A slight dilemma

THE PROBLEM:

Scott is going hunting tomorrow.
His camo is green.
It is winter and the snow is white.

THE SOLUTION:

A couple of yards of clearance fabric.
A master seamstress. (That would be me...so not so master-full.)
And a little bit of time and effort.

THE RESULT:
Its just a rough draft.
It has a few minor errors. (By few I mean alot.)
We'll find out tomorrow.
...
I am such an awesome wife!!
...

*Hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Happy New Year!

Christmas

Christmas was awesome this year. We were very spoiled and blessed. We gave some great gifts and received even better ones. However, the older I get the more my focus changes. I look forward to a day full of family. There is nothing...NOTHING, better than hanging out with people you love. This year was bittersweet for me. It was my first Christmas without my big brother. (Minus his mission) It was difficult to not have him and his family with us. We thought about them all day, and Scott even made a Santa call to my nephew, which was awesome. The sweet part was having our baby boy with us. Having a child during Christmas is a special thing. I can't help but think of Mary this time of year and everything she went through. I can't help but look at Tayden and see the greatest gift from God. Christmas in my love of Christ and his love for my family. With that said, here are a few pictures of the day:

Tanner got a new 'Polly' for Christmas. It just so happens to be Taydens favorite toy too!

Scott got me this beautiful chair for our room. He did such a good job!

Me sitting on my new chair from my parents. Yes, a table came too!

Scott opening a gift from his sister. Funny thing, it was our video, she was just returning it!

The perfect table! We love it!

It's back! Taydens hair is finally long enough for a mohawk again! Woo Hoo!

*Side note: Any other Glee fans out there? I got the soundtracks, AMAZING!

I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas. I can't wait to read about all your wonderful new memories and see your timeless pictures!

When I see you smile....

My heart just melts!

Isn't he handsome?

Dishwasher Safe

Tayden discovered something fun at Grandmas house tonight. The dishwasher! We don't have one, well we do... she has two arms and has a name,we call her Stacey. Anyways, Tayden was fascinated.

*Good thing my phone was handy so I could grab a few pictures.

I guess only one question remains: Is a baby dishwasher safe?

Dear Santa

*I got this off my wonderful sis-in-laws blog. I think all moms can relate on some level or another! Enjoy!

"Dear Santa,

I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited the pediatrician's office more than my doctor, sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground. I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with a red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free times in the next 18 years. Here are my Christmas wishes: I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze, but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the grocery store. I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy. If you're hauling big ticket items this year, I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music, a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone. On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with two kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools. I could also use a recoding of Tibetan monks chanting "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take your hands off your sister," because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog. If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container through a window in a bag with a clown on it. If you don't mind, I could use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be to much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family. Well Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my daughter saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think she wants her crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the door and come in and dry off so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table, but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.

Yours Always,

Mom

P.S. One more thing...you can cancel all of my requests if you can keep my children young enough to always believe in Santa!"

Really? Is this neccessary?

Tayden is officially 10 months old! I can't believe how fast time has flown. A year ago I was having my baby shower and anxiously awaiting my little bundle of joy. While Tayden is totally still my bundle of joy (probably now more than ever), he is into absolutely everything! I walked out of the bathroom the other day for just a minute and came back to find:

(I didn't realize the picture was blurry until now. Sorry. I took it with my phone which most likely had a little finger print on the camera....did I mention he loves my phone too?)

Neat! I cleaned up the toilet paper and decided to throw it away in the kitchen garbage so the Destructor wouldn't pull it out of the trash. I came back and:

(Again a little blurry.)

He had pulled my makeup off the top of the toilet and managed to empty most the bag. Really? I was gone less than 30 seconds. I just laughed at how mobile this little bug is. Nothing in my home is safe anymore. Except for the Christmas Tree. Tayden is not too fond of the Tree, which is fine by me.

While I was uploading this pictures from my phone I came across one more I wanted to share:


This is how Tayden sits every time we go to Walmart. I guess he has caught on that Walmart is hardly ever a short trip, so he might as well get comfy! HaHa. Cute kid.

I know I am constantly saying how much Tayden is into things, or all I do is chase him, or how hard he is to keep up with. But in all honesty, I love it. I love every minute of being a mom and watching my son grow. It is the most rewarding thing I have ever experienced. Tayden is such a happy baby and a pleasure to be around. This has been the best stage for me so far. He is getting smarter everyday and is so fun. I can't imagine what Scott and I did to deserve such a great little boy.

Phase 2 Complete

Scott finished his Christmas lights and is very proud of his work.

Good job honey!

