Mums the word

The word is officially out. (Notice my belly is complete with a tiny baby) This is the picture that Aidan drew in primary today. His teacher did not know that we were expecting....Now she does. Gotta love kids. They are just precious.

Its a...

Most of you are already aware that we are expecting our 4th child. Holy cow I can't believe it! Well, we just found out that we are having a little girl. The kids are so excited. Aidan is very interesting in the entire process. We even got online and looked a pictures of babies in utero. He and Ember we both quite fascinated. So fun.

M.I.A.

I know it has been forever...and ever since I posted last.  Our life has been super crazy but, things should be settling down soon. Here is the quick update.

We decided to move in with our parents while we sold and bought a new house.  I am so grateful for my parents generosity in sharing their home with us for  the past several months.  It has made this transition so much easier...Thanks Mom and Dad.  

We bought a bank owned home in Herriman.  It needed a little love and so Tony and I have been working every spare minute to replace the flooring, paint, replace baseboards and everything else that needed us.  We were also blessed to have a ton of help from my Mom and Dad.  My Dad seems to know quite a bit about well, everything.  My mom has babysat more then, I even dare think about...Thanks!!!

We finally moved in on Saturday and so we have began the wonderful task of unpacking.  What a chore.  And that has been our life for the past 3 months, in a nutshell.

I am also hopeful that we will get a little time to sit back and smell the roses very soon.

Happy Birthday Eden!

I cant believe my baby girl is one. What a little sweet heart she is. She is every mothers dream kid. So sweet and mellow and loving. We are so glad that she is part of our family.

(Did I mention she absolutely LOVES icecream.)

Happy Birthday little E!

Be careful what you say.......

In our preparations to move we crossed paths with our neighbor a few times and discussed the fact that one of our trees in our backyard was shading their garden and probably causing less than desired results in their harvest.

He had mentioned he'd like to trim it up to help free the way for the sun to reach their garden to which we responded "Do whatever you want" not thinking how serious that phrase can be.

Upon returning home a couple weeks later (after the fact that our house now is currently under contract) we saw our tree lying on its side in our backyard. We were a little shocked to say the least.

We must mention here that our neighbors are super nice and we've never had any problems from them in the past. We really don't care one bit that it was cut down, we're just worried that it would affect the sale of our house that was put under contract with the tree in back. So far it hasn't been an issue....... hopefully it won't be.

Big News

"After much thought and prayer we have decided to put our house on the market. This is such an exciting crazy time for us. Our house should officially be on the market today! Wow. We are very hopeful that things will continue to move quickly and that we will find something we love. There have been a flurry of emotions lately and we will be sad to move away from our great neighbors but, such is life I guess......."

Heidi wrote the above paragraph on Thursday, April 9th and our house had an offer on Saturday. After some brief countering, we reached a deal and are currently under contract.  Yippee!!!

Out of the mouth of babes

I woke up in the night to both of the girls crying.  I came in and starting searching for Eden's binky. (I swear her crib is the black hole for those things)  as I am searching, Ember is crying.She keeps saying "I throat."  "I throat."  As I am frantically searching I am trying to calmly ask her if her throat hurts.  She gets a little closer to me and I try console her by putting my arm around her.  Then I suddenly realize what she was actually trying to say.  "I throw up."  She was covered as was her bed.  At this point I yelled, "Tony please come help me." since I still had not found the binky and Ember was just about to do it once more.  I hurried her into the bathroom.  Where she did it again.  After a few minutes of cleaning her up and holding her in my arms she said, "Tell Tony."  She wanted to make sure that daddy knew she wasn't feeling well.  Poor sweet little thing!

Moving on up

This has been a momentous week in our house.  Eden has finally moved into a big crib (this was looong over due, poor girl) and is roommates with Ember.  Ember has moved to a big girl bed!  (Well, we actually turned her day bed against the wall as sort of a make-shift crib and although she can sneak out, it has been quite successful.)  She sometimes refers to it as her big girl crib.  And finally, Aidan has his own bedroom downstairs!  He has been so good going down there to bed by himself.  I am so proud of all of them.  I swear, I never thought this day would come.

