The Murray's

You make the world go round

2012-01-21T13:20:00.001-08:00

K so cheesy but oh so true. Matt is my world and I am SOOOO thankful for each and every day with him. (No joke!)

Its been 4 years since we said Yes! Where did the time go? I feel like I've lived in this house for a year or less and its almost been 3! Yikes time flies when your having fun :)

Matt is sooo for me! He's definitely made me a heck of a lot better wife and mom without a doubt he is amazing!! His mama raised him well.

Over the 4 years we've come a long way. Our first year and a half was rough! Holy gees. But now we sometimes get on each others nerves and brush it off. We aren't perfect but man life with him is good! Not perfect but GOOD.

1st year- Graduation!! Matt had his batchelor's and I had a surprise party for him that his Gpa and Uncle came from CA which was a complete surprise

2nd year- Our house! So exciting and really fun to grow together in the stages of life. We love this house but are so ready to get out of here! :)

3rd year Ethan! Ethan is amazing and a joy! He brings so much to life and life would be way way too boring without him! I often think what the heck I did before being a mom and never want to remember. Being his mom is definitely a gift.

4th year- Working!(BOO) That sums up this year. Matt's been working a TON! But thankfully Ethan gets to see him for a few hours each day. I love to watch them together! This year has been our growing year for sure. Not physically but emotionally and spiritually. We've both learned a lot!

Tonight we celebrated the day even though it was on Thursday. We did babysitting swap with a friend so Ethan chilled there and we went to Coal Burger. It was kind of like Joe's Farm Grill. As Matt says it was less line(no line) and way more neat that Joe's but that's the only difference. But before we went to the best Goodwill. I used to go there in Tempe. It was in Ahwatukee. We got a super nintendo and lots of games. I'm so excited!!! SO many kid memories with that thing! And then after dinner we went and played at Golf land. It was such a blast! We did go carts and then played games and won Ethan a sword and other toys. Overall it was a great night to spend with Matt.
Ps. I so won at air hockey! 7-3!!!!!!!!!!

Old pictures just for fun: Btw, I want to get married again just looking at these!!

First picture ever taken at TGIF

Thanks to Adrian.

Engagements

Matt loves this picture and I hate it! I look Chinese BIG time!

Wedding
This is where he proposed!

So I was looking thro old post on Anniversary and you should check this one out from Matt that I made him do :) He cracks me up!
http://wendiandmatt.blogspot.com/2009/01/our-1-year-wedding-anniversary.html

Recap!

2012-01-14T14:47:00.000-08:00

What a year! I can not believe I'll have a 2 year old in a few month ;( Where did the time go?!

I thought it would be fun to see some old pictures this last year so here is goes..

We made lots of friends!!!

Welcome 2012

2012-01-09T19:37:00.001-08:00

We've tried to work little and party hard around here the last few weeks. It sure has been fun!

Faces for 2012 are as followed :

Here's what we did in celebration for the new year. I think I'm a converted gun girl. Talk to me 3 years ago and I was scared to death of the things! [They can kill people! Big responsibility!] Anyways.. It was really fun to hang out with the hubs. We need to get out more alone.. Working on that! 2012 goal right?? :)

I shot 347, 22 and shot gun. Hit at least 1 target with all! Proud of myself!

Goals:

Think good thoughts at all times- I made a talk on this when we first moved into this ward and you never know how many negative thoughts you have until you really think about it or at least that's what happened to me. (Yep no more cursing the smoker in front of me making me not breathe!)

Have more dates with Matt- we really need to work on this. He's way busy and all the extra time we have is family time but we need to get out more as a couple instead of mommy and daddy.

Help those in need- I need to be more willing to help those around me. Their there I just need to GO and find them!

2011 memories up next. Can't wait!

We were good this year!!

2012-01-02T18:12:00.000-08:00

Santa was good to us!!

Good thing he didn't care we forgot to get a tree!!! [yes we are 'that' family]

Matt got a gun. Wendi got herbs. Ethan got spoiled- shopping cart with soft food, play tool set, Big firetruck from nana/papa and build your own trucks from marme/papa
Plus misc stuff.

I was sad we didn't get pictures on Christmas morning. Thankfully I asked my SIL to take a family picture Eve. And thanks to my sister Ethan looked like this:

Christmas was so great this year. I am thankful for Christ and prayer in my life. I am thankful I have his example in my life and strive to be like him each day.

Santa

2011-12-18T21:06:00.001-08:00

Matt is not a fan. Last year was not so fun. We went to Bass Pro 3 or so days before Christmas. That was our first mistake. We waited and then got told in line that they couldn't take us unless we had a reservation. Disappointment to say the least!
We did see Santa at San Tan but they were super lame about getting your own photo so it wasn't a good photo. This year Matt wanted nothing to do with it so Dani and I met at Bass Pro right when they opened.(Smart right!) As I'm driving there I think, I really hope Santa's there when they open!

Well... Santa gets there at 10 so we waited an hour. Not a big deal. They had lots of fun things to entertain Ethan with. They had race track, train, quad ect ect

Did you notice his socks weren't matching?? How embarrassing!! I forgot that I didn't look for the same sock and just put on whatever socks I could find.

I Did It!

2011-12-16T14:21:00.000-08:00

Picture over load; You've been warned ;)

We took Christmas pictures. I swore to it that I would get Christmas cards out this year and it happened. Highly recommend doing them no later than Thanksgiving weekend. December is Crazzy!

It was really funny pulling into the groves. There was at least 5 shoots going on. I can see why! The place is perfect for picture taking! I'm sure we were a hoot to watch setting up the camera and running to get in place for a picture. I laugh about it now but we're cheap like that!

Enjoy!

Best for last:

Bahahaha! "A little squished here!"

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-12-02T21:51:00.000-08:00

The Franklin Fall Festival was a little while ago. Ethan had a lot of fun. His favorite by far was the basket ball game. We were disappointed in the prices this year on tickets. Such a bummer but it was still fun.

Thanksgiving was a nice weekend. Ethan loved having Matt around all weekend long!

The food:

YUM!!! By far the best turkey I've ever had and ever made :) Last year was a disaster and this year was amazing. I just hope I can keep up the good work!

Pumpkin yogurt pie. YUM!

The chickens were happy too!! :)

November has flown by. I can't believe Christmas is 23 days away EEK!

Update on the Little Man

2011-11-18T14:16:00.000-08:00

Ethan keeps us entertained for sure! Here is some funny things he's been doing lately:

Matt was sealing some holes in our stairs before E went to bed. The next morning I guess the door was open where the caulk gun was and he took it and started doing exactly what Matt was doing-sealing up the holes of course.

The other day we were at the park with this bike killing some time before Matt got home and dinner. Ethan saw a kid's bike laying on its side and he wanted it. I pointed to his and said that's Ethan's bike. He immediately tipped it to its side just like the other bike. But then he took rocks and was 'fixing' the wheels. Late I found out that Matt had taught him how to fix his bike :)

We have to fill our tires up on the jogging stroller and Ethan found the pump and put it next to the stroller and started to pump it. Then he proceeded to try to put the end on the tire and pump it up.

He has started this "uh" starts out lower and ends high. Its the sweetest thing ever. He'll be outside and come in wanting to know where daddy went and do it. It cracks me up.

His newest word is "cheeeeze" I ask him to say it everytime I get it for him.

He can say- cheese, mama, dada, moo, this, shoes, sock, clock, walk, truck(his favorite)

He can sign I love you and blow you kisses <3

He is a ball of energy. He can go go go and up until bedtime he'll be laughing and trying to hide from me and squeel when I get him. He has the best smile. I love it! He's a sweet boy. Some timesI want to throw the towel in and then he surprises me. I love being his mom and love to take him to the park and let him ride his bike around. I love you Ethan so much!! He is a little boy and not my baby anymore : / I keep thinking of when he was a week old and he was so teeny tiny and I didn't want him to grow and time to stay still. How fun the ride has been and how much we've accomplished!

Oops I forgot to mention this happening. We took a walk one night(we walk a lot. Ethan just loves outside that much we walk everyday pretty much:) and we checked the mail and on the way back he was fussy so we didn't buckle him. I was trying to hurry back home and he had his ball in hopes of entertainment but that wasn't the case. Anyways.. he was trying to get out of the stroller and I turned to say something to Matt and he fell on his face on the sidewalk : / I didn't know the damage but just walked as fast as I could home with a screaming baby. SO sad! After forever we made it home and I looked at the damage. He looked like he was going to have a really really bad black eye and I could see he landed on his nose first then his eye. OUCH!!! Thankfully vitamin E oil is my life saver!! It only took 3 days and all but part of his nose scab is off. He's almost healed!

Halloween Night

2011-11-09T20:02:00.001-08:00

Its late but better late than never right??

I forgot to post this one. It was on my phone. This is at the pumpkin patch from the earlier post. He was obsessed with the itty bitty ones it was really funny actually watching him play with them.

Getting ready to go door to door. He looks really mad in the picture but he's just looking at our neighbor set up for the annual movie night in the circle on Halloween.

Here he is at his 2nd house. He got play dough at this one! I thought it was a cute idea!

Here's the best one I got. After taking these pictures I realized the brown was too thick so it was fixed and looked better but those pictures did not turn out.

Here is us dressed up at the Hawes Ward Trunk or Treat. Ethan had a lot of fun!!!

It was soo much fun going door to door with him. I didn't think it would be that big of a deal and was just going to do our circle and the next but we did our whole community for the most part. I couldn't tell you why it was so fun but maybe cause we felt like kids again.............. :)

Ethan got called lots of things.. Pumpkin, caveman(close!) and a few others I can't remember.

Most kids didn't even know who the heck we were! I was really disappointing and sad. Those kids are missing out! I know for sure our kids will know who the Jettson's and Flinstones are for sure!

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-28T13:17:00.000-07:00

Ethan milking a cow at Vertuccio Farm!

Riding the moo train

Vertuccio was so much fun this year! We went last year and had a lot of fun granted Ethan was 7 months old?? He had a blast!!! We are in a little learners group and we all ended up buying the deal they had on living social I think? and splitting it between us. 3.50 was well worth it!

They added something new! They had uhhh... a umm.. balloon bouncy thing? Not sure what to call it but Ethan loved that! Great addition for sure. Its not the normal bounce house but it was just a half circle bouncy. It was fun :)

We couldn't stay too long but he loved seeing the animals and of course the train.

Next...

We went to my parents ward's annual carnival!! It seems to always be cold that night and without fail it was! Not tooo cold but it was really windy and cool.

Ethan had fun with all the little games they had and the petting zoo which was new this year. I'm SO bummed they didn't have a train there or we would have ridden it the whole time. Hopefully they'll do that again next year!

We scored some treats as well.

Ethan petting the goat.

Ethan and Noah the nerd!

I LOVED that they had a petting zoo this year. The baby pig was soooo sooooo soooo cute!!! It was almost as small as my hand and squeeled so sweet!

They also had alpaca too!

I'm loving this holiday season with Ethan being able to enjoy himself. Tomorrow night is the Hawes ward trunk or treat and chilli cookoff which will be updated with halloween costumes by the whole Murray fam.

Btw, I am loving this 'cooler' weather! Just get colder Az please! :)

Tell me this is not the sweetest pig ever! I wish you could hear its cute little squeal :)

One year and wiser too..

2011-10-12T21:40:00.000-07:00

A month or so ago when getting stuff from my mom's attic a box that wasn't meant to be taken down and it happened to have a few of my baby stuff!

Growing up in a family with 7 brothers and sisters, you don't really get much pictures info. Nothing wrong with that but finding this was so meaningful to me. It was a calendar someone gave my mom that gave the info on my first outing and home from the hospital. It also had the birth card my mom got for me in the hospital and my Aunt Lori sent my mom a card for my birth. It was soo cool to find!!!

On my actual birthday, it was just a chill day. Ethan and I did a little shopping and when Matt got home from work we hit up Joe's Farm Grill. We were going to go to Krispy Kreme doughnuts but they only give one doughnut now and Matt said it wasn't worth the drive? His call!

On Saturday we went to Tempe Town Lake and rode their paddle boats. If you haven't done it or looking for a fun date, totally do it! Sign up for their email list and get 10% off. Its not much but it pays for tax!

It was a perfect night. We were able to take the cares of the our world and just relax and be with each other!! It was so needed! Having a kid definitely changes your relationship so it was nice to breath some fresh air! :)

On my 19th birthday when we got engaged we went to Tempe Town Lake and road the paddle boats. So going again and in celebration of my birthday was awesome! We have lots of memories dating and engaged at Tempe Town Lake but also when we got married and lived in Tempe we still went there all the time.

