2009 Baby!

I could be the first to wish you a Happy New Year! I thought I could just post it, rather than send a lame (sorry if that offends) text message to everyone I know. We don't have unlimited text messaging like the rest of the world, so every text we recieve, or send cost us a quarter each! What happen to two cent to recieve, and a dime to send? It comes out to be a lot at the end of the month (but less than the amount of unlimited text messaging).

We will be celebrating the New Year at my sister Shasta's house. We have attempted to do a tradition of all the sibling getting together for a New Year's Party Celebration. I have a blast with my family. We will miss Sami and Caleb, who left here yesterday for home in Montana, and Justin and Layna. Hope to see you next time.

Have a wonderful New Years Eve!

My Favorite Christmas Cartoon

This is from The California Raisin's Claymation Christmas. It was very big in our family. If you have kids that sit on your lap while you blog too, they'll enjoy watching this.

Hormones?!

Today I'm having a hard time. I blame it all on pregnancy hormones. Jer called to ask if it would be okay for him to work until 7:00pm on Christmas Eve and I started crying. I think that I'm just waiting for something else to go wrong so I can start up again. I feel terribly overwhelmed with Christmas, and I can't stop eating the treats from the neighbors. I'm suppose to meet my sisters at my dad's house to set up the Christmas Tree at 1:00, but I'm afraid I might have a come apart while I'm there, because I'm so sensitive today. You know how sisters are. If I give them warning, they'll probably just tease me more. I'm debating going at all. Sorry for the bad attitude. I'll try and be more positive.

I got an ultrasound yesterday. I'd love to show you the picture, but we don't have a scanner, so sorry. He has chubby cheeks (if that's possible for a three pound baby) and I think he looks like my side of the family. He had his face pressed up so close against my lower belly, that some of the pictures didn't work out. His nose is smooshed in one of the pictures. Oh, and his foot is right next to his ear.  I've started the count down, just over two months/eight weeks left . I think I'll have him on the 22nd of February. But I could be totally off. If I go the full term and not smug the numbers, like I've done all along, I could end up having this baby in March. I feel the 22nd is the most accurate though. I just have to have a disclamer if I do happen to go into March.

I want to post about my Birthday Party last week, but I want to wait until I get the pictures from my mom's camera. I might make Jer do it for me.

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas

This was fun, but a bit hard for me. I hope everyone I tagged does it, and anyone who wants to.

"On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me..."

1 embarrassing moment: I'll try and shorten it, but I think I have to give a background for you to understand (Feel free to skip). I was somewhat dating a friend that lived in Cedar City, while I was living in Logan. He came up to see me for a weekend. I was sure that he wanted to take our friendship to the next level, when I didn't want that. I asked my sisters to not leave me alone with this guy, because I didn't want the oppurtunity for him to kiss me (again). So the weekend went well. We had a good time, and we were never left to ourselves. The day came that he had to head home. I gave him a hug, which he held on for too long, and right there in the parking lot with my sisters, and my sister's boyfriend watching he planted a kiss on me. It was so awkward and forced. I was totally caught off guard, and I'm sure my face showed it. It was funny because it was embarressing to everyone present (I think to him as well). I have my brother-in-law's face burnt into my memory with the most surprised look acrossed his face.
2 best friends: My hubby; & my sisters.
3 things you buy regularly: Walgreens rebates; Lucky Charms; & clothes.
4 places you want to go (and might actually REALLY go): Canada; Hawaii; Argentina; & Nauvoo.
5 goals for the upcoming year (that you might actually do): Lose 30 lbs (the pregnany weight); make Hyrum a baby album; daliy Book of Mormon study w/the fam; be a better mom; grow out my hair.

6 things most people don't know about you: I currently HATE my hair; I love making a nice breakfast, and I could eat breakfast for every meal; friends mean the world to me, and I would do anything for them; I hate cleaning bathrooms, and usually leave them for Jer; I listen to country music when I drive; & I'm excited for my third son!
7 things you would never say: No, I don't want to get my hair done; Can we skip dessert?; I don't want a nap; No, we can't be friends, I have too many; I don't feel like going to a party; Who wants mac and cheese for dinner?; I don't need to work out, I already look great in my swimsuit.
8 things you love about the Christmas season: Jesus Christ; my family being around; Christmas music & movies; work off; snow; decorating; the Christmas spirit; the smell of cinnamon, pine, & peppermint.

