Best of 2011?

Seeing these two girls together. They love each other and I'm so happy that for the time being, they like each other too.

January brought on morning sickness.
February brought my second and last ski day of the year (and it was a great night!).

March: we found out we were having a girl.

April: we watch General Conference with my family. The spirit that those meetings brings is amazing.

May: we headed to the Oregon Coast for a day.

June: Addie started to help out at the doctor's and measure my stomach, which was getting bigger by the minute.

July we welcomed Leah Rose into the world. What a special day for our family.

August: Addie turned 2 and Mike and I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary.

September: I enjoyed mastitis.... and sweet snuggles from my baby.

October: Addie dressed up as a gnome and Leah as a flower.

November: I surprised my family by coming down for Thanksgiving a few days early. So fun to be together.

December: we spent Christmas in Rexburg (still here). Addie skied for the first time.

My new year's resolution? Lose 10 pounds and be much tighter with my budget. I am excited for 2012 and hope good things come our way and yours!

Happy New Year!

Ok...

So cute!!

And sorry for the gad-zillion amount of posts. I would do it all in one, but blogging from my phone makes it a little difficult.

Family shot!

Love the three other people in the picture with me more than words can say. So happy to spend the day skiing with them!

End of the Day

Ok, those were the two cutest girls on the hill today.
Leah even got to ski with me down to the car. She giggled almost the whole way.

Dad and Addie

Mike skied with Addie all day. She loved it! He taught her to do the pizza! Going down the runs, she just squealed with absolute delight!

Riding the Magic Carpet

She did the bunny hill about 5 times then we rode the lifts about 4 times with her. When we got on the lift for the first time, she just giggled! "Swing! Swing Mama!"

Addie getting ready to ski!

Doesn't she look so cute? Every time we stopped, she bent down to eat the snow.

The Tetons

I could get used to that view

Sunset As We Finished Skiing.

Beautiful!

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and yours a beautiful Christmas!

I am so grateful to be able to spend this holiday with those we love.
I am also grateful for the day the Christ child was born. He has overcome all to give me the greatest gift of all: eternal life with my family. Last night as we sat around as a family, Mike recounted the Christmas Story and we sang a few carols, I was reassured, very sweetly, of the truthfulness of the holiday we are celebrating. He came. He lived. He died, and more importantly, rose again on the third day.

Merry Christmas!

PS: my girls looked super cute this morning in their matching jammies and then their puffy Christmas dresses. Leah looks like a little cupcake!

13 for Thursday (if I can think of that many things...)

1. Addie and Leah played dress up today. They are so cute together.
2. I went down to Vancouver for a few days. It was my whole family. Dad, Mom, Mitch, Kenna, Marit, and my girls. It was so great to be all together.
3. We are leaving for Idaho tomorrow. I got pretty stressed out today...Poor Mike. Luckily, I have relaxed a bit.
4. We opened our presents last night. We got Addie some princess dress up clothes...She loves wearing them. She also loved opening all the presents.
5. Leah decided to stay up until 2 AM last night. That wasn't very fun. But she's so happy and we just cuddled while watching "The Help."
6. (Mom: skip this one) I am actually a bit sad that I won't be with my family this Christmas. It's my first one away from home. Mike hasn't been home for Christmas in a very long time (I think since before we started dating), so it's his turn. I am very excited to go to Rexburg and enjoy the cold. Plus, we are going skiing! And I am going shopping at Downeast.
7. Marit got me "Parks and Rec" on DVD...that is pretty much all I've been watching the past few days.
8. In college, I loved English. My favorite part was editing (punctuation, spelling, sentence order, you get the picture). I know on my blog that my grammar isn't always perfect, or even close for that matter, but I am kind of judgmental of others when it comes to their grammar; especially when it comes to Christmas letters. I think that if you are going to send out one letter a year to your friends and family that you would try to be careful and double check simple things, like where periods go. That is a bit mean, I know, but it makes me wish I had majored in English and gone into editing.
9. Since I have nothing left to say, I am going to be done for the night. I am exhausted (see numbers 3 & 5).

Christmas Spirit

Just click on the link. My friend, Ike, put this up on Facebook. It warms my heart and makes me wish I was in a position to help people a little more. I love news like this. So much better than all of the scary/sad/pathetic/celebrity/political/economical news we get every day.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/anonymous-donors-pay-off-kmart-222535611.html
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13

1. Yes, these cute pig tails will be making lots of appearances from now on. Addie calls them baby trees.
2. When Addie sees the Christmas lights on, she yells, "Christmas lights!"
3. Addie loves to sing "Once there was a Snowman" and "Jingle Bells"
4. Kenna comes on Saturday, then we are taking the girls to Vancouver on Sunday. I'll be back on Tuesday and the we leave for Rexburg on Friday. YIKES. It stresses me out thinking about it, but it will be so fun!
5. I am excited to see Addie ski in a few weeks. I hope she enjoys it.
6. I am in the middle of a Christmas craft (I know, so I can enjoy it for 5 more days...). I'll put up a picture as soon as I'm done.
7. When I go to Vancouver, I fully expect to get at least 2 minutes of time to hold my new little cousin! And spend some time with my siblings. All while carting around 2 of my own sleep deprived children. Lovely!
8. I love when Addie talks to Leah and then Leah talks back. Sometimes she'll giggle.
9. Cafe Rio chicken, but the homemade version is AMAZING! Put some frozen (ready to cook) chicken or non-frozen pork roast in the crock pot. Add 1 cup of salsa and 1/3 to 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Put on high and let it cook for 5 (ish) hours or until all the juices have cooked down (if you can wait that long...I never can). Its amazing in a taco salad!
10. I am making my friend Janessa's Red velvet cupcakes for a party this weekend. I am so excited to eat them.
11. Holding a sleeping child is therapeutic. Leah calms me down (even when she's awake). She is such a smiley baby.
12. Leah now rolls from back to front and front to back. Yesterday she scooted a bit towards a toy.
13. The first time I met Mike was fall of 2006. I thought he liked this one girl I couldn't stand, and I thought he was a player (turns out he really wasn't). I went to school for 4 months, came back in April of 07 and we started hanging out. We went to a party and hung out. I had gone with my friend. Mike asked if I wanted to come over after the party to hang out. I said yes, but ended up staying at the party too long and then went to Denny's. While I was there, I called him to say I wasn't going to make it. So what if it was 11:30...he called me out on it and said I woke him up and that I had to make it up to him by going on a date with him. I couldn't stop grinning.

