Just me

I have weird dreams. Last week I made out with a couple celebrities via dream of course. One, the guy on Bones who used to be Angel on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Second Seth Green (who was also on Buffy). I don't know why I like Seth Green, he is short and not really handsome, but I just like him.

Last night I dreamt that I was on The Biggest Loser and also that I rear ended someone because I was trying to drive from the passenger seat. Hmm.

So maybe I'm not on the Biggest Loser ( I don't really even watch that show) but I still trying to lose weight. My last day of bootcamp was on Friday and now I am going to FitnessWorks. I have been everyday this week trying out the classes. I am grateful for Kathi who helps motivate me to get to a 5:15 am class.

Speaking of being grateful, it's almost Thanksgiving. I have more things to be grateful for than I could list. I know I named the most important ones a while ago, so here are a few more.

-Doodlepads
-Internet
-Nature
-Rain and cloudy days
-Diet Dr. Pepper
-Little voices in my house
-A husband who can fix anything
-A family and in laws who I love to share my life with
-Beautiful fabrics
-Pretty things
-Lovely interior design pictures
-Friends who make me laugh
-Blogs that make me smile
-Watching 4 different little personalities develop
-Being inspired by amazing women everywhere
-The gospel and my membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the joy, comfort, hope, direction, purpose, and motivation it gives me.

In case you were wondering

Here's what has been going on with us.


Charlotte taking self portraits. She's really cute, I promise.

Henry showing and squeezing his muscles.

Charlotte giving Paisley a ride. Paisley equipped herself with a block bucket helmet.

Tucker smiling for the camera before getting his second set of tubes.

Nervously biting his fingers while wearing the cool socks.

S'mores around the fire pit and Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Couches continued

Okay, so we're not in desperate need of a couch right now, I just really want one. I've decided it's not that important that we get one right now and I am waiting until we have some medical expenses paid off (Paisley's birth-nicu, henry's tubes and tucker is getting tubes this friday). However, having said that I still can't help but "window shop" for couches on Craigslist. Here are the ones I like this week. Total mid-century modern, asking $500.

Really pretty 1940's tufted couch, asking $200.

Another mid-century, asking $300.

mom, look how strong am i

Everything my kids say cracks me up.
Tucker who speaks really well and understands so much still gets a lot of past tense words incorrect which is pretty cute. This morning he said, "Charlotte, it's not winneded, it's winned." I had to tell him it was actually won. You know, as in we won the race to get home even though Daddy pushed the speed button in his truck.

I love when Charlotte says, " You're kidding, right?" For some reason it is so cute. She still says her f's as w's which equals wancy, warty, wace, and so many other funny words. I picked her up from preschool yesterday and she said, " Mom, I learned a LOT more." She can write the first three letters of her name pretty well now, but she prefers to trace it. Her letter recognition is so much better, but she just doesn't pick it up like Tucker did. I am so happy that she loves, loves, loves school and I'm glad she gets another year of preschool.

Henry wants to talk on the phone to whoever I am talking to and the first thing he wants to say is motorcycle. He usually follows up with something about a helmet. He loves motorcycles. And Caillou (unfortunately). And construction trucks. And lipstick and shoes. I know. He says the best stuff. " Just kidding, Mom. It's just me." - after I pretend to be scared when he pretends to be a "procodile or a O-bot". He shows me his "muscles." Seems like such a big boy word. He says "no way, Jose" and finishes most of his sentences with "butt" just for fun. I follow up many words with the phrase "aronies", you know snuggle-ronies, weirdaronies, hugaronies. So anyway I called him Hankaronies the other day and he responded, " I not a ronies, I want some pepperonies." Well, okay.

Paisley doesn't say anything yet. But one look at that perfect, darling chubby face with the dimples is enough to fill me with joy every time. She does like to babble into her toy phone which is quite endearing too.

* I added a couple photos to my november's here post

My 501st post

So with Christmas coming up, I start thinking about all the things I would love to have. Some aren't that far out of reach. Here's hoping.

~I still want the green couch. Please Trent. He insists that me (and everyone who liked it on my blog) is crazy to want a 70's velvet green couch. But I want it bad.

