Really happy!

So if you read this blog you know that I am potty training Hunter and that it is going really well. Today for the first time Hunter pooped in the toilet I was really excited I was jumping up and down and laughing and telling Hunter what a wonderful boy he is. I'm not sure if he knew what was going on, but I do know that he enjoyed seeing mom act like a maniac. I hope that the potty training continues to go really well, like any mom I don't want to change diapers anymore.

Ensign peak

The happy couple. Check out Andrew beard it's awesome.

This week for our date Andrew and I hiked Ensign peak ( easy hike) and it was a lot of fun. It was great to get to the top and see the whole Salt Lake valley it was absolutely beautiful.

Andrew posing at the top of ensign peak.

Me just goofing off.

Great view!

To end such a wonderful day we went and saw the lights at temple square for FHE. We had Jewels, Rory, Bj, and Jake there with us and it was a lot of fun. No pictures of the lights sorry we forgot our camera :(

Potty Training

I am potty training Hunter and it is going really well, I did not expect him to do this well at all. Today Andrew and I bought him a special seat for the toilet so he wont fall in. I put Hunter on the toilet every 15 minutes and now at the end of the night he used the toilet every time he had to go. His diaper was barely wet even though it was pretty ragged from being taken off and put back on a bunch of times. He even started going to the bathroom door and banging on it when he wanted to go on the toilet. I hopes he keeps doing this well from now on. I can't stop smiling I am extremely happy at the progress he is making with everything, my son is a genius! I am a very proud mommy!

Laundry day helper.

I love having a little boy he is a lot of fun.

Hunter helping me out with the laundry.

I know it isn't a huge part of laundry, but Hunter taking it out of the dryer and putting it in the basket really helps out my back.

Boy of responsibility.

The older Hunter gets the more chores he has to do.
His chores are: Feed the fish every morning, help unload and load dishwasher, clean up toys, help with laundry, help bring in groceries, and his newest chore is help take out the garbage. He does all of these chores really well. I never knew that a one year old almost two could do all of these things, but he does and it really does help out around the house.

The bag he is holding has his dirty diapers in it. Andrew and I are really glad that he now puts his diapers in the bag and then throws it away.

He goes down the stairs just like an adult. The funny thing about these stairs is when he has a bag that is a little heavier he just throws it down the stairs and picks it up when he gets to the bottom. Andrew and I don't mind that because we never give him anything breakable to throw away.

I love this picture!

He only needs help from daddy at the very end because he isn't tall enough yet.
Andrew and I are really proud of the progress he has made in a short amount of time. We went from having a little baby to having a child who can help out.

Cold

When the weather gets cold outside it is cold inside our apartment as well. It doesn't matter how much we turn the heat up. So we just leave it at 70 degrees and wear sweaters, hoodies, and socks to try to keep warm. The one thing I do have to say is Thank God for hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and tea.

Fhe/ Big Family Dinners.

Today is Monday so of course we had Fhe with Jewels, Rory, and Jake. It was great we had breakfast for dinner ( french toast, scrambled eggs, and sausage.) Then afterward the treat for tonight was a chocolate cream pie. We had good conversation, good food, and played games together. It was just a wonderful night and I am glad everyone could come over. I have really learned to look forward to every Monday night where I used to not like Fhe very much as a child, but as an adult I love it.

Why do I clean?

Today I deep cleaned the apartment and in 50 minutes the last load of laundry is going to be done. I haven't deep cleaned the apartment in about 2 months and it really started to take its toll. I have been depressed lately and I mean really depressed to the point where all I wanted to do was sleep I was having the hardest time just trying to get myself out of bed and playing with Hunter. Hunter watched a lot of TV during this time and I am really not happy with myself for that.

Well today I worked up the motivation to do things I woke up and went to the gym and ran on the tread mill, then I came home showered and made breakfast. I then turned on the happiest music I own and started cleaning like a mad woman. Everything is spotless I cleaned every inch of my home and even though I am now tired I am also in the best mood I feel like everything is going right in my life. I had time to play with Hunter, make him nutritious meals, read 4 books to him (to help him learn more words), did his flash cards ( colors, shapes, alphabet, and counting.) We sang songs and prayed together then I put him in bed.

After Hunter was asleep I was able to read and to play the piano, write in my blog, and catch up on other peoples blogs. I feel like a million dollars and am really really happy.

That is why I clean my house it makes me a happier person.
clean happy environment = better mom, better wife, happier healthier person in general.

Reading material anyone?

Yesterday our friends came over for FHE and my friend Jewels had to use the bathroom. When she came out she told me that Hunter kept shoving paper under the door to her the whole time she was in there. When I went to clean up the paper I realized that it was torn off pages of one of his okay to rip books. I guess he just figured she needed some reading material in there. My son is really funny I just love him.

Wonderful times

He is really cute.

Today Hunter climbed up into my lap I wrapped him up in the blanket with me and we cuddled while watching a movie. This is just one of those times when I love being a mother.

