Josh, Tiffany & Co.

You Better Watch Out

2011-12-13T21:50:00.002-07:00

Tessa and Eden did cry, just a bit. But we did an official Santa picture!

What can I say? I have a family full of yo-yo-ers. I better get used to it, all those competitions I am going to be watching.

Leaves and Snow

2011-11-26T23:34:00.005-07:00

I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for allowing nature to provide a place for my kidlets to play, allowing the twinado to stay outside, entertained, at least for a bit. Leaving my house with 5 minutes peace. 18 month twins, you can imagine the chaos.

Enjoying the fall.

And the rest of Halloween I didn't ever post . . .

And I just realized this is my 200th post!!! It took just under 1 1/2 to get to the 100th post, and twice that amount of time to get the the 200th, so much has happened since I started this blog when Logan was just a little 3 month old :) About 4 1/2 years ago.

Don't Be Scared

2011-10-31T08:17:00.004-06:00

Wolverine is a good guy. Pretty sure Logan is aware of that.

I might swap the Panda and the Cowgirl for trick-or-treating. The cowgirl wouldn't keep her hat or shirt on . . .

Our pumpkin we have yet to carve . . . but we will ;)

Happy Halloween!

A little of this, a little of that

2011-10-26T21:35:00.003-06:00

Mr. Tall, dark, and handsome had a birthday.

Lucky me, my parents watched the kids overnight, so we had a full-on date, dinner, pool, and walking the mall together past 6:30PM. Awesome. Glad he asked me to be his wife 7 years ago.

Just for fun, my Grandma Wood made this dress for me, and I finally got around to trying it on the girls.

Just so you know how hard it is to take pics of these crazy 17 month-old ladies.

Logan took this picture a little over a year ago . . .

and this one about a month ago.

My babies are growing up. Bittersweet as always.

Love that Fall thing

2011-10-19T20:42:00.003-06:00

Just something about it, maybe my electric bill, maybe the colors of the beautifully changing leaves in the canyon I got to drive by 4 times, maybe how cute my girls look in orange and black, maybe how funny it is to see Logan dress up in his Halloween costume, maybe watching football, but I just love the fall.

Just became forward facers!!!

1st Live Football Game

2011-09-28T14:31:00.003-06:00

For Logan that is. Thanks to our fabulous neighbors Logan and Josh enjoyed some bonding time. They went to some pre-game tailgating and Logan won the big finger!

Josh let him take some pictures. He really liked that the band made a "Y" on the field.

And he took this picture of a chair that some friendly seat-neighbors let him borrow for awhile. He stayed awake the whole game and had a lot of fun.

No . . . these ladies did not attend. They were sleeping before the game even started, but I managed to get a couple of cute pics the other day.

As you can see in the background, trying on shoes is an important part of the day.

So cute. Makes up for all that chasing around I do all day :)

Just a Glimpse

2011-09-17T20:48:00.007-06:00

Because Josh reminded me that I really am gonna miss this. "This" being twin toddlers and a 4 year old. Sometimes in the moment it is hard to realize that someday the girls will clean up after themselves and not be so outwardly needy. This Logan preschool thing has helped me see that my children can and will have a life outside of me. He is learning and growing and I am not involved in every second of it. And that is ok, hard sometimes, but ok. And so too, the girls will reach that point, but right now I happen to be an important part of the busy world they run around in. I want to start paying attention to what is happening instead of all the things I am not getting done. Because raising babies is time-consuming stuff.

Tessa spends a lot of time holding her baby and bringing the blanket over to me so she can wrap him up. Then she says, "Shh, shh, shh." while she rocks him.
Eden loves the story of the three little bears and will bring the book over, say "bears" and back-up to sit in my lap to listen to the story, saying "mmm" on the page that says that. Both girls love to read books, although Tessa sometimes "tosses" the book a bit hard indicating she would like to have it read.
Dressing the girls each day is pretty much always my decision, which is fun, and they both still love trying on clothes and shoes.
Singing songs is a nightly family ritual before the girls go to bed. Both girls do the actions to "Once there was a snowman" and "Eency weency spider" and it is pretty darn cute.
Logan says pretty funny things quite often. I need to start carrying a notepad around to jot them down as he says them, because I always forget.
While the girls are obviously not into cooperative play yet, they do play well together for the most part, I even put Logan and myself in the gate yesterday and we built with legos while the girls played with the pretend kitchen.
Sometimes we go outside to watch for Josh to come home. The girls both start yelling, "Dad!" and "Dad-dy!" when they see him coming.
my girls and Mr. Logan are pretty-good sleepers. They all go to bed fairly easily and early, which is awesome.
I am going to finish the 2nd consecutive book before we meet for book-club!

Perhaps the one of the best things of all is that Logan is planning on becoming a chef and opening his own restaurant. Quite possibly the best thing imaginable. The mother of a chef? Yes, please. He even told Josh one day that he could come work in his restaurant. The other day at lunch Logan asked for a camera and took this picture . . .

a portion of his lunch. Applesauce with a bit of cinnamon and sugar, alongside a gogurt. Perhaps you may also visit his restaurant one day. I believe it is going to be his version of American classics. Macaroni and cheese most definitely will be served.

September Love

2011-09-11T19:57:00.004-06:00

We decided our family loves September. Logan gets to go to preschool, Josh is practically giddy about football, I love all the tasty produce and of course, sweatshirt/actually-being-able-to-go-outside-in-the-afternoon weather, and the girls just love life in general. September is pretty awesome for us.

1st day of preschool. We both took him, while grandma watched the girls. He wanted a picture with me ;)

As crazy as I am, I let the ladies delve into the rice they have seen played with so many times. Tessa does pretty well . . . Eden is still learning to keep it in the table.

but it allowed me to make this . . .

Saag Aloo. Thanks to Janice I had a spice blend that made it fairly simple, and Josh said with a little hot-ness (it was mild, I'm new at this!) It would be even better. Who knew spinach could taste so good?

And So it Begins . . .

2011-09-01T13:03:00.006-06:00

For the past, oh . . . year and a half :) we don't venture out as frequently as I did when I just had Mr. Logan, but the girls (and I) transitioned to one nap about a month or so ago, which leaves us a bit more time to do things, if those things include the kids, things that require my 100% or at least 80% are still not getting done very often:). The biggest change is going to be revolving around school for the first time in years. Mr. Logan starts preschool next week! He was able to meet his teacher and see his classroom this week and he (and I) are very excited! I told him I want to go to school with him, but I can't. I miss working with kids and all this preschool visiting has made me miss it all the more, but Logan will have a great time!

He is into taking things apart. Josh had some tools out, and Logan started unscrewing a couple cars, I did not help him at all. Teeny, tiny screws, unscrewed by Logan. He conceived and carried out the idea all by himself.

He loves to play with his sisters, but it is time for him to play with peers more often. He ends up helping me take care of babies much of the day.

. . . and a few of the crazy ladies that run around our house. A twinado, as I have heard the toddler twin duos referred to before. They fit the bill.

They aren't into toys as much as anything the isn't a toy. Clothes and shoes are still a strong favorite. But ipods, remotes and phones also top the things they run after most often, as well as Logan toys that haven't been put away.

What a nice sister. They are about as cute as they are crazy, so I guess it balances out ;)

Beth's Wedding!

2011-08-17T13:23:00.002-06:00

I recently gained a brother-in-law and we have been having fun with family wedding type things. Including attending a temple session and a sealing with my husband, thanks to our wonderful neighbors and my fam for watching our children :)
I stole these pictures off his sister-in-law's facebook page.

This picture makes me laugh. Just look at my two toddlers. As you can see, pictures were a little difficult with our beauties.

We had to tell Logan bouquet catching is pretty much a girl thing.

And apparently he is quite the ladies man, requesting to be a picture with the ladies.

Days of Summer!

2011-07-20T19:34:00.006-06:00

I seriously need a photographer to follow me around. About a month ago my sister and mom came down for a visit, so I had one for a day, check out the pics.

Although I didn't plan on stadium of fire this year, my parents ended up coming down and we put the girls to bed at 5:45 and my mom stayed back to listen for them. It was fun to go. Love that patriotic pride thing.

And Logan loved playing with glowsticks.

And of course, a few parade pics. Tessa was all about smiling for the camera, surprise. Eden was not, no surprise. The girls are always on the go these days. I made the skirts, and love, love, love dressing up the kidlets! They even left headbands on for a few minutes!

{Balloons}

2011-07-01T09:13:00.005-06:00

Love celebrating the 4th!

