One last Hoo-rah!

WARNING: Obscene amount of photos in this post. My mom's computer does not have the collage option. Also, the words WILL NOT line up with the photos. I am about to lose it! So instead I have decided to take a deep breath and move on, realizing that most people don't even read the words anyway. So I hope it makes sense :)


So for those of you who don't know, I am down in AZ for my annual fun in the sun getaway. However, it is my last because my parents are selling this house as well as Liberty :( So I am here to make the most of every day. My dad rerouted his flight schedule to join me in SLC and fly with me to PHX. It was soooo nice to have him. Security is a hassle as is and then to try to squeeze through with two kids and a large stroller is a bit of an ordeal. It was so nice to have some extra hands and eyes helping with the girls.












































Emma has come to AZ every year starting when she was only a week old. We are usually here over her birthday and do some form of celebration here. I decided to have one last little party here before my parents move. I am also trying to learn how to shoot in manual with my new camera and fiddle around with the different settings. It's definitely a work in progress but I think it makes SUCH a huge difference.

My dad went above and beyond again. He went out on his own with no help from my mom or I and bought Emma a really sweet card that matches her very own dress up gown. Seriously, what MAN does something like that? It meant so much to Emma and even more to me.

My parents surprised Emma with her first bike. She had no interest in one last year but was very excited at the thought of one this year. They secretly rolled it inside while she was opening gifts and she ran right past it without even noticing it. The picture below is of her very shocked and confused reaction when she did finally see the bike.

While Emma tried her new bike out Lydia was fussed over as the "snowbirds" made sure she was warm enough in the 60 degree evening weather.

I love this photo. I mean really. Who wouldn't want to name a baby after this woman? Thanks Jamie for the suggestion ;)

You can't totally see it in this photo but the girls were in matching outfits that my friend Natalie gave them when Lydia was born. Awwww, I absolutely love matching sibling outfits :)

We're having SO much fun and we're in no rush to come home!! More posts to come soon!

Nursing vs. Bottle Feeding

I can't believe my nursing experience is coming to an end. The most surprising part is that I am actually sad it is over. I repeat, I am SAD it is over. Nobody is more surprised than me that I feel that way. I didn't nurse with Emma, I thought nursing was for sickies. Then with Lydia I wanted to see what all the fuss was about so I thought I would give it a try. I had a lot of encouragement from friends and I think that really helped me see it through. I am so glad I had this opportunity to enjoy one of God's many genius functions of the human body. Nursing was so much more than just being 'functional' for me and I am truly happy that I gave it a chance. I really think I would have nursed for a few more months, if not to the year mark, except my body AND Lydia conspired against me and have both decided that they're not really into it anymore. I am also thankful that I bottle fed Emma. I don't regret that decision at all and I am thankful that I feel like I have a great view of both sides of such a sensitive debate. So here are MY PERSONAL opinions on the rumors and arguments about nursing vs. bottle feeding.

#1. Nursed Babies have better Immune systems--- FALSE!!!
Ummm, Lydia seems to be sick every other week. Granted she does have an older sister home dragging germs through the house. But even still, the way people carry on about the antibodies in breast milk I just had higher expectations for our winter flu and cold season. Plus, some of the sickest kids I know come from a devout nursing mother. So this argument for nursing seems pretty invalid to me.

#2. Nursing helps you lose weight--- TRUE!
I thought that only naturally skinny people said this and it only applied to people with great genes. But not the case. I lost my baby weight with Lydia in a matter of two weeks. Then by the time she was 6 months old I had lost an additional ten pounds. I know some women don't lose weight until they STOP nursing, but that wasn't the case for me. So I would say this statement was definitely true.

#3. Nursed babies have a greater bond with their mother--- UNDECIDED
So for the most part I think that statement is absurd! I didn't nurse Emma and my other two sisters didn't nurse their boys and the love from a child to mother is just as great as any. I don't think Nursery teachers can spot which kids were breast fed and which were bottle fed. Seriously, it's insulting to mothers who don't nurse and especially to mothers who simply can't nurse. HOWEVER, what makes me undecided is the fact that MOST babies I know who were nursed have a VERY ANNOYING attachment to their mother. They cry when she leaves the room, hang on her leg all day long, and sometimes even cry when their dad is holding them. So it is possible that those kids are on a case by case basis, but it seems the kids that have the separation anxiety the worst are all kids that were nursed. I will admit that my little Lydia prefers me over anyone. And I will also admit that sometimes it is nice. After all, I'm the one who carried her, birthed her, and wakes up with her in the night and devotes my whole day to her. I should have a special preference in her life. I just hope she out grows it soon so she can be a well rounded child. Nobody likes kids who cling to their mother's leg and cry when you look at them. Emma has always been soooo friendly and so well adjusted and I take so much pride in watching her interact and brighten the day of the elderly, sick, and disabled. Do I owe it to the formula? No, she just came that way and I wanted to brag about her for a moment ;)