~A rotary cutter and mat. Anyone have any favorite brands?

~Clothes. I've pretty much been pregnant or overweight for the last 3 years or so, so all my stuff is very flowy and it's all very old. With a couple exceptions like the walmart work out clothes and a couple of cheap shirts I bought. I'd happily take a gift certificate to TJMaxx, Ross, H&M, Forever 21 or anywhere with cute stuff that isn't a rip off. And a dress from shabbyapple.com please.

~.Shoes. I need shoes! I cannot remember the last time I got new shoes. I want black low top all star chucks. They have them at Target. I also need some good black heels and throw in some colored tights while your at it. I pick yellow.

~A guitar class for next semester at the local community college. Picture me on a stool strumming a song and singing along. Aaaah.

~Possibly a food processor. They have a coupon for them at Costco this month. Homemade salsa and vegetable purees to throw into my regular meals. Awesome.

~Contacts. I've been putting this off for months. Paisley still grabs my glasses off my face all day. I only have one pair and they are getting a little scratched up. Charlotte always tells me that I look pretty without my glasses.

There you have it. My Christmas list. What have you been wanting?

November's here

Last Friday we had a fun date with two other couples. I loved it. I can't find my camera at the moment (I am always trying to keep it out of reach of little hands), so I will post some pictures later. Saturday I got to meet Stephanie and Christian Nielson of the nie nie diologues (if you don't know her story ask Oprah) at Blissfest. It was great too.

Sunday we celebrated 2 birthdays, and Monday the cold hit our house. Snot galore around here. Raw noses.

Anyway, I love Novemer when we get to start thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas. I have so much to be thankful for and I love focusing on my many many blessings.

Every day I thank my Father in Heaven for:
My wonderful husband
My happy and healthy children
My home
My friends
Music
My life

What are you thankful for today?

Smile

Tucker wrote this story. It reads:

On my way to the pumpkin patch, I saw a bat then we got to the path the bat stole a pumkin the seling man said o dear my pumkin got tooken but then the bat droped the pumkin I ran to it and picked it up I ran back and gave it to the seler man he was happy he put it in the wagon.

Reading this again this morning made me smile.

Halloween weekend '09

Thursday Charlotte wanted to wear her last year's pirate costume, now that we had aquired an eye patch, for her preschool party. After we picked her up we headed out to the dollar store to find Tucker a sword for his ninja costume. No luck at the first one. We had to have lunch next, so we found a Subway. The kids behaved and ate so well, I was so pleased. They were so darling crossing the parking lot with me. We made a train and chanted "chugga chugga choo choo!" We found another dollar store and scored with a 5 dollar ninja set for Tucker, then I let Charlotte and Hanky each choose a dollar item as well. We went to pay and I realized that they only accepted Visa cards, which unfortunately I do not have. I was unwilling to go look somewhere else and hoped I could find some cash in the car. I found a jar full of change and one dollar bill. I paid my $7.56 from it shamelessly.

That night Tucker's school had their Fall Fest, which was pretty fun. Paisley thought she was in heaven just running back and forth once we finally released her from the stroller, it was hilarious.

Friday was the ward Trunk or Treat which I am convinced is the best way to get candy. It's so nice to condense the walking when you usually end up holding small people. They also had a spook alley and chili cook off with corn bread and root beer. Surprisingly my chilli took the blue ribbon! I dressed as a witch complete with purple striped tights, but didn't get any pictures. That night Charlotte was a fairy princess.

Saturday we did our annual Halloween hay ride (pulled around the neighborhood by Bart's ranger) with Trent's brother and the other local P's. Dusti's chili was even more delicious than mine! Henry was having a ball! He followed Charlotte's lead as she ran squealing to each door and was so excited to ride on the ranger with Uncle Troy between houses. Everyone loved his Clifford costume and it was really cute when he would bark instead of saying trick or treat. He always remembered to say thank you and wave goodbye to each person. What a doll. Our girls were little devils that night. Unfortunately the paint seeped on the front of Paisley's onesie and I didn't make the tail long enough in the back. But I pretty much didn't care. I didn't dress up that night, but I did get asked if I was supposed to be Sarah Palin?

