Looks

It always amazes me at how two people can create so many different versions of themselves.  The one thing I always anticipate while pregnant is wondering what they will look like.  Now that Grayson is here one of the questions that I get asked alot is who he looks most like. 

I thought I would dig up some old pictures of the kids.  They are all roughly around 2-3 months in these photos.  I think they all have a pretty distinct look, but at the same time you can tell they are siblings. 

Caden - Thanksgiving 2003

Michael & Sydney - Thanksgiving 2005

Thomas - May 2008

Grayson - July 2011

  These are pictures of their first baths....

I am interested to see how Grayson changes in looks over the next few months.  I personally think he looks most like Caden did as a baby, but with all the dark features of Sydney.  To me, Thomas looks the most different of them all. 

What do you think??

Little Friends

It is always fun to be pregnant with friends/family at the same time.  It makes for built in friends, and fun memories as they get older.  Grayson was lucky to have a lot of little friends that are around the same age as him. 

Shawn's cousin, Travis even ended up having a baby boy, Kamdyn, exactly one week after Grayson.  Here are the cute ones together on Father's Day. 

In my ward, there must be something in the water because I think by the end of the year well over 20 babies will have been born!  Grayson is so lucky to have so many 'friends' that will be around the same age.  I keep saying that it would be cool to get all of us moms together for a snapshot of all of the cute babies that we had in 2011!

My good friend, Anna, had her baby about a month after me.  Her son, Dallin is Thomas' best friend.  (I seriously can't believe how much they love to be around each other!)  So I am hoping that Quinten and Grayson get along just as well!

Quinten makes Grayson look like a GIANT!!

Thomas, Sydney, Grayson, Jaci, Quinten & Dallin

A few weeks ago we were able to go to a premier of a movie.  Well, a movie that a bunch of young men had made with an old friend who is their leader.  Gina and Steve are some of our dear friends from 'back in the day'...when we were newlyweds.  We have a common love for good entertainment, and movies.  I always know that if Gina recommends a movie or tv show that I will love it just as well.  I miss being able to see them on a regular basis so it was great to go and support Steve and his scouts, and catch up for a bit with Gina.  She also had a baby a few weeks after Grayson.  I couldn't resist getting a picture of Grayson & Quinton together.

 Gina and I also had our first babies about 9 months apart.  It is so crazy that these boys 

Are now these boys!  It is amazing at how fast they grow!

Did I mention that Joron is 9 months OLDER than Caden! Can someone please tell Caden to stop growing!!

Yay for good friends and family!

Hair

I still can't get over how much hair this kid has!

So stinkin cute!

My Own Little Curious George

My dear little Thomas,

I would have never thought to have a child that is as silly, and curious as you are.  Not a day goes by where I am not surprised by your different antics.  To some they might get frustrated, but for whatever reason to me, all they do is make me grin and love you more.  (Don't get me wrong...there are times that I do get frustrated)

You are always into everything, and trying to figure out how things work.  We moved Daddy's office downstairs so that we could make room for Grayson.  You are facsinated with the computer, or anything electronic...and lately you have enjoyed 'exploring' on Daddy's computer whenever you get the chance.  I always know if it is quiet, and I don't see you around you are sitting at the desk clicking away.  You don't actually know what you are doing.  I think your mission is just to open as many files as possible.  The other day you got a hold of Daddy's phone, and changed the language to chinese!  How you are able to do these things...I have no idea.

You are also my pickiest eater.  Atleast for anything that is actually good for you.  But if it has sugar, or is complete junk you stuff yourself silly.  I find you trying to 'sneak' things constantly.  Your 'sneakiness' makes me laugh because you will hide things and then come tell me that you did.  Your cute little voice says, "You'll never find it now....hahahaha" (Think, Swiper from Dora).  I laugh, and ask you where you hid it, and you immediately show me exactly where it is. 

You are always quite resourceful.  You climb all over my counters, and up to high places to get what you want.  You really are my little monkey...I never seem to be able to keep you down.  Unfortunately your craziness gets you hurt from time to time.  Yesterday you dropped a stapler on your foot.  Your poor cry was sooo sad.  I just hope that it doesn't take too long to heal. 

