Mommy: Annie what do you want from Santa for Christmas?
Annie: A huge box of crayons.
Mommy: I'm so sorry honey, you've colored on too many things. I'm going to tell Santa you can't have crayons. (My piano was the worst. I forced myself to stay calm. I was really mad!)
Annie: Well, then maybe lip gloss. *pause* And nose gloss.
Carlyn and Mommy laughed for a long time after that.
Mommy: Great Grandma gave you $5 for Christmas. Do you think you'd like to save it or should I buy you a present with it?
Carlyn: (after thinking) I want a present. (Then a minute later) No, Mommy. I'd like to buy a present for Anneliese with it.
This is one of those times you treasure as a parent. SO SWEET!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Disneyland Trip
warning-long descriptions :)
I'll put a few of my favorite pictures up soon, but there's a slideshow above until then.
Day 1
Most of the first day of our trip was driving. We didn't leave as early as we hoped and hadn't had near enough sleep, but it worked out fine with many stops and me driving most of the way. We pulled out from Salt Lake City in a very snowy environment and about 25 degree weather at about 5 in the morning. The kids were great on the drive. Better than I thought they'd be. The girls were content to watch movies and play with their leap pads. The DVD wasn't in front of Darren, which was a mistake, so he just said, "Mama. Mama. Mama," with increasing intensity until I said, "What?" then he'd say, "Uh." Imagine that for hours and hours. So fun!
We got there about 12 hours later, approximately 4:30 local time and 60 something degree weather. We checked into the hotel and the kids were amazed that there were bunk beds in the room. Carlyn said, "Its amazing!" Annie said, "Its a miracle." Well, we did right on something anyway. :) Then we ordered the worst pizza we've ever eaten. Not on purpose. After that we went swimming in the "heated" pool. Really we just soaked in the hot tub and I soaked my legs as I'm prego. We tried to get to bed early so we could get up early as possible the next day, but we were all a little excited and had trouble settling down. Actually Rick had no trouble, just the kids and I.
Day3
We could have used our early day on Thursday, but decided it was better not to wake the kids because they are so grumpy when we do. We got to the park later than we wanted again and stood in the long line for strollers and when we got to the front decided that it was more cost effective to buy a new one than rent 2 strollers for 2 days so Rick took Darren and went to Walmart. We let the girls wear their princes dresses that morning so after going on Winnie the Pooh twice and Dumbo, at their insistence, we headed to the Princess Fantasy Faire. Cinderella told a story to them and they put stickers on crowns and then there was a little show where the girls could all dance with Belle, Aurora, & another princess I forget. Carlyn and Anneliese were really funny. I thought they'd be all over that, but they just wanted to sit and watch, but they did do the part with the Maypole.
I don't like that part of Disneyland, where you stand in line to get a picture or autograph of someone in a costume, but that's part of it. We only did it with princesses. It was a long enough line. We did feel bad about not seeing Tinkerbell, but it was always a huge line as her little attraction was fairly new. We got pictures with Aurora, Snow White, & Pocahontas. The girls were disappointed it was only a few, but what can you do? About that time Rick called to say that they were done and would meet us to take us back to the hotel. So we hopped on the train and headed back to Main Street. We had lunch and naps (our original plan, which by the way, was the best plan because the kids were ready for many more hours of fun afterwards.)
We decided to spend a little time at California Adventure after naps. We watched the Muppet Show, went on the Monster's Inc ride (very fun!), saw the Bug's Life show, then caught the Pixar Play parade. It was awesome and I think the kids enjoyed it much more than the Christmas parade. They had bubbles coming from above the lights and Darren loved those as much as anything. We had just enough time to go on most of the rides in a Bugs Land before the park closed. Carlyn, Darren & I went on the little Chew Chew Train about 4 times in a row. They loved when Heimlich would burp at the end. Kids!
We headed back to Disneyland and got stuck in some parade traffic so we decided it was a good time to eat. I have to mention this because we got 3 of the biggest & best corn dogs I've ever had. They were probably triple the size of a normal corn dog and very tasty. Annie fell asleep just before we ate and slept for quite awhile.
Rick took Carlyn and Darren on the astro orbiter. The line said 5 minutes, but it was at least 20. Darren was done with lines at this point. Poor Rick. Annie was still asleep, so Rick got Fast Passes for Buzz Lightyear and took Carlyn on StarTours. She was a little scared, but loved it. I had to keep Darren entertained for quite awhile. After they were done, I took Carlyn and Darren on Buzz Lightyear and had a blast. When we got back Annie was awake and finishing a corn dog. Rick took her on Buzz Lightyear where Rick tried to get a record score shooting Zurg. Silly man. Carlyn was insisting that we go on the Monorail. I'm not so sure why it was so important to her, but it was, so we went there next. It was really cool in the dark because all the Christmas lights were up and it was really pretty, especially Its a Small World, which I should have gotten a picture of.
The fireworks were about to start so we headed back as far as we could and snagged a spot. Annie wanted to lay in the stroller, Rick held Carlyn on his shoulders, and I held Darren. It was really amazing. They had music and really cool fireworks and it maybe the best display I've ever seen. I especially loved when they played Silent Night and at the end they did one that looked like a shooting star. It was beautiful! I took a picture which of course didn't do it justice. After the fireworks we headed back to the hotel thoroughly exhausted and they had foam that looked like snow coming down over main street. It was pretty cool. None of us had any trouble going to sleep that night!
Day 4
There were so many things that we still hadn't done, so we felt like we had to go back to Disneyland for awhile, so we got ready, ate, and checked out of our hotel (who kindly let us leave our van til later.) The park was much more crowded that day and it was frustrating. We had hardly been in Fantasyland so we felt like we should hit those rides. We went on the Storybook boats, Rick and the kids went on the teacups, I went with Carlyn and Darren (with a slight technical delay) on Alice in Wonderland (which turned out to be one of Carlyn's favorites), Rick took Annie on Matterhorn and then Carlyn wanted a turn. She was scared but didn't want to be left out. We headed to Mr. Toad's Wild Ride next.
We then went to the Mad Hatter's where we chose mouse hats for the kids. The girls surprised me and Annie got a Princess one while Carlyn got a Minnie one. Totally opposite of what I thought would happen! Darren chose one that was huge for him, but it was a Mickey Sorcerer one and was so cute. They didn't want to leave them on for long, but were all super happy about them. We ate next from the burger place there in Fantasyland. Yuck! At least the lines weren't too long.
We went on the Carousel after that. Twice in a row. It was one of the funnest rides for our whole family too. It was great. We realized we missed tons of rides in Fantasyland, but the kids didn't really like the inside ones that were dark too much anyway, and we were running out of time. Rick ran to Space Mountain and there was a very long wait like every other time he tried to go. Poor Rick, it was the one he really wanted to go on. It wasn't open the last time we went so he really wanted to go. We hit the Jungle Cruise as the last ride.
I almost cried walking back to the hotel. My feet were sore enough to cry, but it just went so fast! We had a great time on almost every ride and it felt like we'd hardly done anything. I was so bummed. Then I started thinking about all the fun we did have and I just convinced myself that that's how it is when you have little kids and go to Disneyland. I have to admit that being home and looking at the pictures, I feel much better about what we did, but at the time...well, I'm pregnant, remember?
Traffic was bad but not terrible getting to my brother's house in Santa Monica. Mostly it was that we had to do so many freeway changes that I was paranoid about getting lost because I was navigating. We got there and the kids just started having a blast together. Jordan is 1 week older than Carlyn and Claire is the same size, if about 9 months younger, than Annie. Darren didn't care that he was the only boy. He was happy to be out of the stroller and car seat and allowed to run free. I sat on the couch most of the time and visited with Katie while Rick played the Wii with Barrett. We enjoyed some very delicious homemade pizza for dinner. We let the kids play way too late because we only had a little time there. They had a hard time settling down, but we finally all made it to sleep. THANK YOU so much Barrett and Katie for hosting our family. I know it wasn't easy, but we had tons of fun!
Day 5
The next morning we took it easy for awhile then headed to the Santa Monica Pier, which isn't too far from their house. We were excited to show the kids the beach, but it was pretty cold and windy. It wasn't much fun, but we stopped and got hot chocolate and walked along the pier for awhile.
Darren went nuts over the seagulls. He was saying, "Ba," and pointing to the birds and signing bird. It was so cute. He kept looking at me to make sure I was looking too. Annie sat there saying, "Mine. Mine." (From Nemo, in case you don't know.) We decided to take a couple pictures and eat at the mall instead. The kids played while Katie watched them and Rick, Barrett & I ate. Then Katie took the older girls to Jordan's recital while we finished eating.
I got a chance to go in the Disney store and bought an ornament for our tree. We get a new ornament every year, and I didn't get to look at Disneyland, so I was excited to get it there. We headed back to their apartment where I crashed on the couch and I'm unaware of what else happened until I woke up to go to their ward Christmas party. It was very crowded but the food was good and the primary kids did a cute little program of the Christmas story. Jordan was a shepherd. The cutest one! We headed back and tried to get to sleep for an early start, but again, we visited and let the kids play until way too late.
