Bennion Bunch

Weepy McWeeperson

2012-01-07T23:25:00.000-07:00

So obviously I need to update the blog since I still have my Christmas banner up, maybe I will get time tomorrow.
I just had to do a quick update on Baby Girl Rose...
She is a very active little baby now. I was up a lot over the last few nights feeling her move. I go in on Wednesday for my 28 week appointment and I am nervous about the results of the Glucose test. I am getting excited to see her and can't believe we are already starting the 3rd trimester. Now our appointments are every two weeks.
I am an emotional roller coaster. I have cried so many times today I will have to think hard to remember each time.
When I woke up from little girl kicking me at 4am I found myself crying because I was so glad that she was doing well.
Around 5am I started crying because I was trying to go to sleep and kept thinking about how grateful I am for my family (and the fact that my parents were watching Zac over night so we could go on a date).
The power was out and kept going out off and on. Then our water heater went out today. I started crying feeling like everything was falling apart and couldn't control it!
This afternoon we went to the BYU basketball game. I was enjoying the half time show of a group called "The Golden Girls". The women are between the ages of 50-94 years young. Between them they have hundreds of children, grandchildren, great grandchildren. Watching those cute ladies dance and the students get so excited for them I started crying. Yep, crying at old lady dancing! (Low point)
I caught up on Grey's Anatomny and that episode had me in tears 3 times and bawling by the end with happiness/sadness melting pot of emotions.
To top it all off I thought we should watch "The Time Travelers Wife." I saw it finally popped into our on demand and it has been on my to see list. I didn't make it even 10 minutes before I started crying. Every moment of sadness, heartbreak, happiness I found myself breaking in to tears.
I am now puffy, red eyed, snot nose mess of tears. I think my hormones have been so out of control this pregnancy! If this is any indication on how the little girl's emotions will be later in life I am in for a doozy!!!!

New Year a New You?

2012-01-04T10:19:00.001-07:00

The date suddenly becomes January 1st which means we should be working towards being a better version of ourselves. I have issues with January 1st my goals always seem to take life closer to my birthday in March. It is like I suddenly hit a wall and think "dang I am another year older and what did I accomplish last year?" This January 1st I am pregnant and I feel like I have goals in mind, but they are more categorized into prenatal and post. (Maybe dividing the year in 1/2 will make it easier to accomplish more of them too.)

Goals for 2012
Read the Book of Mormon- at least 1 verse a day, finish by Christmas 2012
Attend the temple every month- (I am going to give myself 2 months off while I recover from having baby Rose) so that should mean I would go 10 times at least.
Be a better Mom to Zachary- get down on the floor play with him, teach him new things, color with him
Keep better up-to-date on my blogging- (I can hear Doug laughing now...) you are going to see me catching up from last year. I plan to be all caught up by the time little Rose gets here. I also want to do more posts like this. Where I am recording my thoughts for the future.
Live more simply- I need to get rid of things that are holding me back and be better about saying good bye to an item I haven't used in over a year.
One Closet a Month- I find that I can keep the viewed areas looking nice, but there is something magical about opening a closet and seeing it in perfect order. I would like to do one overhaul a month of a cabinet or closet.
Participate in a monthly photography challenge- Ok I miss school. I thought when I finished that I was so glad to be done with the random projects and themes, but I miss having something random to photograph and doing the class critiques. I am going to participate in a 1x a month project of creative photography.
Drink more water- there are so many benefits to drinking LOTS of water and since becoming a stay at home mom I feel like I can't get enough. It is less appealing to drink water that has floaties in it from Zac.
Post Baby:
Train to run a 5k- I am thinking something in the fall like The Human Race that is on Thanksgiving.
Family Pictures in the fall in a smaller size
Take more pictures of my family when we are doing things at home
Live in the Moment- Enjoy the first 2 months of my new baby
Try new recipes for lunch and dinner- I am getting bored with our meals we have now.

I read a post recently that mentioned be specific with your goals and only set ONE goal. I thought I like the idea of being specific, but I think you have to set more goals than one! I like to have one in each area of my life. I also like to have a new goal for each month that works towards reaching a goal I have. What are some goals you have set for 2012?

Christmas Eve with the Bennion's

2011-12-29T21:46:00.000-07:00

I love Christmas Eve with the Bennion's. Zachary discovered the fun of Christmas Bingo this year and was very excited when he won. He mostly wanted to help Grandma Cathy with picking out the fun Christmas characters for the bingo game.

The family playing traditional Christmas Bingo

Zac and Shelby playing with the "trains" (anything that connects together is a train to Zac)

Some of the favorite toys he gets excited to play with are toys that Doug played with as a little boy.

Jaycey was thrilled to show the family her talents with singing Feliz Navidad. Zac didn't get the concept of waiting for her to finish first. While she sang her song he also danced around, ringing his jingle bell singing Jingle Bells. It was pretty funny! If I can get it on here the video is great!

Zac got Mickey Mouse Club house for Matchbox cars and was so excited to have his own Mickey Mouse Clug Couse.

The t-shirt was perfect for his love of the song Jingle Bells and all December he was wearing a Jingle Bell. It came in handy if I wanted to know where he was, just listen for the jingle bell.

Getting excited for Christmas morning!

Lights on Temple Square

2011-12-27T21:12:00.000-07:00

It has been a few years since we have gone to see the lights on Temple Square. Doug and I took Zac over the fall to see the Salt Lake Temple and Zac said several times while pointing to the Temple "Zachary's Temple". He has loved looking at Christmas lights this year and we thought it would be fun to show him "Zachary's Temple" with the beautiful lights. We went with my sister Lisa and her family on Trax to get to Temple Square.

Steven and Isaac enjoying the lights

Doug, Zac and Amy with the Salt Lake Temple aka Zachary's Temple

Lisa, Kyle, Allison, Isaac and Steven

Allison and Zac loved the nativity

The lights are so beautiful, but I also love the nativity scene and the reminder that all this for is in rememberance of Christ's birth.

After seeing the lights my Christmas activities seemed complete I was ready for Christmas to come and have the week after to spend with my family.

Once there was a snow man

2011-12-23T20:37:00.000-07:00

Once there was a snow man who we bought for a white elephant. This snow man didn't sing a "normal" snow man song, like frosty, but sang "Low" about getting down in the club with a girl in white pants. Funny side, Zac fell in love with the snow man when we pulled him out for wrapping. He wanted to play the snowman all the time, pushing the button and dancing with him to the club rapping song.

He became so attached that we couldn't give him away as a Christmas White Elephant. So attached that he even fell asleep with the snowman next to him.

Once there was a Snowman who Mommy thought was funny, Daddy thought was dumb and Zac thought was a great friend.

Gimme Some Suga'r

2011-12-21T21:40:00.000-07:00

We have a long lasting family tradition of doing sugar cookies as a family. Started long ago with my Dad's love of frosting and our kid desires to be creative. This tradition has continued to include the Grand kids. We made a special night of it, however this year we changed up a few things. Normally we get together to bake and decorate. However with lots of little ones and bed times we needed to alter our activity. Each family was in charge of making their own Sugar Cookies. We came to Grandma and Grandpa's house to decorate with the family. Doug is very supportive of any fun cooking endeavor. He helped roll the dough and Zac was very excited to cut out some fun shapes.

(Notice the pumpkin shaped cookie, tastes the same as the tree, but feels wrong). We tried a new recipe this year from the Better Homes and Gardens Cook book. It was good but crumbled a bit more when I was frosting the cookies. Next year we are going to try the classic Coulliette Cookie recipe and see how that turns out.

The concept of a perfectly frosted cookie was wasted on the kids. Most of them just licked off the frosting or poured on coma causing amounts of sprinkles. I had to remind myself that the purpose of their cookie frosting fun was to have fun and not necessary become a perfectionist with frosting like me.

They quickly caught on that instead of putting the frosting on the cookie they could just lick it off the spoons and knives. Uncle Michael liked this idea too!

See what I mean about Sugar HIGH!!! Look Isaac has crazy eyes as he pours on more sprinkles and Zac is about to fall over from giggling, induced by the sugar rush of several cookies and lots of frosting.

I made the frosting this year. Most of the time it was Suzanne and I watching the kids to make sure they were sharing. When Grandma came over to get some frosting for Grandpa's cookies the kids quickly pipped up that the frosting was all gone, Grandpa was too slow!

The tradition lives on! We all love that the kids quickly caught on how fun this can be and were even willing (when begged) to spare some frosting for cookies to give to Grandpa Max.

Not so Silent Night

2011-12-20T21:18:00.000-07:00

One of Doug's favorite things to do when he gets home is to play with Zac. One of Zac's favorite things is when Daddy comes home and plays with him. What do they both love to do? Play the piano together. Zac pulls up his step stool and sits next to Daddy trying to copy the keys and tune.

They are so cute when they get going, singing, playing and making LOTS of noise!

I was busy finishing dinner and couldn't resist taking a picture and joining in singing some of our favorite Christmas songs.

Zac even tries to help turn the pages and match what key Daddy is playing!

The boys having fun together is music to my ears, even if it is a bit off key!

Brrrrright Zoo Lights

2011-12-09T22:34:00.000-07:00

Whose idea was this? Oh yeah....mine! We got a good deal on Zoo Lights passes and decided even though it was 20 degrees and SO freezing we would still brave the cold to see the Zoo lights. We convinced Grandpa Norm, Aunt Brandy, Uncle Chris, Brock, Jaycey and Shelby to come along. (Brandy was my cohort, there are power in numbers) Even though it was below freezing there were heaters around the Zoo and we kept moving. Zac was happy to be able to ride his favorite Lion on the carousel, but sad that his hands were cold trying to hold the bar.

There were so many creative lighting displays of our favorite animals it was fun to wander around and see them all. The hardest part of the night was finding clothes to keep me warm in my pregnancy stash.

All being good sports we had fun and stayed long enough to see the lights, not so long that our noses were permanently blue. Finishing the evening with a yummy burger at Red Robin...good times!

Festivities at the Festival

2011-12-07T22:12:00.000-07:00

As I enter the busy halls of the Festival of Trees it feels like I am ringing in the Christmas portion of the holiday season. The noise, trees, lights and smells remind me of Christmas. I have gone several years now, but this year we decided to go on Friday and at 3pm. Never again! It was crazy busy at that time, add on a busy 2 year old, a tired pregnant Mommy and I was exhausted after 30 minutes. Next year we will go earlier in the week and during the morning.

Zac was very excited to see all the cool trees and decorations of his favorite Christmas characters. The trick for me was to keep him on the aisle side of the chain.

Thank goodness for his monkey leash. He is happy to wear the monkey and it keeps him near me. Judge me if you want, this little attachment has been so helpful when we are in a busy place since Zac likes to explore and doesn't want to hold my hand.

The coolest display was the Peanuts tree with the giant Snoopy and dog house. Trying to get a picture of the kids with the display was tricky.

Attempt 1

Attempt 2

Attempt 3- didn't even see him grab the "snow"

Attempt 4- oh well it was a cute tree display

My favorite stop at the Festival of Trees is to visit Santa. He is a great Santa and the display is perfect. Zac was happy to sit on Santa's lap when he realized he was getting a candy! Unfortunately the candy cane was cherry and not peppermint (his favorite). He was covered in pink sticky, spit it out and gave it to me when he realized it wasn't what he wanted.

Oh well I got the smile I wanted even if they candy wasn't what he was hoping for! :)

Super cute picture of Allison, Isaac, Kyle and Lisa with Santa (still waiting to get the picture Lisa took of Zac and I hint hint)

While Santa was distracted talking to Allison and Isaac, Zac was trying to steal another candy cane. Sneaky!