St Paddys Day

Today the kids woke up to green milk in our refrigerator.  Those Leprechauns are pretty tricky. 

We all got dressed in our green clothing.  Aidan asked if someone would pinch his left foot if he only had a green sock on his right foot. 

We also got to go on a really fun Scavenger hunt.  The kids found a little green bucket with green toys and candy.  It was so great!  Sadly, our camera is broken so I do not have any pictures but, we are hoping to replace it soon.

So big!

Our baby girl is getting so big.  She just loves to pull herself up onto everything (including her younger cousin Chloe) so she can stand.  The only problem is that once she is up she can't figure out what to do next.  She usually ends up just crying.  If you help her down, she just gets right back up!  I know she will be so happy when she can walk.  I think she prefers the view.

Aren't they clever

The other day the kids were singing some church songs with their Dad.  In the midst of this, Ember looks at her Dad and asks, "Daddy...will you teach me all that I must do, to live with him someday?"

Aidan was discussing the recent passing of his pet fish with Jyll and Reed.  He told them that we flushed the fish down the toilet.  "Because, that is  where Jesus lives."

Family fun

These guys decided to play house. So cute.

Eden is in a doll stroller.  They love pretending to be Mommy and Daddy. 

Hip Hip Hooray

I am so excited to say that Tony's schedule is changing...for the better!  I am almost afraid to jinx it but, he starts tomorrow and will be working 7-5 Monday thru Friday.  Almost like normal people!  This change will hopefully be permanent or at least semi-permanent.  Either way, I am excited and just wanted to share the LOVE!

Happy Anniversary!

As some of you may know, we are hopeless romantics and could only see ourselves getting married on the day of love: Valentines Day. This year marks our 5th year of being married and I couldn't be happier. Five years and three kids later, it seems like only yesterday she caught my eye with those purple tights and sweet bangs. I could only hope it was my mustache that attracted her to me as well (she really caught my eye at an 80's costume party).

She's such an amazing mother and the kids love her for it. Even when she leaves after having been with them from days on end, they miss her the second she walks out the door. They've experienced so much and love life because they have a mother that loves them. 

For most mothers the laundry never seems to end, the kids never like what you make for dinner, the runny noses often get in the way of your kisses, and the husband is never there as much as you'd like. However daunting the task of motherhood is, they keep on keepin' on and Heidi is no different.  She commissioned me for our anniversary to write a song for her and while in the future I will write more of a serious themed song, I couldn't help but write a song about all the poo mothers have to clean up and deal with (maybe we'll post it on here soon).  Yes I said POO and all mothers know that poo is an all to frequent part of a relatively new family's life and will be for quite some time. Heidi has cleaned up the poo without hesitation or resentment (not without a gag or two in between). 

As a wife, she yearns to cultivate a relationship that continues to grow and we still are learning about eachother. She patiently takes care of her husband that's a sensitive redhead that's too prideful and independent to ask for help, yet she fights through it and loves me. 

Thank you Heidi for all you have done and keep doing as a mother and wife. While all may seem to go unnoticed and unrecognized, "to God each good work will be known" and we as a family will try to strive more to show you how much we appreciate all you do. THANK YOU AND  I LOVE YOU!!!

Honeymoon Advice

     As some of you are already aware, Tony and I did not get to go on a honeymoon.  That is until NOW!!!  We are so excited.  This year we are celebrating our 5th anniversary.  We have decided to go on a cruise to the Bahamas!  We wont go until April but, I need a little help from all of you.

