Monday, March 31, 2008

Tree Update: Our Landlord will be covering the cost to clean up the tree. Today some guys came to do an estimate and they used their chainsaw to cut a hole so we can get to our front door (free of charge). Tom is trying to convince me that we could do it ourselves and tell our landlord to take $300 off our rent (the guys said today they were going to change $350). I am still thinking about it... hmm...Here is a picture of our fallen tree during the day:


2 - Today I went to the Podiatrist because I have had 2 sore heels for over a year now. On our cruise last year I carried 3olb. Preston for about a mile in flip flops (this is when the pain started). I kept trying to treat it myself. I read online it would take 3 months to heal so I decided it would heal my last trimester of pregnancy so I bore the pain. When I started aerobics again 4 weeks ago it started to hurt again :( I decided I could no longer diagnose myself and headed to the doctor.

Well today I went and was diagnosed with the ever common Plantar Fasciitis. I came home with night splints, 2 ankle braces to wear in the day, presciption anti-flammatory medication, anti-flamatory creams, and a worksheet with a bunch of stretches I need to do. The doctor said I should not do aerobics until it heals...... but I just can't do that.... I am going to do everything, but I just can't not do aerobics because it is what I love doing the most. So I am going to just not jump as much. The doctor also said I inherited an extremely high arch in my foot so I am going back in a week to get fitted for a custom made shoe insert so I don't damage my feet in the future. I shall keep you updated... My poor feet :(

3 - When I came out from my appointment with the doctor today the receptionist said, "Your husband called and he says your baby is fine, but he won't stop crying and he isn't sure what to do so he wants you to call him." So I called home and Tom's boss got mad at him for not being on a phone call because Wesley was crying. He said, "Hurry Home" I am not sure what it is, but Wesley just starts crying whenever I leave home and Tom is there..... He just loves to cause havoc in his dad's life. He hit a milestone on Saturday - we took out the hammock in the baby bathtub so he sits in the deeper water now. He loves the bath:



4 - Funny Preston Quotes Today: This evening it was Thundering and Lightening. Preston was saying "I'm scared" and I asked him why he was scared and he said, "The clouds are grumpy and I want them to be happy." We drove to my parents house and he said, "Look there is sunshine over there. The clouds are happy again."

Preston and I walked to get the mail. When we got back to the door he quickly ran in and locked it. I said, "Preston, let me in" and he said, "Use your key."

Saturday, March 29, 2008

1 - This morning we woke up to some Spring snow! I opened the front door and took a picture because I thought it was so unique to have cherry blossoms on a tree and then see snow:

Well.... tonight we went over to Branden and Heidi's for a steak dinner (Branden got a new BBQ for his birthday) and then we watched Enchanted. It was a blizzard outside! It snowed about 2 inches and we left about 10:30 and drove home. I followed Tom in his Lexus because the roads were covered in snow. When I turned the corner to our house I saw Tom's car parked in the middle of the street and look over to find that the cherry blossom tree had fallen over!:

Before and After Pictures (this is a picture taken from our front door):

I am not even sure what we are supposed to do?? Since we are renters I am going to assume that our Landlord will have a tree serivce come take care of it. I guess we will find out in the morning.... More to come.....

2 - Update on Wesley's hair: It's growing!!! Wesley no longer looks like a grandpa because his hair is growing each day. My mom went to the cabin for a couple of days and came over today and couldn't believe how much he had grown in 5 days. He is getting to be a little chunker! I think I might have to get those 3 month clothes out soon. On Wednesday he turned 2 months old.

3 - On Friday I was busy upstairs working when I realized it had all the sudden got really quiet downstairs. I looked down to see Preston sleeping in an unusual sleeping position...

4 - On Friday night we invited the Rasbands and Heide's over for Rockband Party! We played about 4 hours of Rockband. It was so much Rockband that at night in all my dreams music from Rockband was playing. I have lost some of my drumming skills... I must practice :) We started a band called "The Weswees" - this is what Preston calls Wesley.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Here are some of my highlights for today:

1 - I received probably over 100 special kisses from Preston today. I am not sure why he was being so sweet to me. Probaby making up for the past 2 months he has been a little devil towards me. After I put him to bed tonight he came out 10 minutes later and said, "Mommy, I need some more cuddles from you" I couldn't resist.... He is being so sweet.

2 - This morning at playgroup I had a couple of comments about how I looked tired. So I took the liberty of taking a nap this afternoon with both my boys. I thought Wesley would wake me up after an hour of sleeping, but he slept for 2 hours. That little boy is just in heaven when he is in your arms sleeping. He has this little smile on his face when he sleeps with me. Tom came and woke me up when my Visiting Teacher arrived... oop... after they left I went in the bathroom to discover my hair was all messed up. Hee hee.

