Happy Birthday Addison!

I can not believe that our sweet little Halloween baby is one today. It feels just like yesterday that my water broke and we were driving to the hospital to have our little baby girl. For those of you who don't know the story Tim did not, and I mean did not want Addison to be born on Halloween. His exact words were, "it's creepy!" My actual due date was Oct. 27th, all throughout my pregnancy Tim would tell everyone how he just did not want her to be born on Halloween. Well of course the 27th came and went, and on Oct. 31st at 12:30 a.m my water broke. So there was no way she wasn't going to be born on Halloween.

Today as I take a moment to look back over this first year with Addison in our lives, I am filled with so many emotions. I knew I would enjoy being a mother but I honestly never knew it would be this good. The unconditional love that I, and the rest of the moms and dads out there, have for our children is hard to put into words, there is nothing like it. Addison has been the perfect baby. Tim and I feel so blessed to have her as our daughter. She has truly made it easy on us as parents. She is the sweetest girl and I can't even imagine what our lives would be like without her. (It's funny how everything changes after you have your own children.) These last few months have been so much fun watching her grow and start to develop her own personality. She used be very attached to me and Tim, but it has been fun seeing her reach out and play with others. She has the sweetest smile, you can't help but smile and laugh when you see her squint her eyes, scrunch her nose, and flash that huge grin. We want Addison to know how much we love her and how much happiness she brings to our lives. Happy Birthday Sweetie!!

Our Lil' Pumpkin is Turning One!!

It is true, Our sweet lil' pumpkin is having her first birthday. Since Addison was born on Halloween we decided this year to celebrate her birthday with family on Saturday the 27th. Before I get into all the details, let me first start out by saying we had a great weekend. We had a fun filled Saturday so this is just a warning that these next few posts might be a little long. I want to quickly tell you a funny story about Friday night. Tim and I stayed home because I needed to finish cleaning our house and then baking all the yummy treats for Addison's Birthday Party. Tim was so nice to tell me that while I was baking and probably going to be up late, that he would be nice enough to stay up with me. These were his exact words, "This is going to be so much fun, while you are baking I can play Halo 3, that way you won't be up by yourself." Isn't Tim a nice guy. Actually I really did like the fact that he was just in the other room. I kept telling him to keep playing. It's quite enjoyable listening to him talk to his buddies on his headset.

So on to Addison's Birthday Party. . . I was trying to decide on a theme and since she was born on Halloween I thought it would be cute to do a pumpkin theme. Hence the, "Our lil' pumpkin is turning one. (If any of you need an idea for a October Birthday Party next year, I think this was a fun one.)

To go along with the pumpkin theme we served pumpkin chocolate chip bread, pumpkin shaped sugar cookies, cupcakes with pumpkin confetti on them, rice krispies and brownies in the shape of pumpkins of course, and pumpkin shaped sandwich cookies (I will post the recipe later. Trust me you will want it, they are delicious)

We thought it would be fun for the older kids to carve pumpkins. Here are some photos of them carving in action.



Here are the fall marble magnets I made for party favors.



Addison had such a great time. I was a little worried since she didn't want to take a nap before the party. But with no nap she was as happy as could be. She even let everyone hold her, which is a big thing, because she used to be a big mommy and daddy's girl. It was so much fun watching her open her presents. Addison received so many fun things, clothes, toys, dolls, boots. Here are some pictures of her opening up some of her presents.

She loved this princess pillow that my cousin, Brooke, and her family gave her. It opens up and has different princess stories inside.

Addison just loved this cabbage patch doll. Her name is Zoey, she also came with a little infant carrier. She was getting so excited when Tim started to open it up for her to play with. Thanks Stacy, Mike and Jordan!


I know what you are thinking no birthday cake? Tim and I decided we wanted to wait and let her eat one on her actual Birthday.




Addison wanted to say thanks for all the wonderful gifts and for celebrating her birthday with her, she had great time. I also wanted to say thanks for coming. I always have so much fun being able to get together with my family. Thanks for making Addison's special day a memorable one and I hope you all had a great time. One last big thank you to my mom. You are the best, I truly appreciate all your help last week and for coming early to help set up.

