Weekend Fun...

We had a great weekend. Friday morning I started thinking about the Circus... I had heard of a couple people going and decided to look into getting tickets. I found some cheap $10.00 tickets on Craigslist for later that evening. We headed downtown as soon as Scott got home from work, ate dinner at the Gateway mall, walked around for a little while (it was perfect weather!) and then walked over to the Circus. When we first walked in Jackson was a little scared, okay maybe alot scared... but with good reason, there was alot going on! Loud music, bright flashing lights, weird people in crazy costumes doing extra crazy things, Jack had a good grip on Scott and was not about to let go. But he soon relaxed and got into the fun of it all. He was dancing, clapping, oooing and ahhhing. I think Clara was pretty into it also - well until she fell asleep about 20 minutes into it. Good thing she is young enough to sleep through just about anything still. Anyways - all in all it was a really fun evening and I am glad I made the spur of the moment decision to take our little family out there.
*Unfortunately I forgot my camera, so no fun pics. But I am sure you all can imagine the craziness of the circus!

Saturday was a nice break for us. Scott has been working alot lately and we haven't had much time for us to all be together. We started the morning off with donuts and juice... then Scott headed off to the gym while I took the kids on a walk. We spent the rest of the afternoon watching football - which normally I would be complaining about the football - but it was actually pretty fun. Jackson is starting to get way into it. He loves to play with his football while he watches it on TV and he crouches down and hikes it just they do... it is pretty hilarious!

We decided to get out of the house and headed over to Old Navy. They were doing a great sale - where if you spent over $100 you got 40% off. Plus we had a $20 coupon to spend. So total we spent $110... but only paid $40... hoo-ray for saving money!

As soon as we got home, I rushed to get ready and ran out the door to the Relief Society General Broadcast. I went with some friends in the ward. It was my first time going and I really enjoyed it. It was fun to go with some friends and nice to listen to some speakers without dealing with my kids. And I loved President Uchtdorfs talk!

Sunday we made it to chruch, only 5 minutes late rather than our usual 10 minutes... at least we made it, right? After church our awesome! neighbors, Jessie and Taylor had us over for dinner and we spent the evening talking and laughing and enjoying some delicious food (thanks guys!).

As we got into bed last night, we reviewed our fun weekend. Nothing too crazy, but a perfect relaxing family filled weekend. It doesn't get any better than that.

Careful what you wish for...

Have you ever watched someone with their kids and said, "I will NEVER do that"... or seen the way they handle a situation and thought, "I would do things so differently"...? I know we all have. Honestly, I have probley done that a million times. Well, I am starting to eat my "thoughts"....

I'm just going to be blunt here:

1. I once heard my mom talk about how she tried and tried to get my lil bro Miles to take a pacifier but he wanted absolutley nothing to do with it. Inside I thought - you didn't push hard enough. You can make any baby take a paci you just keep putting in their mouth and eventually they will suck. WAY WRONG. I have now been doing that for 2 months, and I can tell you - if they don't want it - they. do. not. want. it. There is no forcing.

2. When my sister Candice had her baby, she mentioned that he didn't really like his carseat and he was always crying in the car. I thought to myself, how could a baby not like a carseat. Especially when the car is moving - every baby loves their carseat! WRONG AGAIN. Clara doesn't care for her carseat either. Whether we are out driving or on a walk or in the grocery store - she wants out!

Those are just 2 examples of what has already happened, but here are some of what I think may soon come my way...

1. Light sleeper? Please, if you make alot of noise from day one when they sleep they will be a heavy sleeper.... reality.... they are what they are.

2. Picky eater? I will fight this until my hair falls out, BUT I have always said if you introduce a food enough to a child they will eventually eat it and grow to "hopefully" enjoy it. Especially while they are young. Will I soon eat my words on this one? I fear I will, but cross my fingers that I won't.............

3. Organization and cleanliness. I'm just going to say it, I am a clean freak! My kids will be clean because I train them that way, right? Or... will I be doomed with kids like Scott that will shove everything in the closet just so that mom thinks it is clean? (Yes, he has done that since we have been married).

Be careful what you say and think - because most of the time, its gonna come right back at ya.

Grocery Shopping In Style...

A new Harmons just opened in Draper. It is about a 10 minute drive from my house, and well worth the drive. It is the most incredible grocery store I have ever been to. It started with a FHE night with some friends. They asked us to go out for Gelato, at Harmons. We went and could not believe how nice it was. They have a little cafe with Gelato - we got some and went upstairs to a lounge that had chairs and couches and talked while we ate our ice cream.