3 - Tonight I did Pilates (thanks to my friend Leslie for recommending it). I did the buns and thighs 20 minute workout. This was not a highlight for my day... the highlight was that Preston laid his blanket by my mat and did it with me. He can do the rocking move and scissors so well. My tummy muscles are just mushy right now I could hardly do any of it :(

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

1 - Wesley has had a cold now for about 4 weeks so I decided to take him in to see the doctor today just to give me peace of mind that everything is okay. She confirmed that it's all in his nose and probably viral. His ears and lungs are all clear (whew)! I have been so paranoid because there has been some serious sicknesses going around this Winter. I feel like our family is the only one not hit with this terrible flu bug going around. Last fall Preston's doctor suggested we all get flu shots with the baby being born during flu season~ I am so glad we did. I don't know if that's why we haven't got sick - but whatever it is, it's a miracle. I will just keep sucking out snot with the blue sucker thing and using the humifier :(

2 - Preston got his first job! Tom set it up with the cute grandma across the street. He takes her little garbage out to the street and she pays him $.25. He is saving up for the Ice Cream Man coming this summer.

3 - Tonight we had some friends over for dinner and I realized why I stopped having people over for dinner a lot (I used to have people over for dinner all the time in Utah and Arizona). I really have lost my confidence in cooking and I don't know why..... I was really stressed tonight when they were coming over that the soup was going to taste horrible (it also didn't help that Tom told me it was bland about 5 minutes before they came). I need to just keep inviting people and not worrying about it. They should be grateful for the free meal they get :)

4 - I just finished reading my friend Jenni's blog about how a friend of her inspired her to write things she likes about herself. She wrote about how hard it was for her. I too have been sitting here thinking of what I could write that I like about myself and do what she calls "Take the Plunge".

I am not sure why we are hard on ourselves and not our own best friend. Maybe because we think if we say we are good at something it means we aren't humble and the humility lightening bolt will come and strike us down! So after thinking and thinking and thinking about what I could put I am going to narrow it to a couple of small thing:

A - I think I am a good mother and I am so grateful that I enjoy motherhood. Even though there are some aspects of motherhood I am not good at (TV watching, too much candy, it's terrible that I am writing these thing when I should be complimenting myself!) what I am good at is that every day Preston and I: read together, brush his teeth, say prayers, and sing songs.
B - I am really good at doing research on the internet. I can find almost any product, information, person, etc. online!
C - Hmmm... thinking, thinking..... Hmmmm
D - Something about my physical body that I like is I have really small ankles and wrists.
E - I am really proud that I can do our taxes!
F - I am good at paying bills on time every month! (I hope this doesn't jinx me).
G - I can be happily married to Tom :)

So that is what I came up with tonight - I encourage all of you to, as Jenni called it "Take the plunge" and tell me what you like about yourself.

Monday, March 24, 2008

1 - This tree was in my Aunt Liana's backyard on Sunday. I thought it was so beautiful. I have never see a tree like this in Washington before.




2 - Weight Watchers Update: I told you no news was bad news. Friday, Saturday and Sunday were not good days for me but I started back up again today (went to aerobics and burned 500 calories). This dessert table basically says it all:



See that cute bunny cake? Yeah.... I ate about 3 pieces of that delicious cake that my mom made. Also one of those nest egg cookies, and jello cheesecake cupcakes! I felt guilty the entire time I was eating them :( Boo Hoo

3 - Here is why Preston is such a pain when I ask him to take pictures (he throws this fit "I want to do it" "Don't take my picture." Like Father, like Son (in so many ways! - They both know how to push my buttons).

Sunday, March 23, 2008 - Happy Easter!

We had a fun, busy and crazy Easter!

1 - Saturday night the exhausted Easter bunny fell asleep at 10:30pm. Wesley woke me up at 3am to eat and afterwards I went and hid 35 eggs and put Easter baskets out! It would have been traumatic if there was no easter baskets the next morning. This is the first holiday when Preston actually understands. I told him on Saturday when he wakes up in the morning to go downstairs and there would be eggs hidden and a basket full of presents. Good thing I have a newborn to wake me up :) Here is what the Easter bunny brought this year:



It took Preston and hour to find all the eggs. There was 0 TV on Sunday morning (which was SOOO nice - maybe I will hide eggs every Saturday night!)

2 - Mom and Dad came to Sacrament meeting with us. It was one of the best sacrament meetings ever! The bishop encouraged us to invite someone to come to church. There were lots of visitors there. The speakers did an amazing job. I loved how one of the speakers said, "The real reason we celebrate Easter is Christ's victory over death."

3 - After sacrament meeting we left for David and Liana's house. We had to take Preston out of Primary 3 times because he kept going back in. We had a blast at the Hansens'. We had dinner and yummy desserts (courtesy of Heidi and Mom - Liana would not let me bring a thing because I just had a newborn). Liana has this really neat way of hiding eggs where you put numbers in the eggs (1-100). You come in and open your eggs and Liana put a bunch of cool prizes on the floor. You start with #1 and you get to pick something from the pile. It was a great activity for teaching Preston about taking turns! Even the adults got 5 eggs each. It was a really cool tradition. Preston loved playing with Tavish and Kelsy.





