Tayden Says....

"Thanks for the PJ's GG Packard. I love them."

Merry Christmas

You know you've had an awesome Christmas when you come home and your house looks like this:

(Yes, that is a new dresser! We got a new bed set for Christmas. I'll post pictures after our little bedroom makeover is complete.)

When all was said and done, our house had transformed into a war zone. It took a few days to get back to normal, but it was awesome!

We had such a blast at Christmas this year. It was great spending time relaxing and spending time with our families. Speaking of which, my brother and his family flew in from Texas for the Holidays...without anyone knowing. It was THE BEST surprise ever. It was so wonderful having my whole family together. Now, if only I could convince them to stay.

To be honest, Scott and I just had too much fun opening gifts with Tayden that we didn't take many pictures at all. But most of them would have shown this happy little boy.

Even with an awful cough and runny nose...he was all smiles....most the day.

It was so contagious, the smiles not the cough, that Scott had to get in on the fun.

Daddy and Tayden playing in the tent.

We are so blessed to have such wonderful families. We got spoiled, as we do every year... but I especially love just being together. I love spending the day surrounded by people you love celebrating the birth of our Savior. It is great to have Tayden with us and can't wait to have his baby brother with us next year. I could say it over and over and over, yet it would never be enough... but we are truly truly blessed.

I had to add a picture of Taydens 'happy face'. I told him to show me his happy face for the camera, and this is what I got. haha. Plus, don't you love his new converse shoes?

He knows how to rock it.

Hot Tuna

Having a toddler is an adventure. I love it. One of the joys at our house is finding random things in random places. Such as this:

Tuna in the dryer.

Among other things like:

*Cars in my pillow.
*Measuring spoons in the bath tub.
*Wooden spoons in the toy chest.
*Watches in the dirty clothes.
*Footballs in my closet.
*Popcorn in my purse.
*Cars in the Christmas Tree.
*Library cards in the vents.

Yes, these have all happened. (Thankfully, not on a regular basis.) But the best part is....I always know where to look. I seriously love being a mom.

Time for Change

This past October conference I was in Texas with my family and wasn't able to watch conference. No excuse I know, just simply the reason I didn't. I have taken it upon myself to read a talk daily along with personal scripture study while Tayden naps. I have felt myself slip in the "seminary answers" of life the past little while. Things such as personal scripture study and prayer. So, I am determined to get back on track and be the person that I need to be. Not only for myself, but as a wife and mother as well. With that said, as I have been reading the talks I have felt an overwhelming sense that the P family needs to be engaged in weekly family home evening and daily scripture study. We do pretty well at night time prayers with Tayden, but could be more consistent. I am noticing how scary the world is and want to spiritually prepare my children the best I can to make the right choices. I know it is up to me to instill in them the importance of our Savior and his gospel. I know its not up to me alone, but I am a firm believer it starts in the home. I want to give my kids every advantage that I can. I want my kids growing up in a home where the gospel is practiced not just preached. I want my kids growing up knowing that their mom has a testimony. I want my kids growing up with a testimony of their own. Its going to be a challenge with an almost 2 year old and new baby, but what better time to start than now? So our new goals 1.) Weekly FHE. 2.) Daily scripture study. 3.) Consistent family prayer. I know this will be one of the best choices we will make for our family. I felt the change immediately after the decision was made and the goals were set. It will improve our life in every aspect.

Please leave a comment if you have any personal experiences or suggestions to share about FHE and family scripture study. I love to hear your input and could use a few good ideas to really get the ball rolling.

I am excited for the good things to come.

Oh and guess what? 12 days until Christmas!!!

Gingerbread Houses

It's that time of year for gingerbread houses. Tayden and I attend the library every Tuesday for 'story time' and this week we had the special treat of making gingerbread houses. I was a little concerned Tayden would be covered from head to toe in frosting, but he actually did fairly well. It was a fun making the little house together and made for a great morning.


Tayden actually working on the house, before he found out the glue was frosting.


It was all over after that. Yum.

