in the little space I have on that table which isn't covered by Andy's school books and my borrowed Work and The Glory series. So, I taped about 10 sheets of blank paper to Will's half of the table and let him go at it! He LOVED it. I couldn't believe my stroke of genius! Last night, Andy and I went through the list and picked our top three to apply to. THAT is what I will be spending my day on today. We are SO excited to go to Arizona! We are so ready to be OUT of Utah winters, which last entirely too long. We are so excited to be on this adventure of building our lives and our family!

In other news, namely, WILL...We ordered him a big boy bed over the weekend! He was looking so cramped in his crib. We were going to wait until we move, but we decided that might be TOO much change at one time. We got a very cute bed from the internet. It's not very high, it's maybe 6-8 inches from the floor, and you just use a crib mattress. Well, it came yesterday. I thought we would wait to use it until the weekend, but Andy put it together last night, with the help of Will! It was so cute to see them working together! I love my family! One thing Will loves to do is 'pretend sleep'. He will lay down almost anywhere, squint his eyes shut, and proceed to snore. I told Andy that Will would probably do that when the bed was all finished...I was so right! The first thing he did was get under his blanket and snore! We have raised a "jumping child". We let him jump on the couch, our bed, the big chair and his crib. Well, now we let him jump on his BIG BOY BED! Last night was our first night. We were pretty laid back about it. We stuck to our normal routine. I let him climb into bed on his own, tucked him in and said a prayer with him. I turned out the lights and shut the door. He opened it about 5 minutes later, and Andy went in to put him back down. He came out two more times. The last time, with his horse in hand and he actually walked all the way into the living room. Andy told him "William RAY. You get back in your bed." Will then started to cry. I took him in bed, realized his noise maker was on the wrong setting, changed it, wiped away some tears, asked Heavenly Father to help Will to sleep and give me and Andy patience through this transition. I kissed him good night and walked away. He didn't make a peep the rest of the night. I woke up to use the bathroom at about 3am, peeked in at him and he was in the middle of the floor. I just put him back in his bed. I am grateful that our first night was a success! I think the fact that we were so laid back about it and that Will actually helped put the bed together and saw Daddy put his crib mattress from his crib into his bed helped a lot. It was only the first night, we still have our first nap time and night 2 ahead of us. BUT, I have faith that we can do this! It will be wonderful!

The FINAL decision!

2011-03-30T15:01:00.003-06:00

Andy spent last weekend in Erie, Pennsylvania and Lebanon, Oregon interviewing at some schools. (Well, he actually over slept for his interview in Oregon. So, instead he played at the coast and enjoyed fresh clam chowder and halibut. I was quite jealous!!)

Now that he has seen all the schools...we've made a decision of where we would like to live for the next four years! We're going to Glendale, Arizona! We'll be moving sometime this summer. I prefer the sooner the better. Seeing as I will be about six months pregnant and it will be SUMMER...in ARIZONA! But, we can't move until we find a place to live. Duh. Something about having a roof over our heads is kind of a big deal! We know this is the right choice for our family. This school has just been at the fore-front every step of the way...and not by our doing. We actually saved it for last...and they always got back to us first! There are plenty of homes in the area for us to either rent or buy. The school itself is great! There is still a large LDS community, which will be good for me. Hopefully, I won't end up on bed rest and won't NEED the ward as much as I think. Our old ward was great last time I did bed rest and I can only pray that our new ward is willing to help us out if we need it! It all just feels right and I am actually...EXCITED! I can't wait for this next phase in our lives! We're grateful for a Heavenly Father who leads us on the right path!

(And I'd be REALLY grateful if Will would take his nap already!)

"Mom...Mom...MOM!"

2011-03-27T20:41:00.002-06:00

So, Will uses my name. ALL THE TIME! It's seriously the cutest thing I have ever heard in my whole life.

Here is an example of Will:

Will:"Mom? Cookie?"
Me:"No, Will, we aren't going to have any cookies."
W:"Mom? Choco?"(Chocolate)
M:"No, Will, no chocolate right now. Maybe after lunch."
W:"Mom? Orange?"
M:"Will, we're going to have lunch in an hour. Just wait, ok?"
W:"Ok."

Five minutes elapse...
W:"Mom? Nusnack?" (Fruit snacks. I bought some super yummy ones and I think he is addicted.)
M:"Will, no more food right now. Ok?"
W:"Ok, Mom? Apple?"
M:"Hey, Will, let's start making lunch!"

So, he does this ALL the time. Multiple times a day. I love it! Tonight, I was sitting with Andy, asking him if he would take out the garbage and help me with the recycle bins when Will walks up and says:

"Mom? Cookie? Choco? Orange? Apple?"

He didn't even wait for me to say "No, not right now." He just went through the list of things he loves to eat! It was the funniest thing ever! Andy and I were just dying, we were laughing SO hard! I love this kid and I can't get enough of him!!

Baby Update!

2011-03-23T15:09:00.003-06:00

Today I FINALLY got to see our new little munchkin! Everything is looking great! The baby has a nice strong heartbeat and was full of the wiggles! Dr. Lamb (I know, it's such a coincidence that his name is Lamb. And he delivers babies...) had a hard time getting a good shot because it kept moving! Andy couldn't get off work, so I went alone. My doctor had another patient in LABOR, so he had to leave in the middle of my appointment to make some phone calls.

We talked about my high risk state. Because I had Will early, for no real reason, I get to be put in the high risk category. Joy. They have these really amazing shots, called Progesterone. You go into the office once a week for weeks 17-37 and they give you this shot in the stomach. These shots have a great success rate as far as preventing pre-term labor. I am the perfect candidate for these shots because I pretty much went into labor for no known reason. The only problem with these shots is the patent for them has been purchased by a company who is charging $1,500 PER SHOT. And you get TWENTY SHOTS. Obviously, that is NOT affordable. It comes out to about $30,000. That is almost 6 times the price of delivery. If I can't get these shots, there are obviously other options, but none as successful as these shots. There are some pills I could take. Realistically, if I can't have these shots, I am looking at starting bed rest in JULY. Yes, 3 months of bed rest. With a two year old. In a new town. So, if you pray, please pray that these shots will be affordable and I will not have to go on three months of bed rest.

So, baby #2 is healthy and active and we couldn't be happier! Next month, I see Dr. Lamb and a high-risk specialist who will talk with me more about my options. Hopefully they give me good news!

What was I supposed to be doing?!

2011-03-18T09:46:00.002-06:00

This pregnancy has been very different from my first. I don't know if it is because I already have one child, or what, but it is something totally new for me. Some of the biggest differences are how tired I really am, many foods do not sound appetizing to me, I can only eat very small meals at a time or I feel sick the rest of the day. Although I haven't been physically sick in about 3 weeks, I was violently ill for a while there and still get a weak stomach on a daily basis. My dreams have also been much more vivid and...CRAZY this time around.

All of those are much different, but the biggest change is my memory. I can't remember anything. My brain feels like mush. I really feel like Chef Anne Burrell has taken my brain, put it in her beloved food mill, and food milled my brain. Then, she took said brain and put it back in my skull.

Here are some examples of my loss of short term memory:

When Andy had to go to to Florida for his interview, I had to pick him up from school. He had called me earlier in the morning to tell me that he would need to go to Smith's and pick up some things for his stay and he needed to go to the UPS store to send something back to amazon.com. That was fine. So, I picked Andy up and took him to the UPS store. As we were leaving, I was pulling out of the parking lot, turning right. I should have been turning left. Andy didn't say anything. We get to the street our house is on and he says "You're turning right?" Um, yes, I am. Thanks for noticing my blinker..."Where are you going?" Why, I am going home, to drop you off and go to WinCo. "Don't you remember? I have to go to Smith's?" WHAT!? No, I didn't remember. Why didn't you say something when I turned right out of the parking lot instead of left? Of course, he thought I was going to the OTHER Smith's, which I never shop at because I don't like it. So, instead of turning to go home, I turned to go back the way I came. I was stopped at the first stop sign I came to...waiting for said stop sign to turn green.

In case you all didn't catch that, I waited for the stop SIGN to turn GREEN. I sat there for a good 5 minutes before I realized "This isn't a light...."

I should start making a list for my day. I constantly forget things at the store. I forget conversations I have had just the day before. I forget the keys to the office on a daily basis. ( Good thing I have a spare. Or my boss would hate me for calling her every time I lock myself out.)

Well, although I don't remember much, I do know Spring is coming! I am so excited for all the flowers and plants to come up! It will be a wonderful season and I plan to enjoy it with walks and days spent at the park!

Will-isms

2011-03-08T09:16:00.003-07:00

We are in the 'terrible two's' stage of life with Will. I keep reminding myself of a psych class I took in which the professor told us that the more 'terrible' a toddler is, the better person they become as children, teens and adults. It means they know what they want, whether they know how to express that or not. It means they naturally question life. So, let's hope my professor was right, and Will ends up being the greatest mind on Earth. We've been going through some tough patches lately. First, there is the throwing yourself on the ground and screaming. If that doesn't work, there is the "NOO!!!!". Obviously, I don't talk to Will in that tone of voice...unless he resorts to number three, which is hitting.

It usually goes a little something like this:

Mom: "Will, please don't climb up there."

Will: "Shhh!" Continues to climb on the top of the sofa.

M: "William, I am going to count. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Now, get down!"

W: Throws self onto the couch and begins to cry.

M: "Will, you don't need to cry. It's not safe on the top of the couch. You can jump on the cushion, but not on the top."

W: Continues crying.

M: Goes to pick Will up because he is so pitiful.

W: "NOOOO!" Raises hand back to strike.

M: Grabs hand. "NO! We don't hit. It's not nice!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I post this scenario to introduce our evening last night.

I had just gotten off work and Will was standing, stark naked, with Andy. It was right after his bath and Andy was making sure he was all lotioned up because Will has dry skin just like Andy. I sat down on the floor next to them and Andy said "Will, tell Momma your new word." I looked at them and Andy had Will's hand, palm up, and said "Will, what are these?" I was a little confused and then Will said "Wrinkles!" I thought it was the cutest thing! He has what we like to call "old man hands". Once I had Will in his jams, he pointed at my glasses and said "Wusat? Eyes?" Yes, those are my eyes, now don't touch them! He then points to my chin, where I have a mole. It's almost flesh colored, so it surprised me that he noticed it. He points to it and said "Wusat?" I said "That's a mole." He says "Caca?!" Andy covered his face laughing, I swatted at him and Will says "Be nice!"

The moral of this story is this: Be the example you want for your kids, because they are watching you more closely then you realize!

