Christmas 2008

I can't believe Christmas has come and gone so fast. This year we had a much smaller Christmas than we have in the past, and it was so awesome. I think kids get a little overwhelmed with Christmas when it gets to big anyway. We started Christmas Eve with the annual Jensen Christmas party. MaCrae was so excited to Santa this year he was physically shaking when he arrived, because he wanted to sit on his lap. And of course, he was the last kid called up. Ryan and I both got 120GB IPODS from his parents and a new camera from my parents, so I think we did amazing! Ryan kind of didn't have time to go shopping for me, so I drug him out to the mall the day after Christmas and treated myself to shopping trip. I hope everyone else had a great Christmas and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Gorton Family Christmas Party 2008

Gorton Family Christmas Party 2008

Halloween in December

6 months and counting!

I can't believe Madi is 6+ months! Does time go by fast or what? We had the privledge of going to her 6 month check up today and she was amazing. She had 4 shots, and cried for maybe 1/2 a second. I had forgot the Tylenol and Mortin, and of course the Dr. office was out, so she went without. But she is amazing. She has not been cranky for a moment since we left. If anything, she is a little on the extremely happy side today! Her measurements come in at:

Height: 26"

Weight: 12 lbs. 10 oz.

Doc told me she is looking great, but she needs to start chunking up. He thinks she is a little too skinny. If only my doctor would say that to me!! I love her no matter what, and its hard to believe she is smaller than MaCrae at this point, becasue Mac had the hardest time eating, and still does, and she loves to eat. She tries to get a nibble off of everything I eat! Well, hope all is going well for everyone. Sorry my posts have been far inbetween! I guess I will work on that.

A piece of my testimony...

So I just had to share this thought I heard at church today. I can't remember the exact wording, but it went something to this effect: "Heavenly Father doesn't judge you on your trials, he just doesn't want you to give up." Maybe I didn't get the words right, but the thought is still the same, DON'T GIVE UP. No matter how big the storm might be, he will always be there to protect you. I know this is kind of preaching from a soap box, but I truely believe that if we let Heavenly Father be our guide, he will never steer us off course.

MaCrae's first Pumpkin

Family home evening this week was Ryan and MaCrae carving Mac's first pumpkin, and Ryan's first in almost 20 years! I think they did an amazing job, and MaCrae was so proud. We have to light it up every night, and he gives it kisses good night before bed!

So much has been happening since my last post. I wish I had the time to do this more often. Last weekend we had our annual "girls reunion" which was so much fun, thanks for everyone who made it. And thanks to my "special" camera I have no pictures! I was extremely stressed that we had the family gathering at my house, and with my schedule these days I have had NO time to clean or prepare. Last Saturday morning Madi had her first bowl of cereal! And she loved it. I don't know if you can tell from the picture but she couldn't seem to get enough. She was so excited for more each time I gave her a spoon to keep her from grabbing the spoon I was feeding her with. So now she is eating TONS, and has grown so much just since she started on the cereal.

And MaCrae FINALLY is starting to go use the toliet!!! Tuesday night he was in the tub and asked to get out and use the potty. After he went he got off and said "I did it" and threw his hands in the air. I was laughing so hard, and so proud at the same time. The picture I posted of MaCrae was his 1st attempt to pick out his clothes for the day! Not so good. But atleast we were staying home. Hey it could be worse, he could be wearing Thomas the Train shoes!! Oh that's right he has them too! LOL-long story for another day.

2 of a Kind

This last week at daycare MaCrae's class was spotlighted, and they had the parents fill out a fun facts sheet about our child and attach a baby picture. We didn't take professional picutres of MaCrae until he was 6 months old! Poor child!! Anyway, looking at his pictures, Madi looks EXTACTLY like him. The only difference these kids have is their hair color and eye color. But pictures at a young age, you really can't tell what color thier eyes or hair color is unless you are really close up. But anyway, it was crazy how much these 2 look alike. It's a good thing Madi got Ryan's hair color, because he was starting to wonder if these rug-rats were even his! I would add some pictures for evidence, but the pictures I had taken of Mac were done at Sears (will never go back since I know so many amazing photographers now), and I am too lazy to scan them on.

