What Do You Do?

What do you do when you're home sick?
We take baths...
Bake yummy cookies(best recipe I have ever tried)....
And spend ALL DAY in our pajamas!

New Nickname = Scooter

We are in for it now, Camden has started scooting! I thought we were going to skip this phase but he is enjoying it way too much!
He now has this sense of freedom and loves to explore! I find him getting into the weirdest things. The other day he was pretty quiet so I went in his room to make sure he was okay. He had dumped his dirty clothes out of this basket and was scooting inside. He played with the empty basket for quite a while. Cheap entertainment, eh?
As he scoots across the floor he makes the funniest noises and faces. You can tell that his scooting takes some effort, but I think he finds it worth it in the end.
Even though he is getting into everything, I still love him to pieces! He gets more handsome everyday!

We Thank Thee, O God, For A Prophet

I can't even begin to imagine the glorious reunion that is going on right now in Heaven.
My dear, sweet prophet past away last night. I say "my" prophet because he has been serving this church faithfully, and selflessly since I was 11 years old. He is what I remember! When my sister called me with the news of his passing my heart felt so heavy. The bittersweet emotions that ran through my entire body are something I will never forget.

Right before his loving wife passed away both Dan and I had the privilege of taking care of her in the hospital. I will never forget that time and the opportunity I had to listen to both their wisdom and wit.

President Hinckley was a man of many miracles. Through his constant service and heartfelt prayers, I feel so privileged to have witnessed many modern day miracles. I will never forget the impact he has made. I will cherish his example of prayer. I will forever see him lifting his walking cane and smiling. He was a wonderful man of influence, and made a tremendous impact on not only me personally, but our church as a whole.

He loved his sweet Marjorie more than words. I am so excited that last night they were reunited once again.

Make It Right

Have you ever been wronged whether intentionally or not? I have! And just recently when it happened I wanted so badly to MAKE that person MAKE it right. Does that make any sense?

Well anyway...today this battle came to an end. Not the way I had planned it out in my little head to end, but nonetheless, it ended. I have been making phone call, after phone call, to the supervisors' supervisor. It was a non-stop battle trying to get them to make the problem THEY caused me, right. I have been on the phone and in person to these people for the past few weeks and didn't seem to get anywhere. But today when I spoke with Rosa something clicked. She UNDERSTOOD my complaint and ACKNOWLEDGED my feelings of being wronged. She couldn't take back what had happened or even fix the problem for me. But Rosa recognized the mistake and listened to my complaint. I felt SOOOO much better today after talking with her. It is funny how my main goal in this battle, quickly changed after Rosa heard what I was trying to get across.

Does this mean that MY problem was solved? No, and I know it never will be. Do I believe that this will never happen to another person? No, but maybe one less because I spent hours trying to make them aware(AKA complaining). Do I feel better? YES, I wanted to be understood and Rosa did just that.

Now I feel better and my complaining can stop(for a minute or two).

Way Too Cute

We were watching a movie with some friends today when I had to check on something upstairs. Camden was sitting on the couch in between Seth and I. I decided to leave him there and asked Seth to make sure he didn't fall off. When I got back downstairs this is what I saw.
Seth had his arm around Camden and was patting his shoulder. I just about died it was so dang cute. How could I not capture this memory on film?

Turn That Frown Upside Down

Things that annoyed the heck out of me this AM:

1. The dog distracting Camden from eating his breakfast
2. Not being able to go to the gym because I had a sick child
3. The sky being gray and gloomy for the past two days
4. The pile of evil necessities I bought from Costco last night that are still taking up my living room floor
5. Crammed, cluttered, and disorganized cupboards
6. A child that wouldn't nap and wanted to be held
7. Dinner dishes from last night in the sink
8. Dan's stupid plastic toy sitting in my kitchen


Things that I am grateful for this PM:

1. The dog distracting a crying Camden while I did the dishes
2. Tylenol for my sick child and a good excuse to hang out in my PJ's
3. The chance to stay inside and get things accomplished
4. Knowing I won't have to purchase any of the evil necessities for the next 3-4 months
5. Organized and clean cupboards
6. The chance to cuddle with my not so cuddly son
7. Leftover dinner from last night for lunch
8. Spencer having a birthday and needing a stupid plastic toy as a gift

Hockey Time

Someone gave Dan tickets to the Hockey game today and we decided to go for it and make it a day! The arena is clear out in Glendale so we left early and made it in time for the start of the game.