     We have never gone any where without our sweet kids.  I would love some advice of what we can do to still enjoy ourselves while we are away.  I know it will be hard for me to leave them for a week but, I really need to go and be alone with my honey.  If you have any advice to help me ease my mind while we go, anything I should do to prep the kids or something you think might help, please let me know. 

Happy Birthday to me!

     Once you be come a mom, your birthday is never quite the same.  Gone are the birthday traditions of no chores, sleeping in and enjoying meals cooked by someone else.  In fact, especially when your big day is during the week,  it is life as usual.  Don't get me wrong, my husband is great but, not much he can do when he is working all day.

     Well, I decided to do something about it.  I realized last year that I didn't want to be disappointed when my day started and ended like every other day.  I also realized that it was perfectly ok for me to take matters into my own hands.  I admit I drew some inspiration from my friend Amanda.  She too realizes that birthdays are a big deal, and is not afraid to throw her own party.  I love that.

     So, last year I started a new birthday tradition.   I decided to invite some of my friends to go to lunch with me.  This may not seem like a very big deal or it may be even a little lame but, let me tell ya, it has been so much fun!  I am sure to pick a place with a playground so the kids can roam and play.  Although the food isn't always my top choice.  This decision has created a wonderful birthday situation.  Enjoying quality time with great friends.

     I have also been able to do other things to help set the day apart.  Last year, I cleaned the entire house from top to bottom (the night before) so that I would have very little house work that needed to be done (plus isn't it great to wake up to a clean house?).  I also had my mom babysit for a couple of hours so I could go shopping...All by myself.  And this year, I even got some take out for the kids and I so, I didn't have to cook.   All in all, A very good way to go.  I highly recommend giving yourself a birthday gift.

*As a side note- The picture above is of the cake that my friend Whitney made for me, it was amazing! Thanks Whitney!

WARNING: Contents may contain POO

 *Subject may not be suitable for all readers especially, to those who may be sensitive to poop*

     Ember has been suddenly interested in going potty in the toilet.  I have been so amazed how well she has been doing.  She even went in and used the bathroom at the gym, all by her self.  She was sure to wash her hands too (her favorite part).

     She has been so good about going potty.  As I have mentioned before, she will do almost anything for a treat.  So far, this has worked pretty well.

     Yesterday she even went in and pooped without even a reminder.  WOW!  I was so excited, I started cheering.  Well, Aidan didn't wan to miss out on the action.  He came running to see.  One look in the potty and he said, "Ember, your poop looks like a monkey tail." Not sure that I heard him correctly I asked, "Aidan did you just say her poop looks like a monkey tail?" 

"No, a snake"  Then a brief pause. "Wait...it looks like the bottom of an umbrella!"

      

I love to see the temple.

     We were able to go as a family to the open house for the Draper Temple.  In preparation for this event, we talked to the kids about the sacredness of the Temple.  We told them a little about the ordinances that are preformed there.  We told them that you can be married there and that that is where Mommy and Daddy were sealed.

     When we got to the church where you park, we went inside to watch the movie which has been prepared for the open house.  During the movie Aidan said, "Mom that's what you talked to me about.  Being Sealed."  I was so excited to hear that he had really listened.

We took the bus to the Temple grounds and then walked through the tunnel to get inside.  Just after we walked through the door, I leaned down and asked Aidan if he was excited to be in the Temple.  With a big grin he replied, "Yes.  Am I married now?"  I could even answer.   So cute and SO funny.

    The first real room we got to see was the baptismal font.  Of course, the kids loved seeing the water.  Grandma Dressen had to be sure she had a really good grip as we walked by the opening into the water...just in case.  Ember also loved the cows that held up the font.

     From the time we parked until the time we got back to our car was 2 1/2 hours.  To my amazement. the kids we so good.  No melt downs at all.  Aidan did get a little better tour then the rest of us on his way the the restroom.

     Embers favorite room was the brides dressing room.  She just lit up when she saw all the sparkly stuff.  I asked Aidan what his favorite part of the night was and he said it was the cookies at the end.  So I asked his 2nd favorite.  It was the bus ride.  I know he enjoyed himself.  He was being extra sweet and loving through the tour.

