party of five

Taking the plunge...

2012-02-01T16:37:00.003-05:00

I did it. :) Instead of opening an Etsy shop, I made a facebook business page. No listing fee and I don't have to make things beforehand (to sit around and collect dust).

:) Win-Win.

Here it is. In all her beginning glory:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jill-of-All/366404096707048

In case you're wondering... The name comes from the saying "A Jill of All Trades, Master of None".

ENJOY!

Dad's View: Saturdays

2012-01-30T16:57:00.003-05:00

Saturdays are the best days in our house. We are at the point in our family life we can afford to have “lazy” Saturdays were we are not running our children all across town for various activities. A perfect Steffen family Saturday starts the night before with Holly and me ordering while the boys pretend to be in bed. We have been working hard to keep a better diet with no meat, more veggies, less processed foods, and more portion control. On Friday, however, we cheat a little and still keep the vegetarian commitment but splurge on comfort food. Veggie subs from Oswego Sub Shop and Veggie lovers stuffed crust pizza from pizza hut has been our latest indulgence. This Friday we at our food while watching the show Shark Tank on TV followed by an episode of the Munsters on Netflix. Oh yes we did watch that blue collar monster family in black and white for date night. We even took the time to find out where the cast is now on Holly’s phone. Turns out most of them are dead. Except the guy who played the Eddie, the little boy monster. He’s still around and will even give corporate speaking engagements and birthday parties. Sweet.

Anyway, our Saturdays start on date night because I always over eat Friday night (an ENTIRE pizza for me) so I can justify going for an hour and a half run the next morning. (Actually, that’s the other way around but whatever.) So I get up early and start my run while Holly sleeps in with the boys. The boys wake up while I am gone. When I get home and showered I take them out of Holly’s bed while Saturday morning cartoons flicker across the bedspread. I then start setting up camp downstairs. Camp includes cueing up the Netflix queue and answering Parker and Carter’s clamor for pancakes. So we make pancakes and sneak some chocolate chips in the batter. Pancakes are great because you can toss all sorts of things inside to spruce them up a bit: candy, fruit, gummy bears, neat stuff like that. So we eat our pancakes while watching the trending children shows, currently Curious George (awesome), Blue’s Clues (endearing), Dora the Explorer (tolerable), and Dragon Tales (annoying). Then Holly comes down and we plan the menu for the week, one of us goes grocery shopping, I might run to the dump with some trash and recyclables, the boys take a “nap” upstairs while Holly and I play Phase 10 or watch a biography film on Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream or a Man verses Food episode. Or I’ll help Holly with one of her craft projects. This week included sorting and removing the wrappers of 500 crayons to melt down and pour into candy moulds. She is so crafty.

Eventually the boys start playing at the top of the stairs and slowly work their way down with their race cars, little people, stuffed animals, and books. By the time we notice them playing at the bottom we officially end their “nap” time and josh around the house a bit until an early dinnertime for the boys. At seven o’clock sharp the Netflix goes off and we turn to PBS and watch Lawrence Welk as a family.

Yes. The Munsters and Lawrence Welk. We’ve been Welk fans since Parker was a baby. It’s a homely little way to end the week. Parker and Carter love it and dance around the room until about 7:30 when it is time for bed. It’s my job to put them to bed usually. I have bad habits of trying to be entertaining and bed time has turned into a mummery of sorts. First there is tooth brushing (fair enough), then a bedtime story which always must include Spiderman, Fire Star, and Iceman (all from the original Spiderman cartoon series Parker is a fan off) as well Captain Moroni because there is a poster of him in their bedroom. After the story there is prayer, which Carter always has to say. After that I have to “tell them something.” See, at some point I started to “tell them something” before bed. At first it was simple things like, “Did you know I love you,” blah blah blah. It soon turned into a simple fact they could learn. Now it has morphed into the following bedtime quiz delivered twice, once for each boy:

Q: What is the longest river in the United States?
A: Mississippi!
Q: What color is the President’s house?
A: White!
Q: What is the name of that Lake?
A: Lake Ontario!

The quiz goes on to the hometowns of various relatives, other historical figures, etc., etc., etc., until they are stumped, learn a new tidbit or knowledge and the quiz grows longer. After this ordeal the boys then like these Kamikaze hugs where mom or dad walks slowly up to their bed and then suddenly topples down and gives them a hug. Then I say goodnight and close the door. But bedtime is not over because while Holly and I dig into the leftovers from date night and watch and episode of Portlandia each of the boys come down for “just one toy” or “just one taste” before finally falling asleep. Holly and I then last about an hour before heading up to bed ourselves.

I took the time to type this all up because yesterday as this all unfolded I realized it was a pretty good day. Nothing huge happened, no big trips or special events, but it was simple and fulfilling. Many of our Saturdays are like this and I think this is a special time in our family where we can “afford” to enjoy Saturdays like these. I say “afford” because I know once my three sons are older they might have soccer practices or school work to fret about. Weekends will be more likely to be booked before they arrive. Right now things are simple and uncomplicated. Morning run, pancakes, cartoons, crafts and naps, macaroni and cheese, Lawrence Welk, and cute bedtimes. I love it. Someday, either when we are all older and busier, or even a more distance someday, when Holly and I live alone and the boys are grown and married, I’ll look back at these carefree Saturdays and miss them. So I wanted to write it down. That way I can not only remember it, but also know that I appreciated it in the moment.

It's kind of a big deal.

2012-01-25T18:45:00.001-05:00

Parker usually gets about 50% of the speech words right. Today he got 100%!!!!!! First time ever.

I.AM.SO.PROUD.

Bowling Field Trip

2012-01-25T15:26:00.001-05:00

On Tuesday, Parker had a field trip to the bowling alley. I was able to go with him. We had a blast. I love that kid. :)

Happy Birthday Daddy

2012-01-24T14:28:00.001-05:00

Happy 29th Birthday, Daddy!
We love you!
- Parker, Carter, and Anderson

Brian,
Happy Birthday! I can't believe we have been married for 5 and a half years and have three beautiful boys. I am so glad you are their dad. You are a great example to them.

I love you.
- Me

We went bowling for daddy's birthday. We had so much fun! Parker always ran away and Carter would stand super still and watch his ball slowly creep down the lane.

I See A Tooth!!

2012-01-23T21:49:00.001-05:00

It's coming!!

Dad's View: Feeding, Movies, and the Super Bowl

2012-01-23T20:27:00.000-05:00

Holly is watching the Bachelor with her good friend Daisy which leaves me a few moments to provide my own paternal updates. As Holly reported, Anderson had his first bowl of rice cereal last night. I helped shovel it in to Anderson’s delight. Holly complained that the boys always eat better for me. It’s because I don’t waste time with the choo-choo train and other culinary forms of transportation. I’m all business. When I feed my kids its scoop, gobble, and go. They chow down quick so I can get on to other things. We captured it on video which I trust Holly will also eventually take the time to post.

Anderson’s “favorite” movie is the Elton John studded film Gnomeo and Juliet. Grandma Miller got Parker and Carter on it over Thanksgiving break. Carter was particularly fond of it which means Anderson saw it a lot recently. Now whenever we turn it on Anderson calms down and happily watches it. It’s a terribly cute film with nice little Shakespearean asides to get every now and then. One of the great things about having children is the parade of children’s movies you cycle through. Toy Story 3 was the hot item last summer which eventually morphed into the full length Gumby movie of before Anderson was born. Now it’s Gnomeo and Juliet. These movies will always be locked in my memory with Parker, Carter, and Anderson as little kids. Anytime I run into these movies again it’ll bring me back. I like those little things that make me remember my kids when they are little. I think they will mean more and more to me as I get older. I can see Holly and me watching The Gumby Movie when we are sixty-five and feel all tingly thinking of all the summer days Parker and Carter watched it over and over while we waited for Anderson’s arrival.

Football was a disappointment yesterday. I was really hoping for the 49ers. I suppose there is always next year. I’m not looking forward to another Giants vs. Patriots Super Bowl. I like the little teams from the small markets. These two juggernauts slugging it out will simply give me more time to refill the bean dip for our tiny party we will be hosting. For what its worth however, I would prefer the Giants. But only by a small degree. I’d much rather root for a third party to win the game like bad weather. Really bad weather. Earthquakes and stuff. Send everybody home and call it off. Of course that will never happen. But it’s nice to dream.

Baby toes

2012-01-22T20:33:00.001-05:00

Anderson loves his feet. He also ate rice cereal for the first time tonight and loved it!!

Carter loves football.

2012-01-22T20:32:00.001-05:00

;)

Friend of the day

2012-01-22T19:01:00.003-05:00

Parker was friend of the day at PreK on Thursday. He was so excited to bring in his "gasoline" car, star wars Lego book, and his own chess set. Parker and mommy made a poster with family pictures and favorite things cut out of a magazine. Brian went and snapped a couple photos on his phone. :) One of the many perks of marrying a teacher! <3

Gotta Vent

2012-01-14T20:39:00.002-05:00

When Brian and I were first married and we would visit his parent's house we would read his parent's PennySaver and the "I Gotta Vent" and "On the Brighter Side" sections. They were our favorite. People would write in with their random rants or thank yous. We read the cheerful ones first and saved the best for last... the random rants of people to complete strangers (most of the time). They are usually good for a little chuckle. Well, because of some recent events .... I'll explain in a minute... I GOTTA VENT. Go grab your cocoa and get prepared for a little chuckle. This is probably something really silly and petty but boy, oh boy, it's almost been a week and still under my skin.

