HeatherD

Hunter birthday

2011-01-04T23:17:00.000-08:00

I forgot to post on January 1st. Hunter turned three years old on January 1st I could hardly believe it. Who gave him permission to grow up? All I know is it certainly wasn't me, but alas boys must grow up so that someday they can be men. Still I cried....... a lot, Andrew was right when he said I am probably going to cry my eyes out when Hunter leaves for his mission.

Happy third birthday my darling little boy I am glad you were born!

Tron Legacy

2010-12-29T14:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Andrew, Hunter, BJ, and I went to see Tron Legacy and without giving anything up I will just say We all loved it and you should go see it. I do highly recommend that you see the first Tron before you go it just helps you understand a little bit more.

Wrath of the potty training god.

2010-12-28T18:51:00.000-08:00

Hunter is basically potty trained he was able to tell us when he needed to go and keep his underwear clean all day, at least that was the truth until today. About 30 minutes ago Hunter was having fun and didn't want to go sit on the potty so he just went in his underwear.

Well I had been told that one good thing to do was to put him in a cold bath or shower to clean him off because that was something unpleasant he wouldn't forget anytime soon. So the wrath of the potty training god was upon him as he was thrust into a cold shower screaming like a banshee the whole time and then was put on the potty. I felt terrible doing that to him, but if it helps him to remember to use the toilet then it is worth it.

After Christmas sales

2010-12-27T22:55:00.000-08:00

Today I went shopping in the after Christmas sales, ( You know the ones where everything Christmas is on such a steep discount that you find yourself buying stuff you really don't need.) Now that you are thinking I have no self control whatsoever I will let you know that I only bought a small portion of what I wanted. I bought some lights and some tins for homemade goodies next year. The lights I found were not only fun colors but fun shapes as well so now they are hanging up in my room and I absolutely love them. And the grand total came to only $13! Not too bad if I say so myself. Well that's all folks not much going on here.

Decorating for Christmas

2010-12-07T19:51:00.000-08:00

Today Andrew and I went over to my mom and dads house and decorated it for Christmas and cleaned it just to surprise them. I hope they love what we did we really just want it to be special and we had a lot of fun doing it. Today was a pretty good day I went to my friend Emily apartment to record my piano recital piece ( she is also my piano teacher) and I did okay until I had a panic attack in the middle when I made a mistake. I love modern technology because she told me not to worry and that she could fix the few mistakes I made by changing the notes. I really need to practice more I wont get any better at the piano without any practice. Now I really just need to set aside time for it.

On the whole life is great: Hunter is good and talking a lot, Andrew is doing great even though he needs to take a break from school it is starting to drive him crazy, and I am doing good working on my goals of being a better mom, individual, employee, wife, and most importantly just working at being happy and pleased with who I am. In case I don't write another post until after Christmas. Merry Christmas Everyone and A Happy New Year!

Fall is my favorite time of year!

2010-10-15T23:00:00.000-07:00

I am happiest in Autumn it is the most beautiful time of the year. During this time in our little family we don't have a lot of time to do things together so we miss out on a lot. But when these two years are over Andrew and I plan to became major fall campers. We want to spend soo much time outside you may wonder if we are ever indoors. *Sigh* someday can't come soon enough I miss my husband and spending time with him, but I know that God will strengthen us during this time and even though I may miss him soo much sometimes all I can do is cry. I know that when these two years are up Andrew and I will be out of debt and Andrew will be a college graduate.

Small update: Hunter is speaking and is constantly telling Bella what to do, Hunter will finally eat meat, I have been called to be The Emergency Preparedness Director for our ward, and Andrew is Working and learning his heart out and still has his sense of humor.

Happy Autumn to you all!

Ha Ha Ha

2010-06-29T22:51:00.000-07:00

Tonight I went to work out because as management I can work out or use the office at any time I want to. I still have to obey the pool and spa rules just like everyone else and that means no using the pool or hot tub after 10:00pm when we lock everything down. Well tonight I am done with the gym at 11:00pm and start to leave when I notice that there are people in the hot tub. So I open up the back door and start walking to the hot tub The people see me and immediately have this look of "oh crap" on their faces because they have been caught. I ask them how they got in they said through the gate, I check the gate and it is dead bolted ( only management has a key), So I tell them "The gate is dead bolted so try again, how did you get in" (blank stares) "Did you hop the fence?" They answered yes so I told them to get out of the hot tub and asked them what apartment they were in they answered that they didn't live at our apartments and were guests. I then asked them who they were visiting they gave me a name, but no apartment number. I informed them that they were never allowed in our pool or hot tub even during normal hours again and escorted them off the property.

