Once Upon a Time . . .

Cali Day # 3

2011-08-19T13:34:00.000-06:00

Monday - We went to Disneyland just our family. Everyone else one got tickets for just Saturday, but I wanted to be able to do more so we had tickets for Monday too. We did more shows and things at Caifornia Adventures on Monday, but still there was so much more we could have done. Tim had that day mapped out as well, but the lines were a little longer, but still super short, like 20 minutes at the most. We saw a lot more shows which I never have really done at Disneyland, that was a lot of fun. I really need to take more pictures.

Cali Day # 2

2011-08-18T13:13:00.001-06:00

Sunday - We didn't have a lot of plans. I wanted to go to the beach, but I wanted to go to a beach with a board walk.

A tennis torment was going on, so Grandma and Grandpa came over to watch it at our hotel, so Tim and I snuck out for breakfast (we should have gone shopping (: ) Then we were going to have a BBQ at the beach with turned into a BBQ at the RV Park with half the family missing because of miscommunication. After that we headed down to Newport to go to the beach with the other part of the family. Long story short, we got to the beach at about 4:00 :( but we had a lot of fun. Noah and Chloe are inseparable when they are together so they played and I played in the sand and waves with Kyra. Tim and Hanah jumped the big waves, while everyone else enjoyed the beach. Then we hit a fish taco place on the way home.

This picture is dark but I had to have a picture of Grandma in her hat (and I am work and don't have photo shop to fix it)

This one is dark too, but I needed a picture of Jill and Jon in their beach attire

Bestest Cousins

I love the butt crack :)

Playing Ketchup

2011-08-17T11:39:00.000-06:00

(Yes I know I spell catch up wrong)

This summer has been crazy busy. The best time to post so we will remember it, but the hardest time to find time.

Our Summer started out with a trip to Disneyland!!! We didn't plan on going on a big vacation this year it was not something we felt we could afford, however, my father in law's band he teaches was headed to Disneyland to preform so with some great help from our in laws we were able to go. The best part of the trip was all the Whitley's were able to get together, and that hasn't happened for a couple years.

Sorry to bore you with the details, but I want to remember them. On Friday we picked Grandma up and headed to the airport. Grandpa and the Rennerts left the day before in the motor home. I was happy that everything went smoothly, except for the poor lady behind me on the plane that Kyra said "Hi" to over a 100 times. :) Once we landed in Long Beach we walked across the street to get our rental car and headed to the hotel. We wanted to stay close to Disneyland at an inexpensive hotel. Tim found a great deal on Alpine Inn. It was an OK place to stay, but I don't think I would stay there again, you had to pay for ice and the air conditioning was SO loud. Once we were checked in Grandma took us to Coco's Bakery for lunch. Yum, we love Coco's Bakery. The rest of Friday was spent trying to get Kyra to take a nap (trying to being the key word), getting Grandma to the RV park they were staying at, helping Julie get to her rental car, getting groceries, and grabbing dinner.

Saturday - This was a BIG Disneyland day. Tim had a program that helped him create a plan to do Disneyland without long waits. It was amazing. I am a stress-er and hate crowds, so Disneyland + kids = A Stressed Out Ornery Mom, however, I had THE best time I have ever had at Disneyland this time. We got there about 20 minutes before the gates off and we headed off to find the rides that had been mapped out for the time. We rode about 5 or 6 rides before we headed over to listen to Dan's band play.

After we were done watching/listening to the band, the Rennert's showed up. Noah was SO excited to see Chloe that they took off running. I had my back turned, chasing Kyra, for only a couple minutes and they were gone. I started freaking out. No one was watching them. Noah and I had gone to Frontier Land before the performance to look at toys so I hoped/prayed that he had taken Chloe over there to show her something, and thankfully he did. Once we were all together again, then we were off to ride the rides, without all waits. I think we waited 10-15 minutes at the most.

Around 3:00 we left to have a BBQ at Grandpa and Grandma's motor home. It was nice to take a little break and to be able to see Jill and Jon. We ate and played there until about 5. Grandma was nice enough to keep Kyra and we headed back to Disneyland to ride the older rides. We had a blast. Noah rode Indiana Jones and loved it (after we bribed him into going on it), but my the time we got to Splash Mountain I didn't force him to ride that one. It was late and I knew he would hate the drop at the end. We had tickets to the new Star Tours that opened that day that we hadn't used and we wanted to ride that one. By this time Noah was done. He cried that he just wanted to go home. Julie sat out with him and the other kids while we went in, and in 5 minutes he was out. That was the longest line we stood in, waiting 45 minutes and I didn't think it was worth it, but the day was great!!

Getting set up

Jon playing the drums

Trying to entertain Kyra before and during the performance (I promise she wears shoes sometimes, but she likes to take them off)

Kyra's favorite ride "It's a Small World"

Julie and Chloe

Jen (Jon's girlfriend) and Hanah

I love this picture. We were hanging out while everyone else rode Roger Rabbit

This picture is a little blurry and I think Jon looks scary, but it is the only one I have with all of them in it

I love his look in this picture

The new Ariel ride

Tim & Julie riding the roller coaster

Birthday Party!

2011-05-24T13:57:00.000-06:00

We celebrated Kyra's birthday on Saturday, May 14th. I just did her party in pink & brown polka dots, and did a lot of different treats. I liked the way it turned out.

I just finished icing the cupcakes when the guy that was aerating our lawn knocked on the door to get his check. Kyra found the frosting in the garbage. This is what came walking up to me while I was talking to the guy. I had to take pictures cause I thought it was so funny. I don't think I would have thought it to be so funny if she would of had her tutu on.

This is the sign I made

These are just normal cupcakes

I only had one cupcake pan so I cooked the rest of the cake in around pan and then cut these into hearts. And I ran out of pink frosting so I frosted these chocolate.

These are cake pops. I have seen them on a lot of blogs lately so I wanted to try them. I made them gluten free, which was nice so I could have some.

These are peanut butter bonbons. They are delicious!

Here is everything together.

I turned these pictures before I uploaded them, but they aren't turned. :(

I love the curly balloon.

Here is the birthday girl!

Noah gave her is small (fake) pillow pet. I wish I had more pictures of her opening her presents, but I had taken a photography class a couple days before and left the camera in manual and so when Tim took the pics they were kind of blurry. :( But she got clothes, a blanket with her name on it, a tent house, and a lawn chair.

She LOVED it!

I made her a purse with 'big girl' things in it, but they were connected so she can pull them out, but not loose them. More to come on this.

Her friend Sofie gave her a doll, she loves it.

Next was cake time.

Later that night we took pictures of her playing with the balloons.

Happy Birthday Baby Girl

2011-05-11T15:10:00.000-06:00

365 days ago at 6:55 a.m. Kyra joined our family. WOW, a year already. How come time flies so fast? I don’t remember life without her though. She is our trouble maker, she is our angel, and she is our silly baby. Here are a few things I want to remember about her right now, and TONS of photos of her first year in our family.

- She climbs on EVERYTHING she possibly can
- She started walking at 10 ½ months
- She can say: Mama, Dada, Uh oh, No, Nunu (Noah), Drako, Thank You, Hi, Tada
- She can sign: Change, Bottle, All done, Car, Dog
- She is the fastest stair climber around
- She loves to give kisses and loves
- She loves her big brother (even though he has started to pick on her, any suggestions on how to stop this quick?)
- She started out with more hair than I have ever seen on a baby and has kept it
- She is always happy and smiling
- She has 8 teeth
- She is not a morning person (just like her daddy)

Yes her hair is in her face a lot, but I don't want to cut it.

Easter

2011-05-05T10:59:00.000-06:00

Here are pictures of Easter. I am too bust to tell a lot about it, but at least I am getting my pictures up.

Update:
I am doing pretty good on diet. Struggling with not eating sweets, but trying REALLY hard.
I have a new trainer at the gym that is KICKING my butt, so that is good.
I am down a pound!

Let's Get Healty

2011-05-03T13:45:00.001-06:00

Are you like me? I always set up New Year’s Resolutions with all the intent in the world to follow through and succeed at it, only to have given up about a week into it. Well the end of December Tim & I were driving somewhere and I said, 2011 is the year I am going to be in charge of my life rather than feel like my life is in charge of me. Do you understand what I mean by that? Sometimes I feel like I take a passenger seat in my own life. I want to lose weight, but don’t really do anything about it and then let days, weeks, months, pass me by. I want to find a way to be with my kids more, but then I just complain about not being home, rather than coming up with a plan on how I can be home more. This year I have taken over the driver seat and have been happy with my results.

One of my New Year’s Resolutions was to lose weight. This one is always super hard for me, but I have to say I am proud of my results so far. I have lost 7 lbs this year. It is not where I want to be, but it is a lot closer than I have been in years. And that brings me to why I am writing this post. During the month of May I am going to hold myself accountable to my blog to stick with my diet. I did great until April, and I slacked last month. I went to the gym a lot, however, the diet went out the window. The funny thing is I feel 100 times better when I follow a healthy diet so I am still confused as to why it is so hard for me to continually follow one.

My goals to lose weight:
- I would like to lose 3lbs this month (hopping for 5, but I am being realistic)
- To accomplish this goal I am going to keep a daily log on my calories (trying to stay between 1200-1350)
- I really want to be able to do a pull up by my birthday (I am getting close)
- I am going to follow the Mayo Clinic Diet (which you start 5 healthy habits and get rid of 5 bad habits)
- The Healthy Habits
- Eat a Healthy Breakfast (this will be easy I always eat breakfast)
- Eat Vegetables & Fruit (I really like veggies, I need to work on my fruit)
- Add Whole Grains (I am going Gluten Free in hopes to get rid of my constant stomach ache so this will only be gluten free grains)
- Eat Healthy Fats (I really like sweets, this will be hard)
- Move (exercise) 30 minutes a day (I go to the gym 3 days a week so now I need to make time the days I am not at the gym)
- The Bad Habits
- No TV while Eating (this one will be kind of hard, but manageable)
- No Sugar (k, shoot me now, this one will kill me! but at least it is only for the month, then I can slowly add a little back in, with the exception of Kyra's and my birthday's this month)
- No Snacks except for Fruits & Veggies (this is will help with my fruit in take and with more fruit coming into season this should help)
- Moderate Meat & Low-fat Dairy (this one shouldn't be too hard, I always eat low fat dairy and smaller amounts of meat should be ok)
- No Eating at Restaurants (unless meal fits program) (Good thing it says unless meal fits program cause Tim LOVES to get out so I will just have to make healthy decisions)

Progress:
May 1st - I hadn't decided to do this yet, so that doesn't count :)
May 2nd - Started out really good, then I didn't get dinner made before we went and cleaned the churched and by the time we got home I was ornery, so I had pizza and ice cream :(
May 3rd - New day, today is starting out well, let's hope it continues well

Who wants to jump on the band wagon?

