For my Gal Pal

I found these on here and my girl friend needs these for her Project Life. So, to prevent going up and booting up the old computer, I am going to see if she can just steal them off of here! For all the rest of you, can't you just hardly wait for hot summer evenings full of birthday cakes and bounce houses? Come on summer!

Best Buddies

Catching Up on Summer

Now that there is some relief in sight from this god forsaken heat, I have the energy not only to down load pictures, but maybe even post some of my Summer creations here on my blog. I am actually smiling today. It is a little bit cold. I almost put on a jacket this morning. But....I don't have one that actually fits my huge belly.

This is a picture of Tucker's birthday cake. The one that he ate the wheel off of. I don't know if I posted that on here or not, but I had made the cake that afternoon, it was cooling in perfect Martha Stewart Style on my rack on the counter. I had to run to the store for some Tylenol because somebody was feverish (can't remember who or why), so I seriously left Matt in charge for 15 minutes. When I came back, I should have known something was wrong because he was sitting up straight and tall with Tucker beside him, both looking equally guilty. He told me he only turned his back for a few minutes (which usually means he's in the bathroom doing his business forever, or on his phone, or checking craigslist) and Tucker ate the wheels off his cake. Tucker immediately starts crying because he knows he's in serious crap. And me, being too tired to start over, get pissed and just tell him he's having a Lightening McQueen cake without any wheels. Awesome. Anyways, after calming down, I realized I could probably just fill the wheel area with frosting and patch it up, and the kid is after all only three, so that's what I did. It was gloppy and floppy and full of frosting, but the wheels are there and Tucker was happy so I guess this is my attempt at Lightening McQueen.

Our weekend was great. The kids stayed at the Grandparents' house overnight. Matt and I went to dinner at Olive Garden, where I totally got my money's worth of the never ending bowl of pasta for $8.95. I ate and ate and ate not so much because I was eating for two, but simply because I could. I figure I'm over 200 pounds now, what shame is there if I continue to gain? Dare me to keep gaining? Watch me. We went and watched The Switch with Jennifer Anniston, which was cute, and then like the book nerd that I am, topped off the night by going to Barnes and Nobles to buy some much needed smut to read while I'm stuck on the couch getting fatter and fatter.

Today I am nesting. Have I mentioned how much I hate nesting? But I am. I'm having the incredible urge to clean Matt's closet and paint our hallway, so that's what I'm doing. The kids are outside swimming, even though it's not very warm, but they're fighting for summer and I, of course, don't care what they're doing as long as they're not bugging me. Tucker has managed to find a huge pile of dog poop...on the sidewalk. And he's riding his trike around it, just trying to decide if it's worth it to ride through it, even though I thoroughly explained the consequences and repurcussions of choosing to do this activity. He is three however, and a pile of poop on a sidewalk is pretty tempting.....so we will see what happens. I'm not betting money on my discussion of cleaning poop off his trike tires is going to keep him out of it. Anybody wanna wager?

Seven Years

August is full of milestones for my family. And this weekend is our seventh wedding anniversary. Yup. Seven. And while we never quite looked like this couple, our wedding was beautiful and perfect for us. And so is our marriage. It may not be Hollywood's version of happily ever after, but the two of us work. Better when I'm not huge, and fat, and bitchy. But it still kinda does. And I feel so blessed that I met Matt and that we have come so far in seven years.

And maybe classy and vintage isn't our look, but this was one we certainly pulled off last fall...

And here is a classic look....

And here we are leaving our own wedding...


No top hat and tails for this Logger. Nope, couldn't even leave the tux on to get out of the reception. Carried a t-shirt and a ball cap with us. Seriously. But this is what I have grown to love about Matt. Matt, I love you more today than I ever have before. It's been a great ride so far...