Obey the rules you never know when management is going to be there and you are going to get caught.

Lovin' my job?

2010-06-25T22:32:00.000-07:00

I really do still love my job and most days it is wonderful. It is just those few days when you have to come in contact with some real "Winners" that afterward make you afraid to answer your door. What is it with poor people and threatening to "Kick your ass" anyway? I guess they are not too much better than the middle class people who threaten to "call their lawyer" when you have to reprimand them. People where ever you live there are rules to follow, if you don't like the rules then you cant use our facilities. And threatening to beat up management just gets the police involved and you in a whole lot of trouble. So Choose following the rules and being able to have a good time at the swimming pool or breaking the rules, arguing with management, and then loosing your privilege of swimming during the entire long hot summer. Your choice.

By the way for all of you who don't know this, When you wear street clothes in the swimming pool it clogs up the filters so do us all a favor and wear proper swimming attire.

Good music, good times

2010-05-24T22:34:00.000-07:00

Tonight I got to eat good food at the Goff house, have great company, and listen to beautiful music played and sung by my new friend Emily ( she is really talented.) It was a great night with the exception of being scared to death that the emergency pager was going to go off at any minute....sigh* I hate being on call, but everyone has to do it and this month it is my turn.

Almost a week.

2010-03-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

I have worked at my job for almost a week now and I have got to say that I absolutely love it. I know that I am still new, but I understand about half of my job and I am really loving being productive every day. I am also a much better mother Hunter still screams his head off, but I don't lose my patience with him as much as I used to. A job is really doing wonders for my mental health.

Blarg

2010-03-17T15:44:00.000-07:00

I don't know what is wrong with me these last two days. I am normally a happy person, but the last two days I just can't find anything going right with my life. I just feel like everything that can go wrong will and that I am just in a funk and I hate it. I need to have an attitude adjustment so I think I am going to spend the rest of the day just enjoying life and not thinking of everything that is happening right now and concentrate on what is going really well. I hope to be back to my normal happy self tomorrow.

Working gal.

2010-03-13T20:42:00.000-08:00

I got a job working at the Mark Twain apartments as a leasing agent. I had my first day today and it was going really well I was understanding everything and able to help residents right off the bat. Then 4:00 p.m. happened my boss was at lunch and 5 people came in wanting to see apartments and some of them wanted to fill out applications. They were the first apps and showings that I had to do and I had no one to tell me what to do or where to even find the applications. So I called my boss who came back from lunch early and she showed me how to do everything. I am really glad my first day is over it is my least favorite part of a new job.

I really wish that I could understand everything and be a pro at my job without having to deal with the learning process. If anyone has a magic wand out there please make this wish come true for me.

In the end though this is really a low stress job everyone is great (including the people looking for apartments they were really patient with me.) And I know that this is going to be a great job for me to make some extra money to pay off debt sooner so I am happy. Thanks to everyone who is helping me and Andrew with Hunter so that I can work I love you all. Thank you Thank you Thank you :)

Hunter on medication

2010-02-25T21:36:00.000-08:00

This is Hunter

This is Hunter on drugs.

Last night Hunter was in a lot of pain (he would not sleep, all he did was scream) that we needed to take him to the emergency room to get him some medication. After confirming that is was a really bad cold that had also turned into a really bad ear infection the doctor gave us some prescriptions to help make him feel better. We got him home, gave him the medication, after screaming for a little longer he passed out. Today the medication still made him a little sleepy so this is what I found when I went to check on him during nap time. It was really cute, but I do feel sorry for the little guy. I love you Hunter and hope that you get all better really soon.

The death of our first pet. So long Persius

2010-02-13T22:08:00.000-08:00

So Tonight our pet fish Persius died it was sad to see him go...... especially since he died because he fell down the disposal while I was cleaning out his bowl. I felt terrible that I was the one who killed our fish, was Andrew going to be angry? Is Persius going to come back and haunt me? There was only one thing to do after waiting ten minutes so I knew that he was really dead. I turned on the disposal and water and left the room crying, after a couple of minutes I came back and turned everything off. So long Persius you were a great first pet and lasted a lot longer than we thought you would. We love you and hope that you have a great time in fishy heaven.

P.S.
Please don't come back and haunt me I really didn't mean to kill you.

I knew it.....

2010-01-30T19:53:00.000-08:00

So Tonight I was putting my son Hunter to bed. He is learning more and more words that he can use. Right now I am trying to teach him I love you. He can say all of those words just not together I don't know why. So this is how tonight speech practice goes:

Me: "Hunter I love you"
*Hunter smiles
Me: "Hunter say Mama"
Hunter: "Mama"
Me: "say I"
Hunter: "I"
Me: " say love"
Hunter: "Love"
Me: "say you"
Hunter: "Dada"

Well I'm really glad he loves his daddy and I know he loves me too because sometimes he will hug me and cuddle. And he always has a smile ready I just hope that someday he can say I love you to me. He is really cute :)

Flooded.

2010-01-11T10:11:00.000-08:00

Well last night it happened, Payback! We don't know what is going on with the pipes in our apartment, but they are freaking out. We have flooded our downstairs neighbors multiple times when nothing that we can see is leaking and now our upstairs neighbors flooded us and badly. There was water pouring out of both of our bathroom fans, good thing we have buckets. I think that everyone has to have a least one apartment like this so that they can appreciate a well working house when they get it.

Really happy!

2009-12-10T20:42:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-02T20:30:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-02T20:23:00.000-08:00

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.

2009-11-28T15:06:00.000-08:00

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.

2009-11-25T08:46:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-19T15:22:00.000-08:00

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.

2009-11-16T20:42:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-11-13T22:04:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-11-10T14:17:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-08T20:08:00.000-08:00

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.

2009-11-07T20:55:00.000-08:00

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.

2009-11-07T20:47:00.001-08:00

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.

2009-10-03T00:30:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-09-17T21:15:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-21T21:10:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-08-19T20:36:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-08-09T21:28:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-08-04T21:38:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-08-01T14:44:00.000-07:00

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....

2009-07-30T22:23:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-29T22:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-27T10:18:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-26T00:16:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-24T21:03:00.000-07:00

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!!!!!!!!!

2009-07-12T01:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-08T17:52:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-06-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-26T21:32:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-06-25T21:49:00.001-07:00

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.

2009-06-22T11:12:00.001-07:00

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

2009-06-19T23:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-10T09:03:00.001-07:00

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.

2009-06-06T14:01:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-06-05T21:33:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-04T20:16:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-03T16:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-28T22:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-20T18:33:00.000-07:00

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....

2009-05-16T15:01:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-05-14T17:15:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-05-13T20:45:00.000-07:00

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..........

2009-05-10T16:06:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-05-07T21:23:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-06T19:53:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-02T23:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-30T21:56:00.001-07:00

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?!!!!!!!!

2009-04-29T21:21:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-04-28T00:14:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-04-25T21:45:00.001-07:00

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

2009-04-24T18:12:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-04-23T21:23:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-22T20:17:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-04-21T21:43:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-04-20T21:44:00.000-07:00

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......

2009-04-18T22:10:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-17T21:28:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-04-16T22:46:00.001-07:00

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

2009-04-15T21:32:00.001-07:00

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.

2009-04-14T22:27:00.000-07:00

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.

Happy Sumo.

2009-04-13T22:17:00.001-07:00

Today Andrew, his brother Dale, and I went to the movie Monsters vs Aliens. It was okay I am glad I saw it, but I wont be buying it. Through the whole movie there was this cute little kid that kept coming over to me and touching my knee to get my attention and then pointing to the screen and saying "Look, Look." then she came up and handed me a bottle, I guess she wanted me to feed her. Her mom kept coming over to get her and saying I'm sorry, but I told her I am a mommy too and that I don't mind entertaining her. After all we mommies have to stick together. After the movie we went to Happy Sumo and ate Sushi it was very yummy. I can't believe I haven't been there before, this was the best combined Dale/Heather birthday I have ever had. Happy Birthday Dale (and me in about a week.)

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T18:03:00.000-07:00

Today has been an okay Easter. Andrew and I are still discussing what we want to do in our family as far as traditions go, so Easter will get better as we go along. In our family we do one Easter basket for the whole family. Hunter got the books Guess how much I love you? and the Velveteen Rabbit. Andrew got the movie The Ten Commandments with Charlton Heston. And I got a Jasmine Bouquet scented candle. As far as traditions are concerned we have decided that every Easter we will watch The Ten Commandments, make Chocolate Peanut butter eggs from scratch, and dye Easter eggs. I'm sure more things will get added later, but hey we are knew to this and want to have traditions that are ours. On the whole I wish everyone a very happy Easter. Andrew and I found out something strange today. Hunter is completely afraid of orange basketballs rolling even extremely slowly towards him. He gets all defensive like a cat, you know crouching back wards and maneuvering to the side and then he starts to cry. It just breaks your heart, I have never seen anything like that before I wonder why he is so afraid. He has never even really been around a basketball before so I know that he has never been hit with one. Hunter does love to play with our big green ball, rolling it around all over the place, it is four times his size and he isn't scared of it.

Easter party.

2009-04-11T21:41:00.000-07:00

Today the Rueckert side of the family had their Easter party. And according to my mother it was a big hit, everyone came except for my sister Michelle and myself. Actually I was there I was just in my car in the driveway waiting for Andrew to come out, I am still sick and so is Hunter so we stayed in the car so that no one else would catch this stupid flu/cold. Right after Andrew was done dropping off my part of the pot luck and socializing he came out and we went to Target. Target is right by my parents house so that is why I was waiting out in the car. We didn't want to have Andrew drive down to my parents house to go to the party, come back to our apartment pick up Hunter and I and then drive back down to Target, so I waited in the car. After the store Andrew got called into work early and I cleaned the apartment and worked on my personal progress for YW, overall a really good day. In this post I thought I would share things from my refrigerator today's is a quote that I absolutely love.

"Be one who nurtures and builds.
Be one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart,
who looks for the best in people.
Leave people better than you found them."

-Marvin J Ashton

Hunters reflection.

2009-04-10T18:04:00.000-07:00

Hunter loves his reflection he always stares in the mirror and smiles at it or slaps at it and his most recent thing is to talk to it. I absolutely love watching him play with the mirror it is lots of fun. Today Hunter had his first orange and at first didn't really like it, but after a minute decided that it was great and ate the whole darn thing, then ate two handfuls of dried cranberries, then a whole sippy cup of orange juice. That was just a snack I love having a boy who can eat and isn't too picky. At least I love it now I am sure that I will wish he ate less when he is a teenager. The pediatrician said that he is too skinny and needs to eat more, but I don't know how I can give him more without him eating twenty four hours a day. I thought that I should mention this, right now Hunter is laughing and clapping to the Jazz music I have playing in the background (he is soooo cute.) Hunter has learned how to pull himself up on furniture really well and can walk with us holding onto him, hey at least it is progress. I don't think I could be happier.

Obessive much?

2009-04-09T16:53:00.000-07:00

So from my last post you know that I am sick, vomit sick, and yet I still can't have a dirty home. Today even though I can barely stand up I got all of the laundry done, folded and put away. The dishes are done, the bed is made, the counters are clean and I am about to vacuum. Why can't I just be sick and let the house go to pot? I know that there are other women out there like me. Ladies why can't we just give our selves a break? Anyway that is just what was on my mind.

Sick...

2009-04-08T22:19:00.001-07:00

This is not going to be a long post because I am very sick. I don't ever remember being this sick and I don't even know what I have or who gave it to me. I am going to end here because the screen is getting really fuzzy, good night.

The camping bug

2009-04-07T15:40:00.001-07:00

Mornings in Fruit land are simply beautiful. This is Hunter and Andrew just enjoying the morning view.

Hunter wanted to be just like daddy. (the little pyromaniac)

Andrew and Hunter with Pepper and though she is a cute cat I was glad to leave her behind. Going to either grandparents house is good for getting wanting a cat out of your system. Pet, Pet, Pet and then go home without them and their mess.

Me doing my favorite thing, reading Jane Austen.

Another one of my favorite things, playing with Hunter in the mornings.

The camping bug has bit my little family again and we just had to get out. We just got back from staying at my parents ranch. It was a lot of fun, but it didn't help me with my need to camp. We had planned that when we got up there that we would walk around maybe go for a hike have a bon fire, make s'mores, tell jokes or stories around said bon fire, and drink hot chocolate. On the way up Hunter screamed about the last 15 minutes of the drive so when I got there I was already a little frazzled. Right when we got there Hunter who was showing no signs of being sick promptly threw up on me and him so I needed to bathe him and wash our clothes. I needed to feed both cats and the rabbit, clean out the litter box, put out new water, feed my dad and clean up the back porch where we were sleeping. Andrew said it was too cold to make s'mores outside so we still made s'mores, but we made them indoors using the wood burning stove and no stories were told. The porch has no heat except for the stove so since we weren't keeping the fire going all night we froze. Hunter screamed quite a bit of the trip, none of us slept really well. And in the morning I needed to wash all of the dishes and Andrew needed to burn the trash. Over all not the best camping experience so we need to go back so that we can have a bon fire and so that my mother can be there so I don't have to do the duties of the ranch that she usually does. I will still help her, but having to do it all kinda killed the trip. The one really great thing that came out of it was I got to sit by a fire and read. That is one of my favorite things to do. Next time will be better and I can finally get rid of the camping bug, at least until next time.

Super Sunday.

2009-04-05T21:41:00.000-07:00

Today was a pretty good day, but started off as a really bad day. Hunter woke up screaming this morning and wouldn't stop he also went to bed screaming last night. So this morning we packed him up and went to my parents house to watch general conference with them we also figured that if we went to their house we could get help from my mother, both mine and Andrews patience was wearing thin. After general conference we went to my sister Kims house to see baby Abby I was the only one to go in because Hunter had been sick and I just think it is the rudest thing when parents bring sick children to see new babies. When we got home we got a call from Andrews dad asking if we were still on for dinner, I had completely forgotten, but told them to come over anyway. I should also probably mention that our friends Tom and Jake were over to do laundry because they don't have laundry machines so we had a pretty big group.We had spaghetti with meat sauce, buttermilk biscuits, broccoli, and for dessert brownies and ice cream I am so glad that I have the stuff in my house to make a good quick meal on the fly. After dinner we played the card game Spoons and it was a ton of fun. Andrews dad usually has a dignified manner, but during that game it was a blast to see him dive for a spoon and fall off his chair, wrestle Andrew for one of the spoons, and just have fun. I love seeing people come out of their shell I think that everyone had fun. In the game it came down to just Tom and myself in the end Tom won. I sure enjoyed having them there. I love you all and hope that you can come back again very soon.

My new craft bag.

2009-04-04T13:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had to go to the store to get some iron tablets and B-12 because I am anemic and need to find some way to not be tired all of the time. Anyway while I was there I found a cute little bag for crafts and since my last one bit the dust, it was an old plastic bag that quilts come in, well it got a huge rip in it and wouldn't hold anything anymore. I bought the bag for five dollars and I just love it, it has all of these pockets to hold everything and it is pretty. When I left the store there was a man out in the parking lot selling tamales so I bought some and they were very good, Andrew and I just gobbled them right up I don't buy them often so when I do they are a real treat. I know that my blog sounds random and is badly written, but that is how I talk so I hope that I'm not too confusing to read. Well anyway enjoy your day and I said to Andrew I would say something nice to him through my blog so Andrew I love you and really would like to go camping this weekend or hiking what do you think?

AHHHHHHHH!!!!!

2009-04-03T21:36:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you have a really really bad day and this has been one for me. Everything that could go wrong has gone wrong so instead of ranting and raving about it I am just going to post one of my favorite pictures in the whole wide world. This picture of Hunter makes me smile it doesn't matter how mad I am or whatever kind of funk I have fallen into this picture always makes me laugh. I love having such a wonderful child that most of the time doesn't add to my stress. Thank you Hunter for helping keep mommy sane you are a God send I love you.

Wow! what a day.

2009-04-02T16:29:00.001-07:00

This morning we take Hunter to the doctor for his 15 month check up and the doctor says he is good except that he isn't putting on weight and he still can't walk so she recommended physical therapy. She also said that Hunter was the tallest baby she has ever examined so that made me happy, but I don't know why. Hunter also had to get shots and I had to hold him down, he screamed for his Dada the whole time and was reluctant to let me hold him. We get home and my neighbor was lying motionless on the floor downstairs I barely saw her I just saw some shoes and thought well that's funny who would leave shoes there then noticed there was pants attached to the shoes and wait there is legs in the pants so I went down there to find out if I needed to call 911. She said that she was okay, but that her knee gave out and she couldn't get into her apartment so I helped her up and helped her get into her apartment. Then I get into our apartment and my mother calls to tell me that my sister Kim was in labor I was very excited I love new babies so after my mom assured me that she was okay and that they didn't need anything and that it would take about another 4 hours she hung up. Just to call me about 30 minutes later to tell me that Abby had arrived 9 lbs 8 oz 20 inches long with lots of dark brown hair. I won't go to see her for awhile because Hunter has recently been sick and I don't want to expose Abby to it, but I am so glad she is here and everything is good. Abby welcome to the world and welcome to our family we sure do love you and can't wait to see you, you have amazing parents and we know that you will do just fine.

Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning.

2009-04-01T16:49:00.000-07:00

Today I am getting all of my laundry done, cleaning and airing out the house. After Hunter being sick our home started to take on an interesting smell. Last night for our YW activity I taught the girls how to make doughnuts and they really seemed to enjoy it. I chickened out at the last moment about the girls working with the hot oil so they watched me do it and then they decorated the doughnuts. I don't know my mind just went: young teenage girls plus hot oil equals fire, injuries, disaster, and homelessness. They had fun decorating the doughnuts anyway and taking some home to their families. On a side note I didn't post yesterday because I thought that I already had, another reason why I am not liking face book so far, I undated face book and forget to blog. ARRRG!

Blogger all the way baby....

2009-03-30T17:10:00.000-07:00

I love to blog. I started a face book thing because my sister called me and told me that I need to do it so that I can keep up with other people, so I did. Granted most of the people I know are on face book so it is easier to know what they are up to, but I love my blog. Face book is confusing and maybe I am an idiot, but I am having a hard time figuring it out. I follow blogs and I feel that I get to know people better through them and they are not confusing and are easy to figure out and use. On a different note Hunter is sick and I am nervous he has had persistent diarrhea and vomiting I asked Andrew to give him a blessing, but if he doesn't get better I am taking him to a doctor. Normally I would wait, but considering that his cousin ended up in the hospital for really bad diarrhea and vomiting and he is older and bigger than Hunter I want to be cautious. The worst thing in the world is my little boy sick it just breaks my heart. Before Hunter got sick we went to our friends house and had steak really really good steak, potatoes, broccoli and watched a movie. It was a lot of fun I love having good friends, like my friend Mary for example always trying to get everyone together and being there for anyone at anytime. I also love my awesome family and Andrews awesome family, wow I am surrounded by cool people.

A Simple Phone Call......

2009-03-29T17:10:00.000-07:00

My sister Alison just called to tell me how much fun she had with me at her house and how much she loved me. My sisters never just call to shoot the breeze, but she did we talked for about 5 minutes and it was enjoyable and upbeat. I've got to tell you after that phone call I feel accepted by her and I am on some kind of happy emotional high all because of one simple phone call.

Snow Day!

2009-03-29T13:21:00.000-07:00

Today it snowed, yes I know that it is the end of March almost April and that most people were very angry about this, but I am one of those weird people who love the snow, not driving in it, but playing in it. We went to church and when it was over had lunch, during that time Tom and Jake came over and joined us in playing in the snow. One of my favorite things to do is make snowmen Andrew doesn't like the snow so we don't do many winter activities. So for the first time this season we made a snow man and named him Smithy. Hunter didn't really know what to make of the snow so he enjoyed it until he noticed that snow was cold after that all he wanted to do was cry so our little snow adventure ended and we went back home to hot chocolate and English Toffee. Does it get any better I absolutely love Winter. I should probably mention that part of the tradition is to make the snowman and then destroy him so Smithy meet his untimely end. Well spring is on it's way, well it is supposedly here, but anyway and it also has a lot to offer. I love the smell and look of flowers blooming, the trees coming back to life, the hiking,( I don't have allergies I know this is a bad time for those of you who do.) and the family parties and of course my birthday. I heard that you eventually hate it when your birthday comes around, but for me I still love my birthday and look forward to it every year I still have my inner child in me and I let her out to play all of the time, I believe not denying your inner child keeps you young. At sisters night out a couple of days ago my oldest sister Barbara made a fabulous dish and I want to post the recipe so here it is:

Cream Cheese Chicken Croissant
2 cups of cooked chicken
1 brick of cream cheese
1 dash of garlic salt
1 can of Pillsbury large croissant rolls

Mix the cream cheese, chicken and the garlic salt in a bowl and set aside.
Open the croissant rolls and roll out flat. Place the mixture in the wide end of the roll and roll like you were making a croissant roll. Place on a baking sheet and if you like you can put a egg wash on. Bake at 375 until Golden brown.
For the sauce you have 2 options. You can use cream of chicken soup-I would mix with milk to make it creamer or my favorite is, Cream of mushroom with a dash of dill weed, make the cream of mushroom with milk also.

Childrens books

2009-03-28T14:33:00.000-07:00

Today Hunter, Grammy, and I went to the library to pick up some books and we got some good ones. I love Hush, Little Dragon by Boni Ashburn it was hilarious. This is the description the book gives.

Even Dragons have to Eat..... It's bedtime on a beautiful day. Baby and Mama dragon are almost ready to settle in for the night, but Baby can't sleep until he gets a tasty treat. Together, they search out a snack in the nearby village. Who will they find? Will it be the town's magician? The three musketeers? The princess? Or maybe the mean old queen? Set to the familiar tune of "Hush, Little Baby," this sweet and funny bedtime tale will satisfy even the pickiest of baby dragons.

I don't know about everybody, but this book was great for me and my baby dragon. On a different note Today I ran on the treadmill with a fairly steep incline for about 40 minutes and when I was done I didn't hurt at all I was tired, but I didn't hurt I think it had to do with the exercise that my sister in law suggested last night I stretched before, during, and after the run and I feel fantastic.

Sisters

2009-03-27T21:24:00.000-07:00

My sisters are wonderful they really are, I have to ask myself why do I feel like the biggest failure around them. They don't say anything really I just get the feeling that they are thinking " Oh that Heather what is she doing now she is probably going to fail at it she always try's to do more than she can handle." We had girls night out and it was fun and there was wonderful food my sisters and especially my sister in law can cook really well. There was pleasant conversation and nobody was rude to anyone else. I love being around my sisters, but sometimes I just hate it I don't feel like I belong I feel out of the loop. I come home from these parties and just cry I really think something is wrong with me. I love my sisters no one could ask for better I really have a wonderful family they are so kind to me and they include me in things. I guess that in a family of overachievers there has to be one failure I just wish it wasn't me. I am doing the best I can and one thing I am doing is sticking with things I tend to be a scatterbrain and go in many directions at once and that is what gets me in trouble I know I can do better I know I can. Andrew deserves a better wife, Hunter deserves a better mother, my sisters deserve a better sister, and my parents deserve a better daughter. Heck even I deserve to be a better me and I know I can be. I am trying to be consistent at one thing and that is to write in this blog I hope that someday I can print it off and know how far I have come.

Ugh Blarg

2009-03-26T21:57:00.000-07:00

So I am twenty four years old and I had a root canal last week and am still going through it. Today the dentist did more drilling and then put a temporary crown on and then in two weeks I go in for the permanent crown. What the hell! I thought root canals and crowns were for old people so why am I dishing out $520 so far for all of this mess. It just seems ridiculous I am young and take pretty good care of my teeth and what about my husbands so called wonderful insurance why aren't they paying more? I have never had to deal with something like this before so yes I am a little frustrated, but will be better tomorrow. The pain medicine they gave me makes me very sick so I stopped taking it about a week ago and just dealt with the pain, If anybody reads this blog can you answer me why do I get violently ill after having dental work done?

Family Fun

2009-03-25T12:20:00.000-07:00

Today as a family we went to the Clark Planetarium and it was a ton of fun Hunter and Andrew enjoyed their selves thoroughly. Hunter especially loved the big ball track and of course Andrew wanted to read absolutely everything ( told you my husband loves science.) Hunter had lots of fun crawling around the surface of the moon and mars I had to finally take him off so that other kids could have fun and their parents could take pictures. Hunter would just crawl to the end of the exhibit and then turn around and go back he was very cute didn't cry the whole time. This place is free if you don't see the movies and babies love it, very visually stimulating Hunter loved to just stare at all of the planets. I love watching Hunter grow up we can do so much more with him now than when he was just a little baby. Later that night after we put Hunter to bed Andrew and I played Chess, Pente, and Trivial pursuit book lovers addition. ( By the way if you have never played Trivial pursuit book lovers addition, don't It is nearly impossible I know Literary majors who can't play that game.) We ended up just reading the cards to each other and occasionally getting a question right. It was the best relaxing way to end such a wonderful day.

Family home evening

2009-03-24T11:49:00.000-07:00

For family home evening last night we had a wonderful time Andrew and I made English toffee for the first time and surprise surprise we didn't mess it up. The toffee tasted and looked wonderful and we took some of it over to Andrews sister Ki she has had a horrible week her son got sick and had to be in the hospital for a couple of days. Her church has been sending her yummy meals and so we thought that we would give her family a yummy treat I hope they like them. Cooking with my husband was a new, but enjoyable experience I would like to do it a lot more. Flirting and joking in the kitchen and figuring out what to do together was great I don't have a candy thermometer so we had to guess, but it still came out the way it was supposed to and was fun to make. I love English Toffee it is one of my biggest weakness so when I cook something I really like I usually have people in mind that I could give it to before I make it. I love to give food away it always seems to make someones day. My husband has actually asked that when I make treats that I put some in a safe place for him and stop giving it all away so I need to work on my self control. Hunter sadly wasn't part of the family home evening treat making Andrew got home too late and I had to put Hunter to bed it was past his bedtime and he was cranky so next week we do family home evening as a family like God intended.