Jon's Video

2011-04-28T15:22:00.001-06:00

Jon's Pepsi Commercial

I had to take this off for a while cause I guess I added before I was suppose to. Now it is ok.

So little time

2011-04-19T12:34:00.000-06:00

I wish I blogged more. I really like to keep my blog updated, but it's hard. Between work, two wonderful very busy kids, housework, and a little project I am working on (more to come on that later). I don't seem to find the time I am looking for. Also did I mention that I have less than a month before my baby turns one (hold on while I wipe my tears), so I have a party to plan.

But there really is so much I want to blog about, like my New Year's resolutions that I am keeping, my sweet kids and all the other stuff in between. Maybe I need to find a blog about time management to read, but then I will be swept in that black hole :)

Anyways, hopefully more to come SOON!!

Do I laugh or should I smack him?

2011-03-30T12:28:00.005-06:00

Tim and I had to speak in church on Sunday, this is how Tim started his talk . . .

" I am just throwing this out there, I dated Jimmer's older sister. Things didn't work out and I am very happy I married Collette and we have 2 great kids. But I did give you Jimmer for you." (Something like that)

Thoughts??? Yes he did date Jimmer's older sister. He had actually just got back from visiting her in New York when we met, and took her out on a date once she came back to school, but I ended that one quickly. I was just shocked by the comment. :)

Noah's Birthday

2011-03-29T12:36:00.014-06:00

Noah turned 5 a month ago. I am awful at getting pictures up on my blog. To my defense it was my goal to scrapbook them, then post the pages, however, the software I used to scrapbook them won't let me turn the pages into a jpg so I can't post the pages. So here are the pictures

On his birthday we took him to Fudderucker's for dinner and then to Boondocks to play games.

Happy Birthday Boy!

Playing Games

Playing Games @ Boondocks

Sweet Kyra (with an infected eye, and ear infection)

Noah's Invites

Superhero Outfits

All the Superheroes that came

Once all the superheroes arrived and put their masks and capes on, we headed to the Training Center. At the Training Center they had to slide down a building, climb through a tunnel, learn how to carry a bomb without dropping it and jump over a wall. They all did great!

Next up the Superheroes had to fight Mr Freeze. We played music and had all the kids dance. Once the music stopped the kids had to stop or they were out.

Then it was time for each Superhero to take on a bad guy. (I had balloons with names of the bad guys writen on them, then the kids had to do what they could to pop the balloon. There was candy inside)

Next up Noah opened his presents and the kids eat cupcakes and played. (Note to self 2 hours is TOO long for a birthday party, 1 1/2 hours would be prefect)

The next day we had all the family over to celebrate his birthday too.

Check this out

2011-03-22T17:26:00.001-06:00

My friend over at Retailbegone has a GREAT give away going on right now. I don't know why I am telling you cause I want the leg warmers for myself. Oh right, if you say I referred you then I get more entries. (It is totally for my gain) So go over and check it out.

Keeping My Shoes

2011-03-08T12:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was asked to make dinner for a family in my ward. I didn't know the details, just that the mom had not been feeling well. I was more than happy to help someone else out.

Then I forgot to go to the store after work and grab disposable containers to take the dinner in, and I did not pull my chicken out to defrost. I planned on making a yummy apricot chicken dish, which was going to be super easy to put all the ingredients in my pressure cooker and let it cook. However, for some reason my pressure cooker was not making enough pressure to start. So 20 minutes before I was to take dinner I had to cut up raw frozen chicken and try again. Thank goodness the pressure cooker started after that.

I wanted to make a vegetable and pull a bag of frozen corn out of the freezer only to have half of it end up on the floor when I opened it. Also, did I mentioned I had a baby following me around crying, and when I asked Noah to keep Kyra happy the response I got was, 'well do I get for doing that?' My response was you don't have to go to bed right now.

When dinner was complete and in plastic bags (classy I know, but the last thing people need to worry about is returning dishes) I packed the kids in the car and headed to the ward member's house in the slippery snow. Thinking the whole time this is the last time I try to do something nice, this is not worth it. It should be easy cause I am trying to do something nice.

I pulled up at the house and finally convinced Noah that he needed to stay in the car while I took dinner in. I apologized profusely for the classy display of dinner, and asked if she was ok. At that time she explained to me what was wrong.

Then I got back into my car and prayed that we could make it up the hill and to our house (which took awhile with the snow) and thanked my Heavenly Father for the shoes I have to walk cause there are always ones that are much worse.

Couponing

2011-03-03T12:27:00.001-07:00

I am looking for advice on couponing. I am new to it and wonder what works for you. How much time you spend couponing? Working out side the home makes my time limited. I love sites like moneysavingmom.com and freebies2deals.com cause they take the hard work out of finding the deals.

Also, how do you organize your coupons? I was going through my coupons yesterday trying to find a way to get in control of the paper mess. (One of my biggest pet peeves) I decided I would go through my coupons as soon as they came and the ones I KNOW I will use cut those out and put in my binder, then date the insert so when one of the above websites have sweet deals on something I would like but don't buy often I can find the coupon without having to cut every coupon I get.

What are your ideas, tips, advice?

5 years and 9 months

2011-02-28T20:31:00.001-07:00

Noah turned 5 years old last Thursday and Kyra hit her 9 month mark on the 12th. They both had doctor appointments on the 25th to see how they were doing.

Noah

45 inches (93%)
43 lbs (60%)

Noah is growing up more and more each day. He has learned the alphabet sounds and all. He can count to 29, and loves to play at preschool. He has started to learn to read, and can cut out shapes using scissors. He is learning to write his name using upper and lower case letters (why do we teach them to do it in all upper case).

But what really amazes me about Noah is his vocabulary and the way he retains knowledge. He how is mind is always thinking, try to solve problems. He is always picking up new words (some are not the best) and using them. The other day he was explaining to me what hilarious meant. :)

A cute story about how his mind works: We were driving in the car and a commercial came on for Disneyland telling that if you stayed at their hotel you could save 35%. Noah: "Mom, did you hear that? We can save 35% at Disneyland. That's a deal right? Does that fit into the budget cause we can save money. And you can wait in line with Kyra while I ride the rides with dad." I love that kid and the way his mind works.

Kyra

29 inches (95%)
18.8 lbs (50%)

Kyra is trying her hardest to keep up with her brother, and doing a pretty good job.
- She crawls every where. And is pretty fast at the stairs if you are not watching her.
- She can stand up on her own. She can stand up in the middle of the room as long as she has something small to get her started, like the diaper bag.
- She cruises everywhere and we have a step stool that pushes all around the house so she can walk every where.
- She can take 6 steps on her own
- She can say: Mama, Dada, Ta da, Baba, Uh Oh, Num Num (for Yum Yum), Peek A Boo, Drako (I know that sounds crazy, but I promise she can. That is our dog's name) Noah (or No No) they sound the same
- She eats everything! (Dog food and foam rubber included)
- She is a happy baby
- She sleeps from 9:30 to 6:00
- She can clap, wave, raise her hands above her head as she says Ta Da
- In sign language she can say: Baba, Change, All Done

Please stop growing

2011-02-08T12:08:00.000-07:00

I have to registrar Noah for Kindergarten this week. I just want to keep my kids little forever!!

Update: This weekend was bad with only being nice to Tim (I am only human). I did say a lot of sweet things, but then I said some not so nice things.
Monday: I sent him an email 'thanking him for putting up with me.' :) And I wrote 'I love you, Babe' on my white board in the kitchen. I really need to work on showing him that I love him. Any tips? If it was me all he would need to do is do the dishes, clean the house, but I don't think those things show him that I love him.

How did your morning start?

2011-02-03T07:46:00.000-07:00

Mine started like this . . .

Frozen pipes. :( Thank goodness I took a bath last night to warm up, but I REALLY needed to wash my hair today. I hate yucky feeling hair. Oh well, what to do.

Update: Yesterday when I got to Tim's work (the gym) he ran around back and brought the other car around so when I was done the car would be waiting up front. See not only was I being nice with my text, but I also a bonus for sending it.

Yesterday, I asked Tim about his day and thank him tons for thinking about me and bringing dinner home from work so I didn't have to.

I have even done something nice today, and it isn't even 8 yet. I bet a lot of you aren't even out of bed yet. :) It is garabge day today and our garabge man comes around 8, early I know. Well, Tim forgot to take the garabge out last night, so rather than making him get out of bed and take the cans to the curb I did for him. It may not sound like a lot, but our drive way is covered in ice (why did we buy a north facing house), and the weather channel said it was 7 degrees but felt like -8, which just means cold, and here is the big one, there was a dead mouse behind the garabge cans. Yuck! I hate mice. Are you finding nice ways to show your man that you love him?

Love is in the Air

2011-02-02T13:04:00.000-07:00

I love Valentine's Day. I love making Tim plan a surprise night for me, I love getting my kiddo's a cute little something to say I love you, I love making heart shaped sugar cookies. What I don't love is trading presents with Tim. I love surprises and thought out gifts, and that is what I get. So you are wondering why I don't like trading presents? Cause I can't ever do that for Tim. My sweet husband likes to pick out a present for himself (for every holiday) and he usually orders it weeks in advance. It drives me CRAZY! I know it is nice to get what you want, but come on give me a wish list of a couple things you want, don't already know what you want and have the mouse lingering over purchase, just waiting to ask me if it is ok. What am I suppose to say, no. Cause I don't ever say no, I just get mad and let him buy it.