You have stopped taking naps, but still really need them time to time.  So instead you resort to falling asleep in some of the most amusing ways.  

I often wonder how I got so lucky to have such a wonderful boy...even if you are a little 'curious'...it keeps my life interesting.  I am gonna miss having you around 24/7, but at least you get to go to Pre-school with your cousin, Dylan. I love you little man!

Thomas at his first visit to the Dentist.

Week One

I have to say that I am really enjoying doing this 8 Week Challenge. It has been the perfect motivation for me.  I have to say that am pleasantly surprised at how well I have done.  I wasn't sure if I would be able to do some of the tasks EVERY SINGLE DAY...but for the most part I did well.  I thought I would 'journal' here how I did just to see my progress.

1. Exercise at least 45 minutes a day.  I was able to get to the gym 5 days this week! WooHoo!  So not perfect, but good enough for me.  I usually like to get there in the morning, and get it out of the way....but with a newborn....I got there when I could.  It has been an interesting thing for me because normally if I didn't get there in the morning...I just didn't go.  So I have liked having that extra commitment to get there even if it is later in the day.
 
2. Get at least 7 hours of sleep per day (naps are included). This one was interesting, since I do have a little one, but luckily he has been sleeping pretty well.  Sometimes even for 6 hour stretches (hallelujah!)  And even when he does wake up, he just eats and goes back to sleep.  So I was able to check this one off every day.
 
3. Drink 64 ounces of water. 8 glasses, 8 oz. each. This one was a no-brainer for me.  I have a 32 oz. water bottle, and easily consume atleast one if not 2 when I workout.  I usually end up filling that water bottle 3-4 times through out my day...so more than enough.  I love me some water.
 
4. No sugar.  I cannot believe I actually accomplished this with the exception of my 'free' day.  Sugar has always been my downfall.  Candy is my friend.  It was not easy, but I am so proud of myself from actually turning down sweets.  Even on my 'free' day the only thing I had was an oatmeal cream pie, which could also qualify as junk.  But no CANDY!   Yay!

5. No soda or junk food. For me this should just say no junk food.  I have never been a big fan of soda or should I say carbonation.  It is just not something I crave.  What this challenge has done is open my eyes to how many opportunities that I had to eat junk.  Pizza is a big one.  My kids love it, and it is easy for me.  I used to probably get a couple of pizza's atleast once a week for dinner.  It has helped me make menus so that I would have better food choices, and not fix the easiest and quickest thing.  I try not to buy alot of 'junk' food because my kids tend to burn through it, but I do buy things every once in a while.  I only ended up having some popcorn at our Summer Movie Fun this week - again on my free day.

6. Eat at least 2 servings of fruits and 2 servings of vegetables. Again, another easy one for me.  I love fruits and veggies, and eat them regularly.  Now I just have to 'keep count'.  Which is good because there are some days where unintentionally I realize I haven't eaten as much as I should.  It makes for much healthier snacks. 
 
7. No eating after 8 pm. This one is one of my harder ones.  Since I have little ones we have to have dinner early. For them, the ideal time is 5pm.  Sometimes that is difficult to do, but I shoot for it.  Otherwise, meltdowns occur or they start trying to eat other things while I am making dinner...and then they aren't hungry by the time dinner is done.  So having dinner early is great, but then I tend to get the late night munchies.  I know I struggle with this because I have to make a conscious effort not to go looking for something to nibble on.  But luckily...so far so good.

8. Write in journal every day. (Blogging counts as journaling) I am so glad this was one of the goals because I have missed blogging so much.  After I had Thomas, I think alot of things went downhill for me.  I let alot of things go, and couldn't seem to motivate myself to do much of anything.  It saddens me to think I have alot of memories not recorded.  I am hoping this will help me get a routine, and I will continue to post regularly after the challenge ends.

9. Complete at least 15 minutes of uplifting reading. Another great goal, and one that I have struggled with my entire life.  I don't know why, but I have always been really bad at reading my scriptures.  What I started doing this past week is reading my scriptures from my phone while on an elliptical or bike at the gym.  It has been wonderful.  I love being able to do both at once.  If I am not able to do it while working out, I end up having alot of time while nursing little Grayson...so I will read there.  Again a great habit that I hope to keep up after the challenge.