Recently, a cloth diaper store has opened in our little city. Great news for me. I love to support local businesses and I'm hoping to invest in a couple more cloth diapers. Win - Win. They had a little contest on their facebook page. There were 12 hearts in their store window and you had to guess what the meaning was... I took some stabs in the dark. 12 days of Christmas, Years the online store has been around, anniversary of y2k, years of marriage. Ding. I got it. The owner writes "You got it Holly. 12 years ago on January 29th, *** and I were married at **** Chapel at ****University." YAY. Well I had a nagging feeling and I reread all the enteries. A girl before me said years you've been married. She got it before me and the owner didn't notice. I IMMEDIATELY thought about what if that was me, what if I was the person to say it first. So, I comment and tag the rightful winner of the $10 gift certificate. This is what happened (backtraching a bit):

Me- ‎12 years of marriage?
January 8 at 2:52pm ·

Diaper Store- You got it Holly. 12 years ago on January 29th, *** and I were married at ***'s Chapel at ***** University.
January 8 at 2:55pm ·

Me- Yay!!!!!!!!
‎:) I'll use it toward a freetime!!! ((name of diaper))
January 8 at 2:59pm ·

Me- I just read through and looks like Suzie* ((tagged, and not her real name)) said it before me. January 8 at 3:03pm ·

Me- Congrats on your anniversary!! ♥
January 8 at 3:12pm ·

Diaper Store- Suzie*, you did guess it first. I don't know why I didn't see it. Sorry for getting your hopes up Holly. Suzie*, how would you like to obtain your gift?
January 8 at 3:18pm

Suzie*- yay!!! I can add to my stash for the new one!!! ♥
January 8 at 3:18pm

Suzie*- can you email it to me so I can use it for online shopping? as I live in Raleigh, NC and I am so excited to buy stuff for baby #3!!!
January 8 at 3:21pm ·

Diaper Store- Congratulations on baby #3. We're working on a new website that can take coupon codes. Let me talk to my husband and figure out the best way for you to take advantage of your certificate. Why don't you e-mail me at ********

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now, to you that probably looks like a normal coversation/ thread/ whatever you want to call it.

This is my vent: NEITHER ONE of them said THANK YOU to me. Seriously, those two little words would have made me feel so much better about doing the right thing. :/

Vent over. Thanks for listening.... hopefully you got a little chuckle.

Happy First Snow Day!

2012-01-13T07:11:00.001-05:00

Our first delay of the season! Highly unusual. 2 hour right now. Here's to closing!! ;)

Update: Closed!! :D

Big Love

2012-01-10T09:53:00.001-05:00

My three boys have some fierce love between them. <3 They make my heart full.

Zoo trip

2012-01-07T20:39:00.000-05:00

It was almost 70* outside so we took full advantage and went to the zoo. The kids had been super sick and were finally getting over it. We thought the fresh air would be great for them. We went to the mall and got a quick bite to eat and then went to the zoo in celebration of Carter being potty trained! Finally he got his reward he's waited a while for.

Of course we had to get our picture with the huge spiderman!

My cute little penguins! :)

Dad's View: The Truth About Cloth Diapering

2012-01-06T17:08:00.011-05:00

Confession: I’m a dad and I’m a cloth diaper junkie.

It’s shameful, I know. It’s perfectly acceptable for moms to go through a phase of “nesting” for their babies where they select the perfect shade of cupcake for the nursery or a particular brand of stroller- car seat carrier combo. As I dad, I’m expected to tolerate that stuff, lovingly get a little involved, but restrict my fretting to the pragmatic details of making sure all the insurance stuff is ironed out and opening college savings accounts for the future lawyer-firefighting astronaut. Real men don’t get tittered about all the cute Cabbage Patch stuff that comes with having a baby. And that was me.

For example, I knew there would be a huge financial bomb approaching of diapers. Like a “real man” I figured it would be a good move to stash up on the disposables throughout the trimesters and chip away at the accumulated supply once the baby was born. My scheme worked for a while, but once our son started crawling we were tapped out and now had a surplus of space in our little apartment. Heroically, I was ready to perform another big card swipe on disposables and repeat the process. It was then my wife convinced us to spend the same amount of money my anticipated horde of disposables would cost on investing in twenty or so cloth diapers. Half-reluctantly, I agreed. We chose to invest in the one-size bumgenius diapers—meaning our son (and future children) could wear the same diaper and we didn’t ever have to worry about having the right size. This was a huge reason why we ended up loving bumgenius and the whole cotton babies family of diapers.

**photo by cottonbabies, our favorite cloth diaper brand

I’ve since shed my grizzled manly exterior and shamelessly get just as excited about limited edition colors and prints as my wife.

Above are some of the limited edition Easter colors I (embarrassingly) couldn't pass up.

You can check out all their current cloth diaper offerings at http://www.cottonbabies.com/ and pick the style that is just right for your family (freetime, bumgenius, flip, econobum). You’ll thank me later.

This fluffy excitement stems from three fronts. First, there is the obvious (and manly) financial advantage. Once we got our stash of cloth, we calculated the cost of each disposable and kept track of each cloth diaper we washed. And by washed, I mean hand washed. We at the time were living in an apartment and that was the easiest, best, and cheapest way to wash them. Within ten months the diapers were “paid off.” Since our first son was 7mon old our family has been exclusively a cloth diapering family. We are now our third son and we’ve saved all that diaper money five times over. We have also since starting cloth, have bought a house and happily toss our diapers in our HE washer and hang to dry.

Here is our original cloth diaper chart I've kept stashed in a keepsake box: Second, like all manly men I like the idea of “roughing it.” Telling folks I cloth diaper makes me feel there is just a little more stubble on my chin. (Of course with the functional and aesthetic designs of cloth diapers these days “roughing it” is really an illusion but I don’t tell people that.) Styles- like the bumgenius- make cloth diapering as easy as 1-2-3. Stuff, wear, wash. Not much more work than a disposeable. (Important note: Diapers can easily be stuffed while watching a James Bond movie, I've discovered.)

(Background noise compliments of the big brothers.)

Finally, and I can’t link this to manhood except to the concept of just sharing a common enjoyment with your wife, cloth diapers are just so darn cute. Every time I see my sons scamper around with a wink of navy blue or hunter green peeking out of their jeans (instead of a raggedy looking disposable) I feel all warm and cozy inside. On the rare occasion we put them in a disposable, I feel like I’m wrapping their bum in newspaper rather than a sturdy and stylish undergarment. Above is our first son, Parker sporting one of his first cloth diapers.

Here is our second son, Carter happily doing his part in saving the planet and Daddy some cash.

They were both in diapers for a while. Glad we picked the one sized bumgenius. (ChaChing)

And finally, above is the newest son- Anderson rockin' a hand-me-down diaper.

I try not to proselyte too much about my diapering fancy with my sons. My wife has done a great job of this herself converting many families. I don’t want to seem too invested in the girly sides of parenting. Heck, only fifty years ago a man wasn’t even expected to change a diaper let alone think critically about one. My grandfather would have called me a disgrace. Thankfully, times have changed, and I know other young fathers have the cloth diaper bug and still find time to slay zombies on the video game console and do an oil change. I still have time to do all those things.... Right after I hang up the most recent clean cloth load.

Disclaimer: I wrote this blog after my wife informed me of a contest run by Jenn Labit, the owner of Cotton Babies. I was not compensated in any way to write this- by her or by Cotton Babies. I sure do hope that I, err I mean SHE, wins 12 bumgenius diapers for her AND 12 for a friend. If she wins, she will get to pick a person who comments on this blog to win the other 12!

What a blessing it is to be a blessing.

Details found here: http://jenniferlabit.com/2011/12/12/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-to-tell-the-world-about-cloth-diapers/

Brotherly Love

2012-01-06T14:39:00.001-05:00

Parker and Carter love their baby brother.

A day in the life

2012-01-06T14:38:00.001-05:00

A typical day.

A boy and his nebby

2012-01-04T20:31:00.001-05:00

Here is Anderson with his nebulizer. He likes to help.

Big Boy, Carter!

2012-01-03T18:48:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, we did the unimaginable. Carter's crib was taken down and put into the attic for storage. The twin bed from the nursery was put into Parker and Carter's room. He and Parker napped in the same room which is a huge deal bc we've tried that before and they had to be split up bc they think it is playtime. After playing a bit, they settled down and fell asleep. The picture below was taken then.

Nighttime went okay. They laid in their own beds talking to each other. They really are best friends. They both fell asleep not too much later than usual.

Carter woke up around 10pm screaming. I think it was a mix of waking up and being scared (used to his crib) and being sick. After going potty, some cuddling, and talking he went back to sleep in his own new-to-him big boy bed!

Yay Carter! We love you!

Sick Ward

2012-01-03T18:33:00.001-05:00

Parker and Anderson both have fevers, coughs, & sneezing. Carter isn't feverish anymore but is still coughing. Anderson went to the dr today and is diagnosed w bronchiolitis and possible RSV. Advice: Just keep doing what I'm doing and started giving him nebulizer treatments. he has a cute little fish nebulizer. :)

New Year, New You

2012-01-01T17:34:00.001-05:00

My New Year's resolutions are:
-Blog more (don't laugh)
-Eat better (think: semi-vegetarian)
-Take more family photos (Xmas gifts will help w that)
-Do at least one craft show
-Listen to the whole Book of Mormon

What are yours??

Ready...Set...Go!

bath time!

2011-12-30T15:57:00.001-05:00

love him. bubbles. smiles. leg/arm rolls. i could just eat him right up.

December Wrap Up.

2011-12-26T16:21:00.002-05:00

Grandma Miller surprised us and finished Anderson's stocking. It's adorable!

Mommy's phone is always a hot commodity.

Big boy!!

Parker made A LOT of decorations in preK this year. I love them ALL. Parker was worried Santa wouldn't see his stocking he made. But, sure enough, he did and left Parker and Carter two little "game phone" erasers!

As 2011 comes to a close and 2012 begins- we want to send our love and well wishes to you and yours!

From: Our Family To: Yours

2011-12-25T20:46:00.001-05:00

Party, Presents, and PJs OH MY!

2011-12-25T16:04:00.002-05:00

On Christmas Eve we went to our good friends the Bunker's house and hung out, ate too much and decorated cookies for Santa. The Lystrups- another family from our ward, and good friends of ours were there.