Ashton's Birthday Party

Happy Birthday Ashton!!

Addison not only celebrated her birthday on the 27th, but she also was able to go and help celebrate her little buddy, Ashton's first birthday. They are only four days apart, and Addison sure thinks he is cute. Muranda did such a great job with planning his birthday party. The food was delicious and the cake she made was darling. Unfortunately we didn't get any pictures of the food or the cake. I suggest you go and take a look at her pictures and read about his party on her blog. To visit her blog click here. Addison had so much fun, her favorite part was the train ride that Muranda's mom surprised the kids with. Check out this fun train.

Thanks for inviting us, we had a blast!!

Halloween Party

We ended the night at The Barney's for a fun Halloween Party. Here is a picture of the kids in their cute costumes.

Colter, Walker, Boston, Addison, and Oakley all those cute boys, Addison is one lucky Gal!!

Thanks Jake and Debby, you guys are always such great hosts!!

A shirt I made for Addison

This week I have stayed pretty busy planning Addison's Birthday Party. I decided this year to go with a pumpkin theme, "Our lil' pumpkin is turning One!!" I started thinking that maybe I wanted her to wear a cute pumpkin shirt at her party. Of course I couldn't find anything that I liked, and I'm sure it didn't help with it being the end of October. So my next thought was to attempt to make one for her. I had picked up this cute fabric to use as table cloths, and thought it would be perfect to make her shirt with. I just cut a little off of the two fabrics and this is what I came up with. I am actually quite pleased, it turned out a lot better than I thought it would. I know it's pretty simple and basic, but for a last minute 10:00 pm project, I can't complain. Now Addison has a fun pumpkin shirt to wear to her party.

A Classic Story

On Monday night my sweet, thoughtful, helpful husband (that's what I think now, but. . . not my exact thoughts Monday night.) Let me explain. Tim was going to get Addison ready for bed, he wanted to first give her a bath before he changed her into a new diaper and her PJ's. So I came upstairs to help him and I look in her room and I see Addison naked in her crib. So all of you moms can probably see why this would be a problem. I immediately say to Tim, "You can't just leave her naked in her crib. She is going to pee in there." Tim's reply is, "I was just putting her in there for a second. I already changed her diaper and I didn't want to put a clean one on her when we are putting her in the bathtub." (Which makes sense and I can see how Tim would think it was okay.) So I head into the bathroom to start filling up the bathtub. Tim brings in Addison and while I am getting her out of the tub I hear Tim say, "So don't be mad at me." I reply, "What's wrong?" hoping that maybe he isn't going to say what I think he is. He then tells me that Addison peed on her bumper pad, onto the dust ruffle and onto the carpet. "Are you kidding me?" (My exact words.) Tim was so cute, he said. "You should have felt her diaper when I changed it. It was so full, the fullest I think I have ever felt. I didn't think think there was anyway she could go anymore." I admit I did get a little upset, okay maybe or little more than a little. I just saw it happening right when I walked into her room and saw her standing there naked in her crib. Tim helpfully changed her crib sheet, cleaned the carpet and the bumper pad. This is quite a funny story, and I know there will be lots of great stories like these in the future. I am sooo grateful for Tim. He really helps out a ton, always changing diapers, he loves giving Addison a bath, playing with her, he is a terrific dad. We all have had times when we think to our self, it will just be for a minute, or I will just hurry and grab it etc. So if this didn't happen to Tim, it would have happened to me. After this story it reminded me of stories I have heard about kids taking off their not so clean diapers and smearing it everywhere. So really it could have been worse.

Well I thought I better tell a story that I did this week too. I was cooking dinner and I had dumped the noodles in the strainer and put the pot back on the stove. I know what's so bad about this story. Well. . . I didn't turn off the burner, and I put the empty dry pot back on the burner that was still on. Next thing I know the bottom of the pot was starting to burn. I know I am so smart. So I too mess up. But hey that's life, we learn from our mistakes.

I've been tagged . . .

. . . and I am finally doing it. Hey better late then never, Right?? Sorry Jamie, Becky and Caryn. Here is the first tag.

