Huskinson Family

Reason Number 5 that I Love Mike

2012-02-13T12:00:00.001-08:00

Before you think, "What the...you both have a love for Lady Gaga??"

No.

Last night, he had no intention of turning the channel to CBS for the Grammys. But when all that was on was pretend news about Seattle getting an NBA or NHL team and people eating bull testicles on Fear Factor (who the heck thought up those crazy-a ideas???), we turned it to the Grammys.
My thoughts: Go Adele. Jennifer Hudson did a great job. T-Swift, I loved her straight hair. Let's not talk about Rhiana or Niki Manaj.
Ok...back to why I love Mike. During the Glen Campbell tribute, they showed Miranda Lambert (I think she is gorgeous). She was seated next to Lady Gaga. My first thought was, "Poor Miranda... Those are two opposite ends of the spectrum." My next thought was honestly this, "I wonder what Lady Gaga smells like and how Miranda hasn't dry heaved yet." I was coming to the conclusion that she smelled like a mixture of latex, old people, booze and nasty powdery perfume (you know which one) to cover it up, and Mike had this look on his face.
"What are you thinking?" It was during Rhinestone Cowboy, and he is not a country music fan.

His answer made me laugh.

"I was just wondering what Lady Gaga smelled like."

WHAT??? How were we having THAT same thought??

But that is one of the reasons I love him. We think the same things all the time. This is not an isolated experience, but surely the funniest one yet.

2012-02-08T15:58:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, we went to the zoo. Both girls were so great. It was a beautiful morning, too. On our way home, both girls fell asleep and to me, there is nothing sweeter than a sleeping babe. As I looked at those beauties, I felt so grateful to be their mom.

Life isn't easy around here, and I am learning a lot every day. Mostly, I am learning to be patient. 2 year olds are stubborn (at least mine is) and 6 1/2 month olds don't like to be sleep trained (its been a week of lots of tears). Mike has had to work a ton recently. So during all this time, I am learning patience.

These girls bring so much joy to our lives. Seeing them play and cuddle and Addie giving kisses to her sister just melts my heart. So, while we have our moments that are slightly trying, I do take time to relish a few precious moments each day. See that picture up there? That was just one from today.

Tell me these aren't two of the cutest girls ever...

2012-02-03T16:46:00.001-08:00

I dare you.

Ahh I love them so much.

Wednesday

2012-02-01T15:34:00.001-08:00

I took care of a slightly embarrassing library fee (story maybe later if I can swallow my pride).
Tried working out, but quit because I had a fussy baby.
Tried to feed said baby.
Laid her down for a nap.
Took a shower (while baby cried) and did my hair instead of finishing my work out (while baby watched a movie).
Put baby to sleep (sleep training is not going as I planned).
And now I am going to sleep.
And probably out to dinner tonight, because I want to.

Happenings.

2012-01-31T12:45:00.001-08:00

We have been busy, hence the lack of blog posts. But here are some updates!
Leah is 16 pounds 7 ounces and in 6-9 month clothes and wears size three diapers (same size as Adds...). She is rolling lots and so close to crawling. Its taken her longer than I thought, but that is ok. She sure is a sweet heart.
Addie says some of the funniest things lately:
-"Peek-a-boo! I see meeee!"
-"kiss it mama. All beddurrr"
-when Leah wakes up, she kisses baby and says, "Good mo-been!"
She will still only wear dresses because princess wear dresses. Addie loves baking with me. We bake about 3 or 4 times a week.
I went down to see my family in Vancouver this last week. Its always good to see them. I got to spend time with my cousin Katie and her two cuties. Baby B is so adorable! I miss having a teeny baby!
Mike's parents come into town on Thursday or Friday. We are going skiing this weekend (fingers crossed!).

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Addie

2012-01-31T12:39:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we went to the Sandy River Delta in Troutdale, Oregon with my family. We walked for about 2 miles. Everyone loved it (as you can tell from this picture). Roxie got to run and meet lots of other dogs. Leah slept most of the way. Addie had fun walking, but when she was done, this was the outcome.
We had a fun day; the only bummer was that is was only about 43 degrees, but it was a beautiful day.

Dad and Leah

2012-01-31T12:34:00.001-08:00

Sandy River Delta

2012-01-31T12:31:00.001-08:00

Last Week

2012-01-22T20:42:00.001-08:00

Here is my backyard last Wednesday. How beautiful was the snow? We were sick and home bound, but we did get out and play a bit. Roxie, who loves to be inside, played outside in the snow a ton! She is from Montana and got back to her roots last week. Mike was able to stay home one day and help me out with the girls when I was sick. I am super grateful for that!!

Today, I missed out on a great family time. My uncle was called to be a stake president down in Oregon.

I have been feeling super grateful the past few days. I have been reading a few things lately that help me to remember to be grateful. I am grateful for a full pantry, the bouncer that Leah loves to sit in, that Addie still takes good naps, my girls love each other (and are on the mend!), for cars to get around in the snow, and for a warm house that didn't lose power.

I am excited for my week!
Monday: Leah has a doctors appointment.
Tuesday: packing
Wednesday: Vancouver
Thursday: Crafting
Friday: new cousin! And a party for a wedding
Saturday: Skiing
Sunday: Home again.
I am excited to see my grandparents and spend time with my sisters. My mom is so excited to see the girls.

I'm 6 months old today!

2012-01-19T16:56:00.001-08:00

Today is my half birthday!
I like to sit in my jumperoo and bounce for almost 40 minutes before I want to be held. I love rolling everywhere. I am almost crawling. I am so close, and its making mom nervous. I can now fit into 6-9 month clothing (and it took my big sis until almost 9 months to do that!). I love to eat, mostly nurse. I do enjoy applesauce and bananas though. Sometimes sweet potato will strike my fancy, but the rest of it...not my favorite. I have a really cute laugh and my big sis can get me to laugh really well. I love bath time. I have since the day I was born. I never cry during bath time, unless the water is too hot or too cold. I am not a very good sleeper, but mom says since I am such a happy baby that its almost a decent trade off. Mom also said that next week we are going to buckle down on sleep training, that doesn't sound fun, but I know mom is tired, and I don't need the night time calories any more. I get to go to the doctor on Monday and then they'll tell me how big I am.

PS: mom, my bangs are getting into my eyes again, I need a hair cut.

Pictures

2012-01-15T06:38:00.001-08:00

When we went to the zoo the other day, my good friend Allyson took some cute pictures. She is a great photographer (I have some talented friends!) and these are my two favorite pictures from the day.
Like Addie's outfit? You can't see all of it, but she had on a denim dress, tights, princess running shoes, her Patagonia fleece with animals, gray gloves and her hat. She very much enjoys picking out her own outfits.

As a side note, Allyson's husband is in the Navy and is currently deployed. He is traveling the world on a ship. This is his second deployment and his first one was to Afghanistan. I am grateful for his service to our country, and for Allyson for supporting him.