Midwestern

2011-03-04T10:02:00.002-07:00

Andy was accepted at Midwestern in Arizona! We are so excited! We still aren't sure if that is where we will end up, BUT we now have an option! Andy really liked the school, and believe it or not, Arizona has grown on me. I have had a good feeling about going there for a while. (Maybe it's because we could actually afford to live AND eat. Not one or the other...) Anyways, he just got back from his interview in Florida and he leaves on the 23rd for his interviews in Pennsylvania and Oregon. So, we shall see...our choices are still all over the place. It is so crazy that this time is actually here! We always talked about 'when we go to medical school....' and it always seemed to be YEARS away. But, HERE it is!

~~~~

I just wanted to post some cute things Will does now:

1. He LOVES to jump on the bed. Or the chair. Or the couch. Basically, if he can bounce on it, he will jump on it.

2. My friend came by the house the other day while I was working. She brought her new baby Claire and her dog Bronco. Will loves dogs. When we were leaving Bronco, Will said "Bye Bye Bronco!" What?! Did you really just say Bronco? I only said his name once! It was so cute!

3. He is such an eater now. Every morning he eats his breakfast, then 30 minutes later he is asking for food. "Mama, manna, pleeeeese?" (Manna is banana, I am sure it tastes better then manna, although you would think it was from heaven the way he eats it!) "Mama? Nunch? Pleeeeeeeeeeese?" He's so fun to talk with now. I love it!

4. He loooooves to watch fish. We have a salt water tank here at the house, and when he comes out, he goes straight to the fish.

5. He always asks "Wusat?" He will point at something or bring it to me and ask "Wusat?" I love that he is exploring the world around him! It's so fun!

Where will this baby be born?!

2011-02-26T12:03:00.003-07:00

That's right everyone, we're having baby #2! Due October 7th! It works out perfect because we will be settled...wherever we go! This baby could be born in Arizona, Florida, Pennsylvania or Oregon! I have felt pretty great...scratch that, I feel like poo. Don't come to my house, you'll think I am a complete slob. I know Andy does. But it's not my fault. I am sick ALL the time! I go from feeling like I am going to loose all my breakfast to feeling like I haven't had any food since last Monday. Don't ask me what I want to eat, because everything sounds gross to me.

But hey, that's alright. This is the first and only post I will be complaining about this little life inside of me! Andy wants another boy...but my gut tells me it's a girl. (Could be because I wasn't even close to being this sick with Will....)

Arizona

2011-02-20T19:33:00.005-07:00

I am trying to be better about posting on here. I know, I know, I am HORRIBLE at posting pictures. BUT, at least you're all getting a little something! This past week has been pretty crazy! Andy had to work the past two Sunday's, so I was at church solo, with Will. Who thought it was cool to be crazy. To which I replied that it wasn't, and we spent sacrament in the mother's room with the speakers on. Will couldn't play with toys or eat any snacks. I'm such a mean mom! Andy and I both had work Sun-Wednesday.

We woke up "early" on Thursday. By early, I mean we got up around 730, and finished packing so we could go to Arizona! It was just the two of us, but Will was staying with his cousins, so we still had to pack his stuff. We dropped Will off around 1030 am. Only about an hour and a half later then we wanted to, but hey, who cares? We finally hit the road about 11. We took the scenic route, and drove down through Kanab and Lake Powell. We stopped off at Glen Canyon Dam and took some pictures. Standing on the bridge above the dam was NOT really my idea of fun. Every time a car drove by, the bridge would shake. I fear in my old age, I am becoming quite the "sissy". We hit the road again. We drove down through Page, AZ. It's pretty much reservation country, there is a whole lot of nothing and some mountains. It's quite gorgeous, which is shocking coming from me! When night came on, it was fitting for the moon to be big, bright and FULL. All we needed was to hear the coyotes (You man say it "Ky-o-tee" or Ky-yote", depending on where you are from. Just know, they are the same animal. I had to finally ask the difference before I realized it was the same animal!) We made it to our friends' house around 10-1030ish, which is making very good time. Andy had to wake up early and be to Midwestern University by 7:45 am. I slept in. Well, not really, but I tried. Andy had his interview and I hung out with Lisa and Lauren. We went to the outlets and did some window shopping, though I was tempted to by a gardening book for 6 bucks. We then went home when the boys got home. Andy said his interview went well. He really likes the campus and the school does really well on the board exams and such. He was told that it will be really hard on his wife and family because he will spend any and all time he can IN school, STUDYING. We figure this can't be much different then the life we already live, we just won't be tied down to a job! We will figure out a way to spend some time together once he is in school. Lots of families go to the campus and have lunch or dinner with Dad, so I see that being a possibility. We will just have to see how it goes. We all took a 30 min 'cat-nap', then went on "a walk, down a trail". I say this in quotes because it was anything BUT a walk and it was most definitely not just a trail. It ended up being some pretty steep hiking and a lot longer then we thought it would be. But, the view from the top was amazing! We could see the whole valley of Phoenix pretty well. We went to eat at this mexican restaurant, which seemed pretty sketch at first, but ended up having pretty great food. We went home and watch Despicable Me. It's pretty funny. We all crashed about 930. Lame, I know. Saturday we got on the road around 8am and drove back home. We hit snow in Flagstaff, and again in between Lake Powell and Kanab. The snow in Kanab was pretty bad, we were only driving about 25-30 mph. We finally got home around 8.

It was a lot of fun, and a wirl-wind trip, that is for sure. We missed Will a ton, and were glad to be back home together again! Andy still has three more interviews, but I won't be going with him on those ones. He has one in Florida on March 1, one in Lake Erie, PA on March 25, and this is the kicker, he has one on March 26th on Lebanon, OR! He's going to fly from SL to Lake Erie on the 24th, then on the 25th after his interview at LECOM, he'll fly from Lake Erie to Portland, drive to Lebanon, interview on the 26th, then fly home on the 27th out of Portland again. OYE VEY! He's wonderful and we are so proud to call him hot hubby and Daddy!

WELCOME 2011!

2011-01-31T19:02:00.002-07:00

So, updates for our year so far!

1)Will turned TWO! Can you believe it? We celebrated with a big family party, which including all the other January birthdays! Will got an Elmo potty to start becoming interested in potty training. We won't start yet, we're just hoping he becomes familiar with it. He also got a Leap Pad, a Thomas the Train Set, Elmo movies and money to go to Hire's. He was basically spoiled rotten! We love that little man! His stats were: 34 1/2 inches and 22.7 pounds. That's right, he's on the chart, officially!

2)We finished all the secondary applications for medical school! We're just waiting to hear back from them about whether we get to interview or not. (When I say 'we' I really mean Andy, but I'm involved as well!)

3) We've heard back from Nova Southeastern in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla, they want to interview! That's set up for Feb. 17th. We'll let you all know how that goes.

4) We've heard back from Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona. They also want to interview! That's set up for April 4th. We'll let you know how THAT one goes, too!

Things have been going really great around here. Will is getting so big, talking up a storm. Andy is doing really well in school. We're so glad this is his last semester! Hopefully, when he is in school, I'll be able to go back as well. I still want to do Landscaping. I am not sure if I want to do the design part of it or the science part of it yet. We'll see once that happens. We've been having lots of play dates with friends and family. Soaking up as much time with them as we can. It's crazy knowing you're moving, but having no idea when exactly or WHERE, for that matter! I know the Lord sees us and watches out for us and knows what is best for us! If we could just get a little hint, that would be nice!!

Join Me!

2011-01-11T19:51:00.003-07:00

I'm not usually one for New Year's Resolutions...but I do like to set goals. I usually have the typical goals, work out more, eat healthier, help others, self-improvement...yada, yada.

As you all know, I love to read. I am a goodreads member. They are doing a "Goodreads reading Challenge for 2011". Basically, you commit to read a certain number of books for the year of 2011. I love goodreads. It's a great tool to find new books and talk with others about novels you read when you don't have time to join a book club. This year I committed to read 24 books. That's 2 a month. Can I do it? You bet. Will I love it? You bet. The question is...Can I keep my house clean and child entertained at the same time? Probably. I have already read one this year. "The Six Wives of Henry VIII" and it was great! I love history, so this was a perfect fit for me.

Reading is fundamental...but it's also just fun!

Top 10 of 2010

2011-01-01T14:43:00.003-07:00

I have spoken with quite a few friends who seem to have had a horrible 2010...I find that very sad. This year has been very exciting and fun for us, we've had our ups and downs, sure, but it's been a great year! With our Christmas cards this year, we only sent out a picture, no Fraser Family Top 10. So, I thought I would do our Top 10 on the blog instead. Growing up, I have learned to NOT dwell on the negative, and it pleases me to say that all I seem to remember about 2010 are the good things. I think it's important for us all to realize that good comes out of every trial or triumph we go through.

So, here's a cheers to you, 2010:

10. We celebrated Will's FIRST birthday on January 25th. He has grown SO much since then, but there is only one first.

9. We used our tax return to buy camping gear galore! And we were able to put it to good use. If I could put each trip as a top 10, I would, but it would take up all the spaces!

8. We sold our Malibu and...bought a VW Passat wagon! And it was relatively painless, and we didn't pick up a car payment either.

7. We spent our first summer driving all over the state of Utah and Idaho and Wyoming and Montana camping and prancing around in nature. Camping is our favorite American Past-time and we can't wait to see where 2011 takes us for new camping adventures.

6. I took an herbs class and grew a bunch of my own herbs and learned how to dry and store them properly.

5. Andy finished his last fall semester of his undergrad, AND got all A's with one B!

4. Will started talking...and then he kind of took off with it. I realized we needed to watch what we said in front of him when he copied me saying "butt". Oops!

3. I decided to learn how to speak French...random, I know, but I want to learn. And it's been really fun.

2. We applied to eighteen medical schools, heard from sixteen of them that they wanted secondary applications, chose thirteen to continue applying to, and have a loan just for the application process of medical school.

1. We went to Disneyland for the first time as a family. We had a blast! And we're planning a Disneyworld trip for 4 years from now!

2010 was full of so many fun memories and we can't wait to see what 2011 has in store for us! Andy will graduate, we'll move away to somewhere, Andy will start medical school, Will is going to continue to grow and I am sure there are MANY surprises in there somewhere!

So, 2010, here's to you! Thanks for a great year with lots of memories and fun! It was a great year and you deserve and nice pat on the back!

Happy New Year everyone! Let's make 2011 even better then 2010!

'Tis the Season

2010-12-24T10:19:00.002-07:00

"It is a fair, even-handed, noble adjustment of things, that while there is infection in disease and sorrow, there is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good-humour." ~Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol"

We love Christmas in this house! . Tonight we will be starting a new tradition of fish for Christmas Eve dinner, then going to see the lights. We'll go to Temple Square because it's only 9 blocks away. I think Will is going to love the lights this year! He sure is obsessed with the ones on our tree :) This is most likely our last Christmas in Utah for awhile, and let me just say, I'm pretty miffed there is NO snow. What's up with that? I tried to teach Will about Santa this year. He didn't really get it. Oh well. Andy and I are trying to integrate our family traditions, while also creating some of our own. Andy's family eats Christmas Eve dinner by candle light, which is something we have been doing. My family opens one gift on Christmas Eve, which is something we do. Some of our own traditions are having fish for dinner and handing out gifts to our neighbors on Christmas Eve. We also like to invite friends over for Christmas Eve dinner, although it didn't work out this year. Working at the Ronald McDonald House is such a rewarding job. But, it totally trumps all at Christmas time. We do a "home for the holidays" where donors donate amazing gifts for the families who have to be here on Christmas. It makes my heart happy seeing the generosity of people. So many of our families here are trying to make the best of a bad situation. Having to think about Christmas on top of it all, makes it that much worse. It is wonderful to be able to hand these families bags of gifts and see the relief and thanks on their faces. One tradition I would like to start when we no longer get to work at RMH is doing a service on Christmas Day. What kind of Christmas traditions do you all have?

(In other news, we got to have breakfast with Paul Millsap of the Utah Jazz Thursday morning! It was basically amazing. I have a picture, I promise. I'm just waiting for it to be emailed to me)

Merry Christmas everyone, remember, our Savior is the reason for the season!

And so....

2010-11-23T08:40:00.002-07:00

The medical school applications have been sent.

Here are the final choices:

A.T Still University
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Touro University of Osteopathic Medicine-California
Western University of Heath Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine-Lake Erie/Bradenton
Nova Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Pikeville College
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
New York College of Osteopathic Medicine of NYIT
Lincoln Memorial University- DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

Yeah...we went to "narrow the choices down" and added two more schools to the list. We are so excited for this process to seriously be started. We have been talking about applying to medical school since before we were married. I can't believe it's here now! I am not excited for the wait...but, it'll all be worth it!

~~~~~~

In other news: We are so excited for Thanksgiving! This year we are working on the actual day, so we're celebrating with Andy's family on Friday and my family on Sunday! Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! I love all the food and being with family, just to be with family!

WARNING!!! BLIZZARD OF 2010, (or so they're calling it) will hit today between 2pm and 4pm. I have never, in my three years of living in the state of Utah, seen such a hub-bub of excitement over the weather! Especially SNOW! They've closed the U campus early, school is canceled for tomorrow, I've mentally prepared myself to work the office tomorrow in case no one shows. I am ready for the power to go out, I am ready for the one million questions I will get from guests, they are telling people to leave work early, flights have already been canceled...the only thing we can count on, apparently, is the mail! It will be interesting for the blizzard. Since, every time I check weather.com or fox13now.com, they say "light snow"....where has this buzz word 'blizzard' come from? Alas, we'll see how this all actually pans out...

For now, though, bring it on blizzard. I wouldn't be a real Utah citizen if I didn't survive a real life blizzard, would I?

Challenge

2010-11-08T20:18:00.001-07:00

I have accepted a challenge from a friend to read the Book of Mormon by December 31st. That's just ten pages a day! If you would like to strengthen your testimony and grow closer to your Father in Heaven, join us!

The Happiest Place on Earth! Disneyland 2010

2010-10-03T20:25:00.003-06:00

(This one is a little of a doozy! Enjoy!)

THE trip has finally happened! Since Andy and I were married, we have been saving for the big Fraser Family Reunion in Disneyland! It has been a lot of "planning" and stress and worry and craziness, but when it was all said and done, it was the best thing we could have ever been able to do! Andy's family likes to set a tradition of doing a BIG family "vacation" (I put vacation in quotes because I see it as a trip, but his entire family calls it a vacation. If we are being honest, I need a vacation from this trip. Therefore, I will refer to it as a trip from here on!) It has been a labor of love. Andy's family is big into planning. Me? Not so much. I like to set a date and a place and see how it goes from there. I can see now, why planning is important. When there are 35 people, 21 of which are children all of which are under the age of 14, there needs to be some sort of a plan. We reached a happy medium and had a BLAST! I was nervous at first. All this hype for some dinky little kid rides and lots of people? Gimme a break! I was pleasantly surprised. It is one of my favorite places! I loved everything! (Especially the churros and Mahi Mahi Tacos) I am pretty sure my entire outlook on life has changed. I just feel happier. I want to make my family happy. Spend time with them more often. Seeing Will playing with his cousins made me and Andy so happy!

Our trip started off on the right foot with an eleven hour drive from Salt Lake City to Anaheim, CA. In ONE day. With Will. For the first time on a long trip. And we didn't even leave until about 845am. Most of Andy's other siblings had the luxury of driving there in two days. Can you say jealous? We stopped in St. George and had Cafe Rio for lunch, eating at a church yard. At the boarder town of Nevada and California, Will started to LOOSE it. He was freaking out. He was sick and tired of being in the car. So, We stopped at a place called Whisky Pete's and I hopped in the back seat. Lame Sauce. We reached our destination at about 630 Pacific time. And it was heaven! Our house was amazing!

Saturday we spend the day with the Watkins Family. We went to California Adventures. It was so fun! We got to ride Soarin' Over California and Hollywood Tower of Terror. Along with Monsters Inc., Bugs Life, The Muppets...all those good rides.

Sunday we went to Church and then did our grocery shopping. We had a family dinner that night. It was great to see Jake's face when he opened the presents Andy MADE for him. We pulled our resources together as a family and bought a Civil War Era bayonette and cannon shot. He LOVED it. Andy made a shadow box out of some old barn wood and stained it just a little darker. It was a great gift. I am glad I married such a "Handy Andy". He's always thinking of ways we can do nice things for family.

Monday we spent the day at California Adventure again. We got to spend time with all our family this time though! It was such fun, but large crowds MOVE SLOWLY!

Tuesday was our first REAL day at DISNEYLAND! I had never been before and I LOVED IT! It was so great that we were able to ride the majority of the rides together as a family. I have fallen in love with this place! We are planning a trip (with the help of our amazing Disney CC...credit cards are wonderful if you know how to use them and make them work FOR you!) to DisneyWorld in about 3 years! I have been on a Disney high since we got back. We had such a great time riding Dumbo and Alice and the carousels and eating CHURROS! The food was great! I would give anything if I could just have ONE fish taco!

Friday, our last day in California, we went to Seal Beach. It was my first time to a Pacific beach and Will's first time to the ocean, period. It was an overcast day, the water was freezing, and the waves were HUGE! I can say, I totally prefer my Gulf Coast beaches. SO much nicer! Will was freaked out with the waves until he realized they were just water. We played in the water for a bit, I lost one of our shovels, then fished it back out! (hahahaha! I am cracking myself up right now!) We were going to walk the Pier, then it started raining, as we were walking past the playground, it stopped. We played a little bit and just missed the major down pour. (Becky and Weston weren't so lucky!) We had another family dinner to end the big trip. It was a swimming party! The big kids were in the pool and the little kids with me, Andy and Cassie were in the "hot tub". (It was literally colder then any tub I would bathe in, but we have to watch out for the little ones!)

DisneyLand was a great adventure (and very much needed) and I am glad we were able to do it with our family. They have become so much more then just family though, we are all friends and we always have a great time. I realized how great and happy my life is, everyday. I have an amazing husband and a great son. I realize my responsibility to them both and want to do my best to be a great wife and mother. I DO need a vacation from this trip. I still have not caught up on my sleep! We crashed out every night as soon as we got back from the park! But I would not trade it for the world! If we could, we would go on trips like this all the time! We are slowing working up towards that goal, with our little camping trips. I want to see the world with my kids! They make life so much better and they are only little for such a short amount of time. I will make sure that I spend it with them as much as possible. I am so grateful for the opportunity and lessons I learned while spending time with The Frasers'. I will make my efforts to do these kinds of things with my siblings, too.

(I have pictures on Facebook. I will also post some on here as a different post!)

Yellowstone 2010

2010-09-09T22:36:00.007-06:00

Aren't we cute?

This past Labor Day, we were able to go to Yellowstone National Park. I have never been there and Andy hasn't been in at least 10 years. It was on our list of places to go camping. I think it was a great last camping trip of the year. We drove up Friday afternoon when Andy got off work. The drive wasn't bad, but it was about 430 before we got out, so we didn't get there until around 930. Luckily, we were meeting Andy's sister Nikki and her family. They already had the camper set up! We didn't realize, because the advertising for Brandin Iron Inn is false, that our "camp site" was just a gravel section in a motel parking lot! Thank goodness Ches and Nikki love us and let us sleep in their camper instead of having to sleep in the truck tent. It was COLD! Saturday, we woke up bright and early (ok, we really slept in until about 8) and made some Mountain Man breakfast. Yummmm! Then, we headed to the park. We went to West Yellowstone and headed up through the park until we made it to Mammoth Falls. We saw lots of buffalo and elk. No bears. We really wanted to see some bears too :) After lunch, we went to Mammoth Falls. It's pretty dried up now. There aren't as many falls as there used to be. There is a little town there in Mammoth. When I say little, I mean there is a general store and about three houses. We used the restrooms, went to get back into our car, turned the key...and nothing. The car would not start! We tried jumping it and still...nada! We ended up having to call a tow truck to come pick us up! SO NOT COOL! after waiting for a good hour, a two and 1/2 hour to drive out of the park and 500 dollars later, we made it to a mechanic near our camp site. The mechanic said he would try to come in on Sunday to check it out...he didn't make it. Andy took our battery to Napa Auto and they tested it. They said it was fine. They took the battery back to the car, started it up...and viola! It started! We didn't want to push it. Sunday we rode around with Nikki and Ches. Went to see Old Faithful and then tried the car again. It started again! We drove to Idaho Falls to have it looked at. Came home early on Monday morning and haven't had a car since Wednesday because it has been in the shop! I just kept thinking "You have got to be kidding me. This is a joke! Do I have Griswold written on my forehead?" I was trying really hard to keep it together. Andy and I said a quick prayer to Heavenly Father that after we did all we could, we could have the faith for him to take care of the rest. I can say, prayers are answered! It was such a fun trip, with some crazy stories we'll be able to tell to our kids, and every time we go to Mammoth Falls, we'll remember to pray that our car doesn't break down!

