Recent Happenings

So I thrive on busyness.... I LOVE it!  So these last two weeks have been super fun!  I haven't even had time to blog, obviously since I'm like 14 days behind on my 30 day challenge.  This is a little bit of what we've been up to...... 

And unfortunately I don't have pics for everything because I took them all from my iphone and when i emailed them, they didn't send.  Well, I didn't know they didn't send and I deleted them prematurely!  Oops!!! 

Well we started a coupel weeks ago with an awkward bang when the missionaries showed up on our doorstep on a friday.  It was an unofficial pajama and no makeup day around here, I was relaxing when I saw the missionaries reflection in the window.  I jumped out to make a mad dash upstairs but realize they've already opened the screen door and are knocking.  Dang, WAY too obvious if they see me bolt away right in front of them.  They were just dropping by with a member for member visits and seeing if we had anything that needed done around the farm because they needed their service hours for the week.  Then another ward family dropped by to visit our cats on teh farm. (we babysat the kids a couple months ago and one of their girls wanted to take home one of our kittens, their mom said no but I said she could have it and just keep it here and visit anytime.... so there they were)  

The next night I had a girl's night out at our house.  Eric took Peyton out on the town... aka Walmart to look at the toys, oh and McDonalds!!!!  A bunch of ladies came over and we watched a super good movie, Forever Strong and ate a bunch of junk food!!

Went to a friend's house to do all the girl's haircuts and dye some hair... they all turned out AWESOME if I do say so myself!  Then we went to the pool with them and another fun family, the Sabey's.  Peyton got into the pool itself for teh first time EVER!!  Then we all went to Rita's for some deliciousness!!

Had a couple families over with the missionaries for dinner and family home evening!!  It was super fun!

Next night I went to a friend's class.

Then my sister flew in from Utah!  Fun time!!!!!!! That deserves it's very own post later!! 

We had a huge pioneer Day EXtravaganza on the 23rd of July!!!  It was a blast!  My sister was still here and she helped soooo much!  I deleted all these pics........aaarrrgghhhhhhh!  We had about 58 people over!  We had 3 legged races including a all women's race (pretty sure, Whit and I tyed for first!  Everyone was giving us crap saying that we've been practicing all our lives!!) , and an all men's race.  Corn on the cob eating contest (hilarious!), homemade icecream in bags, dutch oven cobbler, taught everyone how to square dance adn had a hoe down, stick pulls, a tug of war (parents vs. kids.... schoolllleeedddd us)  Then we sat around on the straw bales singing camp songs!  Such a fun time and definitely becoming an annual event!!

Then we had to say good bye to Whit and Tyler.... boooooo!

 Gone to some cow auctions and sales!

And cuddled the heck out of my littleSadie because she's growingup too fast!!!!

Day 12

12. Describe a typical day for you.

5:30a.m. Sadie wakes up for the first time since 9 p.m.  I feed her then we go back to bed.
7:30-8am Peyton wakes me up, we go downstairs and Eric is making us breakfast.
8-9am Spend Eric's breakfast break with him
9-10:30 Clean around the house or do projects
10:30am Snacktime
Then I play with Peyton till his naptime..... 11:30-12

Of course, on top of all this I'm changing diapers, feeding Sadie and calming crying children

Peyton's naps last an hour to three hours.  Whilehe's sleeping, I clean, blog, go online, watch Tv, or just enjoy my one on one snuggling with Sadie.

The rest of the day we do errands, or go somewhere fun, just chill out and relax, or some days just COUNTING down the minutes till Eric comes home to give me a break!

My days really do revolve around eat, feed, change diapers, and nap right now.  We do some really fun stuff though and some days are better than others.  It may seem like a boring schedule but we try to find fun and joy in all the daily tasks!!!!

Day 11

11.  Describe 10 pet peeves you have.

1. Call waiting..... seriously so annnnoooyyyyiiinnnngggggg and rude.
2. Boys leaving toilot seats up.  Eric is sooooo good at putting in down when he's done but most of the time when we have visitors they leave it up.... and there's pee all over toilot seat. aarrrggghhhh, i have to clean that people. 
3. Having to do dishes by hand everyday,every meal, allll the time!
4. Talking with your mouth full of food.
5. Being the ONLY one to clean up the house.... although deep down I understand that Eric works a billion hours a day and he just wants to rest when he gets inside.
6. Getting fat..... can that count?
7. Having no money.... can that count too?
8.  Flies.  They are freaking EVERYWHERE right now.  I think I killed a million today alone.
9.  Cheap, or dishonest bosses
10.  People that have 100 pet peeves.  Just be happy people. 