Twice the Birthdays!

2011-06-30T09:56:00.004-06:00

Well . . . now that it has been a month since their birthday, I guess it is about time to post a few pics!

a few decorations . . .

My fabulous neighbor Natalie, who is currently doing a giveaway on her blog, made the cupcakes and little birthday cakes. What a lifesaver! It was one less thing I had to worry about and they turned out wonderful.

And celebrating with the other side of the family a couple of weeks later!

My grandma, the amazing cake decorator, made their cakes for this party!

Family Snapshot

2011-06-15T23:30:00.001-06:00

I had to get a new camera, because my other one died. I need to import pictures, so this stolen one from my sister will have to do for now ;)

I'm Lovin' It

2011-06-01T14:36:00.004-06:00

The girls turned one a week and a half ago! We are having another party for my side of the family, so I am thinking about posting all the pictures together. Things have been very busy around here, and they are starting to settle down for me, but I am liking the day-to-day stay at home thing a lot lately.

The girls gained a lot of weight these past 3 months:

1 year--
Eden: 22lbs 4 oz (70%) 30" (75%)
Tessa: 19 lbs 7 oz (25%) 29.5" (55%)
Yay! and almost completely transitioned to whole milk, and nursed for the last time the day before their birthday. Kind of a bittersweet thing for me. My babies aren't so-much babies anymore.

How can you not love races with learning-to-walk toys and double-crawlers up the stairs and girls who already love to dress up?!

And lucky Logan gets to go to preschool 4 mornings a week in the Fall. Is he really that old?

She Thinks He's Funny

2011-05-05T11:09:00.003-06:00

Tessa thinks everything Logan does is funny. This one is from a few weeks ago.

Service

2011-05-03T21:22:00.012-06:00

6 1/2 years ago. Lucky me to be married to my best friend. It seems only yesterday, yet at the same time it seems we have grown so much since then. Truly, grow old with me, the best it yet to be.

It has been exactly two years ago since we moved into our current location. We are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-saints. Two weeks after moving Josh was called into the Elder's Quorum presidency, and 3 months after that he was called to be the Elder's Quorum President. I was called around the same time to be the Primary Secretary. One month later I became pregnant, although we didn't find out it was twins until 20 weeks. One year ago this month I gave birth to twin girls, and survived the first year!!! Obviously, the Lord was telling us we were ready to delve into our lives of service. That is what we believe is important in life, learning how to serve others, and in so doing we are serving the Lord himself. 2 weeks ago Josh was called to be the 2nd counselor of the Bishopric. He is busier, but things are going relatively well. I already feel that it is true that the busier you are, the more you get done. We are having to schedule things out, and plan, which actually makes things easier for me. Easter Sunday was our first Sunday with him sitting on the stand during the entire Sacrament meeting. I have had many offers from ward members to sit with me, which is so great, a few of things are working well for now;

1. Suddenly Logan loves to color, really a recent development. Blessing. I asked him about it, because he really stays in the lines now and is very interested and meticulous. He told me that when he was in nursery he thought you had to color fast, but then he realized he could color slow. Amazing.
2. The girls are ok staying strapped in during most of sacrament meeting and will fall asleep during church sometimes during 2nd hour. (something that was very difficult to get Logan to do).
3. I know the gospel is true and that we will be blessed. And sometimes I am just going to have to accept outside help.

Counting my many blessings, and it has surprised me what the Lord has done.

They're Everywhere

2011-04-20T21:41:00.003-06:00

The girls are so funny. They understand "No" and they love to try to do things they aren't supposed to. Eden is the master of getting outlet plugs out, she thinks it is the coolest thing ever. Tessa is constantly teasing Eden by holding something out to her until she tries to grab it, and then yanks it away. They are very curious and love, love, love to laugh, especially at Logan.

This is what I chase all day, girls crawling away from me.

They love to pick the most random toys, and then hold on for dear life to them for the entire day.

We put a bookshelf in their room this weekend and they are loving it. They both say "a buh" which means, a book. They will take all the books off the shelf and flip through the pages, especially Eden.

And this is the most creative outfit Logan has dressed himself in, to date. Long socks with shorts, folks. Bright green and light-blue patterned shorts.

Busy Babies

2011-03-30T20:12:00.003-06:00

and mama too.

At the girls 9 month check-up the girls were on the slim-side, surprise, surprise. And in these past 6 weeks I spend my time trying to bulk-up the babes. I think they are getting bigger, although I haven't had them weighed since. Today Tessa was wearing 12-month jeans, and they really did seem to fit.

When they aren't eating or sleeping, they are getting into things. They are both crawling on their hands and knees and they are getting pretty fast, especially when they see Logan's bedroom door open. Eden does a run-crawl thing, and she is fast.

Eden is also pulling herself up, and opening drawers and emptying everything out of anything she can find. All the toys out of her drawer, the clean clothes from my laundry basket. She has two teeth on top now too, which makes me laugh when she really cheeses her smile.

We were playing downstairs and when I turned around I saw Eden halfway up the stairs. I didn't even know she could climb them, and there she was up half-way. The girl is much more of a mover than Logan.

And they are talking. I swear Tessa says "kiss" and "yes". They sign "more" and "all-done". They both say "mama" and although I am pretty sure it is nonspecific, I like to think they are talking about me ;)

One day at the end of their nap I hear laughing and I came in to see them looking at each other through the bars of their cribs, just laughing.

I think we need some of those child-proof drawer things before she figures out how to climb those things.

4 years

2011-03-24T19:38:00.004-06:00

Celebrating Logan's birthday is almost as fun as celebrating my own and I love that we get to keep celebrating it this weekend.

Logan picked out the girls shirts. And we took him to breakfast. Our little family of 5, it was the first time we have gone out by ourselves, it only took 10 months!

These are some recent pictures of Mr. Logan.

Tracing his Letters

This past year has been a little tough, what with birthing and raising the girls and Logan has been with me every step of the way. Some days I have been tired and grumpy and just plain busy from trying to keep our house running and taking care of the needs of the family. Logan ends up getting the brunt of my grumpiness, which I feel guilty about.

We have been playing a game where we use the sheet above and we think of a word for every letter of the alphabet and I write it down. A couple weeks a go he said he wanted to write, so I let him at it. The first word he wrote was CAT, the second one was LOGAN, and the third was MOM. I helped him with EDEN, and he was planning on writing TESSA, but he realized he needed to practice writing the letter "S" a few times first, it has been a little tricky for him. I never realized how amazing it would be to see the letters M-O-M written down. But it meant a lot to me. An awful lot. And all my worries about taking care of the girls and not having as much time for him were put to rest. He loves his sisters. He truly does.

We went in for his 4 year check-up today, he is 47 lbs. and 45''. He is above the 95% on both. He is my big guy and I love him. I am glad to have him. 4 years ago I never knew what it would be like to be a mom, now I know a little.

9 months ago . . .

2011-02-22T20:54:00.007-07:00

my water broke.

And about 12 hours later, these gorgeous girls were in my arms.

Glad to have made it 38 1/2 weeks, but ready to meet my girlies!

With the girls being 9 months, and born at 38 weeks, they have now been out longer than they were in ;) I haven't had time to document all the new things they are doing, but currently they are waving, clapping and they are both giving kisses; to me, Josh, Logan, and each other.

It is beautiful.

I love watching my babies grow, and as crazy and busy as it is having these kidlets, sometimes, when Logan says something that makes me laugh out loud, or just watching the girls play and experience everything for the first time, I just wish they didn't grow so darn fast.

5 Weeks

2 months

3 months

8 1/2 months

I {Heart}

2011-02-09T12:39:00.004-07:00

I went through Logan's old clothes to find some bigger warm pajammas and the result was the cutest kids ever. We love the Cougar blue around here.

It seems for the past two months my kidlets have been sick off and on, the girls noses have been running for the past week. I am hoping they get over it soon.

I am just loving the internet and blogging these days. I have craft blogs on my reader I love to browse. I made these little crocheted hearts from this Little Birdie Secrets Tutorial. Super cute, although, Eden has decided she won't wear headbands :(. Tessa isn't bothered, but Eden takes it off the second you put it on, and if she sees Tessa wearing one, she immediately grabs hers.

And decorated mantles are darling, and luckily I have one to decorate. I started with a simple sewed garland. I don't usually decorate much for holidays, but I think I might start!