The final project. Awesome right?

A quick side note: Have you ever looked at your child in complete awe and wonder? That happened to me tonight. I was getting him ready for bed and helping him put his PJ's on. In the process I started folding his jeans and all of a sudden I realized how BIG his little jeans are. I looked at the Master of Disaster and my heart melted. When did MY BABY grow up? He is almost 2! TWO YEARS OLD. Crazy. In the midst of my emotional mom moment, I let him stay up a a little longer than usual. In his extra time of freedom he managed to melt my heart even more. He loves football. By love I mean is partially obsessed. And by partially I mean completely. He 'plays' football on a regular basis (yells "GO GO GO", runs and then dives on the floor). Tonight, while he was playing football, he rolled over looked at me and we had this little conversation:

Tayden: MAMA, I ducks.
Mom: What?
Tayden: (louder and slower) I ducks.
Mom: Your ducks?
Tayden: (attempting me to get up) I ducks.
Mom: Oh, you're STUCK! (first time he has ever said that)
Tayden: (huge grin) Yeah, I ducks! (followed by the cutest laugh you have ever heard). Again!
Mom: Okay, again!

It was small and simply and took less than a minute, but I cherish little moments of actual conversation. Not just naming things or telling us what animals say what, but an actual conversation. He is growing up to quickly.

I LOVE being Taydens mom.
He's the best.

Dare I Tell...

... where I got this wonderful little skirt?


Dying to know? .... see it here:

I'm no expert, but I had fun with this one.

Winter Wonderland

There is just something about the snow this year.

Its a little bit beautiful.

Night Lights

Happy belated Thanksgiving. I hope everyone had a wonderful day. I know I did. It was great to spend time with family and have a day to reflect on the good things in life. This year, I am especially grateful for the Lords timing. I don't always understand why things happen when they do, but I always have faith that because it is the Lords plan it is perfect. I will understand one day and that is all that matters. As the hymn 'Lead, Kindly Light' says, " Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see the distant scene - one step enough for me." I have faith that the Lord sees our plan and I because I trust in him, I trust the things I do not understand. In our particular situation with the baby and school and moving and blah blah blah, I can't think of a better blessing.

...

Tonight, we braved the cold and went to the Night Lights Parade in Pocatello. It was great. Tayden was in heaven with all of his new favorite things; snow, snowmen, Santa, trains, and Christmas lights. And some of his old favorites too; dogs, horses and big trucks. He had a blast. Little T is more of the 'staring in awe' type rather than 'jump and scream' type when it comes to situations like a parade. He just sat and soaked everything up. It was cold, but we were bundled up and it was so worth seeing the joy on my little boys face. Plus, he got to wear his new snow suit and boots...which totally made his day!

Scott and Tayden waiting for the fun to begin.

All bundled up.

Mesmerized by Santa on a firetruck. Doesn't get any better than that!

Now, onto my favorite thing. Putting up the Christmas tree!

Hair Cuts Day

Yesterday my fabulous cousin, Teresa, cut Taydens hair as well as my own. My aunt was there and was the best help with Tayden. Plus, they were gracious enough to let us hang out there most the morning and fed wild child lunch. Teresas kids were amazing with Tayden and he loved playing with them. It was just awesome. Thanks guys for everything. We really appreciate it.

Now, for pictures: I was going to take Tayden outside to for a little photo shoot, but have you noticed it is winter outside? It was far to cold for my sickly little boy. Yes, he has caught the cough and yuckiness that seems to be plaguing Pocatello. So, we opted for a few pictures inside. Easier said that done with this our little busy body.

haha...Tayden and his shirt hat. He loves to run around the house like this. Wierdo.

Ah, when did he grow up? Cute hair cute bud.

My hair cut. Don't mind the cheesy smile...

In other news, I only have 10 weeks left until we meet baby brother. Well, 10 weeks 6 days...but still technically 10 weeks! Its gone crazy fast, yet can't seem to go fast enough!

Happy Weekend!