It was a good birthday and it was quite funny headed in from the lake Matt asked how 22 feels, HA! He doesn't even know my age but I didn't even know mine either until I counted it out right before the actual day. Oops!!

This is our picture in 08 I found!

Haha! Not the best picture but whatev...

Official Toddler

2011-10-09T16:32:00.000-07:00

Ethan was 18 months on the 30th. CRRAAZZYYY!

Where did the time go?? This boy went to nursery for the first time. Bittersweet!

I walked down the hall and reflected on my baby. SOOO lame but seriously, he's my first and my everything! :)

He is way too big these days! I tell him to get something or do something and he usually does it. Can't wait til I can order him around all day. JK but its fun being able to communicate with him more.

He hasn't really said much as far as 'words' go but he babbles your ear off. Though we were at friends house and he said outside apparently. I had no idea even after hearing him say it. Apparently I need to work on Ethan English 101! Last that week he said gock , aka clock. That was fun.

He loves outside, I think you got that part tho. The kid could seriously live out there if I let him. He cries when we go in period. No matter how long we've been playing he always wines to go back out! He is diggin his little boy bike these days too now that he can actually ride around in it. I'll get a picture of that soon!

We tried a big boy bed, mattress on the ground and that did NOT go over well. I thought he was ready-getting stuck in crib alllll the time but definitely not! Which is fine with me.

Sadly my boy has learned the art of screaming, kicking and throwing. Yes the definition of Boy!

We've been in a music time with our ward and Ethan has really enjoyed himself! He's the youngest one but it is a blast. I look forward to Wednesdays for sure! I recommend it for every ward. It is awesome!

At the moment he's getting his 2 year old molars. YAA!!! He's been a trooper with all his teeth. I am super excited to be over(soon) the teething life.

I think that's it for now

Breath of fresh air!

2011-10-06T13:37:00.000-07:00

What a weekend!!! Here's the story:

Friday Matt gets off work a little early and we hope to head out by 5. I was cooking away until the last second. We leave 5:15. Better than our usual hour late! Ethan does ok in the car, we find the road and it just got dark. This is starting to sound scary.... Its not.. Anyways!

We get to the dirt road and keep driving... and keep driving and can not for the life of us find NF33 like the map and our friends told us to get to the camping site.
Ethan's tired, its past his bedtime. I'm tired! We find some drunks but they were no help. Finally we find some helpful people to tell us where to go! Except.........they tell us the WRONG directions!!! So we turn down this road and go all the way to the end of it. It had a map. Hurray!!!! Matt figures out where we go and we make it t.w.o.h.o.u.r.s. later from when we go in the area.

Whatever, we made it! We set camp up and crash about 10.

Ok so I had to write that down. What an event! It is really really hard to find things in the dark. Especially when you have no idea where your going and there is no signs for streets!

We had a lot of fun! I Love camping!! We went with our friends Dani and Curtis and Brea to Canyon Creek about an hour from Payson.

I went there every year growing up for daddy daughter. Seriously SOOOOOO many memories there!

Here's the pictures we got:

They are my everything! Cheesy but only the truth.

Waiting to catch some fish

Curtis caught one!! Ethan liked touching it. It was fun walking up the creek to get to the fishing place. We saw a taranchula and lots of caterpillars with the fuzzies on their back.

All Ethan wanted to do was jump in the water. He almost did too!

In LOVE with this picture!!!

We did go to the fish hatchery which was fun! On our way out, on the car there was a gecko I think you'd call it. It was big!

The last night we were there it rained pretty much all night. Of course there was a little bit of leaking from the top of the tent and I was right under it but thankfully I had a sleeping bad that I was actually hot in!

I really hope we'll be able to go again before we move.

Btw, I guess I should just say it now. Although nothing is in pen and we really could end up staying here I just don't see that being the case. We are moving when our 3 years staying in house aka tax credit requirement ends which is May 31st to be exact. The possibilities??? Canada or Texas are the ones we're looking into. Vancouver, Dallas or Houston specifically but again we don't know what will be available when the time comes! We could end up in Utah for all I know which isn't a bad thing :)

I say this because its more likely than not going to happen and I'm preparing myself. I've never lived anywhere outside of AZ and only moved twice in my entire life. So moving will be hard. I'm really excited though. I'm ready for change. Although I'll leave all my wonderful friends and family and my comfort zone, it will be an awesome experience I know it!

Dani and I were talking about it while camping-

"So that's like 7 months away"

Me "Gulp! Yeah..."

Matt and I already talked about getting rid of some of our stuff because moving will be quick. Like 2-4 weeks quick! So I guess we'll have to start parting with some of our things.... Their just things right??? : /

My little chicks

2011-09-14T13:38:00.000-07:00

So you've been warned if your anyone cool you probably want to skip this post.. Its going to lame!

Anyways now that I have that out of the way..

Here is an update on my chickens.

They layed their first egg 8/12 while we were in Utah. I kind of had a feeling they would do it then.... I was really disappointed too. I mean I didn't even get a picture of their first egg or anything *sniff..

I am lame but their like my kids. Its a love hate relationship tho.. like today at 6am they were squawking for no dang reason and Ethan didn't have a good night either so grumpy Wendi is not a good combo! I love them just cause their fun. They are really good with Ethan and he always without doubt tried to feed them rocks. It makes me laugh!

Here he is doing just that:

Here is their first 'real' egg. I say that because they start laying really really small eggs. This egg was a double yoker!!! Ok.. It made me feel better about missing their first egg okay :)

We usually get 3 eggs a day and Ethan seems to be doing well on them. Hurray! We use all our eggs pretty much that day or the next day! Once you've been off eggs for a long time I've been going egg crazzy. I missed them that's for sure!

Matt likes the chickens too

He looks grumpy but he just didn't want his picture taken. He says their better than a dog because you don't have to walk them ever! Ha, Its so true!

They have been learning new tricks lately too. We've clipped their wings but they grow back really fast. I think it was after Utah I found them up on the fence trying to sleep! Their is a dog behind us so I'm surprised they didn't care. They've also jumper over the green fence, the one with Ethan feeding them. While we were in Utah 2 got out and ate half my aloe vera plant which they seem to love! And they also kind of ruined my garden the few times they got out.. But really I like having them besides the really loud mornings.(Sorry neighbors! I spray them with water to shut them up!)

I told Matt that next we will do meat birds. Yes all the chicken eating jokes could come true! He won't let me do them here at the house but in the next house I will! And I told him he has to process them.

My dream is to have a farm someday. (Weird I know!) But getting eggs in my backyard and milk from my cow is really cool to me and I want my kids to know where their food comes from.

Next post...Papa!

Tip tips tips

2011-09-01T12:39:00.002-07:00

Today was awesome!!! I cleaned my bathrooms in 30 min. Mind you I have 3!

I'll do none of the convincing for you, it will speak for yourself!

I found this recipe on Pinterest(Thank you pin!!!)

Its a tub cleaner but I ended up using it on my sinks and toilets too cause it rocked so much!

The nice thing was cleaning my really really gross over due tub and there was no scrubbing involved! The crap literally wiped away!

So the recipe:

1/4 cup liquid soap

3/4 cup water

1 cup rubbing alcohol

I used it in a spray bottle and this thing is my new best friend!!

You want to let it sit for a while or at least I did on the tub! I left it for 10 min and came back and sprayed it. Make sure you turn on your vent too! The really nasty tub I had to do more work with but considering the other cleaners did nothing I'm real pleased! :) If you have scum...take a spatchula to it! That helped too!

The toilets and sinks I let sit for a sec and started cleaning.

I would have a picture of before and after but Verison Wireless is now dumb with uploading pictures : /

AND here is another site that I love!!!

www.ewg.org/skindeep/

You enter a product and it will give you a list of the ingredients-there is hidden ones sometimes and a number. 0 is the best on up. I love it! I found my make up that I absolutely love on there!

My mascara was really hurting my eyes and giving me cysts all the time but this stuff I got is great. And the mineral foundation is better than Bare Minerals...Just sayin...

I love being able to look at what I am buying and know what is in it- Hurray!!!

I'll keep these tips coming since it might help someone somewhere??? Maybe.??

Tooele, Utah

2011-08-30T13:09:00.000-07:00

To be honest,.....I wasn't really forward to this trip. Sad huh?? BUT it turned out way better than expected! Let me explain...

Ethan hates the car period. He hates sitting in one place and a million toys and gadgets only go so far so thinking of a trip that's 12-13 hours away was not exciting to me. It was exhausting!

So our smart selves(me and Matt of course) thought.. Why not drive at night! Our son sleeps at night and shouldn't have any problems right???? WRONG! haha

We started off to Utah Thursday night about 8pm. Crying for the first house straight and finally fell asleep. phew!

2 hours later... screaming, crying...2 hours later ok you get it now. We got zero sleep. Well between the 3 of us we got about 5 hours of sleep. We hit a huge rabbit and I'm pretty sure we will never drive overnight anywhere unless I drug my kids. And I don't think I ever will :)

But... We made it!!! Then the fun began! See these girls:

They were seriously so fun!!! We arrived about 8am?? And Ethan was ready for some fun and boy did he have lots of fun with these kids. They were really good with Ethan!

I only wish they live closer! The next morning after we got back I seriously had to think we won't see them anymore. It was so fun to have little kids running around. Someday :)

We pretty much hung around the days we were there. And Bethany and Garin- Matt's sister arrive back from seeing a specialist with their son Evan.

Ethan wasn't so sure about him. He was used to getting all the attention from the girls but they were friends by the time we left.

On Monday we went to SL to a Historical farm which was really really fun! I only wish I could own a farm! Lots of work but I just think it would be so fun.

Here's the pictures we got- Enjoy!

Isn't this the cutest baby goat ever!!!?? I wanted to take him/her home!

On the way home we drove during the day and it wasn't too bad. Lesson learned!

Our chickens missed us and we missed them! So much so that they laid their first egg without us! Update on that coming up next.

1st Camping Trip!

2011-08-01T14:25:00.000-07:00

Ethan was in love! The kid loves to be outside at all times.

Our ward was having a campout just outside of Payson. I thought it would be super fun with Ethan and convinced Matt to go. We went Friday evening after E's nap and went home about 10ish the next day to get home for his nap. I wish we were there longer! It was a lot of fun.

Ethan biffed it 5 seconds after we got there on the gravel but didn't get too make scratches. He was a good little explorer too! He had fun in the dirt and watching the kids play.

His friend Reed came and they had fun playing! Its really funny actually that we always mistake each others kids for our own. And this day they were wearing the same shirt but different colors! They are meant to be friends :)

He loves wheels and trucks

Helping daddy take down camp. Well sort of :)

We for sure are going to go camping again and def stay longer! I was bummed when we left but we had to get back to our chickens or I would have told Matt to stay another night.

15 months

2011-07-03T14:15:00.001-07:00

Ok, Finally have a picture. This is Ethan tonight on the swing at my sisters house. Its hard to get a smile on camera these days.. I got this one thankfully!

I can't believe Ethan is getting so big!!!

Ethan's been doing so many fun things these days.

Examples- Asking me to clip his nails?

Asking to read his all time favorite book, Nutsy the robot

Pushing my head up with his hand to make me see the speakers in the store playing music

Saying a whole slew of words- car, all done, church to name a few

Bringing me the elephant puzzle piece and making the elephant noise-Um so cute!

Signing apple, more and to eat

Pushing himself on his bike

Asking to put on his shoes every morning or whenever his shoes are seen and not on him

Loves the playground. We used to take a good walk everyday and go to playground after but its too hot these days : /

Loves to play daddy's guitar and anything electronic

Makes the vroom vroom noise when pushing his cars

Wow! This last few months have been fun! Ethan is growing and learning a ton! Its so fun as a parent to see him blossom into a little human being :)

He's also been hitting and trying to bite and tantrums galore but all have gone down quite a bit these days.(Fingers crossed!)

He has learned a new talent from Nursery, screaming! We did our new callings as primary teachers of 7and 8 year olds and he was screaming a lot of it. I think he's used to being in me with nursery and playing with the toys the last hour... Well Matt ended up in the hall alot of it but that's ok.. I'll be honest, I am not ready for Ethan to be in nursery so it will take us a while. Until then we'll make it work.

In other news! ... Our AC went out Tuesday night and Wed morning had a guy from my ward try to see what he could do. It was a bigger job and he called his brother to come help us out. Long story but its still not fixed. Lesson learned! Call around when dealing with your AC!!!! Um, we aren't getting one until Tuesday. Its been a huge stress on us and its not really fun when the electricity goes out the next day as well! To say the least this week has been hard on us BUT we are surviving.