A note for Hunter.

My little boy,

You are growing up very fast. Faster than I would like you to, a couple of days ago you reached up and touched my face to get my attention pointed to your own nose and said "nose." You can now say 25 words! Among your favorites are: No!, Don't do that!, Meow!, Dada, Heather ( I'm not too happy that you call me by my name instead of mama, but it is still impressive that you can say it with such clarity.) You can also sign, the two signs you know are "more and please" you also knock at every door we come to including doors that are inside the apartment. My favorite thing you do is when you knock on the pantry door, look at me, and sign "more." I have never seen anyone with an appetite like yours!

I love you very much and hope that I can continue to keep up with you. You now run, and you climb stairs not like a baby, but like an adult you just hold on to the railing for support. It is very hard for me not to call you my baby anymore because you really aren't you aren't even my toddler you are my little boy and you are just going to keep getting bigger. I love you thank you for coming into my life.

Playing twilight princess on the wii.

I love watching story line games, but with Andrew working and going to school he has very little time to himself. So when he comes home he wants to do what he wants to do like work on his hobbies or play with his son ( he is such a good dad) so I don't want to bug him to play these games.

Well I started playing Twilight Princess by myself and I was doing a great job too until I came to the forest temple and there were huge spiders and you had to fight them. I started freaking out, crying, swearing, the whole works ( and that is strange by the way because I hate spiders, but have not such a big problem killing them in real life.) Andrew who was working on his hobby and didn't get to finish it because of me came over and finished the temple for me so I didn't have to kill anymore spiders. Andrew is my hero!

After I saw the spiders I remembered that I watch Andrew play these story line games, but when spiders came on the screen I would always leave. So now I need to grow up and finish playing the game by myself and kill my own spiders or stop playing the game altogether.

Gaining self control.

I love sugar! Treats are one of my favorite things in this world and second to sugar is chips, all kinds of chips with dip of course. Well as a cruel twist of fate my body can't tolerate sugar or oil very well any more.

If I do eat anything with sugar or oil I have the understanding that it better be good because the vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and stomach cramps that follow need to be worth it. I went to the doctor and he said that I can build up my sugar and oil tolerance if I just eat a little each day. I tried that and the zits on my face and body totally broke out big time, I was a total pizza face and I got violently ill every day.

So after a week and a half of this I thought screw it I just wont eat those things unless it is a very special occasion. ( Pie at thanksgiving, my mothers caramels at Christmas, and the dessert at sister night out.) My sister in law makes this coconut cake that is one the best things I have ever tasted I say that it is worth it. So I have been making treats for my husband and just not eating them. Three days ago I made fudge and tonight I made English toffee and I haven't eaten any of it, I am very proud of myself. Cookies is the best thing for us because my husband loves them and I don't really like cookies so win win situation. Getting ill every time you eat something you shouldn't really makes self control easier.

Home? or Apartment?

I have this great debate going on in my mind. The debate is when our lease is up should Andrew and I get a house. Yes I know that all of my family would say "Duh, get a house!" And they are right that a house is better because then we are putting money into something we own instead of a place that we rent and houses are at an all time low right now.

I really do love our apartment though it is so nice that if something breaks the maintenance men fix it for free. Like a couple of days ago when the freezer broke and was leaking freon they came and gave me a brand new fridge at no cost to me, but if it was my own house I would need to save up for emergency's like that.

On the other hand a house has all of the benefits that all of you are thinking right now plus for me I would have my own yard to plant my own food. I love fresh fruits and veggies and the produce at the store just isn't really doing it for me. I really want that fresh off the vine or out of the ground taste, it really does taste better.

Plus I really want a place where Hunter can run around the house all he wants and doesn't bother the neighbors, right now one of his favorite things is to bang his feet against the wall and doors. If it was our own house he could do that all he wants, but because we live in an apartment I have to punish him every time he does noisy things that kids should have a right to do.

Plus I know that Hunter and I would have a blast playing in a fenced in back yard. Writing this blog post really did help I was looking at the reasons for a house and realized that it shouldn't be much of a debate. The answer is I want my own house! Punishing my son for just being a kid is horrible I hate it and I know that he is frustrated at me for spanking him or putting him in time out for just having fun. I want to be a good mom not a mom worried about what the neighbors think all the time. Yes a house is better. Amazing what you learn when you write things out isn't it.

The need for social interaction

Tonight I got to hang out with my friends and it was great. I called our friend Tom and asked if I could come over because our apartment got around 100 degrees and Hunter was screaming at me. I needed a break! Both Andrews sister and our friends Jake and Tom have basement apartments so they are much cooler than ours, it is nice. I love my apartment, but I wish that is was a lot cooler in the summer.

Blarg!

I have been really really sick since Saturday and then Hunter got sick so I am just posting this so that anyone who cares knows that I am alive. I will write when I feel tons better. I hope that everyone is having a wonderful life and that they are happy.