Preston got some cute bunny ears!



Little Wesley hardly slept all day and by 9pm he was so overstimulated! He was a trooper for hanging in there!

4 - For dinner we headed over to the Matthews. Jan had a bunch of people over for dinner: Johnsons, Missionaries, and Heide's. I was trying to put Wesley down for a nap so I had dinner late. Right when I was about to sit down for dinner, Preston decides to go to the bathroom so I had to go take care of him. All part of the mom duties!

We each got Easter Baskets - I got the movie Enchanted, Preston and Wesley got some much needed summer clothes, Tom got Ebay gift card and Tim got Rock Band (yeah!). I will have to show him my drumming skills. Right after we opened our Easter baskets, Wesley started crying so we had to quickly pack up and leave.

5 - So after all excitement for the day Tom came home and crashed, Wesley cried the whole way home and zonked out in his swing (slept until 5:45am), Preston stayed up and watched his Backyardigans movie (Tom took him upstairs and turned on the movie thinking he would fall asleep - didn't happen, I found him awake at 11pm!), and I cleaned up Easter! Whew - it was a fun day. Monday morning Preston woke up and asked, "Where are my presents today?" "Where are the eggs hiding?" It's so sad when a holiday is over :(

Saturday, March 23rd, 2008 - Happy Birthday Branden

1 - Tom and I went on a special "date" with Preston and took him to see Horton Hears a Who. It was cute but no theater cute if you know what I mean. It felt so strange to be with just Preston - it was really... easy :)

2. We cleaned our house! (After Tom and I played a little Rock Band first though). I also convinced Tom to go drop off an Easter Basket to our neigbor with an Ensign in it. He talked to her for about 45 minutes. Tom has a gift of easily talking to people so that is why I sent him. Thanks Tommy! I also changed the filter in the furnace vent. Lily went over and fell down into it. I was talking on the phone and had to quickly hang up. I had to grab her around her neck and pull her up. It was quite dramatic! Stupid cat.

3. Happy Birthday Uncle Branden! We went over to their house for his favorite Parmesean Chicken meal that Heidi had made. Heidi also made delicious cupcakes (I ate about 5 of them) for his birthday. Afterwards we walked to Bartells to get Egg Decorating kit and Vinegar and we decorate eggs. I made a Texas "Hook Em' Horns" egg in honor Branden's birthday. Tom also wore a Texas shirt for him. We love you Branden!

Friday, March 21, 2008

1 - I went to aerobics this morning and my friend KH came!!! (yeah!). Wesley also sat up in the stroller and watched the kids. It was so cute - I wish I had my camera. We were in the back doing push ups/sit ups when I looked over and Preston and his friend were over looking at Wesley. I hurried over and Preston's friend said, "The baby is crying" so I got closer and Preston was trying to put his binky in his mouth. I went to do it and Preston pushed me away and said, "I'm taking care of him mom." Well... excuse me Preston!

2 - I had my 6 week post partum check up today (even though it has been 7 1/2 weeks). Everything looked really great- I had such a fast recover this time. Except my blood pressure was 90/65 - 89 is considered low - yikes! I walked out of there with a skip and a jump - no more weekly doctors visits! Yeah! I met Tom afterwards at Oobas for lunch- just the 2 of us. He got mad at me because I rushed our lunch together to get back to the boys. He can be so sensative sometimes :) - Sorry Tom, I really did enjoy our lunch together.

3 - My mom & Heidi watched the 2 boys again - Preston "helped" my mom mow the lawn today by pushing his red scooter next to her. I love when Preston gets lots of time outside. It was a beautiful day today - cold, but the sun was shining. He likes to point out all the dog poop (from Aspen) on the lawn to my mom and make her pick it up. He really is a bossy little thing. Wesley got to enjoy some sunshine too. I wish I had pictures - I need to put the camera in my bag.

4 - Tonight we had H&B, K&C over and played Rock Band. It was so fun. I am actually pretty good at the drums. Preston loved the drums too. He went with Grandma Matthews to their ward Easter party and she convinced him to come home by reminding him the drums were at home. Here is a picture of him playing:

5 - Tomorrow's goal - Clean the house! Renata is coming Tuesday :)

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

1- Today I want to highlight how grateful I am for my job~

Since 2002 I have worked for OneGreatFamily.com, a genealogy company based out of Utah. I manage their affiliate program, write a weekly newsletter to all our members, and other online marketing tasks. I was introduced to the company by working at an Online Marketing Agency and then they recruited me to come work directly for them in 2003. When I announced we were moving to Arizona, my boss asked if I would be willing to continue working for them at home. So for the past 5 years I have worked for them from home. This has been such a huge blessing in our lives. Right now I work about 2-3 hours a day (during naptimes, but mostly in the evenings). I love it because it keeps my mind fresh and gives me a break from my mommy brain. I try never to complain about it because I am so fortunate to have this great job that allows me to work from home.