9 things you say to your kids: I love you; Stop fighting; Be nice to your brother; go to your room; can you please share; Do you need a nap; eat your food; No crying; & Can I have a kiss?
10 things you do a lot: Wash dishes; scrapbook; talk on the phone; whine about pregnancy; stay at home; rub my hair; clean up spills; eat cereal; call Jer; & brush my teeth.
11 things you would rather not live without: The gospel; families; friends; cell phone; cars; dishwashers; mattresses; internet; plumbing; Stargate Atlantis (I had to mention one of my geeky quirks); eye site; & ice cream.
12 people to tag: Shasta; Kathi; Sami; Jeremy (guys can do it too) Jaelyn; Kaycee; Cindy; Cami; Aunt Shelly; Aunt Linda; Rachelle; & Jenni.

Noah's First Blog (Not for Weak Stomachs)

Last night I woke up and ran in to my mom and dad's room. I was crying that I was afraid that I was going to throw up. My mom didn't understand me. She said, "Stop crying." Then, I threw up on my mom's arm and her sheet. My dad said, "Noah! Where do you throw up?!" Then, my dad grabbed me and ran me in his bathroom. And, then he put me by the toilet. Then, I threw up in the toilet. Then, I had to take a bath. Then, my dad let me out of the bath. Then, I got back in bed. My dad gave me a tupperware, and we called it my throw up bowl. Then, I snuggled up in bed. Then, I grabbed my throw up bowl and then I burped! Then, I grabbed my throw up bowl again. Then, I burped again! Then, I grabbed my throw up bowl again... and I burped again! Then, I grabbed my throw up bowl, and then I threw up in my throw up bowl. And then, I threw up again. Then again. Then, I cried, "Mom!" And then, my dad got me out of bed.

Then, I got a drink of water. Then, I drunk and then I swished it around. Then, I spit it out. Then, I brushed my teeth. Then, I got some mouthwash. Then, I swooshed it around. Then, I spit it out. Then, my dad had a talk with me about sometimes Heavenly Father just knows the best thing that is right. Then, Hyrum got up. Then, he listened, too. Then, my dad put oil on my head. Then, Hyrum said, "Oil on my head?" Then, my dad said, "No." Then, my dad said, "Hyrum, I am giving Noah a blessing." Then, my dad said, "Hyrum, fold your arms. I am going to give Noah a blessing." Then, I got back in bed after the blessing. Then, I said, "Dad - how is Heavenly Father so powerful?" Then, my dad said, "He is perfect." Then, after the prayer, my dad put on my blankets. Then, I slept. Then, I woke up and said, "I have good news - I am all better now!" Then, I got back in bed.

The End!

---
This is Noah's first blog. He dictated this to me as I typed. I didn't help him with anything else. When you read it, it might seem long and tedious, but that's how my night went. I had some special experiences with the boys, but now I'm home sick. It was still worth it, though. Noah said to me before going to bed the third or fourth time, "Dad - I'm sorry I threw up on your wife." I told him it was okay - since the first shot didn't get on me while I was sleeping. Just kidding - I didn't say that.

--Jer

Edward was not dreamy

I am really glad some of you enjoyed Twilight (totally sincere), I, however, couldn't have been more disappointed. Sorry to be negative. I didn't have high expectations, because I was aware of the actors, and actresses they chose beforehand. And also the movie is never as good as the book. So my expectations were pretty low already. I could go on, but I wont because many of you liked it. But to let my opinion out I was sorely disappointed.

On a side note (which you may feel contradicts what I said earlier) I did enjoy it, and I'm glad I went. I had a good time hanging out with my sisters, friend, and mom. We made memories in the freezing cold, wearing blankets wrapped around us for an hour, standing outside in the line. I love the screaming and awwing as Edward first appeared in the film. The contest for the loudest Edward fan did get a bit on my nerves, but that's expected opening night.

11/21/2008 - No, I can't hang out with you

So I want to blog. I just don't have anything worth saying. When I come up with the time to get on the computer, I spend it trying to get caught up by reading everyone else' blog (not complaining). I'm way excited because all my siblings are now blogging, minus Roni, (which will never happen) and Justin. I've also kept busy maintaining my sisters' blogs and I'm trying to help them learn how to do it themselves.

This weekend I got 100 photos developed, and I've already scrap booked them all! Now I'm sad because I don't have any other pictures to work with.

My baby-sitting is going really well. I only watch the two girls now (Kai 1 1/2 and JaeLeigh 2 months). This is so much easier for me with one less baby.

I kinda feel dumb saying this because so many people are into Twilight, but I'm excited to see it on Friday. I'm going with three of my sisters, my mom, and my friend Jordon. What woman isn't going to see it? I hope it doesn't suck. I guess I'll have to go with low expectations. At least I'll have a GNO.

***This wasn't written by Jer. He pointed out that his name was at the bottom, and he was pretty embarrassed. It was by Kristi.

Only A Week Late

Jer and I were the Beckhams again, Noah's the red dragon, & Hyrum's a frog.

I guess I'll do a post on Halloween (all the cool blogs are doing it). Some years, don't you just feel that some Holidays are overrated? I think it was my fault this year. I was pretty excited for parties, candy, and taking my kids around all night. I was maybe living vicariously through my kids.

We first did a carnival thingy and moved on to trick or treat some of my families' houses, and a few in their neighborhood. It took us (Jer driving our car beside us, and me walking Noah and Hyrum to the doors) about two hours to do a dozen houses. We headed home a little after eight. I still wanted to hit more houses, and stop by our neighbors, so I had Jer drop me and the boys off at the top of the street. After we were dropped off, I noticed that about half the houses had their lights off, at 8:30 what de heck? Isn't that when the teenages start? Anyway, about that time I realized that my two boys were ready to be home, in bed. Not because they were asking for bed, but because they were out of control, not listening to a word I said, and running through every house that opened their doors to us. So I basically dragged the two of them home. I think we hit three houses down our street.

The evening was done at nine o'clock on a weekend. I sure was dissappionted. I think I felt I let the boys down, and myself as well. I know that the kids had fun. That's all that matters right? That's why I didn't really care to blog about it.

The Beckhams

We went to a Halloween party tonight at our neighbors' house. It was pretty fun. There were all kinds of funny couple costumes there. We had Bill and Hillary Clinton, the Palins, a pregnant nun with her hip hop priest, cereal killers (spelled correctly - it's a pun), and tons more. But, the best costumes in my opinion were the Beckhams. Here is a picture:

Pay It Forward

I almost forgot to do this. I signed up from my friend Tennille's blog to do a "Pay It Forward" thing. I think it's a cute idea. I hope I can explain it right. I will for the first three people to respond to this, send them a cute gift (I'm not letting you in on what it will be).  Um I'm having a hard time with my words... here's Tennille's post: 

"I'm participating in a Pay It Forward Exchange. Who wants to play? I will send a handmade gift to the first three people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this Pay It Forward Exchange. You will receive your gift within a month from leaving your comment. The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog. I can't guarantee it will be anything amazing, but who cares if it is FREE! 

Remember, you have to have a blog to participate and must Pay it Forward on your site as well. Who's ready to play?"

So, yeah, "who's ready to play?"

Fresh Garden Salsa

Isn't that a pretty picture. Those were grown in our garden and used later to make salsa. We didn't grow the limes, cilantro, or garlic, but everything else we did. Actually, we don't have our own garden, but the neighbors let us plant in theirs. We were too worried the prairie dogs would eat a garden up. Next year we'll come up with some kind of fence, but for now we're grateful to the Andersens for letting us share with them. (And yes, this was taken before the frost. I've been meaning to blog it for awhile but haven't got around to it until now. At least it was me who blogged this time. I do feel guilty that this is my first blog in a month.)

Hi - I'm in Delaware...

cI put way too many pics on here, but we haven't had pics forever..

San Juan Capistrano [Sunday]

Best Buddies, Kelly and Rachelle - Thanks for the bed!

Where I come from, we HATE trees that just won't die!

Joep and me at the pier - He looks more American than me in this one...

I love that Kappa jacket.

Mmmm... just getting started. We ate dessert FIRST! Boo yah!

Scoring 'husband points' for the wanna-be surprise vacation [read prior post]

She totally didn't know I took this picture...

Double-Decker bus downtown - free

Captain's Reception - Free Fruit Punches!

Awesome

Catalina Island

Delaware

The guy that took this photo had the WEIRDEST accent and had no idea how to run a camera

Ahh, La Bufadora - one of the 7 great wonders of the world

Aguante San Lorenzo!

And we came home to this:
AND THESE!

Kristi's Surprise Vacation

A few months ago, I decided that Kristi and I needed a vacation before we had this third child. I figured that we would have a tough time finding babysitters for our two boys, let alone finding sitters for three kids. So, from here on out, we're consigned to family vacations (which I'm actually looking forward to, but will probably change my tune after the very first day of the very first one).

Another reason why I wanted to do this is that I have seen that our life here in this tabernacle of clay can be a very fickle thing. I could literally pass away any day. Our day-to-day existence really is a blessing from God. I'm sure that a bunch of you reading this know that we had a tragedy in Southern Utah a couple of months ago. I knew several of the people that died in the plane crash, and I knew a few of those that were left behind. My mind wandered a lot the first few days after the accident. I kept thinking of the pilot's 7 year-old son who celebrated his birthday the day after his father died in the plane crash. If you want to read more about what happened, click here. After my soul searching, I decided to take some of our savings and go on a fun vacation before stealthy ninja #3 arrives in Feb. I digress, but I'm really stoked on another boy...

So, I began planning by asking around to see if anyone would want to go on a 5-day vacation with us. Since we would be using our savings, and I'm so cheap, my options were limited. Everyone I asked said that they couldn't go - so I asked if they would babysit my boys while I took Kristi on a very short week-long vacation. One person I asked said yes, but sounded a little worried. I asked him why he sounded so unsure, and his delicate answer was, "Well, they umm... move around quite a bit." My reply, "You mean they're rowdy?" He concurred.

I was planning this even before our trip to Logan for Labor Day, and Kristi was completely oblivious to all of this. I was able to arrange free lodging in So Cal the nights before the cruise, as well as free and secure parking. I informed all of the parents of the kids that Kristi babysits with plenty of time to find other sitters. I had everything all set. Then, about 5 days before the vacation, Kristi and I were talking before bed and she said something about hanging out with Ron and Elaine. I said, "we have our 'special date' on Saturday... maybe they can come too." By 'special date,' I meant cleaning the house for Ron & Elaine (who would be watching our kids here at the house for a few days). I wouldn't let her plan anything for Saturday because I knew she would freak if we left the house dirty. BUT, to my dismay, she got really gitty and said, "Ooh! Are they really coming with us?!" I chuckled and said, "Oh, if you only knew..." To which she replied, "I already know, Jer - Are they coming with us, really?"

At that point, I was like, "HOLD UP! WHAT do you know and WHO told you?"

Then, I found out that when we left our phone chargers in Logan, after her phone died, I lent her my phone 'for emergencies' since we don't have a home phone. She turned it off and went about her day. She turned on the phone and saw 4 voicemails. She just knew they were from me trying to get a hold of her. Well, they weren't - she must have forgotten that we were chatting on google talk like every 20 minutes that day...

One message was from her brother saying that he would watch our kids, one was from my buddy in SoCal saying that we could crash at his place, one was from ROYAL CARIBBEAN, and the other was from Ron and Elaine saying that they could watch our kids at our house while we were on vacation. So, it was ruined a full month before we even left!

Did Kristi say anything to me? NO! She just kept to herself - all mums! I felt like I had been played like never before.

Needless to say, the vacation was awesome and well-worth all my troubles. Pictures in the next post.

PS - sorry to be so verbose here, but I really had to get this off my chest and vent to the blogging universe. Now, I believe I am at peace...

One More Man in the Family

Yes, we are having another boy. I am pretty excited. When we saw the ultrasound, Noah and I said "woo hoo!" Kristi, however, said "boo hoo." She was pretty sad for a few days. But, she is okay with it now. We have a couple names that we are thinking about, but we aren't going to tell anyone. So there! I'll give you a hint, though - he won't be named after a city.

Ooh, I take that back. I just checked google maps, and my favorite name choice appears as a city in MN, NY, IN, and NM. Hmm... oh well - it's still my favorite.

I love my boys so much, and I have a really good time playing with them. I am very excited to have another boy. Kristi wasn't excited until last Thursday. We were on vacation in Mexico, and were talking with a couple from Idaho with 3 boys (oldest is on a mission in Paraguay right now). The mom said that she cried for three weeks when she found out that the third was going to be a boy. But, she told us that she wouldn't have it any other way. She has really enjoyed doing all of the boy things like snowboarding, wakeboarding, hiking, not going to dance recitals, etc. She said that it was really nice because she was always the princess in the house, and didn't have any competition. I laughed at that, but it was what made Kristi the most optimistic about having three boys. The reason being that she could actually raise gentlemen without a daughter. She really wanted a sister to soften up the boys so that they would treat women and girls appropriately and mind how they behaved around females. But, after talking with this lady in Mexico, Kristi realized that the boys can grow up being chivalrous and well-behaved - even if they didn't have a sister. So, she's excited now to raise three good boys that will treat her like a princess (and treat their future wives like princesses).

I've Found Patience

I started my own little daycare. I watch three kids and my two boys everyday. I wouldn't say it's easy, because sometimes I am running to get everyone taken care of, but usually it's calm. I can say that I have been blessed with more patience. Here's why I say that. Yesterday I went visiting teaching, and I took Hyrum and Noah with me. Noah got a little crazy (lack of nap). So I had him sit with my while the other kids played. He didn't like that much and he started one of those world class fits. I had to leave because of it. Usually when Noah throws those big fits I, you might say, throw a fit as well. This time, however, I didn't get upset. I actually thought it was pretty funny. Not in that way "do it again", more like "he's crazy, stay away", but I was glad that I could laugh it off rather than be angry. I did tell Noah that he was going psyco which probably I shouldn't have. I am improving. 

Wood Happenings

I don't get on the computer much lately. I've been baby-sitting two kids. So during the day I'm busy, and my evening I try not to get on the computer because I always stay way too long. It's the only time I get to see my husband so I usually hangout with him. Tonight he's at scouts, so I don't feel guilty getting on. 

My days are going pretty well (I mentioned I care for two kids). The kids keep me busy. Tate is a baby that I watch, around six months old. He lives right next door. I also watch Kai (the Curtis' little girl). She's adorable. It's taken her a week to get use to my boys. She, like Hyrum sleeps a lot. So considering I have four kids at my house durning the day, my house is pretty quite, and under control. Butthat's  not always. I figure I'm preparing myself for my next baby this way.

We're Back

We got home late Monday night from our little trip up north. I have pictures so I'll just let them tell the story and I'll narrate.

The first thing we did once we got to Logan was stop over at Willow Park Zoo. It is an amazing like park! It has all kinds of foreign animals. The boys were so excited to see them (it's the closest they've been to a zoo). I didn't get pictures of everything, but there were monkeys, birds or every sort, kangaroos, snakes, bobcats, just to name a few. I love this Willow Park. I remember going when I was about Noah's age. The zoo is free, they now ask for a donation, but I only had my checkbook, or a credit card on me, so that didn't happen. 

Here is Jer and Noah looking at a turtle and some ducks swimming around the turtles.
Yes, I look like a dork. I was posing, but I used this picture because we were all looking at the camera. You can see the pretty ducks in the back ground if you look this picture enlarged.
The ducks would get really close to the fence looking for food that people usually throw out.
Is it dead? No, the kangaroos don't do much here, except lay in the shade.
I can't remember the exact name of this pheasant, but it is now my favorite bird. It is "gorgeous" (say that with a British accent). Jer asked "How does this survive in the wild, it's impossible for it to blend in".  I don't know, but I'm glad I got to see it. The picture actually doesn't do it justice.

That's enough for now. I got bored, so I imagine you did too. I'll put up the other pix I have later.

Headed To Logan

We're going to go to Logan for the whole weekend. I'm so excited! We are going to my brother's in Alpine (I think) and sleeping over. We decided to break up the trip so the boys will handle it better. And so we could see my brothers too. I thought I would update, so you all don't think I've abandoned my blog. I don't have much time to write, I need to clean up the kitchen and make cookies before 3:30. We'll see if it is even possible. So Elder family, we'll see you up there (It's Grandpa Elder's birthday). -Oh and I still have to make him a birthday card. Gotta go.

My Blogging Family

Keeping a blog is amazing! I can't believe all the people I can stay in contact with through blogging. I love being able to check up on your families, hear about the good news, as well the bad, read about your day, humorous stories or rantings, or find people that need my prayers (sometime complete strangers).

One thing that I wouldn't have expected, is that I've developed relationships with friends and family. I love having a friendship with my husband's cousins because of blogging. I think you're my biggest fans. I appreciate everyones comments and the inspirations they are to me. I hope to someday have a blogging relationship with the other side of my family. They aren't as "into it" as the Elder family is ( don't think anyone is). I'm the only one in my immediate family that blogs, which isn't a big deal, because we're all really close, but, I would love it if they would blog (hint, hint). Especially those who don't live close. I'm thankful for Steph in pushing me to start blogging. I am, and have been for awhile now, completely addicted.

Journaling

Today I had my hands full. I watched three boys, not including my own two. It all went pretty smoothly though. I just had a lot I wanted to do around the house at the same time. I still was able, after babysitting for eight hours, to have fixed a nice dinner at 6:00 and my card-making group over at 7:00. The house was quite clean too. Some days I am impressed with myself. When I can get focused, I can accomplish a lot.
We had Jer's cousin, (which I also call my cousin) Mindy, over for dinner. She just moved back to Cedar to start the school year at SUU. I really missed her. We get along very well. The boys missed her a ton too. All through dinner Hyrum was saying Mindy's name over and over again, just to get her attention. Sometimes he would mumble "I missed you". Noah kept trying to out talk everyone. They were both fighting for her attention. It was cute. While I did clean-up -scrambling to get things ready for card-making- Jer helped move Mindy's stuff out of the basement. And then in to town to her house.
So here I am in a quiet, clean house, not knowing what to do with myself. That's why I blogged, I actually had time. Nothing of importance to say though.