Since having Addison she has become a lot of my favorites, but I too will try and think of something other than her.

My Favorite Smell: I love the smell after it rains. I also like the smell of freshly baked goods.

My Favorite Sight: I love watching Tim play and hangout with Addison. He has this way of making her giggle so hard. I love it when Addison reaches for Tim to give him loves.

Favorite Taste: mmm that's hard, I really like any and all treats. So sugar cookies, brownies, caramel apples etc.

My Favorite Sound: I also have to say I love hearing babies giggle. I just think it is the cutest sound, you honestly can't help from smiling and laughing when you hear or see it.

My Favorite Touch: I know super cheesy, but cuddling with Tim. Of course I can't leave out Addison. I love when she puts her head on my shoulder when I am holding her.

Now I will tag some of you!-Teylor, Kalisa, Mary, Keri Beth, and Amy -I'm excited to find out some of your favorites! Have fun!!!

Here is the second tag.

I know this is well over due. Sorry Caryn, you probably just gave up on me.

4 Jobs I've Had
1. GAP
2. Credit Union Service Center. (Good Times working with Teylor)
3. Zions. (Great Job, Why? That's how I met Tim.)
4. New Freedom Mortgage/First Horizon (Another great job working with Tey, I really have so many great memories there. I love all my old co-workers.)
4 Movies I could Watch over and over
1. How to Loose a Guy in 10 Days
2. The Notebook
3. Pride and Prejudice (I love the A&E version, but the new version is great too!)
4. Can't leave out Teen Witch (Please tell me you remember that movie!!)
4 Places I have lived
1. Sandy
2. Logan
3. Midvale
4. Lehi
I know real exciting.
4 Guilty Pleasures
1. Shopping (online, bargain, you name it!!)
2. The Hills and Newport Harbor (sad that Newport Harbor is already over)
3. E! News and the Daily 10
4. eating yummy fattening desserts
4 Favorite TV Shows (thanks DVR)
1. Grey's
2. The Office.
3. Brothers and Sisters
4. Gossip Girl (a new fav)
4 Places I have been on vacation
1. Mexico
2 New York
3. Florida
4. California (One of my favorite trips with Tim was to the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.)
4 Favorite Foods
1. Sushi, Love the Confidential Roll
2. Apple Pie Caramel Apple from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
3. Mint Brownies (Tim's mom makes the best mint brownies around)
4. Salads, Soups and Turkey Sandwiches.
4 Places I would rather be right now
1. New York
2. Shopping
3. ohh Shopping in New York
4. On a vacation with my family.
4 Websites I visit daily
1. Hotmail
2. My Blog/Friends Blogs
3. People.com/TMZ.com (I'm a sucker for Celeb gossip)
4. Gap/Old Navy (really any kids clothing site)
4 Authors I love
1. I am sad to say that I don't read much, Tim always jokes around by saying, "The next book I read will be my first." I should make time to read. I just read my monthly Magazines and my other excuse is that I start to many projects.
4 Things I would like to know how to do
1. Paint
2. Take beautiful Pictures
3. Make cute clothes for Addison
4. Golf
4 Things I worry about
1. Being a good mom/teacher to Addison.
2. My Family immediate and extended
3. The future
4. I wouldn't say that I am a worry wort, but there are just other thoughts and feelings that I tend to think about.
4 Happy moments
1. Marrying Tim
2. Having Addison
3. Being Adopted into a wonderful family.
4. I know super cheesy, but I am really happy when I do or make things for others.
4 Things I want to do in the next year
1. Finish our basement (yeah that was on our list last year)
2. Finish Addison's 1 year Scrapbook (I wanted to finish it by her birthday, but I am thinking it should be done by Christmas or sooner.)
3. Go to Beijing to watch Marlon, Tim's brother, compete in the Paralympics.
4. Take a fun trip with my family.
4 People I am tagging ( I know this has been around for a while so I am trying to think of people who might not have been tagged yet.)
1. Teylor
2. Kalisa
3. Keri Beth
4. Laura

Gardner Village

On Tuesday, my friends and I went to Gardner Village to visit the witches.