Things That I've Been Thinking About Lately

-Even though, I might not look great all the time, or get ready until 4:30 PM, I always feel amazing when I'm holding or cuddling with one of my girls. Nothing makes me feel better than when I look at myself in the mirror and the reflection is a woman holding her sweet baby. That is something I have always wanted, and I am beyond blessed to have that.
-I attended the funeral for a friend's mom and Saturday. It was a really nice service. They are a strong Christian family. As the pastor was speaking near the end, I was almost overcome with gratefulness that I enjoy the blessing of having the fullness of the Gospel in my life. I am grateful for the things that I know concerning this life and the next. As I watched the slide show of pictures from this great woman's life, I held my baby closer. Life is precious and can slip away from us sooner than we would like. I came away more determined to raise my children in the Gospel, to love their Heavenly Father, and to do the right things in this life.
-I am happy to be celebrating Christmas and the birth of our Savior. He suffered for my sins, died and rose again so that I may live again.
-Addie has started to master the art of stalling at bed time and nap time... And I am a sucker for it. I love reading her books and singing to her. How can I say no when she wants to pray and say it on her own?
-Yesterday after church (which felt like a whirlwind) Addie sat at the piano and played some notes while singing almost all the words to "I Am A Child Of God." I was beaming and I cried.

3 for Thursday (just three, I'm too tired to care...)

1. Mike and I stay up way too late on www.damnyouautocorrect.com. Some are inappropriate and will make you blush, but others are hilarious! Mike teared up reading this one. Plus it was after midnight. My favorite thing to do is hang out with Mike in bed (that sounds dirty, and I just blushed and I don't mean it like that...) But what I mean by that is its just us, no kids, and we can talk with out being interrupted. No TV, but usually a funny website or video from the day, but I really enjoy the times that it is just me and Mike. I am thinking we need a trip just, just us for our anniversary this year.

2. I LOVE THAT MY GIRLS LIKE EACH OTHER. I can tell that Leah adores Addie and looks up to her. Addie loves to help me with Leah, give kisses and loves, feed her, cuddle, show her toys, the list goes on. Now, the trick is to keep it that way for a very long time. When Leah rolls over, Addie says, while applauding, "flip-ober! Yay! Mom, clap your hands!" If Leah spits up, Addie will wipe up Leah's mouth and say, "uh-oh, bit up baby."

3. Addie is such a cute little girl. She, despite her independence, is very obedient (most of the time). She is nice to other kids, listens to me, usually does what she is supposed to. Now, she's two, so we do have our fits and times when we are in Costco and she just wants to run (...tonight) but when I ask her to, she will usually stay next to me and help me shop. She is such a big girl. I love hearing her sentences and the funny things she will say. Today she asked to use the toilet, and did some good work! While sitting upon the toilet (for 30 minutes, even though she finished in 3...) she told me she wanted to pray. She folded her cute little arms and said, "kank-oo por my day." I was so happy that what we are teaching her is starting to sink in. She is beautiful.

December 7 1941

This is my grandpa Kenneth Doty, fresh out of high school and fresh in the Navy. I think he looks pretty handsome. 60 years ago, this date changed my Grandpa's life. Because of the attacks on Pearl Harbor, my Grandpa ended up joining the navy.
He flew in a plan with the pilot and co-pilot. I only know them as Willie and Jenkie. My grandpa was the bomber. They flew in a TBF Avenger. They were shot down over the Sea of Japan and rescued by the USS Gabilan after floating in the sea for a few hours. All three survived. I love that we have video of my grandpa being rescued and climbing up onto the deck of that submarine.

I love to hear my grandpa telling his stories from his time in the navy. He has quite a few models of his plane and the aircraft carriers he was on. I love looking at his medals and through his scrapbooks. I am grateful for his service. He is a great patriot and loves this country and instilled that love in his children and his grandchildren. I remember asking him to come speak to my class in 5th grade and to tell us about his experience. I was so proud of him, and I still am.

I am grateful for all those who left their homes to protect this great country during World War II. I am grateful for those that continue to serve our country and protect our liberties.

Highlight of My Day

You mean other than this sweet face?

Addie was looking through the Toys R Us catalog. I was in the other room making dinner or cleaning. I hear Addie start yelling, "Mom! Mom! Mamamamama!!! Looooookkk!" I run in the living room not knowing what to expect. She has the catalog spread out and she is in the pink section. "A-well! A-well is on SLIDE!" She was pointing excitedly to an Ariel Barbie that had a slide. The look on her face was priceless.

Christmas Spirit

Addie likes to wear the stockings!