10. Do an act of service/kindness that is outside of your normal routine. This one has been interesting, but so doable.  It has opened my eyes to the little things you can do for people.  Things that don't take alot of effort.  I think so many times we think that in order to give service it has to be some big elaborate event, but it can really just be something as simple as a compliment or smile to someone who looks like they are having a rough day.  


Friday ended up being my 'free' day.  I already can see how difficult this is going to be to keep up on the weekends.  There is always lots of opportunities to mess it up.  I already know that I have to be really good this week because I don't get my 'free' day until Saturday...with a birthday party and then Broadway Palm Dinner Show that night...I will have to wait until then to blow it!  Haha


Amazingly enough my grand total for the week was 69 out of 70 possible points! (Only possible with the 'free' day otherwise it would have been 64!  


This week is half over, but so far so good! 

ALIAS

Back before I got pregnant with Sydney, Shawn and I were introduced to the show ALIAS starring Jennifer Garner.  We only had to watch the pilot episode and we were hooked. 

The series is about a girl named Sydney Bristow.  While in college she was recruited into a covert operation of the CIA...or so she thinks.

We would stay up night after night watching episode after episode.  The writing was/is amazing.

Since there isn't many good shows running during the summer we decided to watch them again. 
It is like reading a really good book all over again.  Oh how I have missed you, Sydney Bristow!

What are some of your favorite TV Shows??

Movie Stars

Atleast that is what my kids felt like for a day.  A few weeks ago, a friend of mine forwarded me an email.  Pump it Up (kinda like BounceU) was looking for kids to help film a training video for their employee's.  They would be going to a "Pirate Themed Birthday Party", get to play on all the equipment, and get free pizza & ice cream.  I thought it would be a fun thing for the kids to do so I contacted them back to see if they still needed kids.  D. wrote back, and gave us additional info, and the date was set.  The kids were excited.

When we got there they had the kids color their own pinwheels to keep them busy.  While they were working on their projects the 'director' asked Caden if he wanted to be the honorary Birthday boy!  At first Caden was pretty nervous. 

He does not like to volunteer for things.  He has a hard time when he doesn't know what to expect...but after a pep talk, and letting him know what was going to happen...he was all for it.  It was so fun to watch him 'act' like he was the special birthday boy. 

All the kids had a blast, and enjoyed playing on all the equipment.  I had never been to a 'themed' birthday at a bounce place...it was pretty fun.  They had different activities for the kids to do.  They went on treasure hunts, and play different 'pirate' type games.  They even had pirate music playing.  Then they all got to 'walk the plank' before they headed to the private room for Pizza, cake & ice cream.

They had Caden blow out the candles with an 'air cannon.' Then the employee went around the room, and served the cake by grabbing a clump with her hand (gloved, of course) while the kids said 'aarrgggh'.  The kids laughed at the fact that she wasn't using a knife to cut the cake. 

Overall it was a fun little birthday party, and my kids loved being 'stars.' 

Let's Play Music

When Caden was 4 I enrolled him in Let's Play Music.  A program designed for kids ages 4-7 that teaches them the fundamentals of music (rhythm, theory, and beginning piano).  Seriously one of the best & easiest decisions I have ever made. 

I watched as he learned how to read music, play chords, transpose songs into different keys.  I even learned things that I never understood...and I have been immersed in music practically my whole life. It really is such an amazing program that I can't say enough about it to give it the justice that it deserves. 

This is Caden's class - he was with the same kids for the last 3 years.

In May, his 3 year committment came to an end.  They held a recital where all the kids in his class got to perform the songs that they wrote all by themselves!  Caden was so proud of his accomplishment, and so was I. 

Caden & Ms. Stephanie - We really are going to miss her!

Before they started writing their song, they were asked to come up with a story.  Writing a story helped the kids visualize what they were wanting, and then they used the piano to tell that story.  Caden's composition was titled 'The Cat and Mouse' as you listen to him play it...this is what you will want to listen for.

