I fell in love with my Milkman... literally...

People have asked how Stewart and I met, and it is a complicated story.. I usually don't want to (or have time to) get into it, but tonight I have a few moments to myself and feel like writing something.. so here it is, for anyone interested..

My aunt got me a job at Smith's Food and Drug when I was 17 years old.. I worked as a bagger at first, then later moved to Customer Service and the Fuel Center. Stewart worked Graveyard shift stocking shelves, so I didn't know him very well. He was married at the time and had 2 kids.. so he was obviously off limits. We were somewhere between acquaintances and friends.. chatting occasionally about meaningless things, and sometimes talking about his family. I do remember one night, he came in with electrical tape wrapped around his hand.. He had cut it pretty badly with glass right before he came to work. I told him it would get infected if it wasn't taken care of properly, and I ended up being the one to bandage it.. (Kinda cool now, cuz years later-he still has that scar, and I have the memory of nursing him back to health:)


I dated one of his friends, and went to a few barbecues at Stewart's house. Morgan was barely a year old, and Gabriel was 2 at the time. While it definitely wasn't "Love at first sight" with us, I always thought highly of him, and you might even say I had a crush on him... but I would never have acted on those feelings. One thing I will admit though, is that I didn't think things were going to work out with his first marriage. I wasn't anticipating failure, but a small part of me questioned whether he was really happy or not. I moved away a few times, but every time I came back to town I would casually ask how things were going with him and his wife... Each time he would say "Good" or "Okay" or something. Then one day inside Subway, I got an answer I wasn't expecting... (By this point he had moved to the Dairy department, and worked a semi-normal schedule)

I remember the day clearly... He came in with his friend Mike after they got back from the lake.. and when I asked the usual question, Mike said, "Didn't you hear? They are getting a divorce.." I truly felt bad for him, but instantly I saw a "Newly Available" sign above his head... I didn't act on anything, as I was planning on moving to Provo soon anyway. BUT in the meantime I made a lot of unnecessary trips to the Dairy Section, just to say hi :)

I dated a few people during this time, and when one relationship ended, I decided to make a trip to Vernal for the weekend.. I went on a date with one guy on Friday night, but it didn't really go great.. The next day, I was in Smith's, and my friend Ashley (who knew how much I liked Stewart-in fact, a lot of the girls at the store liked him..) asked if I had talked to him yet. I told her I didn't see him back there, but it wasn't a big deal. I left the store, and she called me on my cell. She told me he was in the back room, and she would stall until I got there, so I HAD to go back.. I told her I would, and turned around and headed back to the store..

When I got there, I was really embarrassed because I thought she told him about our conversation, but she assured me she hadn't.. We talked for several minutes, and he asked me on a date that night... I was leaving the next day, but decided it would be fun.

Our first date S.U.C.K.E.D... in fact, if it had been anyone else, I might not have gone on another one... Would you like to know what it consisted of?? HALO. And an extra player... Yeah, I spent the majority of my first "date" watching him and his friend play Halo for a few hours. When I finally said I was going to leave, he turned off the game and asked if I wanted to watch a movie, and I agreed to it..

We have literally talked EVERY day since then. I made a LOT of 3 hour trips back and forth (basically every day off I had). He came to visit me in the city, and thats when I decided he was a keeper. Plus, I loved his kids to DEATH and it was so hard watching him raise them by himself.. After nearly 3 months of weekly travel, I finally decided it was worth moving home for. And guess what.. It was. :) 4 years and 5 weeks later (1,496 days to be exact) he is still my best friend..

Maddi's Lingo

I have been trying to work with Madilynn on her Alphabet, Numbers, Colors, etc... and I wanted to write down what she says before she grows out of it... She is so exhaustingly adorable :) I just love her! (She turned 2 on November 7th.. even though sometimes I feel like I'm dealing with a teenager! ha)
Here she is talking on her cell phone with 3D Glasses on lol




Alphabet-I try to teach her the alphabet song All the time, and sometimes she cries, sometimes she just keeps saying E, and sometimes this is our conversation..
Me: Maddi can you say A?
Her: No.
Me: B?
Her: No.
Me: C?
Her: No. etc... Eventually she rolls her eyes at me (or starts crying) and I give up...