Standing with Dad

After bath

13 for Thursday

1. Leah LOVES sitting in the jumper. I love that she loves it.
2. We bumped her up to size 2 diapers and I cleaned out the 0-3 month clothes. On to 3-6... She's growing up to fast.
3. Leah still doesn't sleep very well at night, and I haven't done much to fix it lately either. I have come to the conclusion that she will when she's ready. But for now, I get to have some special time just the two of us, even if we are both pretty much asleep.
4. Addie asked for candy today by saying, "trick-or-treat mamma!"
5. I am really enjoying my calling right now. I feel like I am kind of hitting my stride. I feel more comfortable voicing opinions (and policy...I'm surprised at what people don't know sometimes) when needed. Being the secretary for primary allows me some flexibility too, which is very helpful with the two girls. I love the women I work with too! They are amazing.
6. When I was in Young Womens, one of my leaders made us a Christmas Advent with scriptures about Christ. We are doing that tonight!
7. I'm about to order pizza... I haven't done that in forever.
8. Have I mentioned how awesome Mike is?
9. Addie says the cutest things lately. She said, "you're welcome milk!" when I gave her a sippy of milk the other day. She also says, "cute leah!"
10. I love cuddling with Addie. It doesn't happen to often so when it does, I relish every second.
11. Have you ever had missionaries not want to set up a dinner appointment with you? I have... My cooking can't be that bad, right?
12. I have been working out! Jillian Michaels has shredded my legs and shoulders.
13. I need a date. Mike, I'm taking you out very soon!

Thanksgiving 2011

Love that picture? My mom will love me for putting it up. We had gotten up and started dinner before showering or even brushing our teeth. Yikes!

Our Thanksgiving was awesome. I drove down to Vancouver on Monday with the girls and the dog. I surprised my mom and sisters. It was a pretty easy drive to; I might even do it again (not soon though).

Tuesday Kenna and I spent our morning with my cousin Katie. Addie and Rosie played together pretty well. Katie is also having her baby this week! I can't wait to meet him in a few weeks! Also, it was Roxie's 7th birthday. Here's to many more years Roxie!

Wednesday, Marit and I went out to lunch and to the craft store. We also celebrated my dad's birthday! He is 55 years young! We had chocolate cake and played Uno. Mike drove down that night after work.

Thursday! My mom did the turkey, I did mashed potatoes, Marit did the green bean casserole, and Addie even got in the action and helped to do the stuffing. My parent's long time friends and their youngest daughter joined us for dinner. We had such a good time and ate too much.

Friday Mike and I did took the girls over to my Grandma and Grandpa Doty's house. I helped my Grandma do her hair while she held Leah. Meanwhile, Grandpa and Addie watch football and ate lemon drops, a lot of lemon drops. It was so good to see them. Mike and I braved a little shopping at REI and got a ski rack for my 4Runner.

Saturday we headed home to attend my girlfriend's wedding reception. And she looked gorgeous!

PS Leah had rice cereal for the first time yesterday. SHE LOVED IT!

We had a great week in Vancouver

4 months!

Has it been 4 months already??

Weight: 13 pounds 7 ounces (35th percentile)
Length: 24 1/2 inches (40th percentile)

Leah can roll, talk real loud, reach for things, put those things in her mouth, play with her toes, chew on fingers and laugh! I love her cute giggle. Addie loves her little sister.

Leah still doesn't sleep great at night, but we're getting there.

I am just enjoying every moment I have with her. As the girls get older, I realize how fleeting this time is. They won't be little for much longer. They are so precious. I love seeing them both grow up. I am so blessed that they are mine.

Snowman

See this? I am actually quite proud of this. For primary over the next few weeks, I am filling in as the chorister.

The kids can lead the music using the scarf. I made a tube with fringe for the scarf, cut a hole in my tri-fold display board and glued the scarf to the back side of the board. The backs of the snow flakes have songs on it also.

I can't take credit for this idea though, well not all of it. When I was in Primary, my mom made one that was an elephant and you got to lead the music with his nose. And there were peanuts on the display that had songs on it. My mom has some of the best ideas like that. She's pretty cool.
(I'm kinda buttering her up to watch my girls on night next week when I am down visiting)

13

1. I want this framed for my house!
2. Addie is the cutest thing ever. She is so sweet and I love seeing her explore the world around her.
3. All mommy friends!! I need advice! Leah is not the best sleeper. She keeps waking up every 2 hours and if Mike goes in, she screams but if I go in, all she wants to do is nurse and won't calm down unless I nurse. Now, I feel like she is to young to cry it out (especially since she is so small and needs the calories). And at night I am usually nursing before I fully wake up and realize what I am doing. So I let her nurse for just a few and then as of late I am just so happy that she is asleep, that I go to sleep. Then we repeat it 2 hours later. What has worked for you to get your babies to sleep??
4. Leah will be 4 MONTHS on Saturday! I can't believe how fast she is growing up.
5. Hello Vancouver on Monday!! Crafts, sushi, Thanksgiving, family (minus mitch). This will be a great week.
6. Addie will only wear dresses as of late. I am trying to embrace this phase.
7. As the weather gets crummier, I am finding its harder to have the TV off more. We usually just watch about 40 minutes of a show in the morning while I get ready and then 10 minutes before bedtime, but lately...its been on too much. I almost want to get rid of it.
8. Jerry Sandusky....guilty, gross, monster, awful. How can he say he is innocent? All this ish (I would use a different word, but this is a family blog, and literally it is that word...) in the world makes just want to keep my girls under my mama hen wings and never let them get hurt.
9. I find it HILARIOUS that the Occupy Wall Street group on NY got a huge $20,000 donation and deposited it at a Wells Fargo bank...ummm...isn't that one thing you are protesting? Oh and they won't share the money with all the protesters. Haha. Dumb.
10. The ski hills are opening this week! Can't wait to go!! Addie got her skis. She is set!
11. Addie and I love to bake together. I really like having her help me do something I enjoy. Today we made pumpkin bread!
12. Leah is officially rolling over. She did it the other day and kept doing it. Its so cute how frustrated she gets when her arms get stuck under her little tummy.
13. Addie wears my heels everywhere. We didn't go to the library today because she wouldn't take them off. I'll let her go out in a lot, but she must wear shoes that fit, and are weather appropriate.