• In the beginning the cat enters
• Then you will hear the mouse
• The cat scares the mouse away...and he runs into the kitchen to hide.
• The cat sneaks into the kitchen and is looking for the mouse
• The mouse jumps out and teases the cat (think hands up to ears saying nanny nanny boo boo..you can't catch me)
• The cat runs after him only to get hit on the head with a frying pan 3 times.  
• Then the mouse runs away
• The cat teeters, and falls over

Silly, but fun (I think he had recently been watching Tom & Jerry...hence the inspiration to the story)
Enjoy......




If you want to find out more about the program go to their website.  You can even locate a teacher near you!  You won't regret it I promise!

Mama Sydney

Have I mentioned how much Sydney loves Grayson?  Well, she absolutely adores him.  It is funny how quickly she got over not getting a sister like she wanted.  She has been a great helper, and is constantly trying to look out for her little brother.

There are times that I would appreciate her not being so helpful.  For instance, the other day I found her trying to change his diaper while still in his carseat.  Oh, and he was poopy.  She holds up a wipey with two itty bitty fingers trying not to touch the poop she had already wiped from his bottom.  It was awesome.  Luckily there wasn't alot of poop & didn't cause a horrendous mess.  Although we did have a talk about where he needs to be changed, and offered to try to teach her how to do it.

She made me laugh when I checked in on them playing 'house' in their room.  She had her doll under her shirt....'eating'.  Luckily, she hasn't tried that on Grayson, but she can't wait to feed him 'real' food.  That will be especially helpful while I try to make dinner. 

It amazes me at how much my little girl is like me.  Not only in looks, but also in personality.  Her love for kids, music, and desire to please mirrors mine as a child.  I look forward to the day when she grows up, and becomes a mother to her own children.  For now, I will enjoy sharing my motherly duties with my little princess who I love and adore.

Trains

When I was pregnant with Thomas we didn't know if he was a boy or girl.  So we had to have both names picked out.  If it was a girl, I had decided Lyla Isabelle.  For the boy name we were trying to choose between William or Thomas.  We gave Caden the choice, and obviously he chose Thomas.  I don't know if it was because he knew of Thomas the Train, but ultimately the name really suits our little guy.  

Who would have known that years later that Thomas would be the one to really be infatuated with trains.  Caden liked trains, but never was fascinated with them like Thomas.  A few months ago, my brother Jimmy, gave us a huge box full of train tracks that he had gotten from a friend.  Jimmy's kids are a little too young for them right now...so instead we have been able to enjoy them.  

This is one of the fun things that the kids will do instead of using their 'time'.   I love seeing what design they come up with.  I wish that I would have taken a picture of each and every one that they have done...because really they are never the same.  They would put one up, and take one down each day...sometimes if it was really big we would let it stay for a few days.  

These are pictures of the same track...they used EVERY SINGLE PIECE, and covered the entire Living Room, Entry, Dining Room, and Hall!

I love the creativity it provides for the kids, and they are always so proud.

This one went all the way down the hall, and into each of their bedrooms.

Time

"Do I get to watch this for free, or does this cost me time Mom?"  is something that I hear alot around our house these days.

Having a newborn causes life to kinda come to a standstill.  They need alot of attention, and when you are nursing...it seems like that is all that you do.  When Grayson was 2 weeks old, Shawn had the opportunity to go to Salt Lake with EVMCO to perform in the Tabernacle.  We were planning on going with him, but ended up staying home instead.  The only problem was that he was also scheduled to leave the following week for business to France.  So that meant that I had no 'Daddy' to help out for 2 weeks, and having a newborn with 3 other children was a recipe for disaster.

Needless to say, we did survive...barely.  My children ended up watching ALOT of movies/television, and played on the computer most of the day.  I was definitely in pure survival mode.  With little sleep, me basically being treated like a cow 24/7 and no reprieve...I did what I had to do to get through the day.

Once Shawn got home from his travels, and things started to normalize.  I knew that I had to do something to curb the time spent in front of the TV, computer, & Wii.  So I implemented a plan.