So this year (cause yes the present is already purchased, but I won't let him have it until Valentine's Day) I have decided to spend the month of February doing nice things for Tim. I want to send texts that just say "Thanks" or "I love you," not "Why didn't you do the dishes." I want to say "Thanks for getting the kids to the sitters today," not "Why didn't you throw the dirty diaper away." I want to give him a foot rub when he spends all day on his feet working a second job, cause I am tired of debt, not get frustrated cause I need a break from hearing little ones say, "Mom." I want to show my hubby that I love and appreciate him more today than I did the day I married him. And I wish this was something that is easy, but if you are like me it is so easy to get frustrated with what they are not doing rather than thank them for all that they are doing.

I started yesterday with a simple one. I sent him a text after I got done at the gym to thank him for parking in front of the building not around back cause it was single digits and I didn't want to walk around back (we meet at the gym and Tim drives the car with the kids home and then I get my chance to work out). I could have let it go unnoticed but I was indeed happy and wanted to let him know.

So join me in making February a lovey month. :)

Stylish Blogger Award

2011-01-25T15:42:00.001-07:00

My cute cousin gave me the stylish blogger award (which my blog is not very stylish right now, but that is because of sick kids, that's another post) last week and I am finally getting around to it. I am suppose to reveal 7 facts about myself that people may not know about me and then nominate 15 new people (I don't know that many people that still blog) So here it goes:

1 - I went skydiving when I was 20. A group of us from my singles ward decided to go. It was a blast, but I am glad I paid for the video cause I don't think I would ever do it again. It seems the older you get the scared (or smarter) you get.

2 - I ran a half marathon 3 years ago. I really want to run one again, but we will see if I do it.

3 - When I was growing up my dream was to be an elementary teacher. I could not see me as an elementary teacher at all.

4 - My nervous habit is pulling out my hair. Before my mission I made a bald spot the size of a golf ball (thank goodness it was in the back of my head)

5 - I have worked for 18 years (I sound REALLY old saying that) and have only worked for 5 different companies (Reams in the bakery dept, HAJOCA - doing odds and ends they needed me to do (this is a company that my dad worked for at the time), VoiceStream - taking in coming calls, Greenwood Const - doing the accounting, and Big Tree Const - doing their accounting)

6 - I graduated from the U with my degree in Psychology. Does anyone actually go into the field they got their degree in?

7 - I am 1 year and 4 months older than Tim. I would have never dated a sophomore in high school when I was a senior.

Now for the second part; I am passing this assignment on to:

Megan: http://megangainer.blogspot.com/
Ashlee: http://ashchristiansen.blogspot.com/
Nicole: http://nicsknack.blogspot.com/
Amy: http://bennionbunch.blogspot.com/
Britney: http://noblefamilynews.blogspot.com/

Hair Style Pics

2011-01-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

Here are some ideas. Thoughts???

Hair

2011-01-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

I have major hair issues. A new haircut is like buying a new pair of shoes, it is what I do when life feels blah and I need a change. Well I am there, again. I need a new hair cut. Let me rephase that; I am getting a new hair cut, this weekend. However, there is one SMALL problem; I have no idea how I am going to cut my hair. I need your help, please send me links of cute short hair cuts. I am not scared to go short. I like short, I like crazy. I don't like the way my hair looks now.

Thanks for the help!!!

Rules

2010-12-31T17:24:00.000-07:00

Top 5 Rules . . . by Noah Whitley

1 - Never run away from your parents

2 - Never run in a parking lot

3 - Never ride in the back of a truck while it is driving on the freeway

4 - Never ride on top of a car while it is driving on the freeway

5 - Never hang on a power pole with a plug in your hand

(Not sure where these came from, but I got a laugh from them)

Happy New Year

Gerber Party

2010-12-01T13:31:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard of House Partys? It is a new way manufactures are getting their product out. All you have to do is go to a website and apply. Then if you are a match they will award you the party, then you throw a party on their dime (except the food). I was able to do a Gerber one. It was a blast. I received a lot of information for everyone and great goody bags (insulated bag, 3 drinks, 2 babyfoods, 8 yogurts, 1 cereal bar, information, and coupons), balloons, plates, napkins, cups, and goodies to display (that I got to keep). I invited a lot of people unfortunetely not many were able to come, but the up side was I got the left over goodies.

Goodie Bags
Aren't these the cutest cousins you have ever seen? I love this picture. Priceless

What a cutie!!!

Activities for the kids so we didn't have to chase them (as much)

Fun game provided by House Party

Fun Friends

Kyra

2010-12-01T12:54:00.000-07:00

Ok, I suck I know. But better late than never. Here are Kyra's stats for the last couple months.

4 months

14lbs 4oz - 75%

25" - 95%

She is starting to sit up on her own

She loves her toes

Rolls from her back to her stomach, then screams cause she doesn't want to be there

Loves to scream (I am a little worried about this one)

Loves her big brother, he is the only one to make her really laugh

Started eating baby food

5 Months

She can sit up by herself

She learned to roll from her stomach to her back, but doesn't do it a lot, still likes to scream instead

I started pulling her hair into pig tails, I thought she was old enough

Has 2 teeth

6 Months
17lbs 2oz - 75%
27" - 99%

Can go from her tummy to a crawling position to a sitting position and back
Can pull herself up to things
Says 'dada'
Scoots on her bum to get to things and crawls backward
Gets on her hands and feet (not knees) - I need to take a picture of this
Gets really excited over things (it makes me happy when it is me)
Sleeps in her own room now (her bedroom is upstairs and ours is downstairs so I didn't want to make this transition too soon)
Learning to sleep through the night (again)

Halloween 2010

2010-11-02T12:34:00.001-06:00

Thursday was 1-800 Contacts Trunk or Treat. This year they held it in the red barn at Thanksgiving Pointe and had people decorate spaces rather than their trunks. I hope they adopt that idea for every year. I like to trick or treat inside. This is my little Wonder Women at trunk or treat.

This is Kyra's buddy Sofie. I LOVE her outfit. I wish I would have seen this one first.

Friday, Noah and I ended up at doctors' appointments with the same conclusion, strep. I am glad we went in on Friday so we were feeling better on Saturday.

Saturday, The Gainers and Thorntons joined us at our house for some trick or treating. The Christiansen's were sick. It was raining so trick or treating was not as fun, but early on Saturday we took the kids to the mall with Brinlee so they definitely got enough candy.

The Whitley's (Tim and I should have dressed up like super hero's, but Halloween showed up too quickly this year)

The Thornton's (Cute 20's couple)

The Gainers (TinkerBell, Minnie Mouse, and Rambo)

Grandma and Grandpa Whitley came over to see the kids costumes. (And scare Kyra to death) Also Noah's other cousin Chloe stayed around to trick or treat with Noah. (They are BFF's)

Sunday, it was my turn to host dinner. I decided to make it a Halloween Scare.

The brains weren't to eat, just to be a decoration.

This is a cheeseball.

Ogre Brains = Stuffing

Vampire Eyes = Deviled Eggs

Bat Blood = Orange Crystal Lite

Werewolf Meat = Turkey
Scary Ghost = Mashed Potatoes
Pumpkin Patch = Sweet Potatoes

Witches Fingers = Sugar Cookies
Monster Guts = Oatmeal Cookies

Blessing Day

2010-08-05T12:25:00.000-06:00

I know 2 posts in 2 days. Don't get use to it, it gets me off the hook for a couple months. :)

We blessed Kyra on Sunday. It went really well and she looked beautiful. Tim did a great job. Check out the pictures of her in her blessing dress (I love having a girl to dress up). Also, notice my little missionary, doesn't he look handsome.

Kyra's Photo Shoot

2010-08-04T08:57:00.000-06:00

I was approached at Draper Days about taking Kyra to Foto Fly to be a model for their website (Foto Fly is a new photography studio in Draper). I think my baby is pretty cute and I love free stuff so I agreed. They were able to get a varity of pictures cause she did ok, then got fussy so she fell asleep, then woke up happy. I am VERY happy with the pictures. Check them out.

For the better

2010-06-10T16:00:00.001-06:00

A lot of things have changed in my life lately. Thank goodness they have all been for the better. Of course the biggest one has been adding our precious little Kyra to the family. I love her to death. She is a great baby, and her brother loves her to pieces. However, I am learning that it is an adjustment when a baby comes around. I am learning how to adjust to him. :) (Side note, Greenwood closed their doors a week ago, so I would be with out a job if I would have stayed)

Another big change for the better is my job. Most of you know that I worked for Greenwood Construction for a very long time! Eleven years to be exact. Unfortunately the last year of my employment their was not a happy one. I was doing 3 plus people's jobs and dealing with some very unpleasant people. I decided that leaving a beautiful baby that I had tried for years to have with someone else while I went to a job I hated was not an option. I couldn't do it, however, I couldn't just quit and stay at home full time either, that wasn't an option. Thanks to prayers being answered and a wonderful old employer I was able to secure a job with the old owner of Greenwood Construction. I am happy to be able to work part time for a company that will care about me and cause me A LOT less stress. (And hopefully let Kyra come to work with me)

The last big change for the better is Tim's job. Tim has worked at becoming a manager at 1-800-Contacts for the last year. He had applied for the job this spring and it was down to him and another person. Unfortunately they decided to hire the other person for the job. We were upset because if he would have gotten it it would have helped keeping me at home more. Tim called me about 2 1/2 weeks ago to tell me that the other person did not work out and they promoted him to manager! I couldn't believe it!!! The blessings!! I am so happy that Tim is now doing something he enjoys. Plus he benefits with more pay and better hours. I am excited to have our weekends together.

I know this may be a long boring blog, but I felt I needed to write it just to express how grateful I am for my blessings and that faith is an amazing thing. It was hard for me to quit my job, even though I knew I would be going to something better. I know there are challenges and we all grow from them, but right now I am grateful for the blessings.

Noah's Preschool Program

2010-06-09T15:12:00.000-06:00

Noah is finishing up preschool this week. He has enjoyed every minute of it, and it has really been really good for him. He is super smart, but being an only child for so long it has helped him learn how to share and realize he has to share his time with others.

The preschool didn't have a graduation, but the put on a program full of songs for the parents, and relatives to watch. I was VERY proud of Noah, he knew all the words to the songs and the actions. He was a ham, but at least he wasn't crying wanting to get off the stage.