5 for Friday

2012-01-13T15:40:00.001-08:00

Since I missed Thursday, I'll just do 5 things today
1. I am becoming quite the play-doh molder (??). We love play-doh here and Addie always likes me to make a mermaid. And this time she had me Mickey Mouse... Apparently Mickey has no abdomen, just pants, and his arms come out of his pants......? WTC?
2. This week we went to the aquarium and the zoo. We had so much fun! We need to go to the zoo more often. Its a great place for Addie to go run and she loves seeing the animals. We went with a good friend that I've known since junior high and she brought another friend's little girl. Its so cute to see the little girls play.
3. I REALLY HOPE IT SNOWS THIS WEEKEND! I want to go sledding and have hot chocolate with my girls.
4. Leah scoots everywhere. She just needs to figure out the arms part of crawling, then she gone :)
5. I love when I say something like, "Uh-oh Addie! Did you fall down?" and she replies, "Sure did!"

Leah

2012-01-09T23:49:00.000-08:00

Ok...I know I have asked for advice on this before, so feel free to repeat yourselves (maybe I just need reassurance on letting my 5 month old cry a little?). Leah is not a good sleeper. Let me be more specific. She sleeps pretty well, as in I don't have to work at putting her back to sleep after her middle-of-the-night feedings (yes plural, usually 3...yikes). But the problem is getting her to sleep. The only way she'll do it is if she's nursing, and even then it's like buying a lottery ticket. Mike is great and takes her about 11:30 every night to let her cry it out while holding her. I can only stand it for a few minutes then I cave and go nurse her. But every night from 9:30 until midnight, she half sleeps, half fusses. I know she's not hungry because she only nurses for a minute then falls asleep. I also know she can go 5 or 6 hours at night without a feeding. Tips, comments and concerns are greatly appreciated. (Maybe I just needed to vent...)
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Addie is a funny gal...

2012-01-08T23:26:00.001-08:00

Seriously. I laugh quite a bit lately at the cute things she says. Here are a few examples:
-she loves cantaloupe, but can't say it to well. It sounds like, "canta-la-la-la-la-looo-pa"
-sometimes she'll grab Roxie's collar and say, "come on, pooch!"
-she counts! "One, two, three! Se-ben ape, nie,ten, leben, twelb!"
-she sings "I am a Child of God." My heart melts thinking about it.
-when Justin Bieber comes on my pandora, she gets so excited and yells, "pu-chow hanz up! Shake or booty!! BIEBER!!" And she dances! She makes sure Leah dances, too.
-the other day she ripped up a library book (not looking forward to my next trip there...talk about a walk of shame). As I was scolding her, she looked at me, with a slightly cocked head, and said, "Mom, calm down. Calm down." Yup, lecture over, cue laughter from me.
-and it's really awesome when she yells, "shut up, mom!" in the middle of church.

I love her to death. I know I am biased, but she is so cute.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Happy Birthday!

2012-01-06T23:41:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday, Mike! 31 years ago you graced Earth with your presence and I am so glad you did.

I still remember the day I knew I was going to marry you. It was the Sunday after I stood you up to go to watch a movie at your place after the party at the Peach Palace. I walked into church a few minutes late with Juliana. We sat down on the back row and you turned around and smiled at me. Ahh, I melted inside, and it still gives me butterflies thinking about it.

I hope you had a good birthday. I love you. You are a great dad. Addie loves when you come home. Leah likes cuddling with you. I'm so happy I am stuck with you forever!

13 for Thursday

2012-01-05T13:39:00.000-08:00

As the clock struck midnight on New Years last week, like many of you, I started to think of how my I could make 2012 better than 2011. Here is my list (in no particular order).
1. Go to the temple more often. With being pregnant last year and having a new born, it was pretty hard to go as often as I would have liked. So this year, I want to go more.
2. Cook healthier meals. We don't just eat junk food here, but I want to eat a lot healthier this year.
3. Work out more. Losing ten pounds is my actual goal. I want to run more and do more conditioning.
4. I want to go on a trip, just me and Mike. The last time we just went on a trip just us, we went to Victoria for our 2nd anniversary.
5. Start doing some preschool activities at home. I don't want to full on do home schooling, but a little.
6. Enroll Addie in a dance or gymnastics class.
7. Go to the Oregon Coast. I love it there and I want my girls to love it too.
8. Ski off the groomed runs. I hope it can happen this year. It might be hard with baby Leah to get up to the hill enough, but at least ski the one run I was supposed to last year but chickened out. Mike knows which one.
9. Try to get my books back to the library on time. They are usually late...
10. Be a lot tighter with my budget. I usually do ok, but we really want to save more money.
11. Read more books.
12. Go camping this summer.
13. Facebook/blog-hop less.

Christmas in Rexburg

2012-01-03T14:41:00.001-08:00

First off, Leah rolls everywhere. She got stuck under our bed the other day. I can't tell you how many times she got stuck under Grandma Huskinson's tree.

We left Friday the 23rd about 4, spent the night in Coeur d'Alene then drove the rest of the way Saturday. It was slow going because we were taking our trailer back to live on the farm and it KILLED our gas mileage. Saturday night we enjoyed a huge turkey dinner. The kids and Aunt Andria put on a Christmas play (not really Christmas-y, but so funny). Mike told the Christmas Story and we sang a few Christmas songs and called it a night.

Sunday we were up bright and early for presents. Mike was more concerned about the sticky buns. We got ready and then headed to church. I LOVED having church on Christmas! We should do that every year. My father-in-law spoke and did a great job. (When we got to church there was a girl in our pew that looked a little like my sister. Addie noticed right away, walked over gave her a hug and said, "Hi, Marit!" She stayed with her and her family for most of church.)

Monday we headed up to Grand Targhee for some skiing! Addie loved it. I didn't get to do anything other than the easy run, but it was so worth it. Addie loved every second of it. She skied with Mike and screamed with pure delight. (See the ten previous posts for pictures)

Tuesday, the girls and I laid low. They were exhausted, or maybe it was me.... I don't really know. We did go see Mission Impossible and left Addie with a sitter (younger sister of Marit's look-a-like). Leah went with us. Best part about the movie theaters in Rexburg: there will always be at least 2 babies there, so I didn't feel one bit bad about bringing her.

Wednesday I shopped with my mother-in-law at my favorite store, Downeast Basics. I probably spent too much, but my post baby body was in desperate need of looking cute. And I got some great deals!

Thursday we had lunch with the whole family at Taco Time. The my MIL and two of my sisters-in-law went shopping. We saw some very cute over priced things and some not so cute over priced things. I really enjoy spending time with them.

Friday we took Addie to her first movie. We saw The Muppets at the $2 theater. For $9 we had tickets, popcorn, a drink and candy, which is less than one movie ticket at home. She loved the movie. It was super corny, but so cute.

Saturday we went to Jackson Hole and went to the rec center for some swimming. We loved the water slide there. After we went to Billy Burgers. It was so good! Mike and I stayed up and felt bad for Dick Clark (seriously... He looked pretty bad). My New Years kiss was Leah (she slept horribly the entire trip). Mike was too busy making fun of people on TV.

We went to church Sunday, then drove home after. We spent the night in Missoula and drove the rest of the way Monday. It's good to be home, but we really enjoyed our trip to Idaho. I am already counting down to the next time we can go.