Day 6
We didn't leave until about 9 the next morning, but we felt more rested so that was okay. The drive seemed much longer, even though it still took about 12 hours. The girls were more restless and fought part of the way. Darren was happier because he had a movie screen (he just barely started to be interested in movies, but I was really glad he was!)
I had to go to the bathroom a lot more on the way back, but the kids didn't say anything about needing to go until I'd already stopped. They were holding it and didn't want to tell me because they just wanted to get home too! Poor kids! Carlyn finally asked to go about Provo saying that she just couldn't hold it anymore. She hadn't gone since Cedar City! No wonder they were fighting.
We left CA Sunday morning to about 60 degree weather and got back to 20 degree weather. And several inches of snow. Not a pleasant change. Maybe that's why I'm so grumpy about the snow and cold this year. So we got back at about 10:15 Sunday night and were so happy to be in our own beds, if not happy about the cold. I've been exhausted since and feel like I'll never recover. Some people think we were crazy for taking 3 little kids to Disneyland, but Rick and I were talking last night and still think it was better than any presents we could have gotten for Christmas. We were just so happy to be there together on our little family vacation and those memories will last us a long time. (Hopefully 2 or 3 years until baby #4 is at least Darren's age or older.)
I'll put a few of my favorite pictures up soon, but there's a slideshow above until then.
Day 1
Most of the first day of our trip was driving. We didn't leave as early as we hoped and hadn't had near enough sleep, but it worked out fine with many stops and me driving most of the way. We pulled out from Salt Lake City in a very snowy environment and about 25 degree weather at about 5 in the morning. The kids were great on the drive. Better than I thought they'd be. The girls were content to watch movies and play with their leap pads. The DVD wasn't in front of Darren, which was a mistake, so he just said, "Mama. Mama. Mama," with increasing intensity until I said, "What?" then he'd say, "Uh." Imagine that for hours and hours. So fun!
We got there about 12 hours later, approximately 4:30 local time and 60 something degree weather. We checked into the hotel and the kids were amazed that there were bunk beds in the room. Carlyn said, "Its amazing!" Annie said, "Its a miracle." Well, we did right on something anyway. :) Then we ordered the worst pizza we've ever eaten. Not on purpose. After that we went swimming in the "heated" pool. Really we just soaked in the hot tub and I soaked my legs as I'm prego. We tried to get to bed early so we could get up early as possible the next day, but we were all a little excited and had trouble settling down. Actually Rick had no trouble, just the kids and I.
Day 2
Our plan was to wake up as early as possible, get ready and go to the park, then take a break for naps/rests and head back to the park again. Well, we woke up a little later than we'd hoped and it took a lot longer to get 3 rugrats ready than we thought. I tried to be really organized and have everything ready, but somehow it still took us over an hour to get to the hot breakfast at our hotel. We really liked that idea because our kids always will eat a good breakfast, if nothing else. There was a long line and it takes them a long time to eat.
Oh well, we finally got to the park about 10:30. Just in time for Darren to want a nap. Sigh. We decided to go on the Nemo Submarine (super fun!) and Autopia (so funny with kids!) first and the lines weren't too long. After that we did a little Jedi Training, but the girls were too shy to volunteer. Next we went on the train which the kids loved, especially the Grand Canyon and Dinosaur scenes. We made it to Its a Small World next and even though the line was long, is went quickly. We LOVED the Christmas theme at the whole park, but this ride was the best. It was so much fun.
After that we took a break for lunch. I think their Lunchables were almost as exciting to them as the rides. We spent some time in Toontown next. I should have taken Darren back to the hotel at this point for a nap, but I really didn't want to leave. Darren was terrified even approaching Roger Rabbit's ride. I should have stayed behind with him, but didn't. One of the things the girls wanted to see most was Mickey's mailbox. I'm not sure why that was more important than Mickey himself but we made a stop there and made their day. Anneliese loved the Gadget Go Coaster but it turned Carlyn off to most of the bigger rides. That was a surprise. Darren fell asleep for awhile while they were going on the little roller coaster. Not long enough though.
We decided to go on Splash Mountain next. It was Carlyn's cousin's favorite ride and she was really excited for it. Until the first drop! Poor thing was terrified and screaming/crying the whole time. I tried to point out the fun of the ride, but she just couldn't understand how it could have been Jordan's favorite. She got soaked, and my behind got really wet. Just in time for it to start getting dark. We thought we would have been going back to the room for naps and didn't have our jackets with us. I had one little blanket with me and Carlyn wore it the rest of the night. Rick took Darren and Annie on Winnie the Pooh while Carlyn and I were on Splash Mountain.
Against our better judgement we kept going on rides. We were all getting cold and hungry but none of us wanted to leave. Rick went on Big Thunder Mountain while the kids had a snack and we stood in line for the Haunted Mansion. It was decorated as the Nightmare Before Christmas and was really great. The kids all liked it, mostly. We also went on Pirates of the Caribbean and decided the kids were done and hungry.
Unfortunately, we hit parade traffic on the way back. Totally PACKED! We found a place and slipped in. I won't go into all the details, but I'll just say it was crazy. The kids did like the parade, but we kept wondering whether it was worth it or not. It was after 7 by then and we headed back to the hotel. As we were walking back the back wheel of our stroller broke and wouldn't stay on. UGH. So Darren rode in the front and Rick held it up as the girls griped about walking. We had some dinner in the room and then soaked our feet in the hot tub. Such a good idea! So we got to bed way too late and woke up too late too!
Day3
We could have used our early day on Thursday, but decided it was better not to wake the kids because they are so grumpy when we do. We got to the park later than we wanted again and stood in the long line for strollers and when we got to the front decided that it was more cost effective to buy a new one than rent 2 strollers for 2 days so Rick took Darren and went to Walmart. We let the girls wear their princes dresses that morning so after going on Winnie the Pooh twice and Dumbo, at their insistence, we headed to the Princess Fantasy Faire. Cinderella told a story to them and they put stickers on crowns and then there was a little show where the girls could all dance with Belle, Aurora, & another princess I forget. Carlyn and Anneliese were really funny. I thought they'd be all over that, but they just wanted to sit and watch, but they did do the part with the Maypole.
I don't like that part of Disneyland, where you stand in line to get a picture or autograph of someone in a costume, but that's part of it. We only did it with princesses. It was a long enough line. We did feel bad about not seeing Tinkerbell, but it was always a huge line as her little attraction was fairly new. We got pictures with Aurora, Snow White, & Pocahontas. The girls were disappointed it was only a few, but what can you do? About that time Rick called to say that they were done and would meet us to take us back to the hotel. So we hopped on the train and headed back to Main Street. We had lunch and naps (our original plan, which by the way, was the best plan because the kids were ready for many more hours of fun afterwards.)
We decided to spend a little time at California Adventure after naps. We watched the Muppet Show, went on the Monster's Inc ride (very fun!), saw the Bug's Life show, then caught the Pixar Play parade. It was awesome and I think the kids enjoyed it much more than the Christmas parade. They had bubbles coming from above the lights and Darren loved those as much as anything. We had just enough time to go on most of the rides in a Bugs Land before the park closed. Carlyn, Darren & I went on the little Chew Chew Train about 4 times in a row. They loved when Heimlich would burp at the end. Kids!
We headed back to Disneyland and got stuck in some parade traffic so we decided it was a good time to eat. I have to mention this because we got 3 of the biggest & best corn dogs I've ever had. They were probably triple the size of a normal corn dog and very tasty. Annie fell asleep just before we ate and slept for quite awhile.
Rick took Carlyn and Darren on the astro orbiter. The line said 5 minutes, but it was at least 20. Darren was done with lines at this point. Poor Rick. Annie was still asleep, so Rick got Fast Passes for Buzz Lightyear and took Carlyn on StarTours. She was a little scared, but loved it. I had to keep Darren entertained for quite awhile. After they were done, I took Carlyn and Darren on Buzz Lightyear and had a blast. When we got back Annie was awake and finishing a corn dog. Rick took her on Buzz Lightyear where Rick tried to get a record score shooting Zurg. Silly man. Carlyn was insisting that we go on the Monorail. I'm not so sure why it was so important to her, but it was, so we went there next. It was really cool in the dark because all the Christmas lights were up and it was really pretty, especially Its a Small World, which I should have gotten a picture of.
The fireworks were about to start so we headed back as far as we could and snagged a spot. Annie wanted to lay in the stroller, Rick held Carlyn on his shoulders, and I held Darren. It was really amazing. They had music and really cool fireworks and it maybe the best display I've ever seen. I especially loved when they played Silent Night and at the end they did one that looked like a shooting star. It was beautiful! I took a picture which of course didn't do it justice. After the fireworks we headed back to the hotel thoroughly exhausted and they had foam that looked like snow coming down over main street. It was pretty cool. None of us had any trouble going to sleep that night!