Good Night!

I'm back!

I'm back from camp and yes I survived. Camp was a lot of fun I learned how amazing teenage girls can be (they really surprised me.) The first day there we set up camp and I hurt my back. The stake activity was singing truffala trees. ( that is where we point flashlights at the trees and sing a religious song, I was in tears by the third ward that sang.)

The second day a huge lightning and hail storm hit and flooded all of our tents and snapped that tarp over camp. So we had to move all of our girls and luggage into the A-frame building that was on the camp site for garbage. That night we did our Dr. Seuss skit and everybody loved it! The girls did such an awesome job ( I hurt my back again, I was very glad I brought Advil.)

The third day we had the seusical games and once again the girls had a blast playing all of the games and especially loved the game where they got to hit each other with swimming pool noodles. That night we had testimony meeting it was very spiritual and almost all of the girls got up and spoke.

That night I got the flu it was not fun running from the A-frame down the hill to the latrine. Next time I get sick at home I am going to thank my lucky stars I don't have to throw up in a camping toilet.

The forth day we packed up camp and went home it was kinda sad to leave because even though everything that could go wrong did go wrong (we forgot some of the food so we ended up making some interesting meals.) we still had a ton of fun.

Now I am home and very happy to see my husband and son again, I should also mention that I was happy to see my toilet and my bed again as well.

I am so glad that I had my friend Laura there with me I couldn't have done camp without her she was amazing.

Hi ho Hi ho it's off to camp I go!

Wish me luck I am off to YW camp in the morning. It has been a lot of preparation work and my knees are killing me from not letting them rest, but it will be fun. I hope :s Honestly I am scared out of my mind, but the best advice I have been given is take it one step at a time and just do your best. Everything will work out in the end.

Bye everyone
I will write when I get back.

Jail break!

Today my apartment feels like a prison and I really need a jail break or I am going to go out of my mind. I am sooooooooooo bored!

That is all.

Feels like the rain....

Sometimes in life it feels like there is nothing you can do for anybody. You know that people are hurting, but you feel so helpless because you can't take the pain away. In this world are sunny days, warm nights, and beautiful creations, but sometimes in our lives God just has to send the rain. Keep your head up the clouds will pass over and you will see the light of day and the light of our Heavenly father again. Just trust in him and his love and these rainy days will wash away the pain and sadness so that you can appreciate those sunny days. I love all of you and want to let you know that Heavenly father is there for you just ask for his help and let him in. Good night everybody I love you.

Epic Fail!

Sometimes I fail as a wife and today was one of them. I totally freaked out on Andrew for not doing the dishes and did them instead, that makes him feel even worse when I do that. In looking back I have noticed a few things:

First: Dishes aren't that important.
Second: Andrew does a lot and I need to appreciate him.
Third: Sometimes Andrew just needs to have a day to relax and that is okay.

Sorry honey for my epic fail I will try to do better next time and I hope you can forgive me.
I love you

The Amazing Hunter

Hunter is now a walking, talking, eating machine. Hunter will take two steps unassisted by anything, he also says the words he knows much clearer ( momma, daddy, etc.) And this morning while I was feeding the fish Hunter went into the kitchen grabbed himself a muffin sat on the floor and ate it. Then today Hunter ate his apple sauce all by himself with a spoon and everything. Andrew and I are really happy and proud of him.

Wow! That was difficult

I just made danish cone cookies and they don't look like cones at all. In fact they are more like rolled up carpets, but they taste good and I drizzled them with chocolate and dusted them with powered sugar so they look alright too. Now I just hope that my YW class likes them.

People frustrate me!

I don't understand people. I am a Mormon and I am happy about it, but I hate and I repeat hate when people are rude to me or make fun of my religion or assume that I am an idiot because only an idiot would believe the Joseph Smith story. I know that I am in the one and only completely true church. Joseph Smith was visited by Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ. We have a modern day prophet on the earth today and he receives modern day revelation for us. With the world what it is today I am glad that Heavenly Father loves us so much that he gave us a prophet to guide us in this scary uncertain world. I know my church is true and I know what I am living, I am not an idiot I am not a blind follower and I have a right to believe what ever I want to believe. So treat me like I am a real person and I will treat you the same.

ANDREW!!!!!!!!!

I hope that you read this before you get off of work. Please remember to bring my cookie plate back home. Thank You Honey I love you.

P.S.
To all of you who read these little posts and wonder what the heck I am doing I will explain. Andrew can't check his e-mail or post anything while at work, but when it is slow he can check blogs so if I have to tell him something and he is at work I write a small blog post for him.

Night off

My mother called me up and asked if she could take Hunter Wednesday night to Thursday morning and I said yes. So tonight I get a night off and I am enjoying it. Hunter is such an easy child that he really is not a problem at all, but now I have the freedom to go sit in the hot tub or go swimming and I don't have to worry about taking him with me or finding someone to watch him for an hour, it is nice.

