Project Mayhem

All of you that know me well, know that I always have to be busy with something . As if family, home and a little bit of work, aren't enough to keep me busy, I have to take on major home remodeling projects too! In the last three weeks I have started, finished and am mid-way through a number of projects. I finished an armoire to hold the TV in Seth's and my room, I stripped and repainted a dresser for Morgan's room, I sewed a duvet cover for Chloe's comforter, I finished the couch that I recovered a while back, I painted two tall chair/stools, am almost done recovering a rocking chair, and almost finished painting another rocking chair. In the meantime, my kids have probably not gotten the attention they need...good thing Seth has had about a week off.

Now that we are through most of these projects and we have everything in the house pretty much where we like it, Tuesday, I decided that instead of getting our carpets cleaned upstairs, we should just pull it all out and replace it with wood-type flooring. So, yesterday we went to all of Morgan's favorite stores...Home Depot, Costco, and IKEA to compare flooring options and ended up getting the IKEA flooring. It is "curing" in our house and we are all set to install it next week! So much for ever taking a break! I have to say, though, I really have come into my element...I love refinishing furniture. There is such a sense of pride (and little bit of OCD nitpicking) when you see furniture in your house that started so unattractive and you made so beautiful! :) Here are some pictures of the finished results.

Boo at the Zoo and Halloween Fun

We went to Boo at the Zoo with the Manwarings on Saturday, and WOW - was it ever a zoo! That place was so packed that we had to park a block away from the back entrance and there were so many people I was worried one of the kids would get lost! CRAZY!

Despite the crowds, we really had a fun time. Morgan and Mason had fun looking at the animals and thought it was pretty cool to be all dressed up in their costumes. They looked so cute. They got to trick or treat a couple of times, but we were not patient enough to stand in all the lines. They got a string cheese and a couple of small candies and that was plenty! Chloe slept in the stroller the whole time in her little kangaroo costume, tail and all. Here are a couple of picts of the kids in their costumes.

The LCD screen on our camera broke a couple of weeks ago so we haven't been taking as many pictures as we should. It is such a pain to look through the optical viewfinder - back to the dark ages! I know Ruth took some cuter picts of Mason and Morgan together, so I will have to get them from her and post them.

After Boo at the Zoo, we went to Grandma Colleen's Halloween Party. The kids decorated dirt cupcakes, mini ghost cakes, bobbed for donuts, made paper pumpkins and wands (which the boys used as swords) and went trick or treating to the older cousins who were hiding with candy around Grandma's yard. The kids were decked out in their Halloween garb when we got there, but had their costume tops off within the first 30 minutes!

IKEA

I know I have posted about IKEA before, but it seems appropriate to do it again. Morgan loves IKEA. I can't figure out why because every time we go it is a long trip, and he isn't potty trained yet, so he doesn't get to go to the play area. He even knows that yellow and blue are the IKEA colors because every time we see IKEA or Best Buy, he says "IKEA".

Regardless, it is one of the top three stores he asks to go to (Costco and Home Depot are the others - maybe I have just trained him to get excited when we talk about these stores since they are stores we frequent and I always get him revved up before we go.)

We have made quite a few trips to IKEA in the recent weeks, while we have been redoing Morgan's room, refinishing furniture and doing various other upgrades in our house. The last time we went, Seth came with us and we started with cinnamon rolls - YUM! Here are a few of the cute little Morgan moments at IKEA.

Here he is in the basket filled with pillows! He loves it when Seth comes with us because only Daddy would throw him into a basket of pillows!

He really loves the kids section of IKEA - which means we spend the longest time in there. This bed looks a lot like the one we got him, so I think he just felt right at home. I think the thing that really makes IKEA fun for Morgan is the ability he has to try everything. Everywhere we go he loves to try out the beds, couches, chairs, toys, etc.

Sleepover

Morgan had his very first sleepover last night! He has stayed over at Grandma's houses before, but never with "friends" at our house. Since they didn't have school today, Aunt Shanae and Uncle Collin (Seth's youngest siblings) stayed over at our house in Morgan's room. Shanae took the top bunk and Collin took the lovesack. They had to go to bed pretty early, even though it was "staying up late" for Morgan (They went to bed at about 9:45).

Here is a picture of the three of them this morning watching Veggie Tales.

To Move or Not to Move?