Day 4
There were so many things that we still hadn't done, so we felt like we had to go back to Disneyland for awhile, so we got ready, ate, and checked out of our hotel (who kindly let us leave our van til later.) The park was much more crowded that day and it was frustrating. We had hardly been in Fantasyland so we felt like we should hit those rides. We went on the Storybook boats, Rick and the kids went on the teacups, I went with Carlyn and Darren (with a slight technical delay) on Alice in Wonderland (which turned out to be one of Carlyn's favorites), Rick took Annie on Matterhorn and then Carlyn wanted a turn. She was scared but didn't want to be left out. We headed to Mr. Toad's Wild Ride next.
We then went to the Mad Hatter's where we chose mouse hats for the kids. The girls surprised me and Annie got a Princess one while Carlyn got a Minnie one. Totally opposite of what I thought would happen! Darren chose one that was huge for him, but it was a Mickey Sorcerer one and was so cute. They didn't want to leave them on for long, but were all super happy about them. We ate next from the burger place there in Fantasyland. Yuck! At least the lines weren't too long.
We went on the Carousel after that. Twice in a row. It was one of the funnest rides for our whole family too. It was great. We realized we missed tons of rides in Fantasyland, but the kids didn't really like the inside ones that were dark too much anyway, and we were running out of time. Rick ran to Space Mountain and there was a very long wait like every other time he tried to go. Poor Rick, it was the one he really wanted to go on. It wasn't open the last time we went so he really wanted to go. We hit the Jungle Cruise as the last ride.
I almost cried walking back to the hotel. My feet were sore enough to cry, but it just went so fast! We had a great time on almost every ride and it felt like we'd hardly done anything. I was so bummed. Then I started thinking about all the fun we did have and I just convinced myself that that's how it is when you have little kids and go to Disneyland. I have to admit that being home and looking at the pictures, I feel much better about what we did, but at the time...well, I'm pregnant, remember?
Traffic was bad but not terrible getting to my brother's house in Santa Monica. Mostly it was that we had to do so many freeway changes that I was paranoid about getting lost because I was navigating. We got there and the kids just started having a blast together. Jordan is 1 week older than Carlyn and Claire is the same size, if about 9 months younger, than Annie. Darren didn't care that he was the only boy. He was happy to be out of the stroller and car seat and allowed to run free. I sat on the couch most of the time and visited with Katie while Rick played the Wii with Barrett. We enjoyed some very delicious homemade pizza for dinner. We let the kids play way too late because we only had a little time there. They had a hard time settling down, but we finally all made it to sleep. THANK YOU so much Barrett and Katie for hosting our family. I know it wasn't easy, but we had tons of fun!
Day 5
The next morning we took it easy for awhile then headed to the Santa Monica Pier, which isn't too far from their house. We were excited to show the kids the beach, but it was pretty cold and windy. It wasn't much fun, but we stopped and got hot chocolate and walked along the pier for awhile.
Darren went nuts over the seagulls. He was saying, "Ba," and pointing to the birds and signing bird. It was so cute. He kept looking at me to make sure I was looking too. Annie sat there saying, "Mine. Mine." (From Nemo, in case you don't know.) We decided to take a couple pictures and eat at the mall instead. The kids played while Katie watched them and Rick, Barrett & I ate. Then Katie took the older girls to Jordan's recital while we finished eating.
I got a chance to go in the Disney store and bought an ornament for our tree. We get a new ornament every year, and I didn't get to look at Disneyland, so I was excited to get it there. We headed back to their apartment where I crashed on the couch and I'm unaware of what else happened until I woke up to go to their ward Christmas party. It was very crowded but the food was good and the primary kids did a cute little program of the Christmas story. Jordan was a shepherd. The cutest one! We headed back and tried to get to sleep for an early start, but again, we visited and let the kids play until way too late.
Day 6
We didn't leave until about 9 the next morning, but we felt more rested so that was okay. The drive seemed much longer, even though it still took about 12 hours. The girls were more restless and fought part of the way. Darren was happier because he had a movie screen (he just barely started to be interested in movies, but I was really glad he was!)
I had to go to the bathroom a lot more on the way back, but the kids didn't say anything about needing to go until I'd already stopped. They were holding it and didn't want to tell me because they just wanted to get home too! Poor kids! Carlyn finally asked to go about Provo saying that she just couldn't hold it anymore. She hadn't gone since Cedar City! No wonder they were fighting.
We left CA Sunday morning to about 60 degree weather and got back to 20 degree weather. And several inches of snow. Not a pleasant change. Maybe that's why I'm so grumpy about the snow and cold this year. So we got back at about 10:15 Sunday night and were so happy to be in our own beds, if not happy about the cold. I've been exhausted since and feel like I'll never recover. Some people think we were crazy for taking 3 little kids to Disneyland, but Rick and I were talking last night and still think it was better than any presents we could have gotten for Christmas. We were just so happy to be there together on our little family vacation and those memories will last us a long time. (Hopefully 2 or 3 years until baby #4 is at least Darren's age or older.)
Monday, December 15, 2008
Christmas
Maybe it is because I have been so focused on our trip to Disneyland, but I've totally missed getting excited for Christmas. Our pumpkins are frozen to the porch. We have a nightmare before Christmas theme because I still haven't put away the Halloween decorations yet. I know that's because I'm pregnant, but I really haven't had the energy to do more. I'm usually begging Rick to bring in the decorations and this year, I just don't care if they all get put up. Maybe it is because I know Little D is so destructive and the decorations would be lucky to survive him. That's what I keep telling myself anyway. Well, I read this on my friend Alicia's blog and decided it might help me get in the spirit of things. Here we go.
Christmas Tag
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper. With bows and tags, but I hate doing it.
2. Real or Artificial tree? Artificial. Its easier and doesn't make me sneeze.
3. When do you put up the tree? I start begging the day after Thanksgiving. When Rick gets it out of the garage.
4. When do you take the tree down? Way too late!
5. Do you like eggnog? Not really, but I'll drink it with Sprite mixed in. My hubby LOVES it.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? ? At the time, everything seems so important. I remember getting a stereo system that I got with my sister. It had a tape player and a record player and we got some of each. It was so cool. :) I remember getting a Walkman and taking really good care of it. I guess I was a little older, but I don't really remember any from younger. Oh, except a dollhouse my mom and grandpa made. That was pretty special.
7. Hardest person to buy for? My Dad. I never know what to get him.
8. Easiest person to buy for? My kids. Kids are easy.
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Its my favorite decoration. I think we got it the first year we were married.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Well, I've always mailed before, but I haven't even thought of them yet this year, so maybe I'll just email. I don't know.
11. Worst Christmas gift ever received? Divorce papers. Seriously. Not from Rick :)
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I love the Muppet's Christmas Carol.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Whenever I get around to it. I got some good deals for the kids from KSL.com, so I started months ago, not sure when.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Only for a White Elephant. I've given plenty to the DI though.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Grandma's sugar cookies. Also, my family usually has a big Christmas Eve party with Prime Rib. Yummy.
16. Lights on the tree? Colored. I don't hate plain white, but I like the colored ones.
17. Favorite Christmas song? Anything Josh Groban or Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Angels We Have Heard on High, Silent Night, mostly hymns.
18. Travel or stay home at Christmas? Both. I think we'll celebrate Christmas morning at home, but we've really enjoyed the years at my parent's house.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Who can't? You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen, but do you recall the most famous reindeer of all? Rudolph.
20. Angel or star on the tree-top? Star.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Morning? We open Christmas pajamas the night before and then everything else Christmas morning.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Shopping. I don't mind shopping, but I don't like when it is a mad house. I feel like yelling, "Take it easy people, those presents are most likely going to be broken in a week anyway. Do you really need it???"
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I love the eclectic look, with favorite ornaments that kids have made etc. I don't need a theme, but I do love to see other trees like that.
24. Favorite food for Christmas dinner? Our special is usually Christmas Eve, as I said. We have a special Christmas breakfast with a breakfast casserole and caramel rolls. Dinner isn't so important, but its usually ham.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? A clean house, kids that don't fight, and a massage. But if I can't have that I want a flat iron and Mamma Mia. :)
Tag, you're it!!!
Christmas Tag
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper. With bows and tags, but I hate doing it.
2. Real or Artificial tree? Artificial. Its easier and doesn't make me sneeze.
3. When do you put up the tree? I start begging the day after Thanksgiving. When Rick gets it out of the garage.
4. When do you take the tree down? Way too late!
5. Do you like eggnog? Not really, but I'll drink it with Sprite mixed in. My hubby LOVES it.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? ? At the time, everything seems so important. I remember getting a stereo system that I got with my sister. It had a tape player and a record player and we got some of each. It was so cool. :) I remember getting a Walkman and taking really good care of it. I guess I was a little older, but I don't really remember any from younger. Oh, except a dollhouse my mom and grandpa made. That was pretty special.
7. Hardest person to buy for? My Dad. I never know what to get him.
8. Easiest person to buy for? My kids. Kids are easy.
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Its my favorite decoration. I think we got it the first year we were married.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Well, I've always mailed before, but I haven't even thought of them yet this year, so maybe I'll just email. I don't know.