Great Grandma GG and Grandma Joan came along for the fun of it. I think they both enjoyed looking at all the beautiful decorations, but just like me they were tired. We all went home worn out and ready to start the Christmas season.

20 Weeks...1/2 way there!

2011-11-20T20:54:00.001-07:00

I made it to 20 weeks!!! I am excited that everything is going so well with this pregnancy. Baby Rose is less active than Zac, but I am also running around after Zac most of the day. She seems to get moving the most during quiet time and when my bladder is full. In which case she likes to use it as a punching bag. Today, while sitting at church she kept kicking till I finally rushed out! Zac frequently yells, laughs and tries to squish my belly she is learning to be still when he comes around.
I haven't had much of an appetite with Baby Rose. I do crave pickles, pineapple and the occasional splurge for gummy worms. It makes planning meals and even eating difficult when nothing sounds or really taste great.
I am very sensitive to smells too. I think everything smells very strong! On a walk with some friends we passed the middle school kids walking to school going the opposite direction on the opposite side of the street. I about gagged smelling the cologne someone had practically bathed in. I asked the other ladies if they smelled it they all looked at me and said "What, no, you can smell a kid across the street?" Last night Doug was making dinner and I was across the room. He was cutting onions the smell was so strong to me that I had to go outside to breath with out tearing up from the onion smell. Bleach is my new favorite smell, it is clean, strong and gets rid of all other smells.

This week I was super excited to find the crib bedding and coordinating fabric for the curtains in her room. As of right now I won't be painting (or Doug won't, which he is hoping stays the case). Between me and pinterest I have ideas for her room spilling over. I can't wait to get it cleaned out from being a dysfunctional office into an adorable baby haven. During Thanksgiving and Christmas time off we are hoping to get the room more prepared for our little Rose. I will definitely post pictures as I work on the room and show the final product of my creativity!

Zac does have sweet moments when hugs my belly and kisses it. He loves to tell people he has a baby in his belly and Mommy has a sister in hers. I know this little girl will be just as cute and as much fun as my boy!

How to Organize a Tiny Linen Closet

2011-11-14T14:46:00.001-07:00

Before- Cluttered

Our beautiful home is flawed like most homes, but a big flaw for this house is storage. My tiny linen closet, approximately 14" wide by 9" deep, has been a constant frustration of mine. However, there is no way to make the closet bigger. I embraced Tim Gunn's common mentioned phrase and had a "Make it Work" moment. I was determined to get the fullest function out of the tiny space. We had one shelf full of junk and tons of tooth paste. I don't need to buy tooth paste for a very long time!

After- much better and clean!

Despite the misconception that the first picture of the closet poses I really love a clean/organized house. I even prepared for this project a while ago and had the baskets on hand ready for such a task. I made a basket of cleaning supplies: toilet bowl cleaner, Lysol spray and scrubbers, quick grabs: like tide to go stick, lint roller and hand warmers, a basket under that holds gum another quick grab of mine, then a basket for light bulbs (most of them fit fine).

This shelf was not being used and it worked well to give another shelf in the linen closet. One basket holds cloth diapers perfect for gentle cleaning and dusting. Power basket with a back up extension cord and batteries. Quick fix basket next to it contains WD-40, goo gone and super glue.
I finished off the next shelves with organized wash cloths, hand towels, sheets and towels, the top shelf holds large refill items that I don't want Zac to touch (like refill soft soap, shampoo and bleach.)

Now what happens while I clean and organize the closet? A busy 2 year old keeps busy. Zac treated himself to the few remaining brownies on the counter. What happens when a pregnant Mommy tired from cleaning see this? You take a picture and dish up some brownies and milk to share!

The Survey Says.....

2011-11-06T18:08:00.001-07:00

Thursday was a LONG day. I was eager to find out what our little baby was going to be. Our ultrasound appointment was at 3pm. Zac was able to spend some play time at Aunt Barbara's while Doug and I went in for the appointment. The technician was very nice she calmed any possible worries by showing us the baby's heart beat right away. We both took a deep breath and she continued to search for the gender. Quickly she was able to see that we are having a little GIRL! Baby Rose wins for the fetus name! She said "What a nice family it will be! Are you going to cry because it is a girl?" I didn't think I would, but as soon as she said the words cry I did. Tears ran down as I thought about my feelings I have had this pregnancy. I am very excited to meet our little girl and hold her in my arms. Baby Rose moved her arms, stretched and kicked. She did the cutest yawn and crossed her ankles most of the time we watched her.

3D ultrasound of our baby girl, bright spot is the top of her head.

When we showed the video to Zac he said "Scary" when the 3D images were on the screen. I have to agree, the 3D is a little odd looking, but still cool.

This ultrasound shot looks completely different than Zac's I am pretty sure is right and that this baby is a girl!

We went to pick up Zac and brought him a balloon to share the news. Barbara got it right away, Zac took a minute to understand that the baby in Mommy's tummy was in fact a little sister. He had been saying "girl and sister" for a few weeks. He is excited one moment and indifferent the next. I am curious to see how he reacts when there is a baby in Mommy's arms and in the room next to door.

Blue or Pink? Jimmer or Rose?

2011-11-02T08:02:00.001-06:00

We find out this week what little bump is. We have decided if it is a girl we will call her Rose (after Dave Rose the BYU basketball coach). If little bump shows something extra we will call him Jimmer (no explanation needed). So what is your vote?
Jimmer or Rose? Blue or Pink?

Happy Halloween 2011

2011-11-02T06:51:00.004-06:00

A 3 year tradition for Halloween is visiting Grandparents and Daddy at work. Zac was more than willing to wear his costume if it meant Kay was giving him candy. He was happy to sit in Grandpa Norm's lap if he was opening the candy too.

Daddy got lucky in that Zac was willing to sit with him at all, but no smiles he was too busy eating his candy.

Jordyn and Barbara joined us for some trick or treating at the office.

One quick pose with Mommy.

He wanted to sit on Daddy's tall chair, because he is a big boy. (Do you see the arm around Doug's neck, yep Daddy put his arm around Zac so Zac did the same to Daddy.)

We also went trick or treating at the Mall. I have never done this before and I think it is the busiest I have ever seen South Town. Zac caught on to the concept quickly and soon any adult standing he held open his bag for treats, even those who weren't giving it away! If there was more than one person at the door than surely they must all want to put a treat in his bag. By the end he got better at saying "Trick or treat" and "Thank you".

While we were out in our neighborhood we ran in to some of his friends. Jaxxon was a bum and Heath, was a Heath candy bar! Zac loves his friends, but he always wants to hold Michelle's hand, she was Rapunzel (after her hair is cut).

I got smart this year and pulled him in the wagon. We were able to do our loop of the neighborhood, 3x the distance of last year, thanks to the nice weather and the wagon. As we strolled the hood we only had to ask to go into a neighbors house for one potty break. By the end he was excited blowing kisses, saying "Happy Halloween," "Trick or Treat" and "Thank you." Zac was thrilled to come ring our door bell last to Trick or Treat Daddy.

It was a fun Halloween! I am excited for next year to see how much more he understands and enjoys festivities of the holiday!

1- Box of Kleenex

2011-11-01T06:56:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for all the little niceties we have. Today it is kleenex. Zac has a cold and my pregnant self always seems to be needing a kleenex too. The little things I sometimes forget to be thankful for like a box of kleenex, bleach so my house smells clean and a dishwasher so I don't have to wash them all by hand.
Can you tell today was cleaning day?

Happy Haunting!

2011-10-29T12:47:00.000-06:00

I think Halloween is fun! I am not into the scary stuff, actually I am a wimp and HATE the scary stuff. I have always loved the other parts of the holiday and season. The "cute" decorations (not scary), carving pumpkins, hot cocoa, pumpkin flavored everything, football, parties, and dressing up for Halloween.

I grew up in a house where a costume was rarely if ever sewn. We didn't even really purchase many either; it was more: what do we have in our closets that we can change to create a costume. It was a creative process with our Mom and I loved it. My favorite costume as a kid was my Scarecrow. I was a walking craft project. Doug grew up liking the free candy, but not the dressing up. When we were dating he went with me as Skipper and I was MaryAnn to my sororities Halloween party. I haven't had much luck since getting him to dress up for the holiday.

The last 2 years now we have been invited to a friends Halloween party for adults only! Last year we went as cowboys, again searching our closet for something to throw together. When we got to the party it was apparent people took this holiday seriously! This got us excited for the following year. This year we planned ahead and created a fun/yummy/easy costume. We were Double Stuff Oreos.

I took a high resolution picture of an Oreo and Doug printed it. We glued them to foam core boards and attached ribbon. Wearing white to become the double cream filling when we hugged. It was a great way to get some PDA from Doug! Now, I am busy thinking up ideas for next year and how to get Doug to say "Yes" to my ideas. He did promise last night that he would wear what I make. But that could have been the sweets and 'Halloween High' talking.

Don't eat me big spider!

The Haunted House we were invited to was decked out even the kitchen ceiling had a 20 foot Spider!

The house had fun attractions in every room. The game room had a Ping Pong Tournament, which we both bombed. We will also be practicing our Ping Pong skills this year. (Doug playing Adam as in Adam and Eve- brave people who won for best male and female costumes.)

I thought the photo booth was a fun idea and a great spot to capture a picture with our good friends and hosts the Keverns. Can you believe these are home made! Renae is amazing! Her whole family is going as Sesame Street Characters. Big Bird took 17 yellow Boas to create! I took pictures of their family dressed up for Halloween they will be posted to my photography blog. So awesome!

Part of the celebration this year was a contest for the "Spookiest Dish." We won with our creation of Bloody Intestines! It was a stomach turning dish. Pure evil genius for a Halloween Party! I can't wait for next years Halloween Party and all the fun we will have there! Thanks Keverns and Halls for a great time!
For more of the Bloody Intestines and how to make them you can check out my post on Gourmified.

Splish Splash

2011-10-27T09:22:00.000-06:00

Who ever thought up the idea of a Splash Park is a genius! They are so fun to run around in the water sprays on a spongy surface and Moms can observe while staying dry, bonus less worry of drowning. This summer we played at the Splash Parks and got some well needed wiggle and run time.

Can't you tell how happy this little boy is to be playing in the water!?

Lisa, Isaac, Kira, Keaton, Savannah and baby Tessa joined Zac, Jordyn and I at the park. Jordyn was very entertained by the big kids playing and laughed at Zac every time he came over to say Hi and let me know he was having fun playing.

Fences aren't just to keep the kids in Zac thought they were perfect for climbing, over and under. My little Monkey finds anything and everything can be climbed!

Add a cup and you add another element of splashing fun, splashing your friends!

Summer fun is always more fun when you add water and smiles!

Rainy Zoo Day

2011-10-27T08:57:00.001-06:00

On August 1st it was a pouring summer monsoon as we pulled into the Zoo. But today wasn't any normal Zoo trip it was special so the rain wasn't going to stop us! Grandma Cathy took all the Grandkids to the Zoo to meet her friend who is a Zoo Keeper.

Elephants are one of Zac's favorite animals and they were out enjoying the rain. It was probably the most active I had ever seen them.

The Dinosaurs were a fun addition to the Zoo. I am glad we got to see them all. Zac wasn't scared he just roared back and laughed, but he didn't like looking at me instead of the Dinosaurs for pictures. He loves his big boys cousins. He follows Brock and Garrett where ever they go and wants to be just like them.

Shelby, Chance, Zac, Jordyn chillin' in the strollers viewing the Giraffes.

All the Bennion Cousins excited to see the Giraffes.

They were even more excited when they got to FEED the Giraffes!

Look at that long tongue! This hungry Giraffe took the cracker out of my hand and licked Zac he laughed so hard...after.

Our attempt at getting the kids with the Zoo Keeper.