#4. Bottle fed babies sleep better--- FALSE
My little Lydia was sleeping through the night at 2 months. Sleeping 12+ hours at 3 months. Of course when she was sick I wasn't so lucky and had to get up with her multiple times. But over all she has slept just as sound as Emma did. So this myth is totally busted!

#5. Nursing is cheaper than bottle feeding--- TRUE
Nursing comes with a good amount of required "tools" that I was unaware of. I had to come up with a breast pump(that I borrowed) nursing pads, nursing bra, and ointments. So although the monthly bill is definitely cheaper than formula, nursing isn't without it's expenses.

#6. You can't get pregnant while nursing--- FALSE (duh)
However, in the defense of women who believed this to be true, I will say that I haven't had a visit from "Aunt Flow" since I became pregnant in October of '08. So I can see how this myth would be easily believed. I do still get the monthly grumps and cravings though.

#7. Nursed babies have higher IQ's--- FALSE
I haven't done any scientific studies, but seriously? Come on. I do believe some kids are naturally smart, but they're also socially awkward. For the most part our kids are as intelligent as we are willing to work with them.

#8. Nursing leaves you with a AA cup size--- TBD
As far as I am told this is pretty true. Either an A cup or saggy waggy. But guess what, boobs are kind of sicky to begin with. So how bad could it really be? But we'll see if I still feel that way when all is said and done.

These are just MY personal findings. I am so thankful I nursed and I am really proud of myself for seeing it through. There is just something special about it that is hard to describe without sounding like a "sicky" that I was referring to earlier. I do think that mother who bottle feed are just as loving, caring and nurturing. For the most part they are getting more sleep and can also get more help at times, which probably also gives them more patience. As we all know, patience is a quality that makes the very best mothers. So I think everyone should stop being so hard on each other as women and just be more encouraging of the personal choices we make of what we think is best for our children and best for our families. I'm so thankful to see both sides of the spectrum and to have truly cherished each different experience with each of my girls.

Mmmmmm Good!

We have been really good about having a "Family Fun Night" every Saturday night. I look forward to it all week and it really does bring us closer as a family. This week we went to Texas Roadhouse, our favorite restaurant. It was totally worth the wait. Emma is such a champion eater. She ate all her broccoli and all of her steak that was so nice and juicy. Lydia wore her hair in pig tails for the first time. It has always made me a little sad when the girls can start to wear pig tails because it makes them look so grown up. However, I don't know if ANY of my friends or sisters feel sorry for me to have my 7 month old wearing pig tails.


















I am tickled pink to find that the valley has a children's dance studio. I enrolled Emma in dance and I am so anxious to see her perform in a spring recital. The prices are sooo reasonable and it's fun to watch her develop one of her passions.

We don't say that!

This may not be the appropriate way to go about this. But I just want to put this out there to spare anyone from being embarrassed by me correcting you in front of others. So I know we can tend to have some pretty strict rules for our kids, but just so everyone knows, one thing I won't tolerate is the word "fat." I have heard of too many 6 year old girls thinking they're fat lately to the point where they won't even have ice-cream. Now whether this is a result from their mother's influence or society, I'm not sure. But just so everyone knows....we do not say fat, and any of Emma's friends who call themselves fat or her fat will be put on the "naughty" list. I will write Santa personally myself. I know I am guilty too, but I'm even sick of discussing the topic with my own friends. I'm rather shocked at how many women I know who go on and on about their weight while their young and impressionable daughters are sitting right there, soaking everything up like a sponge. I have to watch this myself, but it is something that I am very serious about. Okay. That's all. My piece has been said. Take offense if you must, but I'm just saying ;)

Keeping Busy

We went up to Logan last week and spent a couple days there with the Jensens. It was nice for the girls to get out and have a change of scenery. I love cooking dinner while I'm there and I love Lee's generous meals as well. We had a great time playing cards and just hanging out. Emma has quite the routine there and is so good to entertain herself and we always make ourselves right at home. It was nice to See the Searles and for Emma to play with her Casperson cousins as well.