11. Worst Christmas gift ever received? Divorce papers. Seriously. Not from Rick :)
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I love the Muppet's Christmas Carol.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Whenever I get around to it. I got some good deals for the kids from KSL.com, so I started months ago, not sure when.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Only for a White Elephant. I've given plenty to the DI though.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Grandma's sugar cookies. Also, my family usually has a big Christmas Eve party with Prime Rib. Yummy.
16. Lights on the tree? Colored. I don't hate plain white, but I like the colored ones.
17. Favorite Christmas song? Anything Josh Groban or Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Angels We Have Heard on High, Silent Night, mostly hymns.
18. Travel or stay home at Christmas? Both. I think we'll celebrate Christmas morning at home, but we've really enjoyed the years at my parent's house.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Who can't? You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen, but do you recall the most famous reindeer of all? Rudolph.
20. Angel or star on the tree-top? Star.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Morning? We open Christmas pajamas the night before and then everything else Christmas morning.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Shopping. I don't mind shopping, but I don't like when it is a mad house. I feel like yelling, "Take it easy people, those presents are most likely going to be broken in a week anyway. Do you really need it???"
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I love the eclectic look, with favorite ornaments that kids have made etc. I don't need a theme, but I do love to see other trees like that.
24. Favorite food for Christmas dinner? Our special is usually Christmas Eve, as I said. We have a special Christmas breakfast with a breakfast casserole and caramel rolls. Dinner isn't so important, but its usually ham.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? A clean house, kids that don't fight, and a massage. But if I can't have that I want a flat iron and Mamma Mia. :)
Tag, you're it!!!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
A Sigh of Relief
Okay, I know this isn't the best picture, but if you look closely you can see an outline of a baby there (the head on the left, the profile of the head and body). He/she is big enough that the doctor thinks 14 weeks could be accurate, but we'll wait until the 20 week ultrasound to say a "final" due date. Otherwise, it is June 1st for anyone who is wondering. I saw a good strong heart beat and the doctor said everything looks great. *Sigh* I've been much more paranoid this time and was very happy to hear him say it. I've been so blessed so far. I don't take it for granted. I appreciate every good appointment. I did have a couple scary ones with Carlyn, one where the doctor couldn't find the heart beat, so they sent me for an ultrasound just in case. This baby was very active and I was so happy to see it. Sometimes I think we're crazy for having 4 so close, but I know once he/she's here that I'll wonder what I ever did without him/her. 
I guess I wasn't quite accurate when I said we didn't take any pictures on Thanksgiving. Here are my kids and a couple cousins at Grandma and Grandpa's house.
Since Darren has been sick, he's been much more sedentary and snuggly. This was him in the baby swing (which he pulled out of the closet the other day) and snuggling with Carlyn's blanket and a bottle of Pedialyte. He's also been watching more shows since he got sick. He'd watch maybe a minute before when yesterday he watched a whole hour! He loves Baby Mozart, Elmo, & Dora the most. 
This is the disadvantage of being the younger brother of two girls who have big imaginations. Carlyn was trying to put on his socks and shoes and Annie was cutting his hair with toy pliers.
I guess I wasn't quite accurate when I said we didn't take any pictures on Thanksgiving. Here are my kids and a couple cousins at Grandma and Grandpa's house.
Since Darren has been sick, he's been much more sedentary and snuggly. This was him in the baby swing (which he pulled out of the closet the other day) and snuggling with Carlyn's blanket and a bottle of Pedialyte. He's also been watching more shows since he got sick. He'd watch maybe a minute before when yesterday he watched a whole hour! He loves Baby Mozart, Elmo, & Dora the most. 
This is the disadvantage of being the younger brother of two girls who have big imaginations. Carlyn was trying to put on his socks and shoes and Annie was cutting his hair with toy pliers. His expression is the best, I think :) At least they weren't putting bows in his hair!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Sickies
I thought when my kids were sick last week that we would at least be on the mend by now. We have had random barfing, sore throats, fevers, stomach aches & now runny noses. Poor Annie and Darren are still sick. I took them to the Dr last Wednesday to make sure they didn't have strep, but it was negative. The way Annie's acting, I just may take her back in. She's as sick as ever. She had no voice today and cried after laying down because her sore throat was worse. And poor Darren. He started a couple days before her. He's been really clingy and whiny and not sleeping well. He ate a little better than normal today though, so I think he may be getting better. He's been sleeping horribly, partly from sore throat and partly due to the fact that he's been so hungry because he wouldn't eat anything. They say it is important to just make sure they have liquids, so that's what I've done, but it doesn't hold them over long enough. Sorry if this sounds whiny. I know lots of kids have it worse and I have had relatively healthy kids, but it is so hard to watch them suffer for more than a week and I feel like there's nothing I can do. Of course we've tried lots of tylenol, saline, & a little vicks, but none of it seems to help for too long. Luckily Carlyn had only a headache and fever for a couple days and then was good. Rick and I have a little sinus stuff going on but that's no biggie. I hope my sweet little monkeys get better again soon.
Hubby Tag Post
What is your husband’s name? Richard Tracy
How long did you date? Only about 6 months before getting married.
How old is he? 36
Who eats sweets? Definitely Rick. Even more than my sister, he's the worst candy fiend ever! Even our 1 year old knows about his candy drawer
Who said I love you first? Rick. I was in denial. I was scared and didn't want to admit it.
Who is taller? Rick
Who can sing better? Me, though Rick is so much better than when we met
Who is smarter? Well, I have the degree, but Rick knows about a lot more stuff
Who does the laundry? I probably do more, but he does some. He helps carry it down or throws in a load. I almost always put it in the dryer and put away.
Who pays the bills? Usually me
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Rick, though I prefer it, I'm on the side closest to the door. More convenient when nursing a baby, though we could switch back for a few more months...
Who mows the lawn? Not our strong point. Rick usually does, but I have a few times
Who cooks dinner? Usually me, but Rick will help if I ask him to. He does more now than normal since smells bother me so much
Who drives? We both do. It just depends.
Who is the first to admit they are wrong? Me, but Rick would probably say its him. We're both stubborn when we want to be
Who kissed who first? Rick tried, was denied, tried, was denied, then stopped trying, so I had to ask him when he was going to kiss me after that. I told you I was scared
Who asked who out first? Rick. I was hesitant to meet. We met online and he didn't even have a picture up.
Who wears the pants? Rick, though I like to think I do
Friends who should do this: All of them! Family too!
How long did you date? Only about 6 months before getting married.
How old is he? 36
Who eats sweets? Definitely Rick. Even more than my sister, he's the worst candy fiend ever! Even our 1 year old knows about his candy drawer
Who said I love you first? Rick. I was in denial. I was scared and didn't want to admit it.
Who is taller? Rick
Who can sing better? Me, though Rick is so much better than when we met
Who is smarter? Well, I have the degree, but Rick knows about a lot more stuff
Who does the laundry? I probably do more, but he does some. He helps carry it down or throws in a load. I almost always put it in the dryer and put away.
Who pays the bills? Usually me
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Rick, though I prefer it, I'm on the side closest to the door. More convenient when nursing a baby, though we could switch back for a few more months...
Who mows the lawn? Not our strong point. Rick usually does, but I have a few times
Who cooks dinner? Usually me, but Rick will help if I ask him to. He does more now than normal since smells bother me so much
Who drives? We both do. It just depends.
Who is the first to admit they are wrong? Me, but Rick would probably say its him. We're both stubborn when we want to be
Who kissed who first? Rick tried, was denied, tried, was denied, then stopped trying, so I had to ask him when he was going to kiss me after that. I told you I was scared
Who asked who out first? Rick. I was hesitant to meet. We met online and he didn't even have a picture up.
Who wears the pants? Rick, though I like to think I do
Friends who should do this: All of them! Family too!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Informal Tradition
We have an awesome fake tree. We bought it many (?) years ago. I love the way it looks full and beautiful. The drawback is that each bough is separate from the trunk meaning that it is a pain to put up and take apart. After you figure out where each bough goes, you then have to "fluff" it and it scratches your arms to do it. Are you getting a mental picture yet? It is a pain. Well, I've always wanted the Christmas tree up the day after Thanksgiving and Rick never wants to help. He used to be a big of a humbug, but he's much better now though he still hates putting up our tree.
So here's our tradition. It takes us at least 3 days to set up our Christmas tree. The 1st day we put it together and fluff as much as we can stand. The 2nd day we finish fluffing and put the lights on. Unfortunately, putting the lights on almost always causes a fight in itself. What a royal pain! Even though I checked all 4 strands we were using (really needed 5) the last one only half works this year so the bottom isn't lit. The 3rd day we put the ornaments up. While I have gotten used to this tradition and don't mind it so much as long as Rick is helping, the kids are getting older and aren't so patient for it taking 3 days to finish. We tried to put our ornaments on tonight, but Annie and Darren are still sick. Annie didn't even want to help. Darren just wanted me to hold him unless he saw a breakable ornament, which he would try to get and then throw a fit because I wouldn't let him have it :) Carlyn was having a great time and the ornaments that made it on (just a portion) are all in one small section of the tree. I think we may just leave it. I don't care too much this year. I'll have to take a picture, but with me and the little ones being sickies, I'm not exactly energetic.