1. In order to play or watch...they had to 'earn' time minute for minute. 
2. They can earn time by doing chores, reading books (Caden), working on 'sight' words (Sydney), or practicing the piano.  
3. They can only 'cash in' up to 2 hours per day

• A TV show is 'worth' 30 mins 
• A Movie is 'worth' 1 hour
• Computer time is minute for minute
• If Mom or Dad are watching something (ie. we are choosing the program) then it is 'free'

Let me tell ya...it has worked wonders!  

I no longer have to fight with them to turn off the TV or get off the computer.  

They don't argue when I ask them to pick things up or clean their room.  In fact all I have to do is tell them that they will 'LOSE' time if they don't do something...and then they will do it.  

Caden & Sydney are in constant competition.  They never want the other to have more than them. (Which means alot of things get done around the house so they can 'earn' more time to catch up with the other)  

I smiled the other day when Caden came down, and saw that Sydney has chose to watch one of her beloved 'horse' movies (she is on a major horse kick, and requested all movies that have a horse on/in it be added to our Netflix queue).  He could not believe she was 'wasting' an HOUR to watch a movie!

It is great to hear/watch them play together, instead of veg in front of the TV. 

I find that I am getting more things done because the TV is off more than it is on. 

I love how it makes my kids really weigh their options on how they want to utilize their time.  

I don't think they have cleaned their rooms by themselves in a long time.  It is nice to be able to come up, and it is all done with out my help.  

I think our 'time' system will be around awhile.  

Just for fun...because a post is just better when there is a picture, right??  Can you believe how BLUE this little guys eyes are??  I hope they stay that way, and check out those eyelashes!  Why do boys always seem to be blessed with such long gorgeous ones!?

21 days

Facebook and blogs are starting to buzz all about getting ready for school.

I keep reading about my friends who have spent hundreds in school supplies.

I even put a countdown on my phone to remind me....21 days.

This summer has been an interesting one.  We haven't really gone anywhere.  The big reason is because we just had Grayson, and traveling with a newborn can be hard.  Yet, if I would have been a little bit more proactive then I could have planned something and we would have gone.  Instead, nothing was planned, and Shawn's work schedule inevitably filled up...and now our summer is almost at a end.  Although it would have been nice to  go somewhere...it was also nice to just relax and enjoy a summer with no schedule.  The kids spent many days in the pool, and we did lots of other activities. I would like to think they still had fun.

Next summer, I am trying to talk Shawn into going here.  Have any or you been here?  It seems like a great place to go to experience the outdoors without all the work that 'camping' entails.  I am hoping that it works out.

Anyhoo....like I was saying.  School starts in 21 days...and I haven't bought ONE.SINGLE.THING.
No school supplies, no clothes, NOTHING.  I guess I do still have time, but it kinda stresses me to think that I haven't done anything yet.  It is partly because the thought of going shopping with 3 kids and a newborn does not sound appealling in any way shape or form....but I also have yet to get a supply list from the school.  I keep checking their website, and it still hasn't been updated.  I am getting a little bugged.  The last thing I want to do is have to hurry to the store days before school starts just to get what the teacher requests.   Last year they posted one, but when we went to 'Meet the Teacher'...she had a completely different list.

I love their school, but hate the way they do the beginning of the year stuff.  For instance, we don't get to know who their teacher is until 'Meet the Teacher' night (which is the day before school).  I think the reasoning is that they don't want to deal with parents who don't like who their child got, but they are going to have to deal with it anyway.  I think I am going to call them tomorrow atleast to see if they are going to post some sort of supply list for us.

I can't believe a new school year is around the corner.  I am going to miss having the kids around, but at the same time this house needs some structure.  It will be nice to be in a good routine.  Even my little Thomas will be going to pre-school 3 days a week.  I can't believe it.

Random happenings

• I am one of the primary choristers in my ward.  The Senior Primary chorister and I have been holding a 'summer' choir.  The kids are learning some songs that will be 'special' numbers in the program.  It has been alot of fun, but today the kids were a little crazy.  I think we are all ready for summer to be over. 
• I got to go to RodWorks for the 2nd time in the past week.  (They tricked me and gave me a coupon to use to get 25% off if I brought in a friend).  I am seriously going to be in so much trouble.  They have lots of cute home decor for great prices.  Being so close is not a good thing...atleast for Shawn.