Finding Joy

In the 2008 October Conference President Monson talked about Finding Joy In The Journey. We were discussing in in church a while back and we were challenged to take that talk and apply in to our lives daily. We were challenged to find joy in something everyday. I hadn't thought much about it until today when I had the opportunity to remind myself of a simply joy:

I completely and utterly enjoy wrapping gifts (homeade bow included). I didn't learn that about myself until I was married, but for some reason it brings my heart a little bit of happiness. So, this month as we contemplate the things we are grateful for, I encourage you to remember the small moments in life that make it as wonderful as it is.

What brings joy to your day to day journey?

Big Boy Bed

The rumors are true. Tayden has moved from his crib into a big boy bed. Awesome!? Kind of... He is having a bit of a rough time with the transition. The first night he slept the whole night through and didn't have any problems. The second night did not go so smoothly and its been a downward spiral since then. He naps wonderfully in it during the day...its just at night that we are experiencing problems. The other night as I was getting more and more frustrated I prayed for a miracle. I didn't receive my miracle, so to speak, but I received some priceless inspiration. Have you heard the song, "Let Them Be Little"? It goes like this:

I can remember when you fit in the palm of my hand
Felt so good in it, no bigger than a minute
How it amazes me, you're changing with every blink
Faster than a flower blooms they grow up all too soon

So let them be little 'cause they're only that way for a while
Give them hope, give them praise, give them love every day
Let them cry, let them giggle, let them sleep in the middle
Oh just let them be little

I've never felt so much in one little tender touch
I live for those kisses, prayers and your wishes
Now that you're teaching me things only a child can see
Every night while we're on our knees all I ask is please

Let them be little 'cause they're only that way for a while
Give them hope, give them praise, give them love every day
Let them cry, let them giggle, let them sleep in the middle
Oh just let them be little

So innocent, a precious soul, you turn around
It's time to let them go

So let them be little 'cause they're only that way for a while
Give them hope, give them praise, give them love every day
Let them cry, let them giggle, let them sleep in the middle
Oh just let them be little

Let them be little

And then it struck me. My little boy is just that. Little. I need to enjoy him, all of him. He isn't going to be little forever and I need to charish those quiet minutes laying next to him in bed. The quite moments he lets me hold and snuggle him. The moments when I am the only thing that will make him feel better. These will soon be memories that I will long to relive, so I need to appreciate them now. When Tayden was a newborn I wanted nothing more than for him to grow up, and now there is absolutely nothing I can do to stop it. Don't be me wrong, I am so excited for that to happen, but it tugs at my heart a little to see my baby grow up to a little boy. I know this bed time stuff has been hard....for both of us....but this too shall pass. And I hope that when I look back on it, I won't have any regrets. I hope I can learn to cherish being a mom. Even the hard moments, because it is never going to happen again. I will never be able to raise Tayden again. I will never be able to take back my moments of frustration and anger. But, I can always be proud of my undying love and devotion to my children. Okay, this is turning into some what of a rampage that did not intent to happen. I guess all in all my inspiration is a miracle of sorts, because Tayden is my miracle...being his mom is my miracle and learning to raise him in a way that my Heavenly Father wants me to is a miracle.

Weekly challenge for everyone: Cherish the moments, because they are just that....moments that pass us by all to quickly.

*On a more serious note: Starting Monday, we are going to switch bedtime up a bit. I am going to start a new bedtime routine and follow the advice of 'super nanny'. You know the whole put your child back to bed without eye contact every time he gets out of bed routine. It should be fun! I'm dreading it a little bit, but I know it is what needs to be done. For both of our sakes. Any other words of advice?

( I just noticed the juxtaposition of this post and my thoughts. Love them being little, cherish the moments to super nanny mom. Ah, the joys and confusion of pregnancy!)

I can remember when you fit

> 3

In the next three months:

Scott will have a birthday.
Thanksgiving will be over.
I get to put up my Christmas tree.
The Holidays will have come and gone.
2010 will be over.
2011 will have started.
Scott starts his last semester of school.
I will have a two year old.
I will have a newborn.
We will become a family of four.
We will have had Tanner 4 years.
I will have been with my sweetheart 5 years.