Things I love:

- Need I say more?? (Don't worry I will)
- The fact that Addie called Cinderella's castle a temple
- Listening to an apostle and feeling the Spirit so strong and receiving guidance.
- Trading recipes with Marit
- Teasing Makenna about living at the North Pole
- Learning Mitch has pretty eyes
- Relaxing, eating homemade cinnamon rolls with my attractive husband. All we need is for CSI:Miami to start.

5 for Friday

1. Look at that cute baby! And her headband! My sister is making and selling headbands and hair ties. She might open an etsy shop!
2. Yesterday my mom and I went to Country Village for lunch. I went two weeks ago and lost one of Leah's mittens. On our way bacK to the car, I turned my head to the right and sitting on a picket fence was her mitten! I was so excited.
3 I think Addie gets cuter every day. She knows what zebras and giraffes are. She loves our new window markers. She dances every time we hear music. Adds is on a mitten kick. She just loves them right now. I love that she loves Leah so much. Addie always wants to hug or kiss her.
4. Daylight savings has messed up the sweet schedule I worked so hard to get Addie on.
5. My mom just took Leah from me, so I'm going back to sleep! Love having her and my dad here!

Winter must haves

Do you ever wonder what you need to complete your winter ensemble? Look no further than this picture of Addie.

She takes a cute dress and dolls it up. Hat? Why yes! It must be a little silly or it will get no attention. You must have boots to go with it. Snow boots, church boots, rain boots, it doesn't matter (that's why they aren't pictured). Instead of a purse, try carrying around a dingy hippo that your mom can't wash because it will get ruined. And to top it off, a cupcake. Why? To lick off all the frosting. If your legs get chilly, be sure to throw on a pair of leggings under your dress. If you happen to need a coat, put on a pink coat with lots of animals on it; mix up your prints: animals and flowers, stripes and polka-dots, the sky is the limit!

For more fashion advice, just ask the mom that is following Addie through the store with her head hung in shame... no, she'll be smiling proudly that her two year old picked out her very own outfit.

Leah's Blessing

First, I apologize for the lack of pictures. I took them on my real camera (and since I blog from my phone, I don't have them handy), so they'll go up here later.

We had a great weekend! Mike's parents came into town on Friday and my parents and sister, Marit, came on Saturday. It was so nice to have everyone here. And I know its probably not to common, but we love to have EVERYONE from both sides together. I think we mesh pretty well.
Sunday, my Grandpa Ray also joined the party. Mike gave Leah her blessing and he did such a good job; he said some very tender things. I got a little teary eyed, but held it together. I am so glad to have Leah in our family. She is so easy going and sweet. Addie is sweet too, but a little busier. Mike is a great dad and I love seeing him with our girls. I am so blessed to have the family that I do. I really missed having my brother, Mitch, and sister, Kenna, there. Addie likes to call Uncle "Pitch" on the phone.
Monday, Randy went to work with Mike and Jenny and I went shopping. I think whenever we get together shopping is a requirement. We had a good time. Monday afternoon we spent about 2 hours talking about everything from the Gospel, to having babies, and almost everything in between. I cried in front of her... I felt goofy, but since I've had Leah, I cry at almost everything. I really enjoy the time I get to spend with my in-laws. I do feel pretty lucky to have married into a good family.
It was sad to see them go this morning. Addie has been asking for them all day. We are looking forward to Christmas when we can see them again. My parents are coming back up Thursday, and I am really looking forward to that too.

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Happy

See this moment? Its one where I am perfectly happy. My sleeping Leah turns her head and falls asleep. Laundry can wait, floors can be swept later. Me? I'm content to sit right in my rocking chair for a while. Today has been perfect. New blow-dryer came. We went to the library. Addie and I shared fries and a frosty. My house is almost clean. Its Friday.

I am thankful for small moments like these that help keep me happy.
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13