Here are: All three boys in their Christmas PJs. Parker and his new ornament:

Carter and his ornament:

Anderson and his ornament:

Santa Bum:

All the boys went to bed really nice! Anderson said, on Christmas morning that he snuck a peek at Santa. Daddy and Anderson slept downstairs in case Santa needed help.

SANTA CAME!

We had a really great Christmas. Santa brought lots of books, a spiderman car for parker, a yo gabba gabba puzzle for carter, a fleece snowsuit for anderson, new waterbottles for p&c, and some workbooks. P&C also got socks from santa and an outfit. We also got some wood things- a chore chart and a word puzzle. They boys really enjoyed opening all the presents.

Parker's Christmas Party

2011-12-21T19:12:00.006-05:00

Truth be told, I wasn't going to go to Parker's PreK Christmas Party. I'm so glad I changed my mind and found a sitter, and went. The second I walked in, Parker ran up to be, hugged me and said "MOMMY! I KNEW YOU'D COME" Melt my heart.

They made snowmen for a snack.

They also made Santas.

The Master hard at work:

Parker with his class. Rhyme about Santa and the chimney.

Parker and his class singing S-A-N-T-A

Parker and his class singing Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

Parker and his class singing We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

*this one is my favorite.

Christmas Crafts

2011-12-19T19:02:00.000-05:00

Parker and Carter made mint hot cocoa for their teachers! We personalized the containers. :)

I made recycled Crayons for the primary. :) so fun.

AND Anderson got his own PJ bucket!! :)

Cannibalism?

2011-12-16T18:57:00.002-05:00

*Warning: Graphic Image may be disturbing to some viewers This is my placenta. I took paint and made prints out of it. Such an amazing organ.

Tree of Life prints.

After I made the prints, I brough my placenta to a friend and fellow doula to encapsulate it. :) Placenta pills are supposed to help ward off ppd and can help milk supply.

December Fun

2011-12-09T18:52:00.001-05:00

Here is another hat I made for a special order. Love car rides. All THREE boys are asleep.... Look in the little mirror you can barely see Anderson is sleeping too.

We made countdown chains til Santa!

Shelb sent Anderson some Christmas PJs and we tried them on and sent her a pic!

lucky ducky

2011-12-07T18:46:00.000-05:00

I won an ERGO from Mother Earth Baby in Oswego!! I won the carrier, a backback and a front pouch. I felt like the luckiest girl in the world!

I could even carry Parker in it. This thing is awesome!!!

Happy 1st Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T18:27:00.003-05:00

While home for thanksgiving I came across this picture of myself. Kindergarten photo I think. Adorable if I do say so myself. Now you know where Carter gets his hair color from. :)

The turkey... forgot to get the Steffen annual boy photo w the turkey.

Anderson got lots of Gram time!

Turkey butt!! :)

Happy Thanksgiving baby Anderson. Next year will be better, when you can actually eat it. Love you!

november fun

2011-11-15T18:08:00.001-05:00

My three baby boys.

I learned to crochet this fall and have been crocheting up a storm. I made that hat for Anderson to go Christmas carolling. He is our little rudolph!

Gram and Anderson played and bonded a lot in November. It was lovely. Anderon's middle name is her maiden name... so, I think they share a special bond. <3

I'm not sure who had more fun... her or him!

Parker being silly about his birthday money. He said that I should spend his birthday money to buy Carter a bike so we could have two bikes. Two bikes are more fun. Carter makes his cameo appearance in his undies.

Here is Parker reading me a story he "wrote".

1st Halloween!

2011-10-31T20:05:00.001-04:00

Happy First Halloween, Anderson!!!

Anderson's blessing

2011-10-30T22:47:00.002-04:00

Anderson was blessed and the primary program was today. It was the first time that as Primary President I have put on the program. AND it was Parker's first time being in the program. He did great talking into the microphone even if you couldn't understand every word he said. The spirit was totally there!!

Grandma and Grandpa Miller, Uncle Jonathon, Grandma and Grandpa Steffen, and John-Mike came up for our special day. :)

John-Mike's car broke down in the parking lot and Paul was going to jump it. He pulled his car on the grass and totally got stuck in the mud. Luckily Roy was able to pull him out!!! We called AAA for John-Mike's car to be towed home. He stayed to watch the Bills game and then Brian brought him home. :) It was an exciting but good day!!

nakey baby

2011-10-27T13:35:00.003-04:00

Parker turns F-O-U-R

2011-10-15T21:06:00.002-04:00

Dear Parker,

Four years ago- on October 18th at 6:38pm, through some unexpected turn of events- I became a mom. The exact moment you took your first breath- my life, and my priorities forever changed. I am so lucky that you chose me to be your mom.

Everyday I count my blessings.

I look forward to watching you grow and learn.

I love you more than there are stars in the sky.

Love, Mom

Contagious

2011-10-11T13:04:00.001-04:00

Anderson is such a smiley baby!! He goes from smirking to full out face smiles in seconds. He's such a content and happy baby. I am honestly the luckiest mom in the world.

First Day to Church

2011-10-09T18:57:00.003-04:00

October 9th was also Anderson's first day to church! :) He looked adorable.

Happy 50th Birthday, Mom!!

2011-10-09T17:50:00.002-04:00

50 years ago my mom entered the world. When my dad turned 50 she threw him a surprise party. My sister, dad, and I were trying to plan one for Columbus day weekend but mom wanted to go camping... so, plans changed and we brought a "party" to her. Heather drove all the way out to Jellystone to surprise her!! We had a blast putting 50 candles on her cupcakes!! :)

The boys had a blast helping Grandma blow them all out!

Jellystone Fun

2011-10-08T20:15:00.000-04:00

We went and visited Grandma and Papa Miller while they were camping at Jellystone for Columbus day. They always have a little Halloween thing early and so Parker and Carter got to go trick-or-treating.

Anderson was a big hit to the neighboring campers and a little girl came over to admire him a bunch of times. Anderson got a lot of lovin' from the Millers while we were there. I think he and Papa were having some intense conversation, don't you?

Anderson loves snuggles with Grandma.

Brian and Jonathon went Salmon "fishing"

Goofs.

Papa helped Parker when he stepped in dog poop.

Pround Uncle.

pumpkin party

2011-10-03T13:07:00.001-04:00

We went to a local farm market to get our pumpkins. We went out to dinner as a family of five for the first time after. Things went surprisingly well.

Parker was so proud of his choice.

Our pumpkin family!

mini photo shoot

2011-09-29T20:17:00.000-04:00

Anderson's Birth Story

2011-08-25T12:03:00.005-04:00

Brian’s mom came to stay with us from 8/16- the morning of the 8/23 incase I went into labor. On the 23rd we made plans with my parents to take the boys til hopefully a baby was born. My calculated due date based on my lmp was 8/23/11 but my 7 week internal sono dated me for a due date of 8/31/11… my 26th birthday. We met up with my parents on the 23rd, and had a nice lunch. They took the boys and we went home, cleaned a little, and took off to hang out with some friends- the Lystrups. We had dinner together. Little did I know that would be my “last meal”.

I woke up at 6:30am on Weds 08/24/2011. I thought I had a contraction. I got up, went to the bathroom and laid back down. I had another contraction when I laid down. I laid in bed til about 7:15am and had a couple more mild contractions. I woke Brian up at 7:30am and told him I thought I was having contractions. I also texted my doula- Chris to let her know too. Brian got up and sat and talked with me while I took a shower. The contractions started to get more intense. I timed a couple and they were 3-5 min apart lasting about 45sec.

We went downstairs and Brian made French Toast. I ate about a half of a slice and felt sick and shaky. I couldn’t eat any more. I got on facebook to talk to Chris and I also got to talk to Britta. I told her what was going on and she urged me to call the Dr. Some of the contractions were REALLY intense at this point so I thought I would call and get checked. By this time it was 10am. Janet, one of the midwives, wanted me to go to the hospital, so Brian loaded up the odds and ends—toiletry bag, French toast, ice water, and put towels on my seat. I waddled out to the car.

We arrived around 11:15am. Found a spot at the top of the parking garage and grabbed the elevator. We stopped on a floor and another laboring mom got on. As we arrived, Janet was calling to see where we were. She was worried something happened. We were standing at the desk when she called. The hospital was so busy that we were sent to a labor./delivery room right near the OR.. one that is hardly ever used- for triage! I was checked- by Janet at 11:28a and was 5, almost 6cm- 90%effaced- and -3 station. I told Chris to come whenever. Michele another doula sister was going to come but she was actually picking up her new car and so she wouldn’t be able to make it, but she was totally there in spirit.

I laid in bed while getting the initial monitoring strip and IV antibiotics (I was strep b pos this pregnancy). A contraction would start and I would lie limp in the bed. I focused on my breathing. I let the pain go. The nurses kept saying "I can't believe you're in labor" & "You're SO CALM". I got unhooked after a bit and started walking around. Brian stayed in the room and recorded a couple videos to the baby. Contractions were about 2min apart and I wanted to get into the big whirlpool tub. In the tub, I did the same thing- focusing heavily on my breathing. I kept saying over and over in my head: "Let it happen. Let your body do it. Let your body do what it knows how to do" I was giving up control to my body. I only let 2-3 contractions “go” that I couldn’t stay on top of. I arched my back in pain and bent my legs. I wanted to be done. I told myself to stay in control and regained control for the next contraction. By this time I was feeling tons of pressure. I knew the time was coming. I kept telling myself after the next surge, I’m gonna get out and back to the room to be checked. Then after the contraction I wanted to just lay there and enjoy the break. After a couple more, I got out. When I stood up- my mucus plug plopped into the tub below me. I had never seen it before. It looked like a scallop with a little red vein through it.