A Dedication To My Brother

I have the best big brother in the WORLD!!! That has nothing to do with this dedication to him, just a fact I wanted to make everyone aware of. Before he decided to pack up his family and move to Texas, (sniff sniff) he always did an amazing job decorating his home for Christmas! Scott was always jealous of his lights. When they moved to Texas, Justin left behind a very important tote with Scott. One full of lights..lots and lots of lights. This morning Scott decided to try his luck with them:


Thanks Justin for letting us use the lights. We miss you more than you know. Scott wanted me to tell you "This is only phase one...there will be more. I ran out of light clips." Hope we do you proud! Love ya!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! I can't believe it is come and gone already. We had a wonderful day. It was full of family and friends and lots of good memories. Despite limited naps in the car, a slew of people, and pretty much chaos all day, Tayden was wonderful! He was happy all day and well into the evening. It was such a blessing to have him with us this year. He brings Scott and I so much joy. This is kind of a boring post without any pictures, but I wanted to share SOME of the things for which I am thankful. I realized this year it can be almost impossible to count your blessings, but here a FEW:

• Scott-He will always be my biggest blessing. With him all my other blessings are possible. He is the hardest worker I know and provides for our family. Tayden thinks the world of him, as do I.
• Tayden-I never ever knew how much I could love somebody else. I love my little boy more than anything. He brings us so much joy and happiness.
  
• The temple. Through the power of the temple and priesthood I can live with my two boys forever!...(and hopefully a few more boys and a little girl too...someday!)
• Answered prayers. I have come to understand that sometimes you don't always get the answers you want, but always get what you need. What a true testament that the our prayers are heard and we are loved by our Eternal Father.
• Extended family. We are so lucky to have wonderful families who love, support and understand us.
  
• My home. It is truly a sanctuary from the craziness of the outside world.
  
• The comforts of life. Cars, the Internet, disposable diapers, running water, heat and air conditioning, a soft mattress, etc. Since I have had Tayden, I continually think about the dear pioneers and how lucky we are to enjoy the things that make our life easier.

I love this time of year. I love to see the seasons change and reflect on the important things in life. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Happy Birthday Scott

To my Dear Sweet Husband:

Happy Birthday! (old man) Love you!

8 Teeth, 2 Drapes and 1 Ceiling Fan

This weekend was a busy one for the Packard household. Taydens 8th tooth broke through....finally. I made some amazing drapes and Scott hung a beautiful ceiling fan.

One of the two panels I made for my bedroom. A huge thanks to my mom for all her help. I was at her house ALL day long finishing the curtains. She talked me through the whole process and watched Tayden so I could sew. I couldn't ask for a better mom! Thanks ma, you're the best!

Another view of the drapes. The color is a little off from my headboard, but I can't complain- the whole project was less than 20 bucks! $10 a panel is not too shabby!


Scott did a great job on the fan. He spent most of the day in the attic installing braces for it, wiring it and doing some other really important stuff that I don't understand!


Our nice new fan over the bed. B-E-A-U-tiful!


Oh and before I forget... Scott is ready for duck hunting. He didn't get to go elk or deer hunting this year due to school and work. (And just a word on that...he is wonderful because of that. He LOVES hunting and put it on the back seat for other responsibilities. What an amazing person. I love him.)


I couldn't let him have all the fun. I had to put on the waders too. As you can see they still have the price tag on them, that is because he has yet to use them. I gave them to him for Christmas 2 years ago...but he has been too busy use them. This year he FINALLY gets to go. Yay for him.

I know you love my moves!

Hair Cut Day

Today was a great day for hair cuts. All the boys in my family got a one.

First, Tanner got a hair cut.

Then, Scott decided he was looking a little shaggy, so we headed to Inkom so his Dad could trim him up.

Finally, the real reason I am posting, Tayden got his first hair cut. We have been meaning to cut it for a few months now, and finally got the courage to do it.

I'm not sure he really knew what was going on. He was so serious.


Tayden was such a good boy during the buzz. He didn't even flinch.


After letting Scott do most of the cutting, I decided I wanted in on the fun.


Here is the final product. He looks super cute and so grown up. Its a bittersweet day for me...no more mohawks. For anyone that knows Tayden-he always has a mohawk. But, luckily its hair, and it will grow and mohawks will come again.


All my handsome boys looking good with new hair cutes. I am one lucky girl.

Tayden the Terror...

As we so lovingly call him, has found the DVD's.

Awesome!?

Not so much.