2- Another highlight for today is a conversation with Preston (don't you love 3 year old conversations):

Preston: Mom, where does the Easter bunny live?
Heather: Hmmm, He lives in grass
Preston: Up a tree or in a nest
Heather: In a nest
Preston: Taking care of his babies?
Heather: Yes, he has lots of babies
Preston: When is he coming to Preston's house?
Heather: On Sunday
Preston: He has to come a long long far away
Heather: yes he does
Preston: Look, there is grass, he lives there and there and there...... There are a lot of Easter Bunnies mom
Heather; Yes there are Preston! (you have no idea!)

3 - I had an amazing experience last night that made me realize how important my calling of ward missionary is. I went to this Arbonne party and ended up talking to this friend of ours about our church beliefs for almost 2 hours. I got to answer a bunch of her questions and invited her to come for a church tour to learn more. I cannot express to you the enourmous amount of inspiration I felt when answering her questions. I wrote her an email and have been waiting all day for a reply, but haven't heard from her :( It's amazing how when you sincerely pray for help to do good things for others, those prayers are always answered.....

Monday, March 17, 2008

1 - I have a super easy recipe. We had it for dinner tonight and it was delicious! I have been making a lot of Crock Pot meals because I find that I have lots of energy around noon to make a meal but by 5pm I don't feel like making anything (and then we usually go out to eat). So here is my recipe: 4-6 chicken breasts, 1 bottle of BBQ sauce (any kind). Put it in the crockpot on high for 4-6 hours. It was so good - I even used the Kraft Light BBQ sauce. We had it with brown rice and salad. Yummy! You can't get any easier than that. The only thing I do not like about Crock Pot - Cleaning the Pot!

2 - Tom finally made it home today from Las Vegas. They slept at the airport last night and got on a 6am flight home. It was nice to have him home and he bought me new shoes for aerobics. I have a bruised heel that I got last year at this time from wearing flip flops all the time. It has been feeling more sore lately which means I need new shoes. So I went to the expert (Tom) and he convince me I needed to spend some good money to get good shoes. Welcome Home Tommy!

3 - For FHE tonight we did the Easter Egg story of Christ's crucifixion. Preston would open the eggs and show everyone what was inside while I read the scripture. It was so cute. We had pictures too for some of the eggs. Preston looked at the picture of Christ on the cross and said, "Look, he has blood mom. He has an owie" At the end of the lesson when I said to him "Jesus died and then came back to life which means when you die you will live again too" and he said, "YEAH." After FHE was over Preston played with the eggs for awhile and then said "I want Easter to come." It was a precious moment (unlike last week when he went in time out about 3 times for hitting, throwing, yelling, screaming, etc. - and ironically we were reading scriptures about how children are innocent and alive in Christ (Moroni 8) - Branden thought it was pretty funny).

4 - Happy St. Patrick's Day. I wore NO GREEN today and didn't get pinched once! About 5pm today I told Preston it was St. Patrick's day and he said, "What is that?" I wasn't sure how to answer him.... What is St. Patrick's day? Lizzy - I still remember reading your blog last year about how traumatized you were in high school when you didn't wear green to school. Hee hee. The only real celebration we had was bright green bagels for dinner yesterday at the Matthews' house. I am getting so lazy about holidays.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

I haven't posted all weekend. Not because I have been busy but because I have been really LAZY this weekend. Tom was at the basketball tournament so I just hung out with Heidi and my mom all weekend doing a whole lot of nothing. Here are a couple of things that happened:

1 - I worked hard on the Member Missionary lesson I gave today. I really thought there would be people commenting and lots of discussion but nobody was saying anything! I will probably give the same lesson in 4 weeks so I am going to fix it. My partner was sick so her husband (the bishop) gave the 2nd part of it and did a great job. I wish I could be a really good teacher/speaker. This is one of those weaknesses I would like the Lord to make one of my strenghts! This was the first time I ever gave a lesson to adults so it was pretty scary for me.

2 - An embarassing thing that happened to me.... Last night I realized I desperately needed to wax my eyebrows (I am sure you already know what happened). I went up to bed around 1am and turned on the waxing machine. I have done this several times so it's not new to me. I couldn't turn on the main bathroom light because Wesley and Preston were sleeping in my bedroom (Heidi was sleeping in PT's bed). So I turned on the closet light and I figured since I did it so many times it would not be a big deal - Well I ripped off the wax cloth and looked down to see a TON of hair on it. I thought, "oh no, I am too afraid to look up.... just look Heather" so I slowly lifted my head and looked and it was pretty bad. I tried to take the hair off the cloth and see if I could stick it back to my eyebrow, but it looked horrible. I tried my eyeliner pencil and it looked decent. I went and laid down in bed and got up out of bed 2 times just to look to see how bad it was.... urg. How embarassing. And a good lesson learned - make sure you have good light when waxing your eyebrows!

