lately

 In an attempt to be a "fun mom" I decided to follow through with a pintrest find.  This one seemed easy enough and for once, I had all the supplies I needed on hand. What better time do to it than when our friend Caroline was over for a playdate. I give you....

"Salad Spinner art"

Supplies:

Salad Spinner

Washable paint (We had liquid watercolors to that worked great too)

Cheap paper plates trimmed to fit the bottom of the spinner

We had so much fun experimenting with different colors and techniques. Each plate turned out unique and beautiful

 Spring break weather in our part of the world is still pretty yucky. Lucky for Anna, who has recently become obsessed with trying to learn cursive, Nana gave her a little light box that has helped greatly to master those tricky letters. She stayed busy for a long time.

 While daddy was working the Saturday before Easter, Nana planned an Easter egg hunt and scavenger hunt for the kiddos.

 The scavenger hunt began with clues that led the kids to places all over the house.....

first in Nana's closet

 Then in the refrigerator

 Lastly in bathroom

 They had so much fun trying to figure out where they were to go next!  The clues were so cleverly written and ended with a great message about the Savior.

Right after the Easter egg hunt we had a big spill and everyone pitched in to help clean up. We soon realized how fun a vacuum can be!

 This is Carter's new face when we say smile. The girls think it is the funniest thing in the world. The more they laugh the more he wants to do it.  Hopefully by the time we take family pictures, we've found a new grin.

I have never seen Anna so excited about something in a long time. She started soccer last week and couldn't be happier.  She is always reminding me when practices and games are.  We are so proud of her for her hard work and are sure that this is going to help her build more confidence.  She is a bit timid to go after the ball but I don't blame her because there are some pretty aggressive boys out there.  Can't wait to see more games!

party time

We had some family over to help us celebrate Brooklyn's 6th birthday.

She was very insistent that she wanted a butterfly cake. We searched pintrest and found this cake. I have to say that it looked do-able but was a little more complicated than first thought. She was very excited though when she came home from school and saw the finished result! Phew.

Birthday Pizza

Nana came over a bit early and we were able to get a quick shot with her favorite grandchildren. (Just kidding)  She will have 14 grandchildren by the end of summer. 

Anna and Brooklyn with cousins Ryan and sweetie pie Emily

25 weeks

These pictures always feel so awkward, but since I haven't really documented any pictures of baby girl's pregnancy I thought I'd better start before its too late.  I am feeling really well. I am exercising everyday which feels great.  I know that it won't last forever so I am trying to get it in while I can. I am also waiting for the weather to turn nice so I can get out and walk our beautiful county road. 

She moves a lot and it never ceases to amaze me of the miracle that is inside me. I keep saying to Aaron, "Can you believe that I am growing our child inside my body."  Its not his fault, but I don't quite think these dads can quite understand. What a gift of being a woman and mother.  I am measuring right on track and have gained just over 11 pounds.  The other day I asked Brooklyn if she wanted to feel her sister moving and she very matter of factly said, "No."  Anna has felt her move once and thought it was really neat. They're always asking when she is coming and how many more months.  They know she is due on the 4th of July and they seemed concerned about how we are going to be able to go to the parade and rodeo if she is coming at the same time.  

This is the first purchase I have made for her.  These Aden and Anais blankets are my absolute favorite blankets of all time. They are a tad pricey but I think worth every penny.  I love to swaddle and there is nothing better.  They are light weight and perfect for a Summer baby. They also make a great nursing cover up and are great to throw over our stroller.

Some days I still can't believe we're having a girl.  It has been so long since we have had a baby girl I am looking forward to hair bows and adorable church dresses.  Poor Carter.... the girls keep saying that he is going to be girl trapped!

faking it

Brooklyn is notorious for getting stomach aches at very "convenient" times.  Usually bedtime, jobs, etc. All the usual times I guess for kids. At night we usually say, "go to sleep and you'll feel better in the morning," or " well, tomorrow we'll call the doctor and try to get you an appointment to see whats the matter."  Those can usually get her back in bed, but we deal with this on a consistent basis.

So this morning she woke up fine, had some breakfast, even watched some cartoons. When it was time to come up, she suddenly had a stomach ache and informed me that she didn't want to go to school.  I asked her if she was hungry. We tried a string cheese, juice, some milk, and 2 pieces of toast. Phew! (We usually don't snack that much but I was trying to solve the mystery)  She also informed me that she didn't feel like it was a throw up tummy ache.

