Martin Fam

The Time Has Come

2010-01-05T08:23:00.001-08:00

Okay - We have officially switched our blog address. Sorry for the confusion! There are new posts over there, so check it out HERE!

Favorite Christmas Moments

2010-01-02T18:52:00.000-08:00

I'm So Behind - Adelyn's Blessing

2009-12-31T14:33:00.000-08:00

Okay - so we blessed Adelyn on the 20th and I'm barely posting about it! I have a lot to catch up on. It turned out to be a great day! My whole family was in town (which was a miracle!) and many dear friends and family got to come and enjoy the special day with us. Greg gave a beautiful blessing and Grandma Debbie (greg's mom) HAND-MADE her dress! It was gorgeous and I couldn't wait to put it on her! Sorry for picture overload.

Getting ready to go

With Grandparents and Great Grandparents

4 generation Picture (My Grandpa turned 90 the day before!)

I Just have to Brag

2009-12-21T08:40:00.001-08:00

My Dad with Vice President Joe Biden

Some of you may already know this, but my dad is seriously the most amazing person I know. He can accomplish more things in a year than I could probably in a lifetime! Just recently he was published in the LDS Church News for winning the Malcom Baldridge Award! This is something that he has been working towards in his career for almost 10 years! We are all so proud of him!!
The article describes him perfectly:

"Nothing exists in Rulon Stacey's life to differentiate temporal affairs from spiritual matters. For Brother Stacey, gospel principles shape not only the landscape of his home life and the manner in which he serves as a counselor in the Colorado Denver North Mission presidency, but even extend to significantly influence the work he performs as president and CEO of the Poudre Valley Health System (PVHS) in Fort Collins, Colorado."

He is an amazing leader and example, both spiritually and professionally! And the best dad I know!
Congrats dad - we are so proud!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2009-12-14T21:41:00.001-08:00

I have to admit, I am slightly obsessed with Christmas decorations. (just ask Greg!) Anytime I can find new ways to redecorate, I go slightly crazy! So I put Greg to work tonight to capture some of my craziness! Didn't he do a great job?
-except we somehow didn't get the actual tree...maybe later. :)

I seriously have always wanted to live in a two story house just so I can string garland up the stairwell.

Yes- thats a pear. I am obsessed with Pears, so when I found these scrumptious glitter pears on clearance last year - I was ecstatic!

Here is our Nativity - straight from Israel - Love it!

Got these stockings on clearance as well! They were a little plain, so with a little sequined trim, and monogram ornaments, they definitely have more glam! :)

Here is the mantle, somewhat simple, but still festive.

I also bought all these ornaments at after Christmas sales last year. It was greater than 75% off! I was so excited!!

I used the ornaments to make an ornament wreath to sit in the center of my table. Love it! So simple and fun!

Here they are - being ever so patient :)

Grandma's Visit

2009-12-14T21:06:00.001-08:00

This week Greg's Mom came and stayed with us. She helped me take on the frightful task of POTTY TRAINING! I couldn't have done it without her! I would have given up for sure! Thanks so much Grandma!! He is coming along great!! (notice all the incentives on the counter) :)

Here is Adelyn modeling the sweater grandma made

Beautiful Temple Square

Okay People

2009-12-05T13:40:00.000-08:00

If you have moved within the last year - chances are, I don't have your address!! This makes sending out christmas cards to all you dear friends quite difficult - will you email me you address please??? * lsmartin22@yahoo.com *

THANKS A TON!

He was such an angel

2009-12-03T12:56:00.001-08:00

Seriously, I have to admit (not to brag or anything!) but I knew that I had a slightly more well behaved child. He was always saying sorry, NEVER got into anything, and was never the one to hit or yell. I have always cherished this about him. Even for the first month of Adelyn's little life he has continuted with this halo that I so proudly adored on his head.

As of this week, I think the Halo is gone. This is sad for me to say, but I knew one day it would come. I feel like chasing after and cleaning up after him is taking my whole day, and I can longer keep a clean house or clean hair for that matter. :)

This all hit me this morning when I found a special present in the bathroom sink. I was shocked and had to take a picture just so greg would believe me. I can't even put it into words, lets just say I think he is ready to be potty trained. Yay for me - even more excitement. :)
( would have posted the picture, but it was slightly too disgusting to display!)

Braden's Thanksgiving

2009-11-28T12:35:00.001-08:00

Only a few more days to vote for my dress! Click on it over in the right hand column and put #13 in the comments!! (you can only vote once)

So this year was very different. I CANNOT believe I agreed to this, but I let my sister and her husband take Braden to Colorado for Thanksgiving. Greg had to work, so we stayed her with the babe and went over to our friends house for the festivities. It was way weird! We missed him terribly and couldn't get over the quiet. Of course I didn't get any pics of our Thanksgiving - which consisted of Good food, Good company, x-box games for greg, and midnight shopping for me! (which I have learned Black Friday is WAY too dangerous for me!)

Anyway, Braden is in love with "grandpa's house in the mountains" and I knew he would have a great time! It all got worse when my sister called and said he threw up in the car! Then he couldn't sleep, and got a horrible ear infection and a fever (and he just went to nursery for the first time in 6 weeks!). And I couldn't be there to hold him! It was hard, but he LOVES my dad and was totally fine. It was harder on me than him!

Poor little guy-

They said motrin made everything better! He still helped out and made gingerbread houses.

Weekly Snapshot

2009-11-18T12:54:00.000-08:00

Don’t forget to vote for my DRESS!! (PLEASE) - in the right hand column

This week I feel like the luckiest girl; two healthy, amazing kids and an awesome husband. He has gone above and beyond this week – showing his appreciation for my many wakeful nights! I got to see New Moon with my sister, came home to dinner and a rose , AND got breakfast in bed the next morning! I know – I have been amazed too! Thanks honey, I love you!

The fun never ends with this little (or should I say big) guy!

Adelyn has had many visitors. Grandpa Stacey and Aunt Catherine came up for a day from colorado just to see her. A big thanks to my Grandma Smoot who came and watched her while mommy and Braden had a much needed outing, the Wilde family came to say hello, and Aunt Maria came to stay with us for a day! It has been way fun!

I did have one day this week where I wanted to quit. Braden got poo on the furniture (sorry for the potty talk) yelled "no" to my face many times (where has my sweet boy gone?) and Adelyn scrame the whole day. That seriously was only the beginning! But with the amazing support of my husband, I got a break that night, came home to a clean kitchen and went to bed early. I felt like a new person the next day! Thanks honey - it meant a lot!

Adelyn got thrush - no fun for me!

I had a fun, very short, get-away with a friend for a quick stop to the outlets! Nothing like shopping to brighten a day! It was a blast!

Quote of the week: "That idea mom?" Braden loves to give me his 'plan' and then ask me if it's a good idea.

We went back to play group for the first time. I am totally paranoid of germs, but CAN'T stay in much longer! We are all stir crazy. Braden was SOOO excited to show his friends his baby sister - it was adorable! I had to lift the blanket off of the car seat for everyone to see! :)

We had a local neighborhood boutique were we sold homemade items. Even though I am completely sleep deprived and don't have time, I couldn't pass it up. So I sold some fun Christmas baby dresses. It was a blast! I forgot to take pics - but they will be in my esty shop soon!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

2009-11-12T18:07:00.001-08:00

To my amazement - I am in the TOP 15 of the dress design contest! If I win, they actually will create the dress for their spring line!!! But only one wins and Its all up to YOU to vote for my design!!!
I'm not going to beg or anything.......
but PLEEEEEEEEEEEEASE go HERE and vote! (Its number 13!) Go to the comments section and put number 13 in the comments!!!!

Dress design for Shabby Apple Dresses

2009-10-31T16:24:00.000-07:00

One of my FAV companies Shabby Apple is having an awesome design contest for Shabby Apple Dresses. I just couldn't pass this up, Its too much fun! (And don't worry, these were done before baby came)

Which one do you like?

Its all about DETAILS! I love small things that provide a big bang!

I LOVE Ruffles, they are so fun and flirty. Here's my inspiration:

The First one is all on the A-line, meaning the ruffles and neck line are off center. There is also a little ruffle on the sleeve. I LOVE the waist, with the small detail of buttons. I think this is cute in the plum color and would do this in a lightweight cotton.