New Calling

So I have a new calling as Activity Day leader of the 8 year old girls! I have somewhat mixed emotions about this calling. I am really excited becasue I get to work with young girls, who are so much fun. But I am still teaching, which I am terrible at doing. So if any of you have fun ideas for activities, or know where I can find some fun ideas, please let me know. Thanks.

and the winner is.....

So thank you to all 5 of you that voted on my poll (for what color to wear for family pictures). I think the winner went to red! BUT, I hate to dissapoint anyone, (you know those 4 other friends I have), but I found a really cute shirt for Madi on BabyGAP.com (my new favorite and most visited website!!) and I am going with a different color. So I spent literally hours searching stores for clothes to match for the rest of us to wear (online stores of course). And believe it or not, I am the only one who doesn't have any yet! But I am really picky when it comes to clothing. I hardly ever order without trying it on and seeing it first, becasue 9 out of 10 times, I end up hating it, or it doesn't fit. So I guess it's off to the mall this week for me. Oh dang!! I was going to post a picture of Madi's shirt I got, but I will leave you all in suspence until our pictures are taken. So anyways, thanks to my 5 voters!

I sold my first e-bay auction!! I ordered a pair of True Religion Jeans and I wasn't a huge fan. I kept them for a while, trying them on every so often, but they just didn't look very good on me. They were the strecth jeans, and I am not a huge fan of TIGHT jeans. Fitted, yes, but tight, no. So I decided they were not for me. So I mail them off to my buyer tomorrow! What a little e-bayer I am!! But don't worry, I ordered me a new pair with my money. Ryan has been such a sweet heart with my shopping trips lately. I have lost so much weight since Madi was born I don't have much to wear. And I give my clothes away so often, that I had nothing left in my current size. He is so proud of me, I have officially reached my goal weight! Cake and ice cream all around. That's what has been so weird about losing my weight though, I seriously have not "dieted" at all. I just cut out about 95% of my sugar intake, and wha-la! But, then again, my prior eating habits consisted of candy, candy, candy!

Thursday night I went to a Lia Sophia Jewelry party, and can I say FUN!! I could seriously have bought every piece of jewelry! This isn't an actual picture of what I ordered, but I thought it was pretty. So all you ladies out there, I am hosting a party on Wed. Oct 22 (I think that's the right date) so please let me know if you are interested and I will send you out an invite. But just beware, it's hard to decide what to buy. It was also really fun because I got to see all my friends I use to work with at Townesquare Dental. Oh the memories!!

WEEKLY UPDATE

Things at work are going great! One thing about insurance, there's ALWAYS work to be done. I love it, even dealing with frustrating insurance companies! Anyway, MaCrae has recently become famous at daycare. They cannot believe how smart this kid is. He knows all his letters, numbers, shapes, and colors! But for those who know MaCrae very well, I haven't sat down and taught him these things. He doesn't sit still long enough for me to teach him anything but songs while we are in the car. So anyway, they had a blast with him Friday at daycare taking him around the building, pointing at things, and letting him tell them what shape, color, number, or letter it was. This kid is so smart, if only I could channel his brains to productive work!! And Madi had her 4 month check up on Wed. She weighed in at a whopping 11lbs and 24 1/4" long. She's only gained 1 lb in the last 2 months!! I thought that was kind of a shocker, because she looks so big to me, but the doc said she is growing beautifully. And he was so amazed at how happy she was, and how well she handled herself and moved around for her age. MaCrae was quite early for his age too, so I am getting a little nervous that these 2 masterminds might one day turn on me!! Just kidding, I love them to pieces, that's probably why I love to brag on them. And for those of you who don't know yet, I pierced Madi's ears! I did it almost 2 months ago, and was going to post a picture, but I just couldn't get a good picture of them. The rhinestones glared, and then I couldn't get her head positioned just right. Anyway, I think it looks so cute!