1. I went out by myself tonight for the first time in MONTHS!! I bought some new clothes that I needed (ok, I only needed jeans...)
2. The past few days have not been our best. We have watched lots of movies (Open Season) and eaten way too much candy (candy corn). But Addie is happy, and I am feeling much better.
3. Mike's parents get here tomorrow! Then my parents and sister come saturday! I am so glad they can be here for Leah's blessing.
4. This has been the longest week.
5. Parks and Rec is slowly becoming my new favorite show.
6. I am thankful for prayer.
7. I am filling in as the Primary Chorister for a few weeks. That is one of my favorite things to do.
8. Leah slept almost 5 hours straight last night. Woo-hoo!
9. The other night we were on our way home from the store and Addie wanted an M&M. I gave her one for each hand. She ate one then asked for more. I said, "you need to be all done, let me see your hands." She showed me her right hand, keeping her left hand down, holding on to her spare M&M. I asked one more time and I saw her switch the M&M to her right hand. As I was about to say, "you need to eat it before you can have another one," Addie says, "Trick-or-Treat!" I couldn't say no; she got another M&M. It was too cute.
10. My parents come back up next week for a few days for my dad's work. Yay!
11. I can't believe that in a week and a half, my baby sister turns 17!! I honestly remember the night she was born. She will always be the baby, but I am so proud of the young woman she has become. And she is so pretty. I got her a great birthday gift too!
12. I am going to bed in a few minutes. I do need to fill out my ballot. Maybe I'll do that first.
13. (Warning: politics by alyse...skip if you want) What the heck to the people participating in Occupy Wall Street really think they will accomplish?? That the rich 1% will just hand out there money?? And who seriously has 30+ days to sit and protest? Oh yeah, the ones not working, probably living off the government. Get off your buns and get a job. The Gap is hiring, so is Ann Taylor and J. Jill (can you tell where I shopped tonight?). And the very capitalistic government that they protest is the same government that gives them their freedom to protest. And I just learned that there is a labor shortage for the apple orchards in eastern Washington. They could come out and work and get $22 an hour! That might not push them up to the 1%, but it will give them a way to provide for yourself. Also, steal from the rich and give to the poor is only a good idea in a Disney movie. (Do you get the feeling I don't appreciate Occupy Wall Street?)
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A Little Sneak Preview!

Here is Leah in her blessing gown that I made. No pattern either! Holla!!
I must say she looks like a perfect angel in her dress. She looks beautiful all the time, but just look at how gorgeous she is! And she rolled over while I was taking her pictures! Yay!!

I took some pictures of her today in the dress. When we blessed Addie, I had plans for taking her picture in the dress, and with us, but our morning plans changed at the very last second, so I only have one picture of Addie in hers. I did not want that to happen this time, so we did some pictures today.

I will put up more pictures on Sunday of Leah and all of us dressed up.

I got her cute headband from an Etsy shop, I can't remember which one, but she had tons of cute baby headbands. I will be buying some for Christmas dresses I think.

PS: One year ago today, we blessed Addie :)
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Halloween 2011

Our Halloween was really fun! For dinner, I made jack-o-lantern pancakes. We got the girls ready for Trunk-Or-Treat (it was an unofficial ward activity where families could come to have a safe place to trick-or-treat). Addie's costume was a hit! I didn't make it, but wish I had. Everyone thought she was so cute. Little Leah stayed cozy in her flower costume (I did make hers!). And of course, she was just as sweet as Adds.
Mike and I didn't dress up this year, but next year we are going ALL out! Party included!
After the girls went to bed, Mike and I had our favorite snack, Rotel. We watched DWTS (to kill time) until Castle came on, which we really enjoy. I hope everyone else enjoyed their Halloween!
On to the Holidays!
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Costumes

Today, we went trick-or-treating at the zoo. Addie was a flower gnome. Look how cute! I bought her costume last year after halloween for $5! I made Leah's costume this year. She is a cute little flower. I made her hat this morning, and then I made Addie one tonight. I think they are pretty cute.

When Addie would go to get her candy she would say trick-or-treat and thank-you after she got her candy. I know I am biased but she is the cutest little gnome ever.

We are looking forward to going out a little on Monday night. Ok, Addie will love getting candy! (I am pretty sure 80% of Addie's total caloric intake today was from sugar....)
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Picture

This is the sleeping baby I referenced in the last post. Isn't she so sweet?? How could you not want to hold her?

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13 for Thursday

1. This will be quick, but there will be a list.
2. I had time to straighten my hair today and my blow dryer died. So I bought a new one on ulta.com.
3. Leah has the cutest laugh. At a meeting tonight, a friend got her giggling so much. I loved every second of it.
4. I am looking forward to trick-or-treating at the zoo on Saturday. Ok, Addie will love it and that is what I am excited for.
5. I think Addie is the cutest. My heart melts when she says, "kank-oo mama!"
6. We went to Country Village again today. Addie and I got a cookie and we looked at the ducks. She was so tickled that the ducks were right next to her!
7. Addie can draw circles and recognizes them. She is actually very good at them.
8. Mike brought me some M&Ms home for us to share. He is the best.
9. I have skipped cleaning and working out a few days this week to cuddle with a sleeping baby during her nap time.
10. Leah has finally slept two nights with 4 hour stretches!! Yay. I am in heaven.
11. I need to sew a bunch this weekend. And finish Leah's costume. And work on a christmas gift. And make a blanket.
12. Peanut Butter milk shakes are my new weakness. You might think its gross (Mike...) but I don't care. I love it.
13. Addie loves everything princess. Dresses, shoes, shirts... When its time to wash her hair I tell her it will give her princess hair. Works every time.
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Oh Addie

Tonight, while Adds was taking her bath she squeezed A LOT of her new shampoo out. I got a little upset and took it away from her.
Rewind to the beginning of the bath, she was splashing a ton and getting me wet. I kept telling her to stop that too.
So back to present...
She started splashing again. I told her to stop (This makes me sound like a grinch, but honestly our bathroom gets soaked and I usually need a change of clothes after this kind of splashing). After shush-ing me, she asked for the bottle of shampoo. I handed it to her. She threw it into the water and looked at me, smiled and said, "Haha, mama wet!"

Whatever irritation I had with Adds before, melted with that sentence.