The second one, is fun and flirty! Lots of fun ruffles down the skirt and a little at the neckline and sleeve. There is also a higher waist that provides a "belted" look without the belt,(but a belt could be added if desired. I love the fun bright colors for spring. This would be cute in this tangerine color or a light plum. I would definitely do this in a lightweight knit fabric, to provide some great movement!

I also love ruching - its so fun to play with and can be flattering on anyone! Here's my inspiration:

I would love this third one in a lightweight knit and love this blue color. Making it flattering and somewhat loose, not too tight. The waistband is slightly angled and would be a great waist thinner! :) The gathers go all the way up the dress - they are also A-symmetrical.

The last one has a gathered piece for the sleeves and waistband (great looking on anyone!) and has a small off center ruching at the hem! Which creates a creative accent at the bottom of the dress. This would be a fun spring dress in a knit and I love this bubblegum pink!

Happy Halloween - from our Fire Crew!

2009-10-31T16:00:00.000-07:00

ya - we were totally lame this year - didn't dress up! :)

The fun has just begun...

2009-10-31T15:29:00.000-07:00

This is what I found after my shower this morning. :)

So in Love

2009-10-28T13:39:00.000-07:00

As for us - we are quickly remembering what its like to be totally sleep deprived. We pray the four hour stretch comes soon! :) But we are so in love with this little angel.

The big brother

2009-10-28T12:59:00.000-07:00

So I am way impressed by how well Braden is doing with his new little sister! He loves to hold her and has only shown small amounts of jealousy when he doesn't get daddy's attention. But he is a great little boy! We have kept him very busy this
week...
Real life sets in today - hopefully we make it :)

BYU game with Daddy and Grandpa and Grandma

He experienced his first snow storm!!

Pumpkin farm with Aunt Jenn and Grandma

Baby Adelyn

2009-10-17T19:48:00.000-07:00

She's HERE!! Only one week early! Yay!
Adelyn Stacey Martin

Born Oct. 15, 2009
6 lbs. 2 oz.

So here's the scoop (for all those that care - otherwise please dis-regard!)
Wed. night I was feeling contractions, but because I never actually "went" into labor with Braden, I didn't know what to expect. I woke up Greg at 3 and told him, I was getting worried - like I needed to get showered and do my hair. :) I wasn't in any pain though, so he told me to go back to bed. ( He told me later he was way tired from call and didn't want to get up! such a rough life. :)) So I rolled over and they got less and less.
The next morning was my Doctor appt. I knew something was going on, so we did load the car with all of our stuff. At the appt. she told me I was a 5 and was worried by the fact that I lived 25 minutes away. It really scared me. But none the less, I wasn't having active contractions, so we drove home (we also had Braden with us, so we had to go back). After a quick stop at the mechanics to drop Greg's car off (I'm always trying to multi-task. :)) I knew we should probably turn around. So my sweet friend and Aunt helped with babysitting for Braden and away we went. I got to the hospital at 12:45. I was still a 5, and felt like maybe I should have stayed home! So my doctor broke my water, and an hour later I decided to get the epidural, it was getting uncomfortable. And about an hour after that, I was still a 5! WHAT? So Greg went out in the hall to call people, the nurse came in worried about the babies heart rate. After 20 or so minutes, the nurse ran out to get the doctor and I was told it was time! Crazy! Thankfully Greg came in right then, and within 12 minutes we had a baby! So much better than the first time! It was so much better to go through labor with a healthy baby as the end result! I think we have appreciated it so much more!

There are no words to describe how amazing it is to bring a little angel into the world. We are both so happy to finally meet her and cannot wait to get to know her! Even though we call Pregnancy an 'infection' in our house, it is an amazing blessing. (remind me of that next time :))
We love you baby Adelyn! (ya - didn't decide on the name until this morning!!)

A Boy Project ... Finally!

2009-10-11T22:06:00.000-07:00

Little Boy's Tie! So cute, easy, and fun!! The best part is, is that its all hand sewing and really pretty simple! You can see the instructions HERE. (sorry I fixed the Link - hope it works now)

I would just make the middle part slightly thinner than the pattern. Good Luck and enjoy!

ps- all you bloggers out there - does anyone know why my pictures turn out slightly blurry or pixelated? they are crystal clear on my computer until I upload and post?? Why is that?? Any suggestions??

Still in the Oven :)

2009-10-10T07:29:00.001-07:00

So we are surprised and excited to announce - She is still in there!!! I am now 38 weeks, almost 3 weeks past when Braden came! I am way excited to have a bigger baby this time. So we are just waiting patiently... oh and Still no name!

Can't believe I'm posting this - but here we go - 37 1/2 weeks
(I always have to crop my face out - I cannot keep a normal face in these pics!)

Here is our attempt at the only "before baby" family picture. Not very good, but oh well. :)

My Utah Love

2009-10-05T19:00:00.000-07:00

Ever since moving to Utah I have found a new addiction, wait for it.... THE D.I. Yep - thats right, good old Deseret Industries, I am in love and have found SOOOO many fun finds there! Partly because its right next store to Joanns and when that's a weekly visit, I stop by the DI quite a bit. So just for some fun, here are a few of my finds.

Alphabet toy for Braden - perfect condition - $2.00

Baby Gap Dress - $2.00

Puma shoes - so cute!!! - $2.00

Graco Stroller Rain Cover NEW - $1.75 - you never know, it may come in handy :)

$1.00 basket, to make a little fall decor.

Weekly Snapshot

2009-10-05T18:53:00.000-07:00

Sorry -these are probably getting boring, just easy for me to keep track of funny things in life!

Favorite Phrase: "What I want?" If Braden can't think of a word for something he says this, the hard part is, I don't know how to answer that for him. :)
Another one: "Last night" even if it happened an hour ago, it happened last night. :)

We soaked up the last two days of warm weather before the big cold stormy winter rolled into Utah! I am now starting to really miss AZ. Braden has gotten so good at swimming and holding his breath!

Things I cooked this week: Wantons -I was excited, but they didn't work, we had no idea what we were doing. And my favorite soup Rachael Ray's Green Minestrone!!

Now that I have made it this far, I am feeling overdue and DONE being pregnant!! Can't wait to feel somewhat normal again! No swollen feet, Back pain, Braxton Hicks, EXTREME Moodiness and impatience, you know - all that fun stuff!

Partially finished the OTHER slip cover for the chair in my family room! UGH - so not fun, took me a whole year to get around to doing it.

Enjoyed watching conference this weekend and having my sister Jen come visit.

My Life would be CHANGED forever!

2009-10-03T12:07:00.001-07:00

Well, maybe not that dramatic, but pretty close! :) This is an AMAZING giveaway!! I would LOVE to own The Workbox from The Original Scrapbox. On Make and it and Love it there is a giveaway for this amazing organization genius! Check it out to see how you can enter.
There website has amazing products! I am also in love with the EZ view craft desk - ahhh - how amazing.... You can even Enter this code when you place your order to get $100 off your shipping: 100Writes

GOOD LUCK TO US ALL!

Weekly Snapshot

2009-09-27T20:26:00.000-07:00

This week was a BIG milestone for us! This was the week my water broke with Braden, we are SOOOO happy to have made it past this point!! And glad I have more time to prepare. I just know after all this worry, I am going to be late or something!

Word of the week: "O-te" (okay), whenever I have to explain something to Braden, he always replies with a somewhat depressed "O-te" - its way cute!

Braden's Phrase of the week: "2 more minutes!" (which really turns into 10) Oh my - what have I taught him :)

Braden got upset when I told him baby sister wasn't coming for awhile. We were on a walk and I was talking about her, I think he thought we were going to pick her up. :)

For some odd reason, Braden insists on taking his nap in his diaper only! Random - No idea why???

Started making a few things for baby girl, yes I know, way late in the game! I've been too busy.

Set up the cradle and washed all of the blankets.

Greg's Brother and his wife gave birth to Braden's first cousin!! YAY!! We are so excited to meet you little Chad!

Snicker Cookies

2009-09-24T19:56:00.000-07:00

WARNING: Only make these when you can give half of them away - they are wicked, totally not good for you, but SOOO good!