Best of 2011?

2011-12-31T11:05:00.001-08:00

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...

2011-12-26T21:15:00.001-08:00

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!

2011-12-26T21:13:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-26T21:01:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-26T20:59:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-26T20:58:00.001-08:00

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!

2011-12-26T20:57:00.001-08:00

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

The Tetons

2011-12-26T20:56:00.003-08:00

I could get used to that view

Sunset As We Finished Skiing.

2011-12-26T20:56:00.001-08:00

Beautiful!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T14:47:00.001-08:00

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...)

2011-12-22T23:13:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-16T17:34:00.001-08:00

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
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

13

2011-12-15T22:57:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-12T15:17:00.001-08:00

-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...)

2011-12-08T22:28:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-07T07:27:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-05T22:15:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-04T21:19:00.001-08:00

Addie likes to wear the stockings!

Standing with Dad

2011-12-03T20:44:00.001-08:00

After bath

2011-12-03T19:47:00.001-08:00

13 for Thursday

2011-12-01T18:04:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-28T15:37:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-11-23T13:02:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-19T22:23:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-17T17:17:00.001-08:00

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:

2011-11-13T21:23:00.000-08:00

- 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

2011-11-11T06:40:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-09T13:48:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-08T21:49:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-04T14:40:00.001-07:00

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

2011-11-03T22:17:00.001-07:00

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!

2011-11-01T15:20:00.001-07:00

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

2011-11-01T06:08:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-29T22:47:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-27T22:59:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-27T22:55:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-22T23:24:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-20T22:26:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-19T10:33:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-13T21:57:00.001-07:00

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.

2011-10-12T17:54:00.001-07:00

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!

2011-10-11T12:59:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-10T13:21:00.001-07:00

-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

2011-10-06T23:21:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-01T22:21:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-29T22:16:00.001-07:00

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....

2011-09-27T12:47:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-24T07:25:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-22T22:17:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-20T13:40:00.001-07:00

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...

2011-09-16T12:46:00.001-07:00

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...

2011-09-15T14:36:00.001-07:00

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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Addie-ism of the Week

2011-09-10T23:39:00.001-07:00

This week Addie really started putting together little sentences. She's been doing it for a while, but not as much as this week. My current favorite sentence goes something like this:
"Hi! How doing? Good!"
Or
"Hi Dad! Doing good!"

I love my girl!
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Thursday's 13

2011-09-08T12:17:00.001-07:00

1. Addie and Leah cuddling in the morning in mommy's bed
2. Leah is always smiling. She only cries in the car. I love her so much.
3. Leah is now wearing her 3 month clothes at 1 1/2 months. Addie didn't grow out of her newborn clothes until she was 3 months old. Leah is growing so fast.
4. My family came into town last weekend and we had a lot of fun!
5. Kenna has gone back to Rexburg. We had fun hanging out. We went to a park by the temple and we went to Lake Washington and played in the water. We miss her lots!
6. We finally have summer weather here! It is beautiful!
7. Mike got to go to Idaho last weekend for our nephew's baptism. We are so proud of Ozzy. And even though its hard to have Mike gone, I am so glad he was able to be with his family. We are looking forward to spending Christmas with them!
8. Leah hates being in the car. Its not even the car seat she hates, she sits in it all the time, but as soon as her car seat locks into the base and I turn the key in the ignition...she loses it. It makes me so sad, but I can't do much about it.
9. I need a weekend. With nothing to do.
10. I need to go running more. I went the other day and it felt great!
11. I am still trying to figure out a decent schedule for the three of us girls. It is hard when Leah doesn't have a set schedule yet.
12. Today has been a movie day, and that is ok with me.
13. I am trying to get Addie to eat more. And to take a bath and let me wash her hair. She is too busy to eat and dislikes me telling her what to do. It makes for a really fun morning... But I still love her and we enjoy cuddling and reading together.
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13 for thursday

2011-09-01T14:47:00.001-07:00

1. Addie loves cuddling in bed with Leah in the mornings. I love how much Addie loves Leah.
2. This morning Addie and I made banana bread with chocolate chips. YUM (thanks Meagan for the inspiration, you wanted pumpkin bread, us too, but we had brown bananas)
3. I am feeling an itch to sew... I have lots of fun projects planned! Skirts, pillows, halloween costumes, and gifts!
4. Mike is getting his itch to ski. It happens every year about this time. He watched a Warren Miller film last weekend at my parents instead of socializing... I must admit, I watched about half of it with him and felt that same it.
5. I love having friends with big families and big yards, so that when I go to their house, Addie can run around outside, mostly supervised, and have lots of friends!
6. Mike is going to Idaho this weekend. Our nephew, Ozzy, is getting baptized! I'll miss Mike, but I'm glad he can go to participate in Ozzy's special day!
7. My family is coming up for the weekend. Marit's high school is playing a local school and they are bringing Makenna up so she can catch a ride back to Rexburg for school. I am excited to see them!
8. I am running out of things to think of...I blame lack of sleep.
9. Some of my favorite blankets that we have for Leah right now are the ones from the hospital...I can't really tell you why I like them so much, but I do. I use them for everything, from naps, to bath time to burp rags. They are great.
10. The tree in our front yard is starting to turn from green to its bright red. Already??
11. I love fall. I am excited to pick my corn and pumpkins and decorate with them! I love everything about fall: sweaters, cold weather, apples, leaves, football Saturdays (but don't tell my mom...), Halloween, Thanksgiving and mostly that Christmas is right on its way.
12. We got Addie a train set for her birthday. The engine is battery operated. It is day 2, and we are on our second battery. She loves her train!
13. I wore my hair straight today for the first time in a week and a half, that makes it three times since Leah was born. I miss straight hair... But, I found some good curly hair stuff...finally!
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"I TWO!"

2011-08-30T14:44:00.001-07:00

Look at how she has grown!
I can't believe that Adelaide is actually two!
She is such a sweet little girl, and although sometimes she gives us some grief (she knows what buttons to push...) she is perfect for our family. She adds so much spunk to our home life. She loves to dance and shake her "boo-ey" as she calls it. She can sing lots of songs, and lead music. We love to play with play-doh and color. She loves trains and planes.
Addie is such a good big sister. She loves Leah so much. She likes to sit by her or hold her all the time. She gets concerned when Leah cries. They like to cuddle in the morning, which is adorable!
This year will be so fun! She will start skiing this winter and she will go on the sno-mobile with dad when we go to Idaho at Christmas. I am excited to see you grow and develop into an even cuter girl than you are now, if that is even possible.

PS: Today is Leah's 6 week mark!! YAY!! I'm going running.
We love you Addie!
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Vancouver

2011-08-27T22:31:00.000-07:00

For Addie's birthday, we headed to the COUVE. We are really glad we were able to celebrate with family and friends.

Thanks to everyone who came!

Addie opening her presents. She got this little piano from our good friends, and she LOVED it!
Leah and my Grandma Shirley.
Addie and her cute little friend Darci. We miss having them around to play.

Addie and two of her great-grandmas, Grandma Doty and Grandma Shirley.