Zac had a great time at the Zoo he ran, touched everything, climbed and explored!

His new favorite attraction, the carousel.

Boys with long arms just monkey'in around!

Riding the Dinosaur was a highlight he did NOT want to move off, but wanted the Dinosaur to move like the carousel bear.

By the time we left the Zoo was drying out, the sun was peaking through the clouds and we were all tired from the fun animal adventures. Thanks Grandma Cathy for a great day!

Witchy Outing

2011-10-25T14:04:00.000-06:00

The witches of Gardner Village are a fun way to get into the Halloween spirit. I love the creative and festive way these ladies celebrate the season. Zac and I met up with my sister Lisa and her kids, Allison, Isaac, and Kyle.

Zac thought the witches were really funny. He kept laughing at their poses and big noses.

Yummy a hot dog, too bad it is plastic!

This witch had cats running around her skirt. Zac kept saying "cats stuck, Mommy fix it."

The Mommies with the Mummy.

The kids were good sports about posing for pictures and even picked the witches that they wanted a photograph with.

Great day, browsing witches and getting the wiggles out by wandering around cackling!

Carving Pumpkins

2011-10-23T13:32:00.000-06:00

A favorite fall tradition of our family's is carving pumpkins. This year we grew Diablo pumpkins, they were a great size for carving and a rich orange color.

Zac helped me carve a Mickey Mouse head while Doug did a classic pumpkin face.

I discovered washable crayons worked great for free hand drawing the designs and for giving Zac some creative time with the pumpkin.

Our Good friends the Oliver's carved with us.

If you ask me the pumpkins turned out great, too bad it was so warm that Mickey didn't survive to see Halloween.

It is 5am why aren't you up?

2011-10-11T06:05:00.000-06:00

Yes, that is right it is 5am and I am almost wide awake. I have already been awake for 1 full hour and off/on awake for an additional hour. Don't get me wrong I love sleep. Sleep and I just don't seem to come together all the time.
I am having the oddest dreams. Example: I am back in high school and pregnant (ready to pop) and not married to Doug. This dream bothers me on so many levels because 1-NEVER would have happened, 2-having difficulty keeping pregnancies I have a big issue with teen pregnancy and 3-I do NOT want to relive high school. I did it once. I don't need to go back!
Then there is this weird thought in the back of my mind. "I might squish the baby" in my unconscious/ subconscious state I worry about every sleeping position, everything I ate or did the previous day, every jump at my stomach by my exuberant boy. It really doesn't promote good sleep when every worry you put off as nonsense during the day comes back to haunt you when your eyes shut.
This pregnancy is going well. I haven't had the bleeding I did with my others, yet I can't really let myself relax and get too excited. It is a curse of losing children. I keep getting asked what would you like more a boy or a girl. Well my official answer is "I don't care I am just grateful to be pregnant."
It would be nice to have a boy because the season matches up so perfectly with Zac that we wouldn't need much. I have always wanted a girl to dress up and do hair. (However, looking at all the work that goes into little girls hair I think I should re-evaluate my interest in doing hair. When I was a little girl it was either in pigtails, ponytails, or behind my ears.) According to some fun prediction sites 4 out of 5 say it will be a girl. (Tested these same sites say that Zac will be a boy...so maybe their right?) We should find out the first part of November. I almost had Doug convinced we should cheat and find out this week. Darn, practical, budgeting man couldn't see the logic in 3 weeks earlier and spending extra money. Hello, it would be fun, plus we would see our baby....totally worth the moo-la!

BTW right now my baby is the size of an apple. Yep it is 5am and I can't sleep and I am browsing the oddest stuff.
Also as a quick shout out, thanks to my friends for their blog posts. It makes for a fun read at 4am on my phone's google reader. Sorry I don't comment as often now that I am reading it there. Keep them coming!

I am getting sleepy again now. My lovely Select Comfort bed is calling my name. This bed is SO fabulous I think it deserves a post of its own. My dog is snoring, Doug is off to the gym and Zac is out. I am going to try to fall asleep right now. Maybe I will dream of the last blog I read about my friend who lives in the Marshall Islands. Perhaps, my dreams will be tropical and about coconuts instead of thoughts of making it through Alta's halls with a watermelon for a belly.

PS sorry for the ramblings, but I am sure if you are up this early you aren't fully awake either and would find it funny. I am always more funny on less sleep ;)

Adventures in Potty Training

2011-10-08T07:54:00.000-06:00

I was very torn on when to start Zac potty training. Zac decided for me. One week we were watching a friends little girl who is his age and trained. She used his little potty and he was so interested. Watching her, asking questions and then pulling down his pants to potty too. The next day his cousins were over (whom he worships) and they both went on the potty. Zac proceeded to try and went all over the floor. Argh! He was obviously interested. I took a quick quiz and all signs pointed to ready, except for waking up with a dry diaper. Looking at the calendar the next week was a slower week for work and Conference weekend (no church, bonus). My friend Amoree gave me a copy of a program she used successfully for her kids "Potty Training in 3 days." Considering my options I thought I can handle 3 intense days. If it doesn't take we will go back to diapers and try again later. Monday was going to be day ONE.
(This is a detailed retelling of how our days went. At the bottom is what I learned and what I would change.)

Day 1- Monday- Good bye diapers
Zac was saying for a few weeks he didn't want to wear diapers. Monday morning I was awake, dressed and ready to go before he woke. As I changed his diaper and we put on his first pair of big boy underwear we talked about the diapers how they were for babies and he was a big boy. We took all his diapers, put them in a garbage bag and in the trash. He didn't flinch. He was excited. He ran around the house in a t-shirt and his big boy underwear so proud and excited. We talked about wet vs dry. We really emphasized keeping his underwear dry. I filled him up on salty food, snacks and lots of liquids. I gave Zac my undivided attention, played games, toys and colored. He had 7 pee accidents and did not poop that day. He would tell me he had to go potty and would get a little pee on his underwear as we ran. As the day went on the pee on the underwear became less and less until his last few were dry. We were downstairs where the bathroom has a little potty and a big potty. Being pregnant I go often enough on my own. I made sure we went potty together each time. We talked over each step of going to the potty. I cheered, danced, made up songs about the potty and going pee pee. I read books to him about going pee. I altered some books to fit exactly what we were doing with our potty training so that he didn't get confused by the kids in the books. I honestly was expecting the first day to go worse. Since he didn't go poop at all the first day, I was weak, I put him in a pull up for bed time. Even though the book said to do bedtime the same time as day time training.
Day 2- Better, but Messy
Zac was NOT happy to be woken up and told the pull up must come off. He did not want to sit on the potty first thing in the morning he just wanted to be held. He takes a minute to really wake up. I got him to relax and go potty....finally. We rehearsed again: Dry underwear, clean underwear, where does poop and pee go? in the potty. It seemed to work better this day. He kept his underwear dry and only had 3 accidents. One was a little bit of pee because we didn't make it in time. The frustrating part of this day was the big pee accident IN MY STUDIO! He knows he shouldn't go in there and it was a big mess. When we ventured outside to enjoy the weather he unloaded! Playing in the sand box he acted like the stuff in his pants was nothing. It wasn't until he stood up that I realized what had happened. My pregnant self had the hardest time not throwing up as I cleaned him up, including spraying him down in the shower it was that bad. Yuck! Both accidents happened in the afternoon after I was patting myself on the back for a very successful day.
Night 2- We went diaper free! I put a shower curtain liner, topped with a towel all under the sheets. He wet the bed twice during the night even though we tried to get him up to potty. Remember he doesn't wake up right away and he doesn't like being woken up at night. Who does?
Day 3- Oops! Dentist appointment
I thought I scheduled my appointment for Thursday, but it turns out it was Wednesday. My attempt to have the calendar clear didn't work. My good friend Kimi was kind enough to take the challenge of keeping him dry. Zac did great all day he wore the same pants and underwear. When Doug got home he even went poop in the potty!
Night 3- Zac went to bed dry and woke up dry. I felt like doing a victory dance!
I was getting over confident. The next few days we had some set backs and frustrations. IE: Running to every bathroom in the store only to have him not potty. Then poop in his underwear when we walked in the door at home.
It is now almost 2 weeks later and we are doing really good. He is waking up dry, pooping in the potty and doing great at telling me when he needs to potty. It has been very exhausting being so excited by every poop, pee and asking him if he is dry. At the same time it has gone SO much better than I expected. We both enjoyed spending time together. I tried to remember to have fun with it, try new motivation techniques, creating new potty songs and reading funny books.

What I liked and learned:

It took a lot of pressure off of me to tell myself only 3 days. Even though it took longer to get the idea solid the hardest part was the focused 3 days.

We had fun together in between potty trips. We made muffins, played games and read books. Anything fun we could do at home together.

He is so proud of himself. You can see it on his face when he gets poop or pee out.

I would keep him in the toddler bed while training him. The crib mattress was already plastic coated, I have tons of crib sheets and it is easier to change than a twin.

It worked well to have him get used to his potty seats before we started potty training. He is more comfortable on his little seat. I used 3 different potty seat options. We bought the little blue potty and it looks like the potty in books it was a good tool to get him used to being on a potty. I don't like the clean up of the seat, but I do like that when I need to go he can sit on his potty and go at the same time.

My favorite seat we bought at home depot. The seat is an actual potty seat. It works on magnets and clicks into the lid. It is less work, looks nicer and is so much cleaner.

In our bathroom we have the cushy insert able seat. He is OK with it too. Sometimes I think he likes the variety.

The book recommends turning the boys around when they are not using a small seat. Zac likes to be turned around because he can watch where it goes. I don't like that his under wear has to come completely off to make that work though, but you do what you have got to do.

The Treasure box was a great incentive. I use a treasure box for my photography. Zac knows that it is special. He was very interested in being good to earn a treasure box. I fill it with small, cheap, fun toys and the fact that it looks like a treasure box helps.

Special underwear was a hit. Zac was sad when he got his favorite Mickey Mouse underwear wet or dirty. He touched the wet and understood that now he couldn't wear Mickey because he was dirty. By having him help clean up the underwear and show him how it was dirty helped him grasp the clean concept faster.

The curtain liner was cheap and keeps the bed protected. Walmart also had inexpensive sheets that saved us money and worry. If they get ruined I am only out a few dollars.

*Best tip* remind yourself to have fun and make it a game. It is a challenge for you both and an exciting big step in his life. By keeping that in mind I have been able to keep my cool.When I felt myself losing it I said "This is a change and we are learning." I gave him LOTS of praise, hugs and kisses. Who doesn't love to be told they are wonderful and doing a great job?
I am so proud of him and hope that this continues and by the time the baby comes he will be so good at going potty that we won't have set backs.
(If you would like a pdf copy of the method I used send me your email and I will forward you the information.)

This is Nap time?

2011-09-25T14:17:00.001-06:00

2 years old seems too early to stop taking naps. I love to take a nap (especially being pregnant). Zac has been putting up a fight for nap time on most days. We read books, sing songs and I lay him down for a nap. Some days he falls asleep in his bed. Most days he would sit up in his chair to read. These two days he fell asleep in the funniest position on his chair.

Doesn't look very comfortable to me, but if he is going to sleep I will keep him there!

I have a feeling I am going to be finding him like this, laying sprawled out on the furniture, when he is a teenager.

Most of the time I can hear him playing in his room and come to find that he has turned the light on and made a big mess. My little tornado is very precise in his mess. Notice the wipes lined up? He was very proud of the 'choo choo' he made!

He never wants to wear a bib while we eat, but thinks it is fun for play time he calls it his cape.

He is the happiest tornado I have ever met!

Good Excuses

2011-09-22T11:14:00.000-06:00

I am full of really good excuses why our blog is so sparse.