I then informed her that if she stayed home from school sick, she had to stay in her room all day to rest. She then told me that she wasn't sick, but just didn't feel good. I guess there is a distinction. I opted to let her stay home because I didn't want to get a call later from the school, saying she still didn't feel well. Especially because I can't drive and Carter would be down for a nap. 11:30 came and went, we had lunch and she went back in her room.  I got Carter down for his nap and then Brooklyn suddenly appeared.  I just had to smile when I heard the words,

"Mommy I feel all better now" 

Needless to say I now have to stick to my guns and keep a 6 year old in her bedroom all day.

I bet she won't have a stomach ache tomorrow.

sometimes

playing in the water is way better than any toy....

at least 40 minutes of continual enjoyment



move over pintrest

First off let me just say that I still love Pintrest.

Since the new year I've been thinking a lot about how I spend my time during the day. I've always loved the talk,

Good, better, best

by Elder Dallin H. Oaks

I've made some small changes that I feel like have really made a difference in the way I feel in so many aspects of my life. My home, my self-worth, my health, and my relationship with Aaron and the kids.

In our ward council we've been talking extensivly about geneology, as we have a large temple assignment coming up in April with the youth.  Much of my family history is done, and to be honest I have no clue where to start or what I am doing. It is like a foreign language to me. 

Last week I was introduced to what I think is just as important, and perfect for me at this point in my life.

Indexing!

Here is a quote from familysearch.org

"FamilySearch indexing unlocks access to the world's records. Once transcribed, these searchable indexes are made available free of charge at FamilySearch.org, where people from anywhere in the world can search through records that document the lives of their ancestors. The availability of a single record is often the key that allows someone to discover an ancestor or an entire branch of a family tree." 

Believe me, you do not need any special skills to do this and it took about 10 minutes to get started.

1. You need to have a username and password. I already had one that I use to login at LDS.org 

Easy peesey 

2. Download the software.

3. Follow the easy instructions and get started.

The things that I love about the opportunity to do family history work through indexing is the flexibility. You work on batches. Usually 25 names.  I can work on 5 names here.... 3 names there.  It is always saved and I can come back at anytime and start off right where I left off.  If Carter wakes up from a nap early, I just stop. 

 no. big. deal.

I am kind of a history nerd, and so to be able to look over these old documents is so interesting. I am currently working on WW2 registration papers.  Really neat to see people's names, occupations, birth places and family information.

Not to go on and on but what I realized for me is that I do have the time for family history.  If I look at my days and the time I spend reading the news, perusing pintrest, reading blog, or even things that are good, I may be missing out on an opportunity to do something better with just a portion of that time. 

Please click HERE if you would like more information or how to get started indexing.

If you have any questions please leave a comment and I'll try to help in anyway that I can.

Happy Indexing!

Sometimes...

...you forget to put the guard on the clippers when you're cutting your little boys hair.

Maybe a summer buzz will jump start us into spring here... probably not.

Please tell me every mother does it once

{6}

Today our Brooklyn turns 6. 

My mom the other day commented that she is a special spirit and I agree.

Brooklyn is a home body. She loves to hang out and snuggle, read books or just hang out.  She has beautiful long blondish brown hair and blue eyes with the longest eyelashes that hit her glasses.  She is growing too fast and is almost as tall as Anna.  She loves Carter but teases him more than I ever thought.  They have a bit of a love/hate relationship.  They often take baths together and steal each others toys.

  She enjoys kindergarten very much and is starting to read. Mrs. Parker is her teacher and she always has wonderful things to say about Brooklyn. She hates to do flash cards but will always do her homework without complaint.

Brooklyn is wonderful at sharing. She will share just about anything she is eating to anyone. Sometimes she will offer the last bite of a treat even if the person doesn't ask.  Speaking of food, Brookyn is the slowest eater I've ever seen. Its not because she eats slow, but that she gets so distracted and wiggly that she is always the last one to finish.  Sometimes at the end of a meal she'll say, "Mom, did you see how I didn't get up one time."  We always say that we are going to get a rope and tie her to her chair because she can't seem to stay in one place very long.

Brooklyn's favorite things to watch on TV are Curious George and the most recent favorite, wild kratts.  Every episode is about an adventure with a new type of animal. We've watched shows on aardvarks, earth worms, sperm whales, and rhinos.  The funny thing is that I usually learn something too.  We'll be busy doing something and she'll randomly say, "Did you know that Polar bears are the largest bear in the world." or " Did you know that mommy crocodiles bury their eggs deep in the ground?" She is like a sponge.  She loves animals and has said several times that when she grows up she is going to be a farmer, and that I am going to be her assistant.  She is going to have cows, horses, chickens, dogs etc.  I love her constant enthusiasm.