So much has gone on since my last post. Where, oh where to begin? Last week I was crazy busy running all sorts of erronds, trying to get things ready for camping that weekend. Thursday morning I got a call from my dentsist office asking me to come in for an interview! So after a full day of lunch with Steff, meeting up with Julie (her daughter Brinkley is ADORABLE!) and running home to change, I made it. Came home from the interview and went to dinner with Ryan's parents. Friday I was up bright and early for a working interview, came home packed the camper and headed up to Island Park. Of course every one who goes camping knows, the day you come home (which was Monday) is full of laundry!! And cleaning the camper. So bright and early Tuesday morning I started my first day at work as the new Insurance Administrator at Couch Comfort Dental! I am officially employed. I love my children more than anyone could ever imagine, but I just was not a good stay at home mom. I only work 4 days a week, so I am full time with benefits, but I get an extra day home with the kids. And I love it. I kinda feel guilty for taking the easy way out and leaving my kids at the daycare, but I needed this more than I realized. And MaCrae is having so much fun playing with the other kids. And no one at Madi wants to give her back when I pick the kids up. She is such a cutie, the older girls love to play with her and get her laughing, smiling, and cooing. So this last week was my first full week, so things around the house where kind of put aside to get adusted. Ryan was not so thrilled about me going back to work. He knew I really wanted to, but he thought I would wait until Madi was older. Call me a terrible mom, but I was ready. And I don't regret my decision for a minute. So if anyone is looking for an awesome dentist, come visit me at Dr. Couch and Dr. Harper's office!!

I know it has been a while since last posted, and probably longer since I have checked all of your blogs, and I appologize. I know that summer has been crazy for everyone, with no exception of myself. This might seem like a dumb post to a lot of you, but very helpful for all my readers with little babies. I have been looking for size 6-9 and 9-12 month long sleeve onesies. Not like the fashion onesies, but white ones. And I finally found them at Fred Meyer. So a little heads up to everyone, they are also having really good sales for kids fall/winter clothes. Like 40-50% their clothing and they will give you a extra 15% off coupon at the register!! Be careful though, if you are like me, things add up faster that I think. Anyway. Better posts to come. Hope you are all enjoying the summer.

New Camera

So I made some bows for Madi last night, and I hate to brag, but they are SO CUTE! I was going to take a picture and show everyone, but I just found out my camera is broken. I am so mad, but kinda of glad at the same time. I really want a new camera anyway. So I am calling for all of you to help me. Tell me what you think is a good, or bad, camera, where I can get it and all that jazz. I would appreciate your help.

Okay, so my recipe idea didn't work out so great! Between me being too busy to post recipes (I hardly have enough to post on this blog!) and everyone else being too busy to get me the recipes, I just think I am going to bag it! But, I do want you to still send me recipes. I am in need of some new dinners. Thanks for the recipes I did get so far.

Madison's Blessing

Yes, I know this is late, but better late than never! We blessed Madi on June 15, Father's Day. It was such an awesome day, and I thank all my family for being there. Even my sister Becky was able to be there, which meant the world to me. We had a great turn out, and an awesome BBQ after. Thanks to master chef Ryan on the grill!

All about MaCrae

So I have been so caught up it posting pictures of Madi that I feel like MaCrae deserves a post all to himself. I can't believe how big Mac is getting. We have made some changes at our home, and I can't believe what a difference it has made. First, when Mac does something I don't aprove of I get down at his eye level and pull him into me tight, almost hugging him, and talk to him instead of get mad. He has seemed to respond to this very well. The 2nd big change is keeping junk food out of our house. I know anyone who has been over knows what a junk food junkie I am. I love my sweets, so I have really cut back. I stopped buying any snacks that MaCrae eats regularly. So now when he looks in the pantry there is nothing to choose but raisins, bananas, string cheese, or crystal light (to drink of course!). I do keep some of his snacks hidden, so he can have them in the car or while I shop. And then today he asked if he could go potty on "daddy's toliet". So we took his clothes off and he sat on the toliet for atleast 15 minutes. He couldn't seem to go so he got off and I kept him naked so he might still get back on. About 2 minutes after he got off he had an accident. He felt really bad. But he is trying, and it was his idea, so I think we are getting somewhere. I really love my buddy! He might be a hand full, but I don't know what I would do if I didn't have him. He LOVES baseball. And he is actually getting pretty dang good!
He loves his train set. Cars, trains, and planes for this kid. What a boy.
Mac's new favorite food. Watermelon! He learned this trick off his Elmo Potty Show!! And isn't his shirt cool. My sister gave it to him when she came to visit. It is way big, so it is my favorite night shirt for him. Thanks Bec.