Kyra Lynn Whitley

2010-05-14T16:58:00.001-06:00

7lbs 10 oz
20.5 Inches long
Born 6:55 a.m. May 12, 2010
More to come once I am home. Enjoy

The baby's room (and the house)

2010-05-08T18:00:00.000-06:00

Here are pictures of the nursery and the rest of the house, that I promised months ago!

I couldn't get this picture to flip and I was sick of trying. Sorry
The Kitchen The main living area The guest bathroom
The mudroom area
Master bedroom Master bathroom Entry door. One of my favorite things. I love the big wood door.The officeThe loft. This is off of Kyra's bedroomUp stairs hallway Noah's room
Kids bathroom

Crafty

2010-04-20T20:13:00.000-06:00

If you knew my mom you know she had amazing talent. My sisters and I swear that she did not pass that talent on, however, I think these projects say otherwise.

Megan made these beautiful bibs and burp cloths. I LoVe these!

Ashlee made this cute banner for my baby shower. I love it so much I kept it and hung it in the baby's room.

And even Nicole, who says she is not crafty at all, made this adorable blanket and burp cloth for me.

Thanks sisters for all these CUTE things to help bring this new little girl into the family. I can't wait to meet her in 3 weeks!

Noah's Birthday

2010-03-05T18:33:00.000-07:00

My baby (soon to be big brother) turned 4 on February 24^th. I still can’t believe it. Time flies by. We celebrated his birthday with a Super Hero Party.

These are the invites we sent out.

Here are all the Super Hero's that came. Super Noah and his trusty side kick, Chloe.

The sweet and sassy, Maggie.

The Super Hero in training, Trace.

And last but definitely not least, the cute and active Brinlee.
The Super Hero's took turns using their powers to crush the number 4.

The Super Hero was spoiled.

It's a . . .

2010-01-04T12:35:00.000-07:00

GIRL!

I couldn't be more excited! (Sorry it has taken me so long to post it)

Christmas EVE

2009-12-24T08:32:00.001-07:00

I LOVE today! I can't wait to get with my family and eat and enjoy the friendships.

And the best part of today we find out if Noah gets a baby Brother or Sister.

'Christ'mas Time

2009-12-16T12:38:00.001-07:00

I love Christmas time. I hate how fast it flies by and how busy this time of year is (especially at work). This year I am really trying to do more with Noah. I LOVE LOVE LOVE traditions. We started this Christmas time out with visiting a live nativity. I have never been to one before, but I can say I will go every year from here on out. It was amazing. Tim and I took Noah one night and the line was over 2 hours long and I had not had dinner yet (and being pregnant that is not a good thing), not to mention the temperature was in the teens. So we decided not to stay. Noah was crushed, so I promised him we would get there right when it started the next night. Megan and Brinlee were troopers and joined Noah and I (Tim had to work). It still took us almost 2 hours to get through and the temps were still in the teens, but the feelings were well worth it. Noah got to see the ‘hotel’ that Jesus couldn’t stay in and the ‘barn’ that he was born in (3 years don’t understand inn and stable that well). I think he loved the animals the most. That brought the meaning of Christmas to me.

Then on Monday of this week Tim and I went to the Forgotten Carols with my family. This is a tradition that my family has being doing for 13 – 15 years, and we LOVE it. It is the same play year after year, but the spirit there is the same. The last 4 years have had a little different feeling. This was something my mom looked forward to and we loved sharing with her, so now going without her adds a lot of tears to the night, especially when we sign “We will be together again someday”.

Noah and I have also made a gingerbread house, Christmas cards, and sugar cookies.

I am really hoping to find more traditions that I can bring into my home to help with the holiday season and especially to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Please let me know if you have any great traditions because I would love to incorporate them into our house.

Way Over Due

2009-10-23T12:11:00.000-06:00

I am excited to say after 18 months; 6 months of Clomid, and 5 IUIs / Super Ovulations we are FINALLY expecting our 2nd child. (Sorry hopefully this weekend I will post the ultrasound). I am 10 weeks pregnant, and can’t wait for the throwing up to stop!!!

We went in on Monday for our first official appointment and it was bittersweet. I went in at 6 weeks to find out how many babies there were ( I was a little freaked out cause this is the same way that Jon & Kate got their 6) and saw 2 tiny dots with tiny heartbeats. I was shocked, but extremely excited to know we were going to get two babies. It has been a long hard path and to know I wouldn’t have to worry about going through it again felt great. However, when we did the ultrasound at nine weeks one of the little heartbeats was no longer there. I was devastated. However, I have now accepted it and am thrilled that one of the little babies is still surviving. I can’t wait to meet our new one at the end of May!

Run for Her Life

2009-09-10T16:50:00.001-06:00

I am sure you all know I lost my BEAUTIFUL MOM to Ovarian Cancer almost 4 years ago. I have longed to find something I could participate in for Ovarian Cancer and I am so excited that we found this race. It is next weekend September 19th at Sugarhouse Park. I am begging everyone to come join in the fun. There is a 3 mile run/walk and an 1.5 mile walk, it only costs $20 and it goes to an amazing cause. I know EVERYONE can walk 1.5 miles and most people can come up with $20, please come join in the fun. You know I will be there!

Summer Recap

2009-08-25T22:05:00.000-06:00

I am not going to lie, this summer has been CRAZY. It has been full of Tim graduating, running races, family reunions, softball games for Tim (which Noah and I got to hang out with great friends there), smart start baseball for Noah, a lot of sewing and helping with Ashlee's wedding, a fun 4th of July in Cedar City, Ashlee's wedding, us selling our house and moving into a rental, now us packing and getting ready to move into a house, Noah starting preschool, and a lot more. I wish I would have blogged more about everything, but time has not permitted that, but here are a few highlights (that I took pictures of).

One of the happiest days for Tim and me. Good job, babe!

The Race for the Cure.

I love Tim's red shoes. You can't pass up a great deal and I can always tell which one he is.Noah after smart start baseball.At the family reunion, my cousin Kim painted the kids faces. Noah loved it.

Watching the 4th of July parade in Cedar City.

My baby started preschool. Don't even get me started on how mom handled that.

Noah's first ride in a convertible. He LoVes them. Takes after his dad the his love for cars.

The house we are buying. More pictures to come once we are moved in. :)

He makes my Day

2009-08-12T09:06:00.000-06:00

Noah: "Mom, I love you."

Me: "I love you, Noah."

Noah: "You are the best mom in the world."

Me: "You are the best Noah in the world."

Noah: "You are SUPER mom. Well you are super mom a lot. But you are not super mom when you are mean. You are the superest mom in the world."

Note to self: treasure the moments when you are seen as super.

I love this boy.

Ashlee and Josh Tie the Knot

2009-07-20T12:24:00.000-06:00

Now that the wedding is over and I am moved I can FINALLY blog. Sorry I didn't get these posted last week.

Heading to the temple. Annoucing Mr. & Mrs. Josh Thornton.

What can I say? She is a DOLL!

I love this picture of Maggie. So precious.

Favorite cousins.

The Christiansen Kids.

I have to show off my handiwork. I made these skirts. I wouldn't have touched a sewing machine while my mom was alive, but I am glad I have the desire now.

What a sweet innocent picture. Don't believe the picture. :)

Good luck trying to get 5 kids in one picture.

The table settings. Megan, Ashlee, and I decorated for the wedding. You can hire us if you want. :) The day of the wedding it was 100+, I am glad I brought a TOTALLY different outfit to decorate in.

They had the reception catered. It was delicious.

The picture table.

It really was this hot. I don't like this picture, but it shows that it was a hot day.

I love this little man. Even though he is TROUBLE.

Noah's partner in crime, Sawyer.

The 'Thank You' table.

Dad and Ashlee's dance.
Noah showing off his moves.

Noah and Maggie dancing.

Josh and Ashlee cutting their cake.

The sign in table

Pompoms. Megan and Ashlee did a great job making these.

Noah kissing a bunny.

My cousin Hillary, her twins McKayl & Emma, and Libby. (Sorry for spelling errors)

Happily Ever After

2009-07-18T08:29:00.001-06:00

Today my baby sister, Ashlee, is marrying the love of her life. I could not be happier for them. Josh is such a great guy and treats Ashlee great. We are so excited to have him in the family. Noah LoVes him.

I am so proud of Ashlee. She is amazing. She has lived through a lot of trails begining at a young age, but she has handled them well and grown from them.

I love you Ash!

Day 7 - Final Day

2009-07-10T13:03:00.001-06:00

We didn't do a lot our last day in California, but we did go to the beach. There were street vendors out so we stroller around and looked at there stuff and bought tacos (is that safe?).

I am ready to go again.

Day 6 - California Adventures

2009-07-10T12:42:00.000-06:00

We spent one whole day at California Adventures. Tim had never been there, but by this time Noah was kind of done of ‘scary’ rides. He mainly wanted to watch the shows or ride the bumper cars. He cried the WHOLE way through ‘It’s a Bugs Life’, but that is a pretty scary, loud show for little kids. Like I said before no 3D for a LONG time.

Not a cute picture, I am glad I didn't pay for the photographer to take a picture with his camera.

Tim on the Rapids. He barely got wet so I thought I would go as a single rider. I was SOAKED! Too bad we didn't take any pictures of it.

This is what Noah did, while we took turns on the rapids.

Tim on the Roller Coaster.

I decided I better ride the 'Tower of Terror' cause I didn't want to come home and be made that I didn't do it, but I didn't want to ride a scary ride by myself, but I am glad I did. It was a BLAST.

This is what Noah did while I rode the ride.

Days 5 - Fishing

2009-07-10T12:35:00.000-06:00

On Day 5, we needed a break from amusement parks, so we stayed around the condos. That afternoon we went to the fishing pond to take Noah fishing for the first time. It was a lot of fun.

You can tell by jacket that it wasn't the warmest day.

Day 4 - Disneyland

2009-06-30T15:35:00.000-06:00

I should really be fired from Blogging, I am AWFUL at it. But at least I have a really good excuse Ashlee is getting married and I am moving. July is going to be crazy!

Our 4th day in California was spent at Disneyland. We headed straight for 'Finding Nemo' since Megan told us it is worth the wait. And wait we did, probably for only an hour though.