LAGOON!

Yesterday Andrew and I went to Lagoon with my friend Laura and her husband Matt and it was awesome. (No pictures because our camera is way too big and way too expensive.) I am usually motion sick and scared really easy, but I went on all of the rides Andrew went on and didn't get sick. Yes I did scream "I'm okay!" multiple times when I was at the top of the Rocket, but besides that did pretty well. I even rode the Samurai and it wasn't bad, I think it doesn't deserve the title scariest ride in the park I think that title belongs to Dracula's Castle or Terror Ride. That is only because I am scared of the dark and hate things popping out at me. I am really proud of myself and want to go back next year Andrew and I will just have to get season passes so we can go more often. Hunter wasn't there he is way too little for every ride except the train ride so Grammy watched him, but next year we will all go and have a great time.

Note to my husband

Andrew you are at work and I have no way to contact you except that I know you check my blog. I finally made wheat bread without the bread maker and I am so excited. It came out perfect and tastes really good especially right out of the oven with some butter melting on it, mmmmmm yummy. Well I love you have a great night at work and don't come home too tired, but I hope you are happy about the overtime. Love you sweetie!

-Me

Sometimes you need to act like a teenager.

Me and Suzy in our eighties get up.

Andrew and I went to our dear friend Suzy's birthday party on Saturday the 20th and it was an eighties theme birthday party. We all looked awful, but it was a ton of fun. The Eighties should definitely stay in the past and not come back. The music was the only good thing that came out of it. Suzy's birthday is really on the 19th so I will say again Happy Late Birthday Suzy we love you and your wonderful spirit you are such a joy to have around.

Barb this one is for you.

Barbara mom said that Kellie gave her the chest before you got to see it and asked me to take some pictures for you so here they are.



It is a beautiful piece of furniture. You sure have a talented daughter there.

Sister Night Out June 2009

It may just be my point of view, but I think that I have the most beautiful women in my family. They all could be models, but what is even better is they all have great personalities.

Kim is being funny is this picture. Also pictured is Amanda in the middle and Barbara on the right side.

Alison being a goof ball. I took this picture after I told her her eyes were shut in the other picture so she is being a smarty pants. I just love her she is great.

I love this picture of Anna.

My sister Barbara, See I told you she was pretty.

My Mommy, isn't she just the cutest person ever.

Sister night out was at Anna's house and she did a wonderful job hosting. The theme was fondue and it was really yummy.

Greetings from New Mexico

I am writing this post while on my vacation in New Mexico. This has been a pretty great trip we have gone to the natural history museum, the children's museum, the aquarium, and botanical gardens. All of them were a blast, but I especially loved the gardens they have giant statues of carrots, potatoes, ants, spiders, bees, and a hollow pumpkin so big that you can fit 30-50 adults in it. I loved going through it as an adult I can just imagine how magical it is for children. The Japanese garden was also awesome with the lake, the waterfall, fish, and all of the amazing statues. One negative thing that has happened on this trip is that Hunter has been really sick so our trip is going to be cut short. I'll be seeing you all soon, Lots of love to my family and friends.

Baking days.

My kitchen at the end of the night. Not so bad if I say so myself.

I love bread! It just looks yummy doesn't it.

Breakfast cookies are always good.

Double chocolate chip cookies are the big favorite in our house.

Yesterday was my baking day I made six loaves of banana bread, two loaves of white sandwich bread, and two different types of cookies. We are definitely ready for our trip to New Mexico. Last nights clean up wasn't too bad either because my mother always taught me to clean up one mess before making another so between batches I cleaned up. Thanks Mom for all of your wonderful lessons.

Simple and beautiful.

I have wanted to do a post like this for some time and now I have the courage to. Thanks to Andrew for the beautiful pictures that he took. You truly are a wonderful artist, I love you.

"A single rose can be my garden... a single friend, my world."
-Leo F. Buscaglia

"Simplicity is indeed often the sign of truth and a criterion of beauty."
-unknown

"Purity and simplicity are the two wings with which man soars above the earth and all temporary nature."
-Thomas Kempis

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
-Eleanor Roosevelt

"Nature is what we know- Yet have not art to say- So impotent our wisdom is To her simplicity."
-Emily Dickinson

"Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born"
-Dale E. Turner

“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses”

-unknown

Cold Swimming

Hunter swimming pretty much on his own I am just supporting his belly.

I really am not as fat as I look in this picture, I promise!

Andrew and Hunter playing in the water. ( Hunter didn't like that it was cold.)

Today Hunter, Andrew, and I went swimming. It was the perfect time to go it was cloudy so I figured we wouldn't get burned and no one was in the pool, but us I thought this was just great. Hunter did not agree the water was a little colder than normal and Hunter cried most of the time we were in the pool. Oh well I am pretty sure that next time he will enjoy it again. My parents came over to eat dinner and just visit I have got to admit that visiting with my parents is one of my favorite things to do, they are very good listeners.