This is us at the Madison River.

Here is Will at our earlier camping trip to Bear Lake. He liked the water, but it was freezing!

And here is Will, being cute with Daddy's hat!

Spring View Farms 5K

2010-08-16T21:50:00.003-06:00

These pictures aren't in order, but you can see, Nikki and I finished the race! It was such an accomplishment! I hope to do another one before the year is over!

Knotty Pine and "she runs?"

2010-08-01T20:37:00.005-06:00

We were able to go camping at Knotty Pine with Becky and Weston and their SIX, yes six, girls, over the weekend of the 24th! It was such a wonderful time! It was so nice to have Alison and Erica there. I wish Will had older siblings. Maybe I can recruit Ali and Erica, although, I think Becky would want them back eventually! Will had a wonderful time playing with his cousins and going to the park and pool with them! He also thoroughly enjoyed playing in the fire pit. Of course, that was only when the fire was out. As you can see, here he is having a wonderful time! He was covered in ash and soot from head to toe. We promptly threw him in the tub when we got home. It was great, we love using our camping gear and being outside all day and night, literally! I like to think if I had to, I could survive living like the pioneers did, as long as I had a dutch oven and a tooth brush! We made a wonderful (well, ok, it was a little dry) blackberry cobbler in the dutch oven for Andy's birthday! We are planning to hit up the DI's in search of used dutch ovens. I have a friend who says if you just wash the rust off thoroughly, then throw it in your oven on the self clean cycle, they come out good as new! Hopefully, we can find one before our big Yellowstone trip in a few weeks!

We also sold our Malibu!! It didn't take long. We purchased a VW Passat Station Wagon! It's charcoal gray with cream leather interior. It is the perfect size! So roomy! It's got to be the sweetest car either of us has ever owned! And yes, we OWN it. We paid for it in full! Still no car payments! Yay! Andy is a master negotiator! I am lucky I married such a thrifty man! We were able to load all of our camping gear into the back and STILL see out the back window! And we didn't have to pack anything into the seats next to Will!

This past weekend was quite busy for us! We had a wedding (including the luncheon and reception) on Friday. It was Andy's cousin, Bryson's wedding. He married a sweet girl names Erin in the Salt Lake Temple. It was fabulous to be in the same temple where Andy and I were sealed! The Salt Lake Temple will always have a special place in my heart! Afterward, we had the luncheon to attend. We were able to come home for a few hours to take naps before the reception. It was held at The Kimball Home at This Is The Place. It was beautiful! Andy's a descendant of Heber C. Kimball, so it was fun to walk around "his" house. (It is just a replica, but there are lots of pictures! Andy and I love the way 18th and 19th century homes are built and would like to one day build our own home in the same fashion. With a tower, of course. Andy MUST have a tower! haha) After the reception, we stayed at Andy's parents house because his sister, Nikki, and I were going to run our first ever 5k EARLY in the morning! The 5k was such a blast! I ran pretty much the whole time. The only time I walked was half way up a hill for the second time. I had just finished running up and back down said hill when I had to turn around because it was the half way mark. It was steeper the second time around! I ran it in 33:56 and placed third for my age group! I didn't even care about placing at all. I just wanted to finish! It was only after I checked my time online that I discovered I had placed 3rd! I am quite pleased with myself. I have been training for months and have never considered myself a runner...until now! Of course, I am addicted and would like to run another before it is too cold! After the race, we had a birthday party with my Aunt Loralee's family. After that, we had a wedding shower for Andy's OTHER cousin, Aaron. He is getting married on August 14th in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. I love that temple as well. It's so gorgeous!

Today consisted of church, where Will was, yet again, an angel during nursery. The teachers always thank us for having a wonderful child who hardly ever cries and who is easy to calm down when he does cry! Tcha! If only he was that way at home!! He's started hitting us. Mostly me. Not cool. We've started time out. I never thought it would happen so soon! He's growing up so fast! We love our little man, that is for sure!

(I will post pictures as soon as they are downloaded!)

Up and Coming

2010-07-18T22:08:00.002-06:00

July 23- Camping at Knotty Pines again, this time with the Watkins family!

July 31- I am running my first 5k! I have been training for MONTHS! I am totally not a runner...well, I used to not be a runner. Now I love it! I am addicted! My sister-in-law Nikki is going to be running it with me as well!!

Throw in some weddings, and more camping (including Bear Lake, Yellowstone, Moab and Zion's!) and the selling of our car to buy a VW Passat Wagon. That's right. We are looking to sell our Malibu and upgrade to a wagon. Hey, we live in the Avenues now, it was only a matter of time before it happened. Right? I would look totally hot driving a Passat.

We are looking forward to these adventures and if you know someone who would like to buy a 2003 Malibu, send them our way! It's a sweet car, we just need something bigger.

Where Did We Go Wrong?

2010-07-12T22:26:00.005-06:00

Where did we go wrong in the raising of our son? I know, he's only a year and a half right now, but still, we've obviously gone wrong somewhere!

Here is a list of all the things we have done wrong in our meesley year and a half of parenting:

1. We can NOT get Will to eat hardly any meats. Sure, he'll eat Tyson nuggets sometimes, sometimes, I say! We have tried ground beef, hot dogs, hamburger, steak, roast beef, every type of meat you can think of, even roast chicken. He hardly ever eats any of them. Sometimes we can manage to sneak some in. Then, he realizes our tricks and doesn't fall for them again. He enjoys a good handful of granola for his source of protein.

2. "Chocolate Milk? Right, in your dreams Mama and Daddy! Gemme the white stuff!" What's up with that?? He won't drink chocolate milk? What did we do wrong?! I love chocolate milk. Andy loves chocolate milk. We have managed to get Will to drink chocolate milk ONCE! It's the perfect little snack! And we can't manage to get him to drink it! What kid doesn't like chocolate milk? Geesh!

3. Candy? Sweets? Nah, hand over the fruit. And don't give him stuff out of a can, he prefers the fresh stuff. I once gave Will the choice between a chocolate chip cookie and two apple slices, he chose the apples! Happy dessert!!!

4. Bagged veggies, with butter? Right, you WISH! (well, ok, we don't REALLY wish, but still. I was advised to add butter to his veggies by the WIC office. Seriously? You're a "nutrition program" and you want me to put butter on my kids veggies. He eats them just fine, thanks.) He loves fresh or frozen veggies. He just gobbles them up! Sans butter.

5. Fruit snacks? Nah, I'll take the crazins, thanks Ma! He LOVES crazins! This kid will got through a package of crazins in a week! Thank goodness WinCo sells them in bulk. I think buying OceanSpray crazins would put us on the street.

So, there ya have it. We are raising a partial vegetarian/tree huggin granola eater WITHOUT even trying!

At least I don't have to worry about having TONS of junk in the house. I just buy a little for Andy and me and snack on the healthy stuff most of the time with Will. And he doesn't point at all the cookies and junk for me to buy while shopping. He's getting so big and he's just so smart and sweet. He is just a little giver. He will pick up anything on the ground and hand it to you. My sister-in-law, Cassie, watched Will for us so we could go on a much needed date. While she was watching him, she fed him some yogurt. She said when he finished his portion of the yogurt, she let him have the spoon. He started giving her bites of yogurt. He loves to play hide-n-go-seek. He loves to give hugs and kisses. He loves little babies and playing with other kids. He is finally in nursery and he LOVES IT! I couldn't be happier. We just dropped him off and he was just fine. His teacher said he didn't cry at all. Just got a little bit fussy towards the end there. It's been great having him around and we wouldn't have it any other way!!

4th of July Weekend

2010-07-07T14:09:00.003-06:00

Remember a while ago when I talked about our super awesome tent gear we purchased? Well, this past weekend was our first time to use it! Andy took Friday off and we packed up the car to the rim and drove up to Knotty Pine. It's a campsite around Kamas/Heber City area. We set up all our gear and went straight to the pool. Will hated it at first. It took a good 20 minutes to get him to loosen up a bit. He wasn't at all like this last summer. He loved the pool! We cheated the first night and went to Midway for Cafe Galleria (Andy's parents were kind enough to go up on Thursday and make sure we had a spot big enough for our tent. They took us to dinner that night.) This place has the BEST pizza ever! It's brick-oven baked Italian pizza. That night we tried in vain to put Will to bed around his normal bed time, but what with the loud campers around us, it didn't happen. He stayed up with us and we sat by the fire and had s'mores. He finally conked out with Andy around 10pm. Saturday we drove into Kamas and went hiking. It was a blast! It was a beautiful hike with lots of trees and three lakes on the trail. It was about a 3.5 mile hike round trip. It was a tricky hike too. It was downhill most of the way to the lakes, then coming back, it's mostly uphill (obviously). Andy and I totally picked up on our mountain stride and kicked the hike back in much less time then the hike down. Don't let the pictures fool you, I carried Will half of the time, we just ended up taking pictures while Will was on Andy's back. (PS, I LOOOOOOVE our Dueter III) The lake waters were wonderfully refreshing and we enjoyed putting our feet in the water. I can't wait until we live in the middle of nowhere....Andy has given me the ok to have some chickens and horses, and of course we'll build our home on property with a creek. Oh, to be settled one day! No more apartments! Won't that be wonderful? Our second night camping, Will slept much better! It was freezing both nights and he ended up between the two of us each night...except the first night, he managed to kick Andy out, eventually. We won't get to go camping except one more time this month, but in August we will be able to go more often. We'll be saving our Southern Utah trips for August and September. Plus, we will for sure be heading to Yellowstone (YAYYYYYYY! I have never been!) and Bear Lake! I love camping and I can't wait until our children are older and we can do these things with them!

Will getting ready for the hike!

Our cute family!

On the 4th we did sparklers! Will loved them!

It Came To Me while Driving My Car...

2010-06-25T09:30:00.004-06:00

...That is when I realized what I want to do with my life. Besides the wife/mom business, I want to go into "I can make your yard beautiful" business. I have contacted a couple schools and am just waiting to hear back from them. Seeing as I am a stay-at-home mom, plus I work, that doesn't leave me a lot of time to leave my house and my family to go to school. BYU has a BS in Landscape Management, while I want to do the design aspect more then the management part, I think it's all ditto. I have found a school out of New Zeland which does everything online, BUT it doesn't qualify for Pell Grants. Because Andy did well on the MCAT, this time next year, we'll be moving to wherever we end up going to Med School...(Virginia! I hope!) It would be ideal to find something online, that way it doesn't matter when we move or where we end up. And then, while I am in school, I can get grant money, which will help us survive. Being in medical school, you don't get any grants because...it's a graduate school. If I can get grants, we won't be completely poor or swimming in debt up to our eyeballs. Andy's job will be to do well in school. Once I graduate, which will still be before Andy finishes everything for med school :P, I can do jobs here and there and make some money. It will be beneficial to our family and it is something I will love. Being outside, working with plants...that's right up my alley!

And it all came to me while driving my car.

Home Sweet Home

2010-06-22T09:05:00.005-06:00

Last week was our wonderful week in Asheville. The greatest place on earth! We had such a great time! My grandparents are so amazing! We arrived at around 330 pm, and made the trek to Asheville (it's about a 2.5 hour drive from the airport) I had worn jeans and a long sleeve shirt for the plane ride. I always seem to freeze on the plane. Well, as soon as we stepped out of the airport, I regretted the choice to NOT wear a t-shirt under my long-sleeve shirt. It was HOT, and HUMID. I loved it. The drive from Charlotte to Asheville is amazing. You go from the lowlands to the highlands and the trees only get thicker. Many of my cousins had never seen so many trees before!
Saturday we spent the day getting ready for the big family BBQ. My grandmother went to the store and my Baca and my cousin, Evan, to the recycling yard to take out some boxes and such. I immediately put everyone else to work. We managed to get the house as clean as you can get a house that has 14 people staying in it! haha, Then, me, Andy, Donavan, and Tyler managed to get the patio cleaned and the yard mostly weeded. My grandpa has not been able to do as much this year because of an accident he had earlier this year with his leg. It felt great to get out there and help out as much as we could. My grandpa wants to fly Andy back out to help remodel the laundry/pantry room and their bedroom. He realized Andy is a lot like him when it comes to work...he doesn't stop until he has done all he can to do the job right. That night we had my brother, Donavan's, graduation. As graduations go....it was short and sweet, but mostly, it was "blah, blah blah"!
Sunday we had a big family BBQ after church. It was great. My Uncle Tim and Aunt Martha came from Gastonia. My Dad and step-mom were there with my Grandma Smith. It was wonderful. We played frisbee and bad mitten. And acted like a bunch of kids!
Monday, Andy had to leave back to SLC...LAME! The rest of us went to sliding rock!
(This is NOT any of us...we were lame and I forgot to bring the camera for the trip!!) It is seriously the best fun you can get for a dollar!

Tuesday we painted pottery. We didn't get to bring it home yet, it takes a week in the kiln. I painted a honey pot. It was so much fun!

Wednesday we went to Cherokee, NC. It's a Cherokee Indian Reservation. It was quite interesting and educational. I loved it. My grandma was telling us a story about her grandmother Queen, who swears we are Cherokee. Everyone thought she was crazy. My Mam Maws name was Janie Dorlaska, which is cherokee. To add to the suspicion of us being Cherokee, my cousin Tyler bought a walking stick made my a village member whose name was T. Queen. It will be hard to prove though. Like some other Native Americans, the Cherokee follow their lines through the mother. The fathers had nothing to do with the raising of their own children. Later, we had a picnic and played in the river with the ducks.

Thursday, we went swimming. Last year, Will LOVED playing in the pool, this year he didn't want to go where he couldn't touch. He clung to me like death! hahaha it was a lot of fun and we all got a little tan!

Friday was a realxing day because we had to fly home the next day. My grandma made her awesome Chicken n Dumplins and we made ice cream sundaes! It was a great night!

Being back in Asheville made me realize how much I miss being in the South. Life is just simpler there. I no longer am going to feel self-conscious about my southern accent, or about the fact that I use "Yes ma'am, No ma'am. Yes sir, No sir" or that I prefer blue grass music over every other kind of music. I prefer not to wear shoes most of the time, and I would rather walk out my door and see nothing but trees and green grass. I have accepted the fact that I am different from people here in Utah. And I am going to embrace it. I have realized that I am who I am.

"I feel no shame, I'm proud of where I came from. I was born and raised in the boondocks"

I can feel that muddy water runnin through my veins.