3 - I only will share GOOD news about my Weight Watchers. So you know if there is no news, it's bad news. This morning I weighed in and lost 3 lbs. I loved the quote in my book where I keep track of my points, "Losing weight does not require perfection, only persistence" I will keep tuggin along...... Today is my calorie free day where I am not keeping track. It's my way of rewarding myself for the week. Something to look forward to so I am not too grumpy.... I really really hate this....bah humbug!

Thursday, March 13, 2008 Highlights

Today was a pretty busy day:

1) Went to playgroup and it was so fun. Preston had an "accident" though, and it was really surprising. Luckily I had a change of clothes in the car. For the craft we made eggs that will grow "hair" (grass).

2.) This Sunday I am teaching a sunday school class about member missionary work. I am REALLY nervous about it. It's occupying my mind right now. I am teaching with my friend TN and I went over to her house today to discuss what we are going to talk about. I came away feeling very inadequate to teach this compared to her. She is an amazing person that I really look up to. It will be very intimidating teaching with her. Luckily I am going first so they will leave the class after she teaches and will hopefully just remember that :)

3.) Tonight we went down to my mom's house and Preston and I went in the hot tub. I was in deep thought when I hear Preston say, "Uno, Duos, Tres, Quatro, McDonalds" I said, "McDonalds?" and he said "Yes, MCDONALDS" oh my! Tom needs to teach better Spanish.

4.) Tom left for Las Vegas with Branden and Tim. They went to the MWC basketball tournament. They watch basketball games ALL DAY LONG. This means Tom is in heaven. This would be my own personal HELL :) Sorry Tom. I hope you are having fun (try and find some new shoes for me). Heidi is staying the night with us tonight and I hope I can motivate her to go to aerobics tomorrow.

5.) I just want to finally announce that my sister Heidi is pregnant! She is 13 weeks along. I am so excited for her. I really hope it is a boy so I can save her lots of money. And I'm afraid if she has a girl, she will boss Wesley around (or they will be kissing cousins!). She finds out in another 6 weeks what it is.......

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Today was a pretty slow day so I don't have too much to write about:

1) I went to aerobics this morning and my friend who teaches lower body weights is 28 weeks pregnant and just can't do it anymore. Her replacements were both home with sick kids, so guess who taught? ME! And guess who will be SO sore tomorrow? ME! Being that today was exactly 6 weeks since I had the baby it was my "Congratulations you are 6 weeks - not get your butt working" celebration I guess. It did feel so good to REALLY sweat though - and sweat I did. My face was bright red.

2) Read Preston new library books! One day my mother-in-law came over and mentioned that Preston has so many books. I was thinking in my head that he really doesn't because it seems like I read the same ones over and over and OVER again! Most of the time I don't even look at the words anymore because I have them memorized. But then I did the math. Because Preston is 3, I read him 3 books before nap and 3 before bed. That's 6 books a day, 180 books a MONTH!!! So lately I have been going to library so I don't go insane reading "We're Going On A Bear Hunt" one more time. And I have a confession - I have hid 2 books that Preston loves and I do not like reading. In a month he will be SO surprised when we "find" the "Mouse book" and "Counting book." So today before nap we read 4 books because I was so excited for some new stories!

3.) This is one of the funniest things I have seen. I printed some of them out and put them on the fridge. Thanks to my friend Jenni for posting it - I love it :)

Do's and Don's With Babies

Tomorrow is a very busy day for me so I am off to bed!

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

1. Today I got some really funny pictures of Wesley:

I finally was able to capture a smile on camera. He has been smiling a lot lately. It just brightens your day to see your newborn finally interacting with you. I just can't wait to see his personality develop:

Praise the Lord, I love to sleep!

I love this look he is giving my mom today. He looks like he is so intently listening to her talk.

2. I took Preston to Kidz Bounce today. Here is a picture of what it looks like:

They have open playtime every Tuesday and Wednesday morning and it is so fun. However, today was a different story - I couldn't find the phone this morning to call and invite friends earlier enough while I was rushing around trying to get ready. So it was just Preston, Wesley and I. He kept coming over to me and asking where one of his friends was. I kept telling him that he was at home and he said, "Lets go get him" I told him to go make a new friend and he said, "No, Dallin is my friend." After about 30 minutes of playing, he got bored playing by himself and said he wanted to go home and have lunch. I was feeling the same way - I wanted a friend to play (talk) with too! Many of you might not know this but I have a really hard time talking to strangers.... just not my thing! This is something I admire about my husband.