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13 for Thursday

1. Leah's first pony tail! She is so cute!
2. Ok, you've seen my complaints on FB...but Leah will not sleep. Its absolutely wearing me out and I can't figure out how to get her to sleep.
3. Addie is probably the cutest girl ever. I love her excitement for life and the things she loves.
4. Mike set up a date night for us tonight. My grandparents watched Adds and we took Leah. We went to our favorite mexican restaurant.
5. I did it. I got Jillian Michaels 30 day shred... I am excited to start it when it comes.
6. We officially moved Leah into her own room.
7. I am looking forward to seeing lots of family soon when we bless Leah at church.
8. I really miss having my brother and sisters around. I have talked to kenna a few times in the past few days and I loved every second of it. I wish we were all closer.
9. I love my husband. He is so great at taking care of me when I am under the weather. And he brought me a Twix Bar last night.
10. I love how graciously Mike takes Leah at night for me. He is amazing.
11. I am pretty excited that tomorrow is friday.
12. Friday is field trip day for us...where will we go? Its probably going to be raining, so we'll probably just go to the grocery store.
13. Kenna met a girl who's blog we follow and I feel like she got to meet a celebrity and I got the inside scoop on today's post before it went up!
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YUM

So I saw this idea on www.bystephanielynn.com. She has a great blog with lots of cooking and decorating ideas. She saw it on Martha Stewart's website.
You take a small pumpkin and carve it. Martha's had cute little circles all over, but I did a face. Then you take ground cinnamon and rub it on the lid (I added a bit of ground ginger too; Martha says you can also stick cloves in the lid). Light a little tea light and insert!
Your house will smell like you have been baking pies all day! I have lots of pumpkins this year and I bet you can guess what I will be doing when guests come over.

PS: I made bread for the first time yesterday. Nothing beats fresh hot bread and butter. It is good bread, but not the best homemade bread I've ever had. So, if you know a great recipe let me know!
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13 for Thursday

1. This is Leah after a bath, and I had her hair straight up. She is also wearing Christmas jammies. She is the cutest little girl ever.
2. Addie's newest thing is princess dresses. When she wakes up from her nap the first thing she wants is to put on her "pi-pi dwess" and look pretty.
3. I really don't think I have 13 things to write about tonight.
4. We are pulling our garden on Saturday. Lucky elders in the ward get to help.
5. I am ACHING to go on a trip. As much as I love going to Rexburg and Vancouver to see family, I really want to go on a tropical trip or ski trip with just Mike. The last time it was just us over night was last summer for our anniversary. But I would miss my girls to much.
6. I am loving the www.mormon.org commercials. They make me happy and so proud to be LDS.
7. Can I give my two cents to Pastor Jeffress too? I really feel like he has made such awful judgments about all these other religions that do try to bring people to God. Regardless of them being Jewish, Muslim, Bhuddist, or Christian, I really feel like good comes from all denominations and we should respect people's choices to follow what they would like if they truly believe it will bring them greater light and closer to their God, that includes you Pastor Jeffress.
8. I am going to start sewing some dolls for the girls for Christmas. I am pretty excited to make certain gifts this year.
9. Halloween?? I am actually not super excited for it. Which is a FIRST. The girls costumes are done, but I am just not stoked about festivities (or lack thereof...).
10. Saturday we are probably going back to the pumpkin patch. Just for fun to ride the tractor and eat some corn.
11. I've said this before, but Leah has the greatest smile. I love when she looks at me and grins. I fall in love with her all over again.
12. I am watching gymnastics and I feel like I missed my calling in life as a gymnast. And I am putting Adds in gymnastics next year. Or ballet. But something that's an outlet for her.
13. Good night. (It took me more than a half hour to write this... I really couldn't think of much to say)

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Footsie Ghosts.

Today, Adds and I made footsie ghosts. I saw this on someone's blog, and I can't remember which one and thought it was so cute. She thought it tickled when I painted her feet. Then I opened up a brown paper bag and put some finger paints out for her and let her go to town. She loves painting.
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Milestone!

Leah laughed for the first time! And actual perfectly cute little giggle.
My heart melted!
She is perfect.
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Our weekend

-we went to the pumpkin patch. Bob's Corn. We met "The Bob." He was driving the tractor for the hay rides. Addie loved the hay ride. We'll probably go back next weekend.

-i broke (or seriously sprained...but I think broke since its pretty crooked and black and the size of a tomato...) my left pinkie toe. I hooked it on the high chair. I was in a ton of pain Saturday. I broke my right pinkie toe when I was about 15. I had to wear some flip-flops to church since it was too painful to put other shoes on (they were black leather ones that look OK, not the cheap old navy ones..) My Grandma Doty would have been ashamed of me. Sorry Grandma.
-since the girls are napping right now, I think I'll finally get ready for the day!
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13 for thursday

1. It is so sad when Leah wimpers in her sleep and sticks her bottom lip out, but so cute.
2. I finished her blessing gown today!! yay! I'll show pictures later, and it is to late for me to want to do anything.
3. I have had the best week with my family.
4. My grandparents are the cutest couple ever. They have been married for 63 years (I think) and they are so funny together. And they loved having Rosie and Addie and Leah visit.
5. I am leaving with way more than I came down with.
6. I went to my favorite second hand store and got the girls some cute outfits.
7. I miss Mike. I miss laying by him at night.
8. There is something sticky on my arm, and it might have to do with the gushers that I just ate...
9. I got to hear Marit sing this week! She sang for Evening in Excellence. She has a beauatiful voice and everyone was so touched by her song. It brought the Spirit into that meeting and set the tone for the rest of the night.
10. My Uncle Jon showed me Australian football, and we saw a guy get his nose set on the sidelines.... OUCH!
11. Did I mention I miss Mike?
12. I do not like Target size one diapers. We have had far too many blow-outs this week. I am sticking with more expensive brands until Leah's diet changes slightly.
13. Marit and I got sushi tonight! I haven't had it for more than a year. It was divine!