• My friend (also my partner in crime for primary music), Jody, has wonderful daughters.  Her girls have helped out with my kiddos all summer while we have been doing this choir.  Megan even watched my kids when we went to RodWorks.  When we came back from our shopping.  I double parked next to Jody's car in the cul-de-sac.  I admit it was dumb...kinda in the middle of the road, but they are at the end of the cul-de-sac, and I was just going to run in and get my kids.  As with everything...my kids took a little bit to get out the door...but I seriously wasn't in there very long.  When I came out....a cop was coming down the street.  He gave me a lecture about how I was breaking 5 different laws (ie. double parking, blocking a fire hydrant, middle of the road...etc.etc.etc.)  I know I shouldn't have parked that way...but really???   Don't they have better things to do? It made me wonder if someone called them.  It wasn't like I was there for hours.  I hate cops.

I know this picture isn't very nice...but I seriously feel like doing this sometimes...oh...if you are a cop, and my friend...I don't mean you....you are nice. :o)

• I am really liking the 8 week challenge.  It is exactly what I needed at this time in my life.  
• I brother has been living in Tuscon for the last few years going to school.  He graduated (the day after Grayson was born), and moved back home.  He is living with my sister, Nancy.  Which means that he lives right across the street too.  He randomly stopped by today.  He held Grayson so I could make dinner.  Then he and Nancy joined us.  I love that my sister lives across the street...and it is so great to have Michael home.

• This is what I made....yummmmmmy.  We made a large bowl of it, and it was gone!  The dressing was the best.  

• Did I mention that I FINALLY got a smartphone?  Actually Shawn wanted a 4G phone so he finally caved, and used my upgrade to get the Samsung Charge, and gave me his DroidX.  Can I tell you...it has changed.my.life.  I LOVE IT!   I was able to check email, read my blogs, facebook & even do my scripture study all while working out at the gym today.  Seriously the best thing ever!  I used to spend alot of time at the computer just reading crap.  It has saved me so much time, and I feel much more productive.  I know it was hard for Shawn to finally have 2 phones with data plans...but I am so glad.  It is worth every penny!
• I decided to start reading the Book of Mormon from the beginning.  It has been so interesting this time around.  I have looked at it from a parent's perspective.  It must have been so hard for Lehi to watch, and know that some of his children were making bad choices.  He was such a good man.  It makes me scared as my children grow.  I hope that they have the desire to do what is right.  
• Pinterest ROCKS!  If you haven't checked it out...you need to.  The best way to organize things you love online.  Since I haven't been on the computer as much lately...my boards are as full as some.  I am hoping they create an app so I can 'pin' things on my phone.  Click here if you want to 'follow' me.  
• I am loving this boy more and more....

Here is to another '10 point' day! Yay!

8 Weeks to a Better You

Yesterday I got an 'invitation' for an event from a friend of mine on Facebook.  

She was challenging us all to take part in improving our lives in 8 weeks.  

It is based off of this blog.

I read through the details, and thought...I can do this.

It is the perfect motivation that I need.

It is NOT a weight loss plan, but if I try to do everything each day...most likely I will lose weight.

Most of all I think it will be a great thing for me to help develop some good habits, and have people supporting me along the way...doing exactly what it says...making me a better me!  

We started the challenge this morning. 

I am happy to say that I did everything!

I think the thing I will struggle most with is sugar. 

That is totally my weakness.

The other great thing is that because one of the aspects of the challenge is 'journaling'...I should be posting here in my space more often. 

I sure have missed it.

I look back at past posts, and am sad that I haven't kept up the blog like I would have liked.

So hopefully I will be able to catch up or atleast get in a better habit of updating.

Even though we did start today...I would love if anyone would like to do this with me.

I always say...the more the merrier!

Here is to the next 8 weeks!

The following are the 10 daily "tasks" to check off, each one counting as a point. The top point earner will win the pot. With a few runners up also. We are going on the honor code, so be honest!! If you decide to join, msg me your email address so I can send you a spreadsheet to print out and keep track of your points. Oh, and very important, you get one FREE day each week!! But you have to do all your slacking off on that ONE day. Sweets/no exercise/no journaling/etc. all have to be done (or not done) on the SAME day. Make sense? So without further ado, here are the daily tasks. Keep in mind that updating your family/personal blog counts as journaling!