Day 10

10. Describe your most embarrassing moment.

To be quite honest I can't really think of a specific moment was I was super embarrassed.  But I do get embarrassed a lot.  I blush frequently (which realllllyyyyy bothered me for awhile) but I like to do embarassing things..... case in point. 

I remember me and my best friend in junior high skipping through the hallways of school between classes, linking arms and singing the theme song from Barney, "I love you, you love me," at the top of our lungs. 

Sticking our heads out of the windows when getting driven home from basketball practices and Mooooing like a cow as loud as we could at passing pedestrians.

The list really does go on and on.......

So sorry I can't give a specific super embarrasing moment.  Maybe one day. Knock on wood.

Lullabies

So three weeks ago..... I was putting Peyton down for his nap.  I asked him what song he wanted me to sing him that day and he made his tractor sound (he can't say tractor yet but he can make the tractor sound)  Tractor song????  Well, the one and only song that popped in my head was, "She thinks my tractor's sexy."  So I sang it to him, anddddd he loved it. 

Every single naptime and now for when he goes to bed at night as well is preceded with , "She thinks my tractor's sexy."  I try to sing him something else and he'll keep interrupting me with his tractor sounds.  And it puts him right to sleep.

So if anyone has any suggestions of words to substitute, "sexy" ...... that would be great. 

Fashion Show.......... and presenting....

Presenting the one and only, SADIE MAE!!!  The cuteness herself at this 2012 fashion show, (autographs later). 

Don't mind the poop oozing down her right leg on this one......

And that's a wrap!

Day 9

9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how. 

#1.  My mom.  She is such a good mom, but what's more she's a good person.  She's always trying to help everyone.... always cooking meals for people.  She is always putting everyone else first.  I'm lucky that I got to be raised by her!!!

#2.  My dad.  He's taught me how to be a good listener.  He gives super good advice but sometimes I just need someone to listen and he has the wisdom to knwo when that's what I need.     

#3.  Jennifer Stobart.  I met Jenn when we lived in Maryland.... we were in the same ward.  She is one of the most Christ-like people I have ever met.  She never had anythign bad to say about anyone.  She was such a doting and loving mother.  I can't say enough good things about her.  Everytime I was with her, I left wanting to be a better person and mom. 

#4.  Sara Job.  Sara was my roommate in college and one of the best friends a person could ever have.  She would do anything for her friends and I knew that.  She even flew out to visit us when we lived in Maryland.  I felt like I really learned how to be a true friend from her.

#5.  Mr. Johnson.  This might seem like such a random one but hear me out.  Mr. Johnson was my third grade teacher.  I always enjoyed reading but he brought books to life for me while in his class.  He read a few books aloud to us during the year and I just remember being sucked into each story.  I would leave that day in a different world, rush home as quick as I could and tell my dad what had happened in the book that day. 

#6.  My hubby!!!  He loves me soooo unconditionally....he is the definition of patience, love, forgiveness, money savvy-ness, devotion, and acceptance!!

#7.  My sisters!  My best friends in the whole wide world.  I dont' even know where to begin...... they've taught me the importance of honesty, laughter, style, reading my scriptures, relying on the spirit, etc etc etc.

okkkk... TIME-OUT!!  I can think of lots of other people who have influenced me in my life and I feel so incredibly blessed to have all these wonderful examples all around me BUT......  that's all I can write for right now.

I could've written more for each person as well, but I've had this SPLITTING headache ALL. DAY. LONG. and I can't even think clearly anymore.  I think it has to do with the gobs and gobs of chocolate I ate last night while staying up late for a girl's night out.... soooo worth it!  but serioulsy, i gotta go now. 

Day 8

7. What are five passions you have?

#1.  My family!!!  I want to be the best mother, and wife I can be.  I'm obsessed right now with reading all these parenting articles I've found on Pinterest.  They're super enlightening and motivate me to be better.  I would link a few of my favorites but I'm about as technologically lame as they come. 

#2.  Becoming a better friend.  I have some people in my life that have been such good friends to me.  They've given me such strength and love, especially being so far away from my family.  I'm at a place now that I want to be the kind of friend that they've been to me.  Be there for people, pull them out of their funks, and be a strength! 

#3.  Living the gospel! 