Rock climbing, Rain, and Runny noses

On Monday night I went rock climbing with my husband, friend Tom, Brother in law Adam, and Cousin Greg. And it was an absolute blast, but if anyone remembers that storm that hit Monday night while you were warm in your houses this idiot was on the side of a mountain. I was so proud of myself that was the fastest I have ever climbed and I did it on a slick surface and I didn't fall once. We all came home absolutely soaked through. Oh the severe head cold that followed the next day was totally worth it. I can't wait to go again I love being in the mountains.

Cousins

Andrew had some cousins come in from California and they stayed at our house for a couple of days that is why I haven't posted. You know those people who you meet and you just click well Andrews cousin Aislyn is one of those people for me. The whole time they were here we talked about everything and we laughed and I mean laughed. We had a girls night out with Rinda, Loa, Bj, Aislyn, and myself we walked around gateway and Aislyn and I couldn't stop laughing I think that the others were embarrassed to be seen with us because we couldn't stop giggling, everything was funny. Anyway I can't wait to hang out with her again she is awesome.

Home made Ice cream

Today because we really needed to get out of the house. Andrew, Hunter, and I went to Memory Grove by the capital and had a picnic and then just walked around it was a lot of fun. That is a beautiful place, but not so great if you don't like dogs it is a no leash required area so be warned.

Yesterday I made homemade chocolate ice cream, hot fudge, and whip cream and I loved it. It tasted really yummy and the best part was that all of it was made by me and not bought in a store. A couple of weeks ago I taught the young women how to make doughnuts and I wasn't surprised when they said you can make doughnuts I thought you could only buy them in a store, but I was blown away when they said I didn't know that you could make frosting I thought it came in those little containers. Right then and there I decided that my children would someday say "I didn't know that you could buy: Bread, Ice cream, frosting, cake, flour tortillas, whip cream in a can." I have recipes for all of those things and I have gotten much better at making more of the things that we need than buying them. Next thing is I need to get better at making bread and flour tortillas and then I will make a whole bunch of things home made.

Andrew finishing off the rest of the Ice cream.

Caught Ya!

The guys (Andrew, Tom, and Jake) enjoying the ice cream.

THE MESS

Yesterday Hunter had a massive poppy blow out it got out of his diaper passed his clothing and went all over the floor. He then thought it would be a good idea to paint with it, when I went to go check on him it was on his closet, all of his toys and yes I do mean all he made a special effort to touch everything in the room and Andrew can back me up on this. It was all over his bed on his sippy cup and his binky and all over himself. I almost threw up, but didn't luckily, I called Andrew and he came home from his friends house to help me bathe Hunter and clean up. Thank you honey I love you. I don't know what is wrong with Hunter, but he had massive poppy diapers yesterday ( 6 of them.) I know that some of my sisters out there are laughing at me, but I don't like this part of motherhood it is just gross.

P.S.
Does anybody know where I can get a steam cleaner to finish cleaning up his carpet. Please leave me a comment if you do. Thank You!

Happiness is....

Hunter is very good at smiling at the camera. What a ham!

My little guy is just so darn cute!

Happiness is a little boy and a big box. Andrew just got his new telescope and he couldn't be more thrilled about it his new camera stuff came in yesterday too so now he can do stellar photography. I think stellar means that he can take pictures of stars and planets and stuff like that because he can. But Hunter is enjoying the boxes that they came in much more. It is enjoyable to see him play with them I even helped him draw on the boxes to make the fort official. I love having a little boy.

Yay! I still know how to read.

Today while Hunter was having some quiet time in his room I got to read a little bit and I have got to tell you it is so nice to read just for the fun of it. When is the last time any of us has really gotten to do that. Well for me it was today and it was wonderful and long overdue. It is so nice not to have anything that I have to due now everything is done. Hunter is taken care of, the apartment is clean, the laundry is done and so are the dishes. So why not take some time out for myself.

Andrew and I had a talk last night about the TV being on more than we would like. I just like to have the noise in the background I guess it makes me feel safe. My mother had the TV on twenty four hours a day growing up just because she needed the noise. I know that I have to start goals over and over again because I am not the best at follow through. But today I put in some Cd's for background noise and it really changed the atmosphere in our home. Hopefully I can stick with this goal this time and not fall back to the TV for noise. The TV on all the time really makes your environment feel weird I can't really describe it, but it isn't good.

That is all I really have to say today so good night everybody hope your lives are all doing great.

You gotta love grandma.