Matt's still working at GCU and at Collins teaching 2 classes. He is such a great father and husband! Having him gone hasn't been easy but in the long run we'll be far ahead of where we would have been. He's doing an amazing job juggling it all! Love you babe!

PS. pictures of the little man will be coming! I hate a post without one but our computer had to be wiped so pictures are on the hard drive.

Gardening!

2011-06-26T15:56:00.000-07:00

So this year I wanted to do a garden. Scary stuff!

I didn't do any from seed..I wanted to be successful at least a little bit :)

Ya so green!

We got these carrots. I know they are so small but we had to pick them :( I picked some more a month later and got one larger one. We also got lettuce and1 cucumber.

Ok so that doesn't sound like alot but let me explain....

We went on vacation to Cali and I thought my plants would be fine. I watered them every 3 days and we were gone 4. But sadly, the pickling cucmbers and cucumber plants died!

Oops!!!

But the good news is my butternut squash is doing well and maybe we'll have something soon!

Our dirt is horrible here and I am learning that the hard way! Next time I will do the one with a wood box and awesome dirt from a guy that will help me yield more!

Another thing that hasn't helped is the birds keep eating my stuff!!!

Pickling cucumbers- gone!

Cucumber-gone!

Zucchini-gone gone gone!

So I used tin foil to make my garden on 'fire' from the sun and its helped I think.

The sad thing is Matt tells me I can't do another garden until we are moved out of this house onto the next : / But I'll try to think positive and maybe try to learn more before I garden again to be more successful!!!

Birthday/Father's Day

2011-06-19T21:06:00.000-07:00

I do have to say my dad rocks! My dad has taught me so much, mainly through his actions. What a kind, genuine dad I have! I was going to do a post for him a while ago but haven't gotten to it. Seriously you call him and need something he will make it happen! We've borrowed his truck many a times and in a moments notice he's over helping us get something/move something. He's always been a giver. He'll give whatever he can. I really hope that I can be half of what my dad is. I miss the times we had 'our' time which was shopping at the mall :) But I am so glad he took the time to spend with me when I was younger. Love you Paps!

Matt is a wonderful dad! he loves Ethan so much and I Love to see them play together. Ethan loves when daddy comes home from work and they play the whole time until its time for bed. I can't get enough of these two! I am so blessed to have wonderful men in my life! <3

For Fathers Day Matt got 2 books that he's excited about. He'd never buy himself and I had to get them for him. One is a Tangled artwork and the other is How to Train your Dragon- he loves both! I also did a frame of the pictures above to put in his cube at work. I can't wait until next year to do a craft project with Ethan. :)

So its almost a month late but I kept forgetting to upload the picture from Matt's birthday.

On his actual birthday we were traveling to California, exciting right?? But on Sunday while he was home teaching I baked him his favorite brownie mix- No pudge. I made them a long time ago and he asked me where I got them at and that they were so good so I thought I'd do again for his birthday. He seriously loves them!

California baby!

2011-06-08T12:49:00.000-07:00

Hellium balloon ride!

What a vacation! We had a blast. Best thing about it was we didn't use any money we currently had. (Yippee!) I highly recommend a vacation fund! So glad we got to take this trip but we wouldn't have been able to without the fund!

So the 6 hour drive I was so nervous about! Ethan actually did better than expected. It wasn't too hard but I did have to entertain him the whole time but its all good.

BTW, we went to Capistrano Beach-I would go back in a heart beat!

So we drove up Tuesday morning (Matt's birthday!) and get in about 2. Ethan has slept in car for 15 min or so and was too excited for the new place that he wanted nothing to do with a nap.

We headed to the beach later and Ethan was super excited! It was so awesome seeing his reaction to the sand and water. The kid LOVES both!

First reaction seeing the water/beach. Love it!

K, so this hat is a little girly??? I thought it was kind of funny but I it was what I had and it covered his bald head from the sun!

Wanting more of the water!

He could have been there all day and night if I let him!

Wednesday we just chilled around Dana point just a little area by the water and it was super windy/little chilly.

We went to the beach after Ethan's nap again and had fun! Though it was really cold near the water so we had to leave earlier : / I didn't bring the camera on that day. We did see a dead baby seal lion. So sad but pretty cool to see it so close in person.

Thursday we went to Aquarium of the Pacific. That place was fun!!! Idk if it was worth the money but it was really cool. We got to touch jellyfish and sharks. They had a lot of things to do and look at. After we were done there we visited Matt's grandpa that was close by. It was fun to see him and Ethan LOVED him! I swear he loves the old men :)

That's a shark by Ethan's foot.

Crappy picture I know :(

Look at that smile!!! <3

Friday we went to The Great Park. We rode the helium balloon-free! It was kinda scary going up but was really fun! I think it was 400 feet?? I don't remember I could be totally off. They also had a free carousel ride too! After Ethan's nap we went to the beach again one last time before we left in the morning.

Up in the balloon

Playing at the little park waiting to go on ballon

It was a much needed vacation and was really fun! It's definitely a different kind of vacation when you have kids. Of course Ethan had to get up at 5:30 6 everyday but it was great to live on the beach for a few days!

P.s. I miss the California weather! Seriously amazing!!!

Ethan lately

2011-05-28T20:39:00.000-07:00

Um to die for! Fell asleep playing the piano!

First xbox game

So Ethan loves to do whatever I am doing including trying to clip his toenails. I had just finished and was letting him play with them and he was lifting up his foot and putting the clippers to his toe. SO CUTE! He also likes to wipe up stuff after mommy did too.

Ethan loves trucks, tailors, tractors, airplanes and trains. Whenever he see's or hears one he goes "shaw shaw!"

He has started to copy some words like truck, all done, and answers yes or shakes his head no after a question. He even repeated church after I told him we were going. I was really surprised!

Ethan's been getting better at walking and I think the only times he crawls is if he REALLY wants something and fast.

He's gotten his 4 molars plus one and he is getting another one right now!

We head for California Tuesday and so excited!!! Its been wayyy too long. We all need a vacation!

The day

2011-05-24T22:33:00.001-07:00

It seems to always happen. The bad day.. the day I dread. But today was different.

Everything went wrong. Things were broken and mama mama mama was said repeated 5 x a million.

Through all the whining and the messes,

through all the screaming and the hitting and the little tantrums starting

I somehow managed to be ok. To not loose it!

Today I am proud. I don't have patience. Sad to admit but today was a different day.

I've noticed every bad day that when the babe is down sleeping, I miss him. I miss him a lot and start to think of all the funny things he does and how much joy he brings in my life.

I am so proud of myself. I have challenges but each and every bad day gets a little easier.

Hurray!

I found this poem today and I love it

“She came tonight as I sat alone, the girl I used to be…
And she gazed at me with her earnest eye and questioned reproachfully;

Have you forgotten the many plans and hopes that I had for you?
The career, the splendid fame, and all the wonderful things to do?
Where is the mansion of stately height with all of its gardens rare?
The silken robes that I dreamed for you and the jewels in your hair?

And as she spoke, I was very sad for I wanted her please with me…
This slender girl from the shadowy past the girl that I used to be
So gently rising, I took her hand, and guided her up the stair
Where peacefully sleeping, my babies lay innocent, sweet, and fair.

And I told her that these are my only gems, and precious they are to me;
That silken robe is my motherhood of costly simplicity.
And my mansion of stately height is love, and the only career I know
Is serving each day in these sheltered walls for the dear ones who come and go.

And as I spoke to my shadowy guest, she smiled through her tears at me.
And I saw that the woman that I am now, pleased the girl I used to be.

- Author Unknown
Quoted in Womanly Dominion by Mark Chanski

What an awesome thing to be. A mom is really all I want to be!

Schnepf Farms peaches..

2011-05-23T13:43:00.000-07:00

So Matt has every Friday off until the end of June plus our week off for California that happens in a week. (I love Friday's even more!!)

So he had the day off and I wanted to get out and do something fun as a family.
I chose Schnepf Farms. So fun!!

We didn't get there until about 11 which I kinda wish we had gotten there earlier but thankfully it wasn't really hot yet.

Heading out to pick our peaches!

K, we ate one. So kill me! We took them off the tree and they were so juicy and couldn't take it home cause I tried to with a few and our bag was soaked in peach juice they were falling apart too! So it was either eat it or throw it on the ground and we ate it!

He LOVED it! Its hard to tell but he's got peach all over his face.

Taking a break in the shade.

It was a great family activity. I got some kale too that was delish! I didn't know that you could pick their veggies all year too. Such a fun activity for the little ones. I know we will be back to pick with Ethan when he's older.

The Children's Museum!

2011-05-17T20:20:00.000-07:00

Is so awesome!!!

Ethan had a BLAST! I didn't know what to expect and my friend Cassie didn't really tell me much about it but I was so amazed! There is so much activities and fun things to do there!

I didn't think Ethan would enjoy it as much as he did but the 0-3 room rocks.

So if your thinking about going there, please do! I believe they have a free night on Friday's.

I liked it so much I wanted Matt to come and see what it was about.

It was so hard to get a picture of his face he was too busy :)

Happenings

2011-05-11T13:07:00.000-07:00

Today I woke up and thought Ethan's going to walk today. I actually joke about him not walking til college. I've told myself it will be a long time but that day is today! I could jinx it but today he has walked more than 1 occasion. It was just out of the blue. I was putting him down and he wanted me to hold him still and walked to get me. I was ecstatic in hope that he would continue to do it and he has.. So my fingers are crossed! :) I can't wait for him to be walking!

In other news...

Have you seen this guy????

Matt is such a hard worker. I can't say it enough. He works so hard for our family! Matt has taken on another job in hopes to have our school loans paid off sooner. It was an opportunity he couldn't turn down.

He is an instructor at his old college, Collins. When it was at the interview stage I told Matt he couldn't take anything when Ethan wasn't asleep since they do night classes up until 11pm!

So he told them he'd only take the latest class which started at 9:45pm. He is teaching game design so he gets to make a video game with the students. Its not really where he wants to go but its good pay.

So he is getting up at 6am and driving an hour to work at GCU which starts at 7 and gets off at 4pm. He gets home at 5 and we eat and usually go on a walk and play on the play place right next to our house and then get Ethan ready for bed. Once he's down Matt works for an hour getting some side work he's been doing and leaves for Collins at 9pm. He teaches until 11 and usually students stay after to ask questions or get help. Usually he's in bed at 12pm. Talk about a LONG day!!!

Not only was he doing that but he was in a band AND a priest quorum advisor!!! Idk how he does it! Thank goodness the band is done tho so that helps a little and we get to see him more!

Well Collins asked him to do another class so that means an hour earlier but his thinking is he's already driving all the way to Tempe why not go earlier and get paid twice as much. I just hope he doesn't get burnt out! He is doing pretty well with balancing everything out right now but idk what the other class will do. I guess we will find out!

Matt's school loans is a burden! Ugh I hate hate HATE debt! Most school loans are a few thousand maybe a little more but Matt's was a car loan off of 100,ooo!! Talk about mula!!! And most people don't care too much about school loans but Matt has high interest like sometimes their 16%! Kill me! So we want them paid off yesterday. We have had a nice chunk paid off since allllll our extra money/tax rebate/tax return you name it goes to the loans. But as Dave Ramsey says...Live like no one else so you can LIVE like no one else. Or something like that:) I just keep telling myself that.

Anyways if you really read this boring stuff about loans and such congrats! I just want to remember these times!

Next update is Children's Museum!

Open the hood

2011-05-06T13:34:00.000-07:00

I have so many thoughts. Seriously in my day I think them and talk to my self when I can. (Totally normal right?!) Its sad but I don't get to let MY thoughts come out. So why not take it to the blog. I mean everyone can see it if they would like but these thoughts are who I am. Me, Wendi.

So who am I you ask? A person. I have feelings, thoughts and opinions. I rarely state my opinion. Why do you ask? Well everyone has opinions or passions in life as well but let me tell you about mine..

I have a love for food. Let me tell you though, I am not a very good cook. I mess up a lot of things! But you know what... I give me self 5 star for effort :thumbs up: When Matt and I got married the only 'food' I had cooked was the chicken nuggets in the oven and cereal for dinner :) I mean I hadn't even gone to the grocery store for goodness sakes! Who was he marrying haha

Its really sad to admit but its true. Then I graduated to box meals. You know the kind you just put in the oven or cook on the stove. I somehow still ruined some sometimes.