So today has been such a terrible day I decided I need to think of something that I can be positive about. And of course, I can always be thankful for my awesome friends. It is so fun to get together and just sit and talk. Thanks for all the fun times we have had recently. So I have included a few pictures that I was suppose to post a few weeks ago. Madi (left), Olivia (bottom right), and Paige (top right). How cute are they! It was hard to pick which picture to post because we could never catch their attention, all at the same time.
Madi, Olivia, and Paige again. Madi is wearing a bubble outfit, and the clothing stands by it's name, she looks like a bubble. But the cutest dang bubble I have ever seen! We couldn't stop laughing at Olivia when trying to get this picture. In every one I took her mouth is open wide. She was so happy she couldn't help herself. I do feel bad, there was one of these pictures that turned out so stinkin cute, and I accidently deleted it. Yeah, I was pretty bummed.
And I just couldn't help but post this picture of Paige. It was seriously the cutest moment.

My Call for Help

So I am sure that I am not the only one with this problem: I know how to make a few breakfasts, lunches, or dinners really well. Or I have my favorites, but am stumped at what to make between these "special meals." Lately when I try something at a BBQ or anywhere I go really, I will ask for the recipe of something I end up liking. So I thought it would be fun to start a shared recipe box. I hope you will all help me out, bloggers and non-bloggers, friends and strangers. I know you all have delious recipes that I would love to try, and make available to everyone else. If you don't want them shared with everyone please let me know, but I would really appreciate some ideas. If you would like to add a picture with the recipe, that would be great! So please, oh please, share your recipes. I don't care if they are original or from Betty Crocker. If we all share just one a week, think how many awesome recipes we could have!! The Recipe Box blog is now in a work of progress, so please be patient. If anyone would like to help design this blog let me know (obviously I'm not the most creative person!)

Mac and Gavin at the Water Park

Mac and Gavin at the Water Park Cont...

Believe it or not but this was our first time at the Rexburg water park! And it is so fun. I wish I would have known how cool it was, and I would have worn a swimsuit or something that I could play in. Gavin was a lot more into it than Mac at first. Mac was too scared to leave my side. But thanks to April (Gavin's mom) Mac warmed up to the water. But once they found the carousel (don't mind my spelling, you can figure it out!) the water park was not cool enough. At first I took the kids on to sit on the horses, and thought it was the perfect time for pictures. Then they started the ride on us, so we got a free ride! The kids loved it, and the weather was perfect. Thank goodness for playdates!!

Madi's Update

Madi is 9 weeks and 2 days old. We had her 2 month check up today and she weighs in at 10 lbs. and 23 inches long. Not only is she growing, but she is starting to show her fun personality. She is all smiles and loves to laugh with me. Her pediatrician even commented on what a happy baby she is. I know I sure love her and cannot believe how fast she is growing up. But she also had her first shots today, and it didn't go so well. She screamed louder than I have ever heard her scream. I felt terrible, and it took a minute of holding, cuddling, and kissing her to calm down. Poor babies! They did give her one vaccine orally, a new thing I guess. I wish they could all be done that way. Easy and painless.

Delicious Chicken Enchiladas

Cut up 1 onion and microwave for 2 minutes. Add 1 can chopped green chilies, 3 cups shredded or cut up chicken, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 can Cream of Chicken, and 3/4 small can sliced black olives (optional, we prefer without). Mix. Soften 12-18 (I use 18) corn tortillas with hot oil (about 4 seconds each side). Blot dry. Fill each shell with about 2 tbsp. chicken mixture and shredded Monteray Jack Cheese. Roll up. Pour 2 cans (14 oz. each) Green Chili Enchilada Sauce (I like the Hatch brand) over rolled up enchiladas. Top with cheese and remaining sliced olives. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

My visiting teaching companion made these for us after I had Madi, and they were so good I had to get the recipe. We love them and they are not that hard to make. Well worth the effort. I made them for dinner tonight, and wanted to include a picture, but the picture wasn't worth looking at! But they are so yummy, so try the recipe and tell me what you think.