   What a wonderful experience for our family.  A truly wonderful day!

Ballerina Girls

My friend Whitney and I made these adorable skirts today.  I love them.

Baby Eden

My sweet Little girls

Ember

How cute are these girls!

Yoga baby

My sweet little Eden is mega talented.

 She is already practicing her mad Yoga Skills. 

 Here are a few photos to prove it.

Cats stretch (Neutral Position)

Downward Facing Dog

More Downward Dog

She also does a killer Plank position but, I couldn't convince her to let me take her picture.  I guess she was getting a little camera shy.

At the car wash

     I took all of my kids to the car wash today.  We have never been through an automated one together.  Aidan loves to help me clean the car.  We usually just wash it with a bucket and hose at home.

    My car has been completely filthy because of the many snow storms we have had.  I have contemplated washing it several times but, each time I did I would hear about another storm on its way. So finally, it was time.  I decided to  go through the car wash because it is so flippin' cold outside.  We pulled up to the place and I found out it would cost me $6 bucks for a basic wash. I deliberated but, finally decided to go ahead with it.

     The looks on their faces were priceless.  They oohed and aahed with each new cycle.  It was almost magical.  When we were all finished, Aidan told me he couldn't wait to see how clean the car was.  Who knew it would be so entertaining.  It was worth every penny.

New President

What a historical day today has been.  I am so excited to have witnessed it from the comfort of my own home.  Being as I am not the most political person, I wonder if I appreciated the gravity of the events of today.  I read a note posted by my friend Ben's wife (on Facebook) today.  Anadine really nailed a lot of the feelings I have regarding today's event.  She says it way better then I could so, I hope she doesn't mind if I copy it for all you you to read.

 I'm addressing my note to my L.D.S. friends and family specifically this morning. As I watch the events of this inauguration today I have a few thoughts and feelings that I would like to express. 

First of all to my more conservative minded friends, let us remember the 12th article of Faith.

"We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."

Regardless of how you feel about the election of Barack Obama as our 44th President, remember what we as members of the Church claim as an article of faith. Don't be sore losers, sustain and uplift this administration. One of my greatest irritations when G.W. Bush was elected were the complaints of many liberal people. For example the refrain "Don't blame me, I voted Gore..." Not that I was a great fan of W., but there are better and more effective ways to change things that we are not happy with. I am not a fan of whiners, so let's not whine when we don't get everything we want.

Second, for all of those who feel that this is a great victory for their ideology and political platform. Remember that however great Obama may seem, he is only a man. Not perfect, and surely not able to meet all of his election promises. He has to work in a flawed system, and try to do what he can with many serious problems facing our Country right now. Simply electing a Democrat doesn't fix anything at all.

I am excited for a man of "mixed-race" heritage to become President of our Country, but am more excited for a competent and intelligent man who also happens to not be lily-white become President. It is a great victory over past and present racism that he has been elected, and that is exciting. Hopefully this opens our political stage to ALL who are qualified to lead us with honesty, intelligence, integrity, and dignity. Regardless of sex, heritage or religion.

Lastly, I feel that this is a very historically significant day and am excited to participate, even if it only means by watching via T.V. I will always remember this day, where I was and how I was feeling. I sincerely hope and pray that Mr. Obama is a successful President who will lead us out of our many struggles and get our country on a better path. 

God bless you Barack Obama!

Lil' Helpers

     I was making Waffles today when my sweet kids asked if they could help.  They love to push the bar stools up to the stove and watch all the meal preparations.  They actually quite like watching water boil...go figure.

     We started measuring all the ingredients when Aidan asked if he could crack the egg.  I thought for a minute.  I asked him, "Do you know how to crack the egg?"  He assured me he did.  I am sure this makes me sound like a pretty out-of-it mom but, in my defence, he has helped my mom and sister cook quite a bit.  And they are both much braver then I am.  So I asked again, "Are you sure you know how to crack an egg?"