Andy loved it there. and I want to raise our kids there. I will live in Utah as long as I have to, but eventually, we'll be back in the boondocks.

Memorial Day...and the count down begins!

2010-06-01T09:16:00.005-06:00

This weekend was Memorial Day. We were able to get lots of things done this weekend! Andy was able to make a new pop tab sorter for the house. RMC collects pop tabs and recycles them for $. We have to sort through them because we can only recycle the aluminum ones. He made a new sorter so when we slide the tabs down the magnet, they don't fly all over the place! Sunday we had church and got to finally do something with our calling! We had combined Relief Society/Priesthood where our group talked about the New FamilySearch site. Starting this Sunday, we will be teaching an interactive family history class. Andy and I have week 1! It'll be crazy for the first time we do the 8 week class because Will is still attached to our hip! I wonder if they'll let him go to nursery early :P On Memorial Day, we went to eat at our favorite place...MOOCHIES! We go there for all days off. Andy had the Philly Cheese Steak, as usual. I mixed things up a bit though. I got their new Hot Wing sandwich. It was like heaven, on a hoagie bun! Then we went to Babies R Us and got Will the rest of his summer clothes. We have tons of clothes for the first year...then TONS for years 2-4...but the whole 18 mo sizes we got nada. After wards, we went to Fitts Park because Andy remembered going there with his Grandma Fraser to feed the ducks...except it wasn't quite what he remembers it being. The poor ducks and muskrats lived in a creek that had the thickest film of gunk on top that I have ever seen. You couldn't go 30 feet without walking into a giant cloud of smoke. If you smoke, fine, but don't make me breathe your nasty left-overs, thanks. It was fun. Will kept saying "Uck!" (that's duck in Will tongue) It was cute, but we'll stick to Liberty Park for all our adventures.
The countdown is on for our trip to the prettiest place on the planet! 8 days to go and we'll be sittin pretty in Asheville!
Look at all that green! I miss it so much. I can't wait until we will live in a place like this. It's just...well...it's home. People are just friendlier there. It's a genuine nice too. Not a "I'll be polite to you" nice. It's green and moist and fresh. It is home to me.

We always talk about these things..

2010-05-25T11:02:00.002-06:00

We always talk about how things will be when we get to medical school, or when we buy our house, or when Andy will just graduate stinking college!

Well, enough with the talk already! This past weekend, we made the 5-6 hour drive to Las Vegas, sans Will, and Saturday, Andy took the MCAT! I can't believe he actually has taken it! This is the test which tells us if he can get into med school or if he should take it again and wait another year. (I am praying it's the former of the two) I have never been to Southern Utah/Las Vegas. I have to be honest, I was not impressed. It's all the same three colors, brown, red and tan. Yuck. Oh, with some tumble weed and joshua trees thrown in the mix. I could never live there. Yuck! I can't imagine sending my kids to play in the back yard and there is no grass, or trees, or water. It's a fun place to visit, but I sympathize for those who must live there. I think you end up there, you don't choose to live there. And if you do, I think you should go talk to someone. We made it to Vegas around 6 and went to Wally World to get some dinner. Our room had a kitchenette, which I am pretty sure was bigger then our old kitchen at the village. (Man, I don't miss living there!) Saturday was the big day. Andy had to leave about noon to take his 4 hour test! I stayed at the hotel and chilled by the pool until I was quite crispy on the edges. Bad idea! That night we went to eat at the Planet Hollywood Buffet and walked around the strip. It was fun, but Vegas is dirty. Most people there are dirty and I was glad to get home! It was a great trip with just the two of us though! Andy's mom watched Will for the weekend. He is now spoiled rotten and will not take a nap to save his life, or mine for that matter. He grew while we were gone. I am pretty sure he's an actual toddler now! What happened to my little baby!?

Now it's back to life, and work. And crying babies who will not sleep. But, boy, am I glad I am not one of those adults who got sucked into the playground they call Vegas!

Mother's Day

2010-05-10T08:22:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was Mother's Day. It was fabulous! Will has been a sicky this weekend. I was woken up by him cuddling with me. He's not as big into cuddling as he was when he was little. I like to take it when I can get it. We have early Church, at 9 am. I am NOT a fan. haha. But because Will has been sick, we stayed home until Sacrament (we have it last in our ward). We didn't think it was the best idea to have him playing with the other kids. While Will was taking a catnap before Church, Andy made us some Rhodes cinnamon rolls. They were divine! We had a wonderful sacrament, with great talks on mothers. I am so grateful to be a mother. I am so grateful to have Will as a son. Each night we read a page out of his "My First New Testament" book. He loves it. I always say "Ok, where is Jesus?" and he points at Jesus in the picture. After wards, we say a prayer. I make it short and sweet, he doesn't have patience for much more then that. It's very humbling to realize the innocence of a child. I pray I am being a good mother to him. I pray that he not only hears me talk of the gospel, but sees me live it. Heavenly Father trusts me with his children. I could not ask for a greater responsibility. I pray that I am loving and nurturing in the ways which Will needs. I am excited to add more children to my role of motherhood, but for now, I am just enjoying Will. This is the only time I'll have one baby around, and I am just drinking it up. I could not have asked for a better, more laid back child. I could not have asked for a better husband. He always makes me want to do better. He works so hard for us. I am excited for Father's Day!

(p.s. I am also the new owner of The Remarkable Soul of a Woman by President Uchtdorf. Andy ordered it, (over a week ago) it's just not here yet. I can't wait to read it though!)

It's actually nice at 645 am

2010-04-26T09:56:00.002-06:00

I've started running. Yes, I know what you are all thinking? Running? Mycah? Do those words even belong together in a sentence? I have been waking up at 645 and I run. Not far. And I am usually completely out of breath about 5 seconds after I start, but it's all good. I have my earbuds in, so I can't hear people snicker as I huff by. I am thinking about starting a training program for a 5k. It's an 8 week training, but I think I will do it for like 10 weeks and do one in August. I have such a love/hate relationship with running. I have been really focusing on clearing my mind while I run. That way, the whole time I am not thinking. "I hate this. I can't breathe. This SUCKS!" haha I only think that about half the time now! I would love to do a 5k with someone, but I donno. We'll see. If you are interested, I am going to be looking at races today, so comment and let me know.

It's getting to be gardening season! I am SO excited! Green thumb over here!

It only took 6 months...

2010-04-19T09:53:00.003-06:00

and we FINALLY have callings! Yes, that's right. We hung under the radar for 6 months before getting called in our new ward as Family History Consultants. CRAZY! I was totally not expecting that calling! I am super excited about it though. For our wedding, my Aunt Maureen and Uncle Jack gave us a Book of Remembrance. She is the family history person on the Workman side of the family. She has gotten family history done down through about the late 1300's. My grandma is a convert and we don't have a lot of history on her family, so I am excited to head down to the Family History Library downtown (I'll walk since it's SO close!) and find information on the Mullis side of the family. I also can't wait to learn more about Andy's family. His side of the family is a little bit easier because he comes from two long lines of Saints. Lucky dog! I have always been really interested in history in general. And I know this is something I am supposed to be doing!

Will is a crazy little bugger. He is running all over the place and getting into everything. Yesterday was such a gorgeous day, after nap and Church, we played outside and all he wanted was to play in the dirt and carry rocks around! Such a little boy. I love it.

In other news, I have lost 15 pounds! That's right! I did it! I am now at a reasonable weight that I am not so intimidated by saying, I need to loose 25 pounds! Talk about scary! I have developed a habit of choosing good foods and it is really sticking. When I eat junk, I get a tummy ache. I learned over the last three weeks that I LOVE CARBS! I just LOVE bread and pasta. Oh, yum! I got a new recipe for Honey Banana Bread and I can't wait to try it!

Spring Break: The Finale!

2010-04-07T10:33:00.005-06:00

This is our cutie pie after his bath. So fresh and clean in his sweet robe! He is seriously so big!

On our last day of Spring Break, we hiked Ensign Peak. Will loved the hike!

I took Will on the hike down. Our Dueter is amazing! Best investment yet!

Andy took Will on the hike up. I love my boys!

We hiked Ensign Peak which is just down the road from us as part of our SB adventures! It was our time to test out our new Dueter carrier. It was a nice day, and when we got to the top, we had a little picnic. It was so nice.

On Friday, Andy and I celebrated our 2nd Anniversary! We dropped Will off with our sister and saw Alice in Wonderland! The, we picked him up and he stayed with Andy's mom for the night. We went to eat at Red Lobster! My favorite place ever! I got the ultimate feast! Yuuuum! After dinner, we headed up to Huntsville and stayed at a cute little bed and breakfast! It was so nice.

This past Wednesday, we FINALLY got to go to our concert!

MICHAEL BUBLE!

He was amazing! He was the BEST performer ever. I have never seen such an amazing show, and I have been to a lot of concerts. It was great to hear good songs. He kept thanking the audience for spending our hard earned money to come see him. He had a great opening group called Naturally 7. They are a Capella and amazing. I suggest everyone go google them right now. He came out for an encore. The last line of the last song, he stepped away from the mic and he sang to us WITHOUT the mic. That right there puts him in the number one spot of my top singers. To be able to SING to an entire stadium of people WITHOUT a mic and actually sing it, not yell it, and have everyone hear it, takes talent. Andy and I will go see him, again, and again. It was the best anniversary/Christmas gift we could have gotten each other!

Oh, Saratoga Springs

2010-03-23T21:25:00.002-06:00

Today was day two of Spring Break. We left around 915 and picked up our friend Matt. Then, we picked up our friend Ryan. We dropped Will of at my sister-in-law, Cassie's, house to play with his cousins.

The four of us drove out to Saratoga Springs to go shootin! That's right. Matt brought his hand gun, Ryan brought a shot gun and a rifle, Andy brought his shotgun and we just shot things all day long! I have only been shooting once before, but it is so fun! I love it. Makes me feel like if I really needed to, I could hunt for my food. I forgot how much of a kick a shotgun has. I thought I had it back tight in my shoulder, but my first shot on it totally almost knocked me back! I have a huge bruise in the making. I think my favorite was the handgun! It was so awesome!

Afterward, we all went to In-N-Out burger. Of course, it was great!

Will had a great time with his cousins and we have decided that he needs to be able to play more with them, so I am hoping to get together with my sisters more often!

Tomorrow I think we will have a break day. There is laundry and cleaning to be done. But if something fun comes up, everything else can wait!

Spring Break: Day One

2010-03-22T21:38:00.003-06:00

Today is the first day of Andy's Spring Break! I am so excited because not only does he have school off, but he also has work off! (They told him he wouldn't have to work, then a week later they were begging him to work. He loves us so much though, he said NO!)

We decided to start the festivities early. So, Friday, I picked Andy up from school and we went straight to Idaho Falls to visit his sister Nikki and her family! Will was a doll. He slept the entire way! I couldn't even believe it. It was so fun! One of the highlights was Kimmie wanted to take a bath with Will so they could splash each other. They were having a ton of fun, then all of the sudden, Will starts trying to get out the of tub. So, of course, I was standing in the doorway saying "No Will. You have to sit." So, he'd sit. Then try it again. Next thing I know, there is a HUGE turd in the tub and Kimmie is looking up at me saying "What do I do?" Naturally, I said "GET OUT OF THE TUB!) It wasn't the hardest of poos either. Yummmmm-o! It was a fun weekend and we were sad to leave. But we'll see them again soon!

Today, we had our first adventure. We went to Huntsville with our friends, The Thatchers, and went to a Trappist Monastary! I know, we're not Catholic, but who doesn't want to see Monks, right?

Here is a picture of the Abbey of Our Lady of the Holy Trinity:

The left door is the entrance to their gift shop. They sell honey and preserves. It's such a simple place. The Chapel (is that what you would call it?) is just as simple as the outside. (all the buildings kind of look like bomb shelters. Those Catholics gotta watch out for all those Mormons, huh?) We were able to enjoy a prayer service with them and listen to them chant (they sing their prayers) They are all men of course, and they don't have the best of voices, but you can feel that they have devoted their life to God and that is a beautiful thing. The Monks were all kind and we enjoyed it. If you ever go to Huntsville, you should visit them and buy some yummy strawberry honey :)

It is definitely much different then I was thinking. On our road, there is the Cathedral of The Madeline Catholic Church. The bells really do toll on the hour. And it is a HUGE church. Google them and you'll totally notice the difference!

Tomorrow we will have another adventure. I'll tell you all about it then!

Has it really only been TWO years?

2010-03-15T10:32:00.004-06:00

Two years ago today, Andy and I were married in the Salt Lake City Temple! We were married as early as possible because, well, we wanted to be married :P

(I just love this picture.)

Throughout the last two years, we have moved 3 times, had a baby, worked on school, started new jobs, had lots of wonderful ups and a few downs.

Andy is the greatest husband I could ever have asked for, and believe me, I wasn't asking at the time. I didn't know I wanted to be married until I met Andy. Maybe that's how it works. You don't want to be married until you meet the one you want to marry. Andy is just that guy. As Claire from Outlander will say: "He's a bloody hero." He answers to the call of duty whenever it calls. He does whatever for his family. He is cuddly and funny. He's kind and sweet. We can lay in bed and talk and laugh. We can tell each other when to chill out and talk about things that bother us. We work well together and we make it work.

I love you, Andy. You make the world a better place!

Bad Mom

2010-03-14T13:13:00.002-06:00

Lately I have been feeling like I am a bad mom. Will used to be such a happy baby, now he throws tantrums, doesn't eat, rarely naps, he will be crying and I will pick him up, only to have him cry and scream harder and want nothing to do with me. He would rather throw himself on the ground then have me hold him. His eating has gotten really, really bad. He doesn't want anything except fruit and hardly NO veggies. Don't even get me started on meats. He'll only eat chicken, sometimes. I try, really hard. I try the choo choo train, I try showing him that it's yummy by me eating it first. I know this doesn't make me a bad mom. What makes me a bad mom is I get so frustrated! I try and then when what I know how to do doesn't work, I shut down. I just wait until he comes to me and try my best to ignore it. I know he needs to get out and be with other kids his age, but who? I don't know if I am just not easy to get along with or I am too brash or whatever, but I just don't feel as though I fit in anywhere really. I have convinced myself that I enjoy being alone. That really, reading all the time is much more fun then how awkward I feel trying to make friends. And in turn for whatever reason it is I can not seem to make/keep friends here in SL, poor Will suffers because all he gets to do is stay at home with Mommy, go on walks with Mommy, play at the park with Mommy. Never playing with kids his own age. He LOVES playing with other kids. Am I really that bad of a person that I just don't fit in anywhere? I just don't know what to do about anything.

Blessings have been poured upon us

2010-03-09T09:19:00.002-07:00

Leviticus 27:30 “ ‘A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord."

And it is true. No matter how much of a dire straight we are in, we have always managed to pay our tithing. And we are continually blessed because of it. We have always had just enough to get by. And if we have not had enough, we have family who is always willing to help us. I see the loans and grants we have received as blessings because without them, we would not be able to survive. This past year, we were able to pay off both our car and the scooter, pay off a loan we had to get one year for school. This loan acquired nearly 1300 in interest alone, in only two years. We have been able to put more money in savings then we ever have our entire lives. While we still shop the sales, still eat out only if we have a gift card or coupons, we have been blessed in our efforts. And on top of all things we have, we have been blessed with this job. We have saved so much in working for our rent. We have grown closer as a couple and a family because we are not having to worry as much about making rent, or paying our bills. We are able to go places we would never haven been able to go if we were still living in Student Housing.