All of a sudden I am realizing how quickly my life is changing. Its scary and so exciting all at once. This new little baby has changed my perspective and I am starting to see how quickly time comes and goes. It feels like yesterday that Scott and I met and now we are preparing for our second child together. I just hope I can enjoy every minute it.

I am Lame

Happy Halloween!
As I was taking off Taydens costume this year, I said to myself... "Shoot, I did not take one picture!". However, he looked much like this:


Add a few blackout lines under the eyes, and an orange hoodie underneath for warmth and voila...a halloween costume. I know, no creativity on my part, but lets be honest, Tayden is cute in anything! He was an awesome little Kellen Moore (BSU quarterback). Anywho, we went trunk or treating and our little guy had a blast. It didn't take long for him to get the jist of it and he walked away it loads of candy. Plenty for Scott to enjoy for days, I'm sure.

Okay, so here is my major question. We will be moving Tayden to a big boy bed this week. I would be lying to say I am not a little nervous, but it is time. Any pointers?

A Little Bit from Everyone

Everyone in our little family has something to share this week. So here is what has been going on at the House of P.

Tayden: Nothing huge from little mister, but I'll share a funny little story. Did you know Tuesdays are Kids Night at Texas Road house? Neither did we, until tonight when I treated Scott to a special little dinner. (You'll have to keep reading to see the exciting reason why.) They provide balloon animals, face paintings and free ice cream for the kids. It was super fun and Tayden was extremely good. So, Texas Road House has a mascot...its an armadillo. Tayden loves animals, but apparently people not dressed up as animals. The armadillo came up to Tayden to wave and give him a toy and our little boy flipped. He practically hurdled the table to get away from the scary man. All I saw was flying french fries and macaroni before Tayden curled up in my lap. He was literally shaking from fear and wouldn't take his eye off the monster. Scott and I got a good laugh from our little man. It will be an interesting Halloween.

Stacey: I am officially 6 months pregnant! I have been horrible at taking pictures and keeping an update with this one, so I thought I would do that now. Everything is going rather smoothly. I am getting bigger and bigger everyday and trying to cope with it. It was hard with Tayden, but has been harder with this one. My feet have also been more swollen with #2. I'm sure its because I am on them all day chasing a very active toddler all day. Also, the heart burn is starting to kick in. Especially, if I eat jalapenos after 9 pm. However, I love feeling this extremely active little boy move. He is very responsive to pressure, so I can normally make him move on command. I can also count on him doing flips first thing in the morning, in the evening and any other time I lay down. We don't have a name picked out for him yet, but I am quite partial to Beckett. I know the picture is awful, but its better than no picture I guess.


Scott: Now for the most exciting news of all. Scott had his first interview today with a company called JT3. It went fabulously. (Hence the dinner) He passed with flying colors and will be headed to Vegas for a final interview and some testing in a while. They were super impressed with him and excited about his background with surveillance cameras. So, I guess things really are coming together. His job would be in telecommunications, however that is all I will be aloud to know. Its a super confidential job that contracts with the government. The company flies/buses their employees to work everyday...blindfolded. Haha, not really blindfolded...but it is a super big secret I guess. Its kind of like a sci-fi job, so it makes Scott giddy just thinking about it. In all honestly though, the company sounds great and has some wonderful things to offer. The pay is great along with the benefits and vacation time. It will be great to get more information as the hiring process continues. The prospect of having a job and seeing light at the end of the tunnel is amazing. Now, if we can get the house sold....it will be a good week. We have people coming back to look for a second time on Thursday. Wish us luck!

So, that's about it for our little house hold news.

Happy Tuesday!

Pretty Pumpkins

In my last post I mentioned I would be painting pumpkins this year instead of carving them. I think they turned out pretty cute.

This one is my favorite. I love how the finish turned out.

Something about pumpkins in the front of my house makes me smile.

Happy Fall!!!