What else makes this grocery store so special?
* They have a kitchen upstairs where you can take cooking classes - that is currently on my "to do list".
* The best selection of cheese I have ever seen. No not cheddar cheese... all the delicious random cheeses that most people have never heard of. I grew up with a mom that was always bringing home a variety of cheese. I loved it, and I love cheese.
* Not only is the selection of cheese amazing, but they have stations set up where you can taste all different kinds. (Yes, like Costco).
* Plus they have stations set up through out the store with different foods to taste. Again, just like costco.
* Delicious artisan bread - and of course the artisan bread goes great with almost any kind of cheese.

It is the cleanest and nicest grocery store I have ever been to. If you have never been - check it out, even if you are not close - it is well worth the drive.

Another fabulous find with Grocery Stores.... The Sunflower Farmers Market! My sister Melissa that lives in Denver told me about it. They have one there and that is where she shops for all her fruits and vegetables. So, I was so excited when I was looking through my mail and saw an add for one that just opened in Provo. I went out the next day and well, I am hooked. It is a long drive, about 20 minutes - but again so worth it!

Why?
* Most of the fruit and vegetables are grown locally. Support your local farmers, right?
* This leads to the next very important factor - cheap! Cheap as in price but not quality.
* Sooooo good. Fresh and delicious.
* Has lasted longer than other fruits and vegetables I have bought other places. I am not sure if this is due to less traveling time...? But my fruits and vegetables have now lasted 1 1/2 weeks and are still looking great.
* Just to give you an idea of price, I got all of this for $30.00... squash, zuccinni, artichokes, bananas, cauliflower, tomatoes, lettuce, apples, grapes, grapefruit, milk, yogurt, and juice. Not bad right?

For those of you that live in Utah around Provo or the Draper area, be sure to check these stores out. Let me know what you think!

Baby Laundry

I posted earlier about my sister-in-law and friend starting up a baby line called Baby Laundry. If you don't remember or missed the post it was the one with the adorable Minky Blankets, you can look back on my blog a few weeks and see the posting. Or just look at almost any picture of Clara and you will see some of the blankets that I bought from them.

Anyways, I wanted to let you all know about their blog they have started. They have posted some of their products on it and some of the options of fabrics for the minky blankets. If you are interested in something, they have their e-mail on the blog and you can place an order through e-mail.

Check it out. They have so many cute and fun fabrics to customize whatever you want for your little baby. OR you can even order an adult size and have the most snuggly soft blanket for yourself!

http://babylaundryandmore.blogspot.com/

I think he loves me...

Thursday and Friday nights were a little tough on Jack. He woke up both nights freaking out. Why? I am still not sure. But both nights I went in and whatever I tried to do - was way wrong! He would kick and scream and cry, ugh... for me, it was a disaster. But of course, the minute Scott came in, Jack was happy. Scott set me off to bed and he stayed up to deal with our lovely child. Thank you #1 to My Love.

Thursday night I had both kids in bed, washed my face, brushed my teeth, went down stairs and what was Scott doing? Setting up my massage table. He gave me a full body massage and let me pick a show of my choice... which was... the latest episode of 90210. Which by the way - I am loving this show, but I feel like it is a copy cat version of The O.C. ...? Thank you #2.

Saturday morning I woke up to Scott and Jack bringing me breakfast in bed. As I looked at the clock I realized it was 8:30 - so on top of breakfast in bed, I was able to sleep in! What was on my breakfast tray? 1/2 a grapefruit, the best and very healthy power pancakes, peanut butter and syrup to make my pancakes not so healthy, my new favorite Ruby Red Crystal Light, and sliced bananas. Quite the breakfast, eh? Thank you #3.

Scott had to work Saturday for a few hours. He came home to a very fussy 2 month old and what did he do? Picked her right up from my arms and started walking the house with her. Did I ask him to? No. Was he exausted from his long day, and long week? Yes. But he did it anyways. Thank you #4.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I think my husband loves me.

Jacks 1st Day of School!

I joined a Joy School group with some other moms in my ward. Most the kids are the same age as Jack 2 1/2, although one is 3 and one is almost 4 - so 2 of them are a little older. I think 2 1/2 is a little young to be in a school group - but we all just figure if anything it will help the kids with their playing/friend skills.

Growing up my mom always made us a sign on our first day of school. The morning of we would color it while we ate breakfast and then go outside and take pictures. I love the tradition and it is a good way to keep track of each new school year. I decided to carry it on with Jacks first day of Joy School. The first week went great. He loved it and has been asking to go to school every day since his last - that's a good sign right? When I dropped him off, he gave me a big hug, I was worried he was going to get attached and not let me leave, but he quickly noticed all the fun toys and let go of me and said, "bye mommy"!