This year, we plan:

-Trips to St. George
-Visiting a few Ghost Towns
-Meeting Andy's brother at the Grand Canyon to camp
-Hiking to our little hearts desires
-oh, camping to our little hearts desires
-Plant another garden this year! We'll be doing lots of herbs, onions, garlic, tomatoes, zucchini, pole beans, yellow squash, and strawberries. I love gardening. It really is my favorite thing to do. Remember my dream of having a HUGE garden in my yard? Yeah, it'll happen one day. For now, I am content with my garden plot.
-Did I mention camping?
-Seeing my "not-so-little brother" graduate high school and seeing all my family.
-Spending a week in Asheville with my grandparents
-Having my mom here for 10 days
-Going to Disneyland for the first time AND for the first time as a family

We have so much planned this year, I don't know how we'll fit it all in! I am so excited we will be keeping ourselves busy! I am excited for Will to play outside and start camping at an early age. My family didn't camp very often, but I love it and I am glad we were able to get our lifetime gear so early in our lifetime!

It's Almost Here!

2010-03-04T08:19:00.002-07:00

Are you as mad as the Mad Hatter?

Johnny Depp is my all time favorite actor. I have loved him since the first time I saw "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" when I was about 6.
One of my all time favorite movies is "The Nightmare Before Christmas" By Tim Burton. Now, you are either a Tim Burton fan, or you aren't. I am. I know, he's kinda weird, but I think him and I would get along just fine. I can't wait to see the new movie by Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp, Alice in Wonderland! It just looks so amazing!
We won't get to see it opening weekend, but that's ok, because we are FINALLY going to have our family pictures done! My good friend, Malina is going to be our photographer and we'll be doing them at City Creek Park. I am so excited to finally have a picture of the trio, that will actually look good. I am excited because Malina wants me to be apart of the editing process. Last time I did that, was with our wedding photographer and I loved it. We're gonna play around with our colors because it's going to be still pretty gray out. I will be sure to post some as soon as we have some!
We have lots of fun trips coming up here in the next 3-4 months. In May, my mom is going to be visiting for 10 days. June, we are going to North Carolina for "Grandkids Camp" for about 10 days. We'll also be there for my brothers graduation! I am so happy I get to be with him for that! Then in September, we have our BIG Disneyland trip!

Well, motherly duties call and so do work duties! Hope everyone is well!

Can't Wait For Summer!

2010-02-26T13:12:00.003-07:00

Please say hello to our new toy! This is the new tent we will be getting by Nemo!

Ever since I moved to Utah, I have been so thrilled about all the outdoor things to do. We just haven't been able to do any of them yet. This tax season we were blessed with a nice fat return. While we used the majority of it to put in savings and to pay off some student loans, we used a small chunk of it to buy camping gear! Working here at RMH, we will actually have weekends to do things! When we were first married, I worked Saturdays, then I didn't and Andy did, then neither of us did, but we had to go to my in-laws to do laundry and the only day we had was Saturday. NOW, we get to go play from 9am on Fridays until 5pm on Saturdays. We have a HUGE list of things we are going to do this summer. And all of the places we are going require camping! I just can't wait! I am so excited to finally go see places like Moab (and not be driving through in a blizzard) and St. George, Northern Utah and just everything we have planned! We're gonna teach Will how to fish and let him be free range. (Andy thinks we should take our pack n play with us so Will doesn't wander too much...I am of the belief that we just need to teach him boundaries, not just keep him caged. Plus, who REALLY wants to drag a pack n play in the woods? I'd rather not. They did it back in the old days and kids turned out just fine.) We are really excited for all the new adventures headed our way. And we are really, REALLY excited for some warm weather!

It's been weeks since this started...

2010-02-20T08:51:00.003-07:00

Remember how Will has been sick? Well, on Monday, we took him to the doctor and he was put on a new antibiotic, Omicef. Tuesday, he had a little bit of a rash on his chest. I thought it was just from putting Vicks on his chest at night. Wednesday, it had spread to his neck and face and his chest and stomach were both covered in little red dots. I thought for sure it was an allergic reaction to the medicine. We didn't give him his dose that morning and called the doctor...yet again! We went in that afternoon and Dr. Kelly took a look at him. Just a quick glace and said "Oh, yeah, this is the second case I have seen of this rash this week. It's not the medicine, it's called Roseola." Whooty, whatty? So, Will had roseola. If you don't know what that is, it's like the chicken pox, just not nearly as bad. I was so glad to FINALLY have a diagnosis! It explains the red, goopy eyes, the loss of appetite, the fever of 102.6. The only reason we didn't know before was because you don't know you have it until the rash occurs. Awesome. We felt sad Will wouldn't ever get the chicken pox, but I guess he got the next best thing. (We both had the chicken pox as kids, and wanted to see our little man with spots!) He's still on the antibiotic for the ear infections, but he's been in great moods and is slowly getting his appetite back!

In other really exciting news, Will is an official walker now. We didn't work with him really at all! He just started walking from couch to couch and eventually went to the chair, then the table then a few steps down the hall and now he's a walkin machine. It's sooo weird. He's an official toddler now! He's not a baby anymore :( Not only is he walking, but he is FINALLY starting to use some sign. He does "all done" and "eat" But, mostly he does "all done" we are working on "more" and "please" and "thank you". He also says "Hi, dad!" and "Hi mama" And if I put him in his chair with a snack and go to do the dishes and he is all out of snack and wants more, he says "MAAAAAM!" I love it, Mam! That's what I want my kids to call me, mama or mam! It's just SO cute!

Today is Saturday, Andy is at his MCAT class and I'm waiting to put Will down for a nap because I am tired. We stayed up and watched Braveheart(one of the greatest movies ever!), it didn't even start until stinking 9:45. So, we went to bed LATE! When Andy gets home, we are going to clean, clean, CLEAN! Then maybe go out to do something fun.

I am getting excited for Spring/Summer. It will be so fun this year! Taking Will with me to work in the garden, to the park and pool, on all our camping trips we have planned for the summer. Working here at the RMH, by the time Friday rolls around, we just want to get as far away from here as possible. We'll be getting our tent soon and we can't wait!

What a FUN weekend!

2010-02-17T09:36:00.002-07:00

This past weekend was great! Andy and I are NOT Valentine's people. We just both this it's a commercial holiday. "Go spend money on cards that say mushy love poems and candy for your wife who started her New Year's diet. That's the only way to show I Love You." And does anyone actually know the history of Valentine's Day? Go here. It's to celebrate the martyrdom of at least three Saints named Valentine. Do you know what happened on February 14, 1929? The St. Valentine's Day Massacre. Awesome! Sounds soooooo loving right? But, it's really just this commercial holiday. If you only get lovey and mushy with your spouse or significant other or whatever once a year, then I am sorry for you.

So, this weekend we had a looooot of fun! Saturday we spent the day driving all over creation to buy a Wii! That's right. We broke down and got a Wii. And I LOVE IT! We have had SUCH a blast playing together! Andy is obsessed with sword fighting and I dominate at 3-point shooting. Sunday we spent the day at home, because YET AGAIN, Will is sick, sick, sick. Same stuff, different day. He had a fever of 102.6. We took him to the doctor on Monday and he's on a new antibiotic and eye drops. FUN! Oh...and I'll have to take him in AGAIN today because he is breaking out in a rash ALL OVER HIS BODY!

Monday, Andy had the day off! Happy Presidents Day! We kept our tradition of going to Moochies on all "small" holidays. Andy got the Philly Cheese Steak and I got the Reuben. Of Course. Our friends, Amy and Jeff, watched Will while we went to see Avatar! IN 3D! It was amazing! Seriously, it was the BEST movie I have ever seen in my entire life. Andy and I want to live on Pandora and be Na'vi. The story line is almost identical to Fern Gully though. I thought for sure James Cameron could come up with something a little better then stealing a story from a cartoon. It was still amazing though! If you have not seen it, GO SEE IT! It is WORTH IT!

Now, I must shower so I can take Will to the Doctor yet again. Hope everyone is doing well!

I'm just not one of those women

2010-02-12T09:29:00.002-07:00

I have a wonderful family. I love Andy to death and he works so hard to provide for me and Will. Will is an amazing child. He's funny and cute and totally a mama's boy. I love it.

We are not perfect.

Sometimes, not often, I will search through different blogs of people I don't really know. I have discovered that a lot of mom's seem to brag about how perfect and amazing and problem-free their families are, everyday. Their kids are always cute and doing funny things.

They just live a perfect life.

Wouldn't that be nice?

I am just not one of those women.

Yeah, I usually see the glass half full. Usually.

I do not feel the need to shout at the rooftops about how wonderful every day is at my house. Because, being honest and real here, my house is not always wonderful every day. Sometimes I get annoyed with Will because all I really want to do is go to the bathroom by myself without either

a) waiting for Will to take a nap
or
b) listening to Will scratch and whine at the door

Sometimes, mine and Andy's common goal for the day? Going to bed before 1130 or midnight.

We don't always get along.

and sometimes we just want to be alone or have a night out with our friends

and that's okay.

we love each other more then words can describe.

That, in no way, means we are perfect.

So, when I come along those blogs, with perfect families and never-a-thing-wrong, I don't get all giddy and excited, I get annoyed and would rather listen to Will scratching and crying while I go to the bathroom. I enjoy blogs like Glamazon Mormon Mom. If you want a good laugh and you need that reassurance that, yes, it is ok that I laughed when my child fell down, you should check her out.

I love my family more then words can describe.

But, sometimes I just wanna pee and poop in peace.

Well, child!

2010-02-10T13:48:00.002-07:00

We had Will's doctor appointment today. Poor bugger had 6 shots in his bum. That is no fun. He's such a trooper though. He cried while it happened, but as soon as it was done, he stopped crying. He did give the nurse evil eyes though. It was pretty funny. He's 30 inches long now. 17.3 pounds. STILL long and skinny. The doctor says he's fine though. Just skinny. I asked about his murmur, he listened for a good minute and didn't hear anything. He said sometimes when babies get sick they have what is called a flow murmur. Basically, there is extra fluid "flowing" around. I know I am not a doctor and all, but I still have quite an uneasy feeling about it. I'm not sure if it is because the doctor at the InstaCare was shocked about it, or my non-chalantness about it, or if maybe it's my mother's instinct telling me to have it looked at, and soon. I just worry that because the doctors at the NICU really wanted us to keep an eye on it. I mean, he is the most active child I know. He's really happy, never, EVER lethargic, everything seems fine. But, lots of kids seem just fine. And they aren't. The NICU cardiologist said it was big enough to possibly require surgery if it wasn't better by a year. I mean, it could just be smaller, and that's why our doctor doesn't hear it well, but I think I would just feel better having it checked out by a specialist.

I don't know. Any advice...and can you go have an echo done without a referral? Or should I voice these thoughts more loudly to our doctor? I just don't want it to be something that we could have fixed now and then later in life because it wasn't fixed, it causes problems.

It was easier then I thought!

2010-02-08T22:04:00.002-07:00

Since before Will turned one, I have been wondering "How on earth am I gonna wean this child?" Well, my answer came in the form of a cold. Will's cold to be exact. The poor little man got a HORRIBLE cold last week. It started on Tuesday, just a little runny nose. By Wednesday night, we had a dripping faucet of snot, two red goopy eyes and a choice to run to the InstaCare. (I've had many an eye infection, the last thing I wanted for Will was to wake up and not be able to open his eyes.) We saw the doctor, the verdict? Horrible head cold, with double eye infection and on coming ear infection! I am glad we caught it just in the nick of time. He was put on amoxicillion right away, and by Thursday evening, we had only slightly red eyes. Still had an incredibly stuffy nose though. Try feeding your child when he can not breathe out of either side of his nose. The poor guy. Now, he wants nothing to do with me. It makes me kind of sad, but at least I am not struggling to wean him!

In other news, we go to his well child check up on Wednesday. When we saw the doctor last week, he noticed Will's heart murmur, which we were told was gone...So, I have a bone or two to pick with a Dr. Colin Kelly. I am going to go ahead and request an echo to have it checked out. It should have healed on it's own by now, if not, they may have to do a small surgery. Let's pray it doesn't come to that though.

I actuallly have to study again!

2010-01-29T08:22:00.002-07:00

If any of your remember last summer, you'll remember I learned I love to garden! This summer I will get to be in charge of the big vegetable box here at RMH. I am really excited. I have big plans for the veggies I want to grow. I'll be doing tomatoes of course, and zucchini (I'm gonna cage them so they grow up and not out. We'll see if it works or not.) We'll do beans again, but I would also like to try some new items. We'll be trying garlic (we eat it with everything) and onions.

I decided to look at the U's and BYU's websites for continuing education for gardening/herb classes. I thought for sure they would have something. BYU didn't have anything, but the U did. for NINETY bucks! For a DAY class. It's not even multiple days, it's just A DAY. LAME! This year I really want to learn to grow herbs, how to store them properly, prepare them in teas and such. After extensively searching the internet, I found Universal Class. They have an All About Herbs class, and I am taking it. It's online, so I can do it when I have time. And it was only 30 bucks! I am pretty excited! It will teach me to create a container garden, so I can grow herbs all year long (my home will smell so yummy!) It also teaches you the medicinal uses of certain herbs, how to dry, prepare and store them. Everything you could possible need to know! I actually have assignments and tests and reading. I am so excited! When I am finished with this class, I would like to take the Holistic 101 class. My hubby will be the doctor and I'll be the healer. Sounds awesome, right?

My, how time flies!

2010-01-25T09:16:00.005-07:00

We welcomed this little stud one year ago today! I can not believe my first child is already a year. It has just flown by! To be honest, a year ago today, we were hoping he wouldn't show his little face for 4 more weeks. But, he just couldn't wait to meet us I guess!

Here he is with all his tubes and oxygen tent when he was only a few hours old

Later, with mom, just on some oxygen!

He used to be such a cuddle bug!

Now, mom and dad are grateful for a little snuggle in the morning!

Will's first year has been fun for all of us. It's been the hardest thing we have ever done, but it's been one of the best things we have ever done! We can't wait for him to take more then three steps at a time on his own, or take him on many a camping trips this summer, going to the zoo, and having him help us with our garden this year!

We love you little man!

One day, I'll have a Library in my house

2010-01-21T15:33:00.004-07:00

I love books. I love to read. I love the smell of books. I love the feel of books. I love to turn the pages in my hands. I love everything about books.

So, what's the deal with these "electronic books"? First there was the Kinder, then Barnes & Noble came out with the Nook. I have to be honest, I am not a fan.

1. I can't stare at a screen for as much as I read.
A. I would totally miss turning the pages! Half the fun of reading is getting to a really good part, having your fingers already on the next page, just shakin in your boots to turn it and find out what happens next! Pushing a button does not sound exciting to me.

For me, reading is like watching T.V. Except better. I love getting a book that is so great, when you are reading it, it's like watching a movie in your head. It's just amazing!
I hope I can teach my children to love reading as much as I do...and hopefully, we won't all convert to this "Nook". Let's be honest, I'd break it in a week.