#4.  Outdoorsy stuff..... I'm DYING to go camping, fishing, 4-wheeling, hiking, anythingggg!!!!  Right now, I have to be content with nice walks in the morning but soooooonnnnnnn I want to be out there. 

#5.  Writing!!  I love to blog... it's sooo therapeutic.  I love to scrapbook and journal!!! Basically, anything to preserve history and be there for my kids to look back on one day.

Day 7

7. What is your dream job and why?

Well, being a mom was always my dream job so I've already landed that one!!!  I actually want to do lots of different things but the job on the top of my list right now is, professional photographer. 

I love to take pictures and I love to capture moments.  I think it would be great because it would also allow me to still be at home with the kids. 

Things I don't want to forget

• The moment when Peyton dumped the whole box of Q-tips on Sadie's head.
• The moment when he got into my makeup while I was in the shower... and especially the look of pure joy and pride when I saw his face.  How could you get mad at that?  He was just doing what mommy does. 
• The moment when Peyton and I were making silly faces at Sadie and she seemed to start mimicking us. 
• The moment when Eric was giving Sadie a blessing because she'd been nailed in the head by a huge D battery being kicked by an older brother.  As he was blessing her, his voice cracked a little and seemed to be stifling a laugh.  I opened my eyes to peek and Peyton had come up alongside Sadie (we were on teh bed and I was holding her) and put his hands on Sadie's head too.  He wanted to help Eric give her a blessing. 
• The moment when I felt like everything was right in the world as we sat down as a family for a picnic in the park.
• The moment when I realized that when talking about Ty-ty and Wee-wee (tyler and whitney) visiting us next week, Peyton would repeat Ben's name a thousand times. "bun, bun, bun, bun, bun, bun, bun"  I finally figured that one out!

I love my family a whole heap!!!  They are the best!  I don't want to forget how tender hearted and sweet Peyton is.  He loves to cuddle me and give kisses and hugs.  He's also soooo tender to Sadie... most of the time!  I don't want to forget how sassy and funny Sadie is.  The minute her binky falls out, she's screaming.  Not crying, screaming!!!  She lets us know promptly and loudly what her wants and needs are at all times!!!!  I don't want to forget how sweet my husband is and even though he was super sleepy yesterday he wanted to tickle my back!  Or how he woke us up this morning to a fresh pan of german pancakes!  Or how he took the time to babysit the kids while I could go to my doc appt by myself this mornng!     LOVE THEM!!!!!

Day 6

6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?

When I read this question the very first time I automatically thought, Childbirth!  But NOPE, the hardest thing I've experienced doesn't even come close to that. 

About the time of my wedding in 2008 I started getting agitated about little stuff.  I seemed to overreact about mostly everything.  Eric and I were married June 13th, 2008........ then everything seemed to go downhill fast!!!

I didn't realize it but at the time I had depression.  I'm not sure why I got it.  I am genetically dispositioned to get it, but maybe just the stress of planning the wedding all by myself did it.  I don't know.  All my life I always thought I was safe from getting it.  I have a happy, bubbly disposition and figured it would never touch me.

 I started panicking easily.  If I couldn't get hold of Eric the first or second time I called, I would freak out..... start to cry because I thought something had happened to him on hte farm. 

I was in such a deep, dark place but I truly didn't even think to consider that I had depression.  The onset of everything happened right when I got married so I thought with everything in me that it was because I married the wrong guy.  Obviously he was the wrong guy if he was making my life so miserable.  Every mistake he made (which I know we all make mistakes all the time) was amplified by 1000.  I would cry all the way to work in the morning and all the way home.  I spent many an hour on my knees pleading to the Lord to get me out of my marriage or learn to live unhappily. 

Then I started praying fervently to Heavenly Father to put love in my heart for Eric.  Again, I was in such a dark place and truly felt like it was Eric's fault.  I talked to my parent's a couple times, and my sisters about this and they were such good listeners and support.  They even talked me out of divorce a few times.  I wanted to be happy again so desperately. 

On February 14, 2009 we were scheduled to be sealed for time and all eternity.  It almost exactly matched Eric's baptismal date a year previous.  Deep down, I didn't want to do it.  I felt like every day was such a struggle to have to stay with him, why would I want an eternity.  I prayed and prayed.... then prayed some more and felt compelled to go through with it. 

For that day, the first time in a little less than a year.... the fog in my head was lifted.  Staring at Eric in the temple that day felt sooo right and I felt so in love with him. 