1st Halloween Date

I am usually not a huge fan of Halloween. In fact, it is my least favorite holiday of the year. My fear of masks might have something to do with that. However, this Halloween was wonderful because I had the opportunity to go on a date with my husband to this beautiful place:

My mom and dad were kind enough to watch Tayden while Scott and I went to the temple. It was simply amazing. The temple is my favorite place and to go with my favorite person was icing on the cake. The spirit was overwhelming and a much needed break from the stresses of the outside world. Thanks so much Mom and Dad. I wish you understood just how much I appreciate you guys!

Now as for Taydens first Halloween, besides all the fun he had at Grandmas house (really, he must have had a blast. He was all smiles all day), he dressed up as a football player. Scott and I joke about Tayden growing up to be a football player and taking care of Mom and Dad, so it seemed like an appropriate costume.


Drawing black lines on his cheeks was not an easy tasks. As you can see, they're not exactly even and he had them rubbed off in about 3 minutes, but they were cute none the less. Holidays with kids are so much fun!

My Baby the Puppy

Tayden has discovered a new method to carry stuff:

I think he spends too much time with Tanner.
( P.S-Nice bed head buddy!)

9 Months!

Tayden is 9 months old today! I can't believe how fast time has flown. I swear we just brought him home last week. This has been my favorite stage by far. He is a pure joy to be around. Very rarely is he is cranky, and if he is it is usually for good reason. At 9 months Tayden:

• Crawls quite efficiently and cruises around on all the furniture.
• Loves to play in Tanners food.
• Talks non-stop.
  
• Has discovered stairs.
• Is into EVERYTHING!!!
• Learned how to flush the toilet.
• Flirts with the girls in my Young Women's.
  
• Started finger foods and feeding himself.
• Is on a very structured schedule.
• Responds to "no no", then proceeds to lick instead of touch.
  
• Finally starting to get over the mommy stage.
• Has seven teeth.
  
• Moves your hand or anything else that is in his way.
  
• Developing quite the personality and sense of humor....and attitude.
• Claps when excited.
  
• Drinking from a straw.
• Likes to look at himself, whether it is a picture or the mirror.
• Waves (most the time).
  
• Has Mommy and Daddy in constant awe!

We sure love our little man. We are so blessed to have him in our family. He is the center of our lives and I can't image life without him. We love you Tayden!

Must be the PJ's

Apparently nothing exciting has been happening in my life lately since I am posting about Taydens sleep positions again. Scott went into check on him after he quit crying tonight and found the babe in a different pose. Tonight Taydens choice of comfort was:

Face Down,

Smashed Nose,

And completely doubled over. At least he is getting closer to laying down.

It must be the pajamas.

Crying It Out

I know I just posted about Scotts midterms last night, but I seriously could not wait to share these hilarious pictures with everyone. Tayden has been having a little bit of a rough time sleeping the past few weeks. So, being the great mom that I am, I have been letting him cry it out. It sounds horrible and mean, but in all honesty it helps him sleep through the night. Tayden was so tired last night so I wasn't to shocked that he only cried for 10 minutes. However, I didn't know he was this exhausted:The poor kid had fallen asleep sitting up. He has done that once before, but we didn't get any pictures. This time, we were not missing out on the opportunity. They aren't the greatest, but I am lucky I got three without waking him up. (I was only expecting to get one.) He had bar lines on his face and drool running down clear to his belly button when I laid him down. It was seriously the funniest thing. Scott and I laughed for about 20 minutes after it happened. I hope Tayden doesn't mind that he is our main source of entertainment.

Midterms

Scott has midterms this week.
...

He has been 'teaching' me all about circuits.

Here is a closer look.

I don't get it.

Neither does Tanner.

Tayden thinks its boring.

GOOD LUCK SCOTT!!! YOU'LL DO GREAT!

Office Chair

We are in the process of redoing our office. Not by choice really, it flooded last spring and we are getting it put back together. Scott and I got separate wrap around desks and somehow he ended up with the nice computer chair. So, I went to the D.I to purchase a stool (easier for scrap- booking) but left with this chair instead.

But after a little bit of paint and some clearance fabric...

I got this chair! Nothing like a fun cheap project!

Marital Advice

Back a long long long time ago (okay, only three years), my family had a bridal shower for me. There, they made me a 'marriage apron'. Its a cute white apron that everyone had a chance to sign and write down some advice to keep a happy marriage. I had it hanging in my previous kitchens and looked at it almost daily. After moving into our house, it had to be put away. Our kitchen simply isn't big enough to hang things and still look clean and organized. Well, I found it the other day. Here are some pieces of advice that I wanted to share:

• You can't expect your spouse to be a certain way until you become that way yourself.
• Always be honest.
• Patience, patience, patience. Not only with each other, but extended family also.
• Count your blessings.
• Handle the money.
• Remember those things that bug you after your married, are the exact things you fell in love with.
• Forgive and forget.
• Don't forget to pray together.
• Be kind.
• Keep your promises.
• Never go to bed angry.
• Don't sweat the small stuff.
• Life isn't always good, but it's a beautiful journey.
• Be supportive.
• Be true to each other.
• Remember to smile and move on.
• You don't always have to be right.
• Always be positive.
• Look after each other.
• Treat each other like you treat your friends.
• Make the bed everyday.
• Love each other deeply from the heart.