Speaking of Barnes & Noble, I went there today and got a home remedies book. Hopefully it will help us get rid of our headaches without taking IBporfen all day long :P

A Review

2010-01-06T13:47:00.006-07:00

FINALLY! Book 7 of The Outlander Series has been published, and I finished it in 2 weeks. (It's an 800 page book. That's about 57 pages a day.)

Of course, it was amazing. Gabaldon takes the stories of Jamie and Claire, Brianna and Roger, Lord John, William Lord Ellesmere, and Ian and writes them in ONE book. Don't worry, you won't feel as though you are swimming in a sea of 'What the flip are we talking about here?". Jamie and Claire about about 60ish now. Jamie still makes my knees weak and I still want to be Claire.

And I still very much want to live here:

Applachia
(I would love to live in a little village type place.)

And I want to go here as often as I can:(Scottish Highlands)

I'm lucky I married a Fraser. Even if he isn't 6'6 with striking red hair, he's still "that guy". And I love him for it.

( I now have all 7 books and I will be reading them straight through. It's better then tv, I promise)

I hope I can instill a love of reading in my children.

Merry Christmas To All!

2009-12-30T10:13:00.004-07:00

Since It's been exactly a month since we last posted, I thought it was now time to update. Things that have been going on with us this past month:

1) Will now has six teeth, which he LOVES to grind. It makes my skin crawl. Yuck.
2) Andy finished this semester with a BANG! He did so well in his classes and we are so proud of him! We've been enjoying lots of time together this winter break!
3) I celebrated my *STAR* birthday. I turned 22 on the 22nd. It was a great day. My super awesome hubby got me a massage and it was amazing!
4) I got a new hobby. Quilting. I am currently making a Christmas quilt for next year!
5) We celebrated our first Christmas as a trio. It was so nice. Some of our highlights:
*Will got lots of goodies from Mom & Dad, Santa, Grandma and Grandpa, and Granny and Gramps, plus some cousins on mommy's side.
*Andy and I bought ourselves tickets to see Michael Buble in concert on the 31st of March. It's going to be part of our anniversary too! We are so excited!
* I combined some Christmas/Birthday money to buy myself some Reebok Easy Tones, for better legs and a better butt :) hahaha But seriously, I did.

We worked Christmas Eve here at the RMH. It was SO crazy. It was such a rewarding experience to see how GIVING others can be. Others generosity brought me to tears multiple times that night. We played Santa for the guests who were not able to go home for Christmas. Waking up early to hand out gifts was hard. Especially when we were up until 130 getting everything together for the big day. I made our stockings, it's something I am going to do for all our children. It's easier then buying a bunch of stockings and it makes them personal to each child. I kept messing them up though. And the fluffy white fabric I bought for the tops sheds like a cat. That is why we were up until 130. I kept having to unpick my seams with my tiny seam picker. Santa knew how much trouble I was having though and gave me a large seam picker in my completed stocking! Yay!

Here are some pitcures of our holiday:

Will opening gifts at his Great-Great Aunt Loralee's house on Christmas Eve. Thanks Avery!

Man, you know it's been a rough day when you crash in the high chair!

"Of course I am scared of Santa! Stranger Danger! AND he sneaks into my house late at night!"

Me and Mom on Christmas morning!

Our Tree on Christmas morning. Look at all that Loot!

Daddy helping me with my gift of goodies from Granny and Gramps!

These are all my toys from Santa! Blocks, cars and lots of snacks!

We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and remembered our Saviors' birth!

teefers

2009-11-30T09:29:00.002-07:00

We went from Will having no teeth to having a mouth full. He now has two teeth which have pushed through and two more coming in. Yes, our house has been full of the sound of whining.

We put up our Christmas decorations. It's been so fun! Will went for the tree once, we said "Will, please DO NOT touch the tree" and he hasn't gone to it since. It has only been two days though.

We had an awesome sacrament meeting yesterday. Once a year, our ward does a meeting "testimony style" where you can go up and talk about a particular hymn which has touched your heart, then as a ward, we sing the song. It was so awesome! It was fun, but also very spiritual. We have never done that. We have decided we love being in an older ward with it's quirky traditions!

We went to Hogle Zoo Saturday night to see the lights. I was lots of fun, but super cold. We saw the snow leopard (I am sure they feel right at home this time of year) the tiger and her three cubs, the bears, the red panda. Lots of other animals who are normally hiding out during the day. It was fun.

Friday, Andy and I had a hot date! We went to SamPan for yummy chinese and then to see "Surrogates" it was weird. Not bad, just weird. It was great to be with just Andy! We haven't been on a date with just us in a long, long time. We forgot how much we liked each other :P

Here at the RMH we have a girl who is from South Carolina. She's helpin me keep up with my southern roots and it's refreshing to have "my people" around!! haha

Once you go Black, you never go back!

2009-11-23T08:39:00.004-07:00

It should be illegal for an underage boy to look this good.

And make grown women FAINT!

Jacob has always been my favorite Twilight stud muffin. I loved him in the books. (As many of you might have heard me say, Bella is a selfish hussie and Edward is too serious.) Jacob is just a light hearted, lost in love puppy. Pun intended.

New Moon was a great movie. Again, Bella and Edward were incredibly awkward. And Jacob looked amazing, with that big grin and amazing body. (Andy, I still love you more though)

But it's true. I am 110% Wolf Girl.

Ideas

2009-11-19T13:01:00.002-07:00

We would like to get our family pictures done, ASAP! I would LOVE outdoor pictures, but I know those are a little pricey. Anybody know anyone who does good pictures, at a good price?

HELP! Will is almost a year old and we STILL don't have a family picture! Let me know if you know of anyone!

(oh...and I am so excited for New Moon!)

Seriously, He's SO cute!

2009-11-10T10:00:00.004-07:00

We finally have a tooth! That's right, little man is finally sportin some chompers! It's sad how fast he is growing up.

Here are some pictures to show off his studliness!

9 Months!

2009-11-02T13:16:00.002-07:00

Will turned 9 months old on the 25th of October. I just can't believe how much he is growing. He is such a happy baby and is such a little boy. He's also quite the momma's boy, which is fine with me! He loves to cuddle with me and play around with Daddy.

We went to the Doctor this past Wednesday. He weighs 15.13 pounds and is 28 inches long. He is still just LONG and SKINNY, as always. Now it's time to put him in the convertible car seat. He's officially too long for the infant car seat. The doctor says he's developing very well!

He is LOVING our new place and all the room he has to play in. Our new place is set up so nicely that he is able to crawl from one end to the other, and if he falls, no biggy, the carpet is nice and soft! It has been wonderful not having to worry so much about where he goes, or what he is getting his little fingers on. He loves this new found freedom.

We are pretty much all moved in. Just the pantry to finish! (It's HHHHAAAUGE!) I am really loving working with the families here at the RMH. They are so kind. It's sad to think about the struggles they are going through. I admire their strength so much!

I just finised 2 other books. Masquerde and Revelation. Both the next books in the Blue Blood series. Both very good. This is a fun, quick series, to which I have gotten the next book as well, The Van Alen Legacy. I have discovered I read a TON! It's quite fun. I love reading.

Look at this cuteness!

2009-10-27T21:28:00.003-06:00

If this isn't the CUTEST little boy I have ever seen!
Thanks Matt and Raquel for taking such great care of our little man!
(And, thank heaven for play pens!)

Blue Bloods

2009-10-27T08:40:00.002-06:00

I am running my NEW dishwasher for the first time today, it just made this clicking noise that scared the bejeppers outta me! We're pretty much all moved in! There is still a LOT to do, but our new place is so big, it doesn't seem like that much! I just can't get over how much space we have now! I am pretty sure our old place is about a third of this place. We are looking into buying a sectional and selling our couch and futon we inherited when we moved in. So, if you know anyone who wants to get rid of a sectional, let me know! Will is loving all the space to move around in. He always seems to head STRAIGHT for the bathroom though :( GROSS!

I have started making aprons. They are really cute, if I do say so myself. I have created yet ANOTHER blog just for the aprons. Once it is up and running, I'll post the link. I'll be doing a boutique on Nov. 14th. The address will be 996 University Village, SLC. In case you are interested. There will be bows, Sensty, and about 13 other vendors. So, come join us!

I read this book called Blue Bloods. It's about vampires. I have realized vampires have become SO cliche. Someone needs to come up with a new "villan" to turn into a hero. Like....zombies. Or Witches. I donno. It's a pretty good book. Quick read and it will make you think New York socialites are that much more ridiculous.

I have got the...

2009-10-19T13:29:00.003-06:00

CUTEST family, EVER!

Me and Will standing in front of The Christus.

Me and Andy eating at Braza Grill! We LOVE Brazilian!

Me and Christina drinking our limeades at Braza!
(I know she's not REALLY family, but she's practically my sister)

The other day, Andy let me sleep in and he took care of Will. It was so nice! I have a great husband! Will just gets cuter and cuter by the day. I honestly have never seen a little boy as cute as him! He makes my heart melt. When I see him and Andy play together, I know that THIS is why Heavenly Father created families. He knew that no matter how hard life can seem to be, if you are doing it right, your family and home become a safe haven. When you are with your family, there is nothing in the world which can make you happier. That is how I feel when I am sitting on the floor, with my husband and my son, just giggling and playing.

Lend a Helping Hand

2009-10-14T10:12:00.002-06:00

As you all might remember, I am trying to get myself into shape. I have been doing the Melt It Off program with Mitch Gaylord. I realize that if I really want to get into shape, I have to keep a journal, what better way to do that then creating a blog dedicated to helping me and anyone else lose the weight. I will be researching and finding new ways to eat healthy and lose the weight. Go check out my new site: Adventures in Losing the Baby Weight. Let's get healthy and fit!

October 24th

2009-10-13T08:21:00.002-06:00

That's the new move date!

We've been doing training at the RMHC for the last two weeks now. It's been going really well. Last night at training, Heidi asked if we could start a week early so they could move a week early. The first thing that came to my mind was "Uh, crap. I haven't even thought about packing yet." So, of course, we said yes. So, instead of moving on Halloween weekend like we had planned, we are moving on the 24th. The good thing about this is that we don't have to get EVERY SINGLE THING moved out in two days. We now have a week to get everything moved before we have to be out of our apartment here. That kinda makes me feel less stressed about moving...but MORE stressed about making sure I really know how to do everything and that I make people feel good at the RMHC.

Wish Us Luck!

Death Shall Not Conquer The Hero Again

2009-10-02T21:21:00.003-06:00

Will and I went to see the Joseph Smith movie at the JSMB with Christy and Pat.

I have never cried so hard before in my life over a movie.

I am a 7th generation member of the Church. My ancestors came across the plains in search of freedom from oppression for following the Prophet Joseph Smith. Watching the Joseph Smith movie, I realized how much I TAKE for GRANTED the sacrifices which were made so that me and my family could receive the fullness of the gospel. So that me and my family could receive the ordinances to be together in this life and in the next. I am filled with a new appreciation and desire to do family history. I want to learn about my family and the things they went through for their love of the gospel and family.

Yesterday, Andy's grandma gave him a sheet of paper with his line of priesthood authority. Andy is a descendant of Heber C. Kimball, one of the first 12 apostles of The Church. There were only two original apostles who stayed in the Church. The other was the Prophet Brigham Young. My family crossed the plains. My Great-Great-Great-Great Grandpa Jake Workman lived catty-corner from Heber C. Kimball. (It's true, Andy and I do make a great pair! haha) I have a grandma who died in Navoo.

I love this true gosple of Jesus Christ. I love my Prophet Joseph Smith for bringing the fullness of the gosple to the earth again, for never, ever giving up on that truth and for dying so that I might have the gospel today. I love my family and my ancestors for living this gosple and sharing it with me. I love my Savior and for his sacrifice in Gethsemane and on the cross. I know the Book of Mormon is true and it speaks to me of the love of my Heavenly Father and Brother, Jesus Christ. I hope I am living up to the legacy I was left and I will strive to do so each day.

Let's Compare and contrast, shall we?

2009-09-29T17:04:00.005-06:00

Andy was out of town this past weekend in Rock City, Idaho. He was backpacking for class. (I know, sweet class huh?) Well, naturally, Will and I had to stay home. It was going to be a crazy weekend, or so I thought. I actually handled it really well, I am proud to say! My only problem was getting to sleep. We do the same thing every night. Well, I was lonely, and I could not shut my mind off. So, I thought to myself, "hmm...Andy watched a ton of movies online at school for free last semester. Maybe I can find Twilight online and watch it." I was needing some Edward time.

I searched.............

And I searched......................

And I searched some more..................

All I could stinking find was previews and "Buy Twilight Online, NOW."

So, I started looking for shows. I went to this site Andy I go to a lot to watch TV online. I discovered they have movies on there as well...sorta. I couldn't figure it out.

I did a general search for the word "vampire." I thought maybe the old Buffy the Vampire Slayer movie would come up.

But, instead, a link for "The Vampire Diaries" came up. I thought "I wonder what this is..." and I clicked it. It took me to The CW link and I clicked that, too.

It showed me this picture:
Pretty hot, huh?

I watched a few episodes. Well, ok, I watched them all. (There was only two at the time. It's brand new show)

It's about a girl named Elena. She lives in Mystic Falls, VA. She falls for the new guy, Stefan Salvatore. He's a vampire. But, don't worry, he only eats animals, not humans. He has a brother, Damon, who is a vampire. But he eats people. They both love Elena. Can she chose? Can she survive before she has to chose? (Sound a little familiar? This is based on a book by LJ Smith. She came BEFORE Stephanie Meyer)

So, here is where the comparing and contrasting comes in. We'll compare Bella and Edward to Elena and Stefan. I'll let you be the judge on who is hotter. (I would also like to say, the acting in The Vampire Diaries is WAY better then in Twilight. It's not as awkward.)

Bella and Edward:
Elena and Stefan:

So, leave me your choice. We're going to take a vote. If you think Bella and Edward are a better looking couple, I want to know. If you think Elena and Stefan are a better looking couple, well, tell me. And, if you are interested in seeing what The Vampire Diaries is all about, check out this site.

What a HORRIBLE mommy I am!

2009-09-25T23:04:00.002-06:00

So, I know this is my second post for today...

That's because this morning, while talking all about myself, I forgot to talk all about my little man who is EIGHT months old TODAY! I just can't believe it! (I am pretty sure I say that every time I talk about his birthdays!)

He's getting so big. He officially crawls now. And pulls himself up. He's also pretty good at getting his food in his mouth with his fingers. He knows who daddy is. He actually says "Da Da Da" when ever he eats. I was kind of offended until my sister in law, Becky, said I should take it as a compliment. Why you ask? Well, let me tell enlighten you for a moment. He says "Da Da Da" because Dad is the first OTHER person he realizes. What? You say that doesn't make any sense? Well, I am not finished, silly. What that means is: he still considers me and him one person. He associates himself with me and me with him. We are still one in the same in his little mind. I LOVE that way of thinking. Even though he is growning so much and changing so much, one thing that hasn't changed, yet, is the way he sees me. He still sees me as apart of him, the one who he lived in for 8 months.

That's another point. Will is offically lived outside of me as long as he was inside of me. Remember, he was born 4 weeks early.