NO MORE DAYCARE!!

Maybe once a week, or once every other week I take Mac to daycare so I can go shopping and and have some away time. Well yesterday was one of my alone days, but I had a terrible experience with the daycare. I will not say the name of the daycare, and if I affend anyone who might be affiliated with the daycare, I'm sorry. But I am a very upset mother. So, I pull into the daycare to pick Mac up and get out of the car when I hear "mommy, mommy." I immediately know it's Mac, but I was very suprised to see him. I look around, and there is nobody in front of the daycare with him! So I talk to him for a good 30-60 seconds before we go inside to get his diaper bag. I walk in and the owner is looking at me with big eyes, and asks if Mac was outside!! Are you kidding me, no one was even going out to look for him! I know my kid is a hand full, and that he moves fast. That is why I PAY someone to watch him so I can have a break. I was so mad, and still am furious. I haven't recieved any apology, just excuses as to why he was outside by himself. It takes only seconds for accidents to happen, especially on a busy road. I am just very lucky I showed up when I did. I love Mac so much, and if something happened to him I would probably never forgive myself. So, obviously Mac will never be going back to that particular daycare, and I hope that nobody else ever has to experience something like that.

My Family

Create your own family sticker graphic at pYzam.com

Camping for the 4th

4th of July weekend was full of fun. We loaded up and headed off to Island Park with our camper on Thursday. Saturday morning we went to the lake for Jet skiing and Sunshine. Instead we got jet skiing and a lot of wind so we didn't stay as long as we would have liked. MaCrae fell off the deck without a life jacket, and Brian (Ryan's brother-in-law) was able to pull him out by his leg. It was very scary, but we are safe, and learned quickly that the kids keep their life jackets on at all times.
Most of the family got up early Friday morning and went through Yellowstone Park, Ryan and Mac included. But I have struggled with waking up lately so Madi and I slept in until 9:30! That doesn't happen very often. But I must say that Madi has supprised us early and started sleeping through the night. At first I thought it might be a one night fluke, but she has been consistent for the past week. She will have a bottle between 9 and 10 at night and wake up around 6 the next morning. Yes, Madi has spoiled me, she is a wonderful baby. And adorable too! Anyway. The group that went through the park saw 4 bears had a ton of fun.
I gave MaCrae his first lesson at driving a big boy 4-wheeler. The small 4-wheeler makes me look huge, and I am sure lots of on-lookers had a good laugh, but Mac loved it. And he was actually very good at driving.
Mac was either on a 4-wheeler or his bike almost the whole time. The first night we were there he was on his bike until almost 11! Yes, this kid never stops.
And of course, we had to get a picture of Mom and Madi on her first camping trip. But don't you worry, we are not even close to roughing it. We even have direct T.V. and of course a flat screen in our camper. what can I say, I like Ryan's style of camping! We had such an amazing time. I have to thank Ryan for letting me sleep in every morning, some much needed rest. Madi also had a first moment. I had her on my bed this morning and I heard her restling around, so I look over and she has rolled onto her side, so I walk over to her and just wait. She rolled over to her belly just for me to swoop her up so she didn't fall off. She is just growing up too fast. I am just glad for her big smiles and "coo's". Being a mom really is awesome.

Time! What time?!

I know that just about everyone can relate, but life feels like it has been turned upside down. I felt like I was handling 2 kids fairly well, and all of a sudden time has passed so fast and nothing has gotten done. Laundry is never done, dishes are piling up faster than I can keep up with, and beds are not getting made! Where does the time go. I barely have time to get on the computer anymore. So for all of my fellow bloggers, I have been struggling. Hopefully I will find some time again for blogging. Free time, what is that?!