1. Exercise at least 45 minutes a day. Make it fun and mix it up. Schedule it in so you're less likely to find excuses not to do it. Add up everything you do - walk the kids to the park, have a dance off in the house. It doesn't have to be hard-core exercising. 

2. Get at least 7 hours of sleep per day (naps are included). Yes, please!

3. Drink 64 ounces of water. 8 glasses, 8 oz. each. Easier than it sounds. Start off with drinking 2 glasses right when you wake up and you're 1/4 of the way there!

4. No sugar. I am interpreting this as no sweets. Things that you know have a lot of sugar in them. I am not eliminating every single thing that has any trace of sugar in it, like bread or spaghetti sauce. If you want to, go for it. 

5. No soda or junk food. This is subject to interpretation also, (kinda) but try and be as honest as you can. What is junk food to some might not be to someone else. Try and stay away from as many processed things as you can, let's put it that way. Things from a box or a can are generally not good for you. 

6. Eat at least 2 servings of fruits and 2 servings of vegetables. Really not as hard as it sounds. Include fruits and/or veggies with EVERY meal. This is the perfect time to enjoy lots of yummy fruits and veggies. 

7. No eating after 8 pm. Self explanatory.

8. Write in journal every day. Blogging counts as journaling. Or try writing in your journal after you read. The key is to have a system and use it! 

9. Complete at least 15 minutes of uplifting reading. No matter what your beliefs, this is to encourage a closer relationship with God. Or something greater than yourself. Read the scriptures, self-help books, religious magazines, something that makes you think about your place in this world and want to be BETTER. Getting up before everyone else and reading is probably the best time to get the most out of it. 

10. Do an act of service/kindness that is outside of your normal routine. This one will probably be the hardest one (for some people), if you think of major acts of service 6 days a week for 8 weeks. Think small. Let someone go ahead of you in line at the store. Say hi to as many people as you can in one day. Having a stranger smile and say hi really makes my day! If you think ahead and include your spouse, kids, neighbors as well as those larger acts, it won't seem as daunting. Service will really help us to grow the most. 

Moments in Time

Two months ago, I was so very uncomfortable. 

I was going in for weekly visits to the chiropractor.

I couldn't bend over.

Everything took so much effort.

I would spend my days caring for my other three children while wondering what the 4th would bring.

I think that is one of the things I love about being pregnant. 

The unknown.

Not knowing what he will look like.

Will he have dark or light hair...brown or blue eyes?

Not knowing weather he will have colic or be a 'good' baby.

Not knowing what his cry will sound like.

The mystery gives me so much to look forward to.

This very well could be my last pregnancy, so I had my dear friend Jamie take some pictures of my prego belly.  I love them.  Even though I am 37 weeks pregnant in them...and HUGE.  I am thankful I took the time to capture this moment in time.  A moment where I was able to help a miracle form, grow, and come into this world.  It truly is something that can't be described.  I am eternally grateful to be so blessed.  

One week and 3 days after Grayson was born we had another photoshoot with my dear friend Robin.  

I LOVE the newborn phase. 

When they are so small and squishy.

We had to make sure to do it before he started plumping up.

I wish that I did this will ALL my kids, but only did it for Thomas and Grayson! (What was I thinking?!) 

I love to be able to bottle up the innocence of this small little window....because really, it doesn't last long.

Looking at this picture helps me to remember the tenderness, and love I have for this little boy. 

How did I get so lucky?

Robin and I had the most fun with this one.  

I still laugh.out.loud EVERYTIME I see it.

Since then, our little Grayson has grown.

His cheeks are now a little fuller.

He is starting to smile, and coo.

The kids are learning to give him (and me) a little space.

(although some times I have to remind them ALOT)

I am just trying to soak in every moment.

I love being a mom...even if they do grow up too fast.

It is sooo worth it.

Grayson's 2 month stats.

11lbs 1oz - 35%

23.5 inches - 73%