2 Sticks softened butter
1 C Peanut Butter
1 C light brown sugar
1 C sugar
2 Eggs
1 Tbs. vanilla
3 1/2 C Flour
1 tsp. Baking soda
1/2 tsp Salt
1.5 pkg. Mini Snickers
1 Pkg. Swiss Chocolates or Semi-Sweet chocolate Chips
Powdered Sugar for sprinkling

Combine Butter, Peanut Butter, and sugars in mixer until fluffy. Slowly add beaten eggs and vanilla until thoroughly combined. Then mix in flour, baking soda, and salt.
Cover and chill dough for 2 - 3 hours.
Unwrap snickers
Remove dough and divide into 1 TB pieces and flatten.
Place snickers in the center of dough and form a dough into a ball around the snickers.
Place on cookies sheet and bake at 325 for 10-12 minutes.
Let cool and drizzle melted chocolate on top and sprinkle with sugar.
Enjoy!
(thanks for the recipe Hill!)

Weekly Snapshots

2009-09-14T16:19:00.000-07:00

Braden's favorite word this week:
"dang - it" Whoops, guess I better watch my words.

Braden's favorite thing to do, re-enact his "crash" in slow motion, showing every body part and how it hit the ground. AND you must watch every move or it will restart. :)

Lost our digital camera for the week! Great! - We are low on pictures this post!

Spent 30 dollars on decorations for Braden's room, but am too cheap to pay 27 dollars for his winter coat - whats wrong with that picture??

Got looks everywhere I went because Braden has the worse dog barking cough!

Finished buying the last minute essentials I will need in the hospital, getting my bag together (it can never be too early)

Had an ultrasound just to make sure everything was okay - Thankfully it is!

Took Braden to the doctor (finally!) all the while apologizing for bringing him in, as greg says "its viral and will go away" (typical doctor response), only to find out he as a weird, mild case of asthma - oops, good thing I followed mommy instinct this time.

New recipes I tried this week: Zucchini pasta - YUM! and Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes - Way better than I thought! Will have to make these again for sure!

Went to the zoo with Grandma and Grandpa Smoot and Aunt Diane!

Finished sewing Halloween aprons for the bakery - phew! I need a break for awhile!

Spent the weekend with Grandma and Grandpa Martin. And got to go to the ever exciting BYU game. :) Braden LOVED every minute of it!
With Uncle Scotty and Aunt Whitney

Best quote of the week:
"Greg: Braden why was Daniel thrown into the Lions Den?
Braden: I don't know . . . Cause he hit Nephi?"

Camping for our Anniversary!

2009-08-30T14:13:00.000-07:00

You heard it correctly, this was my request this year. I think my dad about fell over! And it took many days of coaxing out of greg to be up with the idea -crazy huh?? I never thought that would happen! But I know our life is going to change drastically very soon, and who wouldn't want to spend some quality time with the ones they love most in the gorgeous Utah mountains? I mean - its only a night, I can handle that! Braden LOVED it and altough I had to take a 3 hour nap the next day, it was way fun!

Yesterday was our official anniversary - 6 YEARS! Can you believe that? Still freaks me out. But I am so glad to have the family I have and feel so blessed to be married to the person I am married too. He works so hard for all of us and is absolutely amazing! Thanks for everything Greg - I love you tons!

She's Definitely Growing!

2009-08-30T13:59:00.001-07:00

We are getting more and more excited as the date gets closer, but that also entails more and more stress and overwhelmed unpreparedness! My pregnancy brain and extreme fatigue are not helping at all! I constantly feel like we are just not quite ready, and considering I am only 3 weeks away from when I had Braden, it only makes it worse! I have nightmares about being in target and having my water break (no joke!) Although I am trying really hard to think positive and pray we make it to the end. :) (or close to it - might not want to be pregnant THAT long :))

32 weeks - I am thinkin this is the last of the prego pics! (sorry maria:))

Easy Girly Project

2009-08-23T19:21:00.000-07:00

I have found a new favorite project!! Fun project for that little girl in your house - 1/2 hour tops! Its so easy and fun - seriously the smocking is almost magical to watch. :) (I get really excited about this kind of stuff) My mind is thinking of so many ideas, I think it would be an easy maternity skirt as well! You can easily just hem the dress, or add a ruffle for some extra fun.
You can find the tutorial to this project here.

If you decide to make this, here are some tips: Hem the top of the dress anyway before the smocking, then just unpick where you want the straps to go. Also, wait for the smocking to completely dry before cutting! Mine kept shrinking more than I thought!
(If you have any questions- feel free to ask!)
Hope you enjoy little Daxlee!

For a Laugh

2009-08-23T10:02:00.001-07:00

My friend put this on her blog - I have never laughed so hard!!

20 minute skirt!

2009-08-11T09:51:00.000-07:00

If you can sew a straight line you can make this!! So simple - it will fit ANYONE, but the knit waistband makes it particularly good for a growing belly. Make sure you use a lightweight cotton, mine was a little heavier, so I made it more of a straight cut. You can have fun and add a border on the bottom, or even some pockets ( I was too lazy for that though ) or just keep it simple and comfy!! Check out the easy to follow directions here.

Nothing like 10 minutes away!

2009-08-10T07:57:00.000-07:00

Yogurt Muffins

2009-08-05T12:41:00.001-07:00

I just LOVE what health(ier) things you can do with yogurt! These are way good! No one will know they are good for you because they are so moist! You have to try them -

1 C White Whole Wheat Flour or Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
1 C Old fashioned oats
1/4 C flaxseed (opt)
1/2 C Brown Sugar (I use honey though)
1 1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
1/2 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. Cinnamon
1/2 C raisins or craisins
1 C Light Vanilla or strawberry Yogurt
1 Large Egg, lightly beaten
2 Tbl. Canola Oil
(I added 1/2 C Dark Chocolate chips)

Mix all dry ing. and wet ing. seperately.
Combine and mix until blended.
Bake at 375 for 20-22 min.
ENJOY!

Just for Memories

2009-08-05T12:34:00.000-07:00

So coupon clipping and deal searching have been a big part of my life for the past two years. Its hilarious how much I get into it now; and I was always the one who said I didn't have time to clip coupons! Since moving to Utah the deals have been VERY hard to come by and hard to get!!! But last week I scored pretty good - there are people out there who can do WAY better than this, but this is just a funny picture for my own memories!
Retail Value: 183.86
Paid: $61.20
Saved: 67%, $122.66
(I even forgot some things in this picture: pampers diapers, 2 boxes of cheerios, 2lb. cheese, 2 deodorants, and a peanut butter)

Love the Grocery Game - if you sign up you better say I referred you!! (lsmartin22@yahoo.com) :)

More Creations

2009-08-02T22:32:00.001-07:00

This is probably turning too much into a "Laura Projects" blog - sorry about that!
Here is a maternity dress I finished a couple weeks ago. Its a little snug up top and definitely not perfect, but I am learning as a go!
I think I am going through a phase where I worry I won't be able to sew again after the baby, so too much sewing and too little mommy/son time is the result. I am going to be better this week! :)
(I have no idea why its such poor quality - sorry!)

2009-07-26T22:07:00.000-07:00

Who could ever say no to this little face?

A week in the Mountains

2009-07-26T20:50:00.000-07:00

Forgot to post this - we just had a fun little vacation up in Estes Park. Unfortunately Greg couldn't come with us, so my Aunt (who is like my sister) and her kids came with us. Braden LOVED being surrounded by kids!! He loved fishing with grandpa, riding horses with Aunt Catherine, and the Hayride! He was in heaven (and I didn't mind him being entertained the whole week :))

Mod(est)ify and a Wedding

2009-07-19T22:32:00.000-07:00

So it can be done. I was in my friends wedding and had to "mod(est)ify" (or make modest) a strapless dress. I figured out a pretty easy pattern from looking at many others and it wasn't too bad! So let me know if you are ever in a bind and need to do the same, I have lots of pointers. :)
Before:

After:

It was so fun to be able to go back to Colorado and be in my Best Friend from High School's wedding! We haven't been able to see each other a lot since high school, but it was so fun to be able to spend the weekend together. It totally brought back so many fun memories of the good times we shared! She is one of the kindest people you will meet and so sweet, she can make friends with anyone! I was so lucky to be a part of her special day! Congrats Heather and Brian!