Her favorite foods are honey nut Cheerios (every morning), meat and cheese sandwiches, strawberries, pizza, apples, corn dogs (I know not very healthy) chocolate milk & pasta just to name a few.   

Brooklyn you are a Joy and a blessing to our family. 

sometimes

You just want to ride your bike

Favorite things- #3

Any of you who know me well, know how much I love to bake and cook.  Granted that it often depends on how much time I have left over once I've taken care of the other bagillion things I have on the list. I do pride myself in cooking for my family 98% of the time and really feel like dinner should be more of our prioroty in our families. I love to try new recipes and attempt to bake things I've never tried before.

My favotite baking book of all time is called,

The America's Test Kitchen Family Baking Book

I know not everyone has heard of America's test kitchen. Basically it is a kitchen/group that tests recipes over and over and over again figuring out what makes the best cookies/roast/bannana bread etc.  I am a geek because I always DVR their show on PBS. Check it out if you want to see them in action.

They recommend not only recipes but test different products so they can recommend the best tools for in the kitchen.

I have never made a recipe out of this book that I haven't loved! Each recipe (they're are over 700)  has step by step instructions with  great pictures and helpful hints. I will warn you  that if you do get the book you might say to yourself, "Jamie this book is asking me to do some silly & time consuming things."  Don't be discouraged, they really and do-able, ... and they have tested these recipes sometimes dozens of times to get it perfect. Trust them!!!  Even if you already bake or want to get started check out my favorite baking book. You'll never need another! 

HERE

the boy

Carter my sweet boy....

Each day when I go and pick you up out of your crib I feel blessed to be your mother.  We have had a few long long weeks with you trying to cut one last molar that have been trying on my patience. Actually I've just learned that  things can wait. Dishes, messes from toys, and all the business of life. I am grateful that I am the one that can stop and cuddle you. 

 I have always had good sleepers and you are no exception.  Under non-teething circumstances, you sleep 7:30 to 7:30 and take one usually 2 /2 to 3 hours nap in the middle of the day. You love to play with the play kitchen and the ball popper.  What a fun and busy age you are.  I've noticed in the last few weeks that you must be watching us. You've suddenly took and interest in the everyday things that we do.  You want to brush your teeth all the time, clear and load you dishes, drink out of a cup and not a sippy, throw your diaper in the trash by yourself, sweep the floor, vacuum, and help change the laundry. 

 You really don't talk very much at this point. You jabber about all sorts of things and we've been able to decipher a few words here and there. This doesn't mean that you can't communicate what you want though.  You are good and pointing and pulling me where you want to go, and your new favorite, dragging the kitchen chair to whenever you want. Whether that be to the kitchen sink where you want to play in the water, or to the office where your sisters are playing on the computer and you are feeling left out.

You lOVE it when daddy comes home will run to the garage door to greet dad with a big running hug!  You are still not loving nursery but it has been getting better. You'd probably like it better if one little boy would stop trying to bite you. Don't worry, daddy keeps and eye on you! You love to eat goldfish crackers, cheese, toast, peanut butter, milk, pasta, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, grapes, strawberries, Graham crackers to name a few.  You love to play with anything that has buttons or nobs. 

I think that I love you even more (If that is possible) after we found out you are going to have a baby sister, because you are going to be my only little man.  I love to watch you grow and learn and want to cherish every moment enjoying the true blessing you are to our family. Love you Carter!

Love,

Mom

It's a.....

Girl!

We are very excited and everything looked great. I still think motherhood and pregnancy is amazing and a miracle, even the 4th time around.

  

These are a few of my favorite things: Pt: 2

I have tried a  lot of concealers over the years. Not all, but have to say this is the Best one so far. I don't see any reason ever try another. I have tried cheap concealers and expensive ones. I must say this is a bit more on the expensive side for me, but if it works then..... 

 It also may look like a small amount (which it is I guess) but a little goes a long way.  I use a couple dabs on my ring finger and that pretty much covers both eyes and any other spots on my face that need "erasing."  

So if you are plagued by naturally dark circles or lack of sleep, both of which are me, Consider checking out my favorite concealer from Benefit cosmetics.

thses are a few of my favorite things

Some of my most favorite items/products have come from a suggestion of a friend, or on a blog where someone was raving about something they loved. I thought it would be fun to highlight some of my favorite things that may help or inspire you!

The first one I am going to "feature" is a book that was given to me by one of my best friends, Maurisa years ago.  It is called Sink Reflections. 