Pumpkin Patch

Due to weather and scheduling conflicts, Scott and I weren't able to take Tayden to pick a pumpkin this weekend like planned. However, this sweet man came home early and took us out to get some pumpkins.

Scott and Tayden searched and searched for the perfect pumpkin.

Tayden even considered taking over the wagon to get things moving.

But, this is all we found. The farm had been pretty picked over and we didn't find any orange pumpkins that weren't rotten.

However, the trip wasn't a total waste. We found tractors. And Tayden LOVES tractors.

I even got in on the tractor fun.

So, we left the farm empty handed and headed over to the a more reliable pumpkin supplier...Walmart. There were plenty there. Now, my porch is adorned with 3 lovely pumpkins waiting to be painted. Yes, I am painting the pumpkins this year...not carving. Wish me luck.

Ah, how I love fall.

A Mind of His Own

We had an ultrasound today to check out our new little man. However, he had a completely different idea. He refused to cooperate. We were able to check out his heart, kidneys, lungs and so forth, but that is all we got to see. However, our little bean was kind enough to show us his foot. Yep, one little foot. That is the only picture we got to take home! Stubborn little man. He is weighing in around a pound and a half and doing great. I can't wait to see his sweet face.

Speaking of sweet faced little boys with a mind of their own...let me update you on Tayden. He is crazy. Seriously, he is the funniest little boy I know. He has been on a major jumping kick lately. Jumping off things, over things, on things...etc. Its is mildly hilarious, but makes me completely nervous. He has also started talking up a storm. I have mentioned before he was a little slow to start talking, but he is making up for lost time these days. I look at him at wonder what happened to my baby. He is truly a little boy. He loves big trucks, trains, and airplanes. He pets every dog he can get his hand on and never passes up a chance to throw a ball...or anything else for that matter. He loves his mommy, but is becoming quite the daddys boy. He is just the light of our universe.

I love the fact that I have two little boys to blog about. I can't believe Scott and I are going to have two kids. Its going to be one crazy adventure, but I can't wait.

We are headed to a pumpkin farm on Friday. I can't wait. We get to pick our own pumpkins, go through a little corn maze and play some fun kid games. One of the many reasons I love Fall. My favorite season by far. Hopefully, I will have more luck on the pictures!

Welcome Home

Scott made us a welcome home banner. How sweet is he?
(It says 'Welcome Home Guys', not sure why the rest of the picture is missing.)

Tayden and I got back from Texas yesterday. It was such a fun trip. My brother and his family surprised us with the new home they recently purchased and we basically hung out there most the time. Who could ask for a better vacation? We did a little shopping, watched Coda play t-play, went to the biggest ever outdoor 'Saturday Market' and enjoyed each others company. It was so wonderful. Tayden loved playing with this cousins and they were great with him. I can't wait for him little brother to come so he has some company other than mom and dad. Although, since we have been home, he can't get enough of daddy. Since we only packed on a carry on, I wasn't able to pack our camera. I really need to invest in a smaller camera I can stick in my purse. So the only pictures I have are the ones I texted to Scott while we were there...so they are all of little Mister. Thanks Justin, Echo, Coda and Gracie for an awesome time. We miss you already.

Taydens new family.

He kept putting his sunglasses on his forehead. He thinks he's funny.

Loved the doll stroller. Maybe a little too much.

Riding through the airport in style.

We have an ultrasound to check on Baby Packard tomorrow. I can't wait to see him! Hopefully I will have some good pictures to post.

Game Day

Recently, after much contemplation and thought, I decided I was ready to become a Boise State University fan. Scott has always been a fan and it was just due time for me to join. So Saturday was my first true Game Day and we had a little party at Scotts parents, complete with muddy buddies and chips and salsa. It was super fun. Its amazing how much more I enjoyed the game since I actually understood what was going on. Now, its a family affair and I am not a football widow. Can't believe I have been missing out on all the fun.

Thanks Sharlee for letting us use your camera and being our photographer.

GO GO GO!