The pictures aren't great, but it's hard to worry about that when your hands are usually busy and your kids are always on the move.

Craigslist Couch Crushes

I love retro items, antiques, and modern. I wonder if I can figure out how to incorporate all the different styles into my house. I've been wanting a new couch for our front room and just to show you some of the many different styles I like, here are some of my craigslist couch crushes.

Which one do you think I should pick? Or do you think I'm crazy?

Family Fun at the Farm

Paisley even liked the bounce house.

The corn maze. It was so dark, the kids didn't like it much.

The hay bail maze for the kids.

Milking the fake cow and Tucker's new funny face for the camera.

My handsome husband feeling right at home.

All of us riding the barrel train. Trent wound up holding Henry so he would stay seated, so we had the whole fam!

I've been slacking. These are from our little trip to the farm last Monday.

Fall Break

The kids were sick with colds pretty much the whole week, so we mostly hung out at home. Paisley decided to see how smashed banana would work as hair styling product. It turned out pretty nicely.

Last Thursday Trent took the 3 "big kids" to Christopher Creek for the whole day. It was such a nice break. Do you know how easy it is to take one kid places. Really easy. We went to lunch with Karen and I even got to eat sushi, something I never get to do. I also got this dresser from craigslist. Exactly what I've been wanting to use for an entry table thing. I think it will look great once I oil it up. Friday my baby sister Claire spent the day and night with us while Mom was at Pioneer Trek. The kids loved having some extra entertainment. Trent was camping. Paisley enjoyed chilling in the baby swing on our trip to the park.

On another entirely unrelated note this is my final week of the four week boot camp. I am feeling good. I have lost 5 pounds and haven't measured inches yet, but I know that my body is changing. Anyway, now that my friend Kathi's husband's work schedule has changed she is going to sign up for the next four weeks and I am going to join her! I was sort of excited to finish boot camp, but then I was getting worried about ruining the progress I've made. I think 4 more weeks will be a good thing for me, even though it's hard.

Seen and Heard

Seen: A knot tying book on the back of our toilet and a length of rope tied around the bathroom doorknob. Oh the glamourous life of a scoutmasters wife!

Heard:
During one of our many shoe hunts I said to Charlotte, "Look under your bed, look in the bathroom, look everywhere you can think,"

Charlotte: "My thinking's not coming out."

I also love to hear Henry talk about Star Wars.
"Mom, I'n Yoda mom, Tuckas Obi Won."

Paisley frowns

Yesterday we spent some time with our P* family celebrating our nephew Kade's birthday. I put on the skull outfit I made for Paisley and tried to get some pictures of her wearing it. She was fussy and wanted the camera and made the best frown I have ever seen in my life.

Paisley is usually all smiles. She is a ball of sunshine wrapped up into a chubby, rolly little package that is absolutely perfect. The other night sitting at the dinner table she was being so adorable. She loves sitting right at the table with us now in a booster seat. She was making faces and giving kisses and at that moment I couldn't imagine life going on without her in it. I felt absolutely unworthy to be her mother. I felt this all encompassing love and gratitide to be here with her. I can't describe it any better. I just felt blessed beyond belief for all my little angels and the joy and love they bring to our family.

She's crafty, (and she's just my type)

Yesterday Charlotte got invited last minute to a birthday party. I had some rossette's I had made practicing for the necklaces, so I whipped up a headband. I love how it turned out, so I made Charlotte model it.

Oh happy day

Today was such a gorgeous morning. Doing our warmup for boot camp it was still dark and I could see the stars poking through the clouds. The clouds were looking even more amazing as it got lighter and lighter. After coming home to everyone still in bed I hopped on the scale. I've lost 4 pounds so far and I couldn't be happier!I still can improve on what goes in my mouth, so I think I will continue to see results if I just try even harder everyday!