So here's our tradition. It takes us at least 3 days to set up our Christmas tree. The 1st day we put it together and fluff as much as we can stand. The 2nd day we finish fluffing and put the lights on. Unfortunately, putting the lights on almost always causes a fight in itself. What a royal pain! Even though I checked all 4 strands we were using (really needed 5) the last one only half works this year so the bottom isn't lit. The 3rd day we put the ornaments up. While I have gotten used to this tradition and don't mind it so much as long as Rick is helping, the kids are getting older and aren't so patient for it taking 3 days to finish. We tried to put our ornaments on tonight, but Annie and Darren are still sick. Annie didn't even want to help. Darren just wanted me to hold him unless he saw a breakable ornament, which he would try to get and then throw a fit because I wouldn't let him have it :) Carlyn was having a great time and the ornaments that made it on (just a portion) are all in one small section of the tree. I think we may just leave it. I don't care too much this year. I'll have to take a picture, but with me and the little ones being sickies, I'm not exactly energetic.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
I Am Glad For Many Things...
Many things, many things. I am glad for many things that are mine today. :)
I'm happy to be at my parent's house today for Thanksgiving. I like to cook and don't mind doing the turkey, except when I'm pregnant. I'm obviously, totally, obsessively thankful for my little family and my sweet husband. I'm thankful for so many things that I'm frankly too tired to list :) Here's a small list: the gospel, good friends, my mom & sisters (& sister-in-law), my van. I hope you all are having a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am.
I'm happy to be at my parent's house today for Thanksgiving. I like to cook and don't mind doing the turkey, except when I'm pregnant. I'm obviously, totally, obsessively thankful for my little family and my sweet husband. I'm thankful for so many things that I'm frankly too tired to list :) Here's a small list: the gospel, good friends, my mom & sisters (& sister-in-law), my van. I hope you all are having a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
This Weekend
I should have put all my posts in one, but I didn't realize I was going to do them all. Don't miss the others I did today. That said, I didn't really take pictures either.
Friday night we went to good old North Sanpete High School to see their annual musical, which was Suessical this year. My mom has helped for years but this year my older sister, Carisa, is the choir teacher, so she took over. She did the voice coaching and directed the orchestra. She was awesome. Her 4 girls were also in it and were so cute. The night we saw it Sharice was in the bird chorus, Jaycie was the little kangaroo (she's was Sharice's understudy and that cast was doing it that night), Aili & Evynn were Who's and were the Mayor's daughters and Evynn was the Elephant Bird at the end, if you've ever seen it before. It was very fun and even though it was a short trip we had fun.
Today in church Anneliese didn't want to be reverent during the Sacrament and I was telling her to think about Jesus then handed her a ABC reverent book and pointed to Jesus. She then said (none too quietly), "That's Jesus. I love Jesus," then she kissed the picture. "Jesus loves me." Then she kissed every picture of Jesus in the book and proceeded to the other pictures. Even though she wasn't very reverent, it was so cute and I couldn't really be mad. I love Jesus too and I would love to kiss him and tell him that. :)
A neighbor family does a Music Night occasionally and we went tonight. They invite you to join in, and for the most part it is children, but a few adults. The kids do as simple as sing "Yankee Doodle" or "ABC's" but it gives them experience in front of people. Last time we went Carlyn looked upset and when asked what was wrong she said, "I wanted to do something." She didn't know what she wanted to do though. So we went home and I pulled out my small selection of music and gave her some choices. She chose to learn "Reflections" from Mulan. I can't play it very well when I'm nervous, but it was really cute. She sang quietly and I know she knew it better than she let on, but for a 5 year old, I think she did really great. She didn't even seem nervous. I was shaking. I'm really proud of her.
Friday night we went to good old North Sanpete High School to see their annual musical, which was Suessical this year. My mom has helped for years but this year my older sister, Carisa, is the choir teacher, so she took over. She did the voice coaching and directed the orchestra. She was awesome. Her 4 girls were also in it and were so cute. The night we saw it Sharice was in the bird chorus, Jaycie was the little kangaroo (she's was Sharice's understudy and that cast was doing it that night), Aili & Evynn were Who's and were the Mayor's daughters and Evynn was the Elephant Bird at the end, if you've ever seen it before. It was very fun and even though it was a short trip we had fun.
Today in church Anneliese didn't want to be reverent during the Sacrament and I was telling her to think about Jesus then handed her a ABC reverent book and pointed to Jesus. She then said (none too quietly), "That's Jesus. I love Jesus," then she kissed the picture. "Jesus loves me." Then she kissed every picture of Jesus in the book and proceeded to the other pictures. Even though she wasn't very reverent, it was so cute and I couldn't really be mad. I love Jesus too and I would love to kiss him and tell him that. :)
A neighbor family does a Music Night occasionally and we went tonight. They invite you to join in, and for the most part it is children, but a few adults. The kids do as simple as sing "Yankee Doodle" or "ABC's" but it gives them experience in front of people. Last time we went Carlyn looked upset and when asked what was wrong she said, "I wanted to do something." She didn't know what she wanted to do though. So we went home and I pulled out my small selection of music and gave her some choices. She chose to learn "Reflections" from Mulan. I can't play it very well when I'm nervous, but it was really cute. She sang quietly and I know she knew it better than she let on, but for a 5 year old, I think she did really great. She didn't even seem nervous. I was shaking. I'm really proud of her.
So Cool!
This is my brother's film. Not the one talking, but the director, Barrett Hilton. Check out this link: http://www.bakersfield.com/1439/story/616122.html
He's going to be famous someday, I'm sure, so make a note of his name :)
He's going to be famous someday, I'm sure, so make a note of his name :)
2 Awesome Giveaways
Please go to these sites for awesome giveaways. This is my friends site: http://www.babyblvd.blogspot.com/
and this is a site with baby products http://www.mytinysweetcheeks.blogspot.com/
Go check it out!
and this is a site with baby products http://www.mytinysweetcheeks.blogspot.com/
Go check it out!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
The Things Kids Say
Annie to Darren: Darren no swiping. Darren no swiping. Darren NO Swiping!
Carlyn to Mommy: Mommy, I love you past death. :)
Annie to Daddy playing World of Warcraft: Look, dat's your fire horse. Oh, you dead. You dead!
Carlyn to Annie: If you keep doing that, I'm going to take it away and you will have a time-out.
Carlyn to Mommy: Mommy, you are my favorite Mommy. Today I love you the most.
Annie to Mommy: No, I want Daddy. I want Daddy! (Usually the biggest Mommy's girl until bedtime!)
Darren to Mommy: Mama, wan Mama. (After being told grandma or mama was coming to visit today. It was so cute!)
Carlyn to Darren: Darren, you are giving me a headache. (In her defense, the boy is noisy and could give anyone a headache!)
Carlyn to Mommy: I wish we had enough money to go to Disneyland everyday.
I know Annie says funny things all the time, but I can't remember them. Oh well.
Carlyn to Mommy: Mommy, I love you past death. :)
Annie to Daddy playing World of Warcraft: Look, dat's your fire horse. Oh, you dead. You dead!
Carlyn to Annie: If you keep doing that, I'm going to take it away and you will have a time-out.
Carlyn to Mommy: Mommy, you are my favorite Mommy. Today I love you the most.
Annie to Mommy: No, I want Daddy. I want Daddy! (Usually the biggest Mommy's girl until bedtime!)
Darren to Mommy: Mama, wan Mama. (After being told grandma or mama was coming to visit today. It was so cute!)
Carlyn to Darren: Darren, you are giving me a headache. (In her defense, the boy is noisy and could give anyone a headache!)
Carlyn to Mommy: I wish we had enough money to go to Disneyland everyday.
I know Annie says funny things all the time, but I can't remember them. Oh well.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Carlyn Birthday Party Pics
Okay, so I'm a slacker, due to morning sickness, because Carlyn's party was 2 weeks ago. I'm doing the best I can. I was a bad mom though and didn't take any pictures during the party, which I normally do, until the present opening. For her party, Carlyn wanted some friends to come for a Princess Tea Party. It was so fun. Thanks to my friend Alicia who helped me because I was really not feeling well that day and had already cleaned my messy house for the party. Anyway, we played Duck, Duck, Goose, Pin the Crown on the Princess, Musical Chairs, and had a little Dance Party (per Carlyn's request.) Then we had a fun little tea party (it kills me that I didn't take a picture) with a doily, plate, napkin and tea cup for everyone (the doilies were Carlyn's idea.) We had little cookies, pb&j sandwiches cut up into strips, tiny cupcakes and don't forget the pink lemonade. It was so cute and so fun! When we started to have the tea party some of the kids looked around nervously and said, "I don't drink tea." What cute kids! I said that was okay because it was lemonade and they felt much better. After the tea party we read a princess story and opened presents. We finished with a Disney Princess Sing Along movie.
Here is Princess Cinderella Carlyn ready for presents.
Here are the Princess sisters.
Carlyn's cousin gave her these vampire teeth. I just thought it looked funny.