My Boise Boys

Love that little Smile.

Well, Tayden and I are off to Texas tomorrow. Its going to be a great week. Luckily, my mom, dad and sister are going so I will have some help with Little Mister. Can't wait to see my brother and his family. Pictures to come soon.

Have a good week!

Had a Good Day.

Today was perfect. Not only for Tayden who got to get up close and personal with a tractor, but for me too. Let me tell you what made today so great.

• 7:30 am-I wake up to hear Tayden stirring in his crib, but than a miracle...he falls back asleep.
• 8:00 am-Scott resets his alarm for 15 extra minutes of cuddle time. My favorite.
• 8:30-Tayden wakes up, runs into my room showering me hugs and kisses.
• 10:00-11:30 am-Shopping with my mom. I bought a pair of maternity pants and two maternity tank tops. I was also spoiled by my mother who bought me a pair of pants and a shirt. Tayden was so great while we were shopping. I am treally trying to teach him to stay close to mommy and walk on his own before the baby comes. He did so great today. He pushed his limit once or twice, but no more than that. Everytime I told him he was too far he came running back. He seriously listened like a champ today.
• 12:00- Lunch with NO food throwing. Tayden tends to throw his food when he is done if you don't catch him in time. Today, he said done and that was it.
• 1:00-2:30-Shorter nap than normal, but woke up with a happy happy baby.
• 3:00-6:00 Dropped the car off to get new tires and hung out with my mom until it was done. Went to Walmart and the mall, and again Tayden walked like a champ. Plus, we got to see a tractor in the mall parking lot and heaven knows my boy loves him a tractor.
• 6:00-8:30- Hung out with Scott and Tayden. Nothing better than chillin' with the boys.
• 9:00-Put a baby to bed with zero crying.
• Current-Laying on the couch feeling an extremely active little boy move in my belly.
  

Today was seriously such a great day. Tayden was a pure joy. He talked non stop and when he finally did for half a second it was to laugh. He was listening to everything I said and never threw a fit. I was extremely proud. I am not saying this to brag by any means. Just as a reminder of how great he is on days that he isn't that great. haha. Today made all the other pull your hair out days worth it. Now, lets see if the luck continues on to tomorrow.

Nursery Woes

Okay, to all you parents of nursery aged toddlers, or just anyone who has advice in general. I need help. Tayden is old enough to go to nursery and has gone the past 3 weeks. Here has been the experience thus far:

Week 1-Scott took him the stayed with him the first hour. Then, I came so Scott could get to his class. I stayed about 10 minutes and slipped out the door while Tayden was busy. He stayed the rest of the time. It was wonderful.

Week 2- Scott took him, dropped him off and let him cry. Tayden made through the first hour and about 15 minutes into the second block before they brought him into us. It was good.

Week 3-I took him and the minute we walked in the door he started crying. Sobbing actually. I stayed with him for about an hour, then we both had to leave due to his hysteria. I think today had to do more with the fact that Scott took Tayden ALL day yesterday and let me partake in girls weekend. (Which by the way was AMAZING...thanks love.) So he hasn't really let me out of his sight for longer than a minute or two.

Anyway, I need help. If we let him just cry every time will he get over it or will it just provoke negative feelings? Should we stay with him for a few weeks to help him adjust? What do I do? I need some advice!

4 Years

Four years ago I married the love of my life...

Best Decision of my life. Love him like mad. Can't wait for more to come!

Happy Anniversary, Scott. Love you.

Guess What!

(Sorry, already posted this picture-but blogger won't let me delete it. Weird)

This morning, I witnessed a miracle at the P house!
Tayden went poo in the potty! It was a normal morning as he got up and ran to the fridge for his juice ( or milk or whatever....he referrers to ALL drinks as juice.) Then, ran into my room and started pulling at his diaper trying to take it off. I asked if he wanted to go sit on the potty and he said 'yeah'. So off went the diaper and on the potty he went. Sure enough, he pooed on the big boy toilet. He was a little scared at first, but I tried to make a big deal of it and he seemed to be pretty excited himself. I am so proud of him!