Noah hated it. It was loud and dark and scary. I was afraid it was going to be a long day! Especially since we next went to 'Honey I Shrunk the Audience’ . As soon as the cat face came at us, Noah jumped on my lap and hid his head. (Note to self: no 3D movies). Next we headed to Buzz Lightyear and that started us on the uphill slide.

I climbed the Jungle Book Treehouse for the first time with Noah. That was fun. Tim had a single rider pass to Indian Jones so Noah and I needed to kill 20 minutes.

Noah did REALLY good on the Haunted House. I am sure it is because I was afraid he wouldn’t so I kept asking him to protect me and that helped. Then he cried the whole time we were in line for Story Book Land because he didn’t want to ride a boat into a whale’s mouth (this is what happens when he misses nap time).

He LoVed It's a Small World, but really who doesn't?

Noah and I had some time to spare before the parade so we hung out in Toon Town and went to see Mickey (Tim was riding rides).

We ended our fun day at Disneyland with the parade, and a very tired, but happy NOAH!

Day 3 - Lego Land

2009-06-24T12:28:00.000-06:00

California - Day 1 & 2

2009-06-17T12:20:00.000-06:00

We went to California almost 2 months ago, and I have totally slacked on posting about it. Sorry. I don't want to overwhelm the post with TONS of pictures, so I will post days. With the price of airline tickets so cheap, the hotel being free, and the worry that I may end up in the crazy house if we drove, we decided to fly. It went really good. Noah was great! When we landed it was late afternoon so we decided to just find our hotel and relax a litte. Then we went out for great Mexican.

The next day just hung around for the first part of the day, then we headed down to San Diego to a Padres game. I could not believe how big the stadium was. Noah was excited because we all got shirts (even though his fits him like a dress). With our tickets we got a hot dog and a drink. Yum there is nothing better than a Baseball game dog.

More to come tomorrow.

To all the Christiansen's out there . . .

2009-06-04T12:50:00.000-06:00

. . .don't forget . . .

I hope everyone comes.

Start Smart

2009-06-01T12:09:00.000-06:00

I know I have fallen out of blogging world for a month, but it is my goal to come back. There is a lot to blog about so hopefully I make up for it this month.

Noah started Start Smart Baseball last month. Rather than just throwing kids into T-ball this program is suppose to teach them the fundamentals and get them excited without the pressure of winning. So far I am impressed with the concept. I just can't believe my baby is big enough to play. Here are some pictures.

The goal of this activity is to throw the ball between the tape lines.

We are working in catching here.

Another catching picture.

He is learning to bat using a beach ball. He is just like his dad, sticks his tongue out while he concentrates.

The goal here is to hit a ball connected to a string.

For the last activity of the day they hit off a Tee then ran the bases.

Easter

2009-04-22T12:39:00.000-06:00

I know I am posting late, but better late than never, right? We always go to Cedar City for Easter, but since we are heading to California soon we decided we couldn't do both so we spent the weekend home. We actually spent most of the weekend helping Tim's sister move. But here are some pictures of our Easter.

I Love this Boy!

2009-04-10T13:10:00.000-06:00

“Mom when you are a tiny baby I am going to hold you and kiss you.” - Noah

I did it!

2009-03-30T12:48:00.000-06:00

And I LoVe it. Thanks for the encouraging words.

Hair Styles

2009-03-19T09:14:00.000-06:00

I need some help. I have been growing my hair out and I don't feel like there is much style to it. I have to have some style. I really like these 2 different cuts. What is your take, which would look better on me?

I LoVe this one, but a little scared of bangs.

If I did this one I wouldn't part it in the middle, but I couldn't a picture of a longer aline that wasn't parted in the middle.

Help me out, PLEASE!

Random Things

2009-03-06T12:17:00.000-07:00

Why I love being a mom . . .

There are days when I wonder why I am paying so much to add another child to our family, when Noah is throwing his 3 year tantrums, talking back to me and being a aggressive boy, but then he crawls into bed with me this morning and I rubbed his back for awhile, once I stopeed he said, ‘Mom, love me like that again.’ And then I remember why there is nothing better than being a mom.

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Are you looking for a reason to get in shape? Modbe has just released their swimsuits. And they are hot!
Go here to check them out: www.modbeclothing.com/coco

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Ashlee tagged me awhile ago so I decided to finally do it.

Rules:
Go to the document/my picture site on your computer
Go to the 6th file / Go to the 6th picture / blog about it.

Tim and I took Megan to Vegas when she turned 21! This is Megan and I walking to our room.

My Weekend

2009-03-04T13:51:00.000-07:00

I know it is already Wednesday and I am just posting about my weekend, but I haven’t had time to post.

Last Thursday Tim, Andalynn (a work friend) and I went to the Rascal Flatts concert. I heart Rascal Flatts. I told Tim last year I wanted tickets and they came the day before my big race so I couldn’t go. When I found out they were coming this year I made sure we got tickets and it was an awesome concert. Their stage was insane, the music was amazing and they put on a great show! I would HIGHLY recommend attending one of their concerts. I plan on saving my money to sit closer next year so I can have a better look at Joe Don.

Friday started out great with having the day off and Tim letting me sleep in until 10. That was great! That afternoon I took Noah for his wellness checkup. He is 39 inches (95%) and 34 lbs (75%). She said he was very healthy and talked like a 4 year old. While we were out we decided to go on a mommy date. There was a free kids fair going on so we headed there. Noah had a blast! He rode bikes, played games, met Star Wars guys, and had his face painted like Spider Man. It was great spending a day with just Noah. I need to do that more often.

Now I can’t wait for the next weekend to see what it brings.

My Baby is 3!

2009-02-24T14:44:00.000-07:00

Today is Noah’s 3rd Birthday. I can’t believe it has been 3 years since he was born. We have a Pirate Party.

This sign was on the front door.

The kids found the treasure on the map.

The kids ran around the house looking for the real treasure.

Noah opened A LOT of presents.

We had a pirate cake.

Thanks to everyone that came, we had a lot of fun.

Back to my baby; here is a list of things I LoVe about Noah.
- He is SO smart!
- He uses big words (I am a little bit jealous that it isn’t mine birthday party today. You need to apologize to me, mom. When the bath water is hot I get in gradually. I sure appreciate you, mom.)
- He cuddles with me
- He tells me he loves me the biggest with a cherry on top
- He tells funny knock knock jokes
- He loves to wrestle

What have I been up to . . .

2009-01-19T12:18:00.001-07:00

What to blog about? It has been so long since Christmas I can’t blog about Christmas, even though the time off was heaven.

During that time we made snowmen and sock puppets. I got my closets organized, but now I have to do it again, any suggestions on how to keep your pantry organized?

Since then I have been back at work dealing with the craziness of that. Audits and audits, anyone want my job? I’ll trade you.

During my time away from blogging I did find out . . . that I have Celiac Disease. I know you were hoping I was going to say pregnant, I was too. All the siblings in my family suffer from digestive problems except me. Yeah, I have a little pain here and there which I thought to come from when I ate badly, but in reality it comes from eating gluten. Gluten = Wheat, Barely, and Rye. Do you know what has gluten in it? EVERYTHING! Of course the obvious things, but also gravy, some salad dressings, and tomato soup, most sour creams, etc. I have learned the more natural items are the less likely they are to have gluten in them. No more generic products for me and tons of organic items. I was hoping to go on a diet this year, and this is turning out to be a great one. There are a lot of products now that are gluten free, I think twice about spending $5 for a brownie mix or a bread mix.
The couple things about having Celiac Disease that make sense are infertility, and being short. I can’t do anything about being short, but I am hoping that through correcting my diet and I will be able to get pregnant.

Early Christmas Presents

2008-12-21T20:46:00.001-07:00

I wish I could say I have been caught in all the hussel and bussel of Christmas and that is why I have not blogged, but in reality I have been caught in the craziness of my job. This was the first year I have been in charge of our year end, and it was CRAZY. The first two weeks of December my little family rarely saw me. That made me sad. :( However, now it is over and I get to spend from Christmas Eve to the 5th of January at home, and I can’t wait.

During my blogging break a couple exciting things happened. TIM GRADUATED!!! I can’t tell you how happy that makes me (and him). I don’t think it will really sink in until next semester starts and he doesn’t have to go. And then when he gets a new job, that will be even better. That was one of the BEST early Christmas presents I got.

Second, in the midst of craziness Noah decided to potty train himself! You may have thought he was potty trained, but I think I was potty trained. Up until a couple months ago he wouldn’t have many accidents, but he wouldn’t tell me when he needed to go. I just made sure he was on his potty chair regularly so he didn’t have accidents. Then a couple months ago accidents became a regular thing and I couldn’t deal with it, so we bought diapers and just decided to take a break. A couple weeks ago Noah started saying, ‘I need to go potty’, keeping his diaper dry, and even going in and using the bathroom all by himself. Then we went to my dad’s house to celebrate Christmas today and Noah told Jane he was potty trained and she gave him $5, and I think we won’t ever have any accidents he was SO excited about his money. That was the other BEST early Christmas present.

I hope to blog more before Christmas, but incase I don’t. I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A GREAT, RELAXING CHRISTMAS!

Another couple Tags

2008-11-25T14:47:00.000-07:00

Photo tag

You take the 4th photo of the 4th file and tell the story . . .

We always go to Cedar City for Thanksgiving, however, this year we stayed home. My mom had pneumonia and I had just had a miscarriage so we had Thanksgiving in Draper. This is a picture of Megan and Ashlee. This was 2004.

I tag Jaclyn and Lindsey

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Baby Tag

1- Where were you when you first found out you were pregnant? In my bathroom

2- Who was with you? Tim

3- How did you find out that you were pregnant? An at home pregnancy test

4- What was your first reaction to finding out you were pregnant? Excited, we miscarried eight months earlier and had just started using fertility treatments.

5- Who was the first person you told? Tim

6-Did you plan to get pregnant? Yes

7- Did you tell everyone else right away? Yes

8-Was everybody happy for you? Yes

9- Did you go out and celebrate? I don’t remember, probably, we will find any reason to go out and celebrate.

10- Did you want to find out the sex? Yes, at 15 weeks, they scheduled my ultrasound wrong11- What was the sex? Boy

12-Did anyone throw you a baby shower? Yes, I had TONS! Since my mom died while I was 4 months pregnant everyone jumped in to help out. Thanks everyone.