I had about 2-3 contractions in the hall and they were almost unbearable. I leaned against the railing and put my head on the wall, swayed my hips and blew away the pain. I had to pee so bad! I thought I wasn’t going to make it back to the room. Luckily, I did. I sat on the toilet, peed and then pushed. “Chris! I gotta get checked now!” She was trying to ask me if I pushed bc I was pushing or pooping. I was so focused on staying in control and trying not to push that I couldn’t answer.

Dr Berry arrived and checked me as soon as I got into bed—at 3:52pm. My water broke. Fully dilated and effaced. Ready to push! I was -1 station but she wasn’t worried at all about it. I heard Dr Berry say something like ‘We don’t have time to break the bed’. And the nurse called for preadmittance of baby over the loudspeaker. Holy Crap! I’m gonna meet my baby, I thought over and over. I pushed and within a couple mins the head was out. I was told to stop pushing and Dr Berry was saying something about a compound. I thought “Oh my word! It's shoulders are stuck!!” Nope. Baby came out with the hand up by the head. The cord was wrapped around the tiny fingers. She unwrapped the cord. And baby was born minutes later… at 4:02pm. They put the baby right on me and covered it up. I laid there for about a second before looking. Another little boy! “Awww, I knew you were a boy!” I exclaimed happily! We are so blessed. Dr Berry was leaving the cord intact until the placenta was out like I asked but then after a couple min, I was okay with it being cut. She milked the cord some more and Brian cut it. She put the placenta in our container and we put it on ice waiting to go home. (My parents ended up putting it in our freezer for us) I kept saying “wow, I can’t believe it’s over already!”

Anderson weighed in at 8lbs 5oz and was 21.5in long.

I had some problems with bleeding afterward and was almost considered hemorrhaging. It was a little scary but Dr Berry was great at giving me my options and being proactive.

I am so grateful for my support system. The office of Dr Berry and Associates, my doula Chris and my husband Brian. I can honestly say, I got everything I wanted in my birthplan!

2nd VBAC SUCCESS!

Parker and Carter saw the baby an hour or so after being born. Brian asked them what they thought and Parker said “It’s a boy! I know it was a boy!” They were incredibly sweet—hugging and kissing the baby. They wanted to take the baby home now and show the baby Yogi. (They are camping there with my parents right now) Parker said he was gonna share his toys with the baby. Carter showed the nurse the baby’s eyes, nose, and ears. They got on a stepstool and watched the nurse examine the baby. It could not have been any more picture perfect. Parker wanted to hold the baby so daddy helped… and then Carter wanted to too. I had tears in my eyes. Such a tender moment. I knew that having the boys see the baby first- as soon as possible- just us- was the right thing to do. This was our new member and they had the right to know about the baby first. I think they could honestly tell how special they were.

2nd Annual Campapalooza

2011-07-08T17:36:00.001-04:00

*4 days

*3 nights

*4 adults

*5 kids under age 5

*8 embroidered tie-dyed shirts

*2 cameras

*1 sliver

*6 wagon rides with Yogi

*30 mini boxes of cereal

*dozens of s'mores

*67 hours of lifetime memories

Pictures to come!

New Baby... updates

2011-06-25T09:25:00.000-04:00

People have been asking what I need for the baby. You'd think that with the 3rd kid (most likely boy) that I'd be all set.

There are some things I definitely DON'T need:

We have strollers, carseat, swings.... I've got newborn/0-3mon gender neutral sleepers coming out of my ears. We have a bumbo, a breastpump, and a boppy. I've been handed down some glass bottles (thanks Beverly) .... Most of the basics are covered. Phew.

I also got the cutest take home outfits for baby.

-----------------
This child, whether boy or girl will need clothes. 2 boys can really do a number on clothes. For nb- about 18 months Carter's is hands down my FAVORITE :)

I usually use disposable diapers for the first week or so. I like Pampers Swaddlers Newborn size WITHOUT drymax. I like the Pampers Sensitive Thick Care wipes to use with them (for the first couple poopy diapers)

I would love a new diaper bag. I've got my eye on this one. Skip Hop Studio in Black. Nice spacious stroller bag.

We also are running low on diaper detergent. My goal is to buy 2-- to be prepared.

Parker hated to be swaddled, and Carter loved it. I want to try these Swaddling blankets. They make cotton (for warm weather) and fleece for colder weather. I think 2 of each of them would be good. Plus green is totally gender neutral.

I'd love to try this nursing cover.

I'd also like to get a couple soothie type pacifiers- you know the kind like at the hospital... both boys only took them for a couple months and then would spit them out. I hope this baby is the same way. :) They have boy and girl ones.

I need about 2 packages of breastmilk storage bags and 2 freezer bin to store milk in.

I've also picked out the bedding I would like for a baby boy and a baby girl.

Brian and I would like to get some more cloth diapers. :) We want to get the bumgenius 4.0 pockets... some with velcro and some with snaps. We've never had the snaps before, and I've heard great things about having them. OR The Flip Hybrid system... I've been thinking about trying that.

**UPDATES**

UPDATE: I bought a wetbag, and a flip cloth diaper to try. I also got burpcloths.

For dirty diapers we have always used a wegmans type- plastic bag. It has worked well, but I'd really love a wetbag. Size Small... and in the Chocolate Animal Cracker print. Adorable.

We need more burpcloths... Everyone knows prefold diapers make the best burpcloths.

UPDATE: I bought these 2 things :)
I'd like 2 small glass bottles so hopefully Brian can feed the baby sometimes.

I need a brown bundleme to match the carseat...

*Some of the links I have posted are to a local cloth diaper store named Basic Baby (Syracuse area). I'm hoping to be able to support this local business as much as possible when it comes to buying things that I need for this baby.

I'm not posting this so that people feel obligated to buy me something. More than material items- I appreciate the love and support you have given me and the prayers offered on my behalf... They mean more to me then anything material you could buy me!

anxiety...

2011-06-21T13:12:00.003-04:00

I'm starting to feel a little anxious about the birth of this baby...

1. Fast Labor

I'm getting anxious knowing the hospital is an hour away. I mean, I should be able to get there in time especially since Brian is off for the summer... but I feel like I should have a birth kit in the car or the house just in case. Prompting or paranoia??

2. Childcare

I'm stressed about finding somewhere for the boys to go... My mom was going to be camping around here about the time of the due date but that's tricky because we never really know when the baby is coming, and I don't want to make her camp for like a month! She also has to go back to work on my due date... talk about stress. The plan is to get someone to come here and watch them until my mom/dad/brother can get here... It should take them about 2-3hrs. What if it's in the middle of the night? What if no one in Oswego can watch them and we have to wait for someone to get here... or drop them off on our way to the hosptial ((and have to take out the carseats, make sure they have a bag packed, etc))

3. Boy or Girl?

I'm not stressed but anxious to meet this little one. I really, truly have no clue what this baby is. I mean how would I?! But, I feel like it's going to be a boy... simply because I've always wanted a girl and I just feel like it's not in the cards for us. I know Heavenly Father knows the desires of my heart and I know that I will get the child that I am supposed to. Having a girl, is not about the dresses, bows, pink, etc to me. It's about the wedding preparations, helping her have her babies, and being the fun white-haired grandma that teaches the grandkids to make pies and cookies. I am grateful to be pregnant again and so grateful that the baby is healthy and strong. I am grateful for my two little boys who put a smile on my face like no one else can. I am hopeful that they will serve missions and be good husbands and fathers.

Any words of advice/encouragement are always welcome. <3

outlet fun

2011-06-15T16:52:00.002-04:00

Britta, Beverly, and I went to the outlet mall today. It was surprisingly hot. I found some pretty good deals...

Oshkosh: Retail- 32 .... Paid- 9.60

Gymboree: Retail- 40.97 .... Paid- 19.97

Carter's: Retail- 130 .... Paid 27.47

It'll be nice to go shopping once the baby is here to get some clothes... about 2 months left!

work in progress

2011-06-07T11:22:00.002-04:00

We finally bit the bullet and did our bedroom. It was the one room that hadn't been touched since we moved in almost 2 years go. There were even no window treatments.... It was pretty bad. We got a new bedding set, painted the walls (a light gray), and I made curtains to match.

We still have a couple things left to do: a curtain to be the 'door' to the closet and the boys are painting us artwork to hang above our bed.

I wasn't totally sure what I wanted. I just knew I wanted a gray and yellow bedroom. Brian was skeptical, but he loves it! He picked out the gray/yellow/black flower pillow pictured below...
I'll take some more when it is completely done.

Next Project: baby room once we know if baby is a boy or girl. ;)

Update: 3hr Glucose Tolerance Test

2011-06-01T09:44:00.001-04:00

Results are in:

I PASSED WITH

wahooooooooo

have you guessed?

2011-05-29T08:03:00.002-04:00

There will be a prize for the person that "wins" :)

Make sure you make a guess!!

http://www.expectnet.com/game.php?babyid=1&tx=1306670538

the boys in my house

2011-05-28T15:58:00.004-04:00

Boys in my House

by Erin Jo Kilmer

There are boys in my house – and Spiderman shoes
And 200 papers in various blues.
There's Bob (he's a builder) and Thomas the Train,
There's a fireman coat to wear in the rain.
They have cars on their shirts and frogs on their hats
There's a glove and a ball and a red plastic bat.
There's dirt on a face and a smudge on a nose;
Grass stains on knees and sand between toes.
There's bathtime at night with bodies to scrub,
And when we're all done there is dirt in the tub!
There's bandaids and bruises and curious bumps,
There's smiles and laughter and sometimes there's grumps.
There's odors most icky; there's boogers so green
There's more yucky things than I'll ever get clean.
There's piles of laundry; there's stories at night;
There's bedtime and bathtime and dinnertime fights.
There's cars and there's trains and there's books about trucks
There's Scoop, Lofty, Dizzy, and Travis, and Muck.
Sometimes there are bugs, and sometimes there are frogs;
Sometimes they are lions, or dinos, or dogs.
There are cute little vests and darling neckties
Dragged right through the mud – oh what a surprise!
There's running and climbing and jumping and falling
And laughing and crying and hugging and brawling
And rolling and losing and finding and creeping
And whining and stealing and sometimes there's sleeping.
There's tantrums and time outs and extra loud noise –
There's love in my house shaped like two little boys.

hello glucola, my old friend...