My Hands are Full

2011-02-02T20:32:00.006-07:00

Photo by Karen Gallup Photography

Lately, when I am out in public with all the kiddos (which isn't very often, I'll be honest) I have been getting the comment, "Well don't you have your hands full." Sometimes with a laugh and added conversation and sometimes with raised eyebrows. I spend so much time at home carting around two infants, one in each arm, and Logan, the 3 year old, under-toe, I forgot it might look a little strange to someone not used to seeing such a sight. But I love my full hands. And all too soon they won't be so full anymore, so as crazy as I might look sometimes, I will continue to carry around one infant in each arm and keep my little guy by my side.

This is the way we travel, or Logan in the front with one of the babies in a sling.

"I have a tooth. Do you have a tooth? I have a tooth."

These Days

2011-01-20T21:57:00.003-07:00

Awsome-ness included.

2011-01-11T20:24:00.004-07:00

When I married him. The awesome-ness came with. (my grandma Wickham made the cake for him back in October)

I have decided that putting kids to bed and doing something creative, even if my house is neglected, helps with mental health when you spend the days helping to develop young brains ;) And my husband is so great to help me (and stay up until 1 in the morning because the shower is the next day!) work on projects like this for a neighbor who is having twins, a boy and a girl . . .

I was introduced to freezer paper stenciling by Megan, and I followed her tutorial to make my own creations, these are actually a second creation, for Christmas we made Logan a BYU shirt. Josh is the master xacto-knife guy, he did all the cutting for these. I just iron and paint. They are so stinkin'cute, I decided we need to make Eden and Tessa a matching pair.

Laughing at the Crazy Big Brother

2011-01-09T21:02:00.002-07:00

Chistmas, you are missed

2010-12-27T19:59:00.005-07:00

This is why . . .

Logan and I played in the snow.

I get to have Josh home from work for several days straight, I run around like a chicken with its head cut off, and then spend a beautiful Christmas Eve and Day with my little family.

Today, beautiful girls.

with a silly brother.

Christmas Parties

2010-12-20T10:58:00.005-07:00

We were able to go up to Logan over the weekend, everybody has a cold, but we didn't want to miss out, so hopefully we didn't get anyone sick! Logan, the girls and I are on about over it, but Josh is in the midst.

I am so glad we able to make it and spend some time with family. I just love Christmas.

I had some time and asked Logan what we could do together. He wanted to make pancakes and cut them in shapes like Grandma Wood does. So we did it!

Guess who watched me open the bottom drawer and figured how to do it over and over and over and over again? Miss Eden, that's who.

Miss Tess

A few recents

2010-12-09T23:07:00.005-07:00

My picture taking has been not as frequent lately, mostly because of this . . .

bow-grabbing, and roly-polying. Miss Tess now also rolls onto her stomach from her back, so with Miss Eden pretty much getting anywhere she needs to go by rolling and pivoting, and Tessa now rolling all over, pictures are not easy to take. They are almost sitting up without support, so maybe once they are doing that without toppling, but we still get a few good ones in here and there :)

We put our Christmas decorations up the day after Thanksgiving! That is the earliest we have done that in our marriage! Yay! I love having them up. Logan helped decorate the tree and has rearranged it about 100 times! So fun having kids at Christmas. He loves to play with the nativity, although I don't have any kid-friendly ones, luckily he is careful. He keeps saying he loves when Jesus was a little guy. I am not quite sure where he got that, but funny nonetheless.

Thanksgiving day girls.

Anytime I get out the camera Logan wants to be in the pictures and take his own.

I love this picture. This is pretty much the way it looks at our house. Little babies rolling on the floor playing with toys, when they aren't eating food. (I have to take a picture of their messy faces one of these days. Feeding two babies is messy and cute at the same time) Although this picture is missing their big brother playing with them. They love him.

Miss Tess figured out how to nod and it is about the funniest thing I have ever seen. She will look you in the eyes and nod like she is trying to say something. One day they were eating and Eden was getting mad and crying. Tessa just looks into her eyes and starts nodding. I laughed out loud.

Baby Play

2010-11-16T15:51:00.004-07:00

I sometimes can't get movies to work, that is why I haven't posted one in about the last year or so, but this one seems to be working, it is lower quality, but the girls are playing and still fun to watch, at least I think ;). Eden is getting into everything and Tessa won't be too far behind her. Time to baby-proof I guess. With Mr. Logan now into everything tiny, including Legos, we will see. Babies grow too fast :(

Adorable.

2010-11-10T22:05:00.003-07:00

My little family is adorable.

I have the bestest friend in the whole wide world. You know the one? When you get back together it was like you never were apart. Well mine just so happens to be super-talented, too.

The only problem is I am using one of the pictures for my Christmas card, so if I usually send you a Christmas card, when it comes pretend like you have never seen the picture before, and if I haven't mailed you a Christmas card in the past, (yes through the USPS) get me your address and you can have our family pic hang on your fridge this year. With these twiners around I am trying to give myself plenty of time to get a few Christmas things done this year.

Solids

2010-11-10T21:11:00.004-07:00

Eden and Tessa have now tried solids. That's right. The difference between having one and three is, with Logan we took a video and I actually had make-up on when we entered him into the new phase of eating solids. It was a big deal. I planned to do on exactly the day he turned 6 months. And with the girls Eden has basically been begging to start solids and the only real reason I hadn't done it yet was the mess. Don't get me wrong, I know kids should be messy and I want them to be, but I just wasn't sure I was ready for the day in and day out mess that I knew was inevitably coming. Finally Tuesday morning, 2 weeks to their 6-month marker, I decided it was just going to happen, and we did get a couple pics, for the special occasion.

Halloween 2010

2010-11-04T20:11:00.004-06:00

Lightning Logan!

His arch nemeses "the Bee" and "the Monster"!

two teeth! Beautiful blue-eyed girl!

No teeth, but teething. Beautiful greenish-eye girl!

Sneak Peek

2010-10-28T16:29:00.005-06:00

My little pumpkin. Who hasn't really been into napping today.

But not a real sneak peek, because it isn't her official costume.

I knew she was teething, but on Sunday I felt a tooth, a real tooth. One day after the girlies turned 5 months old. Logan was 7 months and she beat her sister, so the earliest teether of the three.

The Big 3-0

2010-10-22T12:27:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday from your best friend and wife who is still in love with you and thinks you are a hottie.

and two daddy's little girls who smile every time they see your face when you come home from work.

and one little boy who wants to be you and fixes thing exactly how he has seen you do.

Today (and the other day)

2010-10-15T21:34:00.007-06:00

This picture is from the other day. They can't wear these outfits on Halloween, or the day before, because that is saved for costumes, so I am dressing them in their Halloween gear whenever it is clean, I decided.

These pictures are from today. (While I take more pictures these days, I don't have the time to post them all, so at least I can be current, right?) I love dressing the girls up. In fact, sometimes I want to take a picture everyday, just so I can remember how fun it is to get them dressed, and with girl twins I have so many options, matching, coordinating, or just two cute outfits, hmmm.

I decided today I just love right now. today. everyday. It is tough, but I love it. Being a mom, I amn't perfect, but I try hard at it. And I think I have the 3 most beautiful children that ever existed. I really, really do. Gorgeous.

5 minutes

2010-10-11T16:26:00.003-06:00

I have a minute to post! 3 sleeping children never happens during the day!

Tessa and Eden went to their 4 month Dr. appointment a couple weeks ago. They had to get shots, but I was more prepared, so I think it went better :)

Eden, 12 lbs. 3 oz. 40%, 25" 75%
Tessa, 11 lbs. 3 oz. 30%, 24 1/2" 55%

The Dr. said whatever we are doing is working, concerning their growth, so I felt better, I just have thin babies. Health-wise they are doing well!

One morning Logan got up and made identical towers with his blocks while Josh and I were both still asleep. I thought it was great. The towers and that he let us sleep, even though he was awake.

As much as he gets in their faces, these girls LOVE their brother. Honestly, Eden laughs much harder at Logan than anyone else.

We traveled for the first time with the girls, it was fun to see family, but the girls like their home. We did get some pictures, which I am happy for, because I never take time to do it around here.

Thoughts

2010-09-17T13:49:00.006-06:00

Logan and I about 2 years ago.

Me and my crew these days.

I like blogging in that it keeps a record. My journaling and scrapbook have suffered since being married and having children. Looking back I think I was so wise, why do I have to continually remind myself of these things:

My Simple Thoughts

Thoughts on Motherhood Again

Feeling Blessed

Sometimes I think, my girls are almost 4 months old!? Wow, the time flies and I hate how fast babies grow. And other times I think there is not enough chocolate to endure day to day. Sometimes I think Logan is going through the terrible threes and I get after him all the time. Other times I get to take him on a "kid date" (thanks to Kathy) and it is really fun. I miss it being just him and me.