I thought I would just post a little about how grateful I am to have the wonderful mother in law that I have. Real quick I want to say in case my mother somehow hears about this post I want to say that she is wonderful and that I absolutely love her with all my heart, but I want this post to be about Bj so here goes. Bj has watched Hunter more times than I can remember she has never complained, she has never asked for payment, and she always has the best advice. I am a much calmer mother because of her I would always be in a panic if she hadn't taught me that children do things at their own pace and that everything will happen when it happens. Yesterday Hunter started choking on a chuck of food and I had to do the Heimlich maneuver on him and everything was fine. What amazed me the most is when I saw him choking I didn't panic I just went into action and got the food out. While Hunter was choking I heard Bj's voice in my head saying he is going to be okay just do what you need to do to help him and whatever you do don't panic it will just make things worse. Bj you are amazing I don't think there is another word to describe you I am so very grateful to have such a wonderful example of one of the best mothers I have ever come across. I am the mother that I am because of you and my mom, the two very best women in the world. Thank you for all that you do and for the listening ear, you have no idea how much that has meant to me like when my grandmother died and you let my cry and talk to you I really appreciated that. You have always been there for Andrew and I when we needed you and never made us feel like we were horrible people for needing your help. Bj I love you thank you for the talks, the advice, the jokes, the babysitting, the music ( that has kept your grandson alive at times), and the patience. I am glad that you have such a wonderful worry free attitude I hope that someday I can learn to have that same attitude. Bj I just wanted to let you know how I feel. I love you and thank you.

You know your a geek when..........

Right now I am at my mother in laws house for mothers day and in the other room my husband and his two brothers are seriously discussing time travel. Yes everyone else in the room is not paying attention. You know your a geek when you are discussing something that is science fiction and everyone elses eyes are glazing over. I really wouldn't have it any other way I love that my husband is one great big geek. And I am glad that his family is too. Word to the wise though geekdom is contagious when I married Andrew I was relatively normal now I just went into the kitchen and started the discussion of if time travel would be allowed by God. Oh well it makes family parties intersting. Happy Mothers day

Don't post on an empty stomach.

I just deleted a very angry post I felt bad almost immediately after I wrote it. Not because of the person it is written about, but because I started thinking of the people who read my blog. And because I actually care about the people that read my blog and not the person I am angry at I deleted it. I have learned in the hour since I wrote the post that I shouldn't post when I am hungry and if I am angry I should probably meditate first. Yes there are stupid people who live in this world who say the dumbest things to young impressionable children, but I just have to trust that those kids have the brains not to listen. I love my family and friends dearly and even though I am protective of them I sometimes just need to let them find out things for themselves.

A note to those few adults who are trying to act cool or are evil :

1-underage drinking is not cool or funny.
2- smoking is not attractive. Don't tell young kids it is.
3-having sexual relations before marriage should not be encouraged especially to young children.
4-tattoos really need to be an adult decision ( I am against them, but I know not everybody is so I say please let these children grow and decide what is right for them as adults.)
When you tell young children that any of these activities are cool, popular, exciting some of them will believe you because you are an adult and they trust you. Please don't let this trust go to waste. Don't encourage them to make choices now that they will regret later.

Hunters New Toy!

Today Hunter and I went to hang out at my sister Alison's house and it was busy, a lot of fun, but busy. It seemed like everyone in the neighborhood came and dropped their kids off at her house. I didn't know Sidney had so many friends I have got to say kudos to my sister for not saying I am not taking all of your kids this is ridiculous. She really is an angel of a woman I have got to say she takes everything life hands to her in stride and doesn't seem to get extremely overwhelmed. When we were about to go home Alison said that they had this old toy they weren't using anymore and would I like it I said sure. When she brought it back up I was totally surprised it is only like the best toy ever I loved this toy as a kid and Hunter played with it the whole time when we got home even as I write Hunter is playing with it. I don't know what it is called it is the bead tract thing that they have in doctors offices I guess you will just have to see from the picture. Alison thanks for Hunters new favorite toy! By the way sorry I have written in a couple of days I honestly didn't have the energy to even get on the computer. I didn't blog, face book, or check my e-mail, It sucked being that tired I might need to go to the doctor and find out if indeed I really do have mono. I just would like to know why I get so tired every couple of months. Well anyway good night everybody.

Congratulations John

Today my brother graduated from college and I couldn't be happier for him I know that he and his wife Anna worked really hard on this. I am so happy for both of you that it is now done. I had a lot of fun Yelling "way to go john!" with all of Johns fan club when his name was called. And after the graduation Anna threw a really great party for him, the food was great the company was great and I just had a wonderful time. Thanks Anna for being so good to John and being the wonderful wife and mother that you are. I know that may sound weird coming from his sister, but I have always had a soft spot in my heart for John and I love that he found such a wonderful woman who loves him so much. Also Anna thanks for sending some food home I know that Andrew is going to be grateful for it. Congratulations John for this great achievement!