2011-05-27T11:05:00.004-04:00

Hello glucola, my old friend, I've come to drink you up again,

Because a level softly creeping, Left its mark after I was drinking,

And the vision that was planted in my brain,

Still remains, drinking up the glucola.

(to the tune of simon and garfunkle's 'sound of silence')

We meet again. This is the ONE thing I DREAD about pregnancy. NOT because of the taste. It's really not as bad as people tell you... but because I stress about results.

I hold a grudge against this drink and I don't know if anything can ever take that away.
It was this drink that started the cascade events of Parker's birth... a time I wish I could go back and re-live. For my sweet boy. It was the classification of "Boarderline Gestational Diabetic" that sent me into be induced. There was no way they were letting me and my BIG baby get to our Due Date. (Let me remind you- he was 7lb 8oz)

Parker's Pregnancy:
~28weeks: 1hr- FAIL
3hr- BARELY FAIL

Carter's Pregnancy:
~8weeks: 1hr- FAIL
3hr- PASS

~28weeks: 1hr- FAIL
3hr- PASS

Baby3 Pregnancy:
~9weeks: 1hr- PASS

~26weeks: 1hr- FAIL
3hr- ...... I will take Tues.... should get results Weds. Please pray for us.

sharing is caring

2011-05-26T15:16:00.002-04:00

They sure can be sweet to eachother <3

Love them

just hangin out

2011-05-25T15:15:00.000-04:00

Baby Names

2011-05-23T15:32:00.003-04:00

I'm determined to have a solid Boy and Girl name for Baby3 so my bases are covered. For some reason coming up with names really stresses me out. I want a "normal" name that isn't WAY overused (ruling out any boy name that ends in -aiden). I don't want another -er for a boy. I DO have a feeling this is another boy so I am stressed because I pretty much have a girl name!

Then there's the whole naming after people. I want my children to be named after something or someone (most likely in their middle name).

Here are some of my thoughts:

BOY:

These are the HARDEST for me. I think because I've had TWO boys, I feel like I'm "out" of names. I have started working on my family history and Frederick is really common. It is also my dad and grandpa's name. So maybe for a middle name? Brian has a really close friend that would be neat to have his name incorporated somehow.

My gramp was called Fritz. I love that name. Fritz Steffen- What's UP german name!! LOL!
I also like Anderson. I feel like it goes the best with Parker and Carter. (surname-ish)

Graham is another one on my list.

I like Elliott and I (secretly) wish I would have named Carter Elliott instead.

GIRL:

I am pretty set on Lydia Eiley. I want to try to squeeze in another name to honor my friend and her daughter that just passed away suddenly. What do you think about TWO middle names? Do you know anyone that has two middle names? How does it work legally? What do you write on the birth cert? Are they hyphenated? The names I am considering adding to honor my friend are either Jalit or Joy.

COMMENT! :)

Boys will be Boys.

2011-05-21T21:00:00.000-04:00

By boys- I mean Men, and by Men- I mean Brian. ;)

I had to run to the store and get a gift for a baby shower. I got some other things we needed while I was there. When I got home, Brian thought it would be funny to lay on the couch, eating chips while the kids played upstairs. I always pick on him for not watching the kids how I do... even though he usually does a pretttty good job.

Well, I was putting stuff away, and Parker ran downstairs with pink stuff all over his face.

Mom: What's that?

Parker: (laugh) I dunno!

Parker runs away and up the stairs giggling.

Mom: Oh no! What WAS that? (I ask Brian)

Brian goes upstairs.

Brian: OH NO! BOOOYS!! (dissapointed)

They had climbed on the toliet and gotten down the nail polish tote, opened nail polish bottles everywhere. Spilled on the rug, trampled across the wood floors, sprinkled on the bedspread, and best of all- painted as tribal paint across their foreheads. Surprisingly I didn't freak out.

I knew it was going to be a stressful enough day. I had a (surprise) baby shower for one of my good friends- Crystal. And then I had to leave there early to go to Jalit's Memorial Service. It was a bittersweet day.

When I got home, they had gotten into it again. I had thought Brian put it up higher. Nope, it was in the same spot. Breathe in, breathe out. I asked Brian if they got into it again and he admitted the did. This time it was painted in Carter's hair. Brian didn't want me to yell at him when I got home. He barely escaped the first go 'round. SO, he thought it would be a good idea to CUT it out of his hair. Poor kid looks like he was attacked by a weedwacker. I spared him that photo. Still no mom freak out. Go me.

Here are the pictures for your viewing pleasure. I was trying to get them to sit with Dad so I could get all THREE culprits in one picture. They weren't having it.

out with the old

2011-05-20T20:00:00.000-04:00

in with the 'new'

We took the "pludge" and bought a new to us 2009 Dodge Caravan. So far we really like it. It has automatic doors, stow n go, a working cd player ;) , and lots of cargo room. Baby3 will fit nicely in here.

Jalit update:

2011-05-18T15:19:00.003-04:00

"As part of this ongoing investigation, the Onondaga County Medical Examiners Office has determined that Jalit Richardson died as a result of natural causes related to a pre-existing medical condition." http://www.cnycentral.com/news/story.aspx?id=619040

Jalit's Memorial Service will be Saturday- 2pm at Fulton Alliance Church.

It's not Goodbye.....

2011-05-18T14:08:00.008-04:00

This is Jalit. She was watching the Abernathy kids and I stopped by to say hi and give her a lift home.
Jalit is someone I went to elementary school with. She was one of my closest friends and then she and her family moved away. We lost contact for years. When I married Brian in 2006, we moved to Oswego and went to church in Fulton. I met Roxanne at church and we became friends. Jalit was a friend of Roxanne's. As soon as Roxanne mentioned her name: Jalit... I said "Wait. Jalit Richardson?" Her name rolled off my tongue like I had spoken to her yesterday. It was her. It was the Jalit I went to elementary school with. What a sweet reunion.

She was just as bubbly and smiley as I remembered. She was overflowing with love for her Savior and for others. You could just see it on her face. She loved kids. Everyone's kids.

I was elated to hear that she was expecting.

I knew she'd be an amazing mom and guidepost to her child. Around 20weeks, Jalit's little blueberry was discovered to be a little girl and she named her Harlee Joy.

Jalit was looking for a doula. A labor support for the birth of her child. I met up with her, at Wendy's with my two rambunctious kiddos. She was so excited to meet her baby girl. She wanted a natural birth and wanted to bond with her baby right away. I became not only her friend, but her doula too.

Things took a turn for the worse when she was suffering with Gestational Diabetes and wasn't told or aware until she had a hyperglycemic attack. She was sent to a high risk doctor where she knew she'd have to have a cesarean. I worked with her and talked to her for hours on the phone about it. We were confident that Heavenly Father's will would be done and her baby would be okay. She was in good hands- God's hands.

The day of the birth I arrived an hour or so before the section. Her pastor was there. We sat and chatted. She was bursting with excitement that she would be able to see her baby girl soon. She couldn't wait to hold her and start her life in her new role as "Mom". We held hands. We prayed to the Father for them. For peace and comfort. For His hands to be watching over and protecting the new mom and the new baby. Jalit's mom, brother, and mentor arrived. Jalit, her mentor, and the nurse went into the OR. Mom, brother, and I went to the waiting room.

Soon after the section and birth of her beautiful 9lb 4oz baby girl, I went to make sure she was okay and was gonna take off to let her bond with her mom, brother, and new baby girl.

I walked into the recovery room- I called her Mom. That name she had waited her whole life to be called. I told her how proud I was of her. I told her she did an amazing job-- and she really did. From the insulin pokes, lack of sleep, praying for her unborn daughter, reading to Harlee in the womb, having dance parties to christian rock with her belly, and continuing to work until the Dr took her out. She was 110% dedicated to this work: The work of a mother.

I was able to go over and take some photographs of Jalit and her little princess at her home. I usually take labor/ birth photos for families that I doula and hadn't been able to with her. I wanted to make sure to document for her those first precious few weeks. They fly by so fast.

This is my favorite photo that I took that day. You can see the bond between them. It's tangible. It's contagious.

Yesterday, I received the most shocking news of my life. This "long lost" friend, Mom, fellow daughter of God, and her beautiful little blueberry- Harlee Joy were found dead in her apartment. I wasn't home at the time. I immediately called her cell- praying she'd pick up and I could tell her this horrific rumor I had heard. Straight to voicemail. "Hi this is Jalit, I can't get to the phone right now, but if you leave your name and number and a brief message-- I will get back to you as soon as I can. Have a great day and God Bless."

My heart instantly broke, I knew it had to be true.

Below is one of the many reports....

Adult and child found dead in Fulton home

By: Web Staff

FULTON, N.Y. -- Police in Fulton are investigating the deaths of two people. They say Jalit Richardson, 25, and her two-month-old infant daughter were found inside the apartment about 1:45 p.m. Tuesday at a home on South First Street.

Police are calling it an unattended death and are saying it is not considered suspicious at this time.

Fulton police are awaiting a determination on the cause of death from the Onondaga County Medical Examiner's Office.

http://centralny.ynn.com/content/top_stories/543738/adult-and-child-found-dead-in-fulton-home/

We are all waiting to hear what happened. My heart feels bruised. This world lost a mighty warrior.

I know that Jalit is in the arms of her Savior. I know that she is holding her little baby just like she did on earth. I know Harlee is smiling at her mommy and basking in the glow of Heavenly Father's love. I know that somehow this was part of Heavenly Father's plan and I'm sure he has big things for her on the other side. I know I will see her again someday. I know I will hold that precious baby again. This is what I imagine Jalit to look like on the other side (only not pregnant).