Will really loves to read. He also likes to eat my plants, and play in the dirt. He likes to go on walks with me. And read stories at night with Daddy. He loves to sit with Daddy on the couch and watch the tube. Or play with toys with Daddy and Mommy. He REALLY loves to be tossed in the air. It makes him giggle a lot. He likes to give girls kisses. Well, ok, he's a one-woman-man, he only kisses Allie Wood.

We love our little man and can't wait for all the fun times ahead!

My buns are burning!

2009-09-25T10:10:00.002-06:00

This week, thanks to my good friend Sonny, I have been given some extra motivation to get my butt in shape! He pretty much said to me "What's holding you back besides being lazy?" And he's exactly right. I've just been lazy. I can give whatever excuse I want: "I don't want to loose my milk supply." "So, make sure you are still eating enough." "I just am not a runner." "No one is a runner, you just have to go do it." So, there ya have it, I have no more excuses. I've decided that I have to have a "purpose" when I exercise. On Wednesday, I walked to the library (I've needed a new book since I've already finished the Fablehaven books) Well, they don't open until 10, so I walked there for NO reason. But it's ok, I went there again yesterday and got me a book and Will some books. Today, I just walked down to East high and back. You know, cause you guys care where I walk to everyday.

I have a hard time because, well, it's easy to get overwhelmed with mommy stuff. It's easier to say "I've taken care of a kid all day." Well, that's no longer just who I am. I do care about myself and I am gonna get back to my skinny little butt. The goal is to loose 25 pounds. That's right. 25 pounds. Wish me luck!

Thanks to my great hubby who wants me back to my old self and my good friend Sonny for telling me straight up I have no more excuses!

Enough with the milestones already!

2009-09-21T15:01:00.003-06:00

Will has started crawling. And about a day after he started that craziness, he pulled himself up. What the HECK?! I need a break between these huge milestones! I mean, he's almost 8 months old, but He's just getting too big, too fast. Can't I slow it down? It's just so crazy. We went and bought him some winter clothes...he had like two long sleeve shirts. Poor kid would freeze! It was crazy buying some 12 month clothes. It doesn't seem like he'll ever fit in them.

In other news:

Here is an old school picture of me and one of my best friends, Christina:

She's coming to Utah to visit me! Well, ok...so she's really coming out here to see her boyfriend. He lives in Logan. They met while he was out there selling, and now they are getting together for General Conference. (If any of you know how Andy and I met, you know why this is funny) So, her and her bf will be staying with us in Salt Lake for 4 days. Don't worry, we're kicking Andy out from the bed and the girls will be in one room and the boys will be in the other...on the floor. I can NOT wait! I miss my Georgia friends so much! It'll be so fun!

Updates and a few thoughts of my own

2009-09-17T10:11:00.002-06:00

In some BIG news here on the Fraser home front...We're MOVING! That's right. AGAIN. We have been given the great opportunity to join the Ronald McDonald Family over at the Ronald McDonald house here in SL. We will be moving Halloween Day. We are very excited!

Will is a little soldier boy...he army crawls all over this place! It's great fun!

In other thoughts...we are looking to but health insurance. Will gets kicked off medicaid when he is a year old. Andy and I just need to be looked at. What with his wrist issues and my moles that hurt...I'd say that would be a good idea, right? Yeah.

I would rather become a hermit then buy health insurance. It's a JOKE! It's like they grab you by the balls with the monthly payment and then squeeze as hard as they can with the deductible. (Sorry for the crude metaphor) But it's true. Like a family of three, going to school full time, working part time can afford payments of at least 150 bucks (and that's REALLY low) a month and a deductible of at least 1,500 bucks a month (again, that's the lowest we found). The schools policy is an even bigger joke and I don't even want to go there. Why can't insurance companies be about helping people instead of trying to make a buck? Seriously people. What about the little guy. It's not like we are complete bums. We are doing what we are supposed to and still get shat upon. Nice. Real cool.

It's easy for people who have health insurance to be against Obama's Public Option. Try being the person who can't afford the private way, and makes "too" much for the government option. Why does congress get a steal on their health insurance? Seeing as we work, and pay taxes, which pay their stinking salary...we pay for THEIR insurance and yet can't afford our own.

Looking for a health plan can just go live under a rock and DIE!

Labor Day

2009-09-08T10:25:00.006-06:00

We'll have a crawler soon

Yum, Sand.

Playing in the sand!

The Gang. Cody, Kate, Danielle, Andy and Will.

We labored on Labor Day. Andy decided to rest a little with Will

We put Will in the clothes hamper.

Bath time! Fun Fun Fun!

ER Excitement

2009-09-02T09:01:00.002-06:00

Many of you may remember my ATV accident. If not, you can read about it here.

When I fell off the ATV, a few hours later I started having minor cramps. I didn't think anything of it though. Over time, my cramps have gotten worse and I've had some other symptoms. They are just the kind of cramps that I would take a deep breath and move on with my day. Well, my m-i-l called Andy yesterday and said we should go to the ER. Things had started to get a little worse and, well, we don't have health insurance yet. So, going to the ER, they HAVE to check you out, despite your ability to pay right away. So, we found Will a sitter (We really have GREAT neighbors) and we headed to the ER. I know, I feel like it should have been rushed as well, but it wasn't. We took our time. We even stopped at Wendy's to get some food before we got to LDS Hospital. I was seen immediately (no wait, go figure.) Of course, there were the regular tests, blood and urine. I used to really hate needles and blood. After a week straight of blood tests every four hours, needles and blood are a piece of cake. Then, I had an ultra sound. I guess now would be a good time to mention that I have an IUD in place and the thought is that it has shifted just enough to cause some issues. So, I was wheeled up to the radiology department for ultra sounds. (Yes, I felt incredibly ridiculous being wheeled around even though I could walk just fine.) I had some ultra sounds done. My IUD seems to be in place, but there is a fragment of something where it shouldn't be. The radiologist has never seen anything like that before. So, then it was time for the really, really great part. The pelvic exam. Yummmm-o! haha, according to the ER DR...every thing seems normal, so I need to go see my OB...

I know what you are all thinking, What? That's it? Everything seems normal?

Yeah, that's how I feel too. To top it off, the DR said, "You should go see your OB. We'll release you now. I'll go get your papers and have someone take that IV out of your arm. Have a nice night"

Seriously? There is some sort of funky in my uterus showing up on the ultrasound and you're saying everything SEEMS fine? Are you kidding me? I don't understand it.

Oh, and I'm not pregnant. So, that's not my problem.

Big Time Savings :P

2009-08-31T14:55:00.002-06:00

I just saved TWENTY-FIVE dollars at the grocery store today!!

THAT, my friends, is a great feeling!

We went to Idaho this past weekend to visit Andy's sister Nikki and her awesome family! Saturday we went to Rigby Lake (It's really Jefferson County Lake. But those crazy Idahoians don't call things what they really are!) It was great fun. We took Will on a raft for about 5 minutes. He could have cared less though. haha We then went to Five Guys Burgers and Fries. Yummmm-o! Sunday we had chruch and took some pictures of those cute Barnes' kids! We had a blast!

Pictures to come a little later!

SEVEN STINKING MONTHS OLD!

2009-08-26T10:12:00.003-06:00

Where the heck does the time go?

Will is 7 months old as of yesterday. I'm pretty sure I didn't allow this. I am pretty sure he never asked permission either. He's SUCH a cute little dude. He's started getting really excited...about...everything! I made him applesauce from organic apples a few weeks ago. I put it in baby jars, stuck them in the freezer and got some out late last week. He LOVES it! Whenever I give it to him, he balls his fists up, kicks his little legs (almost kicking the jar out of my hand), sucks his lower lip in, and goes "Hmmmm! Hmmmm! Hmmmm! It is the CUTEST thing I have ever seen! Of course, I have yet to get video of it. Sometimes there are thing I want to keep all to myself! He has also started scooting (as I mentioned in an earlier post) It's really cute, and kinda nice that he enjoys playing with toys on the floor, then making me hold him all day long. Although, sometimes I miss that...quite a bit actually. He is SUCH a cheese ball. He makes this HUGE grin all the time. It actually looks a lot like a face I used to make when I was a kid. Crinkly nose, big huge grin. So cute! He is looking more and more like me. He looked just like Andy when he was born, but now, he's looking more like me. It's interesting. He LOVES to make raspberries with his mouth. Sometimes while he is eating too. Gets ALL over everywhere. He also really loves Andy. At around 5-530, he starts getting grumpy. It's the time Andy is usually home. He gets so happy again once Andy is home. I love it.

He is such a sweet little boy. He is so loving and happy all the time. Andy and I can't imagine him not being with us. It's like he's always been with us. We love him so much and are so happy to be a family!

Here is a picture of Will, totally cheesin it up!

Glenwood/Big Rock Candy Mountain/Fremont Indian SP

2009-08-20T14:21:00.009-06:00

The awesome farm house we stayed at! Thanks Becca and Nate!

W and Daddy on his first 4wheel ride! He could have really cared less. ha!

At Big Rock Candy Mountain

It's kind of hard to see, but this is actually some kind of map drawn by the Fremont.

The main source of food was desert goat. There are a lot of drawings of these animals.

Inside the Sheep Shelter. The cave wasn't big enough to hold sheep, they call it that because of the sheep drawn on the roof.

At the Fremont Indian State Park. Look up to where I am pointing. It's an indian pictograph of a desert goat from about between the years of A.D 400-A.D 1300.

We didn't have a hat for W, so we just had him "put yo' hood up"!

Recent Pictures of the crazy fraser clan!

2009-08-20T14:15:00.005-06:00

Oh, aren't we an attractive family?!

Yum, yum...a mum mum!

you have to looove that face

Trip to Glenwood

2009-08-20T09:30:00.002-06:00

Sunday night Andy and I packed up our stuff and Will and drove about 3 hours to Glenwood, UT. It's right outside of Richfield. It's a quaint little farm town to which I hope to move one day. Yes, it's true, I want to move to a farming community where the closest Wally World is about 30 minutes or more away. And don't even think about a mall, welcome to cyber shopping. I want to grow my own produce and have a few horses. Eat buffalo on a regular basis (it's just better for you). Yes, I know...you all think I am nuts. But there is nothing I love more then a little town with about 5 roads and lots open land.

That being said, we had a great adventure! Our first night there, we just chilled. "Watched" a movie, and if you know me at all, you know I fell asleep within the first 30 minutes. On Monday, we just hung out around the house. Which is a gorgeous, 100 year old farm house. We then had quite the feast. We enjoyed hotdogs on the grill, with beans, grilled zucchini, grilled corn on the cob and fresh trout on the grill. I will have to say, the trout was amazing. Becca's dad cought it just this past weekend, so it was still very fresh. I added some s&p along with some Lemon Herb seasoning and to top it off, I covered it in fresh lemon juice. Wrapped it in some foil and Grilled it. It was devine!

Tuesday, Andy, Will and I went on little adventure to Big Rock Candy Mountain. It was quite fun. We enjoyed a little hike, shared a buffalo burger at the cafe and let Will drink some water out of a straw. That was funny. He loved it.

After Big Rock, we went to the Fremont Indain Museum and Stake Park. That was the coolest place! The story is, when they were building I70, they came across these mountains/canyons and noticed caves and pictoglyphs. So, they moved the highway and did some big excavations on the area. They discovered the largest Fremont Indian settlement ever. There is so much rock art out there it is insane. It's kinda weird looking though. A lot of it looks like martians or something. Crazy. But, the Fremonts have a legend of where they come from. They come from the underworld and they have to try to get back there, there are three different degrees of the underworld and they try to make it to the best one...sound familiar? Yeah...I thought so too.

It was way neat. We have lots of pictures. I'll post them later. Andy and I want to take a little trip with just the two of us to Big Rock, we want to go on the Piute ATV trail and rafting down Lemonade Springs.

Speaking of ATV's...I totally flipped when I was riding the 4wheeler. I am ok, I have lots of bruises and I'm really sore, but I'm great! Scariest thing ever!

have...wanted...must have...

2009-08-14T13:24:00.009-06:00

Two years ago, I went to a festival in Asheville called Bele Chere. It is this really awesome street festival they have every year for a weekend. While I was there, I was wearing some cheap-o Old Navy sandals. I had had them FOREVER. Long enough, that while paroozing the streets, I discovered my heel was touching the pavement. Yuck!

So, I tossed them out right there and bought these:Best 30 bucks I ever spent. They are comfy, like walking on clouds. Good arch support. And, they keep your toesies in control.

Well, there is a downside to these...they're flip flops. Not so good for hiking and such.

Then, I discovered these:
I loooove the way they look and I looove the way they feel. They have support, and they have a strap in the back, no more slipping round the rocks. Sweet. I have just been waiting to get them.

Well, I went to REI today.

I was looking at the chacos I wanted to get, then I saw these:See, a little girl in my court wears these, and they look so cute. I thought, eh, they can't be better. So, I had been doing my research, found out they are about 10 bucks cheaper then the Chacos. So, I decided I would go to REI and check things out. At first, I didn't see them. I thought maybe it just wasn't meant to be. Then, like a beacon in the sky, I found them. (They were literally higher then me. I had to actually look up.) I asked the nice man to get me a pair to try on. I fell in love. They are THE most COMFORTABLE shoes I have ever had on my feet. The way they feel is just divine.

I must have them.

We will be going to the REI garage sale tomorrow. I will get a pair.

They will be mine. Oh yes, they will be mine.
*name that movie. If you can, we are best friends.

I wonder, have any of you ever just been SO in love with a material thing? I know, how...materialistic of me, evil...but admit it, you are too. Leave it in a comment. I want to know how many of my friends are just as shallow as I am.

SCOOTER!

2009-08-10T08:03:00.001-06:00

Will has started scooting his way around our home.

Time to move the valuables and keep the floor cleaner!

It's perfectly normal...

2009-08-02T21:32:00.002-06:00

...for a stay-at-home mom to be on facebook or blogging for at least 2-2.5 hours a day. SWEET!

Also, my in-laws brought us back Belgium Chocolates from...Belgium.

I wasn't that impressed. Out of 10 chocolates, there was only one I enjoyed.

I'll stick with Hersey's. Thanks.

We're still trying to get W (no, not Bush...the baby) off the swaddle. Sometimes I think I would rather cut off my left foot.

I just finished the 1st season of Bones...and it was amazing.

Little Kenadie was blessed today, she's such a doll! I love my family!

So, this little post, according to my sister-in-law Nikki, is completely normal. And so is the other 3.5 hours I spend chatting on facebook and blog stalking my friends....

oh, wait...it's only 2.5 hours that is normal. Dangit.

Post #100...Privatize

2009-07-30T22:47:00.002-06:00

Because I watch too much TV (Law & Order...CSI) and I love my family, we are going PRIVATE.

Leave your e-mail and you'll be added.

We'll be going private on August 20th. That's three weeks away and PLENTY of time for you to leave your e-mail!

6 Months and a NEW cousin

2009-07-27T09:10:00.005-06:00

Will is now 6 months old! I can't even believe it. He is just so BIG now...and if you don't believe me, I have some comparison pictures of Will and his cousins, Kenadie and Melanie.