Well becoming Ethan's mom has changed me. I love to look for food, cook it and if I could take a cooking class all day long I would soak it all up! Am I still good at cooking? Eh I'd give myself 3 out of 5. I still mess things up but when Ethan has a hard time with anything new AKA rashes up his legs and a sore bum I guess I kind of had to go the route of cooking everything from scratch.

*So if you come over anytime before 8pm, which is dishes time, then you'll probably see dishes in my kitchen waiting to be cleaned. And cleaning is another post another day...

Anyways... back to food. Well I have opinions. Strong ones for my family. Call me old school which I know I kind of am. Am I better than anyone having these STRONG opinions? NO!!! Am I looking down on you for getting fast food which I (probably) never will feed my children?? NO!!!! Sometimes I feel it is bad to be healthy. Seriously roll your eyes but never in a million years did I think taking something fresh and making tomato sauce instead of a can is bad but weather its thro your words or actions, I feel that way.

But today I am ok with it. I am here to say... I am happy with the way my family eats and I love cooking them food and hope that I can continue learning and growing to be a better cook for them because its what they deserve. Now I am not saying that anything you do is bad or wrong in any way. That's the last thing I want to say. Its what works for YOU and this is what works for me and what I want for my family.

Lets talk about offending for a second. Something that I have realized being a mommy is you can say 1 thing and please 1 and offend 1. Sometimes I feel that I can't say anything because well I don't want to offend them and its gone so far as I have lost 'me'. You know the Wendi that can tell you like it is. I have tended to be quiet and reserved most of the time which makes me sad but why? Because that's how I feel that people want me to be.. I don't want to be fake. I never have been...I am nowhere where I want to be though I pretty much say the wrong things alllllll the time. But who is perfect? NOT I!! I am working on me and you know what, I am happy with me my imperfections and all. Bragging? No. I am ok with imperfections and happy with what I have accomplished.

Ok so if your still with me and haven't stopped reading yet I have a dear friend who I look up to. Her name is Tiffany. She has a blog that is private but I asked her if I could share some suggestions she put on her blog since she has opinions too one food and I really like what she came up with.

Making better choices:
Fruit Snacks- these are a big NO in our house and I cringe everytime my daughter requests them at Grandma's house! Full of sugar, food coloring, and processed. They are what I consider to be “fake food”. Opt instead for fresh fruit. Berries are great if you are at home. If you need a snack on the go try craisins. They are soft and delicious and even a young child like Benson can eat them in small amounts.

Otter Pops and other popsicles- once again full of sugar and food coloring. They have no nutritional value and make your kids taste buds accustomed to something that is unhealthy and unnatural. Try instead making your own popsicles from fresh fruit and dairy. I like to put frozen peaches and strawberries in my blender with either milk or kefir, a small amount of sugar, and spinach…lots of it. Your smoothie will turn out to be a vibrant green (you will never taste the spinach) and even you will love it.

Gold fish, cheese-its, wheat things, Ritz crackers, Gram crackers, chips…the list goes on. I don’t like these because of all of the salt, xyz ingredients, and high fructose corn syrup. Try veggie sticks (sprouts) or veggie straws (Costco), organic animal crackers (Costco), or plain popcorn that you can butter and salt yourself. The specific products I have listed do not contain high fructose corn syrup, xyz ingredients, and are tasty snacks. But I give them to my kids in moderation. I always try to give them something fresh first. I believe the less processed food you feed your children when they are young, and especially when they are first introduced to solids makes them less picky eaters when they get older.

Chewy bars- I have issues with these on so many levels. Sprouts has a great trail mix that has Brazilian nuts, almonds, peanuts, sunflower seed, and raisins. It is unsalted and Ginger and I LOVE it!

Yogurt- I buy plain yogurt and add cut up fruit or berries with chopped walnuts. If it is too tart at first for you, try drizzling a bit of honey on top. I promise your taste buds will adapt and if your kids have never had the Yoplait type stuff they will never know the difference.

Cold cereal, packaged oatmeal, pop tarts, Costco type muffins- Just don’t buy this stuff. It is so easy to make homemade muffins, pancakes, and your own oatmeal. I will post some recipes soon that I think are great and not loaded with sugar. Costco carried a great organic granola with almonds (I am usually not a fan of granola because of all the sugar, but this one is actually not too bad). Also, don’t forget that breakfast is when your body needs protein the most. So scrambled eggs and Costco organic peanut butter on toast are great options.

A few other ideas:
Costco has a frozen organic vegetable mix that is great! I always keep this in my freezer. Although these veggies are higher in carbs than other choices they are easy the heat and soft for the kids. Better for them to eat this than no veggies at all and they are a lot better than veggies from a can…yuck!

Hummus is one of my favorite things to give my kids. Ranch dressing is something in my fridge because of my husband, but I don’t give it to my kids. Costco has a couple different types of organic hummus that I love. I buy carrots, sugar snap peas (Costco), cucumbers, and bell peppers. My kids love to dip their veggies in this and so do I. Even Benson (he just eats cucumbers right now) and some I dip the veggies sticks in the hummus for him.

I always keep hard boiled eggs in my fridge. They are great for protein and easy for both my kids to eat.

So now that you have learned ALOT about Wendi I seriously encourage you to write your thoughts and feelings on your blog. I have wanted to write this for months and just never did because I don't want to hurt someone but this is me. I love food, I love my kid and I love Matt. Life isn't perfect but we make it work. I am a human and have feelings and thoughts and I really want to know your passions and love in life too! Really I do please share!!! And if I rubbed you the wrong way I am sorry. That's the last thing I would want to do.

Sincerely

Me <3

Easter

2011-05-05T21:34:00.000-07:00

Easter was fun this year! We didn't do baskets but I know I will next year for him. Matt isn't into the whole holiday buying anything extra. I see his point but its still fun :)

We pretty much relaxed after church and went to my parents house.

I loved these eggs! They are so cute! Ethan had fun picking them up but he didn't understand putting them in the basket. Next year will be even more fun since he'll be able to keep up with all his cousins!

The best picture I got.

Thanks Marmi for the chicken pooping out eggs toy. It is sooo cute! Ethan was entertained for hours with that and his eggs.

So I want to say alot on my blog....But I dont. I don't want to offend anyone or have someone take something the wrong way. I actually hate that I can't put some feelings or thoughts in fear of someone taking it the wrong way.. So I don't feel I need to appologize but I really thing these 'thoughts' will be coming in the future. I am sure my 2 readers won't mind :)

13 months

2011-04-29T13:50:00.001-07:00

My boy is growing up! Its so fun these days. What a fast month it was!
We have been busy going to park with friends, Children Museum of Phoenix, Zoo and Kid's Club at the mall.

Ethan's new/favorite things:

*Getting into everything-Literally he almost fell into the tub. He just lifts his foot to about anything and attempts to get in! He successfully made it into the wagon. I was shocked!

By the way...He loves the bath. No that's an understatement!

*Plug things in like mommy. So I blend things at least 3 times a day and I plug it in. So we are in the kitchen and I think I am making dinner and see him trying to put the plug in the socket. I laughed. Its amazing how much they learn!

*The park. We take walks everyday after dinner. I have been in the house and its just nice to get out. So we started taking Ethan to the park on the way back from getting the mail. He screams when he sees it and we can't get him out fast enough.

Also, he saw a girl barely older than him walking around and we were going home and talking to the neighbors and he totally just started walking. Sadly he only did it for one day. In my head I joke he'll be walking when he's off to college but I know he'll be walking before we know it!

*Adding on the getting in to everything Ethan got onto his bike toy. We are trying to teach him to push himself. He can reach the floor but hasn't gotten the feet down yet!

His words:

Dug aka dog

He loves this and that. He says that a million plus times a day

Update on Easter soon!!!

SHHHH

2011-04-27T23:06:00.000-07:00

Don't tell Matt! He better hope for a girl next the next time around :)

Big G's pearls

Wait for it............

Look at those eyes. They remind me of the cat off Shrek. And those puckered lips. He's a natural right???

Ok I know its totally wrong but it just happened.. See Ethan and I were sitting on the couch and he kept talking to me about my flower in my hair. I took it off and put it on him. We both laughed. The pearls he likes to play with. Matt would kill me if he saw these pictures. I laugh! I think its funny :) My son likes to play/eat dirt and loves balls and trucks. I can have a little fun right? Right?????!

I guess it will make a great conversation down the road!

Food storage with a 1 year old???

2011-04-23T21:02:00.000-07:00

Super hard!!!! Who wants to bag some beans when you can play in the buckets :)

The zoo

2011-04-11T21:13:00.000-07:00

Meet Ethan's girlfriend Olivia! We met her at group and are sad she is moving this summer : /

Too bad the glare is on the monkey.. Ethan loved getting so close to him tho!

Looking at the turtles and fish.

We had a blast at the zoo! We went to the library and got the culture pass. Its not easy to get but if you want I can tell you my secret :)

My friend Stephanie came and we have a lot of fun. Ethan saw most of the animals and I can't wait until he is a little older to be able to see ALL of them! It was a little hot but not bad.

I am glad we got to go before it started getting really hot!

Some firsts

2011-04-09T20:35:00.000-07:00

Ethan at his year check up. He is such a goof I love it!

First time at Joe's BBQ on Ethan's Bday. Free food baby! It was pretty good. Ethan liked it can you tell??

First time on the merry go round at Superstition Mall for their kids club. He thought it was pretty cool chillin on the gorilla but when it moved his face was priceless!

This was my due date, April 1st- fools day. He stood by himself for longer than 30 sec and took a few steps. Its crazy to think I had him a year ago! It went so fast but so slow.

I feel like the only updates I do are of Ethan but I guess that's what our life is alll about.

Party!

2011-04-05T22:33:00.000-07:00

Ethan's party was at Freestone park. We had a blast!

Before the pictures I want to document what Ethan's up to.

Ethan is such a busy body. He can't see the same 4 walls or else he goes crazy.(takes after his mom) He is eating a lot more now which is good. I have been signing alot more with him and love to be able to communicate with him! He knows milk, all done and working on to eat, apple and water. He signs milk for water and to eat.

His new love is the stairs. Its a game to him. He will go up a step or 2 and wait for me to see him and squeal and go as fast as he can up the stairs. I laugh every time.

We went to the doctor for his check up and he is 25-50% on height and weight was 5-10%,

The doctor informed me that Ethan had 1 molar on the top cut and I was shocked! I had no idea. Who can complain?? :) He's getting the 4 molars right now and I was so scared for these to come as everyone says they are THE worst. For Ethan they are a piece of cake! :knock on wood!!!!!!!:

Honestly I would take a 1 year old over a newborn ANYDAY! I love love love this stage! He is so fun. He is learning alot and its just so dang fun to be his mom.

On April Fools Day, his due date, he stood and took a few steps. SO fun! I really can't wait for him to walk. He gets so stinkin dirty!

Anyways....He is his party! It was Very Hungry Caterpillar theme

Its the best picture I got of the food...

My sister with Noah and Ethan. Noah is a month older than Ethan AND she is due end of May with another boy!

Love this picture!

My fun loving niece Kennedy! She seriously rocks!

It was a fun day for Ethan. He could not stay awake in the car. He partied hard!

Meet the chicks

2011-04-03T21:22:00.001-07:00

Meet the newest members of our family!!!

The 5 Little Murray's!

Their Road Island Reds. This picture was taken the day after we got them. So little and so cute!

Boy have they changed! I had no idea that chickens grow SO fast! Like we'd wake up the next day and they had wing feathers and the next they'd have tail feathers ect.

They are the ideal pet. Not like a dog where you have to pay attention to them 24/7 or take them on walks. Though we did take them outside in the grass but we take Ethan out anyways.

They are a lot of fun! Matt was building the coop which he is half finished with.

They had to be inside so the first month or two under a light. They started to stink and last night was their first night outside in their almost done coop. They did well!!

Their like my kids. I worry about them and love them :)

The number 1 question I have been asked is don't you have to have a rooster to have eggs. I thought this too. No you only need a rooster to have fertilized eggs. And we don't want MORE chickens plus roosters are loud!

So here are the chicks a week or 2 ago

They are bigger now and are starting to get their head feathers.

Ethan loves them! He will try to pick them up and he actually has successfully without squeezing(I was shocked!) and today while playing on the couch he was looking for them in their box.

I never thought I'd ever have chickens. I mean who has chickens these days?! haha but I am surprised there are more than you think. Its a fun adventure for our family and I can't wait to get fresh eggs!