Big Girls and Broken Bones

As I may have already told you, on Cameron's birthday party, we had a Fairy Tea Party for some of her friends. I decided that Tucker probably didn't need to be involved in this activity, so my Mom came and picked him up. He was happy to go to McDonald's for a Happy Meal with Grandma. While he was out there, however, my 17-year old brother, who is also the quarterback of the high school football team and Tucker's hero worship, was playing football with him. Apparantly, he forgot that Tucker was not part of the high school team because things got pretty rough. Rough to the point of my brother falling on Tucker's foot and hurting him pretty bad. He wouldn't walk on it at all. My Mom tried to get him to stop crying, but the trauma of it made him cry himself to sleep. Since he was able to sleep for two hours, my Mom thought it was probably going to be okay. My brother, on the other hand, sat and waited for the swelling to begin, because he knew how much impact had been in the fall. A few hours later, they brought him home, where he good naturedly crawled around on the floor avoiding all pressure on his foot. We decided to wait and see if it would be any better in the morning. I always thought a break would swell, turn black and blue, or do something to let you know that it was in fact broken. However, what is true in an adult bone is not true in a three year old. It never really swelled, it never really turned blue, it didn't do anything.

The next day really didn't show any change in it physically and Tucker still wasn't even walking at all. I made him an appointment to see the Orthopaedic Clinic in Boise, because quite honestly, they'd still be standing there scratching their head if I had taken him to Emmett. (Another joy of living in a small town.)

I really thought I was overreacting. When the doctor came in and told me it was broken in three places, I felt like the worst Mom in the world. They casted him and Tucker chose blue, so he was tickled to death. Luckily, little bones heal fast, so we only had to deal with the cast for three weeks. Here is a shot of the cast after three weeks of wear and tear.



And here is a picture of Tucker just milking it for all it's worth. He totally knows he's my boy. I think he'll be sad to not have so much attention now that it's off.

Me on the other hand, am relieved to get rid of the stinky boy foot smell that was beginning to smell a lot like a dead dog. It is IMPOSSIBLE to clean a three year old boy without being able to soak them in a warm and full bathtub. He was grubby between his toes, stinky all over the place, and just plain disgusting. Last night we came home and had a 45 minute soak in lots and lots of soap. And then we scrubbed him down like he'd been a orphan for his first three years. And my boy smells like a wet puppy again instead of a dead dog.

Oh, and the good Mom that I am, didn't know that Tucker had taken a screw and stuck it down in his cast. It was imbedded into the side of his leg. Can you imagine walking around in a cast with a screw in the side of your calf? I would have gone crazy! He didn't even make a fuss. Kids are way to resilient to things.

Other excitement in our week is that Cameron got to start kindergarten today. Here she is in her carefully planned Hello Kitty outfit and Disney Princess backpack. Not my choice of backpacks, for sure, but she thinks it is the coolest thing ever.




And I got a little teary eyed when I was taking these pictures because she's just growing up so fast. And as ready as I am for her to be in school, I couldn't help but be a little bittersweet about sending her there. Being a teacher myself, I had only walked those halls and considered the school through the perspective of a teacher. And today, when we were walking down the hall, I started to look around with the perspective of a parent. So many things could happen to my baby there, it's hard to just block it out and be positive, but that's what you have to do. Be positive and know that she's going to love it. And pray for her. I stood over her bed last night and just prayed that this was the beginning of something wonderful for her. It's amazing how much you just hope and dream for you kids. And then you kiss them good bye and before you know it, they're driving to high school and you don't get to come down the hall with them at all.


But for today, I have a five year old who is a little scared and a lot excited and I'll take that.

Turning 29

I confess that my current pregnant status may be affecting my mood and outlook on all aspects of life from friends to kids to love. Sorry.

I turned 29 today. And supposedly 29 is the new 19? I googled "turning 29" today. There are massive amounts of blog posts on this topic. There are links to turning 29 jokes. There are ways to "survive" turning 29. And really, after reading just a small handful of these posts, I realize I'm a lot more content with my current situation than some of these people. I didn't wake up in a panic because my twenties are on the way out. But I did wake up and think, holy hell, was it only eight years ago that I was counting the days to be 21? Where has the time gone?