We have had a fun and busy summer. Here are a few highlights (full blog posts to follow with more details...for posterity sake).

Excuse #1: In June Zac celebrated turning 2! He went full speed ahead into busy fun and mischief.

Excuse #2: Trips, Vacations and Excursions including; adults only trip to St. George, a family camp out with the Coulliette's, a vacation to Yellowstone with friends and the Bennion Family reunion at the Homestead.

Excuse #3: Holidays, Holiday Gatherings, Holiday Festivities

Don't you love our "Matchy-Smatchy" shirts for the 4th of July?

Excuse #4: BUSY keeping my 2 year old entertained. Splash Park, train rides, farm visits, and fun with friends and family.

Excuse #5:

The biggest excuse I have for being SO behind this summer........

We are expecting again!

I am 12 weeks pregnant and just starting to not feel as nauseous and tired. This pregnancy has been a very smooth one too which makes me very happy! We have already had 2 ultrasounds and this little one is growing right on track and looking healthy! The baby is due April 3, 2012 or 4.3.12 (I love the math on that 4x3=12, yep I am a number nerd)

Any guesses on what the gender will be?

Channeling Dennis the Menace

2011-09-18T19:39:00.002-06:00

Looking at this sweet little face you would never suspect that this little boy has earned the nickname Dennis...as in Dennis the Menace. Zachary has been extra mischievious since turning two. He is really trying to earn the title "terrible two". He is still happy and sweet, but very curious! It has taken me until about 3 months to finally write about what happened.
As a preface:
Did you see the news during the summer? Did you hear about this 2 year old that was severly injured or that other 2 year old the died or the sad parents who didn't think they would be laying their 2 year old to rest. I don't know how many of you noticed, but being the Mom to a 2 year old I certainly did! I felt like every night on the news there was a child tradegy and often the story started with "A 2 year old...." It got to the point I told Doug we couldn't watch the news at night, because I was having horrible dreams about our own 2 year old.
Jump forward a couple of weeks:
June to July was busy for our family. I was in need of a date....bad! We don't often go on dates that are the classic dinner and a movie. It is a long time to have someone watch Zachary. We arranged for a double date with my sister and her husband to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows .2 and for dinner following at Texas Roadhouse. I was super excited for all of it! We planned an earlier date to make things easier on my Mom who willingly was taking Zac (2), Allison (7) and Isaac (4). When the movie was over we planned to pop on our cell phones to do the call ahead seating. The movie ended, we each checked our phones and noticed we received panicked messages from my Mom. "Get here now, big flood Zac did it" "Come right away house flooded 3 floors!"
I was shocked to find out that while we were enjoying the last Harry Potter so much drama could happen. The messages were spotty and my Mom wasn't doing good at filling in the details. When we arrived with box fans set them up while I proceeded to wet/dry-vac her bathroom carpet I heard the full story.
Apparently about 30 minutes after we left for the movie my sister-in-law Suzanne asked my Mom if she would watch her 3 kids also. My Mom is so sweet and loves all her grand kids that she couldn't resist. She now had Zac (2), Allison (7) and Isaac (4), AND Alex (5), Max (3) and Ben (7 months). She was very out numbered! Zac being curious and used to having free reign of Grandma's house wandered away. Eventually my Mom realized he was gone and went looking finding him at the top of the stairs with out pants on. She called him down put his pants on and continued to play. Slowly as the kids got settled she could hear a dripping noise in the kitchen. Looking up to see the ceiling was wet and water coming down she ran up stairs. When she got to her room her Jacuzzi tub (large enough to fit a full grown pregnant woman) was over flowing! The damage was done the floors were soaked and the water was traveling through the house all the way to the basement. We sucked up as much as we could. Used fans to dry it out more and gathered every towel to help mop up the moisture. Hearing this story several thoughts ran through my head. "Please Heavenly Father let this all dry and be ok." "How on earth are we going to afford to fix this if it doesn't clean up well." "What would have happened to my boy?" He is two, he is busy and as much as he loves to swim I don't think he could have handled the amount of water. He could have drowned. That is when I got really upset. More upset because I was in shock over what could have been, not because of what happened. I calmed myself down and said a thankful prayer that while my parents kitchen ceiling will need to be replaced my two year old little boy that is irreplaceable is safe. I see my parents ceiling now as a reminder that life is precious and that Zachary was able to be one of the lucky two year olds that wasn't mentioned on the news.
Doug thinks this is a story we will find funny in the future and tell at Zac's wedding and to his children. Maybe by then I will see more humor in it. Now I just want to hold my 2 year old close and keep him on a leash!

Texas Trip

2011-09-12T09:17:00.004-06:00

This last weekend, I got the opportunity to go with my Dad and his friends to see BYU play the University of Texas in Austin. It was a short trip but a lot of fun.

I got on the plane Friday night and found I was sitting surrounded by the BYU Cheerleaders that were headed down. The girl sitting in front of me had a huge engagement ring and started talking about Jimmer this and Jimmer that. I guess she is the one that landed Jimmer.

We spent the morning wandering around Austin. The Texas State Capitol was neat to see. (I like Utah's better still).

The marching band did a tribute to 9/11 which was pretty cool.

My Dad and I at half time (the smile did fade from my face after watching the Cougars fall apart in the second half!)

This is what 101,000 people look like in a stadium. It was an awesome site. And we need a big screen like that in Edwards Stadium!

What do you do when you just lost a close game on the road...go to Dennys and drown your sorrows in a double cheeseburger and a milkshake (for the record, I had a salad).

Overall, tough loss, fun trip, can't wait for the Ute beatdown this weekend. GO COUGARS

The Big Boy Room for Zachary

2011-09-08T11:35:00.000-06:00

We moved Zachary out of his toddler bed into a twin this week. He is so excited to climb into bed and I am glad I can climb in next to him on the nights he needs to cuddle for a minute. We found the twin on a great Labor day sale which was the only reason we bought it when we did. Now we are using a temporary comforter (from Doug's college days) and I am excited to get his room redecorated for his twin! I feel like in his small room the bedding will help determine the feel and theme of the room. Zac's room is tan or green (can't decide if we will keep him in the room he is already in or move him next door. I feel so indecisive!)
Can you help me choose between the bedding?

Car bedding is definitely little boy. I could do a lot with it. This bedding is more quilted. I wanted to add boats to the room theme since we have some cool pieces from Doug's mission to Halifax, Canada.

I got this bed in a bag set on a steal! The tan in the

plaid would match the tan walls really well. I think I would be able to pull in the nautical bits from Canada.

This bedding has the fun orange and green in addition to blue.

The next two are fun and similar it is just the color difference.

I also like to keep my cost down. I was able to get the top two on sale at the store and the others I am having a hard time finding online and in stores. I don't have a preference on theme. I usually do color themes, but he is 2. I would like the room to be able to grow with him. I want to incorporate the cool items from Canada that have a nautical feel. I will have to make black out curtains for his room and new curtains for his closet. I was thinking I would make his bedding, but with all the other sewing projects (for a person who doesn't sew) making the bedding might be too much work and money. Ok now that you have all my random thoughts give me your feed back!
*UPDATE*
So I agreed with most of the comments about the basic patch quilts with the orange. I was ready to either hunt it down or buy a look alike. The other bedding was going back, but then Zac saw it. When he realized the car bedding was for his big boy bed he was hooked. He didn't even notice that the red cars weren't Disney Cars Lightning McQueen. He just said Red McQueen car and was in love with the bedding. Now I am going to keep him in his room so I can get it decorated and give myself more time to convert the office into the new nursery. I am excited to get to decorate another fun kids room and to do the nursery. More fun pictures to follow and of course more requests for comments and help! :) I bet you are all super excited to see blogs about that!

When you know it worked

2011-08-30T08:35:00.000-06:00

When do you know it worked? It could be a lot of things, but I am mean more specifically discipline. When does that moment come that you have a happy and obedient child? When do you know that all the time you have been spending trying to teach him to behave has paid off. I still think we are always in a work in progress. We have temper tantrums, tears and days I just want to throw in the towel. However, there are moments I think that he is listening to me and is being such a good little boy.

With Zac sitting on my lap were enjoying a bowl of cereal together. Doug was playing the piano near by, just fooling around to burn time till we were ready to go. I asked Doug if he would put away the milk and pick up so as soon as we were done we could leave. He said he would get to it and kept playing. I went back to eating. Then from my lap Zac's little voice pops up. "Daddy, milk away please" followed soon by "1, 2, 3" while trying to hold up the right fingers. Doug quickly got up and put the milk in the fridge. "Thank you, Daddy" said Zac and then he looked at me and asked for "Zac's turn" to eat a bite of cereal.

I about died laughing! This little boy who I wondered if he was catching on used the same techniques on Doug that I use for him! It was a very funny moment that I don't want to forget.

Living Room Remodel Project- DONE!!!

2011-08-10T14:02:00.002-06:00

Before- carpeted floor, wood paneling, white walls and tan/blue curtains

During the Remodel

Transformation complete....almost

I love how the wall color turned out and the wainscoting makes the room feel light and airy. I was so excited to find this fun, blue, wing back chair at a thrift store. As I saw this chair it yelled at me "Take me home". The little white shelves were a great find at Target. I think they add some dimension as well as give me a place to showcase pictures. We call this portion of the wall "The Zac Shrine".

Doug did a great job on the floors. They are so rich and warm feeling. I was excited to change the layout of the room now that I was not restricted by the carpet. By having the same in the living room, kitchen and hall the space feels bigger and more open.

The mirror moved over the piano on the opposite wall and the family picture moved to the wall beside the archway. I still need to add another element to the family picture wall. I am thinking I could do one of my temple pictures of something with a texture. Ideas?

I have a few more things I want to change and add to the room. I think a larger, shag tan carpet would be great. I also want to buy some fabric and make new pillows. I found this great floral fabric at a store in Sugar house and have yet to find anything I like better. I guess I am doing a fabric run. So what do you think of the room? Any great fabric stores I should check out for my pillow fabric?

When to Potty Train?

2011-08-03T08:57:00.000-06:00

When do you start potty training is it ......

When your little one is a certain age?
When he wants to wipe himself every time you change his diaper?
When your 2 year old doesn't want to wear diapers anymore?
When you go to the bathroom and he insists he needs to sit on the potty too?
When he tells you he is ready to be a big boy and go on the potty?
Or is it when you the parent are ready to deal with potty training?

I have a naked little boy running around my house right now because he doesn't want to put on his diaper...he is a "big boy no baby"!

Opinions and Help Please!

The Homestead with the Bennion's

2011-08-02T21:14:00.000-06:00

The Bennion Family is a fun group to get together. We are even more fun when we get away together! This family reunion we went to the Homestead. It was a nice family resort with swimming pools, golfing and roomy condos for the whole family to crash in.

My little fish loved swimming. He quickly decided he didn't want to wear the life vest, but was happy with just floaties so that he could swim around the pool more. Zac is a fast swimmer! It is a great way for him to get out some of his energy.

All the kids enjoyed swimming even the big kids!

The cousins playing together was so fun to see. Zac followed Brock and Garrett every where they went.

Zac doesn't think he is a little kid he is the same size as Brock and Garrett and wants to keep up with them every where in every way.

We walked to the Zermot Resort for ice cream and to ride the carousel. Zac's first ride on the carousel he was smiling from ear to ear it could have been a roller coaster to that boy!

One evening we went out to dinner. I think we over whelmed the staff with our large herd. Dinner took a long time especially for Zac. We took him outside to walk and run around this seemed to make the time more bearable.

Again after dinner the kids got to ride the carousel. Three carousel rides in 2 days he was so happy!

Across the street from the condo was the playground and large field for the kids. Perfect!

Zac playing soccer wtih his cousins while his Uncles and Grandpa Norm watch.