Every Halloween they decorate the village with these fabulous witches.

It was so much fun going out with my friends and their cute kids.

Here are some pictures I took of Addison and her friends.

Addison and Ashton (Doesn't that sound cute!!)
They are only four days apart.

This is Colter, He was trying to get down off the hay because

he didn't want to get his picture taken.

I think he still looks cute.

Isn't Walker so sweet.

(Tey and I joke around that our kids will get married.)

Addie's cute friend Madiyln.

I love this picture of Boston, too cute!!

Wow all these boys, Addison is a very lucky girl!!

Thanks Girls for the fun time at Gardner Village! Sorry Morgan I didn't realize I didn't get any pictures of Boston or Ashton.

Carve a Pumpkin...

A few years ago I can across this website where you can carve a pumpkin online. You might already know about it, but I thought I would share it with you anyway. I thought it might be fun for those of you with older children. Addison obviously isn't at that age to enjoy it, but I thought it was still pretty fun. So even if you don't have older children or any kids, still check it out. You can find the website by clicking here

Pumpkin Patch

Last week we took Addison to this great Pumpkin Patch. Addison really enjoyed playing on the tractors, but she wasn't quite sure what to think of all the pumpkins. Here are some pictures.

5 Years!

Today marks our 5 year Wedding Anniversary. It is hard to believe that only 5 years ago Tim and I were married in the Salt Lake Temple. Tim is a wonderful husband and I can't imagine or would I want to imagine my life without him. He has taught me so many things, and I am grateful for all his wonderful attributes he brings to our family. I feel so blessed to be married to such an amazing caring husband and father. Tim is my best friend, and I enjoy every minute we spend together. When writing this post the song came to mind I Could Not Ask For More, by Edwin McCain. I think the song says it best.

Happy Anniversary Tim! I love you!!

A Homemade Scarf

Saturday night after Tim headed out to go and watch the Priesthood session, I was trying to decide on what I wanted do. I got this great idea that I would make Addison a scarf. I went to the store picked up some yarn and felt. (The felt was to make the fun little flowers that I put on the scarf.) After I put Addison to bed I started crocheting. Since she is so small it didn't take me long to make it. So after I finished that scarf I decided to start making her another one. I ended up making three new scarves for her. Whether she wears them or not will be another story. Either way it was a great craft to do that weekend. Here is Addie sporting the Scarf I made her.

By the look on her face I am not quite sure how she feels about wearing it.

October Birthdays

On Sunday we were able to get together with Tim's family to celebrate all the October Birthdays. It was also nice to be able to watch conference together as a family. We always enjoy our time that we spend with Tim's family.

The October Birthday Crew

Mary, Cam, Mason, Nancy and Addison

Here are some pictures of Addison opening her birthday presents.

Addison loves all her new toys. Thanks everyone for all the wonderful gifts.

Our Little Dancer

Addison LOVES to dance! Jeff and Angi gave Addison this fun Leap Frog Table, and Addison loves it. She especially loves that everything she touches makes different sounds or says something different. Once the music starts she will start to bend her legs, and as soon as the music stops, she will immediately touch something so the music will start back up and continue to dance. It is the cutest thing to watch her dance. Thanks Jeff and Angi!

The Big Apple

Last week Tim was able to go to New York for work, and although Addison and I don't like him leaving us, I was excited and jealous for his opportunity to go back to New York. Tim and I went there a few years ago for the first time, and we both loved it. I would have loved it if Addie and I could have gone with him, but the trip was a little too short to make it really worth all the hassle. Tim was in trainings during the days, but he tried to make the most of his time afterwards, doing a lot of sightseeing and taking a lot of pictures. One of Tim's favorite hobbies is photography. He really enjoys taking pictures and that is one of the reasons why he was excited to go back to New York. I know Tim wasn't able to spend as much time as he would have liked taking pictures. He often felt rushed but with the little amount of time he had I think he was able to get a lot of great shots and a good variety of pictures. We are so happy that Tim had a great time and is back home with us. Here are some of the pictures Tim took below.