We are headed to Texas in a little less than two weeks. I'll keep letting him go as he tells me on the potty, but will really push it when we get back. Hopefully, this is the beginning of something great.

Pink or Blue?

We went to find out the sex of our baby today. And sadly enough, the baby was not cooperating and we weren't able to tell the gender. Just kidding. We are happy to announce that Tayden is going to have a baby brother! I seriously, could not be happier. I woke up this morning just knowing it was a boy. I haven't had any idea of the gender until this morning, and it was so strong. I told Scott on the way to the ultrasound that I was nervous for my reaction. I wanted a girl so bad, and I was terrified that when the doc said it was a boy I would be devastated . But, when I saw that little boys heart beating....I swear mine stopped. I fell in love for the third time (first being Scott than Tayden) in my life. The thought of a little girl went out the window, for now. I didn't know how badly I wanted a little boy until I saw mine on the ultrasound screen. I know it honestly is a huge blessing from our Heavenly Father. We are finishing up the last year of school and not exactly rolling in the dough, so how great is it that we having everything we need. We don't need to buy a thing. That is the biggest blessing ever. Plus, I am so excited for Tayden and this little boy, who has yet to be named, to grow up together. I am so excited to see Tayden as a big brother. I am so excited to meet little brother. Ah, when Doctor L. told us it was a boy....sweet perfection. Now, its just a waiting game until our little guy makes his big debut.

Pregnancy Ramblings

Remember back in jr. high/high school when your English teacher assigned you to free write? To basically write what you are thoughts as they come, no punctuation, no order, no structure. That is what this post is going to be... so I will not be offended if you choose not to read. For those of you that you do, enjoy a peak into my chaotic thoughts.

Pregnancy. Oh, sweet pregnancy. To tell you the truth, I am struggling with this go around. I am struggling with the hormones, with the zits, with the weight. Especially with the weight. I know that its my second pregnancy and I am supposed to show sooner, get bigger, blah blah blah. But lets be honest, it doesn't make it any easier. I feel huge 100% of the time. I feel like I look like I am 7 months pregnant not 4 1/2. However, with that said, let me tell you what I know. I know I FEEL huge, but I know more than anything how blessed I am. I know this feeling won't last forever, but our sweet little baby will. Stephnie Nielson from the NieNie Dialogues said, "I am not my body". How true is that. I am so much more. I am determined to not let my body get in my way of enjoying every minute of this miracle. I love being pregnant. I love feeling the baby move. I lay in bed at night, when s/he is most active...and fall in love again and again. I love dreaming about my sweet little baby and thinking of s/he growing up so close with Tayden. I love how my perspective turns eternal. How the important things change and I see life for what it really is. I love how Scott prays for the baby every night. Speaking of Scott, have I mentioned how great he is? He is the greatest thing in my life. Truly, my best friend. I didn't think I would ever love him more than I did when we were first married. But it grows everyday. It is a deep, pure love. I can't wait to share all the adventures life has with him. One adventure being raising two kids. Wow, that sounds weird. I can't believe I am going to have two kids. Weird. I love being a mom. Its hard. It can being really trying. But oh so rewarding. I'm more nervous to raise a two year old than to have a new born again. We get to find out what we are having on Wednesday. I can't wait. Scott and I are thinking girl, but would be extremely happy with a little boy. It would be easier to have a boy since we already have everything we need. But a little girl...ah, I would love a little girl. We will see what the Lord has in store for us. And I can't wait to see what the plan is. We officially listed the home with a realtor on Monday. It showed yesterday, which is awesome, but the couple was looking for a rental property and apparently ours was too nice. I guess they want to rent out a semi crappy place. Huh? But, it sounds like we are going to be showing it to another couple next week, so we will see how it goes. Then there is school. We only have a few more months to make it. Scott is taking 19 credits! We are jobless once again and living on savings. How blessed we are to have it. And how much more blessed are we that it has lasted so long. I can't wait to see where life is going to take us when he graduates. Another thing I know, no matter what happens, with the baby, the house, the job, our life it general, whatever....will all be perfect because its the Lords plan. And because it is his plan, makes it perfect. I am a firm believer that the Lord is on our side and going to lead us in the right direction. Our job is to have faith. My sister-in-laws dad gave her some advice that I think is spot on. He said life is like riding a tandem bike. The Lord is in the front seat steering and our job is to take the back seat and pedal. We have to have the faith that he is taking us in the right direction we have to do the work he is asking us to do. Life can sure be crazy, but I so happy with where we are. Well, that's it. Looks like my thoughts have run out. Hopefully, I have something fun to blog about in the next few days. If not, Wednesday I will have some good news to share with everyone. Stay tuned.