Now because I am a mommy I want to write a little about Hunter. I love that little boy he now will eat anything and everything in his path. He tried strawberries for the first time and he loved it. At the party he spent almost the whole time on his uncle Steve's lap and now I think he has a new best friend. My sister Lisa married a really great man named Steve who absolutely loves children especially babies and he is a big guy like a teddy bear and the babies just love to cuddle up to him I know that Hunter was laughing when on Steve's lap looking at some neighborhood cats, but when Steve gave Hunter back to me he just gave me this look like you are not as comfortable give me back and then started to cry and look around the corner Steve just went around. That little boy is funny and so opinionated even though he can not speak he still finds ways to tell me whats on his mind some times when I take the food away when he is not quite done with it he will scream angry gibberish at me. Okay okay I admit it sometimes I take away the food on purpose just so that he will do the angry gibberish I can't help myself it is just so darn cute.

Also on a progress note Hunter climbed up some stairs today at Anna's house and I was thrilled he also almost fell off those stairs luckily Marsha (Anna's mom) was right there and caught him. I love how any adult if a kid is hurt or in some kind of trouble will help no matter what, I think that it is a natural instinct that is with all of us. I just know that it is something that I really enjoy. People on the whole are just great we live in such a wonderful world.

Patience

Hunter is teething and all I have to say to that is God please grant me patience. I am the worst mommy in the whole world I have shut Hunter up in his porter crib just to get away from him. At times all I want is to just not have a child, but then I remember how wonderful he is when not in pain from his teeth and I just love him I really do. I think that this may be a test from God saying "Heather you really need to be patient and I am going to make sure that you learn this valuable trait." And all I have to say to that is "Thanks God I don't like it now at all, but hopefully this experience will make me a better person." I hope Hunter and I survive this. I think I am going to go meditate.

What is that smell?!!!!!!!!

Alright I don't know who it is, but someone in this apartment building has a direct heater connection to my bedroom and they are putting horrible smells through. Earlier today it smelled like a skunk really strong and now it smells like really bad raw fish. Who are you? And why are you torturing me like this? I can smell really well so this is a nightmare for me, I think I am going to sleep on the couch tonight I can't take this. Man it smells so bad and opening the window and lighting a candle isn't helping. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR I'm just a little upset about this, can you tell?

Not much.

Not much happened today. Andrew worked on his mothers house for about 5 hours. Cutting the lawn and clearing out the cellar. I stayed home with Hunter who slept for about 4 hours. Andrew came home and we gamed the rest of the night. We played a new game called China Town and it was a whole lot of fun. Well good night.

Success!

Yesterday I made Syhallas fudge recipe and I finally got it right and it tastes soooo yummy. I don't know how many times I have failed at it. Tonight I made Syhallas penuche recipe and once again I got it right. Man I am on a cooking role I love when I learn new recipes and after soooo many failures I have success. I love cooking!

Hanging out

Tonight I am hanging out with one of my friends Suzy. She is such a great girl and so much fun to have around. We are going to watch some movies and have some hamburgers from Five Guys I have never eaten there so this will be a new experience. For the Hunter update he threw up once today besides that he has held everything down so I think that he is getting better. He is still sleeping through the whole entire day though and he still has a little fever. For the movie review I just saw Flicka today and I did not like it. It was your typical girl/ horse drama movie and I guess if you are a big horse movie fan you will love it, but for the rest of us I didn't think it was that great. Note to movie directors: Just because they are good country singers doesn't mean they will automatically make wonderful movie actors. Good singer doesn't mean good actor. Thank you and please keep this is mind for future reference. Have a good day everyone.

The flu bug strikes again.

Poor little Hunter started throwing up last night and was sick all day. It was sad he was running and fever and all he wanted to do was sleep. He kept crying for food, but all I could give him was liquids until he stopped throwing up. I really hope this is just a twenty four hour thing because the weather is great and neither one of us likes being stuck in the house all day.

Gardner Village

Today after taking Hunter to physical therapy Hunter and I went to Gardner Village with my mom. By the way Hunter is developing wonderfully she said he is just low toned, that means easy going. She also said that Hunter needed more things to climb on and around. She suggested that I put laundry all over the floor and put some pillows or couch cushions on the floor. So I need to turn my home into a jungle gym basically means I need to make a mess so Hunter has obstacles. And all of you who know me know that I am OCD clean so this is a little problem, but for the betterment of my son I will make a mess. Gardener Village was tons of fun we went and looked through all of the shops and my mother bought us some candy from the candy store. I loved hanging out with my mother and Hunter we all had a lot of fun. Sometimes you just need to get out of the house no matter how much you love it.

I love my life.

Today Andrew went to his brothers and took Hunter with him so I have had some time to myself. I love that Andrew will do that for me, he is such a wonderful husband and father. I had enough time to clean the apartment and get it ready for the YW activity that was at my house. We finished knitting the hats for the homeless and just had a great time. The girls drank almost all of the soda I had in the house and ate all of the cookies, but that is okay I guess teenage girls can eat junk food like no other. I am now getting ready for bed so that I can take Hunter to physical therapy in the morning. I'll let you know how it went in tomorrows post. Sometimes I just sit back and realize what a wonderful life I have. I am so blessed.