Anneliese & her cousin Evynn were both Snow White.
After the friends party we had a family party. We had some pizza and cupcakes then opened presents. The only bummer about the day was that Rick was absent because he was working in our yard with a tractor to clear out the back yard (jungle) all day. I really missed him there, but he worked really hard and now we are ready for sprinklers and sod when we can afford them. We had a good turnout though. Grandma Hilton, Grandpa Hilton, Great Grandma Hilton, Parker, Maren, Mathew, Lindsay, Carisa, Sharice, Jaycie, Aili, Evynn, Grandma Linda, Maureen, Delenn, Belinda, & Josh. We missed everyone who couldn't be there but we had fun. The girls were really loving everyone, I thought, and Darren was a hoot. 
The girls with Grandma Linda.
Carlyn and her birthday cupcake being held by Parker.
Sorry, baby D. This is what comes of having older sisters, but in my defense you put these on yourself but got frustrated trying to take the necklace off.
Rick does such a good job of decorating their room. It stayed up for a week and a half. She was asleep in her bed while he did this too :)
They make a big deal out of birthdays at preschool. This is from her computer class in the morning. Notice her new outfit. So cute, thanks grandma.
This is from her afternoon preschool. She was so excited to have Miss Jani give her her own cake. It was so cute. She got to take cupcakes to preschool for all her friends and she loved it.
Her birthday fell on a Wednesday, our busiest day of the week. So after her dance class we had lasagna, her favorite dish. We had some cake and gave her our present. She had requested a jewelry box and "real jewleries." 
I had a hard time finding "real" jewelry that I thought appropriate for a 5 year old, but found these at wal-mart. In case you can't tell, they say "Angel" "Cutie" and "Princess" which suited her just perfectly. She's worn them almost everyday since.
This last picture I had to add because it is from Carlyn's favorite friend right now, Amy R., whom she sits with in Sacrament meeting and Carlyn just loves her. Thanks Amy for remembering Carlyn. It made her night.Thursday, November 13, 2008
Quick Question
I don't know if it will happen or not, but we may be going to Disneyland soon. I'm wondering if anyone has tips on taking little kids there or if they have ideas for the kids on the road trip. They hate the car for a little while and I'm nervous about a long haul. At least gas is cheaper!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Surprise!
A picture is worth a thousand words, right? A few people already know, because when you continue being sick for weeks on end, its kind of obvious to people you see everyday.
***I am about 11 weeks. Due June 1st, assuming the dr agrees. I'm trying to get in soon. Thanks everyone.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
My Little Linney
My little Linney isn't so little anymore. She's turning 5 tomorrow, November 5th. This is more for me, than anyone else, so skip this long part if you want to :)
Look at my angel! She worked the IV in her hand out and had to have it in her head later. It made me cry, but she smiled at me and it was okay.
This was a few days later. What a sweet thing, huh?
5 years ago I was in labor, already for about 7 hours after being induced due to a major fluid drop overnight. I really wanted a natural birth but I didn't start out in the best conditions. I hadn't slept well the night before and I hadn't eaten anything since then either. I got up to have a non stress test, as I was a week overdue, and they told me not to eat. Then I told them I thought my water broke, so the checked the fluid. They said it didn't "break" but there was a definite loss of fluid. I waited an hour for the doctor to come talk to me and tell me she thought I needed to be started. They still didn't let me eat even though I waited another hour or two for Rick to finish the project he was on and come to the hospital. I was starving by this time and very anxious for a baby. To make it shorter, I was induced and didn't do anything much for hours and hours, so the Doc told me she wanted to "crank my pitocin". This was sometime toward the next morning and while I was doing my hypnobirthing pretty well, I was exhausted already. She said she would recommend having an epidural then because I wouldn't be able to handle the pitocin and I didn't want to put the baby at risk in case I had to have a c-section. I bawled and bawled, but finally got an epidural and was able to rest. After being on strong pitocin for hours and I was still only dilated to an 8 and the baby didn't drop, her heart rate did drop and the doc informed me that we were doing a c-section. NOW. I was scared to death and scared for my baby. Rick gave me a blessing and the surgery went well, but it was rough on both of us and they whisked Carlyn away to help her breath better. She was born about 4 pm and I didn't see her until about 9, I think. Anyway, I finally got to hold my baby girl and she was beautiful. She had the hardest time during birth and had to have an IV to hopefully prevent any infections from the long labor. She also had jaundice and I only got to hold her to feed her in the hospital.
Look at my angel! She worked the IV in her hand out and had to have it in her head later. It made me cry, but she smiled at me and it was okay.This was a few days later. What a sweet thing, huh?This began our journey as parents. Sweet Carlyn. We love you so much. We have enjoyed being your parents and continue to love you so much!
Trunk or Treat, Halloween, & a Little Extra
Okay, I think I'll do this in chronological order. We dressed up the kids on the 25th and took them downtown to the Gallivan Plaza Block Party. 
Look at these cute kiddies. I loved how they looked. They were roasting in their long sleeved shirts, poor kids. It was a very warm day and Halloween was pretty warm too.
Carlyn choosing her pumpkin from the Block Party. They were out of decorations though, which worked out fine and we took the pumpkins home to decorate, which never happened. Oh well.
All the kids at the Trunk or Treat. Darren really had a good time. He loves candy and his favorite in the world are suckers. Belinda was going around with him and had to keep him away from me or he cried for a sucker. So funny.
The next day was our Anniversary, as mentioned earlier. Carlyn took this picture of us that night. We sure look different than we did 8 years ago. (Look how long my hair has gotten.)
I took a picture of this one because I thought it was funny and creative of Carlyn and Annie to stick these tub toys to the tub wall, 1 in each square. There's D's head in the picture. 
He walked straight up, bent over and did a flip in the tub. After making sure he was fine, I took a picture while he was crying. Am I mean or what? I thought it was hilarious.
One morning I wasn't feeling well and I slept in because Darren did and I woke up to find this. They had made a bed for themselves, put in a movie, and got snacks. I LOVE it when they can take care of themselves like that. What cute & good girls!
We had FHE at a friend's house on Monday night and Rick put Annie in the car while he came to get Carlyn & Darren. She was complaining of being tired, so he just put her in and shut the door. I was talking in the kitchen for at least 15 minutes before I freaked out asking where Annie was. Then Rick said he put her in the van so we ran out and she was asleep, sweet little thing. She's good that way and will tell me when she's tired.
Here's my silly little Tinkerbell. Her hair was cute at the trunk or treat, but it was hard to do her hair in a ponytail, so I decided to do pigtails for Halloween. It was adorable and stayed much better. This picture makes me understand why my parents used to call me a little imp! 
Here is D with cute whiskers on Halloween. He was such a doll that day and enjoyed very much being mobile and collecting was more candy than I'll let him eat.
We noticed that our friends, whose kids are similar to ours in ages (theirs are spaced further apart and are also girl, girl, boy) had dressed their kids in similar costumes to our kids. So we had to get pictures. Here is Darren & Jake as a lion and tiger on Joel's lap. I love that grin.
Here is Joclyn and Anneliese as Tinkerbells. They wouldn't look at the camera at the same time and I couldn't get Annie to sit better.
Here is Jensyn and Carlyn as Snow White and Cinderella. Two of the most beautiful princesses ever, I'd say. They've been friends since they were born. So cute!
Look at these cute kiddies. I loved how they looked. They were roasting in their long sleeved shirts, poor kids. It was a very warm day and Halloween was pretty warm too.
Carlyn choosing her pumpkin from the Block Party. They were out of decorations though, which worked out fine and we took the pumpkins home to decorate, which never happened. Oh well.All the kids at the Trunk or Treat. Darren really had a good time. He loves candy and his favorite in the world are suckers. Belinda was going around with him and had to keep him away from me or he cried for a sucker. So funny. The next day was our Anniversary, as mentioned earlier. Carlyn took this picture of us that night. We sure look different than we did 8 years ago. (Look how long my hair has gotten.)
I took a picture of this one because I thought it was funny and creative of Carlyn and Annie to stick these tub toys to the tub wall, 1 in each square. There's D's head in the picture. He walked straight up, bent over and did a flip in the tub. After making sure he was fine, I took a picture while he was crying. Am I mean or what? I thought it was hilarious.
One morning I wasn't feeling well and I slept in because Darren did and I woke up to find this. They had made a bed for themselves, put in a movie, and got snacks. I LOVE it when they can take care of themselves like that. What cute & good girls!
We had FHE at a friend's house on Monday night and Rick put Annie in the car while he came to get Carlyn & Darren. She was complaining of being tired, so he just put her in and shut the door. I was talking in the kitchen for at least 15 minutes before I freaked out asking where Annie was. Then Rick said he put her in the van so we ran out and she was asleep, sweet little thing. She's good that way and will tell me when she's tired. Here's my silly little Tinkerbell. Her hair was cute at the trunk or treat, but it was hard to do her hair in a ponytail, so I decided to do pigtails for Halloween. It was adorable and stayed much better. This picture makes me understand why my parents used to call me a little imp! Here is D with cute whiskers on Halloween. He was such a doll that day and enjoyed very much being mobile and collecting was more candy than I'll let him eat.