I love it! I am lucky enough to have a husband that is constantly thinking about me and my best interest. I hope I can reciprocate those actions and remember these little pieces of advice and keep him as happy as he keeps me.

Doublers!

Albertsons had a few doubler's in the paper this week. I took a stroll down to the store and was able to find:

2 Boxes Brownie Mini Mixes

2 Boxes Cheese-it Crackers
1 Box Ritz Crackers
1 Box Ritz Crackerfuls
1 Package Rhodes Warm-N-Serve Rolls

All for a grand total of about $6.50, that is less than a dollar a piece. (I left my receipt in the car and don't want to go out into the snow to get it for the exact total! Can you blame me? I can't believe it is seriously snowing! Ahh! Where did fall go?) Anyway, I saved about $15.00. Not too bad!

Autumn Wreath and Watch

Why is it that I never have anything to post, and then 2 days later I have a thousand things to say? It must be the unspoken blog law?! So today, I have 2 things I would like to post:

#1-I made an Autumn Wreath.! I got the idea off Make It And Love It. It turned out super cute. Plus, it cost under $7.00!

I have tons of leaves left over, so if anyone has any ideas what to do with them, let me know! Or, if you want some to make your own wreath or craft, let me know and I'll give you some! I seriously have a lot left.

#2-The real reason I am posting today. I am one of those lucky people and have great in-laws. I am truly blessed because of the family I married into. They are always so supportive of our decisions and love my family unconditionally. My mother-in-law must have known I was in dire need of some 'me time' and invited me to her enrichment night. And even nicer than that, she bought me the supplies to make a watch. And then even nicer than that, she watched Tayden! I was in heaven...until my baby started to turn into a little monster. Poor Cheryl! Lately, Taydens mood is as unpredictable as the weather in Pocatello. Happy as can be one minute and ticked off the next. I felt so bad. He didn't even want Grandpa Packard, which was a huge shock because he loves his grandpa! So, as I was rushing to finish my watch, Cheryl was taking over my cranky baby. A true manifest of love for her daughter-in-law and grandson. I had a horrible time concentrating and had to restring my watch about 4 times. I was so frustrated. After all the re- dos, I loved my final outcome. It is so cute! Here is a picture:


Oh, wait. I forgot to tell the rest of the story! Shortly after we left the church, Scott had to run to his grandparents. I was showing his grandma my new watch that I loved so much when Tayden decided he wanted to see it too. I was on the other side of the room, which meant Tayden had to crawl over to get it. His Great Grandma Packard was so excited to see Tayden crawl and I was having a bit of a proud mother moment, so I continued to hold out my watch to coax him to keep coming. Before I knew it he was climbing up my leg. Well, this happens fairly often at home, so I didn't think twice about it. Next thing I know, Tayden grabbed my beautiful watch and yanked hard. It shattered everywhere! Ah, my heart broke a little bit too. After all that hard work and my mom-in-law watching Tayden the Terror, my watch was gone. Fortunately, I got plenty of practice making it at the church, and it is going to be a fairly easy fix. I guess those are the joys of motherhood.

I just wanted to say thank you to my awesome mother-in-law for the wonderful night. Sorry it wasn't a wonderful night for you and that Tayden was a poop, but I appreciate it more than you know! You are always so great to us and always willing to give me a break from Tayden, even when he is not the most fun to be around. He is lucky to have a grandma like you. And a quick shout out to my dad-in-law. Thanks for giving me a break and letting me eat. Five minutes of sanity is worth thousand dollars! I used to be worried that when Tayden was a stink, people would quit loving him and not want to be with him, but I never have to worry about that with you guys! Thanks Dave and Cheryl. We love you!

P.S-I know I said I had 2 things to post, but I had to show everyone this picture. (Sorry, its not that great. Its from my phone.)

My son is into absolutely everything, nothing is safe. I was in the kitchen and Tayden had crawled to the front room. No big deal. I walked in 30 seconds later, and this is what I found. He had gotten into the newspaper. The picture doesn't do it justice. Regardless of all the craziness, I live for this little moments. I love being a mom.