My hair cut

2009-03-23T15:28:00.000-07:00

Last night my husband cut my hair, it has been pretty long for a while and I decided I just needed a change so when he came home last night I said please pretty please cut my hair and this is the before and after pictures. I thought it was a good hair cut I love having a husband who can cut hair for free.

Thanks for letting me pay you in kisses and hugs Andrew you did a great job on my hair. Thank you!

My hair was the longest it had been since I can remember and I must say long hair though it can be great and wonderful sure does weigh down your head and give you headaches I feel so much better now with some of it gone and I feel that I look a little cuter, but that is just my opinion. On a different note I am lightening everything in my life I am a minimalist so I don't keep junk around and I have been working out to make my body lighter, eating way healthier (no soda and very little sugar) and I am finding that I feel fantastic I know that my pictures don't show it, but the change came when I stepped on the scale and had broken the 200lbs mark granted I am 6'1 and I have had a child, but when I saw those numbers all excuses went out the window and I got really motivated to get back to my old weight I used to weigh 150 lbs I figure with changes to my body with my son and all a good weight would be around 160 lbs. We will see how low and healthy I can go I'm not about to be anorexic again that was stupid.

Andrew

2009-03-23T14:39:00.000-07:00

Andrew is my husband a certifiable goof ball. I just love him every cheesy pickup line, every stupid joke, and every time he gets really excited about something usually science and can talk for hours and my eyes kinda glaze over, I still love him. Andrew is a hard working man he works very hard at his job and took the night shift so he could make more money he also donates plasma twice a week as well as starting up a real estate business. All so that we can live in comfort, Andrew made an offer on some property recently we didn't get it because of real estate agent error, but it was still a great learning experience. He is also going to school full time in itself is a difficult thing to do add on top of that working full time, being a dad, and spending time with his wife, sometimes watching chick flicks, did I mention I love him? I have a very blessed life and I owe it to him. Andrew I loved you once, I love you still, I always have, and I always will.

Hunter

2009-03-22T12:03:00.000-07:00

Hunter is my son the most wonderful child ever. Yes I do have my moments of if he doesn't stop crying I am going to kill him, but over all he is just a wonderful kid. When hunter was born he was 6lbs 13oz and 21 1/2 inches long I should also mention that he was 5 weeks early so yeah he would have been a pretty big baby. He was also breach so he had to come by way of C-section.

I just love my son he is so happy and recently he has learned to blow a raspberry with his lips it just makes Andrew and I laugh for hours. He is always ready with a smile and a laugh and just makes our life happy. Thank you Hunter for the wonderful child that you are and for bringing such happiness to all of those around you we just love you so very much. I am grateful for the time I have to spend with you right now playing tag, peekaboo, bath time, and reading stories before bed. Heck you are also a ton of fun to watch movies with I love all of your little facial expressions. Thank you Hunter for just being you.

Awesome wonderfullness.

2009-03-22T11:26:00.000-07:00

So today I taught the YW class and normally I have a very difficult time getting them to say anything at all, but today was different we were laughing and participating and talking about the lessons and the things it was teaching. I always bring a treat to class and when the girls wouldn't say anything or participate in any way I took the treat hostage and wouldn't give it back until they talked. Who knew getting teenage girls to talk could be such a challenge? Any way it was an awesome day and I hope that my calling just gets better. If the girls read this blog thank you so much for being in the class today you are such wonderful sweet girls and the YW presidency just loves you keep up the great work.

What we did.....

2009-03-21T22:40:00.000-07:00

So today just for fun my husband, son, and I went to feed the ducks by our house. It was a losing battle for me to get the bread to the ducks my son kept eating it and got very angry when the ducks got it instead. But alas the problem got solved a strong wind came up and blew the whole bag plastic and all into the pond, I immediately started to worry about the poor ducks eating the plastic so my husband got a long branch and fished the bag out of the pond, I was very happy with him. After that my husband had to go to work so my son and I went to the park and played on the slide after not so long because it was getting cold we came home and watched part of Space Chimps I don't recommend it I didn't enjoy it and neither did my son. Well that is all we did today just thought I would share.

My husband works nights and I have an overactive imagination not a good mix. So last night I sit down and start watching a show about haunted houses and got totally freaked out I called one of my best friends and asked him to come over. He came over and we played bomber man for a while then he left, though I felt better my husband still came home to me fast asleep with the light on. Sometimes I wonder if with these stupid childish fears should I really be a mother?