Will is now a major pro at rolling over and spinning around. I just lay him on the floor and let him roll, pretty much until he hits a road block, then I just have him start over again. He loves it! He really loves to play outside, and I mean, who wouldn't, especially when there are no road blocks to hit when rolling? He now eats "big boy" food! So far he eats peaches, bananas, squash and prunes. This week I am going to go to the Sunflower Market to get some fresh, organic fruits and veggies to make Will some baby food. I have been making all his baby food, and it is SUCH a stress reliever. I have bought some baby food for Will, just he prunes...he was constipated. But, I have a HARD time buying baby food. I know the labels SAY it's just the fruit or veggie and water...but how can I REALLY know that? Plus, it's WAY cheaper to just make it myself. I mean, I wouldn't eat the baby food out of the jar, how can I expect Will to do the same? It is really easy and really fun! I use this site for all the information I need: www.wholesomebabyfood.com. Go to it and check it out!

Will still doesn't sit up on his own! We practice everyday, but he just flops over! By the looks of it, this kid will be crawling before he sits up :(

He still gets swaddled for naps and bedtime...we are TRYING to wean him of it...TRYING. We were using a Kiddopotomus Swaddle Me blanket. I highly recommend it. It velcros and really helped us when Will was colicy. But, he is no longer crying all the time, and he goes to bed and stays asleep...so I feel it is time to break this habit. We tried the one arm out thing...it didn't work as well as I would have hoped. So, we are now using blankets. We wrap them a little bit more loosely then we normally would. But, he's started rolling over in his swaddle, and that is just a hazzard! I am going to try at nap times to just not swaddle him...we'll see how that goes. Sometimes I think I should have not swaddled him, but I think it is a more active baby because from early on, he and I were getting enough sleep at night time. So, I will swaddle the rest of our kids...as long as they will have it :)

Andy's birthday was on the 21st. We were going to go to the canyons to roast hot dogs and make s'mores with our friends the Davey's. It didn't end up working out though. So, on the 22nd we went to the Outdoor Expo and Hires. YUM! We gots lots of freebies from the Expo. T-shirts, this awesome water bottle and these way cool wool socks called Wigwam socks! They are freakin amazing! Tonight we have an Edvalson Cousins Party with Andy's Edvalson cousins, tomorrow we have swimming with the Barnes' and FINALLY roasting hot dogs and s'mores in the canyons!

Sorry this post was SO long!

But here are my pictures. The oldest is Will, then there is Kenadie, and lastly there is Melanie. They are all with their mommies...the oldest Mom has the youngest baby, that my sis in law Becky, the middle Mom has the middle baby, that is my sis in law Cassie and lastly, the youngest Mom has the oldest baby, and that is ME!

Here is Will, Kenz and Melanie. They are SO cute. But Will looks HUGE!

1...2...3....K, Kenz, lets roll on Mel, give her a proper welcome!

It Saddens Me...

2009-07-23T07:26:00.002-06:00

...that SO many people in the world are hypocrites. Why is it that people what to do whatever they want, be whoever they want, act however they want and try to force their way and beliefs on others? I am very much the type of person who will not judge someone based on their lifestyle or way of thinking. But I am going to do that right now, because I can no longer hold my tongue. It makes me SICK that so many of the gay community are being SO DISRESPECTFUL to one particular group of people! People whom I belong to. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints. Some of this group are doing "Kiss In's" in front of LDS Temples across the country. As you all know, The Church is against homosexuality...NOT homosexuals. We are against the LIFESTYLE, not the person. Now, I personally believe being gay is a CHOICE, although some will argue it is a disorder. It's up for debate, but I still believe what I believe. You don't see LDS members standing outside gay bars and protesting. I think there should be a line drawn between "protesting" and harrassing. Just because The Church hasn't bowed down and followed the world, We've chosen to stick to The Lords way. It's wrong that people, and it's not JUST gays, can feel good about the way they are treating a group of people. When Prop 8 happened, The Church didn't go around rallying for people to vote for it. They simply sent a letter to the stakes in California telling them to vote the way they think is best, the way in which they know to be in coordinance with God's Law. That was it.

I don't know. It just breaks my heart everyday, when I see things like this on the news. How people can go to sleep knowing how they have harrassed a religion, I do not know. Why does someone feel they need the approval of a religion they aren't even a part of?!?

Joseph Smith once said The Church will always be under persecution. I now know that to be true, because I have lived through it in my lifetime now.

I know The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints IS TRUE. I love it and it has brought so much happiness to my life, and no one can take that away from me.

Naked Bum Alert

2009-07-20T14:05:00.005-06:00

My goalis to take more pictures of my family...and actually get them printed!

Who wouldn't want to have these memories?!?

Enjoying some Peace and Quite...

2009-07-19T21:30:00.002-06:00

Will just finished screaming his poor little lungs out for about 30 minutes. Poor bugger. I can't bring myself to let him cry straight out. I know it works for some people (BECCA, if only I could ignore it as well as you do!) Last night was miserable. We went to do laundry at Andy's parents, like we do every Saturday. But, after that, we had a fun going away party for our good friends Justin and Erica and their studly boy Parley. They are moving to Iowa for Podiatry School, and we'll miss hanging out with them. It was at Murray Park, and it was stinking hot as EVER! We stripped Will down to a diaper and let him roll around in the grass. He loves the grass. Well, we were so busy having fun, we didn't get home until around 9 that night. Will pretty much put himself on a schedule, I helped a little, but it was mostly him. He likes to be in bed between 730-815ish. Yeah, I know. Lucky right? Since we didn't get home until about 9, he was NOT a happy camper. He cried the entire way home. Then, he was out like a light. Sounds awesome huh? It would be, except for he woke up every hour and a half for the REST of the night. Finally, at about 6, I had decided I was done. When he woke up again about 630, I make Andy go in there. I was BEAT! Andy tried to get him to sleep for about 30 minutes, and when he wouldn't, they went outside for a little bit. Of course, I couldn't sleep well while he screamed, so when they went outside, I joined them. We came in about 730, and Will slept from 730-1030. I guess he was catching up on all that lost sleep. He got grump again around 1230, and he crashed. I couldn't bring myself to wake him for Church at 1, so I took a nap as well and we went to Church for the last hour. I needed that nap. Will usually goes to bed so well, but tonight he struggled again. I think once we can get him used to staying on his schedule while we are OUT, things will get better for the poor guy. Now, I can't bring myself to just let him scream and scream, but I have gotten used to going in and calming him down. I don't go right away...but I do go in. It's so amazing to me how different methods work for different people. There are so many days where I wish I could just let Will cry and he would get the hang of it quickly. We tried that for about a week. He cried HARD the entire time we let him cry and as soon as I stopped caring, he started doing exactly what I wanted. He's a lot like me that way, he'll come around on his own time.

So, here I sit, blogging, because I actually have the time. Listening to my neighbors play their piano and sing "Nearer To Thee." It's so calming after trying so hard to not stress out with a crying baby. Wishing Andy didn't have to write a paper so I could just talk with him. Today we talked about how we would love to just live off the land. It all started when we picked some beans from our garden today. I never gardened as a child. We planted flowers in the front yard. I never thought I would have such a green thumb! We want to own a lot of land and grow our own fruits and vegetables. I would love to have a couple chickens and rooster, to have our own eggs, horses and I would LOVE IT! I will grow up to be one of those ladies with a big straw hat and overalls, working in my garden. For me, besides having kids..well, for me A kid...and a wonderful husband who I work and love daily, there is no greater satisfaction then seeing the fruits of our labors and eating our own grown foods!

Knowing

2009-07-17T09:37:00.003-06:00

So, last night, we had our good friends Nate and Becca over for popcorn and a movie. Andy had a bad day the other day, so to cheer him up, I rented a movie for us to watch. I rented the new movie "Knowing". I was kinda surprised by how it turned out! I enjoyed it, although my friend Becca will tell you it wasn't that good....at least it ended up being bad in the end. :) Love you Becca! So, anyways, it ended up being QUITE the interesting movie including lots of references to lots of peoples beliefs of the end of the world. Including the 144,000...so, I say, it was good. I enjoyed it. And it kept me on the edge of my seat, and hiding my head under the covers at some parts!

So, I think this is HILARIOUS!

2009-07-14T09:08:00.005-06:00

T-Pizzle & T-Swizzle: It's a Thug Story, Yo.

A babies gotta eat!

2009-07-12T19:27:00.002-06:00

And apparently, mine wants to use his teeth.

No, Will does not have teeth...yet. But I am pretty certain he is getting ready to have them emerge and grace me with all their glory. (Ah, breastfeeding. Maybe it won't be that bad...) The boy drools like NO ONES business! He chews on anything and everything he can get his little paws on. I swear, if he could fit the entire binkie in his trap, he would. And he would love it.

Today, he started randomly screaming. And I'm not talking just the "Oh, my life is horrible! Won't someone change my bum?!" cry. I'm talking full blown, red faced, "TAKE A BREATH!" crying.

Let's just say, I'm not a fan.

Vacaction

2009-07-10T08:49:00.002-06:00

Hello All! I just wanted to post a little about our fun vacation we had in Georgia this past week. We left on Thursday July 2nd around 4pm...making us arrive back east at 11pm...bad idea. Apparently, Will adjusted to the time change mid-flight and was ready for bed by the time we got off the plane. My mom and David picked us up, and we got in the truck to head home. Only, we sat in traffic for about 30 minutes. Only in Atlanta could you get stuck in traffic at 11:30 at night. Surprisingly, Will did really well in the traffic. As soon as the car started moving, he screamed. So, we stopped at The Varsity in Gwinnett to feed the little bugger and change his bum, when the cops showed up. Don't worry, he was just checking to see if everything was ok, seeing as we were in a vacant Varsity parking lot. Friday morning, we took our sweet time waking up. (it was a LONG night) In Georgia, they have this restruant called Zaxby's. They sell chicken and wings and all sorts of yummy goodness. Since they don't have them here at home, we HAVE to have it everytime we go there. Big Andy, me, Will, Bubba and little Andy went to eat at Zaxby's before we all got hair cuts. It was SO good. I can still taste it in my mouth. We all got hair cuts. Then it was time to head to the pool. In GA, just about ALL the neighborhoods have pools and tennis courts. Wow, what a concept, huh? My dad's neighborhood has the best kinda pool, too. It's all salt water based, so you don't have to destroy your skin in the chlorine. I was so excited! I am a pool rat for sure. We had lots of fun wrestling with my brothers. It was great. Then we had burgers for dinner and went to Starbucks to get coffee. Andy and I got shakes. Then, we pulled off the side of the road and watched an awesome fireworks show. Saturday was the 4th, so we spent the day at the pool with my dad, had hotdogs for lunch, then went to my mom's for the night. We had yummy steak and watched Big Andy and Bubba do the fireworks. I also got to take a ride on David's motorcycle. He drives a Harley. Andy and I will get one of those one day :) Sunday, we woke up early to head to Mt. Holly, NC. We went to visit my Aunts and Uncles there AND most importantly, my Mamaw. She's my great-grandma! That means, at this very moment, there are FIVE generations of Mullis' living on the earth. She's got Alizhiemers, so she doesn't really remember anything, but boy is she funny. You guys should have seen her when she went to give Andy a hug. She loves him! Monday, we saw my grandparents on my dad's side. Went to the pool and had Jumbalia. My step-mom, Angela is from Baton Rouge. So, she has a cool accent and makes jumbalia. We also had family pictures with my mom. Ms. Deborah took them and they turned out SO cute. Will is like a baby model! It was so fun! Andy had to go home that night :( My dad took him to The Varsity (he really wanted to eat it, but when we went the night we got there, it was closed) and then he was back home to work and school. I did surprisingly well without him...although I missed him a lot! Tuesday was rainy, so we went to the mall and then to dinner at my grandma smith's. She made chicken pot pie. YUM! Wedsnday we hung out with my mom and then went to dinner and the park in Suwanee. SO FUN! Thursday, I had to leave and while it was sad, I was ready to be home and Will was REALLY ready to be home.

So, here we sit, watching Mike and Juliet, and will is playing in his exersaucer. We're tan and look great. And we're just gonna relax today. At least, until we go see Andy's parents tonight. They just got back from Europe and I can't wait to see them!

Sorry for the long post, and if you've read this far, you must really love me :)

Poopy boy!

2009-06-30T08:17:00.002-06:00

We started Will on rice cereal and he LOVED it. He even tries to put the spoon in his mouth all by himself. So, I decided after about two weeks that we would try oatmeal. He loves that even more. Although, I am not the biggest fan because it makes him constipated. I had tried everything...massaging his belly, doing the bicycle with his legs, giving him fruit. He didn't enjoy the fruit in his oatmeal though. Then, I talked to my Andy's sister, Nikki. She said, "Give him grape juice." What? grape juice? Really? So, I did. And about 30 minutes after he drank it, he pooped. YAY! I have never been so excited about poop before in my life! Well, just to be on the safe side, I gave him a little more the next day. He's pooped 3 times since MIDNIGHT. What the heck?! I am SO tired of poopy diapers. THEY STINK! But, it was so worth it! Little guys being constipated is not fun for mom or baby!

So, hallelujah for grape juice!

"I'm starting with the man in the mirror"

2009-06-26T08:51:00.003-06:00

Say what you want about Michael Jackson. You can't deny he was a great artist, dancer and world peace/human rights advocate.

Last night I watched the 20/20 special about Michael Jackson. In talking about the fact that he seems to be regressing, back to a child, and the behaves childish, MJ said these words: "I am a firm believer in Jesus Christ. He said to become like the children. I am not childish, I am childlike. When I see children, I see the face of God."

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror
(Ooh!)
I'm Asking Him To Change His
Ways
(Change His Ways-Ooh!)
And No Message Could've
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make That . . .
(Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make That . . .)
Change!

No one is perfect. We are not the ones who should judge. I think we could all learn a lesson from MJ.

My obsession must now end.

2009-06-23T08:17:00.002-06:00

As you all know, I have a major obsession with Jon&Kate Plus 8. Now, living here in MNT time, it doesn't come on until 10 pm, which is WAY past my bedtime. My good friend Becca told me the other day that Jon&Kate were making a BIG announcement. Well, all along, I have really been routing for them to make things work. They have 8 beautiful children, and they are in the show for them...right?

Apparently not. Last night, Jon&Kate announced that they were separating. Ok, take a little time apart. I can understand that, and I don't even have 8 kids. While they were explaining their feelings, I was most disappointed with Jon. He actually said, "I'm sad this is happening, but it's a new chapter in my life and I am excited." Oh really? You're excited you are tearing your family apart? Oh, real cool Jon. I've been on his side the most during all the DRAMA. I thought he was just tired of the fame. But, I guess he's just tired of being tied down now that he has money. Personally, if he would have NEVER quit his job two years ago, I really don't think they would be having these issues...and if he had a little bit of a backbone and didn't let Kate be such a...well, you know.

I have watched the show for a very long time. I know it's just a show, and I don't really know these people. But, yes, I am one of those fans who feels like they were apart of my family. Well, Andy and I decided that if Jon&Kate split up, we will no longer be watching the show. So, the obsession must end. We do not want to watch a family being torn apart. I have divorced parents. Who wants to watch that on TV? We don't. I would totally be on bored if they would have even tried. In their first episode this season, Kate said it took 5 years to get this way. So you give yourself 8 months to "work things out"? If it took 5 years to get to this point, it will take at least 5 years to work it out. But, what do I know?

So Long Obsession with Jon&Kate Plus 8.