We went out yesterday and bought him his very first school backpack. It is a Thomas the Train and he looks so cute with it on. When Scott came home Jack put it on and showed it to him - Scott got all teary eyed. It was so cute. I guess it's just that Jack is growing up so fast and especially with little Clara in the house we realize how much he has grown. It all goes by so quick!

So my little Jack is now gone every Tuesday and Thursday for 3 hours. It is a nice break. I can run errands with just Clara and not have 2 to deal with - or I can enjoy my time at home with just one child - cook, clean, relax - I need this time to gather myself back together. I think it is good for moms to miss their kids, it helps us realize how much we really do love having them around. I know that often times I get stuck in a "mommy rut" and have a hard time feeling grateful for the two most precious things in my life - my kids. But this time away makes me realize the joy they really are and although my life is chaos with them and I rarely have time for myself - they are worth every second of it and I am glad I have them.

AJ Baby Blessing

Candice and Adam blessed little AJ in church on Sunday, September 8th. He looked so adorable in his little bubble that my mom made for him (we are blessed with a very talented mother as a seamstress, and she sews all the boy bubbles and girl dresses for their blessing day... and they are incredible!). It was such a fun day, long, but fun!

Their church started at 9:00 am... from there we went to my Grandma's house for brunch... then to the temple to walk around and kill some time... then to Candice and Adams house... and finally we celebrated the day with an incredible dinner that the Neff family put on.

Candice, AJ, and Adam.The men in front of the temple. Miles, Uncle Greg, Scott, and my dad.

Melissa came into town with the kids to celebrate the fun weekend with my family. Jack and Henry had a lot of fun running around the temple grounds together... throwing dirt in the water... and I think Henry even got in the water at one point.
We managed to get the whole group together for a pic in front of the temple. Considering that we placed it on top of a stroller and set the timer, I don't think the picture turned out too bad.
Our official first family picture!
Adams brother and his wife blessed their baby girl the same day as AJ was blessed. They are just 2 weeks apart and in they are all in the same ward so they figured it would work out best. Everybody's friends and family went over to Adams Grandmas for dinner and it was awesome. Dutch oven enchiladas, salads, endless amounts of fruit, and to top it off endless amounts of ice cream!

All of the kids were loving their ice cream cones and they all looked so adorable eating it at the little tables.
This is my little neice - Jetta. She really loved her ice cream cone.... yummy chocolate!Congratulations Candice and Adam. AJ is so adorable and it was so fun celebrating the day with you!

Canning = Messy Fun

I finished the peaches and the salsa. They both turned out great.

The peaches are delicious and I wish I would have done more because the way Jackson eats them, we could go through a jar a day. They were so easy to do... a good start for those that are new to canning.

The salsa was alot of work. Alot of chopping, measuring, tasting and guessing. It worked out and I think it tastes pretty good for a first timer... I guess the real test will be how fast people eat it?

I think I will take a break from canning for now. It's so much work and sooo messy! If any of you have any favorite things you can or recipes that you follow please let me know. Good luck to all you first timers... like myself... it's fun but takes alot of work.

Kitchen Duty

The past few days I have decided to get a little creative in my kitchen. I have taken on a couple new projects and it has been so fun!

Project #1: Homemade bread
Project #2: Freezer Jam. One batch with sugar and one batch sugar free.

I have never made my own bread before. I have bought the already prepared mixes and thrown it into my breadmaker and done that, but never on my own. I got a new recepie from a friend of mine and decided to give it a try. It was so easy and so worth it! It was delicious!

Here is the delicious Wheat Bread recipe:

3 c. water
1/2 c. honey
1 tbsp saf-instant yeast
*grease 1/2 c. measuring cup before putting honey in (this allows the honey to slip right out). mircrowave honey and water for 1 minute. sprinkle yeast on top and allow to sit while you prepare the following.

Mix in a Kitchen Aid:
7 c. flour
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp dough enhancer
1/4 tsp dough enhancer

add:
1/4 c. oil
water/honey/yeast mixture

Mix for 7 minutes on medium-low
Oil hands and counter tops and punch dough down.
Divide into 3 loafs (I did 2 and that worked fine)
Let rise 1 1/2 hours
Bake at 350 for 35 min.

*Special note: Watch your mixer carefully. My friend that gave me the recipe, wasn't paying attention and her mixer went off the counter and broke!

I have never made freezer jam either. But my Grandpa brought me a huge bag of peaches from his tree so I decided to put them to good use and give this freezer jam a try. I made a peach-strawberry batch with the whole 4 cups of sugar (yes, 4 cups) and then did another batch of plain strawberry sugar free. Most people say the sugar free is bitter tasting - but I actually liked it better than the one with sugar.