Something that I can only explain as a miracle and a huge blessing from the Lord happened that day.  My depression didn't magically go away but it shifted itself.  Eric became that boy that I had fallen in love with in the first place and our marriage improved every single day.  The depression then manifested itself in the form of anxiety. 

The anxiety wasn't ruling my life then, it was just present.  It wasn't till our house was broken into that August that fear started running my life. 

Anyway, long story short..... I was seriously OUT. OF. MY. MIND. scared all the flippin' time.  I finally knew that I needed some help.  This is why I'm so sooo sooooo grateful for modern medicine and knowledgeable doctors.  Things had improved sooooooo dramatically after our sealing but I didn't even know how low I'd gone.  After I got some help, things with Eric took another HUGE jump for the better!!  I had more energy, love, vivaciousness for life, and sparkle that I knew what to do with.  My old self was back, and it had taken that long!!! 

Eric would remark often after those first few weeks, "Wow, I love that medicine!"  The girl that he had fallen in love with in the beginning was FINALLY back! 

This was definitely the most trying and difficult experience I've ever had to go through but I feel like i gained so much from it.  I prayed soooo hard and sooo often because I knew that Christ had felt what I felt and I was not alone because I had Him.  Because of that I became closer to my Heavenly Father than I ever have. My love and appreciation for my wonderful, patient husband grew bounds and bounds when I could see clearly!  How in the heck did he ever deal with me?  It must have been soooo difficult for him as well.  He must have been thinking he wanted a divorce just as much as I was.  Haha. 

My perception of life changed a lot in that time as well.  I see people differently........ nobody on the outside would know what I was going through unless I talked to them about it and I know that's probably the case for some many others.  We never know what somebody else is going through....... it's made me want to be a better friend, a better sister, a better mother, a better wife!

Day 5

5.  What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?

#1.  My family!  They are my life!

#2.  The hope for a better future and career for our family.

#3.  A good night's rest.

#4.  The new cake shop blizzard at dairy queen.

#5.  Anticipating my sister's visit next week.

Day 4

4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year old self if you could.

#1.  Dump him NOW!

#2.  Being smart is awesome!!!  You've been blessed with a brain so use it.  Quit thinking that it will intimidate people and stop playing stupid.  Just because you don't have to study and work hard to pass doesn't mean you should.  Study, work hard, get all A's (because you can) and you won't have any regrets!  You will regret selling yourself short if you dumb yourself down becasue you think it's "the thing" to do. 

#3.  Friends will come and go throughout your life.  You're going to move away from Iowa City soon and you probably won't even see any of those friends again, so put your family first.  Your family will ALWAYS be there for you and they'll be the best friends you could ever ask for. 

#4.  Swallow your pride more.  It will get you in trouble many a time if you don't learn now!!!

#5.  Watch your mother more closely.  Let her teach you how to cook. Because seriously, she's the best cook in the world anyway, and learn from her while you can.  Get rid of your idea that you want to bust out of the "woman stereotype" to cook and clean because one day you will be a mom and do those things ALL. DAY. LONG. and it will be the best job in the world!!!

#6.  Do not keep dating guys because you can see their potential.  Do not date guys because you can see the good in them somewhere.  Date guys that are good..... that don't have to change everything about them to get to their potential.  I know you think that you can change them and make their life better.  And I know that you have the best of intentions but don't.  They will only bring you down eventually.

#7.  Don't worry what the world thinks.  Be your own person and love it!  Not everyone will like you and that's ok. 

#8.  You will marry the best person in the world but you won't realize that until after your first year of marriage!  The first year will be soooo hard and you will think you'll never have a happily ever after but you will.  Be strong, and keep relying on the Lord.  He will lead you through it!  It is not a mistake and you will find such happiness!!! 

#9.  You will be surrounded by such a great group of friends your senior year in your AP classes.  Accept their friendship more readily and hang out with them more.  Don't limit yourself to one guy just because you "like him".  You will regret not having that group of friends later.

#10.  Try your best in the sports you do.  Don't be afraid of failure.  Your family will support you no matter how fast you run, or how high you jump, or how well you dribble the ball.  Just because you aren't the top player doesn't mean you're not good.  Don't use the cop-out that you don't really care and just mess around during practices.  Put the work in and be ok not being the best!  Still include your family in the things you do...... they love you not matter what. 