Leah and Grandma Doty

PS: We did some family pictures today. My good friend Lauren did a fabulous job!

Check her out here: www.lulabellphotgraphyblog.com

13 for THURSDAY

2011-08-25T16:27:00.001-07:00

1. Addie loves to hold Leah. She says, "baby a-ho-ween!" and holds out her arms.
2. Addie dumped a brand new, tall bottle of Mylicon infant gas relief in my bedspread, sheets and her clothes.
3. While changing the sheets, Addie pulled all the towels out of the linen closet.
4. Leah just wanted to be held this morning, which I love, but makes it difficult to accomplish much.
5. After cleaning up the bed, we went downstairs and I found ANTS freaking everywhere in the pantry. Luckily, most were on the floor and in the garbage, so clean-up was relatively easy. Thanks 409. I have to get ant poison tonight though.
6. By easy I mean, one screaming baby and one two year old wanting to help...yes very easy.......
7. I made ooey gooey muddy buddies. It combines chocolate, peanut butter, marshmallows and caramel. That recipe holds the key to my heart.
8. Addie helped me make said muddy buddies. She helped me measure and "DUMP!" She gets very excited about dumping.
9. Addie didn't take a nap, instead she pulled the flower wall clings off her wall and ripped them.
10. My grandpa brought me an amazing cantaloupe and yummy banana bread. Those have helped the day, so have the muddy buddies.
11. Addie is into drumming right now. She LOVES to play the drums for Rockband.
12. Today is very warm for here. Feels great! Both girls wore onsies most of the day.
13. I can't wait to see Mike tonight. I love when he is home. He is SUCH a great dad! Everyone's attitude (Addie...) gets better when he comes home. He is the apple of my eye.
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Some pictures

2011-08-24T15:30:00.001-07:00

Picture 1: Addie in the river over in Leavenworth. We went on Saturday for the day and it was so fun! Super hot and we ate gelato! Addie ran everywhere and threw the biggest fit when we got in the car to leave. We went to the river and played for a while. As you can see, we left our swim wear in the car.
Picture 2: Addie clicking around the house in my heels. She thought she was something else.
Picture th3: sweet Leah.

Ok, question to moms of toddlers: did yours go through a no napping phase even if they needed one? Addie gets so tired, so we go through her nap time routine of snacks and some quiet time watching a few minutes of a movie. But when she gets in her room, she gets up and plays. Not with toys but with clothes and the laundry basket, and suddenly she "isn't" tired anymore. The problem is that when she gets up she is so ornery and can't hardly function, because she is so tired. What can I do to alleviate this problem? What has worked for you with your kids?
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Happy 3 Years

2011-08-22T14:33:00.001-07:00

I love this picture of us. We were on our honeymoon in Costa Rica. We were on a huge all day excursion experiencing 4 wheeling, toucans, monkeys, hot springs, volcanic mud, horseback riding, waterfalls, and zip lining through the canopy of a rain forest. It was a perfect day.

Just the other day we were saying how 2008 was our year. We traveled a lot, got married, danced (mike did what??) and skied together. We saw some awesome things and did some amazing things.

To be honest, I don't think 2008 was our year, at least not our best year. We have so many more "best years" left, and then followed by eternity.

Oh, I can't wait for eternity with you!
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13 for Thursday

2011-08-18T14:09:00.001-07:00

1. Today will be all about ME (adelaide). I turn two in 11 days!
2. I had my first sno-cone today. I LOVED it! We went to a bbq for Aunt Marit's orthodontic clinic and had cookies, pirate's booty, balloons, slides, swings, and sun. We had so much fun!
3. Aunt Met (Marit) came to visit us on the train yesterday! She'll be here for a week!
4. I love to wear my jemmies for bed and naps! (Last week I called them jerries)
5. Dad and I like to pick bees in our back yard. I don't know why dad calls them raspberries though.
6. I LOVE swim suits. I could wear my suit all day every day.
7. Tootsie Rolls are my favorite candy. Aunt Andy left a ton at my house a few weeks ago and I am loving it!
8. I call baby Leah baby-nee.
9. I love cream of mushroom soup for lunch.
10. Little Mermaid is my favorite moo-bee. I also really like Robots and Cars.
11. When we go to Target, I like to yell, "SHOPPING!" as we pull into the parking lot.
12. I HATE having mom wash my hair. I don't know why she keeps trying, but every day she does the same thing and every day it makes me mad.
13. I love to sing and dance. I learn motions to songs very quickly and then I like to sing it over and over and over.
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4 Weeks

2011-08-16T13:08:00.000-07:00

Leah Rose is 4 weeks old today! Her hair still sticks straight up. She is a great sleeper at night, which keeps me sane. She eats so much better than Addie did at this age. Leah is a loud sleeper. She grunts and mmm's and ahh's unless she is in a deep sleep. If she wants to be asleep, you HAVE to rock her and pat her bum, she'll be gone in 30 seconds. She loves bath time. She just sits in the water so content. And she likes to have her feet rubbed. When I pull her out of her bath and she is crying, I put lotion on her then rub her feet for a minute. She turns to jello.

I am healing really well. Two more weeks until I can start working out again! I am so excited to run. And lose some weight to fit into my regular jeans.

Addie is adjusting. She is SO GREAT with Leah. She is soft and loves to kiss her. Adds is always concerned when some one other than mom or dad holds Leah. She tells Leah that she loves her. When Leah is about one, Addie will love having a smaller person to boss around. Addie is also hitting her terrible two's. I am trying to figure out what sets her off and how we can avoid certain fights. I am figuring out bath time currently. I am glad I can get her to wash her body...now for the hair... It is especially hard before nap time or before bed. Addie, like most kids her age, doesn't do well tired. But we are getting better.

Mike is awesome. He helps me to know that everything will be ok, even if Addie's diaper hasn't been changed in too long, or I don't have dinner ready. We have our 3 year wedding anniversary on monday and I can't believe its been 3 years, but at the same time, its only been 3 years. We have so much more to accomplish and so much more life to live together.
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13 for Thursday

2011-08-11T23:20:00.001-07:00

1. I love when Leah sleeps like this, with her little hand all fisted up under her chin.
2. Leah's schedule works perfectly with Addie's. And I can usually get a nap in!
3. Other than having Leah here, the best part about not being pregnant is no more heartburn! I ate chocolate cake tonight (thanks Juliana!) And I can sleep in peace...for a few hours.
4. Addie doesn't just say I love you, she says, "I love you, too!" Its so cute! 5. I am glad that the weekend is almost here. I am dying to have Mike to ourselves for a whole day.
6. I actually made dinner tonight! With no girls asking to be held, nursed or for candy.
7. I wish I lived closer to more of my friends. Why does everyone gravitate to Utah? Maybe we should just follow suit...
8. I am trying to figure out what to do for Addie's 2nd birthday party (when the heck did she turn into a BIG GIRL???) If you have any ideas for themes, gifts, activities, please send them my way.
9. I am excited for fall. I am thinking of ways to decorate for fall, and for Halloween (which is one of my favorite holidays).
10. I am going to go shopping by myself this weekend (ok, I'll will take Leah, but free of a certain busy, hates-sitting-in-the-stroller little girl...) 11. Addie and I love playing with Play-doh together. I make lots of balls and snakes. She is good about mixing all the colors together.
12. I am dying for sushi, but I am saving myself for a place in Vancouver that is apparently sushi heaven. Kenna, you better be right!
13. I am glad I got this post done before Friday, because then I would have had to do 15... And 13 is a lot as it is...especially when I'm tired and can't think straight. Maybe I should switch to "Ten for Tuesday?"
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Faith