Before the game started they turn out the lights and announce the starters, ya know, like most sporting events. Camden loved it! The music was blasting and the lights were flickering, everyone was yelling! I was so relieved, because I was afraid Camden would be a pill seeing how it was right smack in the middle of his nap time.
But once that was over and the game began, Camden didn't find it as entertaining as the guy sitting next to me. So I battled with him the entire first period so he wouldn't attack the drunk guy next to us.
During the first intermission Dan went and got him a churro. This saved the day. He LOVED that thing. Hmmm, I wonder why...it was smothered in sugar! I let him eat that during the second period and he did great. Seeing how the Coyotes were killing the Sabres we left before the game ended. This made it possible to walk around for a bit without the masses of people swarming.
Seeing how the Superbowl is soon and the stadium is in walking distance from the hockey arena. This place was hopping! All the stores were up and running and you can definitely see people hanging out there to party.

We had a blast! Now we can check that off our list of things we've done in AZ. We have been to professional baseball, football, hockey, now we just need tickets to see the Suns(yes, we are taking donations).

Easier Said, Than Done

I often wonder why some of the hardest things we go through in this life leave us with so many unanswered questions. But I am quickly reminded when I find the answer to something else that is hard, it doesn't take away the fact that it was HARD. This is something I battle all of the time, I want answers to things until I receive the answer I don't necessarily want. How stupid is this? It makes me so mad that I just cannot accept the fact that some things are best, left unanswered. Even though I realize this and vow to remind myself whenever I am in a similar situation; it never fails, I still beg for an answer. That lesson is always easier said, than done.

So tonight as my mind is racing a million miles an hour, wanting an answer to something that cannot be answered, I will instead write. I am not going to beg for an answer, maybe in fear that I will hear something I don't want to. Or maybe I have learned from the past(finally, but highly unlikely). Whatever it may be that has changed my heart in this moment, I am grateful for it.

My emotions have been so high lately, something I thought would get better with time after having a baby! But I haven't seen much progress since that day. Maybe I am doomed to this hormonal, girly, emotional state! If that be the case, maybe you should stop reading this for fear it might happen to you as well.

My mom used to always say to us when we asked why, "because I'm the Mom and I said so". So why doesn't that work for Heavenly Father? Why do I continue to ask why? I would venture to say I am not the only one in this world that does this. So why people, do we do this to ourselves?

Now that I have blabbered my emotions out on paper(not really, but sorta like paper), I have to confess. I am not writing this for pity or for anyone to think I have a terrible life, my life is far from terrible. But just so I can look back on this day when I do know the answer to THIS question and remember how I felt. It is times like this when I need to step back, take a deep breath, and let my heart continue to be soft and easily touched. But that is easier said, than done.

Bubbles

The bath is one of Camden's favorite things during the day. He would sit and play in the tub for hours if I let him. Last night after I washed him up I let him sit and play for a while. I noticed that he was trying to grab the bubbles that the soap made. Eventually the bubbles became less and less and I found myself trying to create more for his enjoyment.
Hmm...this got me thinking! Why don't I just buy bubble bath? Is that okay for babies? Or do they make a special kind I am supposed to use for his skin? Help me out here, I'm a rookie!

BIG Cheese

I can't even believe how fast time has flown right past me. The other day I was feeding Camden a bottle(which is pretty rare because it is so convenient for him to feed himself) and I couldn't believe how big he had gotten in the blink of an eye. Ever since day one I have laid him in my lap with his head near my knees and his legs toward my stomach while I fed him. That was the only way I could do it. I tried the whole cradling him and resting his head on my arm while I fed him with the other hand...it just didn't work for me. So anyway..back to the story...when I laid him in my lap his head was practically hanging off and his feet were pretty much kicking me in the face. That is when I determined he is growing way too fast. I am scared! He is gonna be heading off to college before I know it(I'm a drama queen, I know).