We noticed that our friends, whose kids are similar to ours in ages (theirs are spaced further apart and are also girl, girl, boy) had dressed their kids in similar costumes to our kids. So we had to get pictures. Here is Darren & Jake as a lion and tiger on Joel's lap. I love that grin.
Here is Joclyn and Anneliese as Tinkerbells. They wouldn't look at the camera at the same time and I couldn't get Annie to sit better. Here is Jensyn and Carlyn as Snow White and Cinderella. Two of the most beautiful princesses ever, I'd say. They've been friends since they were born. So cute!We made to rounds to client's offices, grandma's houses, & friend's houses and had a great time including the kids playing in the leaves for a half hour at one house. Then we came back to our neighborhood where we enjoyed hotdogs & a little extra at a friend's house and then went trick-or-treating. Darren was done by the time we left our friend's house and Rick took him home to bed. I walked around the neighborhood with the girls for a long time and they would have kept going but Grandma Linda came over and went to a few final houses with them and brought them home. I was exhausted, but the kids didn't seem to be. Carlyn was a die hard trick-or-treater and I'm sure she would have kept going forever. Annie was awesome and only complained once when it was lightly raining on us, but she kept up with her big sister like a trooper. I don't have a picture of Carlyn on Halloween by herself, but it was the same costume as before.
Election
I'm not trying to offend anyone, but this is my blog and my opinion. Don't read it if you don't want to. :)
First I want to say that I voted, so I feel totally justified in voicing my opinion. What is the saying about not having a voice if you don't vote? I'm so very upset tonight about the way this election has ended up. I can't believe that our country voted for a person who doesn't believe in the constitution. I know that many people, good people, voted for him, but all I think of when I see him is a man who doesn't understand what it means to be an American and the ideals of our founding fathers. I see a man who thinks that everyone should agree with him or be squashed. Maybe I'm naive, but I can't see why so many people believe in him. I know so many people are anti-Bush, and they see McCain as too similar. I know that many people are anti-war. I just think too many people thought it was the cool thing to do and did it. I'm not talking about the people that studied and voted because they agreed with him, I'm talking about the people who didn't know what they voted for and I'm afraid we're going to see some scary things come to pass because of the results of this election. America is the greatest nation, but I'm sad it ended up like this. McCain was quoted as saying, "Let there be no reason for any American to fail to cherish their citizenship in this, the greatest nation on Earth.” I still value my citizenship, but I worry what that will mean.
First I want to say that I voted, so I feel totally justified in voicing my opinion. What is the saying about not having a voice if you don't vote? I'm so very upset tonight about the way this election has ended up. I can't believe that our country voted for a person who doesn't believe in the constitution. I know that many people, good people, voted for him, but all I think of when I see him is a man who doesn't understand what it means to be an American and the ideals of our founding fathers. I see a man who thinks that everyone should agree with him or be squashed. Maybe I'm naive, but I can't see why so many people believe in him. I know so many people are anti-Bush, and they see McCain as too similar. I know that many people are anti-war. I just think too many people thought it was the cool thing to do and did it. I'm not talking about the people that studied and voted because they agreed with him, I'm talking about the people who didn't know what they voted for and I'm afraid we're going to see some scary things come to pass because of the results of this election. America is the greatest nation, but I'm sad it ended up like this. McCain was quoted as saying, "Let there be no reason for any American to fail to cherish their citizenship in this, the greatest nation on Earth.” I still value my citizenship, but I worry what that will mean.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
8th Anniversary
Rick and I got married 8 years ago today! When you say it like that it doesn't seem very long. I don't mean to say that it feels long, necessarily, but when I look back at everything I am amazed that it all happened in only 8 years. 3 beautiful children and a thousand other things. We have struggled plenty, but we always realize that we have what is most important in this life, an eternal family.
Rick's sister, proud Auntie Bee, was excited to take our children for the night. ALL NIGHT! We've never done that before. At least with all 3 of them. I've hardly been away from my kids ever so it was a lot for me to let her take them, but I knew that Rick and I needed the night to ourselves and soon welcomed the idea. (Sorry this is long, but this is for me, so feel free to read or skip this next part.)
Last night was our ward's trunk-or-treat. It was totally fun and I will post pictures later. So knowing that we were going out to celebrate we snacked on the chili and scones and enjoyed socializing. This was hard for Rick. He'd have liked to taste every type of chili there. Anyway, we stayed and passed out candy to the kids and then Belinda told me she was taking the kids. I was a little sad that they seemed totally excited and not at all sad at the thought of no mommy for the night. We gave a few last minute instructions about bed time. Before they were even gone there were a few phone calls about favorite blankies, lovies, & medicine, and then she said, "I'm fine. I'm prepared. They'll be great for me." So I yelled, "Call me if you need anything," and she gave me a look like, "It'd have to be pretty bad," and they left. Luckily I was so excited that I wasn't sad. I was a little anxious, but I wasn't sad all night. I really enjoyed it.
Rick and I usually only get last minute dates when someone (usually Gma White, Mathew, Or Belinda) says they can watch the kids at the last minute. We rarely get to plan something. I was a little bummed because I wanted to go to a new restaurant or somewhere we don't usually go or use a coupon for a buy one get one at Sweet Tomatoes (soup, salad, bread buffet) or Tucanos (brazilian, lots of meat), but as we couldn't pass on a little chili, this didn't seem practical. So we decided to go to Sizzler. We love their steaks and were able to share a meal and enjoyed it a lot. We wondered about what to do next as there didn't seem to be any movies that we wanted to see. We thought about seeing Mummy 3 at the dollar theater, but decided to see the Incredible Hulk at home from Redbox. Romantic, I know :) But we blew up an air mattress and moved the couch and snuggled as we watched the movie. We usually "hide" in our bedroom when we watch a movie so that we don't disturb the kids. This morning we took our leisurely time getting ready for church including a nice breakfast together. Even though it didn't seem very exciting, it was so nice to not worry about the kids. I really enjoyed spending the time with Rick, but we truly are an old married couple who didn't need anything special or romantic to enjoy just being together. That was the funnest part of all to me.
Today was our Primary program too. Belinda brought the kids back just before church started. I was so proud of Carlyn. She sang in a little group and I could hear her sing every word and she said her part clearly right into the microphone. What a little smarty pants. Annie sang with the next year Sunbeams and it was adorable. The kids were happy to see us, but not super clingy. They did seem a little tired though. When we got home from church the kids were being so funny, like they were happy to be home. Darren kept kissing me and smiling. Annie was trying to sit on me and singing "Baa Baa Black sheep, any any wool. yes sa, yes sa, 3 bags wool. 1 for the masta, 1 for the dame, 1 for the little girl who lived down da lane." Carlyn was telling me everything that happened from the time they left the trunk-or-treat. They wanted to show me every little piece of candy they got at the trunk-or-treat. Then later we were playing a silly game and Rick got on hands and knees and kicked like a donkey. Darren laughed and fell back and kicked his legs up. It doesn't sound too funny, but it was hilarious. He tries to copy everything. I love my cute kids, even when they drive me crazy :)
Rick's sister, proud Auntie Bee, was excited to take our children for the night. ALL NIGHT! We've never done that before. At least with all 3 of them. I've hardly been away from my kids ever so it was a lot for me to let her take them, but I knew that Rick and I needed the night to ourselves and soon welcomed the idea. (Sorry this is long, but this is for me, so feel free to read or skip this next part.)
Last night was our ward's trunk-or-treat. It was totally fun and I will post pictures later. So knowing that we were going out to celebrate we snacked on the chili and scones and enjoyed socializing. This was hard for Rick. He'd have liked to taste every type of chili there. Anyway, we stayed and passed out candy to the kids and then Belinda told me she was taking the kids. I was a little sad that they seemed totally excited and not at all sad at the thought of no mommy for the night. We gave a few last minute instructions about bed time. Before they were even gone there were a few phone calls about favorite blankies, lovies, & medicine, and then she said, "I'm fine. I'm prepared. They'll be great for me." So I yelled, "Call me if you need anything," and she gave me a look like, "It'd have to be pretty bad," and they left. Luckily I was so excited that I wasn't sad. I was a little anxious, but I wasn't sad all night. I really enjoyed it.
Rick and I usually only get last minute dates when someone (usually Gma White, Mathew, Or Belinda) says they can watch the kids at the last minute. We rarely get to plan something. I was a little bummed because I wanted to go to a new restaurant or somewhere we don't usually go or use a coupon for a buy one get one at Sweet Tomatoes (soup, salad, bread buffet) or Tucanos (brazilian, lots of meat), but as we couldn't pass on a little chili, this didn't seem practical. So we decided to go to Sizzler. We love their steaks and were able to share a meal and enjoyed it a lot. We wondered about what to do next as there didn't seem to be any movies that we wanted to see. We thought about seeing Mummy 3 at the dollar theater, but decided to see the Incredible Hulk at home from Redbox. Romantic, I know :) But we blew up an air mattress and moved the couch and snuggled as we watched the movie. We usually "hide" in our bedroom when we watch a movie so that we don't disturb the kids. This morning we took our leisurely time getting ready for church including a nice breakfast together. Even though it didn't seem very exciting, it was so nice to not worry about the kids. I really enjoyed spending the time with Rick, but we truly are an old married couple who didn't need anything special or romantic to enjoy just being together. That was the funnest part of all to me.