Sometimes is hard being a mom, but I have been trying to read things that remind me how important and crucial it is to the children. I am trying.

Other thoughts:

I think Eden and Tessa are so lucky to have each other. Thinking about it, it would have been nice to have a twin-built in best friend- when I was growing up. Lucky them.

I wish my Grandma Wood were still here to help me with this twin thing.

Even though I know I was pretty lucky to have Logan naps as long as I did. I still miss them. I think they are almost officially gone.

If only I had more time, or I didn't have to sleep. I could get more things done. There seems to be so much to do.

Luckily I get to spend my days with a superhero.

Tender Mercies

2010-09-07T15:53:00.005-06:00

I love having girls. I honestly didn't realize how much fun it would be to dress them up. I am doubly lucky because I have two at the same time.

I bore my testimony in Sacrament meeting for the first time in about forever. I feel like I should also bear it here. I feel that I have recently been so blessed by my Heavenly Father, without Him and His son Jesus Christ I would not have made it through the last year. It has been difficult, but I know we are given opportunities and obstacles in this life, and we are only given what we can bear. I know that although it has been difficult, and it will continue to be difficult, there are many reasons I have the experiences I do. The Lord prepares us for the future and to be of service to others. Mostly I am grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord, which to others may be simple and small things, but as I have experiences I know my Heavenly Father is blessing me. It can be something very, very tiny and in these past few months the tender mercies I have received are many, many tiny things hourly, daily, weekly. It has been others put in my path, or the girls doing something seemingly amazing, sleeping during church when at home they wouldn't have, or Logan saying something that couldn't have really come from him to give me comfort when I am having a particularly rough day. I love the gospel and I am lucky to be a part of it. In the name of Jesus Christ.

Too Cute

2010-08-27T10:00:00.002-06:00

Three Months Old

It is hard to believe these little cuties were born three months ago. Eden is definitely a blue-eyed girl. Tessa, I am not so sure. Green? It will take a little longer. They are growing and developing and thin. Outgrowing the onesies in length, but not in the mid-section, just like Logan. They love to smile when they look at each other and I just know they are going to be best friends. They are very much a part of our little family.

Blessed.

2010-08-25T14:23:00.003-06:00

*being a momma *my family *Josh's family *friends

because I only have a moment, and I hope to elaborate on my blessings, but one quick picture to describe the bountiful blessings my Heavenly Father has given me, and the wonderful day Sunday turned out to me.

I truly am so blessed.

Matching

2010-08-12T14:07:00.004-06:00

At first I thought, no. Then I tried it and thought, yes. Love it. It is just too cute.

So Mom, I see why you did it.

2 month check-up

2010-08-10T13:30:00.002-06:00

Hanging out after they had to get shots. I think it traumatized me more than them.

The girls had their 2 month well-child visit a week and a half ago.

Eden was 23 inches 80% and 10lbs. 8 oz. 50% Head: 50%
Tessa was 22.5 inches 50% and 9 lbs. 5 oz. 30% Head 20%

They got a clean bill of health, and Tessa has had less bottles these days. I feel so blessed to have them. And they get cuter everyday.

All is Well

2010-07-28T12:11:00.003-06:00

The Logan I know and love has re-emerged! We have been having great days, sometimes the girls do what I expect them to and have some predictability, leaving time to hang out with Logan. Josh even coaxed me to go on a walk yesterday morning and I walked to a local elementary school and let Logan play on the toys. I have missed walking, it felt so good.

He is playing with his cousins this morning and the girls are sleeping (for now :) which leaves me almost frantic at these points trying to get a couple of things done. Slowly but surely, I feel like I can cope with everyday life. A couple of times I have even cooked or started to cook dinner by the time Josh get home! And speaking of Josh, he is the best. I know I have said it before, but I am one lucky girl.

Days go by

2010-07-21T15:22:00.008-06:00

We have almost made it two months, and for those of you wondering, there are good days and bad days and good moments and challenging moments throughout the day. Luckily we have awesome family and friends who are still willing to help. I had a very productive weekend with a lot of my family here, and this morning I was able to go to Costco with Logan while Kathy watched the girls.

Logan loves to take pictures whenever he sees the camera or when he's bored. Most of those times tend to be when I am breastfeeding, so here is a G-rated shot.

Trying to take pictures of the babies is tough. One will usually be fussing by the time the other one is ready and Logan of course wants to "help" the entire time. :)

Megan made these cute onesies.

Tessa smiles a lot these days.

Logan tends to take a few sweet pics in his mix.

And I found out one of my best friends is moving to North Carolina. I am going to be missing these days (I stole this picture of her blog from about 2 years ago) :

my walking/chatting buddy of the last three years. What will I do without our chats, sometimes the only reason I would get dressed and out of the house. She knows me almost as well as I know myself. My heart is sad.

Almost 7 Weeks!

2010-07-08T13:50:00.002-06:00

I have 3 children currently asleep, and although I should be napping, I am updating the blog with pictures from yesterday, crazy current, I know.

Poor Tessa. She has lost all the hair on top, and looks like a bald man, Peter Breinholt, or Tobias from Arrested Development. I have faith she will have hair again, I have been trying to put hats or bows on her when we are in public. We had the babies weighed again yesterday, and for those of you who know how much a struggle it has been, Tessa was 7 lbs 12 oz. Yay! She is almost 8 lbs. and Eden was 9 lbs. 4 oz., I think. I am still breastfeeding, supplementing formula, and it has been a struggle to say the least. I hope to update the blog with the birth story next time I have a chance, for anyone who was curious. (I love to read different birth stories :) Giving birth to twins vaginally = easier than these first 7 weeks. And much, much less painful. Too bad there is no epidural for breast feeding.

I seriously wish I had a photographer that was with me 24/7, because I always forget to take pictures unless Chrissy and Karen are around :) And these little beauties look darling everyday.

We're getting a few of these moments. Babies that fall asleep in the pack and play on their own, and last night I got 7 hours sleep with an hour break in between. Pretty much awesome compared to how things have been. Things are looking up!!!!!!

Alive.

2010-06-17T15:08:00.003-06:00

Logan took this picture today, I really am still here :)

I still have to remind myself that I have three kids.

We survived jaundice, again. All my babies are orange, I don't know what it would be like to have a non-orange baby. We also found out yesterday that they have gained weight, beyond their birth-weight! Yay!

My babies are 3 1/2 weeks. I have spent the majority of that time feeding babies (Literally, Logan and I even made up a little song, "All I'm ever doing is feeding babies, feeding babies ) and trying to catch a wink here and there. I honestly have never been this tired, ever. I have realized even more so through these past 3 1/2 weeks how lucky we are to have the best family, friends, and ward members in the world, without who, Josh and I would not have survived these first few weeks. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Names and things

2010-05-28T15:10:00.003-06:00

I am a little absent-minded, or maybe it is the sleep deprivation ;)

Tessa Jane, 6 lbs. 8 oz, 17.5 inches Eden Lily, 7 lbs. 6 oz. 20 inches

We are currently running a newborn tanning salon, but happy to have made it through the first few days at home and all that comes with that, times two. Things are looking up! I just haven't taken very many pictures since we have come home. I am putting that pretty high on the to-do list.

Babies!

2010-05-27T20:36:00.003-06:00

Quick update! We have babies, and we are surviving :)

Still Pregnant, but not for long!

2010-05-22T09:10:00.004-06:00

I know I haven't updated for awhile and some of you may be wondering if I have had those babies, but this will be the last weekend I will be pregnant with them! I made it to 38 weeks (which was yesterday). I have made it to the induction point with twins! I will try and be a little better with the pictures and the updates.

Logan is awesome. He went to the dentist officially for the first time this month (we had to pay a copay and everything). And he had his teeth cleaned and he even got some semi-good x-rays! He was great the whole time. And the entire family didn't have any cavities. Awesome.

I know that one reason we are having these babies, is because he is going to be such a great brother. He is so caring and patient with me these days.

This picture above is from a month ago, and the one below is from this week. Pretty big, my belly is exactly Logan's head height, so the poor guy gets knocked in the head about everyday.

30 Weeks

2010-03-31T14:49:00.002-06:00

I actually had Josh take a belly shot on Saturday. I was 30 weeks. I figure these girls probably need some kind of proof I was ever pregnant with them :)

This guy had a birthday yesterday . . .