The only thing that seems to make the fact that he is growing up any easier, is all the new things he does everyday. His latest and greatest act is when he laughs! He loves to hear himself laugh. So when there is nothing for him to laugh at, he forces a laugh which sounds like a grumble, or an old man clearing his throat. He not only makes this funny noise but he shakes his body when he does it. I really need to get this filmed because it is hilarious.

Sometimes when he smiles I think he resembles Alvin the chipmunk. It has to be those two big teeth only Alvin's are on the top.

Last night during his bath, the rubber duck was floating in the water and it's face turned towards Camden and he started laughing hysterically. At first I wasn't sure what he was laughing at until I noticed him staring and the duck when it happened again. I almost wet my pants it was so funny.

Man I love this kid. I can't get enough of that big ol' cheese! If this is what growing up is about, I'll take it(until he back talks me and smiles after).

Normal and Nice

Dan and I have lived in our Condo for 2.5 years. There is one person in this entire complex of over 150 units that I know well enough to borrow an egg if need be. And the reason I know her is because she is in our ward. Yes, this is part my fault. Yes, it is partly because there is a high turnover rate(renters). Yes, there are a few sketchy people that I'm not so sure I would want to associate myself with. Yes, I am making up excuses. But yes, this is the truth.

So anyway...when the unit across the way from us went up for sale for the second time since we've lived here, I didn't count on meeting a new best friend. But after it sold and we saw the new owners in passing, I was rather relived as to who would be living there. They are a younger couple, no children, speak English, both work, and from what I know, friendly.

Well the months have passed and the communication with them went the same as with any of the other neighbors close by. If we passed them while walking from our door to the car we would say hello, but nothing too much more. So when I took them a plate of cookies yesterday I didn't get my hopes up that things would change immediately. I was just thinking that getting to know my neighbors a little better was probably a good thing. And I wanted them to feel comfortable enough to knock on my door if they ever felt the urge.

I think it worked. I think these neighbors will be more than just an awkward hello in passing. I could see myself taking them treats and loaning them my husbands screwdriver. Ya know, neighborly things. Why you ask? Because today these very neighbors brought us a vase of cute flowers to thank us for making them feel welcome.

If that doesn't make your day, I don't know what does. I love normal, nice neighbors!

7 Months

It's funny how the months seem to go by so slow while you are pregnant, but once your baby arrives...times flies. Camden is 7 months old today and I cannot believe we have had him for that long!

I took him to the park the other day and here are just a few of the millions of photos we took! His checks are so dang loveable! And what is cuter than a double chin covered in drool?

Now that he is 7 months he has mastered sitting up on his own. He loves holding his own bottle and we are currently struggling giving the love he has for this up. I have tried giving him a sippy cup and he only wants to play with it, not drink from it. Even if he is not hungry, he will cry for a bottle, it is a total comfort thing to him...I'm scared! He loves anything that makes noise. Speaking of noise...he loves to make sudden outbursts, loud and random. He enjoys hearing himself "talk". Lately we have had so much fun playing a little copy cat game with him. He will make a grunt or yell, then I will do it back, then he does...so on and so forth. It is way too fun for me!His two bottom teeth are huge and a little crooked, but super cute(just for journal purposes I'm not sure I ever mentioned...his first tooth came in at 5months and his second when he was 6 months). He is a really good eater and will try just about anything you put in front of him. His favorite food, or should I say dessert, is Guava. He loves our dog Chewie and all stuffed animals. His latest obsession is shoelaces and water bottles. If you are drinking from a water bottle he will yell until you give it to him. He has a firm grasp on anything he comes in contact with. He is ALL BOY! I love it!

He is such a joy in our lives and he makes life so complete. I get so excited everyday when a little more of his personality comes out.

Happy 7 months baby!