I'll tell you where it's gone. It's gone to getting married, graduating college, working, staying at home with two kiddos, miscarriage, 3 pregnancies, weight loss challenges, side jobs, hobbies, excursions, vacations, housework, and keeping my head afloat to prove that I am still the girl I used to be underneath all this pregnancy fat and kiddos.

I really am still the girl I was at 19. I know I am. Somewhere. I still like the same things. Laugh at the same jokes. Watch the same trashy tv. But now I have to tivo it and watch it later. If I can stay awake. My friends are some of the same, and some of the new. Playgroups influence who you hang out with. And that is okay. My world doesn't revolve around myself anymore. My world revolves around ballet schedules and Disney princess backpacks and appointments to get casts removed. I don't sleep until they sleep, and yet, I still probably sleep more than I did when I was in college. Our "fun money" goes to paying off doctor bills and eating out at restaurants with people dressed as big red birds waving us in from the main road. And those gross ass playlands. And I'm happy.

If turning 29 is the end of the beginning, as some bloggers call it. Then I really can't wait to see what 30 brings. Mind you, I STILL have an entire YEAR before I'm that old (ha), but the thirties mean more confidence. I am done having kids, now I just need to raise them. The drama of the 20's isn't there. Atleast that's what I'm told. So for now, I'm enjoying being woke up at 7:30 by Cameron, more excited than me that today I'm the "birthday girl". I have already gotten five or six handmade cards from her. Tucker wants to make me a cake. It's nice to have these littles here who just care that it's a special day for me. They don't realize that Mom is OLD. Yet. And I"ll take that.

My photo choice for the day

I love this shot. And in an attempt to be keep you guys from thinking this blog has become nothing but a bitch session for pregnant me, here is a photo I just had to share. I found this on thepioneerwoman.com in her gallery of "love" photos. It didn't catch my eye first, but then I really went back to look and I just love the contrast of the young couple and the old couple. Both equally in love, but what a lifetime of memories the old couple must have and what an exciting place to be when you are first in love with somebody.

There's not alot I can say about this photo that isn't being said just by looking at it. Enjoy your weekend. And thanks for sticking around, those of you whom I haven't scared away by now with my crazy hormonal rants.

This Is What 35 Weeks Does NOT Look Like On Me

I am huge. I am swollen. I am sweaty and sticky and rubbing together. I have body parts that have never been introduced to each other and they are now happily stuck together in a sweaty love affair. Unwillingly at first, but getting used to it now. I consider the heat before I do anything. And usually can talk myself out of most anything because of it. I am unreasonable. And forgetful. And short tempered. And impatient. And miserable because I know all of this. I am restless. Tired. Anxious. And finished. And I still have a month to go.

I wake up from sleeping on six pillows, two propped between my legs just to avoid rolling over from the weight of my belly or the weight of my huge ass pulling me from side to side, and I am still tired. I pee on a regular schedule and it is less than one hour intervals. I dream psychotic dreams when I do manage to fall asleep at all. I hate night time. And while I lay there awake, I just think about how badly I need this sleep because the baby isn't going to sleep. Ever. And then I just get pissed and move to the couch or recliner or even the kids bedroom and think about how great it's going to be to not be pregnant again. Ever.