13- If yes, who? Megan & Ashlee, Aunt Cindy, Jane, ladies from my mom’s old ward, ladies in my ward, and probably more, I know I was spoiled

14- Did you get any outfits at the baby shower that you just knew you weren't going to put on your baby? Yes, there were a couple, I tried REALLY hard, but every time I put them on him, I took them off

15- How much weight did you gain? I think 35lb. More than I planned.

16- Did you lose all of the weight that you gained? I am still working on the last 10lb

17- Did you get a lot of stretch marks? I got stretch marks, but not until the last couple weeks

18- What did you crave the most? Fruity things

19- Did you crave anything crazy? For me fruity things are crazy

20- Who or what got on your nerves the most? I don’t remember anything bugging me too bad

21- Were you married at the time? Yes

22- Did you have any complications during your pregnancy? Do you consider losing your mom a complication then, yes, otherwise no.

23- Where were you when you went into labor? Home

24- Did your water break? No

25- Who drove you to the hospital? Tim

26- Did you go early or late? 3 days early (I swear by getting your membranes striped.)

27- Who was in the room with you when you gave birth? Besides all the needed staff, Tim and Ashlee were there. I had to have Noah c-section

28- How long were you in labor for? I labored for 18 hours before they decided to take him c-section. I was at a 7 for five hours

29- Did you have any drugs for the pain? Yes, my epidural was my best friend

30-Did you go Natural or have a c-section? C-section

31- What was your first reaction after giving birth? No wonder I couldn’t push that baby out he was huge

32- How big was the baby 7lbs 14oz and 21 inches

33 - Did your Husband cry? No

34- What did you name the baby(s)? Noah Timothy Whitley

35- Does his name have any significant meaning? I always liked the name Noah, and my mom always called him baby Noah so after she passed away there was no way I would change my mind. And Timothy after his dad.

36- Did you have any visitors? Yes, a lot.

37- Did the baby(s) have any complications? No

38- How old is your baby today? 2 ½ years.

39- When is the next one(s) coming? ??? I guess when the stars a line in my favor.

40-If you could, would you do it all over again? If I had to yes, but pregnancy wasn’t my favorite thing, but I would be more than happy to do it again soon

41- Tag: Megan, Nicole, and Brittney

Yay for Heaven!

2008-11-10T09:46:00.001-07:00

Thursday after the dinner pray Noah said, “Baby Dewy (aka Brinlee) can come now. Yay for heaven!”

Brinlee Lynn Gainer made her way into the world Saturday morning at 6:26. She weighed 8 lbs 3 oz and 21 inches long. She got her dad’s feet (poor girl). Both Megan and Brinlee are doing great. They are expected to head home today.

We are ALL excited! She is so perfect and beautiful!

Families are amazing. I love mine. Megan gave Ashlee and me the opportunity to be there for the delivery. That was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. I have my own sweet baby, but I didn’t watch his birth and he came c-section, but watching Brinlee be born was amazing. Megan did a great job with the pain and concerns that come with birth and Dave was the perfect husband (except when he would rub her tingly leg), he did everything she needed him to and he stayed calm for everything.

Thanks Megan and Dave for letting me share your experience.

Noah and Baby Dewy meet for the first time.
(Thanks for the pictures Ash)

I love a GOOD Deal

2008-11-06T12:15:00.000-07:00

= A LOT OF FUN

Come to a modbe party next Thursday night. The owner of modbe will be there.

Plus if you buy 3 things you get 10% off

Better yet get 30% off your entire purchase! ! ! (even after you have already saved 10%)

When: Thursday, November 13th

Where: Julie Rennert's House (see pic above) email me cwhitley@grnwood.com for directions

Time: 6 - 8 pm

Prefect Christmas gifts for you and others! ! !

(if you can't make it and would still like to purchase go to https://www.modbeclothing.com/coco, use party number 738 and use promo code MSHM69DF to get 30% off)

Everyone needs a little TLC

2008-10-11T20:32:00.000-06:00

Terri Lynn Christiansen
This was one of my mom's new birthdays.

Saturday marked 3 years with out my hero. 3 years without my best friend. 3 years without my mom. I love this poem.

You can shed tears that she is gone

Or you can smile because she has lived

You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back

Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left

Your heart can be empty because you can't see her

Or you can be full of the love that you shared

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday

Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday

You can remember her and only that she is gone

Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back

Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

I miss you MOM.

It has been 3 years since I said goodbye.

Save the Ta Ta's

2008-10-06T12:28:00.000-06:00

(Me, Mom, and Megan at Race for the Cure 5/05)

October is save the Ta Tas month (better known as Breast Cancer awareness month). We kicked the month off by going to a silent auction and concert (Kevin Sharp).

As you may know my family supports all cancer awareness and fund raisers we know about and can make it to. Three years ago this month I lost my mom to ovarian cancer. Unfortunately there are not a lot of events about ovarian cancer, but cancer is cancer and I try to support it.
This month I want to dedicate my blog to my mom and share fun (and maybe a few sad) stories about her struggle with cancer. She was only 42 when she was diagnosed with this disease and fought the fight for 9 years.

· My advise to you: if you feel there is something wrong and your doctor doesn’t pursue the problem, find another doctor, you KNOW your body.

Stitches Sunday

2008-09-22T20:44:00.000-06:00

(This is my sister in laws house, it is beautiful!)

Sunday we had dinner at my sister in laws house, my mother in law was watching the kids so we went up to help out and have dinner. After dinner everyone except for Bonnie (mother in law) and I went out to the new motor home my in laws had just purchased. I was finishing up the dishes when, my brother in law, Jon came running in to tell me that Noah had cut his chin, but it wasn’t bad. Being a mom, I took off running. I met Tim at the front door. Tim’s and Noah’s shirts were covered in blood, and I freaked out. By that time the blood had stopped and I looked at the cut to see if he needed to get stitches. Noah lifted his head up so I could see and the gash was HUGE!

Noah was on the top bunk playing and Tim had just wiped Noah’s nose and turned around to throw the tissue away when Noah fell off and hit his chin on the corner of the chairs.

We gathered our things up and headed out. We decided to go to an insta care rather than an emergency room to save on costs. The first one did not take our insurance so we headed off to the next insta care. Noah did not want to go to the doctor and was freaking out! Once we were in the room and they put some numbing gel on his cut he calmed down. He played doctor, cleaning up Tim’s scratch on his nose, while we waited for the numbing gel to work. He was SO brave when the doctor came in, he answered questions and even lay on the pillow, but then the nurse gave him a shot of numbing medicine, and that was the end of him being brave. The doctor had Noah’s head, I was holding him hands and Tim was grabbing Noah’s legs, and he still moved around enough that the needle bent in his chin. After I some what calmed Noah down we decided to put him on a Papoose Board and strap him down. This actually calmed him down a little. The cut had gone all the way to the jaw bone, through all layers of skin, so they had to do two stitches on the inside and four on the outside.

I am so GRATEFUL that was the extent on his injuries, and pray we don’t have stitches again (at least for a couple more years)

Look what I did . . .

2008-09-22T20:28:00.000-06:00

Made salsa! ! !
When I grew up we always made our salsa and spaghetti sauce. Since I had extra tomatoes I decided I would make salsa.

It turned out good, but it is going to take some tries before I make it like my moms.

Sweet Reunion

2008-09-19T12:43:00.001-06:00

My sweet Grandma Christiansen (better known as Grandma Chris) passed away last Saturday. It is sad to see her go, but she has not been well for a few years. And her sweetheart has been waiting patiently for a sweet reunion, and I bet there was one.
I love and miss you Grandma
(Please give my mom a big hug and kiss from me!)
Memories of Grandma
- Homemade Mac & Cheese
- A light switch on the ceiling of a bedroom
- Barbie and sewn clothes (why would you make Barbie clothes?)
- Mowing the lawn using the riding lawn mower and it taking hours, because Grandma

would make me take a break every 15 minutes.
- The big garden they would plant. I loved the peas, but I didn’t understand why they would plant rows and rows of green beans that would be ripe when they were in South Dakota, so I had to spend my summers picking green beans.
- The fence in front of their house that was our balance beam.
- And the few stories I heard of my Grandma in the WASP’s. And flew planes during World War II

Tagged

2008-09-08T12:06:00.001-06:00

My SIL tagged me a couple weeks ago and I am just getting to it. (Sorry Nicole)

20 years ago I . . .

- was starting 6th grade
- wanted to be a school teacher when I grew up
- started middle school
- had a moMullet hairdo (sorry no pics)

10 years ago I . . .

- was 21 years old
- worked at Greenwood Construction
- was finishing up my degree at SLCC
- preparing to go on a mission

5 years ago I . . .

- got married to the sexiest guy around

- graduated from the U with my degree in Psychology
- got my dog Drako

- still working for Greenwood Construction

3 years ago I . . .

- was pregnant with my little Noah

- ran my first 5k
- lost my mom

- grew up A LOT

1 year ago I . . .

- still working for Greenwood Construction
- wanted to sell my house, but the market changed my mind
- turned 30
- got employee of the year

This year I . . .

- ran my first half marathon

- took a major promotion at Greenwood Construction
- potty trained Noah
- start working for Modbe

Yesterday I . . .

- (Saturday actually) took 2nd in a 5k (there were only 40 participants, but I finished in 28 minutes, so I was happy about that)
- relaxed after throwing Tim a surprise party the day before
- played with Noah
- did Laundry

Today I . . .

- worked on July’s financial statements
- will go with Megan to a nursing class
- will play pirates with Noah
- started my diet

Tomorrow I . . .

- will spend my morning in meetings
- plan to run with Tim and Noah
- hope to continue on my diet
- maybe go to the State Fair

Next year, hopefully I . . .

- add to my family
- won’t be working full time
- be in better shape (I know that doesn’t work with the first one well)
- will go on a family vacation

I tag Brittney and Jeanine

Nie Nie's Day

2008-08-28T13:05:00.000-06:00

It is amazing what can come from tragedy. I am sure most of you are aware of what happened to Stephanie Neilson from Nie Nie’s Dialogues. I have never met her but I loved to read her posts. My heart has been so heavy for her; being a mom it breaks mine heart that she can’t hold her little ones. Or even worse that she may not make it through to see the little things that make a mom smile. My heart also breaks for her kids. I watched my mom suffer for a long time, I was a lot older, but to see your care provider needing the care is hard.