2010-03-24T14:31:00.003-06:00

He turned three and pretty much got to celebrate for 3 days, getting 2 cakes, fun presents and seeing every cousin he has. Lucky him and lucky us for having him.

No Surprises :)

2010-03-15T15:02:00.004-06:00

We had another ultrasound on Thursday and this time no surprises! Still two little girls in there. I am glad they gave us this picture, because it is the first thing I saw last time, two little heads. As of Thursday they were both breech, so we will see what the next few weeks brings. Luckily so far, no complications, besides the fact that I am getting pretty big, and strangers ask when I am due. About 10 more weeks to go, which seems way too short.

I have loved getting good advice from people who have twins and confidence boosters from friends and family. I honestly am still scared and excited. My mind is constantly flooded by little things I need to either get done or figure out before I suddenly have three children instead of one. Wowza.

I haven't taken all that many pictures in the last few months, but here are a few.

Logan loves to do puzzles. We did the hundred piece puzzle together, but if I give him all the pieces of Lightning, he can put him together.

Our little helper.

And thanks to the cousins Logan has a new bed! We had his crib mattress in it for awhile, but last week we put the big mattress in it and bought new sheets. He has never been so excited to go to bed. When he woke up he came into our room and said, "I love my new car bed." First thing.

A Couple of Updates

2010-01-16T13:54:00.003-07:00

I haven't been very involved in the online world very much in the recent months. I haven't been feeling very well. I had mostly rejoined the feeling-better society and getting excited for the ultrasound which we had yesterday on January 15th.

Yes, I am Pregnant!!! 20 weeks to be exact and I had gone to 4 doctors appointments and heard the heartbeat several times. Josh and I went to the ultrasound anxious to find out the gender, because we are planners of course. I got situated and the person doing the ultrasound put the wand on my belly and I looked up at the monitor and saw two circles. (I wish we had a picture of that, but we don't have that exact one) In my mind I said, "that is two heads." She said, "Oh, did you guys know you were having twins?" Josh turned, because he had not seen the two heads on the monitor yet and said, "Uh, no". And she said, "Well, you are!" Surprise. A few moments later we found out it was two girls. Wowza.

That is the basic story of how we found out. There are a thousand things going through my mind right now, but I wanted to get the basics out. We are still in shock after learning halfway through that there were two babies the whole time. My due date is June 4th, but the doctor told us to expect them about 4 weeks early, so May sometime hopefully, if they don't come before. Of course we are excited, but I am freaking out at the same time. It is a lot to digest. I plan on thinking about it for a few days, and then fully digesting the whole situation and all that needs to be done, although we did buy some diapers today. We figured we probably should be doing that every time we go to the store.

And I am excited to have girls. I told Josh we are definitely getting a little kitchen. I mean two girls, that is a must.

Although we didn't know, looking back on it there are many things that have helped me realize that Heavenly Father was preparing me for this through many blessings.

We are in our townhouse which will be room enough, our last apartment had a 2 children contract, so we would have had to move asap, but as it is, we are just fine.

I kept thinking I might have twins this time, and with Logan, I never thought that, ever. I pushed my thoughts aside, but I guess at the back of my mind it was always a possibility. I honestly thought that statistically it was impossible, because we know way too many people who have twins, even though my Aunt told me 2 1/2 years ago that I had a high chance of having twins.

Logan is able to follow simple tasks and is potty trained. Two things that will be very helpful. I know he will be a good big brother from seeing him interact with other children.

All four feet together, even though it is a little hard to see.

That is the news with us!

This picture is from 2 weeks ago, 18 weeks, when I thought there was just one baby in there.

A Couple of Recent Pictures

2010-01-06T15:40:00.002-07:00

I hope you had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

I have downloaded some pictures off my camera finally, we did celebrate Christmas and I loved it.

Logan got a new bike and scooter and he has been having fun learning to pedal.

My funny, funny guys keep me entertained.

Oranges

2009-11-25T13:33:00.003-07:00

Logan loves clementines. He will peel it himself and then stick his finger in the middle and separate the pieces and then line them up in a row. Then he proceeds to eat the orange. I have had to ration his orange intake to only 1 per meal (3 per day). He still asks for one about every hour.

Leaves are Falling all Around

2009-11-11T12:35:00.002-07:00

I finally went outside with Logan to play in the leaves. I love actually watching leaves fall to the ground from the tree. There is nothing better than leaves to play in.

Also, Logan has created a new contraction. He says all the time "I amn't this or I amn't that" He must have just created it and instead of combining I'm he combines am and not. So funny.

Yesterday he was watching part of Mulan and when he was telling Josh later he said, "Yeah I just love that Move-on."

And he takes pictures of pretty much everything. Sometime I will have to post the best ones, they usually end up being the "real" pictures of our life, half eaten applesauce jars, crumbs on the table, and me first thing in the morning. We'll see if there are any that are approved.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-30T13:51:00.000-06:00

To Josh

2009-10-22T11:25:00.001-06:00

Josh,

Hope you have the best birthday ever. The big 29. We appreciate all you do for us.

Love,

The Luckiests

2 and 1/2

2009-10-21T13:54:00.004-06:00

My son turned 2 and 1/2 last month. Holy cow. He is such a little man with such a creative mind. His favorite thing to do these days is puzzles. It was the only way we made it through parts of conference. He will do the same puzzle over and over. We have been going to the library weekly to change out his options and after doing most of the puzzles a couple of times he is an expert. I love all the new things he is able to do. He is also great at memory and it is wonderful to be able to play games with him! I never realize how fast he is growing up. I taught classes a lot the last 6 weeks, but I finally have a break! One night I got home and Josh said Logan had sorted the clean silverware into the drawer. Really? How come I never thought of asking him to do that. Josh is better at expecting Logan to do things. Now his job is to sort the silverware and not only does he do pretty well, but it gives me a chance to put away the rest of the dishes while he is busy sorting.

He says funny things and I need to start keeping track of them. If I call, "Logan" he will come and say, "Mom, what you need me for?" And he will spin in circles and then say, "I'm getting busy." instead of dizzy. He loves being a part of the conversation and adding to it whenever he can. And lately I have realized more and more how lucky I have to have him and his little personality as my son.

Lucky Me!

2009-09-21T14:19:00.002-06:00

I hope Beth doesn't mind if I post her pictures. I have become the most horrible picture taker as of late, meaning I haven't taken more than a couple of pictures in about the last month.

I was able to go to Keith Urban's concert a couple of weeks ago with my Sisters-in-law and it was amazing. He is such a great performer!

I loved the screens behind the band. Gorgeous.

I post this picture because I was inches away from Keith Urban and this pic is proof.

He is very talented and oh so fun to see perform live.

Days with Logan

2009-09-11T14:12:00.003-06:00

We sure do miss being able to go swimming, but we certainly are enjoying these . . .

Bowling

2009-08-26T13:42:00.003-06:00

Summer Days

2009-08-14T15:16:00.002-06:00

My petunias are still alive and I have decided I like gardening, at least a small number of things. Logan posed with one of our green peppers we picked from the garden.

Stir fry made from our green pepper, yay!!!

We have been in our townhouse 3 1/2 months and this was the first time we got the paints out, wow. I am finally starting to feel semi-settled!

For my birthday Josh got me a bird-feeder. I forget to watch for the birds, but I knew they were eating from it, because I had to fill it quite a bit. They get scared off if I open the blinds, but I finally got to see them eating at the bird feeder, and I absolutely love it!

July

2009-07-28T13:20:00.003-06:00

This month is already almost gone. I think I set a record for time lapsing from when I took pictures to when I downloaded them onto my camera. I can't believe there was a picture on there from the beginning of the month!

Logan trying out sparklers and loving them.

When we moved in, Josh's parents gave us a grow box as a gift, and Josh and I have tried out gardening for the first time. Josh and I have never had to do any yard work since we have been married, and we still don't have a yard in our townhouse, but we have been working on our back area slowly getting it ready to lay sod. And we have taken care of the little garden. It has been a great experience. I don't know very much, but it has been a miracle as I watched the plants grow, blossom, and bear fruit. I loved initially planting, because I felt like it was a adult-sized sensory table, and the other day as I was watering I noticed some of the little tomatoes were red and ripe. I was so excited I went and picked them and showed Logan and Josh. Logan might turn orange by the end of the summer, because he eats them so fast.