March 30th 1:06 am

2011-03-29T21:49:00.000-07:00

To think that at this time right now I was almost done with labor, probably just arriving at the hospital for the 2nd time and so close to meeting the baby that had been kicking inside me for months. Its so weird to think of my labor. Its like a dream sort of. Once he was delivered I remember feeling like I was watching a tv show. It sounds super weird? Idk that's what it felt like to me. I was in shock. I pretty much layed watching Ethan scream on my chest and was in complete shock! This little person is mine. It was such a different experience. I still remember thinking that idk how I will do that again over and over again. Labor is no easy task especially with no drugs but what an amazing experience. The best one yet!

I remember struggling in the first months of Ethan's life but what a growing experience! Ethan has blessed our lives so much. Life would be boring without him! This year has been so great! I love being a mom. Some days I would like to scream and I actually have :) But really its the best thing EVER!

I am a different person than I was before kids. Its a good thing. My priorities are wayyyyy different and I enjoy the small things like a nice hot shower or Ethan and Matt playing on the floor.

Here are some pictures of Ethan's first year of life!

Love you Bubba <3

This time in shopping cart!

Green baby

2011-03-18T15:52:00.001-07:00

So these first 2 pictures crack me up! I didn't know they were on the camera until I was looking at them just now. I knew he was mad cause he wanted the camera but these 2 are hilarious!

Ball of emotions that's my Ethan!

What a face!

I did a t-shirt swap with a group online and this was one that I got. To die for!!!

So St. Patrick's Day isn't that special but I love this shirt. I mean what mom wouldn't?? ;)

11

2011-03-06T20:49:00.000-08:00

He was serious in a few pics which is unusual for him!

Ethan is 11 months. He is busy as can be.

He loves exploring and learning new things. It is so fun to watch him grow everyday.

His favorite things are balls and wheels. Oh and books. He can bounce a ball around the house for at least 30 min. He loves to spin the wheels on cars, trucks or trains. And books, that kid can flip through the pages and be in heaven. Its a great pacifier at church!

Ethan has learned alot since the last month.

Today he stood by himself for quite some time. I knew he had it in him. I just think he needed more confidence.

He now waves and waves to everyone(usually) Its really cute talking to Matt on the phone at work and trying to get him to talk which he only wants to touch the buttons but whenever I say 'bye' he always waves and I love it.

He tells me when he wants milk. This is easy to be able to know when he want it. Its hard sometimes cause his wave and milk are the same sign but I got the 2 down I think. He also has signed all done but not really much as I just started that.

He Loves to walk with his little bike thing we have. That and the high chair and the stroller. Idk why but he loves strollers. The wheels on them are so cool to him. We take him to the play place in the mall and he'll play but he'd rather go out of the area and play with the strollers. Ha!

Ethan has found his voice. He screams alot! In the last few days he has started where he just screams for every or anything. Its can get annoying as Matt said but its expected :]

Ethan loves to smack his lips kinda like a kiss. Its really cute and he does the fish with his lips as well.

Thankfully he is sleeping much better at night! I was dieing having him be up so much. A month or two ago he was up wayyyyy too many times and then teething which his teeth didn't cut GRRR! But he is sleeping amazing now! Ethan was a wonderful sleeper when younger and ever since teething hit he gets all messed up. He gets back on track and teeths again but in between there I am trying to get him sleeping better. It seemed to always get better and on track and then the cycle of teething happens again. I am not complaining but I am proud of myself. I never have done cry it out at night and don't have to do it at all now but did it when he was much younger. Anyways I was told oh you just have to let him cry it out. I couldn't do it. Not at night and Matt needed sleep. He only ate and went back to sleep. I love this part of motherhood. You get to choose or create whatever you want and its great to see success in something such as sleeping without doing a 'method'.

Love this profile picture!

Anyways lots of changes are happening in our household. haha I know what your thinking. No. We have started a garden! I am really excited about it! Thanks to some friends and my sister in law Mary we have it up and running! We did plants instead of starting seeds. I want to get my confidence up first :] We have lots! Watermelon, butternut squash, zucchini, carrots, kale, lettuce, pickling cucumbers, cucumbers and I think that is it.

We are getting chickens! I am super excited about this new experience. Matt is going to build a coop and we'll have a compost to use for our garden. Ethan has problems with eggs but I hope to be able to help with changing the diets of the normal chicken to be soy-free and hope that will help him. We'll see. I am going to challenge his allergy when the chickens start laying.

Well this is way too long but it's been awhile since posting. Its hard to sit down and post. It's hard to focus on a million things. I really don't know how people do it! I am really trying to focus more on cleaning my house which I found a wonderful site to help me with that! And I am focusing on food. I love to find recipes and try new things out. Like raw tacos. Sounds discussting right??? Matt is kinda picky(shhh dont tell) and he loved them too! No its not raw meat silly!

Anyways that's our life in a few paragraphs. Hopefully I'll update more often!

Good News

2011-02-09T19:17:00.000-08:00

Ethan went to an allergen specialist yesterday.

We found out he has Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome.

Basically as I was told that it isn't an allergen to the food but the protein in the food he has a hard time digesting which causes his reaction.

So no dairy, soy or eggs.

He had an allergic reaction to the eggs and not just the protein from the skin test so no eggs until 15 months which I was kinda bummed about but he said I can slowly add dairy in. I am going to start with yogurt.

Is there anything to treat or help him? Well good gut flora. So probiotics and vitamin D which makes sense and idk why I haven't been giving him vitamin D from the beginning.

Oh and he should only have this problem til the age of 2. I was on cloud 9 after he told me this. Before this I had no idea how long we were in it for. Just knowing a time that it should be gone was so great to hear. Ya!!!

We are pretty adjusted to our new lifestyle now and have had no problems recently which is good!I would never think I would give up so much for my little guy but its all worth it to me.

I can say our eating habits will never be the same as well. Its a good thing, we eat a lot healthier and we feel alot better! Though I have been told many opinions about food but I am glad this happened to us. (Did I say that?) I love food, I love to cook it and I love learning about it. Its pretty much what I do whenever I get a chance. It is hard when someone tells you what you can eat. Or when someone judges you on food. I mean I am eating healthy, that is bad?? I feel that way sometimes. But you know I have come to terms with it. I AM A HEALTH FREAK! Ok, I got it off my chest :]

All in all, I got some answers and help and I wish we could have seen him sooner!

Here is the latest of the little dude since a post without a pic is boring?

Playing in the car!

3 Years

2011-02-02T19:45:00.000-08:00

I am feel horrible! Our anniversary was Jan 19th and its Feb already!

Better late than never right?

Our anniversary was a Wednesday so Matt took off work since he has plenty of days. I was super excited and it was his turn to plan what we were doing(we switch every year)

So idk why I thought we were going to go 'somewhere' other than AZ, ok I know why I was thought...I wanted to go somewhere ha!

But we kicked it here. It was a really nice day. I wouldn't change a thing. We did some shopping. Matt's not the shopper and I enjoy shopping with him.

I guess we were supposed to go somewhere past AJ to a cool forest walk but he didn't get the info on time.

We were going to dinner in Phoenix to a restaurant I could eat at. We stopped at a few places in Tempe on the way.

Side note: I MISS Tempe so much! I mean the traffic sucks but man I love it there. Ok the bums are not fun too but other than that its a great place! Maybe someday we can be rich and live there!

So we went to the restaurant and I wish it was closer. YUMMM!

If you are looking for a place with yummy all handmade food go to True Food Kitchen.

Their pita bread and hummus was out of this world. Ok I must stop before I start drooling :]

And that was our day.

It seems like Matt and I have been married for much longer. I am glad to have forever with him. What a great dad and husband. I can't wait til its been 40 years and we are rocking in our rocking chairs together.

Is that weird I can't wait to get old?

We did not get a picture and I was dissapointed : / Ughhh I am so mad! But oh well....Next year!

Double digits

2011-01-27T21:17:00.000-08:00

How sad is it for me to say my baby is 10 months. I thought it was silly to hear mom's get 'emotional' when their baby turns 1 but I think I am now realizing what they are talking about.

Ethan is my world. Someday's I think its weird I am a mom as in I still feel like a kid out of high school. What a great blessing but responsibility it is!

I also remember hearing mom's talk about how the older their child gets, the more fun it is. I can say this is to be true with Ethan. I love this stage! He is learning and growing each day and it is just fun to see it all.

Everything isn't all rainbows and butterfly's but usually our day is just having fun with eachother. I love my job! It is a Full time job, but it beats any job I have ever had.

Ok so I am obsessed with my child. Who isn't??

[I believe this is a beet]

I accidentally missed Ethan's 9 months info as I will love to look back through when he is older.

The past 2 months:

Ethan is around 19 pounds and 28 inches tall.

His favorites:

blocks- the kid loves to crash down our towers we build

balls- does he love balls! He will pick it up and thro it around for an hour if I let him

books- he is loving when we do ABC's and 123's and do our farm animal book with sounds. It is so cute, he is now makes a noise when he hears the sounds.

Dada- he said mamma for a day and now only says dada. He calls me BOB?! True story. Matt says he is lazy with his lips and it comes out Bob? Idk but I think its kinda funny.

Outside- He has always loved to be outside but it is ever so strong right now. We go outside everyday. We meet dogs, kids and play with his toys.

[at mommies group with Mea]

I have loved the snuggles i get from Ethan when he goes down and wakes up from a nap.(I must mention E is not a cuddle bug. Quite the opposite!) The other day he got up from a nap when I was doing dinner. He likes to be held and I had to finish it or else it wouldn't be done on time. Anyways, Ethan was fussy but decided it was ok if he has 1 hand on mommies foot but if it got off he was upset. He is so funny and cracks me up!

A while ago I asked Ethan if he wanted an apple like I do every morning and he answered ya. It took me by surprise. He doesn't do it often but will reply to me when I ask him things. It is just fun to see.

Ethan's words:

Ya, dada, bob, huh, ba

I know why put a few syllables as words? Well I want to know this and its our blog so I don't think it will kill you to know :)

[Move over you slow divers!]

Christmas 2010

2011-01-05T20:07:00.001-08:00

This picture says it all, Christmas was a hit with Ethan!

Sock from Marmi!

Don't know what this face is for? It's the only picture I got of him..

Monster truck!

Caterpillar chime(IDK what to call it!) I just think this is a cool picture.

We got him a discovery tent with the tube. He LOVES it! Well worth the ten bucks we spent!

He loves these balls! The kid was in heaven on Christmas. I would help start the paper to open his presents and he did a good job and pulling it off. It was so much fun this year and I know that next year will be even better!

This would have been our Christmas card picture but..it was taken a week in advance and not much time to send out so I said, well we have a picture and next year we hopefully will get to the printing and envelope part :)

New years:

I love to update on holiday's because 3 years down the road when I ask what we did that one time I will know!

We hit up Buffalo Wild Wings with Kraig and Amelia and headed to their house to play games and shoot off fire works. It.was.so.cold! We did them a bit away from their house in a basin and man I was so cold! But it was fun. I love being able to have fireworks here and not just in states near here.

It was a fun night. Nothing too special but a great memory. It's how we roll.

New years resolution:

I want to be a better mom first and foremost. Some days I really struggle with patience and its something I know I struggle with and am working on it.

I want to be a better wife, clean house and dinner made when Matt opens the door. Its alot easier said than done. The last thing I really want to do is clean my house when Ethan goes down and I have a minute to myself. I am working on it!

Scripture study! We were so good with this before Ethan came. I think once we got it started after we were married, we missed like 3 days in a year plus. Now that Ethan came..we are horrible! Matt is working and I am updating, searching or creating. We say to do it at the dinner table but it hasn't stuck. Hopefully this year it will!

And if you really read all this...WOW congrats!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T15:29:00.000-08:00

If only you could see his grin from ear to ear!

Love Matt, Wendi and Ethan

Needles for lunch?????

2010-12-18T21:49:00.000-08:00

Well I guess Ethan will have a unusual story to tell, you know where you say something different or unique about yourself?

December 16th was a normal day until about 12:30, 1pm. I was working on finishing Ethan's Christmas present which involved using a pin cushion, the needles and felt. I put them on the couch and Ethan was playing with his toys while I went to the bathroom. I come back and he has the pin cushion in his mouth and the needles all over the floor. I did the obvious and cleaned the needles up and checked him mouth and didn't think he did but I wasn't sure.