2011-08-08T19:49:00.001-07:00

I spoke to one of my best friends today on the phone. We talked about a few things that made me start to think a lot about faith and the whole Gospel plan. As we were speaking I looked down at my two beautiful daughters and had a sweet peace come over me knowing they are mine and Mike's forever.
I thought afterwards a bit about faith. It seems lately my hardest trial is Leah's two hour feedings in the middle of the night, but I have been through a few hard times.
I know that everyone always says, "If you just have faith, you'll get through it." While I know that those are true words, it doesn't take any of the burden of your trial off your shoulders. Life isn't meant to be easy and there will always be hard times. In our darkest moments, having faith is important, but I know it can be very hard to act on that faith and the things we know we should be doing.
I guess I am still sorting out my conversation with my friend from earlier, but what I do know is that having faith means taking a step into the dark and knowing that the light will follow. I know that even if we are doing everything right in life, we might still experience our darkest days. Having the Gospel in my life doesn't take the sting out of my trials, but thanks to the Atonement and the Plan of Happiness, I can overcome those trials and come out on the other side a better person.

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13 for thurs

2011-08-04T13:43:00.001-07:00

1. My cousin put this up on FB the other day and I thought it was pretty funny.
2. I don't actually have a bunch of pictures of the girls on my phone because we bought a new camera the morning Leah was born. We went to best buy to get a camera specifically for the occasion. So, I'll load the pics on my computer then put them up.
3. I made my first solo trip out with the girls today. We just went to Babies R Us for diapers (I hate that store, but its just down the road 2 minutes). Addie was so good and Leah slept the whole time. I did bribe Adds to sit in the cart with a Tootsie Roll.
4. Last night was such a good night. Leah slept and ate really well.
5. Addie and I are enjoying the sun. We ran through the sprinkler for almost an hour today! It was so fun!
6. Mike has tomorrow off! Hallelujah! I am more excited then him, I think.
7. As much as I love having my in-laws here, and ALL the cleaning my MIL does, I am curious/excited to see how life is when its just us.
8. We are going out to eat again tonight. But we are going to Anthony's, a really good seafood place down on the water. We will dress up a bit I think.
9. Mike is SUCH a great husband. I am so glad he puts up with me and the post-baby mood swings.
10. Mike is an Awesome dad! He makes sure to play with Adds every night and then he will always get up and change Leah's diaper for me in the middle of the night.
11. Mike is nice to look at. And kiss.
12. I am loving the warm Seattle weather this week. It has been perfect temps and we have been able to play outside lots!
13. I am going to go buy a new dress this weekend. I need it. And some shirts, maybe some pants? Oh, and I need new make-up.
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Two Weeks!

2011-08-02T20:35:00.001-07:00

Look at our BEAUTIFUL Leah!
I absolutely love her!
Addie loves her little sister!
Mike is so sweet with Leah!
She is two weeks old today, and we had a weight check and she is 6 lbs 8 oz. Almost back up to her birth weight.

In these last two weeks we have learned a lot:
- Addie thinks that the whole family needs to be together all the time. She loves having Leah in the same room as her. Addie said "I love you" (sounds like "ah-low-ee" and she always says it twice) for the first time ever to Leah, then bent down and kissed her. I almost cried.
- Leah was wearing a onesie the other day and it had a big watermelon on the front (thanks Allyson!). Addie saw it and looked at Leah and said "I love you!" She paused, looked down at the watermelon, looked at me and yelled, "A BITE!" Then she bent over and pretended to take a bite of the watermelon along with sound effects! It was SO funny!!
- I am learning more about my in-laws. I haven't spent too much time with them in the past and this last week has been great. I have always loved them, but I love getting to know them better! Addie took a bit to warm up to Grandma H, but she took right away to Grandpa H. They are two of the most generous people. I am so grateful for their help, and for taking us out to eat lots!
- Leah is a GREAT baby! She hardly fusses and if she does, its due to the fact that I took to long to feed her. She usually sleeps 2 four hour stretches at night with an hour and a half long feeding/dozing/spitting up/pooping episode in between.
- Leah's hair CRACKS us up! It just sticks up all over the place. I just love it.

While we have yet to settle into any sort of schedule, we are enjoying this time with a new baby. I know this is going to sound clichéd, but I just love to look at her and see her move, look around, go cross-eyed and smile in her sleep. She is perfect. We love having Leah in our family. I can't believe some days that she is actually here and ours. I thank heaven for her every day.
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13 for Thursday

2011-07-28T22:36:00.001-07:00

1. Ignore Leah's monster hand coming at you, but focus on her hair. This is why we love her full head of hair. Cute mohawks.
2. Leah is super easy. She just likes to nurse a TON and use me as a pacifier because she won't take one.
3. Addie is a good big sister to Leah. She gets concerned when Leah cries. "Uh-oh baby sad!"
4. Addie is a little tough right now. She just doesn't understand that Leah needs Mommy a lot right now. And that leads to temper tantrums.
5. Mastitis cleared up on one side to move to the other... womp womp :(
6. I have LOVED having so much family here. My mom was great with Addie. I loved having Mitch, Kenna, Marit and my dad here also. My MIL is here. She has cleaned EVERYTHING. She scrubbed my floors on her hands and knees today. I love her.
7. I am healing just fine. There are up parts of my days and there are definitely down parts, but today there was no crying episodes! I take naps every day, which is awesome.
8. Leah sleeps with me at night. I know, its probably not a great idea, but I love cuddling with her and having her close to me.
9. I try to spend time with just Addie every day. We read, blow bubbles, do puzzles, or just cuddle while watching movies together. I love my time with her. She is such a sweet girl.
10. Addie likes to sing! We sing lots of songs together. I taught her Ring A-round The Rosie today. That was fun.
11. I honestly wish Mike was able to take off more time. It has been difficult not having him home (see #7). But I know he's working so hard to provide for us ladies at home. He just loves his Leah. He is so sweet with her. He also spends some time with just Addie everyday, usually picking raspberries, but they love it.
12. The SUN is out!!!
13. I am tired, so I am going to bed. (Can you tell I am grasping at straws to come up with 13 things??)
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Its like a party

2011-07-25T22:16:00.001-07:00

Nurse: "Mastitis is pretty much a clogged duct that invites all of its friends and has a party."
Me: (what I wish I'd said) "oh good. I'm glad some one can take advantage of this situation and have a party."
Me: (wishing what I would have said if I would have called back a few hours later) "Thanks for sending my antibiotic to the wrong pharmacy...let the party go all night long."