Counting-Maddi, lets count to 10! 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10....
Her: 8?? 8. 8. 8. 8. 8. 8. (apparently 8 is her favorite number..)

Colors-Here is one that I can actually get her participation with... These are the colors, and then how SHE says them.. I love her little speech impediment :)

Blue: Bew
Black: Bat
Yellow: We-wow
Red: Wed
Green: Jean
Pink: Beent
Orange: Onj
Purple: Pubbow (sometimes she says Bubbow.. so when she wants her purple cup, it sounds like Bubble Butt :)

Other fun things she says:

Gabriel: Way Wo
Morgan: Mor Din
Logan: Odin or Wo Win

Elephant: Eppodent
Duck: Dudth (like width)
Spoon: Schoon
Okay: O Hay
"Mom, div me tiss"
"Here dow Brubba" (Here you go Brother)
"Mom I hold you" (when she wants me to pick her up)
Maddi, can you say "I'm 2?" "No, I not 2 mom."(then she rolls her eyes..)

Another fun thing she always says is "Oh, Sorry Mom.." then chuckles.. for almost everything I tell her to do..

There is so much more, but I can't think of it at the moment.. I hope at least Someone out there thinks it's as cute as me.. but if not, at least I can remember it for later :)

Breast truly IS Best! :)

This morning, I had what Oprah would call an Aha! moment(which is, by definition-a defining moment where you gain real wisdom - wisdom you can use to change your life.)

I Finally scheduled a postpartum checkup a few days ago, 2 weeks past the "six week checkup". I have been somewhat hesitant-assuming that I would only receive affirmation that I haven't been eating right, exercising enough, or something equally frustrating. I had every intention to tell my doctor I was willing to stop nursing so he could put me on weightloss pills...

I made it to my doctors appointment, toddler at my heels and newborn carseat in arms... preparing for the usual High Blood Pressure reading (I was told I had "White Coat Hypertension" during my pregnancy) and worried about a certain "test"(which was negative, by the way! lol). The nurse was as surprised as I was that my blood pressure gave a normal reading, and I nervously stepped on the scale.

Without revealing the exact number, I will say this. I have lost a whopping 32 pounds since having my adorable baby boy (even though I only gained 11 pounds during the pregnancy)! Now, don't get me wrong, in order to meet my ultimate goal I still have a long way to go... but this was Definitely more than I could have hoped for! I can honestly say I didn't think I had lost more than 5 pounds or so... I still feel very unattractive, with a "flat tire" stomache and love handles... but at least the tire is FLAT!! and I owe most of it to breastfeeding! lol.. After seeing how much I can lose without putting much effort into it, I am so much more motivated to start paying attention to what I'm eating now.

WOW.. where have i been?!?!

I just realized this morning that i haven't posted any updates on our family in a reallllly long time. For a while i was too busy, then the idea of catching up on the 72 blogs i follow just seemed more like work than fun! So i haven't even Dared to log onto my blogger account... BUT now that this baby is almost here, i have a feeling that there will be plenty of "catch up" time soon :)

I.HATE.Needles.... but love my husband :)

Let's just start by saying this-I am afraid of shots. Just look at this timeline, and tell me you wouldn't feel the same :)
1990ish: Went with my mom to a WIC appointment. One of my siblings got a shot, and I woke up on the floor, under a table...
1996: Got my ears pierced. Did just fine, but when my mom got her's pierced after mine, I passed out...
1998: Stepped on a glass cup, and had to have 40 or 50 stitches in my big toe. 2 weeks later, it popped back open, and I had to have it redone... I told the doctor not to use so many needles, so I ended up feeling the whole.thing...
2007: Find out I am pregnant, and have to get blood work done. The girl couldn't seem to find my vein, and poked me SIX times! This is no exaggeration... After the 4th one, I told her I didn't feel well, and she said she was going to try one more time. After the 6th try, she got the blood she needed, but then I passed out. and threw up.
2007: About a month later, I went with my sister to get tested for Mono. They got her blood-4 vials! and she passed out.. I helped her get back on her feet, then I passed out, dropping a cup of water all over the floor in the meantime. After I woke up, I grabbed a garbage bag, and threw up. Again. The nurses sent us home when we seemed able to drive... Needless to say, we didn't find out if she had Mono until the next day.
2010: The beginning of February was my 2nd doctor's appointment... so the doctor told me I needed bloodwork done. He gave me the Doctor's Order for it, and I took it home and conveniently forgot about it... Then, when it came time to reschedule my appointment, I still hadn't done the bloodwork (and had NO desire to...) so I put off the appointment an extra month! I Finally scheduled my appointment, telling myself I would force myself to just get it done. NOPE. Went to the doctor yesterday, and still hadn't done the bloodwork... My husband came with me to the appointment, and told the doctor i was being a baby and wouldn't get it done, had him write another Doctor's Order... and walked me straight to the Lab. Dang it!!! Luckily, the girl got it on the FIRST POKE this time, and my husband was there to protect/support me :) Now he will have to hold my hand every time i have to get a shot :)