This morning I took Mac and Madi to Idaho Falls to do a little shopping. Just before heading for home I started feeling really funny. I couldn't really tell what was wrong, I just didn't feel right. I decided to make one last stop at Micheal's. I noticed as a walked into the store that my vision was going fuzzy. I tried to ignore it thinking my eyes just hadn't adjusted from the sunlight. But on the ride home it was getting worse. I wanted to pull over and call Ryan, but Ryan was playing in a golf tournament, and I didn't know what to do. So I figured I better hurry home before it got any worse. I couldn't concentrate on anything, and I felt like I was going to fall asleep at the wheeland my head was throbbing. I was so nervous to drive home becasue I had the kids with me, and I didn't know what was going on. It wasn't until this evening that it dawned on me what was going on. I was having a migrane! I started having migranes towards the end of this last pregnancy, but it was just severe headaches. Today, on the other hand, was the full-blown migrane. Lucky for me I have a perscription for it, and I am feeling so much better tonight. So for anyone out there who has had a migrane, no fun! I just hope this isn't a reaccuring incident.

So tonight Ryan and I had a banquet dinner for the member-guest golf tournament. Ryan invited one of his old friends to play with him, and they smoked thier competition. I am so proud of my husband. He is such an amazing golfer. It's fun to listen to people talk about him and how good he is at golf. Between the two of us we have 6 state golf championships. (Ryan has 4 and I have 2). I am glad that we both love to golf. When we were first married I would play terrible with him becasue I was so nervous and intimidated. Now, however, I would rather just watch him play. Well, enough chit-chat, I better get to bed. I did find my camera in my stroller today, so I will post pictures of the air show and Madi's blessing soon.

Weekend Review

Last weekend was so full of fun, and I have lost my camera, so I can't post any pictures. Please everyone pray that I find it. So my sister has been staying with us since last Tuesday, and it has been so much fun. The two of us are so different, yet we get along so well. I love having her here. So the rest of my family showed up to spend time with Becky and for Madison's baby blessing Sunday. We spent the majority of Saturday at the air show in Rexburg. I have never been to an air show before, and it was so neat. MaCrae had so much fun. You can only imagine how much this little boy liked the planes, even the really loud ones. (The air force base in Mountain Home has a huge air show in September that is suppose to be even better than this one, so we are already planning on it!) After the air show we all came back to my house and my parents cooked steaks and dutch oven potatoes. Yum-O. Sunday morning was Madison's blessing and it went so well. We had a BBQ after, and I have to thank everyone who helped. It was so much fun to have all my family together. So hopefully I find my camera so I can share all the fun pictures of the air show and Madi's blessing.

I haven't posted in only like 5 days and it feels like so much has happened. MaCrae thinks that he needs to ride in the baby carrier again. Sorry Mac, a little too big!! When we go to the mall (which is way too often) he also thinks he needs to ride in the stroller to.
Mac helping Daddy mow the lawn. Ryan didn't realize his bobbing head was asleep until he about crashed completely over on the steering wheel.
Girls night out. Last night me, Becky (my sister and Jen's mom), and Jen went out to dinner at the Texas Rhodehouse (yumm-o) and saw Sex and the City The Movie. I was never a huge fan of the show, in fact I think I have watched maybe 2 or 3 episodes on the CW channel, but I actually liked it. A little racy, no I should say a lot racy, but good. I wouldn't recommened this show to anyone without an open mind. But it made me laugh and cry. There were only 6 people in the movie including us, and one of them happened to be an older gentleman all alone. Sorry but it was kinda funny that he would want to see it. We were the first people in the theater, yet the other couple and single man had to sit in the row in front of us and behind us. Come on, give us some room. Thanks Becky and Jen for a fun night out, and a much needed one too! When didn't get home until 1, and I stayed up and talked to Ryan for at least another 2 hours. But lucky for me Madi only woke up once last night at 5:30. Love her, and hope she keeps up the good nights.
A friend of mine gave this shirt to Mac as a gift when she brought over a gift for Madi, and Mac thought it was so cool becasue it had tools on it. So this morning he had to find his tool belt and gear up! How cute. And since I wasn't with him at all last night I really missed him and spent some quality time with him. But it is now 10 a.m. and I am ready for a break!! Yeah, I am slowly getting out of the baby blues.