3. Today it was so cute because Preston talks to Wesley how we talk to him. He says, "Goodness Sakes Wesley, are you hungry?" My mom loves to sing patty cake and monkeys jumping on the bed with Wesley. So today while Preston was holding him, he decided to do it. It was just too cute. Here is a video of it:

http://www.jumpcut.com/view?id=7454D57CF00211DCB219000423CF381C

After I got done taking the video Preston said, "That was a cute picture you took mom." I am trying really hard to get video/pictures these days and I guess Preston is noticing!

Monday, March 10, 2008

1.) This isn't a highlight of the day, but did take up a lot of mental energy. I started Weight Watchers.... blah. When you are pregnant you just can't wait to start dieting and losing weight. But now that the time has come, I'm dreading it. I ordered the started pack online and want to do it by myself. But then today I read online that success at Weight Watchers really is a result of the meetings which I can totally understand. I am trying to convince my friend to put together a group of our own. Hopefully this will happen..... (hint, hint W!)

2.) Today Preston told me that Paublo from The Backyardagins (TV show on Nick Jr.) was his friend. It made me really sad - I need to invite more 'real' friends over. He also told me that Tosha was my friend. One of the downfalls of my mothering is that I let Preston watch too much TV....

3.) We have a great Sunday School teacher. Last week he told the following story that was an amazing metaphor. Thanks to my friend for taking the time to post it on her website so I could copy it :)

Our gospel doctrine instructor is actually a high school/middle school math teacher and as he closed the discussion with his testimony, he shared an account from the previous week. It was simple, but to me it was profoundly touching. He was returning to his students their results from a very difficult geometry test (he made a point to emphasize that no one had acheived a perfect score as this was really a challenging test). As he walked around the room handing back the tests individually, he made comments to the students. to one student who received a 96, he replied, "great job". To another, who received a score in the 80's, "nice work". To others in the same average range, "well done." and then to one student, who received a score of 68, "EXCELLENT! I am so proud of you."

Because he knows his students, he knows what they are capable of; and while he certainly is pleased with those who did well, he was especially aware of the one that struggled with geometry. when this student, by exerting greater effort, finally achieved the best score they had yet to achieve (even though it was only 68), HE recognized that this was their BEST and he acknowledged that with sincerity and respect!

Our savior knows us individually and he knows (even better than we know ourselves) what are individual capacities are; he also knows which things in our lives will be to us as geometry is to this student--complex and challenging. And HE KNOWS when we do OUR VERY BEST. And because of his atonement, THIS is enough.

Sure, we must all try harder every day of our lives, and sure we will recognize when we fall short of the ideal success--and this is even as it should be so we remain humble and realize our dependence on the Lord. But we also must balance this well with faith and hope and happiness. Faith that as long as we are striving to do our best, the lord will help us be better; hope in the promise that his atonement is for us; and THE HAPPINESS that he desires for us to enjoy while we are being schooled in this life that really is wonderful!

It reminds me of our dear President Hinckley's challenge to go forward and simply do our best . . . but to make sure that is our very best. That is living with integrity and the Lord will regconize that and honor that with his promise.

Thanks Bro. R for sharing this amazing example!

Saturday, March 8, 2008 Highlights - Hansen Cabin

It has taken me awhile to put together this blog.... We had a really great time this weekend up at my parents cabin. I decided to combine the whole trip into one blog.

First I want to brag a little about my organized packing! I went to Walgreens and bought a ton of mesh laundry bags - we each had one to put clothes in, and I brought an empty one for dirty clothes. It made packing so nice and easy and because they are mesh you could see where stuff was. I highly recommend it for road trips. They all fit great in the car too. We also had one crate for each person for snow stuff. I just felt so organized! When I gave Tom his mesh bag to pack his comment was, "You might be a redneck if you pack your clothes in a mesh laundry bag." Do not let this scare you away!



Here are my two boys getting ready for their road trip. They both slept the entire way. Preston woke up 10 minutes before we got there. It was a miracle! My dad came up Thursday night with us. My mom didn't get there until Friday evening. It was pretty quiet until she got there :)

Friday morning Preston came into our room at 4:30 saying he wanted ATV - I thought he was talking about TV, but he wanted to go ride the ATV. We convinced him it was still night time and to go to bed. When he woke up the next morning, it took everything we had to get him to eat breakfast before going out with grandpa on the ATV. Friday evening they were on the ATV and it got stuck. We we were wondering why they were gone for so long, and then we see them walking down the drive way. Tom, Dad and Preston took the truck to get it out. I said to my mom, "I sure hope Preston doesn't ride the ATV home with dad (it was dark by now) because he doesn't have any snow stuff (no coat, gloves, hat, etc.)." Sure enough, Tom pulls up in the truck with no Preston. When Preston does get back his nose and hands are bright red and he says, "Mom, I'm not freezing." I just shook my head.....


Friday morning the four of us went on a walk. A lot of the snow had melted so we didn't have a sledding hill. I put Wesley in the sling and he slept the entire time and loved it. See the beautiful mountains behind me? It was so beautiful and the air is so nice and clean.