Hunter is growing up.

Yesterday was my twenty fifth birthday and though it was awesome I spent the morning crying. All you moms out there tell me did you cry when you realized your baby wasn't a baby anymore? On my birthday Hunters crib got switched out for a toddler bed because Hunter was leaning so far off of the edge that we were worried that he was going to tumble out. He is soo close to walking it is almost scary, he can say three words, and he knows how and loves to play with other children. Hunter also eats everything that Andrew and I eat, no more baby food. He's pretty much a child, *sniff sniff. For my birthday we had a party at my sister in laws house and it was awesome she made a cake and really just made it special. Thanks to both of my families for making this birthday so amazing. For girls night out with my sisters, my sister Alison made cupcakes and they sang happy birthday. I am blessed to have such great families.

Where's my baby......

I know I said that I was going to post pictures of girls night out, but that will have to wait. I have news! Hunter has learned to climb up on pretty tall things. I went into his bedroom to check on him and couldn't find him anywhere I looked under the crib and all around the room calling his name. Finally I heard giggling coming from the closet Hunter had pushed the closet door open a little bit and climbed up onto his dresser (he was so proud of himself.)


I thought I was going to die I had no idea he knew how to climb even on small things, so the dresser was a big surprise. Of course I had to grab the camera real quick and take some pictures I think that some day Hunter would like to read this and see pictures of the day he almost killed his mother by way of heart attack.


My mother in law warned me about the joys of having a smart baby and how they will scare and amaze you. Hunter when you read this someday I want you to know that on this day you successfully got me to stop putting you in your room by yourself and shutting the door for time out. All the crying and screaming in the world didn't get you out of time out, but scaring the crap out of your mother did. I love you and don't ever do that to me again. I think from now on when Hunter is being naughty and needs to go into time out I should put him in the pack and play without any toys.

Italian Night

Girls night out went off without a hitch. Good food, good company, and except for massive chocolate cake stains in my carpet and on my couch (thanks kids.) I had a lot of fun and the after clean up wasn't so bad. Thank goodness I have Norwex rags that can get out any stain with just water. Those rags sure do take a lot of the stress and worry out of messes. I can't explain how happy I am that I finally got to use my formal dishes it was a lot of fun. Anna I know that you read this blog so if you and John are up for it I would love to feed you and your children. Maybe play some games or just hang out I think you are a cool person and would like to hang out with your family more. Give me a call, send an e-mail, or leave a comment and let me know if you have the time or if you even want to. I wont be offended if you don't want to I promise. I will post pictures tomorrow I am too tired tonight. Good night everybody.

Cold Days and Warm Dishwashers.

Today was a little nippy and I caught Hunter hugging the dishwasher while it was on the heated dry cycle. Later in the evening I was making cookies and I caught him hugging the oven too. Hunter is a smart little baby to find unique solutions to his problems. I think that I might need to keep the apartment a little warmer.

Ahhh Relaxation

After a pretty okay day of cleaning, playing with the baby, having the baby scream at me, and then entertaining my parents it is always good to have sometime to myself. Tonight I had a nice warm bath listening to my favorite opera music and now I feel like a million dollars. I'm going to go spend some time reading my book and then go to bed. I love having great endings to bad or okay days. I love the freedom of my life. Thank you Andrew for letting me stay at home I can't thank you enough. I love you. I thought that I would add the picture of the sunflower because I love going to different blogs and seeing the pictures. Plus I thought it was pretty and I love flowers they make me very happy. So there's one of my favorite flowers, the sunflower, Enjoy.

Vaction Pictures from a while ago.

Today was a pretty average day not much happened. In the morning Andrews sister Ki called and told us she had cleared out her library so we could come and look through the books she was getting rid of. We went over and got some pretty great books, I'm very excited to read them. Our friend Jake came over and played some games, we ate dinner, and then watched a few Firefly episodes. While I was going through our pictures, trying to figure out what to write about, I came across our Vacation pictures from two or three years ago. It was a fun vacation we went to Arizona and New Mexico to see Andrews family and saw some really great sights along the way. We went to the Sand Dunes in St. George it was hot, but great. We also went to Carlsbad Caverns there was bats and cave birds and it smelled like Tamales, I don't know why. The cave was absolutely beautiful we walked the whole way down even though there was an elevator, the experience just wouldn't have been the same if we took the elevator. I remember that the trip was a lot of driving and that one night Andrew and I woke up absolutely soaked, the tent had flooded. This summer we are planning on going back to Arizona for Andrews family Reunion and then on the New Mexico again to see his grandmother. It will be very different with a baby, but should still be fun. Well have a great night everybody, I'm going to bed.

P.S.
I thought I should mention that the picture of Valor and I with our feet in the water. That is the same little water stream that Andrew sat in when he was a baby. Apparently Andrew had a little diaper rash so they stripped him down and sat him in the water.

I love this picture. He just looks so rugged and handsome.