Fast forward to 4:30 when we get to the emergency room and waiting for Matt to get home from work. We get an xray and this is what I saw

See that needle bottom half of page?? Ya seriously!! I was in shock and scared! They told me that we needed a CT scan because they thought the needle punctured his stomach and he would have to be transferred to Children's Hospital on Dobson to get surgery to remove it. I was Freaking out not only were they telling me my baby was going to have to have surgery but I was all by myself! So...we go and get the CT scan and Ethan was pretty scared of that machine. We waited for the result and finally, finally Matt arrived. We waited and waited and finally got the good news that it had not done any damage and that he would have to get an IV with blood drawn and they were calling the hospital to get us a room for surgery.

40 min or so later.. with another doctor working with us. He comes in and tells me the wonderful news that the surgeons say to let it pass since doing surgery would do more harm with scar tissue and that its not necessary as they usually always come out. What a relief!! He told us to wait 3 days and come back if it hadn't passed or if blood or anything unusual.

The hospital staff were seriously shocked that Ethan had a needle in him and was a happy clam. They kept telling me how great he was. Especially with the IV. I was nervous and had to leave the room but he didn't cry at all!

Here is the proof. He amazed me how happy he was while I was quite the opposite!

All in all I learned my lesson. Never leave Ethan alone even to go to the bathroom. Yes I felt like a horrible Mother but honestly I have gotten past that. You can only change the future and not the past!

So yesterday I was really hoping he would pass this needle and after a few times in the day..Nothing.

I was starting to kinda freak out last night just because I was worried we would have to end up getting surgery for the dang thing to be removed.

This morning it finally came out. I was never happier to see POOP!

I prayed so much during this process and I know that my Heavenly Father was there with our family. I felt a peace after praying when it happened, after Matt gave him a blessing and praying the next night when there was no sign of the needle. What a great testimony builder! I never felt alone and only felt love and peace and knew that everything would be alright. I know he is there for me and helping me learn and grow each and every day. I am so thankful to be able to have the Holy Ghost with me at all times and to be able to have the relationship I do with Heavenly Father.

I love Ethan so much and so grateful for the opportunity I get to be his mother!! I just hope that I never have to go through that again!!!!

A day in the life of....

2010-12-01T14:10:00.002-08:00

an 8 month old:

I eat my toys

But they get boring real quick!

I smile and smile and smile all day long

Oh these are fun! It makes lots of noise too

I like to stand on everything and anything!

I don't like to sit still for pictures

Mommy dressed me not matching on Thanksgiving, I was kind of embarrassed but I got over it. I was just in the house so I guess it was ok. By the way, I love this toy!

Yup, I climb the stairs!

Half way up but I went all the way up!

This was when I was almost finished!

All in a days work!

"Mama!"

2010-11-03T16:10:00.001-07:00

My baby just said mama! I had just gotten off the phone with my sister and was getting an orange and out of no where Ethan says mama. I stopped and was like...what did he just say!!!!!

I said it back to him and he did it again and again and has been for the last hour.

I am one PROUD mama! I thought he'd say daddy first but nope he decided to say the cooler parent first :)

I called Matt right away and he heard him say it too.

I have a video on my facebook but my comp is being dumb and I can't upload it on here...

Seven

2010-11-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

I need to update before it gets too late!

Ethan is 7 months old. Shocker!

He is getting so big and learning so much! This month is a lot of first:

In the beginning of the month he learned how to do the official crawl and learned to go from crawling to sitting even tho he couldn't sit very well?

But then a few days later he got the sitting position better.

He is now standing in his crib which freaks me out! Ethan don't walk!!!!!

He got his taste of food! He was ready about a week before 7 months. I am not the traditional mom if you haven't noticed. I don't do puree's but I will just say this, I do my research and do what is best for me and Ethan!

Ethan has finally been rash free(pretty much) for a week! (BIG RELIEF!) My poor baby had a yeast rash for 4 months and the doc were pretty....[put a nice word in I guess] about it. They were not much help so I spent hours trying to find out what the issue was or what I could do to help his poor bum! Well I tried everything and anything and saw a few more docs...

The result: He is allergic to eggs and soy!

I have been off dairy since he was a month old due to him not eating well and upset stomach and now get asked what DO I eat. Well I eat lots of fruits and veggies and rice and beans and oatmeal and I make my own bread and honey is my new best friend! I had a hard time committing to no soy since soy is in everything but once I stopped, it is so easy! I just don't buy it and that's that! I tried making yogurt with goat's milk since they say its easier to digest and better for their tummys but my result was not yogurt....HA!

(Oh I must get this out, Alot of people kinda think I am crazy thinking my son is not allergic to these things and I am not sure why someone would not believe what I know and my son but everyone is different. I can tell you that my son IS allergic and I am happy to accommodate him!:))

Here is a picture for good measures:

Banana and chickpea soup!

I love that face. "Mom what is this!"

Happy 'Rawr'oween

2010-10-31T10:22:00.000-07:00

The baby group I go to!

A bag of Jelly Belly's, a lion and really boring husband

Happy Halloween! This year is fun with Ethan in the mix.

We went to our ward trunk-or-treat and heading to some friends for games! I am surprised we didn't get any trick-or-treaters last night.

I am sure we will get some tonight!

Vertuccio's Festival

2010-10-26T21:53:00.000-07:00

This place is a lot of fun even with a 7month old!

We had a blast! They have corn maze, train, hay maze, some bike type race track and a pizza farm with veggies and animals showing what's in a pizza.

To top it off, every Tuesday they have buy one get one free for student staff scouts ect so we paid 6 bucks!

Here are the pics:

The barrel train

So would have been a good pics if my face wasn't cut off

Swings

This is so funny!

Meeting the chicks!

Sadly it was dark but still cute :)

We will for sure go next year!

So this person is amazing

2010-10-22T21:06:00.000-07:00

And he happens to be my husband!

I just feel he should get a shout out, not that he needs it written down but because he deserves it :)

I am such a lucky girl to have a wonderful husband. He Makes me better every.day. Even tho sometimes it annoys the crap out of me how much he helps me be better but really its good for me. I am far from perfect but he has helped me progress far more than I could myself.
He pushes me to my max (in a good way)

I hope to be like him someday. He juggles alot and has too much on his plate all the time but he always makes sure to kiss our son before the day begins and at the end of the day.

Ethan loves him and he loves when he comes home from work to play with him. He always gets the biggest smile

How cute is he! Ethan always puts me in a good mood, who wouldn't be with that double chin grin!

22

2010-10-15T20:39:00.000-07:00

I am now my favorite number! I have always loved the number 2 oddly?

As Matt told me today he likes my birthday (free doughnuts) because I am one year older and wiser.

My bday was tuesday and Matt took off work and we went to the Natural Museum. We had never been and really enjoyed it. Ethan liked it too!

We then relaxed and Matt got clean teeth and we went to Joe's farm grill.

You can never go wrong with Joe's! It was nice outside and I

tried something new, their spicy chicken..Mmmm!

Then we watched UP

We live the life of the party I know :)

It really was a nice day and am so grateful for Matt and Ethan in my

life. I love them very much!

182.621099 days

2010-09-29T10:19:00.000-07:00

or 6 months or a half of a year or one of two equals or..

haha you get the point. Ethans growing up and to celebrate we captured some pictures of the little man

you know you wish you could pinch those cheeks. SO funny!

model ethan on the next top model :)

it says it all

2010-09-26T15:59:00.000-07:00

I tear up everytime I hear this and I love remembering this on my hard days.

I am in love...

2010-09-08T13:34:00.000-07:00

with my little man!

he is so much fun! I love the time we get to spend together. I am so thankful to be able to stay at home with him all day long. I have seen a lot of mommies having to go back to work and it just helps me to count my blessings.

Ethan should be named smile or happy cause thats what he does or is almost all the time. I love it! He helps me to be in a good mood all the time :)

here is the latest of the little dude:

Ninja skills?

2010-08-24T16:10:00.000-07:00

We've been practicing!

Memory Lane

2010-08-17T12:44:00.000-07:00

This makes me smile,
This was when Matt and I were newly engaged and I found it on the hard drive and have to laugh!

found these too:

Camping with the fam!

Freezing trip to Nauvoo for Kyle's wedding

Love you Honey!

4+2= Ethan

2010-08-02T12:53:00.000-07:00

Ethan is growing like a weed! (remember this info is for my journal)

He is 4 months as of Friday and is getting 2 bottom teeth!

I was shocked when a friend told me he was getting a tooth, I had no idea and thought it was months away.

His 4month check up was today and here is his stats:

Weight-14lbs 13 oz 50%

Height-25 and 3/4 inches 50-75 %

head-14.5 i think? He has a small head but its getting bigger :)

Doctor said he is a chunker and asked what I feed him haha since he has gone from like 5% in weight to 50. He was pleased with breastfeeding momma :)

Anyways...My thoughts on this month or the last few...

To be a mom is seriously the best. The beginning was pretty rough on me and Ethan. We struggled with breastfeeding and Ethan was pretty gassy but we got through it!

I thought this stage would be kinda...boring but honestly I love this stage! He is learning everyday! He is a good baby and brings so much joy into ours lives. I thought about what life would be like without Ethan and I never wanted to think about it again...really life is GOOD!

I am so thankful to my Heavenly Father for trusting me with one of his children. I have grown stronger in prayer and feel so much closer to him and know who to turn to with my struggles.

Anywho..

Ethan:

grab objects and put in his mouth, he likes his hands tho

loved to kick his feet like crazy (he is super strong)

do a 360 if we put him on his back

he has moved like a snake on his tummy

he found his feet and loves to grab them

he likes to eat his pacifier backwards, the back of it

laughs right before the hiccups--so funny

still squealing like a girl but louder!

loved walks and baths

roll from tummy to back and back to tummy

sat up..less than a min but still he did it!

he loves his sophie teether (highly recommend!)

I love his smile/laugh and that double chin says enough

He loves his daddy

First trip to the zoo!

Stay at home mom

2010-07-22T18:50:00.000-07:00

this is so funny, copied from a site asking what sahm's do with their time. the first is her question the second is her response

TELL ME ABOUT IT ®

(Nick Galifianakis for The Washington Post)

By Carolyn Hax

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Carolyn:

Best friend has child. Her: exhausted, busy, no time for self, no time for me, etc. Me (no kids): Wow. Sorry. What'd you do today? Her: Park, play group . . .

Okay. I've done Internet searches, I've talked to parents. I don't get it. What do stay-at-home moms do all day? Please no lists of library, grocery store, dry cleaners . . . I do all those things, too, and I don't do them EVERY DAY. I guess what I'm asking is: What is a typical day and why don't moms have time for a call or e-mail? I work and am away from home nine hours a day (plus a few late work events) and I manage to get it all done. I'm feeling like the kid is an excuse to relax and enjoy -- not a bad thing at all -- but if so, why won't my friend tell me the truth? Is this a peeing contest ("My life is so much harder than yours")? What's the deal? I've got friends with and without kids and all us child-free folks get the same story and have the same questions.

Tacoma, Wash.

Relax and enjoy. You're funny.

Or you're lying about having friends with kids.

Or you're taking them at their word that they actually have kids, because you haven't personally been in the same room with them.

Internet searches?

I keep wavering between giving you a straight answer and giving my forehead some keyboard. To claim you want to understand, while in the same breath implying that the only logical conclusions are that your mom-friends are either lying or competing with you, is disingenuous indeed.

So, since it's validation you seem to want, the real answer is what you get. In list form. When you have young kids, your typical day is: constant attention, from getting them out of bed, fed, clean, dressed; to keeping them out of harm's way; to answering their coos, cries, questions; to having two arms and carrying one kid, one set of car keys, and supplies for even the quickest trips, including the latest-to-be-declared-essential piece of molded plastic gear; to keeping them from unshelving books at the library; to enforcing rest times; to staying one step ahead of them lest they get too hungry, tired or bored, any one of which produces the kind of checkout-line screaming that gets the checkout line shaking its head.

It's needing 45 minutes to do what takes others 15.

It's constant vigilance, constant touch, constant use of your voice, constant relegation of your needs to the second tier.

It's constant scrutiny and second-guessing from family and friends, well-meaning and otherwise. It's resisting constant temptation to seek short-term relief at everyone's long-term expense.

It's doing all this while concurrently teaching virtually everything -- language, manners, safety, resourcefulness, discipline, curiosity, creativity. Empathy. Everything.

It's also a choice, yes. And a joy. But if you spent all day, every day, with this brand of joy, and then, when you got your first 10 minutes to yourself, wanted to be alone with your thoughts instead of calling a good friend, a good friend wouldn't judge you, complain about you to mutual friends, or marvel how much more productively she uses her time. Either make a sincere effort to understand or keep your snit to yourself.

Write to Tell Me About It, Style, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071, ortellme@washpost.com.

Getting the husband on board!