The Lucky 2-4

Today is my birthday. I turned 24 on the 24th! It was the best birthday. Its not even fair to call it a birthDAY, its was more of a birthWEEK.

It all started last Wednesday when my two wonderful sister in laws brought me dinner. They drove all the way to Lava and hand delivered some amazing Thai food to me. It was so good. I might be making a few more trips down south(ish) for some more of that! Thanks girls.

Then, on Friday, my AMAZING husband loaded up the car and took Tayden and I to Salt Lake City. It was thee most fun I have had in a long time. We went to the Zoo, ate at some great restaurants and stayed in a beautiful hotel. I am still having camera troubles, so all we have are pictures from our phone, but they work.

We got a few laughs from strangers as we were walking around the zoo. I looked at little mister to see what was going on and got a good laugh too.

This one is out of order, it was on the drive home. Tayden was all funned out. He put his sunglasses on and fell fast asleep.

Mom and Tayden on the brass lion. He must be getting his two year molars...he has been chewing on his fingers alot the past few days.

Dad and Tayden with the lions.

Tayden taking a little ride on the lion. He loved to roar at them.

Our attempt to take a family picture on the train. Yes, Tayden's shirt is soaking. He spilled his water.

Our hungry little boy thought he needed the whole loaf of bread at Macaroni Grill.

He sure did enjoy my birthday cake from the Packards!

It was so fun to just be with my boys. That was the best gift I could have ever asked for. We just hung out and enjoyed each other. It doesn't happen to often with our schedule, so it was simply bliss.

Sunday, oh Sunday. What a magnificent day. We had Stake Conference and it was just what I needed. It was all about motherhood, the importance of women and daughters of God. Being super emotional these days, I bawled pretty much the whole block. I have been struggling with this pregnancy and the joys it brings (chubbs, zits, crazy hair, etc.) and after the two hours of inspiration, I walked out a new person with a new perspective. It was amazing.

We got a surprise Monday...School was postponed until today. So, we had a one more whole day with Daddy. It was great. We we able to spend 4 days straight with Scott and that was the best gift of all. We went to Inkom that night and my in laws through me a little party. Cake, singing...the whole bit. They got me a beautiful Willow Tree statue of a m0m holding a toddler. I love it. It reminds me of a the true love of a mother and the pure innocence of a child. Sometimes, that is a much needed reminder.

Today, my actual birthday, was great. I spent the day shopping around with my sister. Who got me a gift certificate to the bead store and I made a super cute watch! It was fun to hang out with her and just be lazy. I got so many texts and facebook messages from friends. We had dinner with my parents and had the traditional banana cream pie. My mom and dad took us all to Sea World earlier this year for our birthdays, so I wasn't expecting anything...but it was great to have a little party. I talked to my brother on the phone for a few minutes...who was mad I missed the stripper -graham he sent! (He really didn't send me one, but it was a pretty funny joke.) And, Scott surprised me with the 3rd Glee CD. Man, how blessed am I.

The older I get the less exciting birthdays are. Well, maybe not less exciting, but I see things differently. This year, I was overwhelmed with the love I feel from the people around me. I am just so grateful. Everyday was a new sign of love. I can't get over how lucky I be loved so many people. So I guess it really was my lucky birthday.