It has been awesome to see the blog world pull together to help cover the medical bills, if you go to Design Mom you can see ALL the silent auctions that people who know and don’t know Stephanie have on their blogs to raise money for her.

Concerts + Summer = Best of Times

2008-08-07T15:46:00.000-06:00

I grew up on country music. It flows through my blood. My mom always had Alabama, Sawyer Brown, Oakridge Boys, etc. playing in our house. But it wasn’t just in the house, we went to whatever concerts came to the small town on Cedar City, and every year in September we would come to Salt Lake for the State fair, but really for what concert my mom wanted to see. I enjoy country concerts to this day. They are more chill, than most of the others and they are a lot cheaper (some are free). This year we went to 3 within a 2 week span and had a great time.

First was Sawyer Brown at the Sandy Ampatheater. It was great. Mark Miller the lead signer doesn't ever stop dancing.

Next was Hal Katchem. He sang great, but he was a little crazier and drunker than I remember him.

The last concert was at the Salt Lake County Fair. It was Emerson Drive. They are a band that it is just fun to watch.

Are there fun things from your childhood that you are doing now with your kids?

P.S. On a different note we are getting the internet at home, so hopefully I will have more time to blog, since my boss was let go a month ago and I have been teaching myself how to do financial statements in my spare time which I didn't have in the first place.

everything must go SALE!

2008-07-31T08:35:00.001-06:00

Check out the new SALE at modbe. Click here to check it out. When it asks you for the party # enter 204. Check it out, there are great deals! ! !

Vegas Baby

2008-07-23T15:51:00.001-06:00

Last Thursday Tim and I flew to Vegas sans Noah. It was HEAVEN! Not to be away from Noah (even though the break was nice) but to be away from all the stresses of life right now. On the 12th we celebrated our 5 year anniversary and I believe we saw each other for a max of 2 hours that day so time together was needed.

We had a blast! We shopped, relaxed, ate at GREAT restaurants, spent time by the pool, saw The Dark Knight, spent time at the casinos (won $85 playing craps, Tim put $10 down and I said we had to walk away once we lost, not to bad), and went and saw Mystere. I highly recommend it, it was a great show.

Here are a few pictures. (I really suck at remembering to take pictures)

Thanks Tim for the past 5 years. They have been great. We have definitely had our ups and downs. But I wouldn’t have wanted to go through them with anyone else. I look forward to where the next 5 years take us. I love you.

M.I.A.

2008-07-15T08:08:00.000-06:00

Life has been CRAZY! ! ! Crazy enough I have a lot of stories to blog, and too crazy that I don't have time to blog them. I am hoping after this week I can get caught up.

Stay Tune . . .

Working Mom

2008-06-27T13:57:00.000-06:00

Why am I here

instead of here?

(Sometime life just isn't fair)

Sale, Sale, Sale

2008-06-20T09:06:00.001-06:00

Check out this website for an amazing SALE this weekend. http://www.coco.mymodbe.com/ Once the product is gone it is gone so get there fast! ! !

Over the River and Through the Woods to Grandmothers House We Go

2008-06-18T13:10:00.000-06:00

Last month we celebrated my Grandma’s 80th birthday. It was great to spend time with my Grandma and all my cousins. The best part of the trip was seeing little Noah enjoying my Grandma’s coveted back yard as much as I did as a child.

I didn't any pictures of the inside of the cabin, but this is where we played house.

We would climb across the balance beam (it is in the back ground) and then swing across a pit to the other side.

This was our make shift tree house. My Grandpa worked for the power company so he made a tree house on a power pole, instead of in a tree.

This is a picture of my Grandpa's junk collection. He loved to collect random things when he would go for hikes in the mountains.

I saved the best for last. Do you know anyone with a boat swing in their backyard? It was our favorite. We would pile all the cousins in and then have one of our Dads push us as high as we could go. I love memories like that.

What are your great childhood memories?

Should I be heading to the MTC?

2008-06-10T11:41:00.000-06:00

Do you believe dreams have meaning? Especially re-occurring dreams? What causes re-occurring dreams?

I have one, and I WANT ANSWERS (or maybe not). I have a re-occurring dream about every 6 months. I served a mission in Sweden and since I have been back I dream that I am called to serve again. Not as a couple though, but as a single sister missionary. WHY? I loved my mission and learned tons from it, but it is not time to serve another mission. My real life always plays a part in my dream, like having to tell Noah goodbye to serve, or serving with my sister or something, I just don’t understand why I keep dreaming about it. I believe there is meaning behind them; I am just not sure what the meaning is.

Do you have any ideas on what my dream means? Do you have a re-occurring dream? If so, please share.

Big 2 1 (and a day)

2008-06-05T15:08:00.000-06:00

It can't believe my baby sister turned the big '21' yesterday! Happy Birthday Ashlee! I hope it was a great one. (Sorry about dinner)

Happp Birthday to me. . .

2008-06-02T11:38:00.000-06:00

It was my birthday over the weekend and the weekend was great! It started off with a delicious lunch at Paradise Bakery with the girls at work. I love that place! Then that evening we went to dinner with my in laws, to the Trio. It is an Italian restaurant. I had never been there before but my brother-in-law had a big bike race the next day and I know the need for pasta the night before. It was a yummy dinner and great company. Saturday I hit the pavement around 8:00 so I could get a good run in before I eat A LOT of calories that day (I must love food cause so far that is all my birthday has been about). After my 6 mile run, we got ready for the day, dropped Noah off at his Grandma’s and Tim and I headed for the Cheesecake Factory. I love that restaurant and have not dared to attempt to fight the crowds in Utah yet (so we should up as the doors opened). We had an amazing lunch with yummy cheesecake for desert, and then we were off to do a little shopping before it was time to pick Noah up. I got a gift card to ‘Name Droppers’ (I have never heard of the place either, but it is like a TJ Maxx for the rich – really high end) I got these great Donald J Pliner shoes. They were marked down to $72 from $220. Still a little pricey for my taste but with a gift card they weren’t.

Then we picked Noah up and went and enjoyed some Vitamin D while Noah splashed around in his pool. In the evening we hit the mall and I got my purse (shown with the shoes).
The next day we had dinner at my dad’s. This is where I got spoiled with TONS of presents (clothes, shoes, running shoes, jeweler, etc)
It will go down as one of my best weekends, and to top it off Tim did the housework! ! ! That makes the weekend GREAT!

Making the Cut

2008-05-22T12:16:00.000-06:00

I know every kid has to at some time, but at 2 seriously?

I was upstairs changing the laundry when Noah came up to me and said “I cut my hair.” I thought he meant he wanted his hair cut cause Dad and Drako (the dog) had just gotten their hair cut, so I told him that Megan could cut it soon (I was trying to grow out to be shaggy) . Then I got on the landing of the stairs and notice little piles of hair, that is when I looked at Noah’s hair closer and noticed a spot ½ way back where the hair was a quarter of an inch long. Now Noah has a buzz cut (I didn’t get it as short as he did or he would be bald). I am just glad that if he had scissors that there was no blood and all his fingers were still intact.

Before the hair cut.

The area that was cut. (I couldn't get a good picture)

The new hair cut. I don't even think he looks like the same kid.

Why I LOVE being a MOM

2008-05-07T16:18:00.000-06:00

Last night my little guy struggled to fall asleep, I am not sure if it was the late nap, the temperature of the house or missing his mom, but he didn’t want to stay in his room.

Noah: I need a Sippy mommy

Me: K, get back in bed and I will get you one

I get him is sippy and send him back to bed. 5 minutes later.

Noah: I need to peepee downstairs mom

Me: K, let’s put you on your potty chair.

He does his business and then I send him back to bed. 5 minutes later.

Noah: Mommy, my dogs are a mess in my bed (he has to sleep with 2 stuffed dogs and a kitty)

Me: K, let’s fix them.

I put him back in his bed and gather his stuffed animals up to give to him and he grabs me around the neck and pulls me so I am practically laying on him.

Noah: Mommy, you sleep with me?

Me: Ok, I will lay with you a little while.

Noah: You save me mommy, you save me.

Me: You save me too Noah.

Noah: I save you mommy, I save you. . .

Then he fell asleep. Nothing is better than feeling like you are everything to your kids. That is what Mother’s Day is all about. (I need to write that down so when he is 16 I can remember that)

I looked out my window and what did I see . . .

2008-05-01T12:31:00.000-06:00

SNOW FALLING ON THE FIRST DAY OF MAY!

I think I am ready to fly south where it is warm.

Favorite Idol

2008-04-23T12:40:00.001-06:00

David Cook has become my favorite Idol. He is the one I cheer on every Tuesday night. At the beginning of the season I favored a lot of the singers, however, over the weeks David has stood out the most. GO DAVID! ! !

NEWS

2008-04-16T15:54:00.000-06:00

My sister Megan is 10 weeks pregnant! ! ! I am SO excited for her.

Another Strike ! ? !

2008-04-04T08:34:00.001-06:00

There is another strike going on. It is not a writers strike; actually it is a strike that lies between the walls of my house. It has to do with a 2 year old. Last Tuesday Noah decided diapers are for babies and he went on strike about wearing a diaper. He would throw a fit if he even saw a diaper. I was ok with this strike, I want to start potty training him, I was hoping to start later this month when work slowed down, but I was ok to start now because he seemed ready, however, this Tuesday he went on strike about using the potty chair. Now I have a 2 year old that doesn’t want to wear diapers or use the potty chair. I am in need of help or suggestions. What do I do to resolve this strike?

Catching Up

2008-04-01T12:55:00.002-06:00

I know I haven't posted FOREVER and the sad thing is I have had things to post about, but we are changing our accounting program at work, which means 80% of the work I have done between 8 -5 Monday through Friday since December 1st I have to do again, so my days and nights are PACKED. Plus believe it or not, I don’t have the internet at home. I know you are probably gasping right now, but since Tim and I work fulltime in front of computers that do there isn’t a need. But that is why I haven’t posted at home. That being said here are my updates.

First – Sleep Update! We have come to a resolution and I am happy. After about a week of putting Noah to bed in his bed then picking him up off the floor after he fell asleep I made him a bed on the floor. I know it sounds silly, but I figured it’s not hurting him to sleep on the floor and he goes to bed as happy as can be and SLEEPS THROUGH THE NIGHT! I wish I would have known this months ago.

Second – It was Noah’s 2nd b-day on 2/24. We had a Dora / Diego party. Here are some pictures. Enjoy.

Third – I ran my half marathon March 8th. My goal was to finish it in less than 2 hours and 30 minutes. I just beat that time at 2 hours and 25 minutes. I was a little disappointed with my time, but I am ok now because it was my long race and I hurt my IT band and miles 6 – 13 were painful to run. (I ran last night again, first time since the race, and it started hurting after the first mileL). I was happy to completion something so big.

I hope to post more often, but I do have a couple more weeks of being REALLY busy so I will post as soon as I can.

Sleep Issues

2008-02-22T10:08:00.000-07:00

Noah use to be the BEST sleeper. He would go down around 8 and wake up around 7. Sleep was great! Then I had this brilliant plan to move him into a bed at 20 months because he would not take naps at his Grandma’s house, and his aunt Megan was going to start watching him and I wanted him to take naps on a bed for her. Things started out fine; he would curl up in his ‘big boy bed’ and sleep the night away. Then I don’t know what happened, but he started wanting mom to sit by his bed until he fell asleep and he started waking up at 2 so I could do the same. I slowly made my way out the door so I was sitting by his room, but this was killing up 30 to 45 minutes of the night. I am a working mom and those 2 – 3 hours I have between putting Noah to bed and me getting to bed are like gold. And he was still getting up at night
So last weekend I decided to be a ‘mean mom’ and I put Noah in his bed, shut the door and walked away. As expected he came out after me, I picked him up, didn’t say anything, and carried him back to his bed. After 1 hour and 20 minutes of this Noah tired out and fell asleep on his floor. Since the night Noah only comes out of his room once or twice and as soon as he sees me he runs back in, slams the door and pushes against it so I can’t get in. Then he lies by the door and cries himself to sleep. We are still working to follow the same procedure in the middle of the night (sometimes sleeping on his floor for an hour wins over fighting with him for an hour, hopefully I can do better this weekend when I know I don’t have to be up at 6).
My question to all of you is: have you moved your kids into bed kid beds? Has anyone else experienced problems like this? If so, how did you overcome it?
Right now both Noah and I HATE bed time. He knows I am going to leave him and I know he is going to throw a fit. Will this ever be a win / win situation?

Valentine's Day

2008-02-15T09:12:00.000-07:00

Valentine's + Hubby = a VERY happy wife

I love Tim.
He is such a romantic and knows how to make a day special and romantic with cute little things.
Like writing love on our ceiling with constellation stickers, surprising me with a yummy dinner with good friends, 3 dozen roses delivered to my work, and tons of other funs surprises yesterday. He makes Valentines great.
Thanks Babe!

College Funds

2008-02-01T12:25:00.000-07:00

Noah's 2nd birthday is at the end of this month and I really don't want to buy him any more toys. However, I don't think it is fair to not get him anything because I spoiled him rotten for Christmas. So I decided since he wouldn't notice this year that there wasn't a present from Mom and Dad that we could get away with starting his college fund for his birthday present. My only dilemma is I don't know the first thing about College funds because neither Tim nor I had one.

Can anyone lead me the right way. Is a particular fund better than another?

You will be missed.

2008-01-28T09:23:00.000-07:00

Thanks for being such an amazing man and Prophet. You carried a lot on your shoulders. We will miss you terribly, but you served an amazing mission and someone great will lead us further, as you enjoy forever with your wife.

Under Construction

2008-01-23T15:22:00.001-07:00

My blog may be under construction for a few days. Sorry

Winter . . . BOO

2008-01-23T13:29:00.000-07:00

Wishing I was here

Instead I am here.

I HATE winter and snow!

I am ready to move once Tim graduates. Any suggestions on somewhere warm and sunny and good to live?

I love Mangos

2008-01-16T09:29:00.000-07:00

Noah LOVES to look at pictures and watch videos of himself; last night while we were going through them I found this one and forgot how funny he ate. I LOVE this kid!

Resolutions 2008

2008-01-09T09:52:00.000-07:00

My resolutions for the new year . . .

- To run a half marathon ( I am not sure what I am thinking)

- Get in better shape (a new way of saying lose weight, but hopefully more productive)

- Get my house more organized

- To blog more (I am not starting off on the best foot for that one)

- Enjoy life more

- Make new friends

What a weekend

2007-12-17T09:38:00.000-07:00

I had a great weekend.

My work Christmas party was Friday at Jeremy Ranch. I love to go up to Park City and mingle with co-workers while having a delicious dinner. I especially like to get the little envelope at the end night to help with Christmas. However, there was another twist to this party that I was not expecting. I was one of the two Employees of the Year! I couldn't believe it. You have to understand that I do accounting for a construction company, so I am basically working in a man's world. It has been a crazy year for me because my assistant went into premature labor in September and I had to train 3 temps during year end (which is the busiest time of the year) so I appreciated getting noticed for being able to deal with that, I didn't mind the envelope that came with it either.

Then that night Tim and I stayed in Park City. (Thanks Megan for watching Noah) It was the first time we have both been away from Noah. It was nice to have some quality time together.

The next morning we went to the Outlet stores and shopped and shopped. It was a blast! I LOVE shopping, but I forgot how fun it is to shop without a 22 month old throwing tantrums.

I have to say it was great to get home and have Noah say 'Hold You Mommy' (We won't talk about the diaper changing tantrum that happened 5 minutes later)

My love / hate relationship with . . .

2007-12-06T15:42:00.000-07:00

Nursery

I was SO excited for Noah to hit 18 months so he could go to nursery. I wanted to enjoy church more, and maybe listen to the lesson long enough to feel the spirit. This has happened. I love that Noah LOVES nursery and that he gets along with the other kids.

The HATE factor comes from since Noah started going to nursery he has been sick more times than he was in the first 18 months of his life (and he is only 21 months old). I hate that other parents take their kids to church whether they have a cold or not.

What are your thoughts on nursery?

For saying I am a slacker at Blogging . . .

2007-12-03T15:49:00.001-07:00

I rocked this.

I am not THANKFUL for my rash

2007-11-15T13:15:00.001-07:00

I woke up Saturday morning with a rash on my chest and stomach. I didn't feel bad and it really didn't itch so I didn't think much of it. I couldn't think of anything out of the ordinary that I ate or used, but I just continued on with the weekend.

Monday I still had the rash, it hadn't spread but it was starting to itch. A co-worker suggested I take Benadryl and that would let me for if it was an allergic reaction. It didn't make the rash go away, but it stopped the itch.

Tuesday I called 'ask a nurse' and she said it was probably just a reaction to something and if I still had it after 7 days to go to the doctor.

Wednesday the rash started to spread. It was now up my neck, in my hair, and on my back. I already had the chicken pox but that is what it looks like, so I decided I better get to the doctor in case it was contagious and I was infecting everyone. The doctor diagnosed it as Pityriasa Rosea . My response was basically what the heck is that. She told me it was a viral infection that was not contagious, but could last up to 2 weeks. She also informed me since it was viral that they could not give me anything for it.

Once I got back to work I looked it up on line. It doesn't last for 2 weeks, it lasts for at least 6 weeks, even up to a few months. 6 WEEKS PEOPLE, and that is the short side of it. I could go months with itchy spots that I can only take Benadryl to help with the itch.

Have you ever been diagnosed with something that no one has ever heard of?

Grateful for . . . being a mom

2007-11-07T12:49:00.001-07:00

I read a blog the other day that talked about gratitude and the month of November, I thought that was a great idea and I am going to steal the idea (sorry).

Today I am grateful to be a MOM! The job of being a mom is the longest worst paid job out there, but the most rewarding. I love being a mom.

There is nothing better than:

- hugs, just because
- calls on the telephone to say 'Come home now!'
- slobbery kisses
- to hear 'Mom, I wuv you.'
- to play chase around the house
- to cuddle on the couch and watch cartoons with a narrator (mom, he's crying; mom, he's jumping; mom, what's he doing) the whole time

There are plenty of downs that go along with the ups of being a mom, so thankgoodness it is easier to remember the ups. And I will take ALL the hard times, because the good times are SO good.

Thanks Noah for letting me be your mom, and putting up with all my imperfections. I love you!

Once Upon a Time . . .

Cali Day # 3

Cali Day # 2

Playing Ketchup

Birthday Party!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl

Easter

Let's Get Healty

Jon's Video

So little time

Do I laugh or should I smack him?

Noah's Birthday

Check this out

Keeping My Shoes

Couponing

5 years and 9 months

Please stop growing

How did your morning start?

Love is in the Air

Stylish Blogger Award

Hair Style Pics

Hair

Rules

Gerber Party

Kyra

Halloween 2010

Blessing Day

Kyra's Photo Shoot

For the better

Noah's Preschool Program

Kyra Lynn Whitley

The baby's room (and the house)

Crafty

Noah's Birthday

It's a . . .

Christmas EVE

'Christ'mas Time

Way Over Due

Run for Her Life

Summer Recap

He makes my Day

Ashlee and Josh Tie the Knot

Happily Ever After

Day 7 - Final Day

Day 6 - California Adventures

Days 5 - Fishing

Day 4 - Disneyland

Day 3 - Lego Land

California - Day 1 & 2

To all the Christiansen's out there . . .

Start Smart

Easter

I Love this Boy!

I did it!

Hair Styles

Random Things

My Weekend

My Baby is 3!

What have I been up to . . .

Early Christmas Presents

Another couple Tags

TAGS

Yay for Heaven!

I love a GOOD Deal

Everyone needs a little TLC

Save the Ta Ta's

Stitches Sunday

Look what I did . . .

Sweet Reunion

Tagged

Nie Nie's Day

Concerts + Summer = Best of Times

everything must go SALE!

Vegas Baby

M.I.A.

Working Mom

Sale, Sale, Sale

Over the River and Through the Woods to Grandmothers House We Go

Should I be heading to the MTC?

Big 2 1 (and a day)