Well, we did it - we moved. Surprisingly though, it didn't require a moving truck or the help of our Elder's Quorum, just me, Seth and our (mostly Seth's) big strong arms, a little help from my brothers, three trips to IKEA and three very long days! That's right, we didn't move across town or a couple of blocks away, we moved into the same house we have lived in for the past 3 years!

As you probably all know, Seth and I have been trying to sell our house since the beginning of summer and have had no luck thus far. Since we thought we would be moving, we were avoiding the big switcheroo that would have to take place in order to move Chloe out of our bedroom and Morgan into his own room. But, with the holidays approaching and my tolerance for showing the house constantly dwindling, it looks like we are taking the sign down - at least until next year.

So we did it - we moved! I know you may think this is a bit of an exaggeration, but I almost think it might have been easier to move to a new house than what we have been doing this week! Every room in the house has been affected - even the kitchen! We have moved couches, tables, chairs, entertainment centers, beds, tvs, stereos, beds, clothing, and even the piano (which those of you who have helped us move that beast know is quite the ordeal!).

The result - Our living room got a major makeover, I now have a little "hub" where I can sit and work, Seth and I have our room back to ourselves, Chloe has transitioned into the crib in her own room where she can listen to music all night long without keeping me awake, and Morgan has the coolest big boy room I have ever seen!

Since Morgan's room was the biggest project, here is a rundown. We got him a bunk bed but left the bottom slats off so he could use it as a loft bed and have a fun little play area under the bed. Once we got that all set up, we took Morgan in to check it out and he didn't want to get up on the top since our ceiling is so low. So we put the bottom slats back on the bed and moved the mattress down there, attached a tent to the top bunk, bought a second mattress for the top bunk and turned it into a little reading nook/hideout/sleepover buddy bed. We also moved all of the toys into his room, so he can be totally happy for hours and never come out of his room! He loves it!

On top of it all, we managed to get the halloween decorations out, so we are set for a fun holiday season - and while you may think we'd be a little disappointed that we aren't moving right now, we are pretty happy with how this has all worked out. Our cute little house gets to stay OUR cute little house for a little while longer.

Seth is so handy. I am so lucky to have such a great hubby who can fix/assemble/do just about anything!

This was the original creation - Morgan's Loft Bed. Isn't it super cool? Too bad he wasn't a big fan of the top bunk!

Eventually, we got Morgan onto the top bunk, but it was short lived happiness!

Chloe sleeps so much better in her own room. Added Bonus - EVERYTHING can be PINK!

Talking and Teething

Chloe has discovered that she can communicate!

Today, she said her first "words" (or at least, noises that sound like words to us). She said "da da," "ma ma" and "love". I know it sounds a little nutty, but both Seth and I heard a pretty distinct "love" come out of her mouth right after Morgan got right in her face and said "love you Chloe-o" (repeatedly) and pressed the button that made the Build-A-Bear say "I LOVE you, I LOVE you".

This clip from yesterday shows her "telling" me that she is upset. She is quite adept at this new signal. I love the blowing - it adds umph without the shrill screaming!



So why is she so upset? Well, tooth number 4 is breaking through. All 4 teeth are on the bottom. The two middle ones and the two to the right of the middle ones - wierd! Now if I could only get her to use the blowing signal in the middle of the night when she wants more Motrin, instead of that shrill scream...

Talkin on the Phone

Yesterday, Morgan was playing with my phone and I got this little clip of him - so authentic Morgan! He is talking on the phone while driving already. Just like his mom!

Sidenote: Grandma Becky was not on the other end of the line...he was just pretending! Can you tell he calls her a lot?

So Grateful for Grandma

Today, Grandma Becky took me, Morgan and Chloe to lunch and then we went to Maggie Moos for some ice cream. I was so happy to have an outing and an extra set of arms to hold Chloe, and Morgan was excited to play with Grandma.

He was especially excited about ice cream, and knew just what he wanted, even though we have never been to Maggie Moos before. He asked for the blue ice cream (which I vetoed on behalf of the white stripes on his shirt) and little gummy bears (which he got).

By the mess on his face, you would think he'd never had an ice cream cone before. He was so cute running around with his ice cream. We even taught him how to lick the side of the cone so that the ice cream didn't drip. We are so glad that Grandma called today!