My New Favorite Esty Shop

One of my favorite things to do is look through Etsy. I dream of having a shop. I wish I was creative enough, or had the skill set to do something awesome. I can sew, if I follow a pattern. I can craft, if some else has told me what to do. So, I love to look and see what other people can do.

]There is one shop that I have loved for a while (Ok, I love lots of them...)

Old New Again

Here are few things that I would love to grace my kitchen walls with:

If you really want to make me happy, you'll get me something from this Esty shop.

PS: I am so happy and excited for this week! Crafting, sewing, little girls playing, and not having to clean house? Awesome! The only down fall is Mike has to be home working.

Shhh....... PPS: Utah lost to UW today... now, I am not a UW fan (sorry Schlegels....) but I'll take them over many other teams including, but not limited to WSU, Oregon, and Utah. So needless to say, I was pleasantly pleased with today's outcome. Sorry Mike, I still really love you and you still really love me.

13 for thursday

1. I know I talk about how much Addie loves Leah all the time, but I cant get over it. They are so cute together. Addie was hitting the little hanging toys for Leah to see.
2. I took some boots off of Addie the other day and a quarter, dime, penny and hair clip fell out.
3. Addie said her first prayer last night! She said every word I told her to. She hasn't had much interest in saying her own prayers until last night. It made me cry.
4. I watched Ellen today and she was talking about the changes to Facebook and how everyone was ticked about it. She said (not a direct quote...), "I have an idea to help out with that, go outside! Breath fresh air. You'll find that the real birds aren't angry." I laughed, but I so appreciated it.
5. Tonight I made a peanut butter chocolate milk shake....YUM. It was like drinking a peanut butter cup. I was in heaven.
6. I am so excited to go to Vancouver this weekend! I get to see family! And Addie gets to play with her favorite red-headed cousin! Crafting, shopping, playing... Can't wait!
7. Have I mentioned how much I love little Leah? She is perfect and SO cute! She has started coo-ing and blowing little bubbles.
8. My favorite thing right now is when I look at Leah and she smiles at me like I am the best thing she has ever seen. My heart MELTS!
9. I am learning a lot lately about where I stand on a few procedural things at church. All I have to say is, thanks dad for teaching me that we should always use the church handbook and not rationalize certain things.... The end.
10. Also I am learning about being a better mom and how to be more patient. Being patient isn't one of my strong points, but I am definitely getting better.
11. Addie's new favorite thing is quarters (see number 2). She loves my coin purse and takes every coin and lines it up. Then she'll hand it to me and she'll say "kank-oo el-cum!" She is the cutest two year old ever.
12. I am loving fall! I am excited to make a new wreath for my door. And I have some fun Halloween dinner ideas for us! We love playing outside and checking on our garden. I can't wait to harvest everything in a few weeks.
13. Mike was gone last night for work, and I missed him lots and lots (like slept on his side of the bed kind of missed him). I was so glad to have him home tonight. I love Mike. Addie missed him so much and kept asking for him last night and this morning when she woke up. It was sad. But we are glad to have him home.
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Our day....

Yes, that is my child, sitting pantsless and with sugary stuff around her mouth and a lemonade. Let me back-up a few days...
She got a slight cold last week, and it has been hanging on and we just can't quite shake it. It is enough to keep her cranky, stuffy, and lazy. Lazy is fine every once in a while, since she really is so busy,but we are on day 5 of her wanting to sit around (and I am sick of certain movies...Robots....).

We are going to an M's game tonight and I had to go buy tickets at the mall. This was my first time going to the mall with both girls. I stuck Addie in the stroller and used my scarf as a sling for Leah (why haven't I done that before???) Addie was hungry, so I got her some cinnamon sugar pretzel nuggets and a lemonade from Auntie Ann's. On the way out to the car, her lemonade spilled and her pants were soaked. So we took off the pants. When we go home, we put in Cinderella (at least its not Robots...) and she has been chowing down on her little pretzels. While I am not excited about the nutrition (or lack thereof) in the pretzels, I'm glad she is eating for the first time in days.

Our mornings have been rough recently and I read a story in the Rexburg Standard Journal this morning about a couple who recently lost their 18 month old baby girl. I cried for their loss, but more importantly I remembered how sweet it is that I have an eternal family and how LUCKY I am to have two beautiful girls. While my heart breaks for those who have dealt with the loss of a loved one, I am so grateful for gentle reminders that I have mine. It pushes me to be a better mother and wife. I am glad that I was sealed in the temple to my husband and that we can have a family that extends beyond this life, even if mornings like today make me think I could sell a certain two year old (I couldn't, wouldn't! ... I'd miss her too much!).

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Nursing

Last night, Leah took her first bottle. I pumped some and Mike gave her the bottle. While I was excited (maybe I can pump and Mike and I can have a real date?), I also was sad. I almost cried over the fact that she took a bottle (really, just ask Mike).