Rants from a Pregnant Woman...

Incase any of you are keeping track, I am no longer eating Chicken, Turkey, or ANYTHING that contains Seafood. This baby better get here soon or I just might become a Vegetarian!!!

I am only 15 and a half weeks, and look like I am 30 weeks... I feel bloated and disgusting (even though I have actually lost 9 pounds so far), and if I didn't have to take care of 3 kids, I would probably be typing this from my bed. I thought I was doing great, because I haven't had a single day of morning sickness, but let me just tell you-this baby has definitely proven it's existence in other ways... like the frequent bathroom visits, horribly hot feet, insomnia, and crankiness...

And my poor kids.. I know I am being harder on them than I should be, but I usually realize it AFTER I have gotten after them for a stupid reason.. I have tried to make up for it by letting them do extra activities, and they seem to be unphased by it :)

On a happier note, Stewart decided yesterday that we SHOULD find out the sex of the baby.. I was on the fence about it, but mostly wanted to find out! SO, we should know on the 24th if we are having another baby girl, or if we will get a baby boy this time!! We are hoping for a boy.. Especially Gabe.. He is 7 years old, and has 4 little sisters (between ours and his mom's).. and I have never seen a child more eager to share a bedroom!! lol. Since this is our last baby, we have had our fingers crossed.. but when it comes down to it, all that REALLY matters is that he or she is Healthy!

Word of the Day Calendar... well, sort of...

I have a second grader and kindergartener, and I just LOVE when they come home from school using these big words that I wouldn't ever THINK to teach them... and even more-I love when they think they know what a word means and use it incorrectly.. A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E! (insert word document that wouldn't upload correctly HERE)

I started thinking more about it today, and I came up with a list for each of them... I (googled) vocabulary words for their grade levels, and chose words that they don't normally use. I WAS going to make a "Word of the Day Calendar", but since we have to share the kids with their mom every other week, I decided to leave the list as-is, and they could add a star each time they use the word correctly! Once they have used the same word 5 times, they can choose a big sticker from my sticker drawer, to do whatever they want with it... I didn't add definitions, because I think half of the fun is looking it up :)

I'm excited about this idea, but the kids haven't seen it yet, so we will see how they like it! I think this will be a good way to improve their vocabulary, and I can actually feel like they are learning something from ME!!

If anyone would like a copy of my list, leave your email address and I would be happy to forward it to you!! But, you can make your own almost as easily...

I won my first giveaway!!

I was going to wait until the apron arrived to show it off, but I just can't help myself!! I WON!! I Actually WON a giveaway! And this blog is definitely worth checking out.. Here is the apron that I won... Isn't it so stinking cute??? You can check out the other Flirty Aprons here! Thanks again Capitol Heights Mommy!!

Not My Child MONDAY

It was NOT my 7 year old stepson that decided his curiosity outweighed his fear of getting into trouble. Big Trouble. He did NOT find a turquoise thong on Laundry Day and decide he wanted to show his friends in school!

I did NOT find it in the side pocket of his backpack, while looking for his missing glove.. (which, by the way, has been lost since the day I bought them...) And he did NOT get grounded from everything but homework and reading for the entire weekend. Nope, not MY child!!