To my baby girl,

2009-07-06T14:34:00.000-07:00

Life has been so crazy, that I feel like this pregnancy is just flying by! I can't believe the waiting is half way done! We are all very excited to meet you, but slightly scared of the changes it will bring. But I know it will all be so worth it. Here is an update of the pregnancy:

- We found out we were pregnant on Valentines Day!
- I was WAY more nauseous this time, at least it felt like it, and it lasted until 17 weeks, rather than 10 with your big brother.
- Instead of always craving chocolate, I really just want the bad stuff, like hamburgers, French fries, and pizza - VERY weird for me!
- You are getting more active in there, but still nothing like your brother. He would kick continuously and you are definitely more gentle. :)
- My back pains aren't horrible yet, and I can still sleep through the night! I am so grateful for that!
- I am still tired, but not near as bad as in the beginning, I have a lot more energy and am just grateful that I am not throwing up all day anymore!
- We are having a hard time finding a name for you, seriously!! Its stressing me out!
- Your big brother Braden is very excited; he is always saying "baby sister is in Mommy's tummy." (The other day while Greg was in the gas station I started talking to Braden about his baby sister. When Greg came out and drove away he started crying thinking we were supposed to have bought his baby sister there or something. It was pretty funny!)

We can't wait to meet you and are so excited for you to join our family!
24 weeks

4th of July in Utah

2009-07-05T21:36:00.000-07:00

WOW - Never knew how big of a deal holiday's were here. :) Parades in every city and activities galore. (Greg is so excited! lol :)) Anyway - we got to spend the day with my sister Jen and some of my family, it was way fun to see Braden playing with my little cousins. I think he had one of the best day's of his life!

Can't miss the Parade - although the sirens terrified Braden!

Greg got to go mountain biking with the guys - they had a blast!

We discovered Braden's favorite toy. I think he spent 4 or 5 hours on this thing and he would have spent 5 more if we let him!

This is what moving can do to ya!

2009-07-01T09:39:00.000-07:00

We Made it!

2009-06-25T14:25:00.000-07:00

So we arrived here safe and sound! It was a crazy, hectic, and a long adventure, but now almost every box is unpacked! (Thanks to awesome family members!) We are still getting adjusted, but really like it so far. Braden still thinks we are at Grandpa's house and asks to go there while we are out and about. Don't know when thats going to hit him. :(
The first night we were here he saw his toddler bed (which we haven't been using yet) and asked to sleep in that instead of the crib. So we let him. He totally adjusted, fell out only once and still calls for me in the morning. Awesome!

We'll Miss You Tucson!

2009-06-17T21:01:00.000-07:00

So I'm sure half of this is due to pregnancy, but being slightly emotional is an understatement of how I feel about leaving Tucson. For some reason I am so at peace with this place, I have met people that forever have influenced my life, I love the warm peaceful nights desert feeling, the gorgeous sunsets,and that is only the beginning! I really feel as though this is probably the hardest move I have ever had to go through, and that's a lot considering how much I have moved in my life. I know that Utah will be great and I will meet many people I adore there as well, but it doesn't make leaving this place any easier! We have spent the last month trying to take it all in by just enjoying everything that Tucson has to offer. I also got to spend a couple days up at girls camp and that was a great goodbye! I will always remember these adorable girls and amazing leaders that I have been able to work with for the past year.
Thanks to all of you for making our life this year in Tucson so amazing! We will miss you!

Photo Album of Tucson -
(Unfortunately I am missing a lot of pictures of good friends! EMAIL ME! :))

How much would you pay?

2009-06-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

Ok - so I may have an awesome opportunity to sell some aprons in an adorable little cupcake/bakery shop. I just can't figure out how much to charge. Obviously the owner would get a cut, so I need to figure out if its worth the time. What do you think?? How much would you pay for one?

Mom and Daughter set-

(sorry - didn't get a good pic)-

Ok - People

2009-06-07T18:38:00.001-07:00

Is this better?? I promise its there!!!
20 weeks

Okay - Here it is

2009-06-02T15:21:00.000-07:00

Here is one of my first creations - kind of funky, but fun. Its slightly tight for my pregnant body, so it may have to wait to be worn again. Need to move onto maternity shirts.

And here is a side view for all of you who keep asking for it! I really wish I would just POP some more (I hate that "in between" stage) Although, I'm really close!
19 1/2 Weeks

Here is just something fun - diaper rashes call for desperate measures! :)

ps- went in for our big ultrasound today, everything is great and yes - she's still a girl! Now we really got to get thinking on names, we are having the hardest time!

No, this isn't my Laundry

2009-05-27T08:48:00.000-07:00

Although - it totally looks like it!

I have been feeling A LOT better lately and feel like my life is back!! YAY!!!
So Last week I took Braden and drove down to Sandiego for a very special visit! My sole purpose was to buy fabric. For those of you who have seen my sewing room and the hoards of fabric I already have, you are probably shocked. But this was a once in a lifetime opportunity, (well maybe not that dramatic). Greg's cousin is married to a girl who LOVES to sew too, so once we discovered this we were really excited. She lives by a swap meet that sells tons of awesome fabric for less than a dollar a yard! I probably came home with over 100 yards of fabric!!

So here's to cheap clothes for me and the soon to be little one!! This is my attempt to keep from buying so much for her! :) Wish me luck (in all the time I have right now!)

The countdown is on - 3 1/2 weeks until moving date. :( I have barely packed a thing!
ps- thanks for all the comments - we are way excited!

2009-05-13T14:34:00.000-07:00

So I was too excited and shocked to wait. We haven't had our 'official' ultrasound yet, but the tech at Greg's work took a look for us and is 95% sure!! Greg and I stared at each other in SHOCK! I really thought I would have all boys! :) I am so excited though!! And terrified that I am going to go broke!!

Elmo's new dance partner!

2009-05-08T09:25:00.000-07:00

For the Grandparents!

2009-05-03T19:54:00.000-07:00

Lets lighten the mood from the last few posts with a story :)

The funniest thing about this is that ever since he learned how to say animal sounds he only uses the sound to refer to the animal and won't use the real name. So funny! (Thats why a Lion is a "roar.")

Bear with me – needing to Vent

2009-04-26T18:21:00.001-07:00

More changes to come…

Some
of you may already know, but besides having a new baby coming into our home in a few months, we are undertaking another unexpected change! This picture pretty much explains how I have been feeling since I found out-

(Probably on the verge of a nervous breakdown)

Greg has had an amazing opportunity to switch residencies and study at the UNIVERSITY OF UTAH! Yay! We are really excited about this, considering the program in Arizona is nothing what it was when he interviewed here. I am so happy for him, and trying so hard to only be supportive, but to be honest the number of tears cannot be counted!

I DON'T WANT TO GO!

Nothing against Utah at all, I just hate moving and I LOVE IT HERE!! I only have had a small taste of what Arizona offers. I LOVE my ward and my calling in the YW, I LOVE all of the friends that I have made and am still making, I LOVE going running year round, I LOVE the weather, I can take Braden out every day to do something, I love that we can walk to the pool and the park year round, I love my house and my backyard – and the work I have put into it makes me SICK! It's not only that I HATE HATE HATE moving (which everyone probably knows), it's not even the process so much as it is in taking more time to find our 'home' I was just being able to really feel like this was 'home,' that we belonged here, but having to switch all that up, be the new person again, try and find friends, just does not sound exciting anymore. J

It's just too soon.

Sorry – I just had to get that off my chest – I have been so negative and whiney lately (blame it on pregnancy) and am going to try to be the most supportive wife possible. If anyone has suggestions of where to live in Salt Lake – let us know! And – if anyone wants to rent a house in Tucson, let us know. J

I know that faith in the Lord will only make this all possible, it's all for the best, at least I will always be surrounded by those I love, but in the short term it's just so hard!

I am trying to stay focused on the right things, and do what Dory says, "just keep swimming!" J

It’s positive!

2009-04-23T14:52:00.001-07:00

We are excited to say that we are expecting!

YAY!

Although I wish I really felt that way. I have been so miserable. Starting at 10 weeks on the nausea just got increasingly worse (the opposite of what happened with Braden) it's to the point where I think I am done after this! (Although I remember saying that the first time) I really, really hate this part of pregnancy. I also hate how I feel like my body is changing so much faster this time around, but I guess that's expected with the second.

I am so tired of being hungry - but nothing sounding good, tired of throwing up non-stop, tired of the disgusting taste that is ALWAYS in my mouth, tired of being tired, tired of eating the same bland things over and over, tired of not being able to cook any dinner and eating crappy food, tired of not being able to go jogging – I miss it so much – but even mopping my floor leaves me laying on the bathroom floor all day, tired of a messy house, its just no fun! I am almost 14 weeks and hope the end is soon, but we will see!

I think the amount of cartoons my child has watched is keeping PBS in business and makes me feel like the worst mom ever! But there are just some things you gotta do! I have to admit Greg has been amazing throughout this whole thing, taking on laundry, bathrooms, dishes, etc. Couldn't live without his help! I am lucky that they have nausea pills which have made it somewhat possible to go on with life. I can only take one a day and they last 5-6 hours, so I have to choose wisely – mostly when I have to go to church, mutual, or much needed errands – the rest of the time, it's usually miserable!

K – Done complaining! Sorry!

So hopefully this explains my lack of phone calls, cards, presents, you know –everything that I have been slacking on the past couple months!

Happy Easter

2009-04-13T07:36:00.000-07:00

This year was the first Braden dyed eggs, ya we all ended up with green hands, but it was fun! :) We were glad to try and teach him about the real reason for Easter and enjoyed all the fun festivities that went along with it.
The Egg Hunt

Some of Our finished products

It was a big accomplishment that Greg and I cooked the WHOLE dinner for easter. We were proud! :) Complete with Ham, Cauliflower mashed potatoes, spinach strawberry salad, whole wheat rolls, and veggies to munch on. YUM! I was planning
on making homemade strawberry shortcake, but ran out of steam!

Hope everyone had a great easter!

Can't Forget

2009-04-09T20:14:00.000-07:00

So tonight I was driving to meet Greg. Braden started saying "Jesus a Car" I thought there was a picture of him on a car somewhere. We pull up to the light and he says "right there, Jesus" I looked to the right and saw an old man with a long white beard and long white hair, with a bandanna looking thing on his head. I started laughing and couldn't bring myself to explain it all to a 2 year old. We lost the car and he was very worried asking, "where did Jesus go?" the whole ride home. Tonight in his prayers when we said "Thank you for Jesus," he repeated adding "a car" at the end of the sentence!! So funny!

Love the Phrase of this Phase

2009-04-08T19:13:00.000-07:00

Braden is in a Phase right now where he says "ya teese" or (yes please) to every question we ask him. Even if we ask if he saw the train. So cute! Gotta love it! (hope it lasts long :))

Quick Weekend Get-away

2009-04-07T07:55:00.000-07:00

This past weekend were able to go on a short 4 day trip to Coronado island in San Diego. Almost all of our trips we go on are compliments of my dad and his business trips, we are so lucky for all the fun places he invites us to! And being able to meet him and my mom there made it even better! It was in the 60's the first 3 days and we were FREEZING! (Arizona had ruined us!) Only brought one little jacket each, but it was still a fun time.

This is how Braden looks every time we leave on a road trip - He loves getting out and experiencing new things! (The sleeping part is just hard for us! But we ended up putting him in the bathroom, and all was good :) - gotta do what you gotta do!)

We went to the San Diego Zoo - AMAZING! This was the coolest thing we saw. I had no idea Hippo's could be this big!

Gotta love the beach!

We rented this little contraption to ride around the boardwalk, SO FUN!! Braden LOVED it!

On the go bars!

2009-03-31T18:29:00.000-07:00

These are the best! I have always been on the search for a yummy homemade and healthy granola bar. These are the perfect balance between yummy and healthy - anyone will like them! Something to snack on that is better for you!! You have to try them!

Walnut and Dried Cherry Bars
(I call them Yummy Bars)

1 C quick cooking Oats
3/4 C Whole-Wheat pastry flour, White whole wheat Flour, or just whole wheat flour
1/4 C toasted wheat Germ
1 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
1/4 tsp. Salt
1/2 C Honey
1/3 C unsweetened Applesauce
1/4 C Canola Oil
1 egg, beaten
1 egg white
3/4 C Chopped dried tart cherries
1/2 C finely chopped walnuts
1/4 C "Fruit Only" preserves

(some of these ingredients can be hard to find. I usually find everything at Trader Joes, but I am sure whole foods would carry the tart cherries and fruit preserves. Wheat Germ is sold at your grocery store.)

Combine dry ingredients. In seperate bowl combine wet ingredients (excluding perserves) Mix both together well, place in lightly greased 8x8 pan and bake for 30 minutes at 350. Bring preserves to boil in small saucepan. Spread a thin layer across bars right when they get out of oven, let cool completely, cut into bars about 4 x 1 1/2 inches, and store in airtight container.

Hope You Enjoy!!
(I got this recipe from one of my favorite shows on the Food Network called Healthy Appetite!)

Just Wait and See

2009-03-31T18:03:00.000-07:00

We have accomplished a huge accomplishment for us - we planted a garden!!! I had to request it as my birthday wish, otherwise it might have been a project that got put on the back burner. We started small - with tomatoes, strawberry's, squash, and some herbs. So now all we have to do is wait. We really have no idea what we are doing, but I am excited to see if we get some fun things to eat!!

Roomate Reunion!

2009-03-16T17:51:00.000-07:00

College was a way fun time of life!! I will never forget all the great people I met and of course my adorable roomates. We have done a pretty good job at keeping in touch, being able to get together a couple times. This past weekend we had a small reunion at none other than Cafe Rio (our favorite place) - we missed the rest of you though!!
This was the only picture I could find of back in the good old days of apartment #102-sad I don't have one of us all :(

This was in 2006 at costa vida

This is some of us today - Way different with a kid on each hip :) So fun though!!
(and yes I am the only one that had a boy first - go figure :))

Braden and Ginny's little girl Charlotte

The things we come up with

2009-03-02T21:15:00.000-08:00

What we do when we're bored :)

Such a 'Cool' Place

2009-03-02T18:27:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard of Cool Cuts?? So awesome - Cool Haircutting for kids. They let you sit in a little firetruck and watch your own personal movie! Braden Loved it! I loved Braden's blonde locks, but it was just too messy, he needed a clean up. :) So we tried it out!
Before:

After:

Okay, Okay

2009-02-13T13:51:00.001-08:00

EVERYONE keeps asking me to put up pictures of my house. I have to say I have been sort of reluctant. Some days I really love it, and others I think I am in a circus. :) But if you read my painting experience, you will understand why it is how it is. So here you go:

I am so project'd out! I had dreams of painting the bedroom and the bathroom, but I am exhausted! I think we are done for awhile. We painted our kitchen table black, made the artwork in the kitchen, recovered the chair (there is still another one I haven't done yet), made new pillows for couch (still need to make more), made the drapes, painted all the furniture white, and I'm sure there was more! I am DONE!!

How Old are You?

2009-02-09T06:21:00.000-08:00

This is the question Greg decided he no longer answers, or waits for a guess before he does. :) He just had his birthday yesterday and feels there is no need anymore to express an age. We'll let you all guess too. So I asked Greg what he wanted to do for his birthday, this is what he decided -
The Titan Missile Museum :) (So Greg!)

It actually wasn't as bad as I thought - pretty interesting, and something I knew nothing about.

We also celebrated by having to speak in church and Greg had to give a lesson, something that would totally ruin my birthday, but he was a good sport about it!
Happy Birthday Honey! We Love you!

My Baby is 2!!!

2009-02-01T14:55:00.000-08:00

Today is Braden's birthday! I can't get over it, how does it go by so fast? I constantly try to remind myself to enjoy each and every moment, but it still flies by. We had a really busy week this week. (well I did) I taught a "healthy foods" midweek activity (if you want some great healthy recipes check THIS out!), then had to get ready for new beginnings (for YW), which included setting up decorations. It turned out so great though, and I think the girls loved it! Then we ended with Braden's birthday party last night. So fun! We had banana monkey cupcakes and banana splits. What can I say? Braden is definitely our little monkey! It was tons of fun!

Who is this child?

2009-01-17T19:24:00.000-08:00

I'm sure every mother can say they have had 'episodes' where they wonder where their adorable little child has gone. A couple nights ago we went up to phoenix for a couple days to see my dad who was on a business trip there. We got there kind of late and weren't as punctual as we usually are about his bedtime. Soon he was completely giddy and unwilling to go to bed or settle down. This continued for 2 1/2 hours. We then decided to just throw him in the crib and be firm. This resulted in way too much screaming for a hotel. So we turned the TV on. Oh no, not my child - he is only heavily stimulated by the TV. By this point we were frustrated. I have prided myself and how well he always goes to bed. He is usually amazing, what was going on?? Soon Greg and Grandpa took him on a drive. He screamed bloody murder for 45 minutes and finally conked out. While getting him into bed, he woke and started screaming again. 3 1/2 hours have elapsed. Our neighbors bang on the wall and file a complaint. We take him outside again, left without any options. Soon Grandpa took him off all alone for another 45 minutes and he finally fell asleep in his arms! (this also has RARELY happened) We finally got him down by 1:30 AM (started at 9) - it was horrible realization, we have no control over our son!!

(ps - the trip ended being fun, it just started out as a nightmare!)

Seriously, I have no explanation.

2009-01-06T07:30:00.000-08:00

In response to my last post, I know its totally crazy! I really have no idea how we all ended up looking so alike - its weird to me too! (But fun to have so many sisters!!) This picture makes it even more scary!

The Fourth and Last

2009-01-05T12:15:00.000-08:00

Its exciting that Greg has no more single brothers! We just got back from Las Vegas where we attended his wedding. It was so fun to see everyone! The Martin Family is finally complete!

New words are so much fun!

2008-12-28T16:07:00.000-08:00

We are all obsessed and fascinated by how fast Braden can learn new words, and its always so fun to listen to him!

Fun Times

2008-12-28T12:10:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a great christmas! We had a great time. We got to go to Fort Collins and visit my family. Everyone was there and Braden LOVED all the attention! It was so fun to be around them (and some snow :)) during the holidays. Here are a few pics from the week.

Our annual tradition of Gingerbread!
(this is Braden's reaction when we tell him to smile! ) :)

This is what consumed our Christmas Day! - Guitar Hero - world tour -

Curiosity takes awhile...

2008-12-10T18:10:00.000-08:00

It's that time again

2008-12-03T19:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas Cards!! AHHH - the stress of December. :) I am trying to get them done early this year. LOL! I know I am missing a lot of addresses. PLEASE send me your address if you have moved within the last year!! You know who you are. :) You can leave a comment or email lsmartin22@yahoo.com - I am not totally sure we sent our new address out either. Let me know if you need it, we love to get those cards!!! :)

So Thankful!

2008-12-01T12:18:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving seemed to just fly past us this year! It seems like ever since Halloween, christmas has been everywhere. And now it's only around the corner! I am suddenly completely overwhelmed. :) We were able to drive up to meet greg's family in LA where all of Greg's extended family live. We stayed with his grandparents and had such a fun time!! Unfortunately I didn't get that many pictures - but I can say I am so thankful for so many things in my life. I could probably write for hours, but try to refrain from all cheesy-ness. :) So short and sweet - I am so thankful for my family (all of them!). I feel so blessed to have an amazing husband who cares so much about me and is ALWAYS willing to help out! He is one of the best dad's I know. He is Braden's best bud and I just love how adorable their relationship is. I am also so thankful for my religion and the guidance it gives me in my life, I don't know where I would be without it. I hope I can always find the time to stop life for a moment and ponder on how blessed I am!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

How about this at your back door?

2008-11-11T09:04:00.001-08:00

The bugs here are CRAZY! Braden's response, "Ewww!"

I Want a Wife!

2008-11-04T20:37:00.001-08:00

So last night Greg and I were looking through an old textbook from BYU. It had some pretty funny essays in it. This one made me smile. J

Why I want a Wife

Judy Syfers

I belong to that classification of people known as wives. I am a wife. And, not altogether incidentally, I am a mother. .. I was ironing one evening; it suddenly occurred to me that I would like to have a wife. Why do I want a wife?

I would like to go back to school so that I can become economically independent, support myself and, if need be, support those dependent on me. I want a wife who will work and send me to school. And while I am going to school I want a wife to take care of my children. I want a wife to keep track of the children's doctor and dentist appointments. And to keep track of mine, too. I want a wife to make sure my children eat properly and are kept clean. I want a wife who will wash the children's clothes and keep them mended. I want a wife who is a good nurturing attendant to my children, who arranges for their schooling, makes sure that they have an adequate social life with their peers, takes them to the park, the zoo, etc. I want a wife who takes care of the children when they are sick, a wife who arranges to be around when the children need special care, because, of course I cannot miss classes at school.

I want a wife who will take care of my physical needs. I want a wife who will keep my house clean. A wife who will pick up after my children, a wife who will pick up after me. I want a wife who will keep my clothes clean, ironed, mended, replaced when need be, and who will see to it that my personal things are kept in their proper place so that I can find what I need the minute I need it. I want a wife who cooks the meals, a wife who is a good cook, I want a wife who will plan menus, do the necessary grocery shopping, prepare the meals, serve them pleasantly, and then do the cleaning up while I do the studying. I want a wife who will care for me when I am sick and sympathize with my pain and loss from school. I want a wife to go along when our family takes a vacation so that someone can continue to care for me and my children when I need a rest and a change of scene.

I want a wife who will not bother me with rambling complaints about a wife's duties. But I want a wife who will listen to me when I feel the need to explain a rather difficult point I have come across in my course of studies. And I want a wife who will type my papers for me when I have written them.

I want a wife who will take care of the details of my social life. When my wife and I are invited out by my friends, I want a wife who will take care of the babysitting agreements. When I meet people at school that I like and want to entertain, I want a wife, who will have the house clean, will prepare a special meal, serve it to me and my friends, and not interrupt when I talk about points of interest with my friends. I want a wife who will have arranged that the children are fed and ready for bed before my guests arrive so that the children do not bother us. I want a wife who takes care of the needs of my guests so that they feel comfortable, make sure they have hors d' oeuvres, that they are offered a second helping, and their glasses are replenished when need be. And I want a wife who knows that some nights I need a night to myself.

Goodness. Who wouldn't want a wife?

Greg finished reading this and said, "wow, you really do do a lot!" - I just smiled. J

PS – this is no offense to Greg, he is such a great help and so willing to help when I need it, I just thought this was so funny!

Kids make Holidays so much Fun!

2008-10-31T20:11:00.000-07:00

We had a lot of fun for Halloween this year. Braden is already getting brainwashed into golf! Here's our little golfer! (warning: picture overload - I couldn't choose which ones to cut out!)

Greg is the "caddy," and I am the "drink girl," Its kind of hard to see what we are wearing.

Greg got home kind of late, and it gets SO dark here so fast, but we were still able to hit a few houses. :)

He would not let go of the pumpkin the whole night!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Thanks for posting all of your fun costumes! I love looking at them!

Tribute to Edward and Bella

2008-10-31T08:07:00.000-07:00

I Miss This

2008-10-28T11:14:00.000-07:00

I will always think of Ohio during this time of year! This was the most beautiful time of all! I will always miss the gorgeous scenery, but I think I can do without the cold that came along with it :)

Gotta do the Pumpkin Farm!

2008-10-26T19:34:00.000-07:00

We all know that half the reason we go to the pumpkin farm is for the pictures! We were so excited to find out that there was a pumpkin farm in Arizona, who knew? It looked a little fried from the sun, but not too bad. We were able to go with our friends from our ward who have a little boy Braden's age. Braden really enjoys playing with him, so we were excited to go. Of course, Braden turned out to be a little grumpy, so no adorable happy pictures, but still pictures! :)

Braden's not quite as smiley as his friend Logan. :) Still a cute picture though.

Braden OVERLOAD

2008-10-23T11:51:00.000-07:00

So, I love looking at other people's blogs and reading all of their kids' updates. I realized I haven't given an update on Braden since he was 12 months! Because this is more like my journal, I thought I should try and capture him and all the funny things he does right now in his life. (this is mostly for the grandparents, so beware of an overload. :) )

Braden is almost 21 months old. He weighs 29 lbs.! (He is SOLID) and is about 33 inches tall.

Ever since we moved he has become more clingy, and the transition to nursery has been kind of hard, but he is getting a lot better. It depends on the day whether he will want to be a mommy's boy or a daddy's boy. He wakes up no later than 6:30 every morning - ugh!

He says a few words including: daddy, grandpa (bompa), birdy, car, outside, water, cracker, cookie, dog, train or choo choo, and ball. The only words he still signs are food, milk, all done, and please.
He makes noises of bear, lion (thats his favorite), dog, snake, monkey, cow, cat, airplane, and train.

The funniest word he says is "Eww," He picked it up after he witnessed me running around the kitchen screaming 'eww' while trying to kill a grasshoper. (it was a traumatic experience)
He also says eww if there is anything sticky on his hands. He hates it!

Whenever he is comfortable he will just lay back and lock his fingers together. - SO FUNNY! He mostly does this in his car seat and sometimes falling asleep.

His favorite toys are Airplanes, trains, he loves playing golf, reading books and throwing balls. His favorite movie is "Cars"
This is him winding up to throw the ball.

This is how I get ready in the morning. (mostly on his clingy days :))

This is how I cook! I know very unsafe, he just won't settle for a stool or a chair - too short to see whats going on.

He's a pretty good eater. He would be happy if all he had to eat was bread, cheese, and milk. He will only eat bananas, oranges, and grapes in the fruit category and LOVES peas and brocolli. He loves cottage cheese, yogurt, and string cheese. LIke I said HE LOVES cheese and Milk!

He loves to go out! Whether its outside or in the car to run errands. I have to go somewhere atleast once a day or we both go crazy! He is way happier when we do!

He has always had the most hilarious expressions. But one that he has done for as long as we can remember is the 'zoolander face' he does it when he is surprised at something and usually follows it with a "wow." When he was a baby we would squeeze his nose and he would do the same face. So funny! It makes us laugh every time!

Love this boy!

Easy Craft Project!

2008-10-15T12:46:00.000-07:00

This project is for all who can sew! SO So So easy! I am so excited, because I have needed something to hold all my electrical cords/chargers/batteries, etc. They never seem to have a home. I took a piece of cardboard, cut out two pieces of fabric slightly larger. Cut vinyl into three long strips (making it bigger on the top, so its kind of a triangle shape). Cover the top of vinyl with binding, and sew on to create pockets! Attach right sides together of fabric to form a large pillowcase shape and slide cardboard in. Attach ribbon at top anyway you like. Then I used my amazing, can't live without, label maker to label the pockets. Perfect!

I love finding new ways to keep organized! If any of you have good ideas tell me - I want to know!

Hawaii...again?

2008-10-05T19:36:00.000-07:00

Trust me, we never stop pinching ourselves. We feel so blessed to be able to have these amazing experiences! This week we got to go with my parents to Kauai. Unfortunately, the rest of the family was not able to make it, but we had a blast with just us and my parents! Braden seriously learned so much this week, his talking is totally coming along. He learned 'grandpa' right away, and was completely attached to him the entire week! (sorry dad) He learned how to say bird, water, turtle, outside, and can say the sounds of many animals. Its so fun to watch him grow up, but sad a the same time.(it goes by way to fast) So here are some pics from our trip - sorry, there are at ton!

Thanks for a great week mom and dad!!

Now its my Turn

2008-09-10T21:22:00.000-07:00

Its been awhile since I have done these things, but what the hey! Haley tagged me and it's a pretty fun one! 6 quirks about me (boy can I limit it to 6?)

1) I hate when people blow their nose! Its a ginormous (is that a word) pet peeve of mine! It just grosses me out - which is bad, because Greg can alarm the whole neighborhood with his blow. (no offense honey : )

2) I am a little overly obsessed with being frugal and not wasting a thing! Ever since I started the grocery game, I seriously cannot buy something if its not on sale. However I have a bigger problem, because I buy everything that is on sale!

3) I hate wasting! I hate wasting food, paper, computer ink, gas, half opened cans of food, time, leftovers, fabric, even miles on my car (greg hates that one)! I save everything thinking there will be a use for it in the future, but it usually brings me to a moment of organizational crisis, and then I throw everything out. (doesn't make any sense)

4) I weigh myself everyday. I know - I can't believe I am admitting to this! It almost doesn't even matter what the scale says, I just have to do it daily. I think it sub-consciously makes me motivated to eat better or work out if need be. :)

5) I love to eat really healthy (although never limit my intake of chocolate). I can never put all the butter, oil, or sugar that is called for in a recipe. I always use substitutions or decrease the amount. I can only eat whole wheat bread, pasta, and tortilla's and I add weird things like wheat germ and flax seed to many recipes. (weird - I know)

6) I HATE being ridiculously early to the aiport! Uhhh - just thinking about it makes me squirm. Rushing somewhere to just sit in an uncomfortable chair for an hour, when I could be home working on one of my 50 unfinished projects, drives me nuts! An hour before is just right.

So there you go. I little more about me, I tag Ginny, Hatsuho, Lyndsay, Summer, and anyone who hasn't done this one yet!

5 years and a Wedding

2008-09-04T07:30:00.000-07:00

We are all doing much better! We found out Braden actually had salmonella (no idea what from) and I have two more kidney stones just waiting to attack. :) But we are feeling great now and so glad it is over with! We got better just in time to attend Greg's little brother's wedding in Boise, Idaho. They got married on our 5 year anniversary!! AHHHHHHHH - still freaks me out to say that! It actually was very romantic being able to attend someones wedding for our anniversary!
The Sisters: (we look alot more alike than my own sisters)

We then got to drive down to Provo for a day and attend the BYU game. A fun and full packed weekend!
.

When it Rains it Pours

2008-08-24T20:20:00.000-07:00

I'm not looking for any sympathy or anything, but oh my gosh - what a weekend. Greg wasn't supposed to come home until sunday night. Friday Braden woke up still pretty sick and was getting me worried. I had a sharp pain on my left side and no pain killers were working. It got to the point where I knew I had to do something fast. I was so worried about Braden, but the minute my ward heard I was in trouble, they totally stepped up! I have never been so greatful for everyone's help. My friend took my sick baby all day, while I ended up in the emergency room with a kidney stone! It was horrible timing considering I still couldn't even talk to greg and my mom had left two days ago!! All things worked out though, greg was able to fly home saturday morning, while someone in my ward stayed the night with us to make sure we were ok. This morning braden woke up even worse, we ended having to take him in as well! We are waiting on some tests, but he has been improving. I am still on pain killers and so glad greg is home!! I don't know what I would have done without all of our new friends who were so willing to help! I Can never thank them enough!
-what a weekend to top of a stressful week of painting :) -

Why do I make things so hard??

2008-08-20T23:28:00.000-07:00

Greg has left me this week. He went camping with his brothers in the middle of no where - where cell phones don't work! yes - it has been hard. But my mom came to visit, I was way excited. She was coming to help me paint! Yay - not that big of a deal right? WRONG!!! OH MY GOSH - horrible experience - we both are incredibly indecisive and exhausted. I usually am pretty confident in what I want done with my house, but after an already failed attempt at the color in my kitchen, I have lost all confidence. So the two of us together are not a good match, and the stupid Olympics sucked us in every night, so the lack of sleep didn't help either! It didn't help money does not grow on trees - which made this process even worse!

Here was some of my inspiration - Which I thought would help, but it only made it more complicated!

I just had to document our incredibly long week - sorry this will probably be boring!