Every time I go anywhere, somebody asks me all cheery, "Oh, cute! When are you due?" To which I force myself to answer civily that my due date is September 25th. They then either squeal a little bit or jump a little bit and cheer me on like it's not that far away. Not that far away? How long has it been since they were so fat and hot and sweaty that they had to apply deoderant to body parts that stick together and baby powder to other parts that rub together because of the 50 pounds that I have managed to pack on for this kid? Have they worn a winter coat and went to Albertsons when it's 98 degrees with a 3 year old in a walking cast and a 5 year old telling you every move to make? Have they sat on the edge of a pool in a swim suit trying not to traumatize the onlookers by holding onto the bottom of your tankini to avoid the belly popping out and scaring the small children? Have they tried every possible remedy for water retention only to keep getting fatter and fatter toes? I am seriously down to two pairs of nasty ass plastic white trash flip flops right now. I do not fit into anything. I have out grown my maternity clothes. And yet, I am still trying to get dressed, wear make up and keep it on my sweaty face. I feel so bad for the people who have to be around me right now because I am at the end of my positive attitude rope. In fact, I"m pretty sure I'm not even hanging onto the end of it any more. I am done. And yet, I still have 4-5 weeks left. Topped off with natural, drug free labor for the third time. Nothing like knowing what's coming and going for it anyways. And that's my gripe for the evening.

This quote just makes me stop and think

“If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware. The tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered around the house, the piles and piles of laundry lying around to be tackled, will disappear all too soon. And, you will, to your surprise, miss them profoundly.”~President Thomas S. Monson

I have to say that I just love August. I have always always loved this month, and it is, to this day, my favorite month of the year. For some reason, the air just smells better to me. The late summer nights are not quite as intense, but still warm and pleasant. It is still very much summer, but fall is barely beginning to poke into the frames of minds of most people. All good things that have happened to me have happened to me in August. My birthday is August 24th, I have started school every year of my life in August (and yes, I am one of those "nerds" who look forward to schoo starting), I moved to Montana and started my adult life in August, I started my first teaching job and got married in August and Cameron was born this month as well. Tucker was nine days short of being an August baby as well, but his due date was August 4th, so close enough.

And this year, I am anxiously awaiting August 26th, because that's when Cameron gets to start kindergarten. And I have nothing but positive feelings towards this huge event. Can't wait for her to go and learn and love school, but yesterday we were trying on school clothes and all of a sudden, I realized how much she's grown up. She's not a baby anymore, and while I never thought I would say this, time has seriously been flying by. She informed me she wants Sketcher Twinkle Toes for her school shoes. When did she become old enough to decide on her own school shoes? For god sakes, I looked at them, and first thing that I wanted to say was, "Those are absolutely hideous." And they are. But this is what the kids are wearing. And she wants them. And I didn't say a word. I was simply dumb founded that she in fact knows what Sketcher Twinkle Toes are. Of course, I now know it's because two neighbor kids have them and they have been wearing them. But I still can't believe she picked up on the "Everbody's wearing them" attitude, and she's five. This is going to be an interesting year. And of course, I will probably break down and get the shoes if I can find them on sale, but for now, I really just want her to want the shoes that I want and wear the shoes that I think a five year old would want to wear. And not make me feel like I'm old and out of date by thinking these shoes are hideous. I guess this is part of being a Mom that I'm about to begin to experience on a regular basis.

This one explains my ability to procrastinate

Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like to live in the days before computers and texting and facebook. I consider myself to be a fairy productive person, most of the time, but the amount of time that I continue to waste on a repeat basis on facebook has gotten out of hand. When I say Facebook, I mean all social networking, including blogs, including online "browsing", and including basically any sort of time wasting activity online. When I wake up, I have to check out my e-mails, when I have a break during the late morning, I run up to check facebook.

I wonder what my procrastination style would have looked like if I were a housewife in the late 1800's or even the 1950's. Would I be so much more productive that I am now? Or would I have simply found a new way to waste time?

Regardless of this question, I have decided that I am so over facebook for more than one reason, but the first being just this. I feel so productive when my internet goes down and I actually get a room cleaned that wasn't on my scrambling list of things to do that day. Or, when, god forbid, I kick back with a book for a few minutes in the afternoon. I never do that anymore, because I'm always on the damn computer.