Drab to Fab Transformation-Day 1

I have hit a rut... Recently, I began to realize that my needs have taken a backseat to the needs (and wants) of my children, and I have decided to take my life back! I am going to FIND freetime to do the things that I want to do-just for me. I'm not sure what this will mean yet, but it will include those much-deserved bubble baths, painted toenails, facials, and maybe even exercise!! :) Whatever I decide I want to do.

I realize that this cannot happen without a schedule... and that is where my problem lies. I am horrible at keeping my OWN schedule. When I was working outside the home, I followed other people's deadlines. And it worked. But trying to maintain my OWN schedule has been a real struggle for me. I find myself lounging around until the last minute, then racing the clock to get the job done. Whether it be getting out of the house to pick the kids up... or cleaning for company... Moving into a 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom house with THREE living rooms has been a dream come true... AND A NIGHTMARE! I was NOT prepared for the upkeep!!

So here it is. My New Years Resolution? No. My life-changing goal? Maybe. I think I will call it "My attempt at living a more productive life." Sure, why not?

So, here it goes. I have my schedule written out, all of my i's (and j's) dotted and my t's crossed.. The hardest part will be enlisting the help of my capable children.

Getting to Know You

1. Waffles, pancakes or french toast?
All are great, but there is nothing better than a Waffle with Whipped Cream and Strawberries!! Yum!! (besides these fabulous Strawberry Crepes-with or without lime.. you GOTTA try this recipe..)

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes.aspx/breakfast-wraps/1e2bbf7b-4c6e-444f-83fd-a427ea964f18

2. Dream home..What would it look like?I used to think i wanted a HUGE house, but now that I have one, I'm not sure about that :) unless there was a maid..... This is the floorplan I designed in College-my computer wouldn't let me type, so I had to draw the words out.. sorry if it is illegible.





3. Favorite sport to watch during the Winter Olympics? I have tried to watch the Winter Olympics on television, but after watching several of them in PERSON in 2002, it's hardly comparable..

4. The first word that comes to mind when describing yourself? Tall :)really, that was the first thing that came to mind...

5. Dresses, pants (jeans, leggings, etc.) or skirts? Any, with the right outfit.. I am an all-or-nothing kinda gal, so you will either see me in workout clothes, or dressed up head to toe.. I have made it a goal not to leave the house without being totally ready though..

6. What is your favorite time of day? I am definitely a night person, but it is only my favorite when I know I can sleep in the next morning..

7. Beach or Mountains..which do you prefer? Growing up with mountains, I would have to say the Beach- Totally different and exciting!

8.Will you watch the Super Bowl? Watch? I dunno. But I DO plan on sitting in the room chatting (and eating!) until the funny commercials come on!

Fabulous Finds (Friday)

I am a bit late reading blogs, so this is my post for Friday's Fabulous Finds..

I stumbled upon this cedar chest for $5... it has been painted navy blue, to match the previous owner's Americana decorations, but she never finished it.. It has already been sanded and everything.. AND ITS A LANE! One of the best brands out there!!

I felt guilty taking it for such a cheap price, and even asked if the price tag had accidentally been switched! But I know it will be well-appreciated in my home, and I am so excited to give it a good paint job, and possibly upholstering the top with microfiber/leather.. This is a great project for January! I will be posting pictures as soon as it is completed...

Change of Plans.....

Like many others, I was waiting until January to begin working out and losing my weight that I gained AFTER my now 14 month was born baby weight. I bought a Jillian Michaels Workout DVD, picked out some workout clothes, and waited for January 1, 2010 to arrive. Once January was here, I was actually getting excited to start working out and getting a "beach body" for the summer...

While taking my kids sledding that day, I was asked several times to go down... but I didn't feel like I should. So, when the kids were done, I had gone down a total of TWO times... I got home, and quickly my suspicions were proven correct.

P.R.E.G.N.A.N.T.

While I am truly disappointed to put off working out... Again... I am so excited and can't wait for my little one to get here. (Anyone that knows my story is aware that I was not supposed to be able to HAVE children-and if I would have listened to my doctor's advice, I never would have been able to...) My daughter will be 2 years old when the baby comes, which is how far apart I would have hoped for them to be... I feel like this couldn't have worked out better!