For 2 days my kitchen was a complete disaster. Food was everywhere, my floors were sticky, Jack kept himself busy playing in the sink, so water was everywhere. But it was well worth it. It was fun to try some new things and everything turned out really good.

So above is a picture of my kitchen looking like a total disaster. And below is a picture of what it normally looks like. And honestly, my kitchen is "almost" this clean all the time. I can't stand a messy kitchen!
I know alot of you keep asking for pics of our new house. I will get some up soon, I promise. For now - here is my kitchen.

More kitchen projects this week (or next): Canning. I am going out to my Grandpas to pick more peaches and will can whatever I get from him. After that I am going to attempt the salsa. I am not too worried about the peaches but the salsa requires a little bit more work. I have had some help and directions from some friends so I think I will take on the challenge. Wish me luck!

Pacifier Please?

We have quickly been learning that Clara is very very different from Jackson.

Clara:
1. Will not take a pacifier

2. Loves to be held
3. Hates to be put down
4. Loves to be wrapped up tight
5. Likes to cry
6. Has a very very fussy time at night
7. Is very nipple picky (recently stopped taking her bottles that I started giving her at 2 weeks! But thankfully a friend gave me some of her bottles and nipples to try and we found one that so far she is liking - keep your fingers crossed she sticks with it!)

Jack:
1. Was addicted to his pacifier
2. Loved to sit in his swing, vibrating chair, and lay in his crib
3. Liked to be left alone
4. Hated being wrapped up tight
5. Rarely cried. When he did, he was so easy to soothe
6. Didn't have a fussy time at night, or any other time of the day
7. Loved just about any bottle I put in his mouth

It's been an interesting ride so far with this little one. I never understood how moms did it with a fussy baby. But now here I am, with my own and we are getting through it. Luckily her worst time is at night and that is when Scott is home with me so we just take turns. He is so great with her and so patient - maybe even a little more than I am. Thank you for all your help babe!

Even though Clara will not take her pacifier, we have found a few things she will take. My cheek. Interesting? Ummm, a little. She loves to suck on it. Although, one time I let her do it a little too long and woke up in the morning with a slight "hickey" on my cheek. Oops.

She loves to suck on our noses and I am sure if we let her really latch on, that would work as a great pacifier.
She also sucks on my arm, and my finger...

Yes, this little girl is different, but very very special and it will be interesting to see what other challenges she brings our way!

Swiss Days

Most of you know Labor Day is a big weekend for my family. My mom and sister do a booth and my dad puts a float in the parade for his business. We love to go up and spend time with family, shop, and eat all the good food. This years float for the appliance store was so fun. Candice, Adam, and my mom put it together with the cute clothes line and clothes hanging from it: pants, socks, a poodle skirt, t-shirt, bloomers, and the best a giant red lacey bra (props to Adam on the design)!

So we always ride and/or walk along with the float and toss out candy to the people on the sides. Its always been a fun tradition, but we decided next year we are going to do things different. We want to be on the sidelines watching the floats go by. Just about every float passes out candy - the kids on the side had bag fulls - it was like Halloween, but better... no walking door to door... the candy comes straight to you! Jack sat up in the box truck with my dad, Adam, and AJ. It was so cute. I guess everybody that saw them kept pointing out that AJ looks just like his dad. They are so cute. And apparently Jack was waving at everybody like he was the one on display... ha ha.
My mom and sisters booth did amazing! My moms bag were practically sold out the first day. The women were going nuts over her stuff. And Candice had her best year with the Mushrooms. Really - I need to get creative and add something to their booth!

It was a great weekend. I love Swiss Days, although with kids it is much harder to go and enjoy it. If you have kids - try going early in the morning or later in the evening when things slow down. Or, even better, go without them. And also - leave your hubands at home. Scott hates it. He says it is like Disney Land with out the rides and fun things - so mainly just crowds and crowds of people. I guess for a guy that is a pretty good description. Ha ha.

Just 1 Week

After I had Clara, my good friend Michele came out to my house and we spent the afternoon trying to get a few pictures of Clara when she was just 1 week old. I am just getting around to posting them now - so here they are...

I love this one - she is such a little finger sucker.

Little naked babies - it doesn't get any better than this.
We tried to get some of Jack and Clara together. But neither of them were really having it. Hmmm... the beginning of whats to come? ugh.

*My cute new neighbor gave Jack this shirt when Clara was born. Thanks Jessie!
For those of you that remember Jack as a newborn - this pic of Clara and the picture I used for Jacks baby announcements look identical! I will try to find it and post the two of them together.
This is my favorite. Her face looks so peaceful - and since we rarely see this sweet little face, this picture helps us remember her happy moments.

Thanks Michele for taking her pics. I loved how they turned out! It was fun spending the afternoon with you and Boston, we need to do it more often.