Day 3

3. Describe your relationship with your parents. 

I have a deep love, appreciation and respect for my parents.  I can honestly say they are my best friends!  It wasn't always that way..... my teenage years were a bit rough.  I was full of pride, hormones, and independence which isn't a good combination when you have someone "parenting" you.  haha.  They are such troopers.....  and loved me despite all my moments. 

My mom is the first one I want to call when something happens.... good or bad.  I actually use quite a bit of self control when it comes to incessant calling.  I would call her every single day if that wasn't so annoying. (she's a super busy lady)! 

My mom and dad are both such funny people!  It was harder for me to see all of their "coolness" when I was living at home.  I really do just sit down sometimes and think about how they interacted with us growing up, how they kept us in line, and what we all did for fun.  They have done such a great job parenting 6 awesome people and I just want to learn from their examples and use it in my parenting.  I know that if I try to emulate them and their examples, my kids will be just fine.  I know that noone is perfect, and I'm not saying my parents are...... but they're pretty darn close. 

Love my parents, and I'm so grateful to them! 

Day 2

2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.

Well let me preface this by saying that my I've been able to conquer my fears a lot better in the last year!  I first got depression which manifested itself mostly through anxiety soon after I was married.  That anxiety was increased tenfold after we got our house broken into while we were living in Maryland.  I literally lived in fear for awhile.  Nights were the worst, I couldn't sleep, I hardly could even function.  I slept with a gun by my bed and there were numerous occasions I swore someone was in our house and made Eric search the whole place with his gun.  I sat in the house and sometimes would just sit as still as I could because I was scared if I watched TV or turned on music, I wouldn't be able to hear someone enter my house.  Sounds physcho right?  At nights I even had 911 dialed on my phone with my thumb on it just in case someone broke in.  Well, finally I went to the doctor and got on some medicine.  I had forgotten what it was like to be my normal self.  Life completely and absolutely changed.  I have such an appreciation and gratitude for modern medicine and doctors. 

I felt like a fog was lifted after I started taking the medicine.... but couldn't be on it long because we were planning on having another baby.  It's been more than a year since I've taken medication and I feel sooo great!  I have moments when I feel a little anxiety creep in but I can get rid of all of it by eating well, and getting enough sleep!  I'm just genetically prone to getting depression but I know that the knowledge I have of what it feels like is power to me.  Anyway, on to my Day 2 question.

#1. The idea that if something happened to our family, I wouldn't be able to save them all.  Like if there was a fire in our house, and I couln't get everyone out.  Or if there was a natural disaster and we weren't prepared enough.  Or if our car fell off a bridge, that I wouldn't be able to save everyone.  I don't know how I came to fear that so much.... just starting a family of my own and wanting to protect everyone I guess. 

#2. Not being a good enough mom.  My kids are everything to me and I want them to turn out alright.  Ya know.  I especially get scared on those days that I'm sleep deprived, everyone's crying ALL. DAY. LONG and Eric has long hours...... I wish I was perfectly patient, and 100% on all the time and that's why I'm scared sometimes.  But deep down, i know that as long as I do my best, everything will be alright. 

#3. Talking on the phone..... not a fear fear... but it just makes me really anxious.  I just don't enjoy it at all.  Interesting enough, I love talking to my family on the phone.... but no one else.... sorry everyone.  I love talking in person and I really am working on being better at answering my phone and calling back people despite my phone fears! haha.

Let me just end by saying that I really am not scared of too much as I reflected which is a change for me that I'm so grateful for!!!!  And I knwo the things that I am scared about can become better and I can conquer them.  I'm soooo grateful for the power of prayer and never feeling alone.  I know that the Lord is always watching over us and when I'm feeling down or scared of anything He will be there to comfort me!!  

Day 1

1. List 20 random facts about yourself.

1. Being a bridesmaid (with the special matching dresses and shoes) is on my bucket list.
2. I only eat icecream if I can pour milk over it.
3. I prefer being cold to hot ANY day!
4. I want to visit all 50 states before I die
5. When I'm pregnant, I'm completely stereotypical and can eat whole jars of huge dill pickles in one sitting.
6. I'm scared of dogs
7. I wish we owned a horse
8. I enter Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes at least twice a month
9. I'm addicted to dying my hair
10. I hate and hardly ever shave my legs
11. I would totally hire a maid if we could afford it
12. I don't like to cook
13. I'm obsessed with planning for things
14. My favorite food is Totino's frozen pizza.
15. I've worked at a Meat and Game shop skinning deer (among other things), a dairy, and a chiropractic office and being mom is my favorite job by far. 
16. I'm super independent.
17. I sunburn like you wouldn't believe...... I am jealous of tan people.
18. I'm a mormon!
19. Even though it's probably not socially acceptable to admit this.... I LOVE watching TV.  Never had it growing up and now I'm addicted.  We just got TV for the first time since we've been married and unfortunately, I think it's best if we don't renew our contract.  It sucks me in!!!
20. I was Miss Nibley.