Testimony

As I have listened (as much as possible with a 2 year old and an infant) to the LDS General Conference this weekend, my testimony has truly been strengthened. I am even more excited and greatful for my role as a wife and mother. I recognize that while the bad days are overwhelming and challenging, the reward of motherhood is a much greater joy!

As sweet little Morgan's testimony is budding, I have a small glipmse of the joy of motherhood. A few weeks ago, I bought Morgan a "My First New Testament" book, so that we could start doing daily scripture study with him. He is so excited to read the stories about Jesus! The other night, we were late getting to bed, and I was trying to rush through the bedtime routine, so I skipped over scriptures for the sake of sleep. As I rushed him under the covers and turned on his music, Morgan looked at me and said "Read the Jesus Book mommy!" A little lesson to me from my toddler - nothing is more important than teaching my children the gospel. The faith of a child is so sweet!

As a parent, I am greatful for the gospel more than ever. It is the best parenting guide there ever could be (and I should know - I take every parenting magazine known to man). The principles of the gospel teach us to be better people. By following them, we can avoid the many things in the world that cause pain, sadness and frustration. My children won't have to wonder where we came from, where we are going, or what we need to do to get there. I teaches me to be a better mother and a better person - more patient, more loving, more compassionate, more understanding, more courageous, and better focused on what really matters most! It is all about family and I sure love my family!

Independent Curiousity

Morgan has really started to discover his independence. Lately, he wants to do everything himself. "I do it!" he declares persistently, followed by a proud declaration of the same phrase with different inflection, "I do it!" He particularly likes to climb into his car seat and hook it in place by himself.

Along with this newfound desire to do everything by himself, he has also become very curious about everything around him. "What's this Mama?" he asks. Not just about things he has never seen before, but things he sees every day. I think he just likes to confirm he knows their correct names.

Six Months

Chloe is 6 months old. Morgan is almost 2 and a half.

Six short months ago, I had a newborn and a 23-month-old.

As Morgan, Chloe and I ran errands today, I realized how much difference 6 months can make. Morgan has become such a great helper. Six months ago, errands with Morgan were quite a chore. Now he is so helpful, sweet and obedient - as long as it isn't too close to naptime. Before we left the house this morning, Morgan helped me take out the garbage, make his bed, pick up all the toys, and swiffer the floor (and the fridge and cupboards). He stayed right with me at the store, held my hand in the parking lot, and even got in and out of the shopping cart when I asked without a fight.



If you think this is just the crazy rambling of a sleep-deprived mommy, you are partially correct, but I am guessing you have probably never run errands with a 23 month old child - or at least not one like mine!

Later in the day, Chloe was playing on the floor during "tummy time" and I noticed that she was trying to get her knees under her so she could rock on her hands and knees. She is so close to crawling, it is crazy! Six months ago, she was just over 8 lbs, had skinny little legs, and the most exciting thing she did was smile. Now she is a 22 lb chunk and a half, rolling around everywhere, eating baby food, giggling, ticklish sweetie who is on the brink of crawling. One thing hasn't changed though, she is still nearly bald and what she does have is so blonde you can't tell it is there! As soon as I got the camera out, she started rolling over instead of rocking on her hands and knees, but you can kind of get the idea.




I just love watching my little ones grow, but it never ceases to amaze me how much can happen in such a short amount of time.

Happily Ever After

Our 4-year wedding anniversary is fast approaching and it makes me remember just how lucky I am to be married to the most wonderful man in the world!

Seth is the sweetest husband, the greatest dad to our kids and dogs, and my very best friend. He is a great cook, auto-mechanic, handy man, gardener, deal-finder, bread cutter and so much more. He works so hard to provide for our family, listens to me go on and on and on about nothing relevant just because I didn't get the chance to talk to an adult all day, and makes me feel like I am amazing despite my many shortcomings. He makes dinner and takes the kids to give me a break without a second thought. He looks at my latest scrapbook pages with an impressive amount of interest for a bunch of pictures on a cutesy page. He makes time for our families - his and mine. He listens to my rants on various political issues, people that drive me nuts, and the play-by-play of my daily grind. He is a good friend, a driving force of fun, and an adventurer! He even puts up with me when I am pregnant - need I say more!

On top of it all he manages to make me laugh - a lot - and remain as attractive as ever (a total stud!)! I sure am glad our fairytale romance gets to last for eternity! I love you Sethy!