I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy...ok maybe, but man..
THIS SUCKS!
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Day Five

2011-07-24T15:46:00.001-07:00

Leah is PERFECT.
She has a TON of hair. Her eyes are perfect almond shaped eyes.
She seems to be easier than Addie was, but maybe its just because we've done this before. She obviously sleeps all day and does about 2 90 minutes feeds during the night. Nursing is going 300 times better than it did with Addie. I might actually stick with for longer than 3 months.

My mom has been here for the past week and it has been heaven. Addie and Grandma just love each other. Addie threw a huge fit when Grandma left. It was pretty sad. Grandma and Addie both cried. I am excited for Grandma Huskinson to get here tonight though.

Addie LOVES Leah. Addie likes to have everyone together in the same room. Addie also shares her snacks with Leah.

My recovery is definitely slower than my last C-section, but its coming a long. Thank heavens for pain meds! The hardest part is not being able to pick up Addie, it makes us both sad. Also, I realized, I am not as exhausted as last time. Well, unless I exceed my quota for the day, then it seems that I can only cry after 7 PM. I am learning to take it easy and let others help me and realize that they WANT to be there. And I am so grateful for that. And for Mike. He is a great dad!!

But all in all, we are loving Leah and the new phase of life we are in!
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Leah Rose Huskinson

2011-07-21T22:50:00.001-07:00

Look! There is me (puffy from my IV) and my two girls!

Here is the story:
Before we left, Mike gave me a Priesthood blessing. I felt so much comfort and peace. My dad also gave one to Mike. And I felt even more comfort. It was a beautiful moment for out family. We left for the hospital so we could check in at noon for the 1:30 C-Section. Addie stayed home with my parents and Mitch and Marit (I wish Kenna was there).

We got all checked in and we listened to baby's heartbeat for a while. And it also turns out that I started contracting at the hospital. But it didn't really matter at all.

We headed down to the OR at 1:35. I received my spinal and it wasn't bad at all! The worst part was the numbing shot before the spinal. The music in the OR cracked me up: Kanye West, Katy Perry, and Akon. It actually helped me to relax a teeny bit.

Finally, at 2:05 PM, we saw her. I was able to see her as the doctor pulled her out. She weighed 6 pounds 10 ounces, which is a lot bigger than I thought she would be. I finally got to hold her back in our room. Addie was so soft with her and excited.

The first night was torture, but last night wasn't too bad. We picked her name this morning and we decided on Leah Rose. She has LOTS of dark hair.

More pictures to come later. I am seriously falling asleep as I type.

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Ultra Feast

2011-07-19T11:26:00.001-07:00

So, we are leaving in just a few minutes for the hospital!! I am SO EXCITED!! Nervous, but definitely there is a calm that I woke up with.
Since I am having a planned C-Section, I had to fast for 8 hours... Gross! I couldn't eat or drink anything after 5:30 this morning, so Mitch and I got up for Ultra Feast! At 5 AM we made chocolate chip pancakes, eggs with ham and cheese and OJ! It was divine! And I ate a ton! I am hungry... But not dying yet.
I am so excited to meet this new little spirit and to hold her and to see what she looks like. I know she is coming to our family for a purpose. I am glad to know that she will be ours forever.

PS I'll post pics tonight or tomorrow of our babe!!
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13 for Thursday

2011-07-14T17:11:00.001-07:00

1. I am grateful for a daughter who likes to be "pitty." This picture is a little blurry, but last Sunday she put half a bottle of Coppertone Water Babies sunscreen on her legs and face. We found her on the stairs just covered. How could we have gotten mad at her? It was really cute and pretty funny. She just kept saying how "pitty" she was. We just stuck her in the pool to clean her off. My stairs still smell like baby sunscreen.
2. I am grateful for people who know how a 4-way stop works and how to merge on and off freeways. When it rains here or they see an orange construction cone, I swear people's brains fall out of their butts and they forget how to drive. (This is my biggest complaint lately...Seriously people, if you get there first, go first, if you get there second wait you turn, and if you do wait, don't wave me on like you're doing me a favor. And when you get on the freeway, it helps to get up to speed...let's not have to merge with the traffic going 40.)
3. I am thankful for my mom for teaching me how to sew. This week I have sewn a valance and 3 throw pillows for the baby/guest room. Also, for the simple sewing skills she taught me so I could fix Addie's stroller. And the hot glue gun that helped make the stroller cuter.
4. I am thankful for check lists. They keep me sane.
5. I am thankful for Mike and his willingness to do home improvement jobs when I can't help (like LOTS of painting.) And for letting me pick a red with a hint of pink in it for my kitchen! (Hopefully it doesn't turn out magenta...)
6. I am thankful for a house to live in and a car that runs.
7. I am thankful for a great OB and her staff. They really make me feel comfortable every time I go. And it doesn't hurt that they FAWN over Addie and how cute and smart she is (Does she really need reminding? She knows she is and I love it!)
8. I am thankful for Taco Time for filling my soft taco cravings. And having good ice.
9. I am grateful for TUMS. Especially at 3 AM when you wake up with killer heartburn.
10. I am thankful for understanding people at church, who don't get offended when you say no to adding one more thing to your load.
11. I am thankful for simple things, like blowing bubbles and playing with Play-doh, watching Mike tickle Addie so much that she gets a belly laugh that only him tickling can produce, and for taking our stuffed animals on walks outside even though it should be nap time.
12. For my family for coming to help next week when I am in the hospital to take care of Addie. And for Mike's parents for coming out to help for a couple of weeks after that. Its great to have such a support system!
13. I am thankful for Mike. He is my best friend. Sometimes we drive each other nuts (I definitely drive him nuts more often then not lately with my crying and lack of cooking), but I wouldn't have it any other way. He is such a great supporter and provider. Addie loves when he comes home. I love seeing their relationship grow. I am excited to be growing our family with him. And it doesn't hurt that he's easy on the eyes...
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38 weeks!

2011-07-12T17:47:00.001-07:00

A. No judging the mismatched towels in my bathroom or the self portrait. Maybe I will get Mike to take a decent one.
B. I am 38 weeks pregnant, and I feel huge. BUT, 38 weeks and 2 days means that at 39 and 2 days, I'll be holding a little baby!

I have been feeling way overwhelmed these last few days with everything I want to get done (some things actually need to be done, like all my primary things since I'll be gone for a while). I am proud of myself and made a list and that really helps to break everything down for me. And I have been trying to spend lots of FUN one on one time with my Adds. At the same time, she is turning into a little pill. She'll be so happy and fun one minute and the next, she is on the ground throwing a fit. (She even broke Mike's glasses last night, and today she peed all over her rug when I was trying to get her dressed after bath time.) I am excited to see her with her new sister and to see how she adjusts to her new role. She loves little babies and worries when they get sad and cry, but she knows to give them their binkie. She is a big helper and loves to measure my tummy and take my blood pressure at the doctor's and listen to her sister's heartbeat. She knew today when we walked into the doctor's office that we were going to listen to the baby!