2010-07-21T14:07:00.001-07:00

When I told Matt I am going to buy organic he said its just expensive, we can't afford. And my response was...We will afford. I won't buy the crap (chips, crackers,ect) he also told me the guy he carpools with worked at a grocery store and said that the organic just goes bad faster..I laughed! hahaha real convincing..

So...Why organic??? This shall help as it convinced me!

Example: the Dirty Dozen(below) have been found to contain as many as 49 different pesticides! You want 49 chemicals in your body from one fruit or veggie?????????????

What if I wash and peel my fruits and vegetables?

The data used to create the Guide is from produce tested as it is typically eaten. This means washed and, when applicable, peeled. For example, bananas are peeled before testing, and blueberries and peaches are washed. Because all produce has been thoroughly cleaned before analysis, washing a fruit or vegetable would not change its rank in the EWG's Shopper’s Guide (i.e. washing a conventional apple will not make it is less contaminated).

STUDY

http://www.theecofriendlyfamily.com/2010/05/salad-hold-pesticides-please.html

A new Harvard study focuses on the effects of Organophosphates (a type of pesticide commonly used on produce). These pesticides are toxic to the nervous system and that's how they kill pests. The thinking now (really? just now?) is that 'ta da!!!' it can effect us too. They have established a link between these neurotoxins and ADHD. Makes sense right?! They can't say for certain that there is a direct cause/effect and that more testing is needed, but it's a start.

The research thus far seems to suggest that the effects are more pronounced in children with their developing brains and generally smaller bodies/systems. This study was done by testing the urine of more than 1,100 children ages 8-15.
"Children with higher-than-average levels of the most commonly detected byproduct -- found in roughly 6 in 10 kids -- were nearly twice as likely to have ADHD. "It's not a small effect. This is 100 percent more risk," says the lead author of the study, Maryse Bouchard, Ph.D."1

Is it worth it??? http://talesofthewife.blogspot.com/2010/07/is-organic-worth-cost.html

When speaking of food, the term organic has a different meaning. The label Organic is regulated by the USDA and refers to the production of that food. The long explanation is on a page of the USDA's website. Basically the regulations state that:

Animals must not be given antibiotics or growth hormones or fed animal byproducts.
Animals must have access to the outdoors (amount of time not specified).
Animals must be given organic feed for at least a year.
Food has not been genetically modified (No GMOs).
Fertilizer does not contain sewage or synthetic materials.
Produce cannot be contaminated with synthetic chemicals used as pesticides.

There are varying levels of Organic foods as well. A food labeled as 100% Organic is just that. All ingredients are Organic. If you see "Organic" at least 95% of the ingredients must be Organic. A product can also be "Made with Organic Ingredients", meaning at least 70% of its ingredients are Organic. The terms "Natural" or "All Natural" are thrown loosely around and can have little meaning. Meat and poultry, however, that use these terms do not contain artificial flavoring, colors, chemical preservatives, or synthetic ingredients.

A study by the University of Washington concluded that children fed a diet of Organic foods were exposed to 6 to 9 times fewer toxins than children fed a conventional diet. MSNBC reported these figures in their article New Reasons for Eating Organic?

What do these toxins do to our children? The biggest problem is that we haven't seen enough to know the complete implications of feeding our children these chemicals. However, the Healthy Child Organization notes that scientific evidence increasingly points to the chemicals in daily products as the reason for increasing chronic conditions and illnesses such as asthma, ADD/ADHD, allergies, and learning and developmental disabilities in our children.

Other reasons to eat Organic foods include preserving water qualityand preventing soil erosion. Pesticides don't simply stay on the plants we spray them on. Rain and watering systems wash those chemicals into our water systems. Organic farmers are require by law to practice soil conservation and to put into place a soil rebuilding plan. This can include techniques such as no-till farming where plant stalks are left in the ground to hold the soil in place after harvest. Buying local Organic produce supports your communityand small farms.

I have started buying a basket of organic fruit and veggies from http://www.bountifulbaskets.org/ $25 bucks for all organic. Yes you don't know what you'll get but I have almost used it all and will use the rest of it this week! I can't find some things organic or its so expensive, well they get it wholesale and from local farmers! Its not a business, just volunteers helping the community. There is other states and cities that do it too! Check it out :)

Why do such a thing???

2010-07-17T10:47:00.000-07:00

Green...what does it mean??

Dictionary.com says...

of the color of growing foliage, between yellow and blue inthe spectrum

simple; unsophisticated

fresh, recent, or new

environmentally sound or beneficial

Why on earth would I be talking about green??

Well I have decided that I am going green!

One step AT a time. And I thought mayb I could get others to get on the band wagon but if not, its ok you don't have to read it :)

Why be green?? Well there is tons of reasons. A year and a half ago all people started talking about was being 'green' And my thought was...........ok so what..you really can't make that much of a difference and felt more like a fad than a movement to me.

Well number one...You do save money

number two...you are better on your body, environment and others(including those furry friends)

number three...you feel better! I have just started and feel better already :)

My first attempt is yes I am going cloth diapers 100%! Call me crazzy make a gross face as your reading this but really it isn't gross! It saves lots and LOTS of money(YAY) and I am not putting something on a pile of trash that will take 500 years to be gone! Anyways...its really not that bad. I was scared to start it but one...NO chemicals on my babies butt and also NO blowouts! No rashes!! Convinced???

My second attempt is I am now apart of a group that pulls money together and you get fruit and veggie baskets. I am going 100% certified organic from local farmers! And I picked up my first basket today and I love this! I paid $25 buckeroos and got bananas peaches plums watermelon celery carrots cabbage strawberries mangos green chard and one other thing idk what it is. But all 100% organic and from local farmers. they are delish! bountifulbaskets.org

My third attempts is a work in progress :)

Tah Tah for now!

food for thought

2010-07-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

I am convinced!...

Via: Weight Loss

Benjamin Button no more

2010-07-06T14:21:00.000-07:00

I know I am a party pooper but his old man hair was fun while it lasted. (Too long!)

Before:

After:

He could care less having a vibrating noisy thing on his head.

Happy baby!

3 months

2010-06-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

I can not believe it has to been so long! I am loving every minute with Ethan! He makes life so much fun :)

Ethan now:

can roll over,

make funny noises sucking his hands (his favorite)

pop his legs like a grass hopper

squeal like a little girl at a candy store

laugh like an old man

puh his lips just like his daddy

smile like no ones business

have everything in the air except his chest-his butt looks super funny

talk up a storm to his baby Einstein play mat

strum his fingers--its super crazy how can he do it?

We love Ethan so much! He is learning new things daily, by far his favorite thing is his Einstein mat. He can't get enough of it! The sweetest thing on Father's day happened---Ethan said 'ma' of course it wasn't on purpose but oh soooooo sweet to hear! He also has this funny old man laugh kinda deeper for his little girl voice and its so funny. I laugh everytime he does it. He is so great at entertaining us which is good cuz we now have no tv! It's amazing how much stronger our family is without a tv. I mean we have to talk to eachother :)

Anywho... Life is settled down now and thanks to a friend's baby that had similar issues with Ethan and his eating and she actually asked her doctor and was told Mylacon before eating and it saved my life! I was doing it after and got mad at the stuff cuz it did nothing but now its my life saver:)

Ethan is such a good baby and always super chill

Check out our family pics from my friend Amalie, super amazing!

What we have been up to

2010-06-12T10:44:00.001-07:00

Blowing bubbles

And taking a first swim!

2-6

2010-06-01T10:59:00.000-07:00

Matt turned 26 yesterday!!!

To celebrate we hit up Joe's Farm Grill for his free meal and it was delish!

After we went to the neighbors for some games and watermelon.

It was a relaxed fun day!

Matt is an amazing husband and father and we love him very much for all hos hard work he does to support us as well as th happiness we have as a family.

i could name 26 things about him but i'm just gonna name a few

he is so kind, he will help anyone and everyone no matter what he is doing

he loves the gospel and has such a strong testimony

he is such a hard worker at anything he does

he is a very good listener

he love me

he will clean the house or get me motivated to do it with him

he always has a smile on his face

Love you honey!

almost double digits

2010-05-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

Ethan is 8 weeks!

I can not believe how much he has grown and how different he looks since he was born. These last 8 weeks have been such a growing experience. I love Ethan so much! He has had some struggles and still does with his tongue but he does have good days which is nice!

He is definitely workin on that double chin and I love his squishy cheeks!
In the beginning when he was born I didn't want him to grow at all just stay so tiny but now that he is older and bigger I really can not wait for him to get bigger and bigger! I already day dream of us playing and I just can't wait to teach him everything! I hope he is a smarty pants like his dad:)

I love being a mom and what a reward it is! Honestly it is the best job even though I am not perfect at it but to know Heavenly Father let me have a beautiful spirit to teach and grow with is amazing and the best!

Life is super crazy and sometimes I only have enough time to eat and those showers I get have never felt so good :)

Matt is doing so well at work and just had a concert with his band which he did super well I heard!

I AM SO BLESSED!

all smiles

2010-05-17T13:17:00.001-07:00

Ethan loves to talk to me and I love it too

He has been giving us a lot these lately we love that too!

This face just cracks me up, if only I knew what he was thinking!

Ethan,
You make me so much better each day. What patience I am learning because of you and its good cause I need more of it. I don't ever want to think of life without you. You are the best thing ever. We love you to pieces and I can't wait to play ball with you and take you swimming and teach you your abc's. Hopefully soon :)

Love,
Your mom

6 weeks

2010-05-12T12:56:00.000-07:00

Ethan is 6 weeks yesterday!

Ethan has not been himself for quite some time. Poor little thing :( Things were not adding up and it took me some time to figure out what the problem was! Ethan started out breast feeding great. No issues. Then at about 2-3 weeks he was acting differently but I didn't think it was that big of a deal. He continually got worse and I couldn't figure it out. He would eat for 10 min just fine then all the sudden freak out and scream and scream and I'd calm him down and try again. He'd suck once and cry. I talked to many lactation specialist and they were stumped. Talked to my doctor and he just said it was reflux and I wasn't convinced. There was something else. He had problems eating from a bottle and would do the same thing that he was doing on me.

Thank you to a wonderful lactation specialist that told me Ethan had tongue tie.

It looks like this:

It totally made sense with his issues he was having. So to the doctor I went. They cut it so his tongue was not attached to the bottom of his mouth. The reason is the sucking they do hurts them immensely and so he would ignore the pain for 10 min cause he was so hungry then he couldn't take it anymore. :( Poor little guy but I am glad to say he is sooo much better and happier! Which makes mommy and daddy happy too

These 6 weeks have had its ups and downs but Ethan is the best thing thats happened to us. He brings us so much joy and we love him so much!

Mom Day

2010-05-09T22:17:00.000-07:00

First off I know my mom reads my blog and have to just say that she is amazing!
My mom is great and has helped me so much with all the silly questions super late or early with Ethan. I can always rely on her plus she listens to my complaints and always lifts my spirits! She is more than a great example to me in my life and I look up to her so much.

Love you mom!

So life as a mom is what everyone says

super hard but super worth it

or

the best job in the entire world ect ect

It is so true. Sometimes I just feel like giving up and that is the honest truth. I am not gonna sugar coat it. It is hard work and sleepless nights gets to you. Not only that but there is so many challenges. It seems as though once you get through one another bigger challenge lies ahead.

With that being said, Seeing Ethan smile at me and even just noticing me and we stare in each others eyes is worth every hard moment. He is the reason I get out of bed and I seriously amaze myself at what I am capable of and he has showed me this! My life without Ethan...I honestly and truely can not imagine nor do I ever want to. I am not perfect and not even close. At times I really just feel like giving up but his sweet spirit lifts me within half a second. He is the best thing that has happened to me. My life has meaning and what a great purpose! My love for him is so great, even greater.

I am thankful to be a mother, to have the opportunity to learn and grow as a mother. I love it and wouldn't change it for the world.

Love you Ethan <3

Many Blessings

2010-05-04T22:33:00.000-07:00

Ethan was blessed May 2nd

Matt did such a nice job! The spirit was so strong and wonderful.

His parents and grandpa and uncle were able to make it as well as my family.

Here are the pictures from that day. His hair is soo funny :) I've considered shaving it.

Ethan is 5 weeks today! He is growing and growing each day! I did notice today that his hair it growing back on the top of his head, YAH!! He has having issue eating but I took him to a special chiropractor and instantly he was so happy and content! It was like night and day. He told me he was stressed due to us being stressed so we've been working on that. We love him so very much and can't get enough of him!

Benjamin Button

2010-04-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

\

Its official, Ethan lost the top of his hair and is an old man!
At least he's a cute old man!