My mom didn't nurse us as babies. And that is OKAY! She just wasn't really comfortable with it, and so I grew up with all my siblings being bottle-fed. When I got pregnant with Addie, I really didn't want to nurse, but Mike wanted me to. It cause some slight tension when the subject would come up. I mean, nowadays, formula is just as nutritious for the baby. So after some thought, I decided I would try it. When I started nursing, it was awkward and unfamiliar. And to be honest, I hated nursing in the mother's lounge at church (We are in public; I don't want to see your boob. Cover it up!). Also, because of Addie's size and her slight jaundice, I had to give her a formula after every nursing session. So, that gave way to 50% bottle, 50% breast. Then eventually, by three months she was exclusively bottle. Part of me felt that I had failed a little, but the other part of me knew that if she was healthy, then that was perfectly acceptable.

This time around, I wanted to be better. The first week is awful (engorgement, nipples that are on fire, problems latching...) and being the only one to feed the baby is hard. Mike heard about that lots in the middle of the night (see above picture). But, as time has gone on, I have had a HUGE change of heart. I have found that I enjoy our 2 AM feedings (and the 3 and 4 AM ones too!), she can latch so much better, and she is growing perfectly. Nursing is something special for us. I understand what it means when they say it creates a bond: its for the mom more so than the baby. So, last night when Mike was feeding her, I guess I got a little sad, wishing it was just me and Leah. But I am excited for the little bit of freedom this gives me. Now to find a babysitter...Any takers?

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Thursday

Ok, I am not doing thirteen things today. Bummed? Sorry. I am pooped and can barely think of what my name is (its momma right?).
Today we had well child check-ups for the girls.
Stats:
Adelaide is 21 pounds 4 ounces. My two year old is 21 pounds. She's in the 9th percentile. She's gained almost a pound since 18 months. She got her flu shot in her arm and she did so well.
Leah Rose is 9 pounds 12 ounces. It took Adelaide until 4 months to get that big. She got 3 shots and an oral vaccine. She was ticked for a little while.
We switched doctors due to a change in insurance and it was a good switch. We loved our old doctor, but this new one is great! The nurse was awesome, the office was not busy, we didn't have any wait, I could go on and on. If you need a pediatrician, I'll give you our doctor's number.
And bonus for the day, Addie is sick and therefore a pill. I love her though. We've stayed in our jammies a lot the past few days
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Two months

Leah is two months old (yesterday), but today makes it nine weeks. She is starting to coo and make cute baby noises. She smiles all the time. She is adorable.

She has only ever nursed and so today, I pumped (TMI, I know) and gave her a bottle. She looked at me like, "what the crap?" and then proceeded to gag. We'll stick with nursing for a little bit longer. Which, by the way, I am very proud of myself for. Nursing isn't my favorite thing to do, and it's a little foreign because my mom bottle fed her kids. With Addie, from the very start I gave her a bottle with formula a few times a day, and nursed too, and I only made it until 3 months. But I am feeling good this time around. And I LOVE our middle of the night feedings when it is just the two of us.

Addie has been so funny lately. She just does cute little things or says funny words. I love when she wears my heels around the house. She is also very into coloring and dancing. We just rented Rio (very cute) and she danced for most of the movie. We love all her spunk! She stayed in nursery on Sunday for almost a whole hour! She has been going to nursery since February and has always gone with one of us. We haven't had a nursery leader since the end of March, and they finally called one (thank goodness), so in the mean time, Mike and I have been helping out. I am usually in there anyways because of Primary. So, Sunday was a huge success for us!

I love how much my girls love each other. At night when we are putting Addie to bed, I let them cuddle while we pray and sing. Leah just looks at Addie the whole time and Addie points out Leah's body parts and gives her hi-fives. Addie is always so concerned for her sister; it is so sweet.
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Note to Self...

If you want an evenly cut cantaloupe, don't use a small steak knife.
Woops :)
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You know what I'm going to do...

1. I think this picture is kind of dark, but she is so cute, right! Thanks Katie for the shirt. Addie calls it her jacket because it has a hood! And she loves wearing her sunglasses everywhere. And my heels for church.
2. I love going to the grocery store when all the older ladies are there. They love that I have cute girls with me.
3. Speaking of my cute girls, I got stopped 5 times the other day so people could look at BEAUTIFUL Leah. Then Addie would pop her head up over the car seat in the cart and people would tell me how adorable Addie is. I have cute kids. And I'm going to brag about them forever.
4. I think a routine is actually falling into place at the Huskinson home.
5. I need to clean and reorganize everywhere in my house. I honestly don't know how I have clean laundry right now... Yesterday, I was exhausted.
6. I am going running tonight (fingers crossed).
7. I started sewing Leah's blessing dress. I need to buy a seam ripper before I move on. When I told Mike I lost mine, his first response was, "Well, where did you put it?" If I knew, it wouldn't be lost.
8. I am planning for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas already. Yikes. I have some cute decorations to make!
9. Thursday is the only time I blog. I find that I don't have much to say lately. And I don't take nearly as many pictures as I should.
10. I am looking forward to a fun weekend! Friday we are going to an Inglemoor High School football game with some good friends! Addie will love it! Saturday we are going to the zoo. We haven't been for 3 months. We love it there.
11. Next week we have doctor appointments for the girls...and its a new doctor, so we'll see how it goes
12. The cooler weather has been a life saver for me this week. I was getting real tired of wearing my yoga pants (I don't do yoga...) because my shorts don't fit me currently.
13. I am anxious to go back to the temple. I haven't been since May, and that is too long. Mike and I haven't been together since before that. I love going with him and spending time where there is peace. I feel like I have lots of thinking to do, and that is the best place for me to do that. But since Leah is nursing still (yay for me, not even a bottle yet!), it will be a few more months before I can go. But I look forward to that time when Mike and I can go together.

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