PS: We got a new grill! It's so much nicer than our old rusted out one! And Mike kind of bought it out of the blue. We had been wanting...no NEEDING a new one forever and he went to get gas the other day for our grill and as he says, "I happened to walk by the grills and notice they had a sale going on." So he bought one. What he won't tell you is that the propane and the grills are on two different sides of Lowe's. So his accidental notice of he grills was not an accident. He walked by them on purpose with the intent to buy. But I am super glad he did.

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Thirteen for Thursday

2011-07-07T17:23:00.001-07:00

1. Picture one: Addie's hair all braided again today. I love it!
2. Picture two: my favorite picture from Fourth of July. Addie LOVED all the fireworks. She got a little burn on her foot from the sparklers, but she was fine. We went to the Kenmore Fireworks Show, and she was not scared at all. It kind of seemed like she almost got bored with them.
3. 12 more days!! I am so excited.
4. I am sewing pillows, valance and cushion for the rocking chair all for the babies room. It feels great to sew again. There are lots of things I would like to sew, but I don't think I have enough time.
5. I am ashamed to mention that I finished a box of cereal on my own in 24 hours.
6. It rained today for the first time in 3 days, and we couldn't play outside. I know it was only 3 days, but spending most of our days outside was heaven.
7. I am getting a pedicure tomorrow with a very good friend. My feet couldn't be more excited. They have been feeling neglected since I can't really reach them.
8. Addie has been pretty good lately for the most part, but also really emotional. The littlest things will set her off that never used to.
9. I bought Addie a little pool the other day. We put the slide in it and she loves that! We also ran through the sprinkler. That was SO much fun!
10. Can it be Saturday yet? I loved having Mike home on Monday. I wish he had a lot more time off when the baby comes. He is so great and works so hard all the time. Mostly I want for him to have some time off to relax. And helping out in the middle of the night doesn't hurt either.
11. I bought this soap the other day at Bath and Body Works called Caribbean Escape and it smells like Costa Rica, where we went on our honeymoon. Actually it smells like a Pina Colada, which I lived off of when we were there. I want to go back and have ten days again to just sit by the pool, read, and enjoy some alone time with Mike.
12. Speaking of alone time, we get a date on Saturday courtesy of our good friends. We are so looking forward to that. We'll probably just do dinner and a movie, since I can't do much else, but it will be our last date before baby comes.
13. Did I mention that she'll be here in 12 days?? And how excited I am! We are both excited to add to our family!

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Family Reunion.

2011-07-04T07:20:00.001-07:00

OH MY GOSH...I didn't take one picture at the family reunion. I SUCK.
BUT- it was so great to see just about everyone. We were only missing 6 or 7 people.

My grandparents were married in June of 1947! (Correct me anyone if I'm wrong) They are so sweet and such an example to me of good, stalwart people. But 64 years later, 77 people have come to their family, in-laws included. And in the next few months, that number will hit 80!

We drove down late Friday night and crashed at my cousin Katie's house, since my parents house was bursting at the seams with a bunch of my cousins. Saturday everyone went on a little hike and I didn't go, so my mom and I hung out and played with Adds. We then met up with the rest of the family and had lunch, played baseball, the little kids ran around, we had a barbecue and then finished the night off with a talent show. Mitch and Marit did "Double Dream Feet." If you don't know what I'm talking about, watch it on YouTube. We were a little toasty and a lot exhausted. It was a long day for me.

Sunday, most of the family went to church together in the ward that my grandparents have been in since the early 60s. My dad grew up in that ward, and I lived there until I was 13. It was great to see people. Like my old Sunday School teacher, who is 93 and still going! She is so cute. And my NaNa. We aren't really related, but she is the cutest 94 year old I have ever seen. We finished the reunion off with a late lunch and hanging out. I heard some great stories, that as my cousin Jesse said, "you just can't make that up." And I thought my Uncle Todd was my dad...Twice.

The summer Addie was born, I had 7 other cousins have babies and it was so fun to see all the cute little babies play together. Addie started saying "Ro-Ree" for Rosie, Katie's little girl. Those two girls are going to be best friends. We need to live closer to each other I think.

Confession: last week I asked my doctor if I should travel this weekend. Of course since I'd be 37 weeks, she said she would prefer if I stayed close to home... Woops. Maybe I let that go in one ear and out the other. I am so glad I went. It makes me look forward to the future when I can have my own family reunion.

Today my parents and Mitch are coming up here and I am so excited to do a barbecue and fireworks with them!

PS: 2 weeks from TOMORROW is my big firework show!! But she can come anytime now that I am home!! Maybe next week??
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Thirteen for Thursday

2011-06-30T16:59:00.001-07:00

1. Little Mermaid 3: Ariel's Beginning has pretty much the same basic plot as Footloose (just substitute dancing for music, awesome 80's clothes for tails and fins, and Kevin Bacon for Ariel).
2. We have watch Little Mermaid 3 everyday this week at least once...twice today.
3. 19 more days till the big show...HOLY CRAP! How did that happen?
4. Mike is amazing right now (and all the time). He has painted the whole house, and he gives me back rubs at the end of a long day.
5. I have realized my weak spot this pregnancy is a Taco Time beef soft taco and a Sprite...mmmmmm. So good.
6. I braided Addie's hair today all the way, not just little half braids. She looks like a real little girl, no longer a baby.
7. I am glad Mike gets Monday off. We are looking forward to parades, barbecuing and fireworks. And spending time as a family never hurts.
8. I am excited to take Addie to Cars 2. At least I want to take her. I think she will love it.
9. It happened last year, so I shouldn't be surprised, but we have ants again...Seriously??? I hate them.
10. The baby's room is almost done. I just need a few finishing touches (like a baby to put in there!)
11. We are going to Vancouver tomorrow for the Doty Family Reunion. I know I probably shouldn't go (on Sunday I'll hit 37 weeks), BUT I want to see everyone because it will be another 3 or 4 years until do another one.
12. Did I mention that if I never see Little Mermaid 3 again, that I would be just fine??
13. I have been trying a lot harder lately to read my scriptures and have morning prayer every day. And I can honestly tell a HUGE difference in my day. I am much more patient with Addie and we generally have a better day and I can get more done. It will get harder to do when the baby gets here, but I am hoping that I can keep up the habit.
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My Addie

2011-06-29T12:45:00.001-07:00

Ok, look how cute she is! She likes to have her hippo, puppy, two babies, and her blanket with her for movie time, which is right now, just before naps.
As of today, I have less than 3 weeks before the new addition comes and I realized how precious this time with Addie is. Its the last time for a while that it will be just mommy and Addie. We have spent most of this morning doing laundry (she is a big helper), reading, singing, and dancing.
She is my joy. I love seeing her grow and learn something new everyday. I am SO excited to see her as a big sister. It will be an adjustment, but she is mommy's big helper and I know she will be great!
Oh Addie. I have such big dreams for you. I want you to be happy everyday. I love you!
PS: Sorry about your little allergies. That runny nose is a bummer.
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23 more days???