The other reason that I am over facebook is the incessant whining that goes on on there. Before facebook, I didn't realize how whiny humans are as a whole. I'm tired of it. I have actually gone so far as to block certain individuals, just because I can't handle the whining. And then I still continue to wonder what they might have been saying that day anyways.

And if it's not the whining, then it's the bragging. "I love my life", "I have the best husband ever" and so on.

Another thing that I dislike about facebook is when you have these so called "friends" and you know everything about them because of their posts, but then you see them in real life and you're not sure if you should mention their crazy Aunt Lucy who passed away this week or not. Because really, you're not that close to them anyways. It's just an awkward social situation.

And lastly, you can't do ANYTHING without somebody talking about it, or tagging a photo of it, or linking up to it. And I'm tired of it. I don't want the whole world knowing what I did for lunch today and who I did it with. And I'm not even doing anything out of the ordinary.

My overall opinion of facebook is that it's a nasty habit that I am working on kicking. It enables people to know too much about someone. And it wastes my time. Just think of all the time I could have if I wasn't obsessed with finding out who is having a wonderful day or a terrible day today, whose kid finally went potty on the potty chair, and whose great Aunt will be terribly missed.

Once again, I apologize for the hormonal rant. It's probably just pregnancy hormones, but this is what I'm feeling today. Maybe I'll go post that on facebook.

This one is about my girl

Between a little girl's birthday party during the day, a family get together later that evening, and Tucker getting his foot broken playing football with my 17 year old brother during the party, we had quite the busy, exhausting, and eventful 5th birthday party for Cameron. Can't believe she's five. Seems like just yesterday.....well, here are some shots of yesterday for ya....

Sorry, no birth photo here, I didn't have a digital camera until she was nine months old, can you believe that? So here is one when she is about 11 months old, just starting to walk and full of life. Sorry it's sideways, exhausted and not going to take the time to flip it.


And here she is just barely two and ready to be the flower girl for the SECOND time in Uncle Jake and Aunt Ashley's wedding.

And birthday number three, which was one of my favorite parties. She was into Mickey Mouse Clubhouse so we did a Minnie Party. She knew this was her big day and she seriously was all sunshine and smiles.

And my big girl turning four. I can't help but picture her when she's 16. Can you say gorgeous? Of course I'm predjudice, but she's just turning into such a cutie. This year was all about pink, pink, and more pink. Complete with a princess party and the princess castle cake that I seriously worked on for 12 hours at night, while she slept so it would be a surprise.

And now, she's five. Not a baby anymore. Ready for school and learning and loving life. She's such a joy and keeps me happy because she wants to be with me ALL. THE. TIME. Whether it's crafts, baking, cleaning, painting toes, whatever I'm doing, she wants to do it with me. It can be exhausting, but in the end, I savor every minute, because she's only five once and pretty soon she'll have better things to do than hang with mom.


So this is where we're at in life. Seems like just a blink of the eye. We had a wonderful time celebrating birthdays. It's exhausting to have both kids back to back, but so special because we really get into birthday "Mode" and make a big deal about each kid. And then it's over and it's time to pack away the party streamers and not worry about it again until next year.

Of course, I just got the party streamers packed away today because as soon as we got up the morning after Cameron's birthday, I had an OB appointment in Boise, then turned around and picked up Tucker back in Emmett and headed back over the hill to the Orthopaedic Clinic to look at his foot, which I was sure I was overreacting about, but you know that lingering feeling you get when you just KNOW something is wrong? Like an ear infection and you go to the doctor and you say, "He's not really sick, I just know." And you're right? Well this was one of those things. I kept thinking about his foot and was sure it was in fact, broken. And it was. In three places. He was playing football with my brother and things got a little wild. High school quarterback lands on my babies foot. hard. He wouldn't walk on it, he just crawled around the house. Still smiling, my easy going Tucker. But now he's in a walking cast for three weeks and using it like there isn't anything there at all. Kids are resiliant, that's all I can say. And I got my first taste of broken bones way before sports started. Boys will be boys, I guess.