One of the small things that makes me happy

I love new bedding. I love the feeling of getting into bed with crisp new sheets tucked tightly. I love snuggling under a new comforter. I love how new bedding completely changes the look of a room.

Happy Birthday to Me

Yep, that's right the big 2-8 is here. Thanks for all the phone calls, emails and Bath & Body Works items (that was a popular one this year!) We had a really fun night last night, and of course I forgot to take any pictures. First we had a babysitter. Going out is so much more enjoyable now without a baby. Steve and I met 14 of our friends for dinner at Red Robin. I don't know what it is, but I love Red Robin. The free flowing Diet Coke with Lemon, the delicious sandwiches, and garlic fries...It is hard to beat! We even were able to all sit together. After dinner we played a few rounds of laser tag at Scandia. It was a lot of fun, even though we were probably the oldest ones there. Thanks everyone for making my birthday so fun.

Mom's in charge now!

Sleep scheduling...how is it going you might ask? Sometimes he only whimpers for a second when I put him down and I think, yes, I've done it!! Look at me, Carson knows how to put himself to sleep now, yippy! Then all the sudden after a few successful naps in a row I go to put him down and he cries for 40 minutes before finally conking out. To make a long story short, we are still working on it. It is getting better, but we are not there yet. He is a very stubborn kid. When the crying goes on and on I put earphones on and go on the treadmill, otherwise I wouldn't make it. I do have to say it is very liberating to know that when I put him down that is it and I don't have to keep going in there to comfort him and try to get him back to sleep. I had had enough- There is only so much a mom can take. To all the moms/moms-to-be out there here is the best advice I can give you. The only book you have to read is Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. I went through a plethora of books before I learned this. You're welcome

Life is so unfair for a 12 year old girl...

January 31, 1994-
Last night I spent the night at Julianne’s. We talked on the phone with Marc and Anthony until 9:00. We wanted them to come over, but Sister Reynolds said no. Julie asked her mom if we could meet them at Mc Donalds in the morning and she said she said she thinks that would be fine. Then I asked Mom and she said no! She says I am too young. I’ve got to figure out some way to show her that I am mature enough. I know she’d let Regan go if she wanted to. We are just friends with them so it doesn't matter if they are boys. Guess what? There is a stake Valentines dance for ages 12-18! Mom thinks I am not mature enough to go, but I know I can convince her. Julianne and I dressed up for some church skit.

Bigger and Better Things

Out with the old...

And in with the new! Watch out world. Carson is in a big boy car seat now.

Campin' With the Ladies!

This week 6 of us girls packed up our 16 kids and went camping. That's right- tents, sleeping bags, camp fires- the whole 9 yards- all without the help of men. We camped at a KOA not too far from home. I'd never been to a KOA before. It was pretty fancy as far as camp sites go. Showers, a pool, clean bathrooms. They even had cool blow-up jumpy thing for the kids. We all had a great time. I think it will become a yearly tradition. Carson loved camping. He crawled around in the dirt most of the time. The big kids were great at entertaining him and making him laugh. He slept in the Pack-in-Play in my tent, with me on the air mattress. He slept a lot better then I thought he would. My trips are now done until the end of September, thank goodness! Carson's sleep schedule starts tomorrow, which means crying out for naps and bedtime. I'll let you all know how it goes. Wish me (and him) luck!
Carson's dirty back
Ty and Carson I turned on Baby Einstein for Carson and all the kids gathered around
Us at the camp fire
Anissa and Derek at the camp fire The kids playing Red Rover on the bouncy thing

Thank you President Obama and the tax payers of America

Steve and I had a car that qualified for the "cash for clunkers" program where you can get a $4,500 rebate from the government when you trade it in and buy a brand new fuel efficient car. We were toying with the idea of a new car so I decided to go to a Kia dealership while I was in LA. One of my Dad's clients is the 2nd largest Kia dealer in the nation. After test driving a few models and learning how much we could get each car for we ended up buying a '09 Kia Sportage. With the government rebate, factory rebate, and money taken off because of my Dad it was a deal we couldn't turn down! I ended up forfeiting my plane ticket and driving it home. We love our new car. It's really cute and has a ton of bells and whistles. The dealer tinted the windows and installed blue tooth for us- which is amazing. I don't think I can live without it now. I especially love the IPod USB port. We have satellite radio for 3 months as well. You can't beat Kia's warranty either. I love having an SUV. It is so much easier getting Carson in and out of the car. We've never had a brand new car before. Loving it!!!