I should also mention that we caught 4 mice in mouse traps while we were up there. One night I was in a chair reading email when I felt this tickling on my foot. So I lifted up my foot to see a mouse fly across the room. I made a little shrek. Then a couple of minutes later I hear "Snap" - poor guy. It's a good thing I am not afraid of mice (only snakes!)








Friday night my mom did baby duty so I got a straight 9 hours of sleep. She took the baby in her room and he got up at 2 and then 6. It was so strange to me to go to sleep when it was dark and then wake up to the sun. It was soooo nice. Thanks mom! Saturday morning, Wesley had his first sink bath by grandma.









Then we went snow shoeing with my mom. Wesley went along - Tom took him in the sling. Since Preston only weighs 30 lbs he didn't need snow shoes. It was beautiful.












After we went snow shoeing we played in the snow. We made a little hill for Preston to sled down. My mom started a snowball fight with Tom and then went and hid behind Preston. It was so sunny outside you had to wear sunglasses. Luckily Tom had bought Preston some sunglasses before we came.

It was such a fun trip. I have lot and lots more pictures on our website: www.heatherandtom.com/2008/marchhansencabin/base0.html

There are also pictures of what their cabin looks like.

Thursday, March 6, 2008 Highlights

1 - Went to playgroup today and my friend Grace had set up an obstacle course around half the gym. The kids loved and I really appreciate her doing it. It kept the kids happy so they weren't running around crazy at the end of playgroup. My friend Rachel did the cutest craft for playgroup too. You decorate a frog and glue it behind a cup so it looks like it is holding the cup. Then she bought those grahm crack bees (she said they were flies) and you put them in the cup for the kids' snack. It was so creative. I should have taken a picture... darn!

2 - Wesley had his one month check up today. He is doing well and it very strong. Just in the 15 minutes we were there, the doctor said she could tell he was a very peaceful baby. Can the word peaceful and baby go in the same sentence? It can when you are describing my Wesley. He got one shot which traumatized Preston more than it did Wes. And his baldness is due to cradle cap. I'm counting down the days until his hair comes in again :( My cute little "grandpa" baby.

3 - We headed up to Lake Wenatchee around 5pm to my parents' cabin. It was Wesley's first car trip and of course he slept the entire way. My mom and sister Hannah are coming tomorrow. We are going to be spending the day tomorrow playing in the snow and enjoying the quiet peaceful feelings you get when you are up in the moutains smelling fresh cold crisp air.

I'll take lots of pictures tomorrow to share. As I am sitting her typing this, I have witness the death of 2 cute adorable mice, just trying to get some food - poor things.... :(

4 - I want to thank my sister Heidi today for all the help. She is amazing! She came to my house today around 12:00 and watched the kiddos while I packed and worked until 5pm. She has the most amazing patience with kids (especially little kids). She sat with Preston and played games with him all afternoon. I can't even sit for longer than about 15 minutes and do that. When she puts Preston to bed she reads to him for like an hour. Three books is my limit. She just has an amazing talent with children and her children are going to be so lucky to have such an involved mom. Thanks Heidi!

Why I Chose A C-Section

So I have had a couple people ask me why I had a voluntary (planned) C-section with Preston. I first want to start out by saying that I think we are fortunate to live in a time and place where we as women have several options for childbirth. There are women who have their babies at home to those who have planned c-sections, the unfortunate thing is when another woman judges another for their choice. I think we each have our own personalities and circumstances when we go to make that decision. I guess the reason I begin like this is because I have received some negative comments when I tell people why I chose a c-section. I also hear people talk about how horrible it would be to have a c-section. So now I will being my LONG story (you can skip if you don’t really care).

The funny part of the entire story is that I wanted to be a midwife when I entered nursing school at BYU. I thought that having a baby naturally with no drugs was the best way to go and that doctors were the enemy. I studied how the whole experience having a baby in a hospital was just for the conveneience of the doctor. I did internships with midwives at clinics, in homes, and midwives at hospitals. I also did an internship with an OB at a hospital. So after all my internships and seeing about 20 natural births with no medication, about 10 births with an epidural, 1 emergency c-section and 1 planned c-section I decided the natural way was not for me. So I quit nursing school to go into family science (which I loved, and realized I had a passion for).

So before I got pregnant with Preston I had a couple of things happen: 1) I read an article in the Time magazine about how 90% of births in Brazil are by C-section and it is considered the norm. They talked about how today the complications of a planned c-section equal that of a vaginal birth. The article went on to debate why we look at the statistic of 25% c-section rate as such a negative thing when really it could just be another childbirth choice for women. The article also talked about how women in this country are asking for c-sections because of several benefits. When I read that article I went: hmmmm. The next thing was that I had 2 friends that told me horrific stories about having 4th degree tears. I was horrified. So I started to do research and read about it, but then I put it in the back of my mind.