Thur. - mom arrives, go to dinner, stay up watching Olympics
Fri - Decide if we paint the family room (which is huge), the color in the kitchen might not look so bad. Spend all morning at paint stores getting chips. Narrow the choices, spend all afternoon going back and getting samples $. Spent that night painting boards, stay up watching Olympics.
Sat - Decide on a paint, hesitantly go buy the paint $. Start painting. Stop to cook dinner and prepare my Sunday lesson, finish half the room while staying up watching Olympics.
Sun- Go to church, unsure of the paint color.
Mon - Still unsure of color, spend all morning considering if we should repaint it. (but money does not flow abundantly). Decide to repaint the kitchen (which is probably what we should have done in the first place). Spend all day driving all over town trying to find chips. Come home to narrow choices. Finish painting family room, while watching Olympics.
Tue - Go get many samples $. Paint boards, spend all morning trying to pick one. Find out we have to prime the kitchen first! UGH, decide to go out to eat - need a mental break! Go buy the paint we chose $, stay up all night watching Olympics while priming and then laying down first coat of paint in kitchen! TOOK FOREVER!
Wed - Wake up to an extremely loud color. Very cute, but maybe a little too much. Want to cry by this point! Braden is also sick and throwing up! (of course) Finally pick another more subtle color (we can only hope), go buy the paint $. Drop mom off at the airport! I have to Finish it tonight while, - you guessed it, - watching MORE Olympics! They suck you in!!

MOM THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP!! So sorry it was so dramatic! :)

(pictures coming soon of the end result)
...(if I am brave enough) :)

Just Gotta Laugh

2008-07-31T10:55:00.000-07:00

Just as always, the moment Braden has eaten breakfast and gotten dressed, he begs to go outside. Greg and I think he is going to be a forest ranger or something. :) This morning, while I was working on some of my many projects outside I heard a splash. I soon realized all in one moment that the pool was still full of water ( I thought greg had emptied it) and that Braden had just gotten a new diaper and clean clothes. He loves the water - so I just had to laugh and decided to start playing bubbles with him. Thats how life goes :)

Projects, Projects, Projects

2008-07-17T14:12:00.000-07:00

I don't know about the rest of you, but I am the queen of piling up projects! I always have so many on my plate, and continue to add more! Moving to a new house has not helped this problem one bit. I think my list just tripled. I have so many things I am planning on making, doing, or painting and the list is forever! But Greg's parents came out to help us move in and Greg and his dad seriously remodeled Braden's room in one day! I was so impressed - we could not have done it without Greg's dad- he's amazing!! So here is one project off of the list - Braden's bedroom. I will post more before and afters after I get more of the house done.

New Language?

2008-07-12T20:11:00.000-07:00

I have no idea where this came from, but I have been hearing this non-stop for the past two days! Its so funny! Greg says I shouldn't encourage it anymore, but I just had to - one last time! It totally makes me laugh!
(you'll have to pause the music on the bottom of the right hand column to really hear it)

Traumatic Experience

2008-07-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

1st 'real' Haircut!

Ok - so it wasn't that traumatic, Braden actually does really good, he just sits and eats a little snack while I cut his hair, but this time it was traumatic for me! I am (or was) so in love with his long blonde hair, and was determined to keep it like that. But the heat hear is horrible! He is always so sweaty and started getting a heat rash! :( Thats what convinced me it was time. So we cut all that cute hair off. sad - I think I will get over it soon. lol

1/2 Way Done!

2008-07-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

Today was a big day, Greg started his "real" residency. He finally gets to start learning about what he is excited about (radiology). He was really excited this morning to put on a tag that said "Diagnostic Radiology" instead of "intern." The first one sounds way more exciting. :) This marks the exact (so we hope) middle point of starting med school and actually working for real!!! Yay!! Congrats greg! We are all so proud of your hard work!

It's FINALLY Official!

2008-06-28T20:16:00.000-07:00

I guess he just needed a new house for some inspiration. :)

We Made It!!

2008-06-26T15:20:00.001-07:00

The move resulted in a lot more drama and a longer car ride than we expected, but we made it - and received an amazing welcome!
(I am still getting over the shock that people live in this heat!)

I officially HATE Moving!

2008-06-16T15:38:00.000-07:00

I am totally grumpy this week, I hate moving! I hate change, I hate un-familiar places, I hate getting all un-organized for a month, I hate the money it takes to move, I hate it all! haha Ok - now that is off my chest. I guess I can say I like meeting new people (well after the initial awkwardness wears off) and I do like getting second chances on organizing and decorating. (Its probably a bad thing - I can't control myself) But as my house is completely upside down right now, I realized how much I am going to miss this little place. It has been so perfect for us and I just loved living here! So here are some pics, so I can always remember.

Grateful, Worried, or Both?

2008-06-16T13:08:00.001-07:00

So 16 1/2 months old and he has been doing this on and off for the past three weeks, but still prefers to crawl!!! I have heard a billion people tell me (for months now) its only around the corner. I probably should be grateful, which I am, but I can't carry him everywhere anymore! I know he knows how to - I think its the lack of determination that is the culprit. :) At least we caught some of his first steps on camera at Grandma's house!

A Whole New World

2008-06-05T18:29:00.000-07:00

So Braden just discovered that there was a whole new world out there - the Outside! He spends every second of every day begging me to go out. Maybe its a blessing we are going to be in warm weather year round pretty soon.

He loves to swing!

Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles - every minute if he could!

We went hiking once, and from then on he was addicted!

Always prepared to go outside at all times :)

Finally Introducing...

2008-05-09T10:18:00.001-07:00

I have been working on starting a little something on the side for a long time! Its only a small start, but hopefully I can keep it going and continually add more products. Right now I am selling Bags, Nursing Blankets, Burp Cloths, and Aprons. I should probably focus on just one item, but I have way too many ideas and can't limit them. :) Please take a look and let me know what you think. ANY comments, questions, or suggestions would be great!!

Life Comes to a Hault

2008-05-09T07:35:00.000-07:00

Last week our poor little guy got very sick! The day started totally normal until all of his breakfast came up right before lunch. From then on I had to sit right next to him to catch anything. (sorry for the gross details) I got worried very fast when he would just lay on me or the couch and go to sleep. This NEVER happens! He doesn't fall asleep in an hour long stroller ride at his nap time! He progressively got worse, with an increasing fever and got extremely larthargic. Of course knowing my luck, greg was on call and working all night. So I ended up going to my house - thank goodness for family! We finally took him to the doctor when he went 2 days with only a 1/2 cup of water, we were so worried! They just told us to wait it out. It brought back horrible memories of the beginning of his life in the hospital, when we were told the same thing. Although I was worried, I took in every minute of the three days of cuddling! It turned out that he had Rotavirus, but he is so much better now and we are glad it all turned out ok!

Winter Wonderland

2008-04-23T15:06:00.000-07:00

I know this sounds crazy, but I really think I am going to miss this. Last week we had another snow storm, and as each one comes I just have to take it all in! Soon the picture will be far and few between, if not at all! Even though snow can be so annoying, I just love it sometimes. First of all it's beautiful, and second, who doesn't love a day to have an excuse to lounge around in pajamas and slippers while cuddling and reading books. And evenings with hot soup, homemade bread, cookies right out of the oven and hot chocolate for dessert! I know this is hard to get excited about with spring so close, but I just want to remember how much I love the snow! I am going to miss it!

What happens when I'm gone...

2008-04-17T08:55:00.000-07:00

Now I know what happens when Braden hangs out with his Aunts Catherine and Jennifer. I was laughing so hard when I saw this!
(sorry the quality is so bad, its from a cell phone)
(you may have to pause the music over on the right hand side)

Daddy's Post-Call

2008-04-16T08:33:00.000-07:00

You can tell Braden has no one to play with, (Greg worked 30 or so hours yesterday) Sometimes getting dinner on the table is more important than clean clothes and a clean house.(although it did take me awhile to learn that:))

Where did you learn that?

2008-04-09T23:11:00.000-07:00

These past few weeks I am quickly coming to the realization that Braden is always watching! I can only imagine how scarier it is when kids talk. He is learning new things everyday. This includes brushing his hair with anything that resembles a hairbrush, rubs his head to style his hair, wearing my necklaces and headbands, talking on our cell phones, pushing the broom around the floor, stealing our toothbrushes out of the drawers and brushing his teeth, using utensils, trying to use the remote, and so much more. I do wonder who taught him how to throw food on the floor and scream so loudly. :)
He just always has to be involved with what we are doing. (which makes sewing projects really hard!) Now if only he could figure out the walking!!!