Tomorrow will be his month mark! Hold gees where did the time go???
Yesterday was his first outing to church. He slept halfway into sacrament(thankfully!)

He has decided to boycott sleeping from wee early in the morning and take one nap alllll day long! But today is the second day in a row he has actually slept! Knock on wood!!!!!! The blanket over his window saved my sanity and my eyes :)

When he does sleep he has been staying awake a little bit more each day in between the naps which I LOVE! I hated the first week him sleeping all day long. He also talks to me sometimes and I LOVE it! He is just so fun and Matt is doing a good job at baths, diaper changes and he even put him to sleep last night!

I do have to say Matt has been great while I recovered. We have stairs in our house so when we got home from hospital I really couldn't do much. He'd go up and down up and down getting food or something I needed. Plus he cleaned the house for me on Saturday! Love ya honey!

Time flies when your having fun

2010-04-13T12:08:00.000-07:00

Ethan is 2 weeks today!

It went crazy fast! I can not believe how fast it has gone.

Ethan loves his hands and when he's not eating and even has his pacifier in he has his hands in or right next to his mouth. He loves to sleep with his hands way above his head and its oh so cute.
He is definitely filling out and getting bigger.

We have been having fun at home but I am getting to the point where I need to get out and see the sunshine!

Life is so good and we just can't get enough of our little man!

Ethan James

2010-04-02T10:14:00.001-07:00

he did all by himself!

Little Stud

Proud Mom

Proud dad!

Ethan James Murray made it into the world March 30th at 1:06 am!
He weighed 6lbs 7oz and was 19in long(follows exactly in mommy's footsteps)

The name was supposed to be Matt's name and we liked it so much, it fits him so well!

For my journal:
On Sunday the fun began. I had been feeling contractions since 3 or 4 pm nothing big or too consistent and they really picked up at 11pm just enough for me to be able to sleep 2 hours and up the rest of the night. Matt awoke and I told him what was up and he continued to get ready for work until I told him this baby is coming and he was not going to work. We walked the neighborhood 6am and I had the neighborhood memorized since we walked it so much! I was having contractions every 5 to 7 min the whole entire time but they were not strong enough and I called my doctor and we went in to find out I was dilated to 3 and a half cent and bulging bag. She stripped my membranes and off we went to labor more at home. They were coming on much stronger to the point where I thought it was enough for the hospital. We get there and I was a 4. Kind of disappointed but optimistic! I walked for an hour and was still a 4...went home and on car ride home, they were getting very intense. I tried to relax in bath and they were coming every 2 min but was getting little frustrated since we just left hospital and I hadn't progressed. Well I made the call to go back to hospital(thank goodness I did!). I laugh thinking how funny I looked but when your in pain you could care less. I was at a 5 and thankfully my Midwife was there already for another delivery and came to help me try to get monitored and set up. Very hard when in a lot of pain and laying down! So finally she checked me again and I was a 6 within minutes and we went to my room and I got in the shower which helped me be quieter with contractions and get through them. She checked me a few more times and it was ready to push! 5 pushes or so and Ethan arrived! I am so glad I only had to be in the hospital for an hour or so and labor the rest at home!

The whole experience was the best experience. It amazed me how much your body can change in such a short amount of time and have a precious baby come out! By all means it was not easy but worth every second. I am proud of myself and what I am capable of! After Ethan came out, I was in shock and didn't know what to do or say. It was not the reaction I thought I would have but it was just so crazy to me that I felt like it was a dream.

I can not be more blessed! I am so so so so so so so happy to be a mom. I love every second of it! And that is the truth. Ethan has blessed our lives so much it is unexplainable!!

I love him so very much and told Matt when leaving the hospital that we will blink and he will be going on a mission haha true story.

Matt is an AMAZING husband. He is taking great care of us and doing so well! I love him so much and love to watch him with his son.

What more can I ask for?

2010-03-24T09:21:00.000-07:00

Matt is such a great husband! I get to brag about him cause I can!

He has been working real hard these past months. He was called as priest quorum adviser which keeps him real busy on Sunday's, Wednesdays and sometimes Saturdays.

He has gotten into a band since the family he home teaches is in a band and they needed a guitarist right away since they were doing a show and Matt has been doing that Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

He works 40 hours a week but also drives a total of 10 hours there and back as well!

He is also working with a group of friends on a game with animation to put in his portfolio that takes up all of his extra time.

Last but not least I see him for a little bit here and there. Our favorite recently is icecream and the show Psych!

This is the real bragging part :) ......
Yesterday he came home to tell me he is now the new lead at work! He has been there a total of 4 months and he is the newest one there. He didn't think he stood a chance and his interview went horrible.

But I am so so proud of him!!!! They love the quality of work he does and wants his to bring others to that standard. He will have more responsibilities and have to do more meetings and such all this with a new baby will be interesting! But I am excited for him and his accomplishment!

He is always soooooooooo tired and I just wanted to publicly tell him I am so proud of him and all his hard work and that I love him so very much!
How am I so lucky?!?!

Can you believe it????

2010-03-05T10:14:00.000-08:00

I have 4 weeks left!!

At times I am excited and at others I freak out because everything isn't ready but overall I am super excited to meet him!

Peanut's new favorite thing is to push his feet and his tooshy pops out on my belly. Its not very fun for mommy but dad loves to feel him.

Last night Matt finally felt his little hand and man I just love watching Matt interact with him, it will be hard to hold back the tears when I get to see him in action with his son.

Matt will no doubt be the best dad for him!

I was told that each day in the last month feels like a year and to be honest (KNOCK ON WOOD) everyday goes so so SO fast! I don't ever feel there is enough time in the day!

Anyways...enough of my rambling, here is some parts of his room I could finally put together once Matt was done with the bead board:

I do not have it near finished. The top right is Matt's work at the walls. It turned out nice! The bottom right plaque type thing will have his initial on it but since we don't have a name I can't quite do that yet... His room is animal themed and blue and green are the colors. With the amount I spent, I think it will come out cute

Now...The waiting game.........!

I seriously want guesses on how much he will weigh :) My guess is 6lbs 13oz

The Renaissance Festival

2010-02-19T09:52:00.000-08:00

hahahahahaha

Matt decided since talking to a friend that he wanted to go to the Renaissance Festival this year. We both had never been and had fun. My sister in law, Mary, goes almost every year and she took us around and told us which were the good shows to see.

He swallowed the whole thing! It was so long and it was gross to watch!

Matt dressed up in a kilt, never thought I'd ever see my husband in a skirt but this is him trying to do Jacob's ladder

This was a drum show, they were good entertainers

That is one ugly kid!

2010-02-04T20:19:00.000-08:00

So, I took off the previous post since everyone didn't read below the picture and thought it was me, To inform you.........I am not that BIG! I repeat that picture was NOT me!
:)
Anyways....

This is one ugly baby... I sure hope Peanut looks nothing like this! Dave&Buster's you better be wrong!!!!

Haha he/she soooo ugly!

The only good thing about this picture is he/she does have brown hair which I pray Peanut has!

You know your pregnant when..

2010-01-25T12:47:00.001-08:00

Bathrooms are just too small, thank goodness for handi cap bathrooms!

You husband tells you you have mom legs

You can't EVER remember the day let along the date

You can't remember where something went and then don't even know what you were doing to begin with

You stop in a sentence and have no idea what you were saying

You cry at everything and anything...(I was at the airport and James was hugging his mom getting back from his mission, How embarrassing!!!)

All you see is your belly...shaving the legs is a tough one

Your hair is as thick as its ever been combined in your entire life

You really don't care what you look like on any given day (so embarrassing!)

You forgot what being 'full' feels like

You will never wish of having a big behind again!!!

You go to the bathroom in every store

You get more than usual back rubs and foot rubs

Do not get me wrong, This is not complaining this is documenting the feelings I have. I don't hate being pregnant nor love being pregnant but it is such a NEW experience!

I am counting down the days til I can squish Peanut's tooshy!!!! It is just taking way tooooo long!!

But I can wait! :)

10 weeks to go!!!!!!!!!

Where did the time go???

2010-01-19T09:37:00.000-08:00

It seems like yesterday I was getting ready for the big day. As I woke up this morning I was thinking what I was doing 2 years ago.

I seriously can not believe how the time has gone so fast!

I seriously keep thinking...2 years really??

We have has some great times and I am so glad to have Matt as my eternal companion.

My love for Matt grows each and every day. He is the greatest man next to my dad. He has patience with me and listens to all my complaints and stories of bad days.

He is such an example to me and a hard worker (what else could a girl ask for)
He loves Peanut so much and he always talks to him right up to my stomach and I just have so much joy seeing him feel him and talk to him. He will be the perfect dad for the little guy.

We celebrated last Saturday going to our favorite, Claim Jumpers and going to Jester's comedy club.

The reason Jesters is because that's where we went on our first date! I was going to take him to Dilly's Delli since that's where we ate on our first date but we wanted Claim Jumpers :)

I was kind of nervous about Jesters just cause sometimes its not that great but this time was a lot of fun and we saw some friends of friends and planned another get together with them which will be fun.

Bottom line......I love Matt!

When your happy and you know it..

2010-01-13T08:56:00.000-08:00

I am truely happy! Matt has always bugged me, get a hobby and I always told him shopping was my hobby :)

Well now that I have my own sewing machine I am now obsessed with finding new things to make and I am having lots of fun!

What else is an unemployed baby maker supposed to do? :)

ruffle beanie

Diaper bag/Purse

Fabric flower clip (I LOVE)

Quiet book for Matt's nephew for Christmas

Lots of tired hands and it wasn't perfect but I loved the way it turned out!

Rag blanket!

Receiving blanket

My list is a million things long that I want to do...

We'll see how many more I get done before the baby.

Happy Wednesday!

Another year..

2010-01-06T21:30:00.000-08:00

I write these things down for my journal writing but..

2009 was definitely a trying year for our family but also so great!

1. We bought our first house
Wow was it frustrating with allllll the details and dealing with banks but I love the house I like in so much!

2. Matt graduated with his Bachelor's in Computer Animation
I am still so proud of him and all his hard work and would never want him to take night classes again!!!!

3. Matt got a job and then got a better job!
He likes Grand Canyon University so much better than his other job and is much happier. We are blessed for him to have such a good paying job with many benefits!

4. Matt's first trip to Disneyland
Seriously so much fun! It is the happiest place on earth! 4th of July is the best time to go, we didn't have to deal with traffic and watch the fireworks from our room in the hotel!

5. Our first babe
Though he isn't born yet, we are so excited to be parents and nervouse( you really trust me take care of a human being!?!) nahh.. Matt is going to be the best dad and we just can't wait to meet him!

2010 WILL be an amazing, challenging and great year!

Christmas 2009

2010-01-01T10:23:00.000-08:00

Christmas this year was great!

Lots of food and family time.

Matt got his tools and I got a sewing machine.

We had a family devotion that went very well! Matt played the guitar and I played the piano to Silent Night. The nieces sang We Wish You A Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday to Jesus with others giving stories and poems.

On to 2010!

One man's junk is anothers Treasure

2009-12-30T10:35:00.000-08:00

I love going to garage sale's because well, you just can find some awesome things that you can't always find in stores. A BIG plus is its cheap!

I thought I'd share some finds:

$1 Goodwill but still..

$1

25cents

$1

$3 Perfect for Peanut's room

$6 It's really nice so I gave in..

Dream, hope, peace and 2 heart medal things $4

Green pot for flowers $1

Well....

2009-12-19T11:43:00.000-08:00

I now can't wear my jeans which made me so sad...

I honestly didn't even think about the day that would come and it just hit me..

UNTIL......

I had a brilliant idea. So we have all heard of Bella bands? Yes, well I did not want to pay a stinking lot for just a little piece of fabric so...3 dollars and some cents later I now have 2 bella bands made personally by yours truely!

I was so happy once I put those favorite jeans on again:)

24 weeks Picture

I think that I have grown since then but...looking and feeling are different now a days!

The pregnancy is going much better. I have times where I feel like an elephant and waddle and can't put my socks on days but I am OK with it and have been its just hard at times and know its just gonna get worse but he is so worth every stretch of my belly plus some!

Peanut had a growth spurt GALORE! for 2 weeks or so I have to eat allllllll the time.. It was annoying to me since I have only a few selection of items I can eat or want to eat but thankfully its more back to normal!

We see the doctor the 30th and we'll see how he is measuring. At times my mind goes a little crazzy to think I will be a mom but I am so excited to him!

6 days til Christmas!! WOOHOO!