I am learning. I have petunias out front in big flower pots and they are actually doing really well, except that snails climb up in them. About a month ago I found two snails in the middle one. I didn't think much of it, I just got frustrated and got them out. Well, today I was looking in the pot and noticed a snail, and as I looked closer I noticed tons and tons of baby snails. I should have known. Two snails in a secluded spot can only mean trouble. I hope my petunias survive.

Green peppers, we haven't tried them yet, but they are getting really big.

One of our bigger tomatoes and basil from our garden. Yum, yum.

And little Logan, who I fear shall soon eat us out of house and home. He is climbing into the pantry to find some viddles. He is fun, but he is two. Which lately seems very challenging.

We miss you 4th of July.

2009-07-09T13:08:00.006-06:00

My pictures of Logan are hit and miss, for some reason he loves to smile for everyone else, so hopefully I will be able to steal pictures. When I ask to take a picture of him, I get a face like this:

And there was fire this year. Love it.

Home Sweet Home

2009-06-30T13:19:00.002-06:00

Finally, some pictures of the inside. We moved two months ago, I am just slow with transitions. Although still without furniture, I felt as though the front room is ready to have some pictures posted of it. I am hoping to get the fireplace ready to have real fires this winter! And we still aren't sure exactly what type of couches we want to buy. Let us know if you have any ideas.

And Josh doing his thing at the grill. Yum. We are also going to be putting sod down in the near future, which will make the backyard much more playable!

Summer Days

2009-06-29T13:34:00.004-06:00

I am so excited that 4th of July season is upon us! We went to the Children's parade.

which was a fun way to start my birthday. I got to eat all my favorite food, and that pretty much keeps me happy.

The Dinosaur Museum and Father's Day

2009-06-22T14:33:00.003-06:00

This weekend my family came down and we all went to the Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point, we had never been and I thought it was quite fun.

We had to speak in church on Father's day, which is nice to have over, because hopefully we won't have to do that for awhile. And Josh got a grill! Wahoo! So we had a little bbq with my family on Saturday, and it was mighty tasty, I have my own little Bobby Flay.

Father and Son.

And just for fun.

Big Boy

2009-06-11T13:17:00.004-06:00

How come Logan seems so big to me lately? I don't get quite as nervous when he climbs the stairs to the big slide. He decides what he wears almost everyday. And has his own ideas and makes decisions.

These are his cars that aren't the "official" cars characters, but he pretends they are. (Guido, Luigi, Sally, Ramon, Doc, Mater, and Lightning.) And a hat Josh got on his mission.

He had an ice cream cone for the first time, and it was delightful to watch.

Before we put the bouncer away he tried it out.

Logan at 1 month old. What happened? He grows too quickly.

Cosmo

2009-06-02T14:30:00.002-06:00

You would think that all those Disney, Universal and Sesame Street Characters would have prepared him for Cosmo, but Logan left a little nervous. He liked looking at him for far away though, I told him that he knew the Football players and I think he liked that.

Pop on Over

2009-05-27T13:41:00.003-06:00

And check out Vhari's post about Logan's playdate (where I stole this picture from).

Universal Studios: Hollywood

2009-05-22T14:41:00.006-06:00

Grandma and Grandpa with the 4 grandkids.

Going to Universal was a lot of fun. Josh had never been there, so it was fun to do things with him and Logan (never been there) had fun meeting the characters . . .

George!

Dora!

and the Simpsons.

Chrissy and Peyton

Happy Akasha

Jaws

Logan especially loved playing in the Curious George water area. He followed Peyton around and had the time of his life.

The Happiest Place on Earth!

2009-05-21T13:01:00.007-06:00

I can't believe we went a month ago! For my parent's 30th anniversary they decided to take the whole family to Disneyland, and we sure are glad, because it was a lot of fun.

First thing we checked to see if Logan was tall enough for Splash Mountain, but he was definitely too short, so he didn't get to go on a lot of the rides. He did get to go on Matterhorn, which he loved. It was a short line so we told him we could go again. As we were getting back in line he started crying, because he thought we were leaving. Logan has a need for speed. He also loved Gadget's Go Coaster in toontown. He went on it 3 or 4 times.

Who knew there was a petting zoo at Disneyland? One of the bonuses of going with my family is they have been to Disneyland a lot and we did things I had never done, especially since I haven't gone with little kids before.

The last day we were there was the beginning of the Food and Wine festival. Logan got to be a part of a Jr. Chef experience where they made Mango Bars and had Goofy dressed in a chef's hat.

Logan still talks about seeing Handy Manny. He loves him.

Mater and Lightning. It doesn't get much better than that for Logan.

The Disney/Pixar parade, featuring all Logan's favorites. When we got home and people were asking him about Disneyland, one of the first things he said is that he got to see Mr. Incredible.

Moving

2009-05-14T13:07:00.007-06:00

This is the day Josh and I closed on our townhouse and became official mortgage payers!

Little Logan the morning of the move. I had him eat his cereal out of a plastic cup, because I had literally packed everything else. I don't know how we fit all our stuff into that apartment, but somehow it all got packed up and moved in one trip. Having our family there helped so much. Everything went so much faster than I thought it would. Thanks again to all our family that helped. We couldn't have done it without you!

Logan and Akasha taking advantage of the boxes.

And for fun, our Mother's Day picture.

Almost Back to Normal, But still in Boxes

2009-05-12T13:34:00.004-06:00

Since I last posted we went to California and back and moved from our apartment to our townhouse (with so much help from our families!!!).

We are slowly but surely unpacking. I also decided unpacking is much harder than packing. When you pack you just box up everything you own, with unpacking you have to decide where to put everything again.

We had a lot of fun with my family in California. My sister has posted a lot of her pictures, which are darling www.chrissywood.com. I have pictures of Disneyland and California, but we don't have internet hooked up yet, so I am only attempting the bare minimum!

And I haven't taken any pictures of the townhouse yet, but I will as soon as the boxes aren't dominating the space.

The last few weeks . . .

2009-04-16T13:41:00.003-06:00

have been pretty crazy. Josh, Logan, and I will be moving on May 2nd. Hopefully everything will go perfectly and we will be closing on April 27th and moving into our townhouse. I have learned so much in such a short time. I had an idea of what we were getting ourselves into, and how stressful everything would be, but going through it has been a huge growing experience, and it isn't even over! I hate change, but Josh and I have felt that it is a good thing for our family right now to take this big step. I can't decide simple things, deciding this was hard to say the least.

When Logan came to look at the townhouse a couple weeks ago, I told him we were going to see our new house, and he was excited. We were there for awhile and he had fun running around the empty rooms. Then all of the sudden he got sad and started crying. He said, "Where are all my toys?" I think the poor fellow thought we forgot to bring his things, so hopefully as long as we move his toys he will adjust, but he's two and so I just have to have faith that everything will work out smoothly.

We are excited, anxious, and nervous all at the same time!

A Few More of Logan's Birthday

2009-04-15T13:44:00.002-06:00

Super cute cousins.

Blowing out his candles.

Eating, what Logan does best.

On his birthday, March 23, Logan had another birthday party here, and I forgot my memory card in my camera, so Michelle was kind enough to give me her pictures (thanks!)

Easter Eggs

2009-04-14T13:24:00.000-06:00

My Love

2009-04-09T13:49:00.002-06:00

Josh had to get a tooth out this week. I went with him, but I went to the waiting room while the Doctor actually pulled it out. It almost broke my heart. Josh is almost never sick, almost never goes to the doctor outside our 6 month dentist visits. And apparently has an amazing tolerance for pain. I thought he would be down and out, swollen face and everything. You could barely even tell from looking at him. He did sit around at home for a couple of days, reading, but I think the worst part for him was he couldn't eat anything. He kept saying, "What can I eat?" and I would say, "How about another popsicle, instant breakfast, or more jello?" And he would just groan. He made it through and went to work today, where I am sure he is glad to be away from me telling him everything he can't eat. He has probably already had a slice of pizza or something :)

Mostly I am just so lucky to have him. Seeing him have to go through this was interesting. I learn so much about Josh from being married to him, and I love the experience. He is always so kind and thoughtful, it was nice to take care of him, as much as he would let me, for a couple of days.

A Real Party

2009-04-02T14:40:00.003-06:00

Logan does the funniest things, like putting this block on his head. And amidst his "me do it" and "my turn" it really makes me laugh all the things he says and does.

He thinks that having fun = making a drink in the blender and watching a movie. Lately his favorite is Incredibles. He thinks it is a real party, and I have to agree with him.

Here's Hoping . . .