Also this week we got dumped with a lot of snow, I'm so glad I have Ryan to do all the snow blowing, I definitely appreciate that. I tried something new and did a funky hairstyle. I have a pretty bold red underneath my hair, it's different for me but I'm sick of conforming. Sorry mom, I'm keeping it! Emma made a new little friend in our ward, Katie, who lives just down the street. It just warms my heart to hear them playing together. We had the Petes up for dinner since Sara is a weekend widow while Cody works a second job and we all (except for Emma who didn't finish her dinner) enjoyed a yummy new cake recipe.

I know I have "mommy goggles" on, but come on, that is one cute baby!!! I am just so crazy in-love with her!!!

I did not have a chance to take any photos of our weekend family fun date. We've been really good about going out on Saturday nights and doing something as a family. This week I dropped Ryan and Emma at the theater to see Planet 51 while Lydia and I did the grocery shopping. Then we all ran some more errands and went to the Solomon Center for games and dinner at Pizza Factory, I LOVE their bread sticks. We rented a movie that night and just enjoyed being together. I LOVE our little family and I have really enjoyed being secluded up in the mountains. It has made me SLOW down and not chase around so much. I have been on a much better routine since you have to pretty much plan things out since it takes thirty minutes just to get into town. We're loving it up here and I am so thankful to my parents for giving us this unique opportunity. I am sooooooooo thankful to be back in Liberty 2nd ward! I was thrilled to be called today to serve in the Young Women's over the Beehives. I'm a fan of girls, what can I say?

Heart strings

I've been staying at the Jensens for a couple days and while helping Jessica with a project I stumbled across some photos of EMMA as a baby that I have never seen before. I LOVE it when that happens. It tugs at my heart strings and takes me back to when SHE was my little baby, and my whole world. My sisters described me as "Emma centered" and I think they were rather disgusted. I hope that they still see me that way. Although I get short with Emma and frustrated sometimes, she has remained my first born, and my FIRST dream come true, to have a daughter as my oldest. She has exceeded my expectations in every aspect and I'm so thankful to have her in my life!

Power of Prayer

I took these photos with my camera phone as Lydia was waiting for the Dr. to come in and see her. I've never seen her look so sad.

I just want to thank everyone for their prayers on behalf of Lydia last Wednesday night. I have NEVER been one to ask for help, even when I need it most. Wednesday afternoon Lydia went in for her routine vaccines. The Dr asked if I wanted the H1N1 and I said no, she was too little and it was too much at one time. He ended up talking me into it by pointing out how guilty I would feel if she did actually get H1N1 and how much more devastating that would be on her body. So reluctantly, I agreed. Four hours after Lydia had her immunization shots she became terribly sick and was throwing up every five minutes. For the last hour of it green bile was all that came out. It was absolutely devastating as a mother to see her little body shutting down and to know that I had a hand in her distress. This was a new chapter in our family since Ryan and I couldn't be together in a time of such worry. Ryan stayed home with Emma and I took Lydia to the ER from 10-2 am. Her little body was just so lifeless as I watched it start to shut down. She didn't even react when they started the test to draw her blood, insert a catheter and an IV as well. This was the first time in my life I have ever called on family and friends for help. I asked them to pray on behalf of Lydia, and I know in my heart of hearts that it absolutely made a difference. As a mother I was definitely picturing the worst case scenario and I felt I was to blame for the whole situation. I do believe that vaccines are a necessary evil but next time I will be getting her one shot at a time, I don't care how inconvenient it is to me or the doctor. I did call the doctor the next day and I politely expressed how my concerns were validated and I think he gave poor medical advice and should use our situation to spare other mothers from the same fate. I know I have some friends who are against vaccines and I would appreciate it if you would save your "I told you so" for another time. This post is just a big fat thank you to my friends and family who showed genuine concern for Lydia and to give credit to God for not letting her fulfill the few statistics where things go terribly wrong. Somewhere out there another mother's child will fill that statistic, and my heart goes out to her. For now I am thankful that God intervened and has helped Lydia recover (after 2 days) and return to the sweet, happy baby that I adore and love.

a photo a day keeps the blues away

This is Ryan helping me start to make some party favors for Emma's 4th birthday coming up. You might be thinking.... "Isn't her birthday not until March?" Although that is true, you never can be too prepared. Plus I'm planning quite the special little party, so it will be easier AND cheaper if I start preparing now. These are little Alice in Wonderland necklaces that Ryan is making.

We spend a LOT of time in the kitchen. I have loved having my mom's Bosch to make home made bread and cookies with. I never really 'baked" before, but now I love it. Perhaps it is b/c I have so much time on my hands.