Our boot camp instructor Jeff is great! If you live in the valley I would totally recommend trying this boot camp. 4 weeks free with no obligation to sign up for another one! freefitcamp.comHe sends us a suggested meal plan and motivational quote each day, complete with a photo of a sexy muscley male celebrity. One thing I love, is that he always includes a low calorie fast food option. Here are the ones he's sent us so far.
2-pack Burger King Mini Burger Shots
Diet Soda of your choice
Calories
220

1 Baja Fresh Grilled Mahi Mahi Taco
Calories
230

2 Rubio's HealthMex Chicken Tacos (corn tortilla)
Calories
300

Sonic Jr. Burger
Calories
310

Wendy's Grilled Chicken Go Wrap
Calories
250

Quizno's Sonoma Turkey Sammie
Ask them to go lightly on the dressing - it's high in calories.
Load up on the lettuce and tomato - it's free and healthy!
If you eat there, please check out their website before your next trip.
They have a large selection of items under 500 calories.
Calories
280

6 piece McDonald's Chicken McNuggets - NO SAUCE
Don't order the Chicken Selects Strips
They are 400 calories and a sodium nightmare!
Calories
280

2 Taco Bell Fresco Menu Crunchy Tacos
Calories
300

Booty camp

I made it through my first week of boot camp without crying or quitting. It's a good start. I feel good about myself just for going. I still struggle with watching my calories and portion sizes, but I am trying harder than ever before and that's got to count for something. Although the weekend has been much harder than the weekdays. I have been sore every day and today my right knee feels a little jacked up, so hopefully it will be fine with a couple days of rest. I put some old pictures of myself on the fridge to remind myself that I can be skinny and strong and to not eat so much.

Sometimes I feel like I am having an identity crisis. I am not who I used to be and I am not sure who I am. I used to be thin, strong, athletic. I used to love music and keep up with new bands. I used to be fun and laid back. I used to enjoy drawing and writing poems. I feel like those parts of me are hibernating somewhere. Being a mother is a big part of who I am now, and I am okay with that. It makes me strive to be better. I just miss some of the other parts of me too.

Sleepless in AZ

So last night was finally the night before my first day of boot camp. I have been looking forward to it, but also been a little nervous about it since I signed up a couple weeks ago. Anyway, I got in bed a little earlier than usual and had lights out by 10:30. Trent was instantly asleep as usual and I lay there awake. At midnight I started getting irritated that I wasn't asleep, my eyes weren't heavy, my breathing wasn't slowing and I had primary songs booming in my mind. I moved to the couch. I came back. I went pee like 7 times. I rolled around into 48 different positions. I contemplating digging around in our medicine cabinet to find something to knock me out, but thought better of it, I did want to be able to wake up after all. I finally started to doze off a little before 2 am when Charlotte crawled into our bed followed shortly by Tucker. After a few minutes I got them back in their beds and finally slept. That 4:45am alarm came around pretty fast. But I'm thinking I shouldn't have such a hard time falling asleep tonight.

Fabric necklaces

Want to see what I'm going to be making for Christmas gifts? Go over to my Ooooh I Want That blog and check it out. While you're there, you should probably just become a follower.

I'm tired from this week

Sunday were the birthday celebrations.

Monday: Paisley's well check and shots.

Then the Diamondbacks game at night. We had great seats and Henry had a great time. Charlotte, not as much.

Tuesday Charlotte had early start for her preschool. After I dropped her off I put Paisley down, did my work out, showered and met her with the other babies for her field trip to Bahama Bucks where she got to make her own shaved ice. (forgot my camera) Got home and fed everyone lunch, put kids down for naps, cleaned up.Wake up the babies, go pick up Tucker and Wyatt, drop Wyatt off, go to Costco, go home, put cold stuff in fridge, drop off the kids except for Charlotte, go to parent teacher conference with Tucker's teacher and pick up a couple books at the book fair. Get the kids from Kathi and go home to feed them dinner. Phew.

Wednesday. The zoo with friends. Jill, Macey, Abbie, Mel, Dustin and all their children plus my three. It was a lot of fun, but we were worn out at the end. Didn't get to spend as much time with the adults as I would have liked, but it was well worth the trip. Thanks for a great day guys!