The BIG Bennion Bunch 19 people and 2 little bumps due spring of 2012!

Virginia is for Little Boys

2011-07-27T11:46:00.000-06:00

Perhaps it was the frazzled brain from too many paint fumes or the anxiousness to get away from it all or the pure joy I get from spending time with my family that drove me to book a flight for Zac and I (without Doug) to visit the Virginia Bennions. Our painting and house projects were almost done all that needed to happen was for Doug to put in the new floors. The idea of having no floors and entertaining/caring for Zac was sounding too difficult. As desperation set in on what I was going to do Kari (my sister-in-law) posted a great deal for airplane tickets to Virginia. Zac was still under 2 years aka FREE. I jumped at the opportunity to get away from the mess and to spend time with their family. After I booked the tickets I quickly had 'flyers remorse' thinking about taking a busy 2 year old on a long flight (2 long flights, technically) all by myself.

Zac proved to be a good flyer and was excited to wheel around his own bag filled with toys to entertain himself. I packed my bag full of every treat, movie and possible way to keep him quiet and happy (including Mr. Binky). Zac was unsure when we left Doug at the entrance and proceeded to our gate. We were so blessed that on almost (story below) all our flights Zac got to have his own seat (unpaid) and sit near some very understanding people.

While in Virginia we played with Chance (teeheehee I love the play on words there), Kari and occasionally Jeff and Garrett. We had so much fun spending time with them. I wish they lived in Utah so we could see them more. Zac and Chance were good playing together, but Chance wasn't so sure about sharing toys that he usually gets to have to himself. Zac loved that they had so many trains, cars, balls and all the "Cars" cars to play with. It is a house for little boys! One day we went to a fun park and then stopped by Trader Joes. I have heard so many times from Kari and others how amazing the store is I had to see it for myself. It is a great store especially for the health food/organic loving. The next day we did something simple and went to the local mall and had the boys ride on the train. Zac was in heaven riding his first choo choo.When we were not out exploring VA we played at home with Garrett and Chance. I loved playing "trains" aka Ticket to Ride with everyone especially Garrett who in his own words 'schooled' me.

We couldn't go to Virginia with out at least a ride through the National Mall. We opted to do a drive by and spend our time at the Zoo with the little boys. My little Monkey loved climbing on every bar and rail when we stopped to view the animals. The National Zoo is pretty awesome. Thinking of a good comparison the National Zoo is to Hogle Zoo what Disneyland is to Lagoon.

The final day we went to the Air and Space Museum. Zac was often saying "ooo, whoa, and wow" while looking at some amazing airplanes. Yet again he found that the railings were a fun jungle gym to play on. We had so much fun spending time with the Virginia Bennions it was hard to say good bye.

On our flight home we had a 3 hour layover in Denver. It was the perfect length to stretch our legs, get some lunch and let Zac play. He was beyond tired and very cranky. I was finally able to convince him to be in his stroller by giving him a chocolate cookie. It did the trick he soon was a sleep, but covered in chocolate still holding the cookie. I realized after he was out that his diaper was full, but I was not about to wake him to change it. I casually wandered the common area of the airport until it was about 45 minutes until departure time. I looked at the clock and again at our tickets and realized our flight was actually leaving in 10 minutes!! I panicked. With Zac in his stroller I raced through the airport at full speed to get to our gate. I arrived with 4 minutes till departure!! Zac was still asleep in his stroller smelling of chocolate and poop, but I was just grateful we made it. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to wipe the chocolate or change his bum before we needed to be in our seat. As it would turn out the puddle jumper we were on did not have a place for me to change his bum or an extra seat available. I was blessed to be sitting by an Austrailian Dad who understood and was even willing to play the movie Cars for Zac on his Mac. I don't know if this guy realized it, but he was my life saver that day. Even though Zac was upset from being woken up and from having a dirty bum he was happy to watch Cars. He cuddled in my lap the flight home (eww poopy bum in my lap, but at least he was content). As soon as we exited we ran straight for the bathroom. I am not sure who was more excited to see Doug, me or Zac.
I am glad the vacation went so smoothly and that we had the opportunity to go to Virginia. I was also very grateful I came home to the floors 90% finished! (finished house project posted soon)

17 again, but BETTER

2011-07-13T08:16:00.000-06:00

A weekend with out kids would sound fun enough, but when it is with some of my fun friends from High school it makes you feel like you are 17 again. We did lots of things that aren't as easy to do with kids. We went out to dinner, attended the St. George temple, some saw a movie while others got pedicures. The boys went golfing while the girls went shopping at the outlets.

We played LOTS of games. Brandon seemed to dominate the winners circle, but we all gave him a run for his money.

We partied at the pool. It was so cool being in the pool after a hot 100+ degree day in the sun.

I never realized that those hot days are why people have home pools it was at least 20 degrees cooler by the pool and felt so nice!

Sorry Jamie I had to post this it was too funny! (Blame Ryan for taking the pool pictures :)

Seriously gorgeous view of St. George.

Jamie and Brandon

Cory and Alli

Amy and Doug

Ryan and Brianna

Ryan and Kimi

Shanda and Brent

The birthday girls, Alli and Shanda. We made them sit on the saddle together and get 'ye-hawed'.

One of the fun games we played is Body Smash. Pick a card for body parts that must touch and carry a sponge across the room. It made for some hilarious pictures and an even more funny evening. Add to that the fact that we were all up until 1AM.

Hug it out you two

Alli was a great sport play this while being pregnant.

Brianna brought this game and you can tell they have played it before with the skills they had acquired.

Seriously funny balancing act by Brent and Shanda

The one leg down was the worse, but Jamie and Brandon managed to hope there way to the box.

Some of my favorite parts from this weekend were the little things. It was nice that we all had our spouse to be with while enjoying our friends. Versus the awkward High school days of who was cuddling with whom and what did it mean. I loved staying up late and laughing together. I miss having girls to do hair, make-up and chat with while getting ready. Taking naps and having a moment to read a book, whenever. Our late night walk along the river. The fact that there weren't any kids made it so relaxing and carefree.


Ryan and Brianna, Kimmi and Ryan, Amy and Doug (bottom) Cory and Alli, Brent and Shanda, Brandon and Jamie

I know super cheesy, but I thought it would be fun since we could!

I love this crazy group!

This weekend made me feel 17 all over again....I loved every minute of it!

Summer Fun and 4th of July

2011-07-12T11:14:00.000-06:00

Riverton City has some great activities for the family around the 4th of July. One of our favorites is the parade.

We saw lots of cool floats, our Riverton Royalty (including our neighbor Bailee) and some neat cars.

Zac was so excited about all the free candy being given away and didn't understand why the other kids weren't sharing.

His favorite float was the Lehi City float because they had a Digger on their float.

We had a small get-together with family eating Cafe Rio and going to the festivities. Grandma Cathy got us all matching shirts from Old Navy and I love how cute our "matchy-smatchy" family looks! Thanks Cathy!

Look at that cute smile!

We decided not to see the fireworks and keep Zac up since he didn't take a nap. Turns out my genius plan on getting him to bed so he would be good for church the next day did not pay off. He was still super cranky and wired right along with all the other kids in nursery. It was a busy, fun filled weekend I can't blame them for being on a fun/sugar high!

I am old

2011-07-02T21:01:00.001-06:00

When I was a kid my Dad was always icing his knees. He had old sports injuries that always gave him troubles. I would (lovingly of course ;) tell my Dad he was old and his knees were twice his age. So the humor doesn't feel as funny when I am now sitting on the bed with ice on my knee and back. I think I over did it last weekend and I am paying for it now. Oh well, at least I had fun!

Bye Bye Binky

2011-06-28T08:01:00.001-06:00

Zac started with a binky all the time, but we slowly have weened him off of it except for nap and bedtime. I was fine with that it was kinda a tool to help him calm down and know it was time to rest. I thought I would let him keep his binky until he was no longer interested. Lately, Zac has been waking up in the middle of the night upset because he can't find his binky. It was pretty consistent that he lost it about 11pm and again around 2am. Yesterday, after nap time I asked him if he was ready to say good bye to his binky. It was the first time he said "Yes" or Zac's more common "Uhhuh". So we took the trash can in his room, put all the binkies in it and then topped it with his diapers and took them all out to the big garbage can outside. He was fine with it at first and was even willing to put them in the trash can, but when they were heading outside he got upset. I felt so bad having to take them away, but it was time and they were already dirty. Last night was his first night with out his binky. He cried and cried when I put him in his bed asking for his binky. Doug and I had to remind him that he threw them away and they were gone. I felt like the worst Mom. It took him about an hour to fall asleep still tearing up for his binky. He did not wake up in the middle of the night. I feel like it was a semi success. Now I just need to see how he handles naps today. I am really hoping he does well and this sadness is only temporary. With the binky gone Zac feels even more big boy to me. He is in a big boy bed, doesn't want to sit in the highchair and is learning to ride bikes. I love my little boy, but I miss my baby too.

So tall he likes to ride his trains and cars across the couches.

He figured out right away that beds were fun to jump on.

Yep, he is a boy even the hose nozzle is a gun.

Sweet ride big boy!

Golfing with Grandpa Max

2011-06-22T07:56:00.000-06:00

"Uh oh" was a common phrase Zac said when Grandpa did his practice swing. Zac then would say "Grandpa ball" and point to the ball on the tee making sure Grandpa knew where he was supposed to hit. As the ball flew in the air "oooo ball".

It was hard for Zac to avoid the giant sandboxes...or bunkers. He was so excited that the golf course not only had lots of grass to run around on, balls to hit, but sand to play in! Lots of raking took place too which was pretty cool to him as well.

Saving Grandpa's knees Zac was more than willing to dig in the hole to get the golf ball.

The flags were a bit heavy for him, but that didn't stop Zac from trying to help hold them for Grandpa too.

What a good little caddy!

Two much fun with 2 year old Zac!

2011-06-21T07:45:00.001-06:00

Zachary is 2! I can't believe it myself. He is growing up so fast. He is no longer my baby. He is all boy, all toddler and all 2!

He has more energy than Doug, me and our dog combined. He keeps us moving non-stop.
This was probably the busiest 20 minutes I had all week long trying to wrangle him for these pictures.

He loves to climb everything and now he can move chairs and climb higher to get what he wants.

If you take a car trip with him, you will quickly start noticing every school bus (wheels) and every backhoe (digger) you pass when he yells that he saw them then insists that you find more for him to see.

He is learning a ton but if you ask him what color something is, he will always start with yellow, then blue if those aren't correct he goes with red. Took him 3 tries, but he was so proud when he figured out this car was red.

He will flash you his belly at any time. He is very proud that he knows his body parts. I have been teaching him harder ones and he giggles as he points to his Elmo's (elbows). If ever we are near a baby he tries to teach the baby where their eyes, ears and nose are too.

Zachary has so much personality. He makes us laugh all the time.

This is what a Lion says "Roarrrr". He loves making animal noises. Some animals don't have names he just starts making their noise. Pig is still my favorite, followed close by elephant.

That smile was earned by making a burp noise. Yep, I lowered myself to bodily function noises to get him to sit still and smile. It worked!

Every couple of pictures he wanted to sit on a new chair. Zac was so excited that he got to have his picture taken. It has been a while since I only do them once every 3 months (instead of every month like I did his first year). As a fun new addition he started saying "Cheese" to me. I have never said "say cheese" to him before. Sometimes I wonder where he picks this stuff up.

"How old are you?" Zac very proudly holds up his pointer finger on each hand and says "Two". Every time we count 2 is his favorite. "1, 2, 3, 2, 4, 5, 6, 2, 7, 2, 8, 9, 10." Minus the extra 2s he is really good at his numbers. (Can you tell this picture he is holding up his two fingers? He got shy and made a funny face with them, but still super cute.)

He is in love with Cars. Disney's Cars is his favorite movie by far. He loves Mater, Lightning and Sally. He has found the fun in trains that connect. These cars connect like a train and this is a toy he won't let me put away.

Some of our favorite things to do are swimming, bike rides, go to the library, walk with friends, play on the swing set, sing songs and read books together. "Go Dog Go" is his favorite book, a close 2nd is his Disney Cars books that make noise. He is great at singing "Wheels on the Bus" and I have to laugh every time he asks me to sing or play it again (and again and again).

Zac went in for his 2 year old check up he is 25 pounds and 37 inches tall. The doctor had me fill out a survey about him and after 10 seconds in the room before looking over my answers he said "yeah, I know for a fact he is doing good socially."

I feel like there is so much more I could write about all the fun things he is saying and doing. I find myself pulling out the video camera as often as the camera to capture the funny things he says and does. I love this little boy so much I don't ever want to miss a moment of watching him learn and grow. I am so glad he is mine!

Friend Making Monday

2011-06-20T22:05:00.000-06:00

FMM: Yes or No?

Do you use coupons? Yes I try so hard to save our family money so we can afford to be a stay at home mom. I am not very good at it all the time, but I am getting better. Any tips send them my way!
Do you like football? Yes..specifically college and BYU!
Are you in a relationship? Yes...married the man of my dreams 6 1/2 years ago
Is your phone always within arm’s reach? Yes it is usually in my pocket or my bra (why don't all ladies pants have pockets? The put pockets on all baby cloths. How many 6 month old babies need pockets?!)
Do you like thunderstorms? Yes! I love to watch them especially.
Can you cook? Yes, I can follow a recipe if I am focus, but I prefer baking.
Are you – or have you – lost weight? Yep, I lost a lot of weight before I had Zac now I am working on losing more.
Do you know how to read a map? Yes, but so grateful for GPS!
Do you wear makeup? Yes! I wear it less now that I am a busy Mom. It seems odd to put on make up to clean the house and do laundry.
Do you read regularly? Yes. I read every day for at least 30 minutes. It is my unwind and relax time.
Are you publicly affectionate? Yes, I like a little PDA, but I have to keep it to a minimum since Doug isn't as fond of it.
Do you like picnics? Yes! Except for the bugs.
Do you have a/c? Do you count a swamp cooler? Nope, but our swamp is cheaper and works great for us.
Have you ever been out of the country? Yes! Only to Mexico and Canada. I would love to add England to the list soon.
Do you know how to ride a bicycle? Yes – it’s one of my favorite things. Planning a 30 mile bike ride soon.

Okay, now it’s your turn to answer the questions! And these are easy, right? Don’t forget to come back and link up! And have a happy Monday! =)

Zac turns 2 years old!

2011-06-20T08:38:00.001-06:00

We took Zac to Texas Roadhouse our favorite Birthday dinner location. He loved the rolls (who doesn't!) and even thought the saddle and singing was pretty cool. But nothing was as fun as the bowl of ice cream all for him!

Zac is in love with the movie Cars. I worked hard to create his birthday cake. I frosted the green to look like grass and used crushed Oreos for the road. I found the mini Oreos and they made the perfect accent "tires" around the border.

My little boy was so thrilled to see Mater and Lightning on his birthday cake. I loved the smiles he gave me while admiring his cake.

Cars was definitely the theme for this birthday and he was thrilled with every cars present.

We played outside and lit the fire pit for smores. The kids roasted marshmallows and continued their sugar rush with smores. Isaac, Max and Zac relaxed on the swing while enjoying their treats.

We bought Zac a pedal free balance bike for his birthday. He is still pretty slow going, but loves that he is a big boy on a bike.

Part of our present to Zac was finishing his playground. We had the Bennion's over to celebrate and got good use out of our new playground area. Zac, Shelby, Jaycey and Brock had a fun time playing on the set. Shelby was a good sport letting Zac push her in the swing.

Zac loves cars! Grandma got Zac a variety of car items while she was in Walt Disney World. He loved the Mater and Lightning I was tickled that they said "Walt Disney World"

Aunt Barbara and Zac blowing out the candles on their cake. It is so fun to have an Aunt with a birthday close to Zac's. He was excited about all his presents. Zac frequently carries around his Cars and even sleeps with them. Thanks everyone for celebrating this fun milestone with us!

A Boy's Best Friend

2011-06-20T08:10:00.000-06:00

Tackle Ollie, Walking Ollie, Cuddle Ollie....poor old Dog. He can't get away from this little boy. Zac thinks of Ollie as his Dog and loves him....some days a little too much.

Did you hear the news?

2011-05-27T08:26:00.000-06:00

As I have been wrapping up our home makeover project. I have been scouring the web for inspiration on dressing my nest. I keep running into a store called Home Goods.
It is often mentioned in my DIY, Better Homes and Gardens and Good Housekeeping Magazines. I went to the website this morning for more inspiration prior to posting the final pictures of our decorations on the wall. SURPRISE SURPRISE they are opening a store near by!

From the looks of it the location is across the street from Fashion Place Mall, (maybe the old Ultimate Electronic Building). I am so excited. I like to browse online, but when it comes to purchasing I am all hands on. I want to touch and feel. (Plus you never know if the colors are exactly true since there is a slight change in color depending on your monitor.) I am excited to go browse the shelves and see items like these!

I mean where else am I going to find a fabulous stick like that ;)

Ok I like it all except the budda, he is just not my decorating style

Love boxes and chests that can hold stuff while looking beautiful!

Also another reason I might go to Fashion Place Mall more often is H&M! A great clothing store with fun accessories to add to any outfit. Now if Fashion Place would just add a few more Mom friendly features like a Play Area, Family Restrooms and Nursing Rooms it could top South Town. Add those plus the train, fountain and carousel of South Town and Zac and I would be happy to browse there more often.

Pick a Paint

2011-04-20T21:50:00.001-06:00

Now for help with paint colors....
click to enlarge

This is my couch with the pillows that came with it. They are a kind of a red paisley design.

I originally embraced the red and added red accent pillows.

Now I want to incorporate the slate blue that matches the back splash in the kitchen and remove the red since I took the red out of the kitchen. Red didn't work with my new slate tile.

I like the richness of the navy with the slate blue. The couches are a medium dark chocolate so maybe the navy works better.

Or should I keep the red, remove the original pillows and add slate and navy blue pillows.

What about tan, lightens warms it up makes it feel more casual to me.

Maybe no slate blue would look better, just have the navy and tan. I have so many to choose from I don't know what to do.
I have to choose a color for the top of the new white wainscoting. I want to draw from what would look best with the current furniture. As much as I would love to do a COMPLETE over haul and get fresh change, I can't. So ideas!
If you didn't think I was serious about needing help take a look at my creations below. I narrowed it down to the navy and dusty blue for this example. I also added our new wood floors. Don't look at the details (I did this in photoshop, but I didn't take the effort to make it perfect) it just gives a general idea. What do you like the best? I am hoping your input and just doing this post will help me choose what would look best. Refer to the "Rip a Wall Down and Paint" post for the reason I am leaning towards blue.
Here are some colors I am thinking about for the wall:

Antique Blue

Gravity

Oatlands

Paradise Blue

Silver Service

Do you see my dilemma!? Seriously people...I need opinions Doug is no help he just says I don't know how to design I just know what I don't like. So opinions from all my super creative and design savvy friends would be awesome! BTW: know someone who has put in the laminate faux wood floors or carpet that wants pictures? I will trade photography for help :)!

As requested here are the pictures of the kitchen that you can see from the living room. Since taking these pictures I dyed the curtains blue and now have blue towels hanging from the oven. Does this change your opinion of the paint color? I also think the floor is a little darker than the photoshoped floor looks in the example pictures.

Living Room Remodel Project- Day 1 and 2

2011-04-20T09:26:00.000-06:00

We started the Living Room Remodel!

This is the Noah's wall I saw that explained my vision of how I wanted our walls to look to Doug.

Simple, classic and *BONUS* we can look at it over and over again in person if we need more inspiration.

The top chair rail was thin and boring. The down slats were every 4 feet at a seam in the panels. Oh yeah and the color was a 1990's honey oak...not my style.

Day 1- we did demo on the top rail and upgraded it to a sleek and contemporary chair rail.

Day 2- We tore off the old down slat seam covers and started adding our own chunkier down slats. We wanted to go as chunky as our Inspiration, but opted to save some money and be eco-friendly by re-using the existing baseboard. This was a little hiccup since we now needed to find slats that looked bigger than our current slats, but not so big that they were the same size as our current baseboards. Proportion is key and since our house and hall aren't huge we needed subtle sophistication instead of big and bold.

My upstairs is all torn apart and I have all my living room furniture in the middle of the room. Zac is enjoying this fun obstacle course, I am not. I am so excited to get the walls (and floors) done and have my entire home back in order. Thank goodness we have the family room downstairs where we can get away from this mess! I think this will go a lot faster now that I have Doug on board with my idea and we have the garage turned into a tool command center!

Fear not be of good cheer

2011-04-14T17:00:00.001-06:00

We were so excited to find out I was expecting baby #3! I found a cute way to tell Doug. I began looking up names, getting excited for decorating the nursery and pulling out my pregnancy reference books. I was feeling great, no morning sickness, only a little tired and then the spotting started. I told myself it would be ok. I cried, prayed and felt peace that everything would be alright. I know my Heavenly Father is mindful of me, my family and our needs. But in the bottom of my stomach I was still worried.
We told a few people, close friends and family that we were expecting. Each moment of their excitement made me more excited myself...for a moment. The spotting continued. One pregnancy I spotted I lost the baby. The other produced my sweet, healthy baby Zac. I prayed that what ever would happen I would feel peace.I knew it was in the Lord's hands.
This week we had our first Doctor appointment. He was concerned that I wasn't as far along since my numbers weren't as high as they needed to be for 9 weeks. Tuesday I was having cramping pain. As I said my morning prayers I felt I had received my answer. Yesterday, I couldn't stay at home and worry. I took it easy visited some friends and took Zac to the park. While at the park I felt a horrible sinking feeling. We got home and while Zac took his nap I cried and miscarried. It was physically painful this time. I wasn't put under and able to wake up with it over. I experienced what felt like labor. Add to that my grief over losing another child and my heart was being broken again.

I know it is silly to hope, but somethings I wish were like getting a shot, you get it once then you are covered. It unfortunately is not that way. I re-listened to Elder Russell M. Nelson's talk "Face the Future with Faith". I was comforted by his words. "Unfailing faith is fortified through prayer. Your heartfelt pleadings are important to Him. If we pray with an eternal perspective, we need not wonder if our most tearful and heartfelt pleadings are heard." He continued quoting President Thomas S. Monson " He said: “I testify to you that our promised blessings are beyond measure. Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments.”

President Monson continued: “My beloved brothers and sisters, fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith.”

^{I feel differently with this loss. I have my child to hold in my arms and make me smile. I know that I am more likely to miscarry because of my Hypothyroidism. Knowing a reason why makes the pain more bearable. I know if I miscarried it was not from something I did, but the baby not growing right. I know that I am able to have children it just takes more work and time.}

^{I am glad I told others I was expecting. I am grateful for the moments of bliss for me. I love those moments they were excited and that made me excited like every other pregnant woman gets to enjoy. I want people to feel with me. Feel the joy for me and the sad with me. It helps me not feel so empty and alone. I was so blessed to have the love and support expressed to me by those who knew of the pregnancy and the loss. You have no idea how much your excitement, tears and prayers on our behalf means to me.}

^{I know if I follow the prophet's words and Fear not, but be of Good Cheer all will be well.}

Face the Future with Faith

2011-04-13T14:38:00.000-06:00

This last Conference weekend there were many talks that touched me. I have listened to several over again. Yet the one I find myself rereading most was by Elder Russell M. Nelson titled "Face the Future with Faith" I feel like my faith has been tested and this talk was perfect. It was as if he could have said "Amy fear not, be of good cheer the future is as bright as your faith". During his talk he says:

"God’s holy angels are ever on call to help us. The Lord so declared: “I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.”⁶ What a promise! When we are faithful, He and His angels will help us.

Unfailing faith is fortified through prayer."

The next part touched me"Your heartfelt pleadings are important to Him. Think of the intense and impassioned prayers of the Prophet Joseph Smith during his dreadful days of incarceration in Liberty Jail. The Lord responded by changing the Prophet’s perspective. He said, “Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.”⁷

If we pray with an eternal perspective, we need not wonder if our most tearful and heartfelt pleadings are heard. This promise from the Lord is recorded in section 98 of the Doctrine and Covenants:

“Your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord … and are recorded with this seal and testament—the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted.

“Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name’s glory, saith the Lord.”⁸

I know my Heavenly Father loves me and I am grateful for the Prophet and Apostles that give us guidence for our day. I hope you enjoy the link and listen to some more talks. They have been a help to me and I hope they provide you with the inspiration you seek.

Not so Bedtime

2011-04-09T21:15:00.001-06:00

Zac was recently upgraded to the Toddler bed. He was great about it the first day or should I say night. Tonight, a week later we have a different story. He has discovered he has the ability to get out of his bed. Add to that he also knows how to turn on his light. We put him to bed doing our usual ritual of bath, lotion, brushing teeth, reading "Go, Dog, Go!" (2x) and a bed time book like "Good Night Moon". We said prayer, gave hugs and kisses and put him to bed. Doug and I were both tired from a busy Saturday. We cuddled in bed early and watched a movie. About 9pm we hear tink, tink, tink and giggles. We pause the movie and listen again to tink, tink, tink and giggle. We both got out of bed to see a light in the hall coming from Zachary's room. He had turned on his light. We open the door to find our little boy had pulled out several toys and books including the toy piano. He was so excited to see us and showed off his skills at the piano. We could not hide our own giggles at our silly, little boy. We re-read "Good Night Moon" emphasising that the bunny had his light off and was in his bed. Hoping Zac caught the message. It was too funny for me to forget to write about this little moment with our boy who is quickly becoming a stinker and a darn cute one too!

Ripe Down a Wall and Paint it!

2011-04-09T08:37:00.000-06:00

I posted the other day on Facebook that I have this urge to rip down a wall and paint. The reason being we have on our back burner a project I have wanted to do since we bought the house 4 years ago. Down our hall and in our living room is oak paneling. Not the grooved grandma's house paneling, but a flat panel of oak. As much as some may say it adds character to me it adds more wood and that is all. I did hear a nice comment that "it protects the walls". True, true, but I still want to do something with it.
I have been scouring the web and watching every design show I can. I am beginning to think we need to block those channels as now I want to remodel and paint EVERYTHING. I would say my style is Electic English Country. I love the look of this first room. Including the plates on the wall and the creamy yellow walls. If you look they built out little boxes in the paneling.
Room #1 White box panels

Room #2 This option is close to what we want to do. The Panels are simple, but I don't think we would do our base board this tall. The ease of this option is its big appeal.

On "The List" is also to paint the kitchen. The previous owners did not prime the walls when they painted a tan over a evergreen so it is a tan/green and looks off in tungsten lighting.

The kitchen below is more of an example of how I would like my kitchen to look. Blue is my favorite color to decorate with it reminds me of my childhood. Blue is a peaceful color that makes me think of Seattle rain, Ocean waters and sunny Blue Sky. I would love to paint our cabinets white. Currently they are a yellowish honey oak. They are updated and hard wood so I don't think I am going to get to paint them any time soon. Doug feels like painting good wood is a crime. (I think that feeling is accentuated by the fact that he is not a fan of painting.) Dispite how great I think they would look I know that it would be a ton of work to do and especially by myself. I saw on Divine Design, Candice recommend a blue tone to the wall color to compliment yellow wood tones as it calms down the yellow. BONUS I love the slate blue color and I think it would be fabulous with my new tile backsplash I put in over Christmas.

This wall of plates is beautful. I also like the wall color. I am thinking this color above the white paneling in the hall and living room to be a neutral and complimentary look.

So here are my design questions for all you decorating savvy friends out there...

Should I try to do the neutral paint in both rooms since they are very open to each other and connected? OR Sepeerate them by the wall color, but keep the decorating color scheme the same? (Currently the kitchen in the green tan and the living room in white walls)

Some previous mud and tape in the living room was not done correctly. I was thinking doing slightly textured walls would camoflouge the errors with out adding extra work. Would it be too much to have the texture above the paneling? Is it odd to only texture the living room and not the halls, but paint them the same color?

I want my panels to be smooth for the painting. Do you think I could use mud to smooth out the oak texture? OR Should I just sand them and paint and not worry about a bit of wood grain?

We are also putting in wood floors in the kitchen, hall and living room. The living room is currently carpet we are hoping to be able to move that carpet into a bedroom that needs it. So all this painting would be best to do prior to our new floors going in.

If you know someone with the skills in any thing that could help us out that would be interested in doing trade for Photography LET ME KNOW! I am totally up for some trade!

Ideas...Comments....Suggestions?

Play day at Discovery Gateway

2011-04-05T09:11:00.002-06:00

We had a busy and fun week including the Discovery Gateway. Zac enjoyed the play area and the fun toys that were available.

As you can tell Zac tried out every riding toy. He is all boy wanting to ride, honk horns and play with the wheels.

The water play table was a fun play spot for all the kids.

The climbing and slides were a hit with this monkey!

He was thrilled to see the Helicopter and play in the driver seat. Discovery Gateway was the perfect place to play and explore on a cold February day!

First Trip to the Zoo!

2011-04-04T08:59:00.002-06:00

It was a chilly day, but warm for February. Zac was good at staying bundled while we browsed the Zoo grounds. I haven't been to the Zoo since my second date with Doug (6 1/2 years ago).

Isaac and Zac were happy to look at all the animals and pose with the less "wild" ones.

Zac was enamored with the Giraffes. I think he felt a kinship for them and their long eyelashes. One of the first comments on Zachary is his long eyelashes!

Every monkey needs to know how they measure up to the Gorillas!

Zac and I had a great day at the Zoo. I am excited to go back on a warm day and explore more!

February 23, 2011

Cougar in Training!

2011-04-03T08:48:00.000-06:00

Zac loves this Cougar in Training hat. We love that his favorite hat is the BYU one!

He wants to be just like Daddy. Wearing his shoes and a BYU hat and shirt like Daddy.

Zac got to go see Jimmer play his last Basketball game at the Marriott Center. Grandpa was kind enough to take Doug, Zac and I. We were all very excited to go see the BYU Cougars play! Zac was so sleepy he did something he never does any more which is fall asleep in my lap. He took a good nap too he was so tired.

3 Generations of BYU Fans!

Thanks Grandpa for the fun game!

Zac and Jordyn

2011-03-25T11:30:00.000-06:00

I get to watch my niece Jordyn occasionally on Friday. She is a sweet baby! Both Zac and I love her. He likes to give her hugs and bring her toys. He really wanted Jordyn to sit with him so he could read her a book. Zac was very excited, but Jordyn wasn't so sure about being this close to him and not in my arms.

Zac was so proud of his reading skills. It was cute to watch him point out Elmo, Big Bird and the colors. I think Jordyn enjoyed it more when she realized he was going to try to hug her more.

Aunt Kelly knows best

2011-03-24T10:43:00.001-06:00

Aunt Kelly has a talent with picking gifts. When Kelly came to visit us in the hospital she brought Zac this pooh bear blanket with a rattle pooh attached. Zac quickly fell in love with this bear/blanket toy. He still loves it, won't go to bed with out it and calls it "Boo". This was the first toy he gave a name to.

For Zac's 1st birthday Aunt Kelly gave him a sandbox set which included shovels and this WAGON. As soon as he learned to walk this little wagon followed him. He stuffs his books, toys, sippy cups and whatever else he finds and puts it in the wagon or "agon" as he calls it.

How Aunt Kelly does it I will never know, perhaps she channels her inner child or her Mother instincts. She always picks the gift he loves the most! Thanks Aunt Kelly!

Big Kisses for his favorite Boo!

Mr. Bear and Shoes

2011-03-23T10:06:00.001-06:00

Doug's Grandma gave him the white bear, Bell for Christmas when he was a kid. For this Christmas Grandma Cathy gave us the bear for Zac. I didn't realize how much Zac would love this bear. He cares where the bear is and is very good about reading to him. I did not put the bear on the chair with Zac. Zac pulled him up and started reading to him (literally babbling and saying the words he knows to the bear). It is the perfect size for cuddles, tackles and laying on while watching Mel'mo (Elmo).

Zac follows in my foot steps and loves shoes! His latest phase is taking our shoes and wearing them around the house. He always wants to wear his shoes or our shoes. He is a good helper at putting them away too! 01.17.11

Come rain or shine...

2011-03-23T08:19:00.000-06:00

We will be playing outside! This little boy is ready for spring. He wants to be outside all day long. Some of his favorite locations are the worlds smallest sandbox (aka Daddy's horseshoe pits). His hand are pink, but he doesn't want to come inside.

As I was hunting down a play set for the yard I came across this little car. It was just what we needed. Zac loves this car as a bonus it is blue which makes him even happier!

Beep Beep Mom out of my way!

Doug was working on getting the early vegetables in the garden and Zac was playing with his car and in the dirt. Do you see this face!? He was eating dirt when I showed up. I pulled out the camera and he was more than happy to show off his driving abilities, his dirty face and his climbing skills.

Look how tall I am!

Not a 5'oclock shadow it is all dirt!

King of the Hill!

3.22.11

Aye Aye Capt'in!

2011-03-22T20:38:00.000-06:00

Our little boy is growing up! We have had a membership to the Aquarium and he loves that now he gets to roam, climb and explore. His new favorite is the giant frog.

The steps put him at eye level with the fish and he loves to say "fiss" all the time!

Aye Aye Capt' in...Zac can't reach the wheels and buttons on his own, but that doesn't mean this kid isn't in charge!

Little Mozarts

2011-03-19T10:00:00.003-06:00

Zac and Heath were little Piano Men today playing for their Moms. Both were so soft with the piano and so sweet together. I love to see Zac enjoying music as much as we do! 01.07.11

New Year's Bowling with the Bennion Family

2011-03-18T09:42:00.002-06:00

This was Zachary's first year to participate in bowling. He was so excited to play with the family!

Zac was great at cheering everyone on! He would clap and cheer every one when ever you would hear excitement.

Waiting your turn while 4 other kids bowl is a long time for an 18 month old. Zac quickly learned that there was an arcade where he could play on motorcycles and in car driver seats. He would bowl his turn and run to the arcade car.

I am not sure which he liked more the bowling or the car, but either way he had fun! We all had fun bowling with the Bennions!

Luck Day!

2011-03-17T15:58:00.003-06:00

I love St. Patrick's Day! It is a fun holiday to celebrate and being the day after my birthday this holiday has always been special to me. Why then do I only have ONE decoration?! This year I remedied that with a trip to my favorite hobby store. I am totally going to whip up some Easter decorations too. There is "Easter", "Eggs" or the 3 Eggs that I liked the best. I am just debating which one. What do you think? Anyone want to join me for a painting night?

Its Snow Fun with out a Wagon!

2011-03-17T09:34:00.002-06:00

Zac loves his wagons. He isn't great at walking in the snow, but loves to pull his wagon. Doug went out to shovel and Zac followed with his wagon.

Zac couldn't wait to get into the wagon his Grandpa Norm and Grandma Cathy gave him. It was cold, but a bit warmer so Doug took Zac for a walk around the block in his wagon. Zac did not want to let go of his little wagon during the walk so it went with them for the ride.

Playing in the snow is more fun when you have to cool toys and I guess a wagon qualifies as a cool toy. 12.31.10

Sucker for a Smile

2011-03-17T09:24:00.000-06:00

I am a sucker for my little boy's sweet smile! If I get that smile with a sucker it is worth the sugar!

Zac was a funny kid wanting to play in the studio while eating his sucker. or as he calls "aw-ker".

Do you see that tongue twisting!? It is a good day when you get to play and have a sucker! 12.29.10

Happy Birthday Amy!!!

2011-03-16T06:45:00.002-06:00

Amy turned 27 today!!

Happy Birthday!!!

Love Doug & Zachary

Christmas Evening 2010

2011-03-15T12:42:00.004-06:00

The newest member to our Coulliette Christmas Celebration.

This was our first year putting together the Nativity with the kids. Allison was Mary, Alex played Joseph, Isaac, Max and Zac were shepherds. We opted to use a doll for Baby Jesus instead of Baby Ben. Grandpa Max read the scriptures while the kids acted out the parts. It was a great activity we will definitely repeat.

Grandma and Grandpa are known for making personal matching gifts for the kids.

This year they all got a coloring book with special coupons for activities and sleep overs with Grandpa and Grandma.

Doug and I love a good game night and we are so excited for another great game!

Grandma GG came for the night and Grandma Joan surprised her with a special Christmas present.

Zac and Isaac are always acting silly together, these two cousins are the best of friends!

What would Christmas be with out yummy dessert?! Zac loved every bite!

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Christmas Morning 2010

2011-03-14T09:30:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas! Christmas morning we read the Nativity Story out of the scriptures then opened our stockings. Doug and I got the usual items from Santa, but Zac's favorite stocking stuffer was the Candy Cane.

After we opened the stockings Zac couldn't resist the biggest present in the living room. He was so excited to get the package opened.

We got Zac the Wheelies Ramp. He knew exactly what it was and was thrilled to see the cars!

All present opening stopped while we set up this toy and let him enjoy the cars swirling around and around.

Doug got a new Camry and the car has silver accents so the old licence frame had to go for a new BYU Alumni frame!

Grandma Cathy and Grandpa Norm came over in the morning and brought Zac a surprise, a WAGON!

Zac loved his Wagon and was ready to go play with it outside, no matter how snowy and cold it was!

The Night Before Christmas

2011-03-13T08:00:00.002-06:00

Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house the Bennion's were stirring and wearing their best Christmas Blouse.Kelly and Jaycey were dressed up for the night.

Zac was excited to see a car take flight.Shelby all dolled up for the fun in hopes that Saint Nicolas would come.

The children they laughed and they played.

While the adults unwrapped White Elephants some gifts made them afraid.

The three little ones reminding us of the blessings we have been given.

The new joy of life and the life we are livin'.

Surprise abounded with the gifts we were given.

Noise makers

Riding Toys

Toilets that make noise

Counting blessings from 1-10

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Christmas Ball!

The 12 Days of Christmas...more parties!

2011-03-12T09:58:00.002-07:00

Doug and I celebrated our 6 year anniversary together a day early and at his work Christmas party! It was nice of R&M Engineering to take us out to dinner at the Five Alls and to see White Christmas for the occassion! ;) (We celebrated in Walt Disney World. Then on our anniversary our babysitter got sick so we took Zac with us and it was not a very good night for anyone so we are counting this lovely night instead)

The Five Alls is quickly becoming our favorite place for a fancy night out. I love the food there and the British ambiance helps too!

Doug works with some great people! They are all so fun to visit with and share a good meal and show with!

The little dining room to the side was a perfect intimate place for a good meal with friends and co-workers.

After we went to Kingsbury Hall to see White Christmas. It was fantastic I would love to see that play every year! Thanks again Norm for the great dinner and holiday festivities!

The following Sunday we got together with some friends for an Ugly Sweater Christmas Party.

Sergey and Sara

Jordyn and Trevor

Shelia and Robert

Lacey and McKinley

Everyone has so much fun playing the pipes to Christmas Songs.

Zac loves Sara! He kept bringing her books and toys. He even pushed her husband Sergey over so he could sit by her.

Ian and Aimee

Ian and Aimee beat me for best Sweater, they made their sweater light up so I can see why that beat mine!

He found another friend in Shelia who read several books to him. We all had fun visiting with friends and laughing at the Ugly Sweaters!

Miss Alli, always the teacher leading the Music! Thanks for a fun party everyone!

Meeting Jordyn Elizabeth!

2011-03-11T08:47:00.000-07:00

I am SO excited my niece Jordyn was born today! She is so tiny! I thought Zac was small, but she was teeny tiny at 5lbs 8oz and 19.5 inches long!

I was pretty excited to be the first Aunt to hold her! Barbara was the first to hold Zac so it was only fair ;)!

A few days later I got to take her newborn pictures too!

She was so small I was able to put her in the dresser drawer. Don't worry her Mom and Dad are not planning on that being a permanent sleeping spot, but it worked for a cute picture!

Look at those little lips, so sweet.

Barbara and Jordyn

Mike and Jordyn

She is a great mix of both Mom and Dad! Congratulaitons Barbara and Mike!

Mr. Clean Eat your Heart Out!

2011-03-10T09:38:00.003-07:00

Do you see this face? You would think I had given him candy or taken him to Disney with a smile like that...nope. It was for the vacuum I let him push! Not a day goes by where I don't pull out the vacuum (not because I want to) to clean up a mess here or crumbs there. I got this feather weight vacuum to help with the quick cleaning in the kitchen. Zac loves this thing! Every time I pull out the big vacuum he wants me to pull out his "va-oom" too so he can clean. Now when I get this vacuum out to do a quick clean up he wants to do it! FINE WITH ME! HOORAY! Someday I know I will have to fight him about getting the vacuuming done, but for now I am going to soak up this desire to clean and vacuum!

Bowling for Fun!

2011-03-09T08:29:00.002-07:00

Bowling is one of my favorite date nights. I average under 100, but love every minute of it. I make the game exciting, because you never know if I will get 1 pin or a strike. ;) I found this great date night deal for pizza and bowling at Fat Cats so we had to break away from all the busy Christmas fun to go on a classic date.

Our good friends Krisi and Eddy

Krisi and I are both working on our game we tied for last. I guess we need to get out our bowling balls more often.

Doug being so serious while bowling...he may not admit it, but he loves to be the highest scorer. I think that is why he married me. He always knew he would have someone around he could beat at bowling!

Do you like my shiny ball? It is metallic and swirly with red, white, pink and blue...oh yeah you wish you had this cool of a ball. Someday I will get a picture of my awesome shoes (white granny style with silver stripes) then you will drool with jealousy!

I think we all got at least one strike! One strike out of two games is a good bowling day for me!

The 12 Days of Christmas

2011-03-08T13:59:00.000-07:00

Zac enjoyinghis contribution to the houses, eating his Ginger Bread Man.

I love Christmas! I love the time with friends and family, all the traditions and festive gatherings. Each year we have had a competition for the Ginger Bread Houses with our good friends the Oliver's this year our little house turned out very cute!

Steve took the competition to the funny side with a giant glob of green reindeer poop on his house.

Zac and Doug just wanted to eat the house! I think the candy tastes yucky I like the creations for the decoration

That same week we had our Ward Christmas Party. We live in a great ward with some pretty funny people including our bishopric.

Zac and his lovely lady Brooklyn he loves her!

There were toys for all the kids and Zac was more than happy to get into the singing and dancing!

Zac was hyped up on Sugar and very excited for the Annual Coulliette Sugar Fest...aka Sugar Cookie night! My sister Lisa is an amazing sugar cookie dough and frosting Queen. Each year she obliges us and makes cookies. While I use my skills of organizing and get the family together to create the cookies and decorate them.

Doug using his muscles to help roll out the dough. Each person we add to our family means more cookies so there is a ton (and a ton literally) of dough to roll and cookies to cut!

Patrice is great with the kids helping them frost their cookies and decorate. We love having her in our family to keep the kids (and Michael) happy!

I am not sure how many cookies were frosted by the kids. Most of the time they would lick the frosting off the cookie and frost it again.

Zac was so covered in frosting that we ended up giving him a quick bath in the sink. He was so wired Uncle Steven had to hang him upside down and tickle to get the giggles out before bed time!

Frosting, decorating and designing...not quite Martha, but close.

There was an added bonus to our family festivites Baby Ben arrived a few days before so Suzanne and Ben came to our celebration. He was a good sport as we passed him around enjoying the new little addition to our family!

Benjamin Robert Coulliette is Here!

2011-03-07T10:18:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of photographing my sister in law Suzanne give birth to my nephew Benjamin. She was amazing! She did the birth all natural with out any medication help and did a water birth. It was very calm and beautiful to watch Ben come into this world.

One moment of many I loved capturing was my Brother Jimmy being a supportive father and husband. It was so sweet to see him comfort Suzanne and smile with excitement.

I arrived at 11pm and a few short hours later Ben was born on December 4th, 2010. He was 9lbs 8.5 ounces and 21 inches long. Like I said delivered all natural Suzanne is amazing! I have always wanted to name a baby Benjamin, it is one of my favorite names. With the last name Bennion, the first name Benjamin would never happen so I am glad Jimmy got to use it.

The Proud Parents with Ben!

We are all excited to have Benjamin in our family!

Thanksgiving 2010 with the Coulliette Family

2011-03-07T09:52:00.002-07:00

I am thankful for the blessing Doug is in my life. He is a great husband and father!

Thanksgiving 2010 was spent at the Coulliette house with my parents, siblings, their spouses and kids. All the nieces and nephews had a great time chasing each other around and watching Disney cartoons while the adults finished preparing the meal. Dinner was delicious, including my tasty mashed potatoes and Grandpa Max's Special Grilled Turkey!

Jimmy and Suzanne with baby bump Ben still in the cooker, due date TODAY!

Mom and Patrice

I am so thankful for my family! I love them all and so excited we all live close enough to celebrate our blessings together!

Lisa and Steven

I am blessed to have a sweet sister who is also my best friend. I am grateful for Steven who is a great friend and brother in law.

Grandpa Max, Allison, Grandma Joan

My parents have always been so supportive and show us all lots of love.

Zac's first pumpkin pie! I think he liked the whipped cream topping the best.

Snuggle and hugs for Mommy! I am thankful for this happy little boy and the joy he brings to my life!

First Snow of 2010

2011-03-06T15:42:00.004-07:00

While Doug and I were in Florida we got a few inches of snow here in Utah. We went from Sunny 75 to Snowy 25 degrees. Zac was eager to play outside and so I took 10 minutes to pack him warm in all his snow gear. He refused to wear the gloves and kept shaking them off. Finally I let him have gloves off.

"What Zac is the snow cold with out gloves?" "Does it hurt and make your hands cold?"

He nodded yes while whimpering and crying so then I asked "Do you want to wear your gloves now?" He was more than willing to hold still while I warmed his hands and put on the gloves. :)

Zac discovered how yummy snow tastes!

I bet it felt good on the next set of teeth he was getting in too.

Now he was a happy boy, playing in the snow (or I guess you could say laying in the snow). He just started walking so he wasn't coordinated enough to walk in the snow, in his snow boots, lugging the heavy snow outfit.

I hope he continues to love the snow, day one was about 20 minutes and a lot of fun!
11.23.10