Photo taken by Casey Bea, Jalit's friend.

I know that Jalit is watching over me. She would send me texts frequently to see how I was doing. "How are you feeling, Mama?" I will miss those texts. I know she will be there for me- when I'm in labor, just like I was there for her. I wasn't able to be in the room with her, and she will not be able to be in the room with me. But, more importantly, her spirit will be there. Right beside me- helping me birth this bundle of joy.

I love you Jalit.

See you later.

playground

2011-05-12T14:57:00.001-04:00

I took the boys to the playground this morning. We took some photos and then played for a while... Some came out really cute!!!

Classic Parker face...

They love to play ice cream shoppe. They order it, wait for it to be made, pay for their treat, and then eat it. They take turns. They love it and I love watching them.

Book of Mormon

2011-05-12T12:47:00.000-04:00

Last night Parker and Carter would not go to bed without their copies of the Book of Mormon. We had a family home evening where we talked about how to treat scriptures. Brian got a chair and had us each take turns sitting in it- and looking through the scriptures. We were all asked to find the picture of Jesus in the beginning of the book. The boys can't get enough. They both fell asleep with them nearby. It was precious.

Silly Carter

2011-05-12T12:43:00.000-04:00

This is how I found Carter napping one day:

Happy Easter

2011-05-12T11:50:00.000-04:00

Easter Sunday we woke up bright and early at Gma and Papa Miller's house. The Easter Bunny had paid Parker and Carter a visit there! They were not really into looking for their baskets but were super excited once they found them. :) We wondered if the bunny remembered to stop at our house while we were out of town.

Carter found his!
Parker found his!! He possesses my skill of giving up way too early. He was sure the Easter Bunny forgot him.

With their loot.

Parker is either really tired or in a choco-coma. I vote the latter.

Look mom!!

The Easter Bunny remembered to come to our house. We got home late Sunday night so we looked in the morning. :)

Looking for Carter's basket... "hmmm"

Found it!!!

Checking it out.

Sono Update

2011-04-28T13:59:00.002-04:00

The placenta has moved away from the cervix... it is also firmly attached (no longer see it curving up- away from uterus)... Sonographer didn't even look "down there" on baby. ;) Sorry, it's still a surprise! :)That is one heck-of-a cute kid!

Easter Egg Tutorial

2011-04-21T10:10:00.001-04:00

I have had tons of requests for this -- so I made a quick tutorial. Let me know if you have any questions.
Collect ties. All ties must be 100% silk.... Thrift stores always have a great funky selection.

Cut up pieces of cotton. We used an old bedsheet.

Cut ties and take apart. Wrap egg in tie and cut tie. We usually get about 3-4 eggs out of 1 tie.
Wrap RAW EGG in silk (print side facing egg) and then cotton. Secure with rubber band or twist tie.

Put eggs in Enamel or Glass pot. Fill with water to completely cover eggs.

Add 3 TBS of vinegar to water.

Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 30-40min.

Run eggs under cold water until cool.

Once cooled-- unwrap and enjoy! If desired- rub with veggie oil on paper towel to make eggs shiney.

Our 2011 Easter Eggs

BFFs

2011-04-09T10:05:00.000-04:00

Parker goes to the dentist!

2011-04-06T21:56:00.001-04:00

Carter horded all the waiting room toys... Don't worry- they were the only kids there at the time.

Parker was a little nervous (as you can see) but he did great!! Dr Bunker just looked at his teeth for his pre-k paperwork. What a big boy I have!! :) Love you Parker!!

It's A....

2011-03-31T23:48:00.001-04:00

BABY!

We didn't find out the sex at our anatomy scan today. :)

There are a couple things that they want to keep an eye on. I have to have a repeat sono in 4weeks.

1- there's an extra lobe on my placenta that is curling up/not attached
2- my placenta is low and if it doesn't move i could have a cs
3- transverse baby (tons of time to change positions!)
4- measuring 20w 3d head and 19w 1d body for an average of 19w 4d
so they might change my DD if i'm measuring consistant bc i've been measuring with my LMP date. which is what i've thought all along. :)

Send prayers and love.

warning.

2011-03-31T18:47:00.002-04:00

This could be TMI... ;)

Parker asked me today if I was going to poop the baby out of my butt.
I took a second. Smiled. Looked at him and said "kinda".

carterisms

2011-03-20T18:31:00.003-04:00

Carter as started talking and talking and talking

One of my favorite things is when I ask him to count something (like 3 apples).
He says - pointing to each... 5,6,7
I ask him to count them again.
5,6,7
Carter. You need to start at 1 when you're counting. Can you try again?
1,2,3

parkerisms

2011-03-20T18:27:00.002-04:00

Parker has been a little chatterbox. The things he comes up with are adorable.

While playing hide-n-seek with his brother:
"Carter, I count. 1..2..3..4..5..6..7..8..9..10! Ready or not here I found you!"

After asking Mommy if he could play Wii and Mommy said not right now:
"I gotta tell Daddy" :: as he's running away ::

Mommy: "Parker is the baby going to be a boy or girl?"
Parker: "Boy."
Mommy: "What should we name him?"
Parker: "Lydia"

baby guesses

2011-03-20T18:26:00.002-04:00

Make sure you click the ExpectNet button to the right.
Take a guess on baby #3's stats! :)

things i can't get enough of

2011-03-08T08:34:00.011-05:00

With each pregnancy there have been some things I just can't get enough of:

Parker-
NA Strawberry Daiquiris
Lucky Charms
Wegmans Subs
Steak Bagel

Carter-
Wegmans Wraps

Big Macs

Red Lobster Side Salad w Blue Cheese

Any salad with Chicken, Onion, and Hard Boiled Egg

HOT wings

Burger King Tendercrisp Sandwich w Onion

Baby 3-

Any salad with Chicken, Onion, and Hard Boiled Egg
Frozen Fruit Drinks && Fresh Strawberries

Mexican- especially guacamole and queso

kfc mashed potatoes and gravy

Bruschetta

a holly story

2011-02-18T13:16:00.002-05:00

My mom calls my stories- "Holly Stories". They are usually amusing/funny. This is a Holly Story.

I was visiting a sister in our ward- We'll call her "Sister :)"... She was excited that I came to see her.
She told me, "You have a really great husband."
"Really?" I said, "What makes you say that?"
"He was my angel the other day. I was slipping and sliding all over the parking lot and out of nowhere I hear 'SISTER :)' and he was running over to me. He took my bags and held my arm like I was a little old lady. He helped me cross the parking lot safely. I really thought I was going to fall, and I said a little prayer asking for help and there was your husband!"
"Aw, that is really sweet. I'm glad he helped you," I replied- smiling.

Little did she know, and I sure as heck wasn't going to tell her what you're going to read next...

We arrived at church. The parking lot was a sheet of black ice. They had not salted. I got out of the car and nearly slipped and fell. I was unbucking Carter and Brian was getting Parker-- and I saw Sister :) struggling to cross the parking lot. I looked at Brian and said, "Hurry. Sister :) is seriously going to fall. Go help her." And off he ran.

I guess the saying IS true: Behind every good man, is a great woman. ;)

results: glucose tolerance test

2011-02-04T13:35:00.005-05:00

The Results are IN:
I PASSED.
with a 118.
The level has to be under 130.

I could not possibly be happier.

2nd OB appointment

2011-02-03T13:37:00.004-05:00

I had my second OB appointment today. The one EVERYONE looks forward to going to. ;)

I had the lovely privilege to drink the 1hr glucose drink thanks to my boarderline GD with Parker. Fingers crossed I passed (although, I have NEVER passed the 1hr- ever).

I was weighed and I have lost 12 lbs since my last appointment 4 weeks ago! :) I have really been cautious about what I have been eating and it has really paid off!

After the exam, they were trying to find the heartbeat with the doppler-- of course with my little extra padding- they couldn't find it. She sent me to sono just to be sure everything was okay.

165 bpm! :) And everything looks great. Baby was measuring more toward my original EDC (8/23) but they will prob just keep my due date 8/31 which is fine. She said my uterus is pretty high already( at my belly button)-- my boys were always really low, so this is a change.
^What a cute little baby!!! :)

She did a 3d just for fun. Here he/she is:
(check out those scrawny little arms and legs!)

notes I took during Carter's labor

2011-02-01T14:31:00.003-05:00

Ok, so I didn't take ANY notes during Carter's labor... I just didn't have time!!

So I want to share the things I read and re-read to gear me up for my VBAC.

Songs:
Stand in the Rain by Superchick
(chorus)
So stand in the rain
Stand your ground
Stand up when it's all crashing down
You stand through the pain
You won't drown
And one day, whats lost can be found
You stand in the rain

Tunnel by Third Day
I won't pretend to know what you're thinking
I can't begin to know what you're going through
I won't deny the pain that you're feeling
But I'm gonna try and give a little hope to you

Just remember what I've told you
There's so much you're living for

[Chorus]
There's a light at the end of this tunnel
There's a light at the end of this tunnel
For you, for you
There's a light at the end of this tunnel
Shinin' bright at the end of this tunnel
For you, for you

So keep holdin' on

You've got your disappointments and sorrows
You ought to share the weight of that load with me
Then you will find that the light of tomorrow
It brings a new life for your eyes to see

Proud by Heather Small
I look into the window of my mind
Reflections of the fears I know I've left behind
I step out of the ordinary
I can feel my soul ascending
I'm on my way
Can't stop me now
And you can do the same (yeah)

What have you done today to make you feel proud?
It's never too late to try
What have you done today to make you feel proud?
You could be so many people
If you make that break for freedom

Birth Affirmations

I am calm and face my labor calmly

My body knows how to give birth and I will let it

I am strong and I can let my contractions be strong

My baby will be born easily at the right time

I am proud of my body

I am able to make the best possible choices for a healthy, joyful birth

I trust my body to labor smoothly and efficiently

My pelvis is releasing and opening, as have those of countless women before me

I can say no and still be respected

I feel the love of those supporting me

I choose thoughts and beliefs that strengthen me

I am in control of my mind, my body and my choices

I take responsibility for my choices

Childbirth is a normal, healthy event

I fully feel the force of new life within me

The power of birth strengthens me, my child and my partner

I trust my body to labor smoothly and efficiently

Labor only demands from me the strength I possess

I have the energy and stamina to birth my baby

My Body knows how to have this baby just as my body knew how to grow this baby

I am ready and prepared for childbirth

Each contraction produces a healthy, positive pain that I can handle

I will be holding my baby soon.

notes I took during Parker's labor

2011-01-31T14:06:00.002-05:00

I was cleaning out the attic- bringing baby stuff down and i found my birthplan for parker. With it- was a notebook where i took notes during labor.... here they are:

"Childbirth is a very long process
Childbirth is painful.