Today was our Primary program too. Belinda brought the kids back just before church started. I was so proud of Carlyn. She sang in a little group and I could hear her sing every word and she said her part clearly right into the microphone. What a little smarty pants. Annie sang with the next year Sunbeams and it was adorable. The kids were happy to see us, but not super clingy. They did seem a little tired though. When we got home from church the kids were being so funny, like they were happy to be home. Darren kept kissing me and smiling. Annie was trying to sit on me and singing "Baa Baa Black sheep, any any wool. yes sa, yes sa, 3 bags wool. 1 for the masta, 1 for the dame, 1 for the little girl who lived down da lane." Carlyn was telling me everything that happened from the time they left the trunk-or-treat. They wanted to show me every little piece of candy they got at the trunk-or-treat. Then later we were playing a silly game and Rick got on hands and knees and kicked like a donkey. Darren laughed and fell back and kicked his legs up. It doesn't sound too funny, but it was hilarious. He tries to copy everything. I love my cute kids, even when they drive me crazy :)
Friday, October 24, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
What Am I Going To Do With Her?
Okay, so I know I have an ugly couch. I'm okay with that with little kids, but still, I try to take care of it. So, when Carlyn started yelling at Annie that I was going to be mad, I was worried. She had taken a crayon to the couch! A green crayon. The little stink has taken a crayon to almost every surface in my house! I have tried taking the crayons away and just getting them out when I'm there supervising. I had taken them out and the girls were happily coloring in books. Darren was asleep, so I decided to check my email. So when my back was turned this happened. I took her to her "father" (that means she's in big trouble) and luckily he kept his calm and pulled out my "little green." Most of it came out, but it has a green tint now. Thanks Katie for letting me vent to you!
Grandma Linda & Maureen were the stars of the show Monday when they brought pumpkins. Each just the right size for each kid. They didn't want to come in or stop playing with them.
Funny story: Whenever Mommy says no, the kids go to Daddy. Luckily, he usually says the same thing I said and then says, "Mommy and I are a team." Carlyn has often told us she didn't like that we are a team because she really wants that candy, movie, etc. The other day, Rick and I were in a heated discussion. Okay, it was a fight. You never fight, right? Anyway, we weren't ready to change our minds anytime soon. Then Carlyn comes in with her hands over her ears screaming, "Stop fighting. You are a team. You are a team!" I thought it was pretty funny and it really did help us to see that we were being stubborn and we should act like a team.
Grandma Linda & Maureen were the stars of the show Monday when they brought pumpkins. Each just the right size for each kid. They didn't want to come in or stop playing with them. 
Funny story: Whenever Mommy says no, the kids go to Daddy. Luckily, he usually says the same thing I said and then says, "Mommy and I are a team." Carlyn has often told us she didn't like that we are a team because she really wants that candy, movie, etc. The other day, Rick and I were in a heated discussion. Okay, it was a fight. You never fight, right? Anyway, we weren't ready to change our minds anytime soon. Then Carlyn comes in with her hands over her ears screaming, "Stop fighting. You are a team. You are a team!" I thought it was pretty funny and it really did help us to see that we were being stubborn and we should act like a team.Sunday, October 19, 2008
Crazy kids, Crazy weekend
We've had a little sickness at our house this past week or so. Mostly runny noses leading to coughs, but a few days ago I got a little concerned because Darren and Annie stopped eating solid food and weren't sleeping very well either. D, it turns out, had an ear infection :( and Annie just had a bug which led to a sore throat. So antibiotic for D but not A. Anyway, they were already feeling a lot better by Friday. Rick had a pretty bad cold including a cough, but he's feeling much better now too. Then this morning when Annie went potty she screamed and said it hurt. She couldn't actually go either. Then it happened a little while later again. So, since Rick wasn't feeling well anyway, he took Annie to the instacare during church and sure enough, she has a UTI. Poor kid. So now she's on antibiotics too! Luckily Carlyn has been fine and I hope it stays that way.
Onto happier things. Somehow this picture got left off my last post. Annie chose a pumpkin that is the perfect size for Darren (he thinks.) He tries to pick it up and carry it around any time we go outside. Here he is just hugging it. So cute.
The girls were invited to a Princess birthday party for our friend's daughter, Jensyn. This is Carlyn's Cinderella hair. I made a high ponytail and pinned her hair up but it didn't look complete without the blue ribbon. Her hair is so fine and limp that it didn't last long, but it looked so pretty at first. Gold sparkle spray and all.
This is her in her Cinderella dress. Nice expression, Linney. They begged for a little makeup, which I allowed and Carlyn was totally upset that she didn't have matching Cinderella shoes too. What is a girl to do?
I went to a baby shower for my cousin at the same time, so Rick took pictures. Annie apparently was throwing a huge fit when it was time to leave and he didn't get a picture of her except the back of her head. Oh well. She made a darn cute Snow White. I love my little princesses.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
This Is What Happens When
I'm stealing this idea from my friend Debbie. She did a post like this awhile ago and as I looked at these pictures, it is what came into my mind.
This is what happens when you have a grandma who loves her flowers and is proud of them and wants to get a picture with my kids in front of them when they had all been asleep in the car only minutes before. Annie wouldn't even go in the picture, Carlyn posed readily, and Darren tried to run away and do something that would give Grandma a heart attack.
This wasn't so bad, but look at the colors of those flowers. They are beautiful. I wish I had my Grandma's green thumb instead of the black one I got.
This is what happens when Carlyn is the oldest great grandchild on Rick's side. She loves to hold the other cousins. This is little Brayden that she would have held all night.
This is what happens when Annie finally warms up to people at a family party of people she didn't know very well. She won't look at anyone but me for a long time and then she's best friends with someone, in this case it was Aunt Geneal.
This is what happens when I start snapping pictures. Ha ha even Branden got in one.
This is what happens when 2 of grandma Linda's cousins come in from out of town to see family. They love the little kids and you can't get them all looking at the camera at once.
This is what happens when it is time to go home and great-grandma tries to hold squirmy D.
This is what happens when we should have left 10 minutes ago.
This is what happens when you are a mom who does your kids hair. Occasionally they want a turn to do yours back. Carlyn kept commanding me to not move my head and would jerk it back to center even though I hadn't moved. She was very proud.
This is what happens when 2 sisters play storytime just like at the library. I love this one!
This is what happens when it is a nice day and Annie wants to be just like Mommy pushing a stroller with her baby and I anticipated that Carlyn would want the same so we had a stroller brigade on the way home from preschool.
This is what happens when I put Darren in his booster to get him out of my way while I was making dinner and I put him too close to the counter with the tomatoes on it. Sure he made a huge mess, but I figured he was eating veggies so I didn't care.
Again, this is what happens when you do your kids hair. Carlyn found the hair bag and got Annie to sit still for much longer than I ever could! She even took pictures of it in the "hairdo spot."
This is what happens when you have a grandma who loves her flowers and is proud of them and wants to get a picture with my kids in front of them when they had all been asleep in the car only minutes before. Annie wouldn't even go in the picture, Carlyn posed readily, and Darren tried to run away and do something that would give Grandma a heart attack.
This wasn't so bad, but look at the colors of those flowers. They are beautiful. I wish I had my Grandma's green thumb instead of the black one I got.
This is what happens when Carlyn is the oldest great grandchild on Rick's side. She loves to hold the other cousins. This is little Brayden that she would have held all night.
This is what happens when Annie finally warms up to people at a family party of people she didn't know very well. She won't look at anyone but me for a long time and then she's best friends with someone, in this case it was Aunt Geneal. 
This is what happens when I start snapping pictures. Ha ha even Branden got in one.
This is what happens when 2 of grandma Linda's cousins come in from out of town to see family. They love the little kids and you can't get them all looking at the camera at once.
This is what happens when it is time to go home and great-grandma tries to hold squirmy D.
This is what happens when we should have left 10 minutes ago.
This is what happens when you are a mom who does your kids hair. Occasionally they want a turn to do yours back. Carlyn kept commanding me to not move my head and would jerk it back to center even though I hadn't moved. She was very proud.
This is what happens when 2 sisters play storytime just like at the library. I love this one!
This is what happens when it is a nice day and Annie wants to be just like Mommy pushing a stroller with her baby and I anticipated that Carlyn would want the same so we had a stroller brigade on the way home from preschool.
This is what happens when I put Darren in his booster to get him out of my way while I was making dinner and I put him too close to the counter with the tomatoes on it. Sure he made a huge mess, but I figured he was eating veggies so I didn't care.
Again, this is what happens when you do your kids hair. Carlyn found the hair bag and got Annie to sit still for much longer than I ever could! She even took pictures of it in the "hairdo spot."
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