2011-06-25T09:56:00.001-07:00

I have at most 23 more days of being pregnant! Can you see me jumping for joy? (Actually I can't really jump at the moment....)
21 days until my family comes!
28 days until Mike's parents come!
And 25 days until KENNA gets here! (I am pretty excited to see her. I have missed her a lot and even though sometimes we kinda fight on the phone....I love every second that we get to chat!!)

But here is what I forgot about me hitting 36 weeks: I get morning sickness again. YUCK.
But it won't last long!

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13 for thursday

2011-06-23T12:50:00.001-07:00

1. First picture: 35 weeks and 4 days!!
2. Second picture: I took this from Kenna's blog who took it from my FB. But I love this picture. Ben and Scott came up to Rexburg for the week. This night we went bowling and I just remember how happy and care free I was (I am still happy, but I have a few more cares then how my hair looked). That weekend I went home and saw Mike. We had been on the outs, but we definitely patched things up and worked out A LOT of stuff. Without that weekend, we wouldn't be where we are today I don't think. And I am so happy where I am.
3. I stayed up until 1 AM reading a book last night. What in the world came over me?? All of the sudden I was interested in the book that I previously was having a hard time getting into.
4. The baby has her usual position she likes, but today she flopped. Its a little uncomfortable to be honest. We are quickly running out of room.
5. Why on the days that I scrub the floors, we have the most spills?
6. Mike bought some cheetos for an Elder's Quorum activity for Sunday. He hid them, which is good because knowing they are somewhere close is haunting me.
7. We played in puddles today! I love it!
8. I had a dream the other night where every time they mentioned an amount of money in a different unit (think Book of Mormon omners sort of unit) a graphic would pop up and tell me how much that was in US $$.
9. Addie says cute little sentences! I love it. And she is getting very good at saying, "peez" and "tat-oo"
10. She JUMPS everywhere. And yells "JUMPING!!" as she goes.
11. We only do the bink at night and naps. She does really well with it. I want to get her off binks before the baby comes, but I don't think that will happen.
12. We are down from 30-ish to 7 or 8 things left on our GINORMOUS to-do list. 3 1/2 more weeks to finish.
13. I have been so exhausted lately that sometimes movies are all I can do. We definitely play, but when I need a moments rest, I say a quick prayer of thanks for Cars, Little Mermaid, Toy Story, Cinderella and Baby Einstein.
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A Few Reasons

2011-06-20T22:06:00.001-07:00

This picture is one of the many reasons I love Mike; I think its reason number 23. He gave me a few minutes to myself while he mowed the lawn with Adds in the pack.
Number 136 is he is letting me watch the Bachelorette... Why does he let me rot my brains out with it?
Number 2 is that I think he's hot.
Number 3 is that he gave me Addie and this new baby.
Number 46 is that he sits and pays the bills while is sit on my butt and blog and blog stalk.
Love you Mike!
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Father's Day

2011-06-19T07:51:00.001-07:00

Addie LOVES her dad. Yeah, she runs to me when she gets an "owie" and I kiss it and its better, but there is nothing she loves more than when Mike comes home and running up to him! She yells, "Dada! Dada!" She gives him lots of hugs and kisses.
She wants to do everything that dad does and its so sweet. Garden, play, spit, just to name a few. She especially loves her cuddle time with dad and even on days when the TV has been on too much, I cave and let them watch a "moo-bee" together so they can cuddle.
Mike is a WAY better dad than I could've hoped for (and I think my hopes were pretty high). He and Adds have special bond that reminds me of me and my dad. They'll be close forever.

And to my dad: Thanks for all you do! You have sacrificed SO much to provide for your family and I am so grateful for that. You have been such a great example to me for how to live a righteous life, and I try to emulate that. And the way you treat Mom and us kids showed me what kind of person I wanted to marry. You are my favorite dad!

Randy: I still don't know you really well (I hate the distance) but thanks for everything you do for us. You taught Mike to be a good man and he is. I am really excited to see you in a few weeks!

Happy Father's Day!
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Thirteen for Thursday

2011-06-16T15:11:00.000-07:00

1. This picture is a few weeks old, but this is why I want nicer weather: Outside Family Movie Nights.
2. 34 week appointment today! Baby is great! Addie gets to help the doctor measure my stomach and this week Addie did it for the doctor (well, the doctor double checked Addie's work).
3. Every time Roxie walks by me lately, she'll lick me.
4. My mom, brother and little sister will be here in a few hours!
5. I have the worst heartburn. I have heard an old wives tale that says if you have lots of heartburn, then the baby will have lots of hair. Baby, you better look a little like Rapunzel.
6. WARNING: economy 101 by Alyse. There is a guy that has been doing some temporary work for Mike's company and his gratefulness just to be working will probably land him a job because a few other people are complaining about hours (which I'll admit suck for them right now). I see all these other people/groups around the country who want x, y, and z (which I'll agree are/could be important) because the think they deserve all these benefits, but isn't that what they are?? Benefits? Perks?? I just remember how thankful I was when Mike was able to get a job. Let's be grateful for the opportunities we have.
7. The Jehovah's Witnesses came to our house today to invite us to a big convention at the Tacoma Dome this weekend. Even though I don't believe in their religion, I have respect for them. They are going out to share their beliefs and to help bring people to God.
8. Today is a no nap day for Addie. We tried for two hours. She'll be a bear at 6, but whatever.
9. She's taking a fun, too deep bubble bath instead. And she figured out how to "slide" down the back of the tub, you know, where you played Ariel as a little kid.
10. The other day, I was emotional and crying. Addie said, "Sad?" And she came over and gave me a big hug and kiss and then rubbed my back. HOW SWEET IS SHE?? That turned my day right around.
11. Hey Cousin Katie: do you remember that conversation we had when you were up here about vivid dreams during pregnancy?? I have been having some strange and some vivid dreams.
12. I saw some kids walking home from school the other day and I got SO excited to take Addie school shopping. But then I realized that that is only 3 years away, and I got a little sad. But it brought back memories of back to school shopping with mom at Nordstroms. I love those memories.
13. Addie helps me unload and load the dishwasher. That has actually made me kind of enjoy that task. (If I am to be completely honest, I am an awful house keeper. I try really hard, I am not always successful, but I like the end results. I want to teach my children to keep a nice clean home and to take care of themselves...so I keep on keeping house!)
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Picture of the Week.

2011-06-12T22:54:00.001-07:00

This was our Friday night. Mike ended up working late, and honestly I can't remember how she ended up in just her diaper. But, I was putting the dishes away and I had put Cars in for her. When I came to check on her, this is what I saw. She is sitting on a wipes container. LOVE IT!
Saturday morning, Mike took Adds to run a few errands. I got ready by myself (which is such a luxury!). We had some friends over for lunch. Later that night, we just hung around the house. It was great!
Sunday...they are nice to spend it as a family, but church is honestly a little difficult lately. Addie gets grumpy and she won't stay in nursery. Today I taught a primary class. Mike was so great and kept Addie the whole time. Tonight we went to some friends house for Cookie Night. Adds just ran around with all the other kids and it was awesome.
Tomorrow I am going to try to ween Adds from the binkie... YIKES. It'll be a long day I'm afraid. I think a treat is in store for me when the day is done!
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