I didn't want an epidural I
think I might get one. This
pain is incredible. I had a day of
pain w. getting induced.

I want sleep but I know
"sleep" won't be like it used to.
I want good sleep- not just sleep.

I want to meet Parker.

contractions= NOT fun.

I wish I had a natural labor.
I don't want to be here anymore.

---
Epidurals are needed w. pitocin
I <3 Stadol

I can't wait to hold my son.

C-Sections make you really really sore."

I read it. I sat there. And cried.

Brian's Bday Gift

2011-01-26T16:52:00.002-05:00

Mary & Elliott A Novel by Brian David Steffen | Make Your Own Book

For Brian's birthday I published one of his novels. You can check out the first 15 pgs.
You can even order your very own copy by clicking the link above.

:)
Enjoy

Happy [early] Birthday Brian

2011-01-21T10:12:00.003-05:00

Brian is celebrating his birthday this weekend, his real birthday is Monday.
He planned all the events....

First: We will be going to the temple

With Britta and Greg:

Britta and I will go put her kids to bed, and Greg & Brian will go to:

to pass time before we all enjoy a nice dinner at:
This is what Brian will get (he gets it everytime):
This is what I will get (I get it everytime):Saturday we will have dinner with his parents and then come home because I have to do sharing time on Sunday... I'm not sure what else he has up his sleeve... :)

Happy Birthday B. I love you.

MK vs NYR Organic

2011-01-10T14:56:00.002-05:00

You all probably remember my brief stint selling Mary Kay Cosmetics:

I bought inventory, couldn't sell it, and had no success in booking shows. I left the company about 7 months after joining.

I truly believe that my lack-of success came from one thing: I didn't BELIEVE in the products. With all the research I had done on cosmetics and skincare, there was no way I could stand behind the Mary Kay products I was selling.

I found NYR Organic and fell in LOVE. They are a skincare company based out of the UK. They have been there for 30 years. NYR started off as a small store in covent Garden in the UK and then branched out to more stores and direct selling. Recently, on 9/9/09 the company launched a US branch.

Let me tell you HOW Mary Kay and NYR Organics compare- both the companies and the products.

PRODUCTS-

MK- Uses fillers such as TALC in the "mineral" powder foundation.
NYR- Uses NO fillers or petroleum, It is in our promise to our customers.

MK- Full of chemicals.
NYR- ALL NATURAL. Made from HAND PICKED herbs that are CERTIFIED organic and grown in the UK or under fair trade with places when the UK doesn't have the climate to grow certain herbs.

MK- Products made in factory.
NYR- Products made in a lab and HAND MIXED by an herbalist/chemist

MK- Mostly plastic containers.
NYR- Uses glass and 100% POST CONSUMER recycled plastic.

MK- (as far as I know) Does not test on animals.
NYR- Does not test on animals. Some products are vegan.

MK- Some people are allergic.
NYR- Haven't ran across anyone that has had a problem.

COMPANY-

MK- Minimum $400 retail every 3 months to stay active
NYR- 50personal points every 3 months. (equivalent to about $100)

MK- Book Facials/ Parties
NYR- Book Facials/ Parties

MK- Influenced to have inventory.
NYR- Inventory discouraged. Shipping takes about 2 days to Syracuse Area.

MK- Directors hound you.
NYR- Our leaders are a Support System. We are not pushy.

MK- $99 kit
NYR- Two kit options- $99 or $199 (Currently being offered for $130!)

MK- 50% profit. you pay shipping. you pay host rewards and gifts.
NYR- Start at 25%. Customers pay shipping. Host rewards are from company. Gifts are $1.75- $3ea

MK- You pay shipping.
NYR- Customer pays shipping.

MK- You "pay" host rewards.
NYR- Host rewards come from the company.

MK- You buy hostess/party gifts- ranging from $5 and up.
NYR- You buy hostess/ party gifts- $1.75 and $3 for Product gift.

MK- You pay for your website
NYR- FREE website

MK- You pay for propay to take credit cards.
NYR- Doesn't charge you to take credit cards- you just enter them on the order page!

MK- I don't know who owns it.
NYR- Family owned.

Interested in knowing MORE?

Go visit my FREE website: https://us.nyrorganic.com/shop/naturallybeautiful

You can see our catalog, our products, our business opportunity, and watch short videos about how we make our products and our company.

Feel free to grab a cup of tea, sit down and spend some time browsing all we offer.

If you would like to see some products, I'd love to get together with you. Seeing is believing.

Thanks for reading,

Holly

Forgot to tell you!

2011-01-08T15:45:00.004-05:00

The tentative date of arrival is:
AUG 31st 2011
That's right, I'm due on my birthday.

snowy days and baby pictures

2011-01-07T10:18:00.002-05:00

Where the tracks are-- that's the road!
Brian's YM was cancelled so we got to have unplanned family time. It was great.

pretty, but crazy. You can see the snow coming down in the lower right of the photo

There's the first pic of the baby!! 133bpm. It was the sweetest little heartbeat ever.

First Family Photo of 2011 with all 5 members!

new year resolution

2011-01-07T10:17:00.001-05:00

We are doing the family photo everyday for 2011. :)

find them here: http://steffen365.blogspot.com

Enjoy

riddle

2011-01-03T15:26:00.002-05:00

Q: What do the year 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 have in common?

A: I have been pregnant sometime in all of these years.
Parker- Jan 07-Oct 07
Carter- June 08- Feb 09
Baby 3- Dec 10- Aug 11

That's right. Steffen Baby #3 is due sometime about late August. I go to the OB Thurs and will know more then.

We found out a couple days before christmas with 2 little pink lines and can't keep the secret any longer.

We plan on waiting on the sex of the baby. :)

Parker's a sunbeam!

2011-01-02T20:37:00.001-05:00

Parker's OFFICIALLY in primary!!

What a SPECIAL day!!

christmas with the steffens

2010-12-25T21:35:00.005-05:00

Can you believe I'm posting photos and it's still Christmas day? :)

The evening of the 23rd to the day of the 24th we spent with Brian's family. It was nice to have all the siblings there. We exchanged our secret santa sibling gifts and other gifts with eachother. I didn't really get any good photos because I was sitting in a hard spot. It was fun and the boys made out really well!!

THANK YOU GG& GG Hand for the hip-swaying santa. We love him!!

The boys LOVE their cups and beanies.

Here are the boys in the Christmas PJs with their Christmas PJ tin:

Parker and Carter got Sit N Spins from Uncle Matt/ Aunt Rachel and Aunt Beth! They are a HUGE hit!

SANTA CAME!

And yes, those are the boys favorite cereals- we weren't mean and gave Carter Raisin Bran. P&C actually don't even like sugary cereals- they would rather have mini wheats, granola, raisin bran, plain cheerios, and honey bunches of oats.

The little animal bags are their new church bags and inside is loot to keep them quiet at church. Hopefully.

Santa ate the cookies, drank the milk, and fed the carrots to Rudolph.

Parker was VERY excited to get the Gospel Art book in his church bag. He knows about 50 gospel art photos.

Carter was just as excited and kept saying "Jesus!"
After having a breakfast casserole that cooked while we were opening gifts, we ate and then headed to Grandma's and Papa's in Kendall. They were such good boys while mommy and daddy showered and packed. We were in Kendall at 10:15am! ;)

Carter was exhausted but was pretty good the whole day. Here he is relaxing with Uncle Jon.

Christmas is about the baby Jesus, friends and family. We are so blessed.

This Christmas was perfect. <3

sweet memories

2010-12-10T12:51:00.003-05:00

When I was a senior in high school-I volunteered at the Sweden Senior Center in Brockport. Every Thursday I looked forward to seeing Jim and Luella... I wondered how they are doing.... :) This article was in 2005 but you get to see how stinkin' cute they are! It tells you how they met! :)

He got the 'point'
For Jim Higgins of Brockport, true love hit him a second time around and it all began with a point.

After his wife of 55 years died in 2000, Higgins kept himself busy playing golf and going to the VFW in Holley but all of that changed when he decided to check out the Sweden Senior Center in Brockport.

"The first day I was there I sat at a table with five ladies," he said. "After I'd been going there a few times, I heard a rumor that there was a lady who was interested in me."

That lady was Luella Jennejohn - a widow of 17 years.

"Well, the next time I went there she turned around and pointed at me. I pointed back and that was our introduction," he explained with a laugh.

The couple's first meeting was in 2002, they dated for about eight months and got married on Valentine's Day in 2003.

Jim and Luella are both in their mid-80s and they say they are very busy people who are always on the go and always see a lot of people.

When asked what the secret to their happiness is, Jim said it was compatibility. "We're very much wrapped up in each other," he said. "We just sit and talk and laugh and sing and go to church together."

Luella said another key ingredient to their happiness is that they like the same things. "We spend a lot of time outside and we like going to concerts that play music from the 40s and 50s," she said.