Two months into my pregnancy with Preston another article came out in Time Magazine, titled "Too Posh to Push" and once again I was reminded about planned c-sections. On my first visit with my OB I asked her if she would do a planned c-section on me if there was any indication that my baby was big and she said yes. I decided to keep that ob (which I used for Wesley and absolutely loved). So each time I went to my appointment, Preston was measuring 2+ weeks every time. And it was obvious that I was going to have a big baby. I talked to my mom about a planned c-section, and being the wonderful mother that she is said she would supported me in whatever I chose.

Two weeks before I had Preston my doctor did an ultrasound and estimated that he would be about 9 ½ lbs. She said that the ultrasounds can be wrong so it isn’t a guarantee – only a prediction. She talked to me about a vaginal birth vs. c-section and then told me to let me know what my decision was at my next appointment. I talked to Tom about it and he wasn’t happy. I had pretty much made up my mind by now that I wanted a c-section… all the negative things that most women perceive of when having a c-section didn’t bother me too much. And I guess that’s because of my type A personality.

Tom wanted me to at least try going into labor, but my doctor explained that a planned c-section is a whole different experience than when you go into labor and your body is tired and then you get a c-section. An emergency c-section takes almost 2 times as long (sometimes more) to recover because the body is exhausted from labor. Tom was worried that I would feel like I missed out on the experience of going into the labor – really, seriously? My worst nightmare is labor (especially after seeing women naturally have children). Who REALLY wants to experience that? Okay, I guess there is some of you out there that want to.

The bottom line was – it is so ME, so my personality. Everything is scheduled. I know when I will go in, what will happen, what time the baby will be born. Everything can be planned. What a control freak, huh? Yep that’s me.

So I went back and told my doctor I wanted a c-section and a week later I had Preston – weighing 9.7 lbs with a big head. I loved it. I really did. I felt so good about and looking back I realized that it probably was divine intervention for me. I had 3 nurses tell me that I probably would have had a c-section because of his size. When Wesley was born my doctor said that the umbilical cord was loosely tied around his neck 2 times, which would have probably resulted in a c-section.

I hope this explains why I chose it. I find the recovery from a c-section worse for about a week but then I have pretty much caught up with my vaginal birth friends. By six weeks you would could never tell the difference between a vaginal birth mom and a c-section birth mom. I guess just to end this huge long saga, I just want to say, life is all about expectations. The real loss is when you have your expectations set on giving birth vaginally and when a c-section happens you feel less as a mom. That is poppy cock – change your expectations and realize that a c-section isn’t bad at all. There are lots of positive things about a c-section that you can focus on instead. One of my favorite – you get a baby with nice round cute untraumatized head!





So when I went to my first appointment pregnant with Wesley my doctor asked if I wanted to try a VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section) My reply – absolutely not!

If you have any more question, please ask. I won't be offended at all. Promise.




You can read more about my c-section experience (just incase this insanely long description does not satisfy your need to know!) on the following pages (click on the 1st picture and there is a description of what happened when you scroll throug the pictures):


Preston's Birth

Wesley's Birth

Wednesday, March 5, 2008 Highlights

Last night I went to bed at 2am because I was working to catch up so I am writing yesterday's blog this morning before I forget what happened yesterday :)

1 - Preston, Wesley and I went down to my mom's house. We went on a long walk on the trail by my mom's house. Heidi came too. I realized how lucky I am to get adult conversation almost every day with my mom and sister around - real adult conversation (if you know what I mean). My mom asked Heidi yesterday, "Do they let the baby cry a lot when I am not around?" She does not like babies to cry, and the answer is - no mom, I don't! My mom carried the baby the entire walk!

2. I have been looking at buying this swing for Wesley but have been so hesitant because it was expensive. Finally after debating about it forever at Target, I got it. I love it and more importantly so does Wesley. He will stay asleep forever in it - which is helpful in the morning when I am trying to get everything done. The only problem is I don't want to have him get used to sleeping only in this swing - I do not want a blog that says we moved the swing up stairs in the master bedroom just so he can sleep :)

3 - I did read my goal of going to aerobics. Yeah!

4 - When I got home from my mom's today, Tom was home and had left the door open because the weather was so nice today. As I am pulling up I see a dog going into my house and my friend is outside saying that a dog almost killed my cat. My neighbor runs a dog boarding business (which I am sure is again our HOA) - urg! Lily (our cat) is okay - I just had to coax her down from a high ledge because she was scared to come down. After the dog ran around my house and on my couches the owner came in and got the dog and said, "Sorry!" I was so annoyed.

5. There have been 2 burgluries in our neighboorhood the last 2 days. The robber(s) come during the day, enter through a window and ransack the house, using the owners suitcases they take identiy information and electronics and then walk out the house. I am so freaked out about this. Today when I left the house, I took my computer with me. This is a reminder to everyone to check your windows and make sure you lock the door. