More Ornaments

I was trying to think of something that I could do that would be different for Nursery (church class). I had an idea come to me and I decided that I would try it. I decided that it would be fun to make ornaments. So, I bought the glass ornaments, paint, and glitter to make the ornaments. I of course forgot to bring the camera to class to get pictures while we did it, but I did have some left over that we (my family) made for all the kids that weren't there or that we don't know.

It's not necessarily something that they can really do themselves, but they did get to choose what colors they wanted and so on. Here are the ornaments that we made that I got pictures of before the other leader and I took them out to the kids.

Ornaments

Our family tradition is that the first Monday after the tree is put up we go out for Family Home Evening and the kids all get to pick out a new ornament. Here are the new ones for this year:

Laundry, Laundry, Laundry...

Why is there always laundry to do? I guess we all like to be clean. :)

For those of you who didn't/don't know. We got a new washer and dryer on Black Friday. Almost as long as we have been living here we have had a problem with the dryer. Clothes kept getting caught in the drum, so we would have burned spots on clothes and I can't tell you how many snaps I have lost off of onsies with them getting caught. So, it's been on our list for awhile. As we were looking at Black Friday ads for Sears we saw a front load washer and dryer set for $600. How could we pass this up when that's basically what it normally would cost us for just the dryer?!


So, here I was with a new washer and dryer that is HE (High Efficency) and I didn't know much about them. So after doing some research and having a ton of laundry to do, I ran to the store to get some HE detergent to use NOW. I also picked up some other things in order to make laundry detergent. I had read that it was great because of the low sudsing, which is the big thing with HE washers. After I got home I got my laundry going and found that I was enjoying my very quiet machines!!

Things were good and a couple of days later I decided to try one of the homemade recipes I had found. I got it all mixed together and I was very interested in try it and seeing how it works. I ran a couple of loads and things are looking great!! It was exciting to do something that worked and know that I won't have to make any more for awhile. We'll see how long this little jar lasts me.


I also bought some laundry deteregent from a WAHM that has essential oils in it to give it a different smell. I'm excited to get it and try it out. I'll let you know how that goes. Anyway, that is an update from what's going on around here right now.

Thanksgiving!

So we headed to St. George for Thanksgiving this year to share with my mom's family. We headed down on Wednesday and came home on Saturday. We had a good time being with family. There are 60+ of us now and so we had our turkey dinner in the church. It turned out nice and the kids were able to play in the nursery so that helped too. While we were there we also had a cousins night and the older generation tended the youngest generation. Thank you all for doing that!! It was nice to catch up with the cousins and spend time without little ones. :) One of my cousins taught a few of us how to make tutus. It turned out to be a lot of fun and I might have to make some more to remember how. :)

Here are some pictures of the weekend. I always wish I had more of some things, but I guess that's just how it goes...

So, I guess most of the pictures I have are from playing "Do you like your neighbor?"

Name Decision

So, here we are thinking of names for this next little boy. I think I am the one with the problem. Nothing is standing out well enough for me. So, I thought I would get some other thoughts on the subject. Don't feel bad if we don't use the name you like, because there's a good chance things will change in the next few months. :)

So far, I'm thinking that it might be in the hospital in the last few minutes before we leave that we (I) can decide on something. Why does the name game have to be so hard? Or why does it have to feel like a game at all? Oh well, good luck to us. If you have other ideas for us feel free to post them in a comment and I can add them to the poll.

Have a happy day everyone!!

Happy Birthday Brigit!!

We now have a 1 year old little girl. It's crazy how fast time goes. She has changed so much. I'm so glad to have a little girl that I will get to share with as she grows.

We had a little birthday party for her at my parent's home and invited her aunts and uncles. She had a ton of gifts and towards the end, she started getting tired of it all. Here are some pictures of the event.

Happy Halloween!!

I have a ton of updating to do, so we'll just do it all today. I was loving all the Halloween posts that I have seen and I've been sad because I had left my camera at my parents house and I ended up buying a disposible one. So, when I get those pictures developed I will have even more, but until then. Here are some pictures of our fun Halloween Costumes.

Ben as Peter Pan

Charlie as Buzz Lightyear

Brigit as Tinker BellThe Whole Family Wendy, Peter Pan, Buzz, Cpt. Hook, and Tinker Bell

I asked Charlie if he wanted to be a pirate (fit the obvious theme) and he said "Buzz Pirate" I decided that Buzz was what he really wanted. So, the 3 kids could "fly"!!

We were able to go up North and get donuts and go trick-or-treating with cousins. We haven't done that for 2 yrs, so it was a nice change. We got tons of candy and I think I'm eating it all. I have such a sweet tooth, sugar should be banned from my house. :)

It was great to see family and friends and maybe we can come up again next year!

I WON!!

You know all those people that win stuff and you think "I never win anything." Well, I can now say that the tables have turned a bit and I have won two things.

I'm a nerd and I get started on some odd things via emails. Well, I signed up on this website http://www.iwon.com and I started participating in these little spin 2 win type games. There are two and my kids think it's fun to click on it and watch it spin around. Well, one day Ben was clicking it and he says "Look mom, something has happened." I look up and there is this thing asking me for my information because I had won $50. Pretty cool.

It's been about 2 yrs ago now that I was introduced to this website http://www.ipodsweepstakes.com. While there I was able to earn a free ipod (Mike got it for Christmas a couple years ago) and then one day, checking my email. I get one that says "You won" I was shocked and opened it up. They hold drawings everyday for a free 1GB ipod shuffle. Well, I was the winner from that day before.

Isn't it ironic sometimes how things happen. I think I'm still shocked about it.

FYI: I have already received the $50 check and I'm now waiting for the ipod shuffle, but they do have me listed in their winners circle.

Make it Blue...

Per our ultrasound today, we will be having another boy. :) We are all excited and now we need to figure out some names....

The Poll Will End

Ok, so as of 4:00 tomarrow the poll will be closed. I will extend it if we have a lack of cooperation from the baby.

I decided I would let you all know what we are thinking so that tomarrow if we are right or wrong you won't think that I made it up to be right. :)

So, according to one Chinese Calender it says this will be a girl and another one says a boy. If you want to look at the calender, here it is. You can either try for one gender or see if it was right for you. I keep reading that it is for entertainment purposes though. (The mother's age is across the top.)

I guess we're 50/50. (Surprise, surprise, right?) Ben has been interesting with it all. It seems that at the beginning he talked about a girl all the time. Lately, he's been saying that it's a boy. Mike has been wanting another girl since day one. So, a week or so ago, he gets home from work and hands me a piece of paper and I ask him what it is and he was working through some different boy names. He then tells me that he's thinking that it's a boy. I honestly have know idea. I will be happy with either one and I will be the least disappointed if we can't tell.

Tomarrow our appointment is at 4:15 and I will update here with the news. I will be making a few phone calls with the info as well. If you want to make sure you are on the phone call group, please let me know.

We are excited and look forward to the news and hearing from you as well. Thank you for being a part of our lives.

Econ 101

I never thought I would see the day that I would wish that I had taken this class. Well, here it is some 4+ after my college graduation and I'm wishing I knew more than I know about economics. Not surprising is the major topic of economics in the forefront of the country right now.

This morning I was listening to talk about another stimulus package and I sure started to wonder what I even know. I know that there are a lot of people out there that understand this better than I do, but with everything going on in the economy right now, I have an idea for the government. We are all expected to shop and make purchases, but obviously not be dumb about loans. (The major housing market problems...) So, why then doesn't the government have to live the same way we do??? How can they be in so much debt, but yet keep throwing money around like they have some? I get in trouble if I max out credit cards and make no payment. I also just plain hate the feeling of owing money that I don't have. Don't get me wrong, I have had my fair share of debt, and I still have some, but I don't like it. I guess I just don't understand how it doesn't bother so many people to have the kind of problem that we (as a country) have? This is where I need that class I guess.

If someone can explain this to me, I would love to understand.... I get so I think I know what's going on and then, something else happens and here I am back at the beginning scratching my head......

Ok, I think maybe this might be my solution. What do you think?

Random Information

I have to tell you what a wonderful family I have. Last night while making dinner (part of it anyway) I realized how glad I was to have a husband that doesn't mind cooking. I will explain....

I had some tomatoes that I had to do something with, so I tried to make a speggetti/pizza sauce with it. I had some trouble with the spices, so I put it away. Well, last night I had Mike check out the sauce and he is great!! He was able to add the right amount of this and the right amount of that to have it turn out wonderful!!

Then this morning we were running a little late and Ben was such great help to me. We couldn't find one of Charlie's shoes and he found it and helped Charlie get the jacket he wanted. He was such good help.

I am so blessed to have this family. They are so good to me, even though I don't think I deserve it. :)

My New Niece

I am so lucky to have had a new niece born on Oct. 2nd at about 4:00 PM. Leah Michelle Johnson weighed in at 7lb 15oz.

Here are some pictures of the newest one for you all to enjoy.

Leah Michelle Johnson

Hannah and baby Leah

Proud dad of two girls.

Feeling a little more pregnant

So, I just need to say that as of Thursday I am starting to really look prego. I have been at that inbetween stage for far too long to know if I really look pg. Well, on Thursday, I ran into a girl at the Library and she said something to me about having #4. I guess I must be looking prego then. Later that night I was out and saw myself in a mirror that showed more than just my face and I realized that "yeah, I do look pregnant."

So, now that I look pregnant, I think the feeling preg. will follow shortly behind. I'm hoping that some of the aches and pains will ward off for awhile yet. It's been slower this time to feel movement, but I am feeling a little here and there. Hopefully that will just increase and get to be fun for the rest of the family.

I will have to get a picture up here soon of that as well. Maybe the next post I have will just be pictures to update everyone on everything. We'll see how that goes.

Anyway, this is just a little update on the pregnancy to date. Not terribly exciting, but for those that are wondering, hopefully it will help curiosity.

The Boys New Room

Well, I should probably take some pictures and put them up here as well. I might do that later.

I just wanted to say that on Sat. night we moved the boys downstairs to their new room!! So, last week we were busy getting it all ready. We ended up getting dressers at IKEA and then got paint and were able to get it all pretty much set up by Sat. afternoon. The boys then decided that they wanted to move into it that night, and we let them. We actually still have a little left to do before it's completely done, so I might wait until then to take pictures.

We still need to stain the bunk beds and get them looking nice. Right now they are just sleeping on box springs and matress on the floor till that gets done. We also need to get their pictures up on the wall. I think the room might need a little something else.....we'll see what happens with that.

Anyway, it's done and they seem to be doing pretty good. They still are taking awhile to get to sleep, but they have been waking up at about 7:00, so I really can't complain. Also, Brigit is sleeping better, so that is nice. I think the boys were keeping her up and entertained. Speaking of Brigit, she is now completely weaned, so I'm feeling a little less worn out and that's nice. She also is taking one bottle at night and does really well.

So, as soon as we get completely finished I'll get some pictures up.

Poll update!!

I had an appointment today and found out that my ultrasound will be on the 22nd. So, there is a little less time now on the poll. If you want to vote, you better not wait much longer. :)

Also, the due date is 9 March. So, I think this'll be a March baby. Anyway, all is well there. Ben took some pictures of me yesterday with my pg belly, so I'll see if I can put them up later today for those that are curious.

That's all for now!!

So, I'm back to add those pictures...like I said Ben took the pictures. He did a pretty good job, you can decide for yourself.

Ok, just one picture. He took a few and just so you know, some didn't have my head. :)

Date Night!

Saturday night I had a wonderful date with my husband!! It feels like it's been longer than it probably has been, but it was great!!

Thank you Diane for watching the kids for us. Mike ended up getting some tickets at the Conference Center. It was the O.C. Tanner music night. It was so good!! We were able to drop the kids off with Diane and then go to dinner before the concert. The seats were luck of the draw and they turned out to be AWESOME. We were in the front 2nd from the left section in the 4th row. Pres. Monson and Eyring were there and I had a good view of them from my seat. :)

It was the Tabernacle Choir, the Utah Symphany and a guest conductor and two guest vocalists. They all did a really good job. My favorite was Brian Stokes Mitchell. He say 3 songs that just had a good hold on me. As we were leaving I heard someone behind me say something about not having a crush, but she does now. I think I might have to agree...at least a little bit.

I just have to say that it was good and it was nice to have a date and it sounds like the kids were good too, so it turned out just right!!!

Thanks again Fan....

It's Friday...

I'm in love!!

I think we sing this every Friday. I'm not sure why, but it's become habit/routine. I'm trying to clean house today. Why does it feel like a joke? Oh, well. If I can get some things done, it'll be better than not doing anything.

Mike has been visiting WSU and USU these last two days. He got to spend the night last night with some siblings and will be home later tonight. I know it may sound dumb, but I missed him before it had really been that long. I was thinking to myself how I missed him and how dumb it was that I was acting like a newlywed. As I have been thinking about it longer now, I realize that feeling like a newlywed isn't all that bad. I'm so glad that I can/do miss him. I'm glad that I am still in love with him even more so now than I was when we got married. Why do newlyweds get such bad connotation???

Anyway, just some random thoughts really on this Friday. I'm excited for dinner tonight. I'm making niocci. I'll have to tell you how it goes tomorrow. It's fun to do something different every once in awhile, right?

Well, enough of my randomness. I'm off for now!!

Fundraisers

Guess what, we got our first fundraiser from the school. It's exciting to realize that I have one in school now so I don't have to buy something from everyone in the neighborhood. :)

Now that they have started, one night last week the doorbell rang. I went to get it and some girl was standing on my porch. She then proceeded to ask me if I wanted to buy something for their school fundraiser. I told her that right now wasn't good and sent her away, but I was really bothered. I'm not sure what my problem is, but I don't really feel like buying something from someone whom I have never met and have no idea who they are.

It was just an experience that taught me to never let my kids ask someone they don't even know to help with a fund raiser. There are plenty of kids around and chances are they know one of them.....

I hope that doesn't come across negative, but I'm curious as to how other people handle fundraisers and how do you approach that as a parent??

Poll

So, I ended up having to start up my poll again. If you voted before, it got deleted so vote again please. If you haven't voted, feel free to vote!!

Thanks

First Day of School!

Ben started pre-school last Thursday and I'm now getting around to putting a few pictures up of him. I was reading about everyone and their first day, so I thought I would add my own, since that's all I have right now.

He has had day 2 and is still loving it. He refers to the other kids in the class as "the red boy", the "blue boy", the "blue girl". He was telling me about playing and I asked him who he was playing with and he said he asked the "blue girl" and she did. I thought it was funny. He also was singing some song that they have sung and he really enjoys it. I don't know it, or I would share it with you all.....

Anyway, it's fun for him and I'll put up these pictures for you to see. :)

Charlie had to get in the picture too. I guess on that first day, he would have called himself a "blue boy" LOL

Labor Day Weekend!!

I thought I would write and post a few pictures from our long weekend. We went and visited family in Wyoming. It was a lot of fun to spend time and play games and let our kids enjoy their time together as well.

Here are some pictures of our trip. Hope you enjoy.

Our Newest Addition!!

I know this will surprise some and will confirm suspitions in others. Yes, we are expecting again. This new little one is due the first part of March. I may now be done by 30!!

So, just a little info: I had an ultrasound yesterday with a great shot of it flexing it's arm. I'll try and add them to this post. Hopefully, they turn out well enough for you to see what you are looking at.

I'm not sure what else to say. We're excited and by the time we see most of you between Halloween and Brigit's b-day we'll know what we're having. That should be fun.

P.S. Sorry Kate!!

The little one!

Buff Baby

"YOU GOT TAGGED!"...

Rules: Each player answers the question themselves. At the end of the post the player then tages 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment letting them know that they've been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person that tagged you know when you've answered the questions on your blog.



I've done something similar not too long ago, so I hope it's not too redundunt.



THE FIVE



10 years ago I:

1. was 19

2. living in West Weber, Utah

3. Attending Weber State and enjoying college life

4. Living at home

5. Sending off missionary friends



5 things on today's "to do" list:

1. Laundry

2. Laundry

3. Cleaning

4. Rest

5. More Laundry



5 snacks I enjoy:

1. Wheat Thins

2. Almonds or Peanuts

3. Oreos

4. Any Chocolate

5. Popcorn


5 things I would do if I were a millionaire:

1. Travel

2. Live in my dream home

3. Pay extra to Temple/Missionary/Fast offering funds

4. Prepare for the future/Save

5. Help friends or family in real need



5 places I have lived:

1. Logan, UT

2. Kaysville, UT

3. West Weber, UT

4. Argentina

5. Springville, UT



i tag...

Annie

Bobbidee

Cassie

Heather

Kate

Lazy Week

Do you ever feel like you don't want to do anything?? That's how I have felt this week. I keep thinking that I should get up and do something, but here I am, just sitting here and doing nothing. I may make it to the grocery store in a little bit, so that could be something.

Mike started work this week, so maybe that has played a part in my lazyness.....not sure why, but maybe?

Life is going well for use. I'm starting to think about the beginning of school. Ben will start pre-school right after Labor Day and it's weird for me to think about. It's amazing how fast time goes. I am starting to think it will be good for Charlie though. He'll get to have some one on one time with mom (well sort-of) which he's never really ever been able to have. Maybe I can work it right and he and Brigit will just nap the whole time Ben's at school. I guess we'll see if I get that lucky. :)

So, I'm looking to do a little school shopping and prepare for a mini trip to Wyoming over Labor Day to visit Matt and Brooke.

Not too much else going on right now. I'll post something if anything changes.

Home for a little break!!

Well, we actually got home late Monday night, but here I am on Wednesday trying to get a little caught up before we leave for a family reunion tomarrow.

Where do I start? Montana was a lot of fun and it was fun to see my brother get married. We left last Tuesday and stayed over night up in Ogden to save us a little time. We then left Wednesday morning for the big drive up to Big Fork where we would be staying. As luck would have it, we ended up with a tire blow-out just outside of Dillon, MT. We were able to make it to Butte and got the tire taken care of. We finally made it to Big Fork later that night.

While we were there, we were able to go to Glacier National Park, Mike and I were able to go down the river. The kids and Mike went swimming in a pool. Mike got to attend a bachelor party and help set up for the wedding. I was able to help decorate for the big event and enjoy the kids.

I'll put up a bunch of pictures for you all to look at. They may be random, but they'll all be from our trip and time spent up there.

I have a ton more pictures, maybe I'll put them up later.

It was good to be up there and it was fun to all be together and support Mike and Angie on their new adventure. :)