I Finally Did It

My new neighbors have already lived here for over three months and I am just now getting them a welcome gift. Today Camden and I spent all morning making/sampling these melt in your mouth Cream Wafers. They are very simple to make but take a while to cut all of the small shapes out.

hmmmm...I wonder which part he enjoyed more...making, or sampling?When I took a plate over to my neighbor I was a little embarrassed that I had just gotten around to it, but extremely relieved! A welcome gift is always appreciated(at least I hope), no matter how late.

Cream Wafers

2 cups Butter(the real stuff)

2/3 cup whipping cream

4 cups flour

1 small bowl(about 1 cups worth) of granulated sugar

Mix butter, cream, and flour thoroughly. Chill for 1 hour. Roll dough 1/8 inch thick and cut into 1 1/2 inch rounds(I used small shaped cookie cutters). Coat both sides with sugar and place on ungreased baking sheet. Prick in 3-4 places with fork. Bake @ 375 for 8-10 minutes.

Creamy Butter Filling
1 cup soft butter
3 cups powdered sugar
3 tsp. vanilla

Blend together and mix in drops of whipping cream until good consistency to spread on a cookie. Tint with pink or green food coloring.

Put two cooled cookies together with filling. Makes 8-10 dozen

I Need A Nap

Camden is growing up so fast I can hardly believe my eyes. I just finished looking at some pictures taken the day he was born and compared them to now. WOW! It is amazing the difference and growth six(almost seven) months brings.

There are moments when I feel like I was just pregnant, or that I just gave birth. Those moments are usually when I feel clueless about this whole parenting thing. You would think by now I might know why my child barfs all the time, or what sets him off, or what makes him the happiest. But just when I get the hang of it, he moves on to the "next phase" and I am back at square one.

The past few days have been rather trying in the parenting department. Right now I blame it on the fact that Camden's top teeth are coming in. But then again, I think I have been blaming it on that for the past month. He just doesn't nap like he used to, he gets up several times in the night, he is a lot more fussy, he doesn't eat the same, he wants a bottle ALL THE TIME, he poops way too much for my liking. You name it, it's gettin' on my nerves!

So this morning as I was talking myself into getting up out of bed to get my crying child, way before he should've been awake. I couldn't help but think of how LONG these last 6 months have felt. It feels like an eternity since I have had a nap in the middle of the day, or a full nights sleep, or a day of doing nothing with no responsibility, a quite house, sleeping in, running errands quickly. I was feeling so sorry for myself!

That was until I walked into Cam's room and as soon as he saw my face, the crying stopped and a huge smile appeared. And it brought me back to the moment I saw his first smile. Just like it was yesterday.

Funny how time can play tricks on your mind.

Good Deal

So I finally did it. I bought Camden a highchair. He has been needing one for a little while now and I have been putting it off for several reasons. I hate them because they are so big and bulky. I hate the fact that they cost $100 for a cheap one. And last but not least, we don't have the room for one sitting around our kitchen.
So I ended up buying this small and perfect one from IKEA for $19.99. Yep, that's right, less than 20 buckaroos!
Camden loves it. After I put it together I put him in it to see how sturdy it was. As soon as I took him out, he cried hysterically until I put him back in. This might be a good distraction tool when I need 20 minutes to make dinner, that is until the newness wears off I'm sure. But we'll enjoy it while we've got it!

BBQ & Guitar Hero

We got together with the Wright's tonight for a BBQ at their house. It was super yummy!! Afterwords we were all sitting around letting our food digest, when someone came up with the brilliant idea to play guitar hero. So we put the kiddos in their PJ's and came back to our place to jam out.
We stayed up late and had a blast!
Don't mind my beautifully matched PJ's.
Good times! This is probably the only game I have ever played on play station. We were all joking about how irritated I used to get with Dan when he would stay up late and play this game. Until one day he made me try it, and I got hooked. If I knew how to turn the dang thing on I would probably sit in my PJ's and play it all day long.

The Last Supper of 2007

For New Year's Eve we went to dinner with Spencer and Tiffani's family. We had every intention of doing something fun after dinner for one last 2007 hooray! But who were we kidding...Camden barely made it through dinner.
Who takes their kid to dinner with them anyway?!?!?
Yeah for 2007. Welcome 2008!