Another Favorite

I thought I would share with all of you my favorite snack. I don't know why I love them so much, I just do. They aren't real sugary or salty. And they are so dang addicting. I can go through a large bag in a week! Not only are they yummy, they are inexpensive and low in fat! And now they have them in Chocloate and Cinnamon. Yeah for Stauffer's Animal Crackers.

So I have made it 2 days now without crying! I know that sounds crazy, but last week was pretty hard on me. I realized that I had not been using the hormone balancing cream on regular basis. So Saturday night after my last big fall apart I decided to really give this stuff a try. And I am feeling amazing. I even made my bed and took both kids grocery shopping; and not once did I want to yell at MaCrae or cry! So I decided I would post of few of my favorite Arbonne products. The first of course is the Hormone cream. I swear by this stuff to also help with infertility and acne.

The second favorite is the kids multi-vitamins. It is a powder that I can add to Mac's juice. And he loves it. Since Mac is such a picky eater, and hardly ever does eat, I know that he is getting some of the essential nutriets.

And my 3rd favorite product(s) are their body butters. The newest scent has become my favorite, Vivacious. This amazing lotion incorporates many yum-o scents including coconut, passion fruit, guava, and pineapple.And speaking of favorites, Bath and Body Works is having thier summer clearance sale. $5 wallflowers, $3 lotions and body washes, and more!

Another first

Lucky for us MaCrae is not allergic to bees! One of his favorite past times is flicking bees off the dandelions in our back yard. Yes, we have dandelions thanks to our neighbors. We have had our yard treated, but there are still some lingering. Anyway, yesterday I caught Mac trying to catch bees. When I went outside to stop him he picked a bee up and showed me what a cool find he had. Well, later that day when he decided to come inside I noticed that he had been stung below his left eye. Apparently it didn't hurt too bad because he never cried or complained about it. I did try to take a picture of it, but I needed to change the batteries in my camera, and with the little time and effort I have, I decided not to. But bee sting sting or not he is a cute kid.

Friends

I want to give a shout out to all my friends, and say thank you. Thank you for the fun times we have had, the fun times to come, and everything between. I had such a great time at our "playdate" today, it just made me realize what awesome friends I have. Thank you so much Jodie for letting us come over and play. The salad was amazing! Yum-o. MaCrae had so much fun, he couldn't stop talking about the sheep and goat the rest of the day. And when bedtime came around, he didn't even put up a fight. Of course, he played pretty dang hard, I think he wore all of us out just watching him. And thank you to everyone there for being so patient with him. He just can't seem to catch on to the concept of being gentle around babies. But we are working on it. Anyway, it was so nice to get out of the house and socialize today.

Baby Blues

So Madi has been a great baby, as far as she wines only when she is hungry, has a wet/dirty diaper, or has a belly ache. But MaCrae on the other hand has been driving INSANE!! I love the kid, but right now I don't know if I can handle it. I have to make MaCrae take a nap now, even though he has been going without one for a while now. If I don't give him a nap he is mean, really mean all afternoon. But if he takes a nap he is up until 9:30 at night. Well, last Friday he was having one of his usual mean afternoons, and I lost it. I don't remember what he threw at me but I lost it. I drug him to his room and was so close to physically hurting him it was scary. I ran out grabbed Madi and locked myself in my bedroom for an almost 2 hours, crying. It was a good thing Jen was here to watch him, because I didn't care anymore. Ryan got home, and was so mad at MaCrae he put him right to bed (it was like 6:00), took Madi to his mom's, and took me out to dinner. It was so nice to get out, without any kids. I know there are a lot of mom's out there that must think I am an unfit parent, but life gets pretty hard after 2 weeks of little sleep, a messy house, and a 2 years old who refuses to listen! I have started using Arbonne's hormone cream, to hopefully help me through these baby blues, so good luck to me.

Pictures

Here are just a few of my favortie picutres. There are way too many to post. And they are all in color, chocolate, and I am having some done in antique. So you can imagine that trying to decide which pictures I want to print, in what color, and where I am going to put them all is quite a big decision. I am going to redecorate a wall in my living room so I can put pictures up, it just might take me a while. I am a freak about putting things on my walls if I don't intend on them staying for a long time.