"I really do." he responds  I then think I recall my sister telling me all about him helping her crack eggs.  So...I handed him the egg.  Which he promptly smashed onto the stove.  Oops.  I guess he didn't exactly know what he was doing.

Sweet tooth

My little Ember has quite the sweet tooth. She has an uncanny knack for finding candy in the best of hiding places. No counter is too high, no cabinet too deep. She will search out any sweet little morsel with in her reach. Despite our fairly strict rule of "ask first", she has found herself on most occasions, unable to do so. There is something so mysterious and so wonderful about the shiny wrapper that makes asking nearly impossible.

So we come to yesterday at the Dr's office (I had taken Eden in to get checked and was almost sure she had pink eye. Man, I hate being right. But, she also has an ear infection and a sinus infection too! Poor sweet little thing! She has actually been a real trooper despite her woes) and as I am trying to get the run down from her doctor my other sweet children and their cousin Zack (who had come over to play) were trying their hardest to make listening impossible. The boys had climbed up into the window sill and Ember was rummaging through my purse. In the corner of my eye, I catch a glimpse of Ember unwrap some sort of candy, put it in her mouth and then quickly pull it out with a look of disgust. This catches my attention so I turn to she what she had found. It was my little o.b. tampon! Aah! I hurried and grabbed it out of her hand shoved it into my pocket and prayed the doctor did not just witness what I did.

See sweetie, this is why you should always...Ask first.

My entertaining Mom

     We went to Cafe Rio today for lunch with my mom and brother and his wife yesterday.   We had all just started digging into our food when my mom received a phone call.  She went outside so she could better hear the caller.  When she came back to the table she wrapped up her food and left.

     I was away from the table when my mom left so, I asked my brother where she had gone but, he didn't know.   I wonder where she had hurried off to but, my thoughts were quickly averted with kids crying, stealing my food or by making art out of salad dressing.   As we continued our meal the group of people next to us got up and asked us if the envelope he was holding belonged to us.   We quickly determined it more then likely belonged to my mom.  Upon hearing that the contents of the paper sleeve was a sizable sum of money, we tried to call my mom to make sure it did, in fact, belong to her.   There was no answer.

     Now, if you know my mom very well you may know that she has a nasty habit of leaving reasonable sums of money laying around.  So, this made us more sure of the fact it did indeed belong to her, coupled with the fact that the envelope bore the name of her bank (Chad has a very observant mind like that).  So we decided it was best to take the money home with us.

     After being unable to contact my mom again and relaying the story to Tony, I started getting kind of worried.  Why wouldn't she answer her phone?  Or at least let whomever she was with answer it for her?  Why had she left do abruptly?  What was her emergency?

     I picked up my phone and just as I was about to call my Dad at work to see if he might know what had happened or where she might be, she called me back.  She had hurried home to meet the cable guy!   Case closed.

     As for the money, that was hers too.  No surprise really.   In fact, she later told me that has happened to her a few times and that people always give it back to her.   Karma, I guess?   Crazy

Chick-fil-a

We went to Chick-fil-a last night for dinner.  Who knew it was such a 'hot spot'.  We sat down and knew the people at like 5 of the tables surrounding us.  Too funny.

I sat a one table with my kids and just after we started eating Ember decided she wanted to sit on Grandmas lap.  I thought it was sweet she wanted to sit by her Grandma.  She immediately started eating off every ones plates at the table.  She's no dummy.  She knows a good smorgasbord when she sees one.

After everyone finished eating the kids got ice cream (this includes my brother Chad hee hee).  Aidan showed me his ice cream moustache.  He thinks its hilarious.  So Ember made sure to made one for herself.  Of course, hers ended up looking much more like a drippy goatee.