30 Day Challenge

So, for the next 30 days I'm doing this challenge that I found on Pinterest!  Just for funsies, and posterities sake!  I'm excited..... and I'm probably the LEAST techno savvy so, I copied and pasted the list from this gal's post. http://cherishinghopesanddreams.blogspot.com/2012/01/30-things.html


THE LIST:

1. List 20 random facts about yourself.
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
3. Describe your relationship with your parents.
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
7. What is your dream job, and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
10. Describe your most embarrasing moment.
11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
14. Describe 5 strengths you have.
15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
18. What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?
19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?
22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
23. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.
24. Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.
25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
28. What is your love language?
29. What do you think people misundertand most about you?
30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.

Happy 4th of July

We had a GREAT day!  We started out the morning by finding a HUGE box and two smaller boxes of clothes for Sadie being left on our porch.  Don't know who left them but we're soooo grateful! 

 Then Peyton and I got busy making some deliciousness for a barbeque that evening!  Made sloppy joes, chocolate covered strawberries with sprinkles, shishkebabs (red/strawberries, white/marshmellows, and blue/blueberries), deviled eggs, and blonde brownies..... yeah, we're amazing, we know!

 Peyton was lots of help....... making messes that is. 

 When Eric got in from the barn we went to our friends, the Olson's house for a fun barbeque. Never have to worry that I won't have time to eat because I'm taking care of the kids.  I've never seen a group of adults so eager to hold a baby then these folks here! Love them!!!!

 Peyton had a blast just hanging out with the rest of the kids in the backyard!!!  I think he took home half the sand box in his hair and clothes when we left. 

 Sparklers ROCK!  Peyton thought so too..... until his fingers got to close to the sparkly stuff. 

 Peyton is NOT a fan of fireworks however!!  They were just the cheapo, tiny little things and he was still scared to death.  Poor kid!  We were going to go to the huge fireworks in Hershey but ended up just staying at the Olson's later to do them on their driveway.  Eric was exhausted, and we thought Peyton would be too scared for all the big stuff anyway..... and Sadie could care less.

 Don't know how the heck he stayed asleep for all the firework noise.  Leave it to Eric.

Happy 4th of July everyone!  So grateful to those that have sacrificed for our country and for those that continue to serve us!!  We had a great day filled with good food, and great friends!!

Awesomeness vs. Un-Awesome....ness

Un-awesomeness:

• Sadie has reflux.....lots of extra work.  Small meals every hour instead of every three and have to hold her upright for at least 20 minutes after every feeding
• Peyton pooped on my end table
• No time for showers (maybe TMI huh?)
• A very cluttered house
• Peyton's hospital stay for the intusseseption costing as much as me having a baby........ bills
• Changing a bajillion diapers a day
• diaper rash on Sadie
• Empty fridge....... and not feeling like taking both kids into town to shop....so it'll stay empty
• D.C. derecho causing lots of havoc for my friends in Maryland/Delaware
• Ants in the kitchen.....eeewwww
• Wish my family was still here.......

Awesomeness:

• Answered prayers
• Having our own chickens with our own eggs, and selling some on the side
• Losing 10 lbs since the 16th (remember my weight loss post...... adding to my cash pile)
• Long walk this morn with Peyton
• Peyton sleeping ALL night in his own bed
• Good health and quick postpartum recovery
• Eating stuff from our garden
• Taking some classes for photo editing from a guy in my ward soon
• Fireworks and barbeques coming up this week
• FINALLY getting a good "night-time" routine in place with the two little uns'
• Playing charades last night
• Mother's intuition
• Love my ward

I love my kids, I love my husband, I love my life!  It gets crazy around here some days but as Peyton and I were walking this morning I couldn't help but just look around at this beautiful place that we live and thank my Heavenly Father for my tons and tons and tons of blessings!  We really are sooo blessed!  Let me hear an Amen.... AMEN!!