Also, Emma LOVES to dance. I will have music playing while I cook and she will run upstairs and put on a "dancing costume (thanks Stacey) and be back before the first chorus even comes.

Lydia still bathes in her little blue tub that I put in the kitchen sink. It's nice not to have to bend over a full size tub yet. Plus she likes to just soak while I do this dishes or sweep the floor.

I got a new camera for Christmas! It's a Canon rebel xsi....love it! Now....if only I knew how it worked. It came with a book for dummies on this specific model, and so I am finding time to play around with it when I can. My photo shop is down so I had to edit these with picasa (boo!)
and I notice a lot of "noise" in the images, so I will need to figure that out. Anyway, this is our most recent day to day report.

Like totally awesome!

Warning: Long post. Wasn't in the mood to do collages for this post.
ARG! Dumb blogger is making my words appear out of order. Sorry it may not make sense, but at least the photos mostly speak for themselves.



















I spent the morning of New Year's Eve making this cake for our party that night :) We went to Logan where my aunt Lee hosted an 80's bash for the new year. There was a prize for best dressed (Bundy came in second) and we had an 80's trivia game and also a scavenger hunt throughout the city where we had to actually go into businesses dressed like this! It was just a great night.


























Ryan shaved racing stripes in his hair line and also lightening bolts in his beard. He had to buzz his head and shave his beard and start fresh by Sunday. I didn't love it at first, but now I'm rather fond of this new look for him.

Lee made a super duper yummy turkey dinner before sending us out on our scavenger hunt.

New Year's Day- and then some

We ended up staying an extra two nights with the Jensens. That's not too uncommon for us. It was nice to just hang out, play cards, and of course have yummy food. We miss Kylee and Brody terribly and were happy to see as much of them as we did.

Lydia has had a cold for pretty much the month of December but was finally starting to feel better and was back to her old cheesy self.

Emma LOVED having a dog in the house, someone who was her eye level and maturity level. Thanks so much for a great Holiday Lee!

I challenged everyone to come up with a great quote for the year and here were some of my favorites. Take which ever applies to you :)

"2009, not so kind. 2010, coming around the bend." Matt Tipping

"2009, was all mine. 2010, let's do it all again." Mike Jensen

"2010, two more years 'til the end." Brody Hatch

"2010, hope I don't get fat again." Jamie Casperson

Happy New Year!!

My photo a day challenge is struggling, but at least I'm trying. That post to come soon.

Sweet little Lydia

ARG! I am so bugged with blogger for not lining my paragraphs and pictures up correctly. So please excuse this sloppy looking post.

My little baby is 6 months old!! I can't believe how fast that time flew by. She has been such a joy to have a little baby in our home again and has really made our family complete. Although she had a touch of colic in the beginning, which I'm not going to lie, that was rather difficult, she still has been the best part of my year.

"Li-ya," as Emma calls her, loves to just be held and watch what is going on. She loves seeing Emma and watching her, but Li-ya seems to be especially happy when Emma is in bed and she has mine and Ryan's attention.

She is a major thumb sucker and I think it is the cutest thing in the world. Her favorite is to have something in her hand while she is sucking her thumb, and if both her thumb and her object can fit in her mouth then that's even better. She also loves to suck her toes anytime she gets a chance. Usually they are covered with a sock or shoe, but she knows how to kick those off. I have come to get her up in the morning to find her without her footed pants on and just a sucking away at her toes.

Lydia has the MOST beautiful blue eyes. I no longer have to enhance them in photo shop. I've always said she reminds me of a little owl, with her big eyes just following me around the room. I hope to have her next room be owl themed, tastefully done of course :)

Lydia does NOT want to try new foods. Although she puts EVERYTHING in her mouth, she will resist oatmeal or crackers or cheese or anything that is actually edible. She has a smile that lights up the whole room and most of her smile is in her eyes which I adore. She absolutely loves my dad and lights up for him every time he does his signature whistle. Also, I must say, that I have really enjoyed nursing her. I didn't nurse Emma, and still don't regret it. But I am a little embarrassed to find that I now fall into the category of "sickies" who do nurse. I don't know what it is exactly about it, but I am really thankful to all my friends (Staci, Carrie, Cami, Natalie, Traci and Shannon) and family (Stacey, Jordan and Bean) who encouraged me to give it a try.

side note- the editing on these photos is kind of weird because the quilt I used was brown and green and I am just learning how to use photo shop. So please excuse the awkward edges :)