Their second wedding anniversary falls on a very busy day, Luella said. "It's a busy day at the senior center and later that day we have a meeting because we're representatives of the Sweden-Clarkson Recreation Center," she explained. "We might celebrate our anniversary a day early.

Jim has two sons, Michael and James. Luella has one daughter, Patricia.

"We love spending time together," Luella said.

Caption: Brockport residents Luella and Jim Higgins met at the Sweden Senior Center about eight months before getting married on Valentine's Day two years ago by Justice of the Peace William P. Cody. When asked about the highlight of their time together, Jim responded, "Being together, being active and being in love." Luella added, "That surprise first anniversary party at the Sweden Senior Center." Photograph by Walter Horylev.
(source: http://www.westsidenewsonline.com/OldSite/westside/news/2005/0213/features/valentine.html)

I started "googling" their names.

In Feb 2009 Luella wrote a poem for their newsletter at the Sweden Senior Center (SSC).
"Growing old is not so bad
Just think of all the fun we had.

...Parties, proms, and movies galore,
Now who could ask for anything more?

We seniors are treated like royalty.
The four letter work we life is F-R-E-E.

A discount here, coupons there
Planes and trains lower our fare.

We are treated kindly if our hair is white,
My gosh, we must be doing something right.

We can "kick up our heels" and act like a kid
Maybe not so high as we once did.

The world is moving fast, we can't slow it down."
(source: http://www.clarksonny.org/pdf/Senior-Center/SENIOR_MOMENTS.pdf)
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Then I found this....
"Higgins, James F., On September 17, 2007. He is predeceased by his wife of 54 years Maryanne. Survived by his wife Luella; sons Timothy and Michael (Gail Forward); grandsons Aaron, David (Kate Gilbert), Matthew and Phillip; great-grandchildren Emalee and Trey Higgins; sister Marion Fullam; brother William and many nieces and nephews."
(source: http://www.westsidenewsonline.com/OldSite/westside/news/2007/0923/deaths.html)

"Jennejohn, Luella M., September 3, 2009, age 89. Survived by her daughter, Patricia Gay; grandsons, Danny (Jennifer) Everett, Keith Gay; two great-granddaughters, Alexis Gay and Jasmine Thornton and many nieces and nephews."
(source: http://www.westsidenewsonline.com/Obits/091309deaths.html)

----------------------------------------------------------------
My heart is sad.

2010-12-05T21:20:00.001-05:00

Check out this giveaway my friend Sarah is hosting:
http://confessionsofasailorswife.blogspot.com/2010/12/awesome-amazing-totally-christmas.html

You should enter. You could win a Rose Facial Polish from ME! Made by NYR Organic.
If you enter- tell her Holly sent you! ;)

boys will be boys

2010-11-30T11:31:00.003-05:00

funny, not so funny story

2010-11-18T09:44:00.002-05:00

It all started when Brian parked the car on the slope of our driveway in hopes the city would come and suck up the leaf pile behind his car. Our pile was passed because of the car (I assume). So, he wanted it moved incase they came by.

Brian likes to use the emergency brake when parked on the slope.

Do you think you know where this is going? I bet you're wrong.

Brian turned off the brake (See, you thought he'd leave it on, didn't you ;) )..... and went to drop the kids off at our friends house so he could attend a meeting in Syracuse with me. Since I was already in Liverpool doing a postpartum job- he would meet me there and we would drive to Syracuse together. We grabbed dinner at Panera in Liverpool. He decided to tell me there his car was acting funny. Maybe the transmission was slipping? He said he felt like he was driving in snow.

We drove in my car to the meeting. At about 10pm we arrived back to Panera. He was gonna drive his car to our mechanic in Fulton and I would pick up the kiddos. Brian put his car in reverse and drove out of the spot, put it in drive and it wouldn't budge. Ut oh.

We called our insurance and towed it the allowable 9miles to BURDICK TOYOTA in Cicero.

We got a call. The emergency brake was jammed. $92. Possible new transmission, emergency brake cables, check engine life off, etc etc etc couldn't give exact price- anywhere from an additional $500-1000. WOW. We can't afford that.... So, Brian was offered $500 cash or $1000 toward a trade in.

After thinking about it for a while we decided to take the $500.

Brian called back and left a message. It took days to respond back.... We got a call from customer service appoligizing for the way this had been handled.

Brian was then informed that they would only pay out the wholesale price. Wanna guess what it is???

$100. Not a typo. $100
The KICKER?! He then said "you owe us $92 and we would give you $100 so we'll just call it even and TAKE THE CAR OFF YOUR HANDS"
WHAT?! excuse me??

No way. We paid $75 and got it towed to our mechanic.
We just got notified he looked at it, the car is fixed. It cost about $200.

Burdick Toyota, You are sleezy. You tried to nickle and dime us and we don't appreciate it. We were thinking about upgrading to a Sienna, and your dealership has made us rethink this decision. We wouldn't want to support your dealership. You lost a customer for sure. Good riddance, The Steffen Family

I have owned a Saturn for almost 4 years and I have never ever ever ever experienced service as horrible as this. I was always given a fair price and treated like I was their top priority. When something upset me, their customer service deparment was willing to give gift certificates and other free things to make up for any inconvience. Saturn is sorely missed.

parker's potty zoo trip

2010-11-12T09:19:00.004-05:00

Parker has been doing so well potty training... that he earned his day at the zoo. This has actually been weeks in the making. He's been day trained for weeks. He is still having a problem wetting the bed at night (but goes in potty at naptime)... so I figured he deserved his prize. eek! carter needs a haircut

BIG BOY with the elephants

The boys were SO BUMMED the 'tigers' were sleeping.

this monkey was hilarious HAHAHA

friends.

2010-11-12T09:16:00.000-05:00

happy [belated] halloween

2010-11-12T09:09:00.003-05:00

fallbrook

2010-11-12T09:01:00.002-05:00

Every fall we go take family photos at fallbrook. It's breath taking with all the leaves changing. Here are just a couple:

i know i know

2010-11-07T20:57:00.002-05:00

I know I keep saying I will get better, and I do for like 3 days and then I'm back to not posting.

Life has been CRAZY to say the least

I am doing post-partum work 3 days a week.
I've got a couple new moms due in March to doula for.
I am quitting mary kay and trying to get rid/return inventory.
I started with an new all-natural organic skincare company. Neal's Yard.
seriously, check it out, it's awesome!!!!!!!!
http://us.nyrorganic.com/shop/naturallybeautiful
AND
I was just called as... PRIMARY PRESIDENT.

I am feeling a little overwhelmed. I know that callings come from Heavenly Father and I know I will do okay. It's a lot on my plate now. Hopefully I'll post some photos of the boys soon. I know everyone is waiting.

Love you.

some days are like that....

2010-10-15T13:29:00.002-04:00

I have always known that I was meant to be a mom.

Some days I have had about enough. I need to escape for an hour and have some "mommy" time when Brian gets home from work.

For a couple weeks now, I have just REALLY loved being a mom. Parker and Carter are such sweethearts. They love each other and us so much. They radiate love and acceptance.

I know that I am so blessed.

Parker is now (almost) FULLY potty trained. He is so excited to go to the ZOO for his prize once he's fully trained. He is in full time underwear- at home and in public. If we are home, he doesn't tell me (I told him he doesn't have to) unless he needs help. In public- he always tells me. :) *KNOCK ON WOOD* and he hasn't ever had an accident out. The only obstacle right now is wetting the bed at night. He doesn't do it at naptime. He actually thinks it is funny. He'll say to me "I pee in my bed! HAHA" . Not quite sure how to show him it's NOT funny. Silly kid.

Parker still knows all his upper and lower case letters, shapes, colors, numbers, and some traffic signs. He can spell stop. He has a tracing book that teaches pencil control and then I'll start working on writing letters. He loves that stinkin' book. It goes to naptime and bedtime even. He looks on the back- where the whole series is pictured and says "i want all these". HAHA. :) Someday, Parker, someday.

Carter is REALLY smart. He is 18mon and can follow any direction. He is a snuggle bug. He loves loves loves to read. He will find a book, and bring it to daddy (his favorite reader). Once the book is over he says "more" "more" and daddy will read it again. He's starting to recognize letters.

finally

2010-10-14T15:13:00.005-04:00

FINALLY! clean, smudge and streak FREE floors!!! I think I'm in LOVE I came across Mrs Meyer's cleaning products at a local natural foods store. I was looking to replace my Theives that my children dumped all over the laundry room floor. I am happily satisfied with my find. And what made me even happier??? Walmart had it for less. Thank you Walmart for starting to carry more eco friendly products.

Oh and I got a $5 rebate on the mop. Score.I swear, it's the little things in life.

sharing. fhe.

2010-10-12T08:05:00.002-04:00

Last night for FHE we had a lesson on sharing. I then shared two m&ms with Parker and asked him if he would share ONE with Carter. He happily did. I then did the same to Carter- who SHOCKED me when he willingly shared his with Parker. It was adorable. I seriously almost cried. I'm so emotional. LOL I said "sharing makes us happy". They both said happy! :)

We mentioned how missionaries SHARE the gospel. And they drew pictures for our friend John-Mike who's on his mission in California. Parker drew a picture. (circles with lines) He usually scribbles. I asked him what his picture was of. He said "Missionaries are happy" :) :) HE GOT IT!

Below isn't the same picture bc that is en route to Cali. This is one he drew for me after

G&G Steffen Visit

2010-10-07T10:34:00.002-04:00

Grandma Steffen came for a visit while daddy and Grandpa Steffen went to a John Updike conference. Brian was so happy to go.

Grandma bought the boys matching Buzz/Woody pjs. They now insist on wearing them everynight. They are cute pjs.

Parker and Carter are SO BLESSED to have TWO sets of superduper grandparents. WE are so blessed.

Above is a photo of both of them and their curious george fruit snacks from Grandma Steffen too.