2009-03-24T15:14:00.002-06:00

We are going to Disneyland in just about a month, and I am wondering if Logan will grow 3/4 of an inch, because this sweet thing measured in at 39 1/4 inches (and 36.6 lbs) today at the doctor and Splash Mountain is only 3/4 of an inch away. Grow buddy, grow.

Happy Birthday Logan!

2009-03-23T11:05:00.001-06:00

Woohoo! Today Logan turns 2!

And over the weekend my Grandma Wickham made him a rockin' cake.

Fish, Fish, Fish

2009-03-13T13:31:00.002-06:00

Last weekend when my family was down, we were also able to go to the Aquarium in Sandy. Logan liked looking at all the fish, and it was nice, because they have it designed so little kids can see all the exhibits. He loves doing things by himself these days.

There was a place to touch some sting rays. I touched one of course, but Logan's arms were too short to reach all the way down. I don't think he minded though, because I let him play in the water for quite awhile.

I'll Go Inside Someday

2009-03-08T16:43:00.004-06:00

We went to the Draper Temple open house on Friday morning, and on Thursday I was telling Logan that my family was coming and we were going to see the temple. I said, "Logan do you want to see the inside of the temple?" He stood there for a minute and then he sang, "I'll go inside someday, to feel the spirit, to listen and to pray. For the temple is a house of God, a place of love and beauty . . . " I started laughing. Good connection buddy, I guess someday turned out to be Friday, not exactly what the song is implying, but going inside anyway.

I loved going through the temple. The entire thing is gorgeous. It is a reminder about how sacred temples are and all the details that go into making such a special house of the Lord. Logan did pretty well, it is quite a journey for a toddler, and I hope that he was able to feel how important the temple is and make some kind of a connection between going to the temple open house and the songs he sings in Nursery. It was fun to have my mom and dad, and Chrissy, Brian and Akasha come with us.

Yes, I know Heavenly Father Loves Me

2009-03-04T13:56:00.003-07:00

Whenever I hear the song of a bird
Or look at the blue, blue sky,
Whenever I feel the rain on my face
Or the wind as it rushes by,
Whenever I touch a velvet rose
Or walk by a lilac tree,
I’m glad that I live in this beautiful world
Heavenly Father created for me.

He gave me my eyes that I might see
The color of butterfly wings.
He gave my ears that I might hear
The magical sound of things.
He gave me my life, mind, my heart;
I thank Him rev’rently
For all his creations, of which I’m a part.
Yes, I know Heavenly Father loves me.
("My Heavenly Father Loves Me," The Children’s Songbook, p. 228)

Wise Counsel from our Previous Prophet

2009-02-28T14:05:00.008-07:00

I had the wonderful opportunity of hearing Sheri Dew speak in our stake last week. The talk was great and when she was finished everyone was left wanting to hear more. She mentioned this talk by President Hinckley, and after reading through it, I thought I would post it to share. (I posted the second half of the talk, but I also posted a link at the bottom if you would rather read the whole talk on lds.org). The gospel is true and I am lucky to be a part of it.

To the Boys and to the Men

Gordon B. Hinckley, “To the Boys and to the Men,” Ensign, Nov 1998, 51

I am suggesting that the time has come to get our houses in order.

My brethren, it is a tremendous opportunity and an awesome responsibility to speak to you.

. . .

Now, brethren, I should like to talk to the older men, hoping that there will be some lesson for the younger men as well.

I wish to speak to you about temporal matters.

As a backdrop for what I wish to say, I read to you a few verses from the 41st chapter of Genesis.

Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, dreamed dreams which greatly troubled him. The wise men of his court could not give an interpretation. Joseph was then brought before him: “Pharaoh said unto Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river:

“And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fatfleshed and well favoured; and they fed in a meadow:

“And, behold, seven other kine came up after them, poor and very ill favoured and leanfleshed. …

“And the lean and the ill favoured kine did eat up the first seven fat kine: …

“And I saw in my dream … seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good:

“And, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them:

“And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears: …

“And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, … God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do.

“The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one. …

“… What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh.

“Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt:

“And there shall arise after them seven years of famine;

“… And God will shortly bring it to pass” (Gen. 41:17–20, 22–26, 28–30, 32).

Now, brethren, I want to make it very clear that I am not prophesying, that I am not predicting years of famine in the future. But I am suggesting that the time has come to get our houses in order.

So many of our people are living on the very edge of their incomes. In fact, some are living on borrowings.

We have witnessed in recent weeks wide and fearsome swings in the markets of the world. The economy is a fragile thing. A stumble in the economy in Jakarta or Moscow can immediately affect the entire world. It can eventually reach down to each of us as individuals. There is a portent of stormy weather ahead to which we had better give heed.

I hope with all my heart that we shall never slip into a depression. I am a child of the Great Depression of the thirties. I finished the university in 1932, when unemployment in this area exceeded 33 percent.

My father was then president of the largest stake in the Church in this valley. It was before our present welfare program was established. He walked the floor worrying about his people. He and his associates established a great wood-chopping project designed to keep the home furnaces and stoves going and the people warm in the winter. They had no money with which to buy coal. Men who had been affluent were among those who chopped wood.

I repeat, I hope we will never again see such a depression. But I am troubled by the huge consumer installment debt which hangs over the people of the nation, including our own people. In March 1997 that debt totaled $1.2 trillion, which represented a 7 percent increase over the previous year.

In December of 1997, 55 to 60 million households in the United States carried credit card balances. These balances averaged more than $7,000 and cost $1,000 per year in interest and fees. Consumer debt as a percentage of disposable income rose from 16.3 percent in 1993 to 19.3 percent in 1996.

Everyone knows that every dollar borrowed carries with it the penalty of paying interest. When money cannot be repaid, then bankruptcy follows. There were 1,350,118 bankruptcies in the United States last year. This represented a 50 percent increase from 1992. In the second quarter of this year, nearly 362,000 persons filed for bankruptcy, a record number for a three-month period.

We are beguiled by seductive advertising. Television carries the enticing invitation to borrow up to 125 percent of the value of one’s home. But no mention is made of interest.

President J. Reuben Clark Jr., in the April 1938 general conference, said from this pulpit: “Once in debt, interest is your companion every minute of the day and night; you cannot shun it or slip away from it; you cannot dismiss it; it yields neither to entreaties, demands, or orders; and whenever you get in its way or cross its course or fail to meet its demands, it crushes you” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1938, 103).

I recognize that it may be necessary to borrow to get a home, of course. But let us buy a home that we can afford and thus ease the payments which will constantly hang over our heads without mercy or respite for as long as 30 years.

No one knows when emergencies will strike. I am somewhat familiar with the case of a man who was highly successful in his profession. He lived in comfort. He built a large home. Then one day he was suddenly involved in a serious accident. Instantly, without warning, he almost lost his life. He was left a cripple. Destroyed was his earning power. He faced huge medical bills. He had other payments to make. He was helpless before his creditors. One moment he was rich, the next he was broke.

Since the beginnings of the Church, the Lord has spoken on this matter of debt. To Martin Harris through revelation He said: “Pay the debt thou hast contracted with the printer. Release thyself from bondage” (D&C 19:35).

President Heber J. Grant spoke repeatedly on this matter from this pulpit. He said: “If there is any one thing that will bring peace and contentment into the human heart, and into the family, it is to live within our means. And if there is any one thing that is grinding and discouraging and disheartening, it is to have debts and obligations that one cannot meet” (Gospel Standards, comp. G. Homer Durham [1941], 111).

We are carrying a message of self-reliance throughout the Church. Self-reliance cannot obtain when there is serious debt hanging over a household. One has neither independence nor freedom from bondage when he is obligated to others.

In managing the affairs of the Church, we have tried to set an example. We have, as a matter of policy, stringently followed the practice of setting aside each year a percentage of the income of the Church against a possible day of need.

I am grateful to be able to say that the Church in all its operations, in all its undertakings, in all of its departments, is able to function without borrowed money. If we cannot get along, we will curtail our programs. We will shrink expenditures to fit the income. We will not borrow.

One of the happiest days in the life of President Joseph F. Smith was the day the Church paid off its long-standing indebtedness.

What a wonderful feeling it is to be free of debt, to have a little money against a day of emergency put away where it can be retrieved when necessary.

President Faust would not tell you this himself. Perhaps I can tell it, and he can take it out on me afterward. He had a mortgage on his home drawing 4 percent interest. Many people would have told him he was foolish to pay off that mortgage when it carried so low a rate of interest. But the first opportunity he had to acquire some means, he and his wife determined they would pay off their mortgage. He has been free of debt since that day. That’s why he wears a smile on his face, and that’s why he whistles while he works.