I have to say that at the time I didn't think I was in dire need of a book to help me organize my chaotic life. I was not offended at the gift and actually was quite grateful for it, especially after I started to read.  I should admit that I don't follow everything she suggests, and she even says that she doesn't expect you to.  She calls them " Baby Steps" and I love it because she reiterates over and over that you don't need to feel like you need to do everything today... or all at once. 

Some of the biggest changes I have made from the book is finding out what made me feel in control of my life and my home. (She doesn't just talk about your home, but things you can do to feel better about yourself)  I learned that I need to wake up to a clean kitchen. Mind you, it doesn't always happen but I would say that because I've made it a priority it does 90% of the time.  I also have come to the conclusion that my home is not going to be perfectly clean and organized all of the time. Especially when we have young children at home. There are more but you get the idea.  Two of my favorite quotes from the book are

"You can't organize clutter"

&

"Even incomplete cleaning blesses your family"

I won't go on and on but I would highly recommend this book. I know that you can be helped by this book or you probably know someone who could. It is an easy enjoyable read so I hope you'll check it out!

You can order the book HERE 

She also has a website 

www.flylady.net

Stay tuned next time for one of my favorite makeup products!

Last week we finally had a decent storm. It has been the most mild strange Winter here. I really can't complain because the roads have been clear and the temperature not too cold. I am just afraid that Winter will decide to come late and it will snow into June. Nothing would surprise me.

This past Saturday was Aaron's last Saturday home until after busy season.  We made the most out of it.  Aaron got the 4-wheeler out and pulled the girls for over an hour.They had so much fun and would yell faster, faster!  Carter was napping so I took advantage of the opportunity to play with my new camera. I found out quickly that shooting in the snow is hard especially when it is so sunny.

 Anna's friend Caroline came over to play. Here they are sitting on their "snow horse"

Can you see it? Right smack in the middle of those trees is the Rexburg temple up on the hill.  I was commenting to Aaron the other day that there are so many things that I miss about living in a bigger city.  The museums, zoo, great malls etc. Good thing for online shopping and blogs to keep in touch with friends.

But, how grateful I am to live in a great community, close to family and this beautiful temple just 10 minutes away. Our family is truly blessed!

entrepreneurs

The girls bugged Aaron and I for about two weeks to have a Hot chocolate stand.  We tried to come up with every excuse in the book.  One, we live in a cul de sac in the country where we get maybe two cars that drive by because they are coming home from work in the evening. Then they suggested that we do it at Grandpa and Grandma's but they don't get a lot of traffic either.  Then we tried to explain that it is so so cold and they would only last about 2 minutes outside. Looking back I feel a little bad that we tried to dissuade then so much. Finally last Saturday we had it with their persistence.  Aron told then to gather all of their warn clothes and we would head up to Nana's to have their hot chocolate stand. The entire way up I tried to bring their expectations down. I told them that no one may stop and that's ok. I keep reiterating how cold it was. It was about 20, 25 degrees and the sun was on the verge of starting to set. 

Once at my mom's Aaron quickly set up a table, found an extension cord to plug the coco-motion into so the hot chocolate would stay warm.  Carter and I watched all of this from the front window. Aaron was so sweet because their sign they made kept flapping and blowing off the table, so he went and found small rocks to tape to the back of their sign to keep them weighted down. What a dad!

 (I love that I got Carter in the top corner. He wanted to be outside so bad)

Carter, my mom and I watched and waited as car after car drove by. We told the girls to smile and wave to get people's attention but to not avail.  Finally I saw a suburban drive by and then flip a U-turn just past my mom's house. It was her sweet neighbor Sarah.  She came out of her car and bought the first cup. My heart melted to see them so excited.  A few minutes went by and Aaron 's parents showed up (after Aaron gave them a heads up)  Before we know it they had a whole crowd of people. Sweet neighbors of my mom's and their kids. We actually ran out of hot chocolate at one point and were scrambling to make more.  Finally after the crowd dissipated, and the girls decided that it was too cold to continue they called it quits. 

 After a 1/2 hour they had made just about $8.  They were so excited!  I couldn't believe it either and felt badly that we had tried to discourage them so much.  It melted my heart and made me cry (I cry over everything these days) to see everyone stop for my little sweethearts.

I will never be able to drive by a lemon aid stand ever again and not stop! 

helper

Aaron surprised me for Christmas and got me an awesome Nikon camera. I have a lot to learn but I started to practice with my little Carter. He really wanted to help me clean the beaters after I made applesauce muffins.  The best part..... it occupied him for a good 30 minutes!