I urge you, brethren, to look to the condition of your finances. I urge you to be modest in your expenditures; discipline yourselves in your purchases to avoid debt to the extent possible. Pay off debt as quickly as you can, and free yourselves from bondage.

This is a part of the temporal gospel in which we believe. May the Lord bless you, my beloved brethren, to set your houses in order. If you have paid your debts, if you have a reserve, even though it be small, then should storms howl about your head, you will have shelter for your wives and children and peace in your hearts. That’s all I have to say about it, but I wish to say it with all the emphasis of which I am capable.

I leave with you my testimony of the divinity of this work and my love for each of you, in the name of the Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

To the Boys and to the Men {Link to the talk on lds.org}

Yes, It's true, We Love Food.

2009-02-17T14:54:00.008-07:00

Josh and I love food. We love to eat it, and luckily we love cooking it together and trying new things. We especially love Chinese food, Indian food, and Thai food. Recently Josh bought me an Indian cookbook and another Asian cookbook for Valentine's day. So, on Saturday we ventured to Many Lands and bought some things to help us cook some yummy food at home. On Sunday night we cooked and Logan did relatively well being patient while we did so. The results were so good I might not crave Bombay House so often.

Chicken Roganjosh Curry, Cucumber Yogurt Dip (Raita), and Paratha (flaky flatbread)

We also made a drink, which didn't turn out so well, but we all tried it, even Logan. He liked the bread, but he only had yogurt sauce on rice, the chicken was too spicy. Someday Logan, someday.

He's Almost 2

2009-02-11T13:17:00.003-07:00

At the end of January Logan turned 22 months. And it is so hard to believe our little guy is almost 2. He is very busy all the time, and I must admit that communication has made our lives so much better.

He loves to line things up, and I find him doing it all over the house with pretty much everything.

He likes to read books, he will always say, "How about . . . this one" and "One more". It is amazing that I can read longer books and he doesn't always try to turn pages before I have read the whole page, although, I have to be careful where I put my finger when I am holding the book, because if it is covering up even the tiniest bit of a picture he will move it for me.

And for a little while he has even been sitting at the table on a chair, on a phonebook, but no more high chair.

He just grows to fast to keep up with.

He did this by himself.

We finally got him new church clothes. Poor boy, his old pants looked like shorts when he was sitting down. My boys look so great in their ties all ready for church!

Hide and Seek

2009-01-26T15:18:00.010-07:00

Hide and Seek is Logan's favorite game right now. He thinks the whole process is pretty much the coolest thing imaginable. He is getting pretty good at holding still while you find him too. We end up playing it all the time, although we reuse our hiding places. He doesn't mind. He still looks. Logan also loves to find Josh and I, and when he does, he wants to come hide with us. He will walk around the house saying, "Mom, where are you?"

Pretty creative!

Yes, he does say "Eleventeen"

FYI: For anyone that follows, Josh made his debut post with Logan sings his nursery hits (the previous post)! Take a gander at who posted it, and you will see his name.

Logan Sings His Nursery Hits

2009-01-21T16:07:00.008-07:00

So Logan has been singing a lot lately, and he's getting to be pretty good. The songs he sings in the video are new to his repertoire.

Warning: Anyone who is squeamish at the sight of a cute kid may want to avoid this video.

One More Christmas Gift

2009-01-08T15:08:00.006-07:00

Dear Josh,

I know I haven't thanked you enough for the sensory table you made me for Christmas. You have always been and will always be a thoughtful gift-giver, of which I can never even come close to matching. Even when I think I have done pretty well, you pull out amazing gifts that I didn't even know existed ; ). Thank you for taking so much time and energy in putting the plans together for the sensory table, making it fit into itself, so it can store easily, and making it pretty much just perfect. I have loved playing in it with Logan so far and I look forward to the many fun ideas I can come up with of things to put in!

Love,

Tiff

Christmas Recap

2009-01-06T14:03:00.006-07:00

I think Logan liked Christmas! He especially loved being able to play with all his cousins in Logan and here. He loved being around people! Josh and I also loved being able to spend time with our own little family and our extended family.

Christmas with a toddler was so much fun. The first present he opened would have been fine. We had to keep hiding his previous toys and enticing him to open more presents. Logan's Christmas included a lot of cars and trucks, because that is what he seems to love to play with lately.

It was Josh's idea to get a car mat, and I absolutely love it! Logan likes it too :) We have it out in his room all the time and he loves to drive his new Hot Wheels on it. I like to park them in all the parking stalls. I am learning how to play like boys, I sneak peeks when Josh is playing with Logan to get more ideas.

I wanted to get him this bucket of fake food! It is multicultural food, which means it is the cutest thing you have ever seen. Yesterday we got out all the dishes and food and I helped Logan set our end table in his room. I adore fake food.

Elmo pillow, no Elmo live this year buddy.

We had such a great time, I just love Christmas and the way the Christmas season makes me feel.

If you care to watch Logan open presents.

Playing in the Snow

2008-12-30T13:09:00.002-07:00

Although the snow made it a little tricky to travel to and from Logan last week for some pre-Christmas celebrating, we sure did have a lot of fun playing in all that snow.

Josh really wanted to make an igloo, and we got really close, but we ended up with just a snow fort in the end, still extremely cool.

There is nothing better than laying down in snow and making a snow angel.

I Cry the Day that I take the Tree Down

2008-12-26T14:54:00.003-07:00

The hardest part about Christmas is when it's over. And here it is . . . over, but it was a wonderful Christmas.

The nice thing about technology is I can wish a belated Merry Christmas to all who read our blog, so Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We hope the holidays found you well and you were able to celebrate the birth of our Savior and enjoy a beautiful white Christmas, as we were!

Ho, Ho, Ho Christmas

2008-12-16T12:49:00.003-07:00

Logan was playing and randomly started saying, "Ho, Ho, Ho Christmas", I think it is his impersonation of Santa.

We have been getting ready for Christmas and enjoying what the season brings, especially music, Josh and I were lucky enough to be able to go to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir concert, which was amazing (thanks Sheri!)

It is finally a Winter Wonderland here with lots of snow! I am so excited to bundle Logan up and let his experience it first-hand.

Jolly Old Saint Nicholas

2008-12-08T10:40:00.004-07:00

Logan was pretty excited to see Santa Claus at our ward party this weekend.

"Santa!" This is Logan waiting in line to see Santa.

When we tried to put him on his lap, he was a little nervous, but definitely liked the candy cane!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

2008-12-03T13:07:00.005-07:00

100th Post!

2008-11-19T14:18:00.005-07:00

And Josh and I have been married for 4 years, Wahoo!

I am so lucky to have Josh! He is strong where I am weak and somehow manages to make everything right whenever he's around. Most of all what I love having in him is a best friend. He watches my silly shows with me and makes me feel like the coolest girl around.

In case you don't know how we met . . . be sure to always attend institute, and choir while you're at it.

Josh joined the Orem Institute choir for the summer with a couple of his buddies, mostly to meet some women :) Well, Josh wasn't so lucky, but his friend was and ended up getting married, where Josh was the best man. I came to the wedding reception (I knew Emily from LD Singers, a choir through the Ephraim Institute) . . .

and later Josh hinted that he wouldn't mind being set up on a date with me. 11 months later Josh and I were married! Thanks Jon and Emily!

Oh, What did We do in the Autumn Time?

2008-11-17T12:15:00.011-07:00

The past couple of months has just flown by! Things have been pretty busy or maybe just steady, as I have realized life with a toddler always is. Fall is my favorite season, I just love everything about it.

Here's a couple Highlights:

-We went to Hogle Zoo and Famous Dave's (yum, yum, Josh's favorite!)

-We also took pictures at Utah State, went to the USU Homecoming Parade, and the North Logan Pumpkin Walk when we were up in Logan for Katelyn's 1st birthday party.

-Logan got to go trick-or-treating with his cousins, which he loved!

We just couldn't resist!

The pumpkin walk is always fun, and this was my favorite exhibit. It was a fishing scene including a lake and waterfall made out of pumpkins.

I was able to go to another Early Childhood Conference. This conference was at Salt Lake Community College and Roscoe Orman was the keynote speaker. He talked a lot about the history of Sesame Street and he also said, "You have to imagine something, before you can accomplish it."

I taught in Park City in October and Heber in Novemeber and now I am done for 2 months! I have been teaching for CCR&R for a year, Wahoo!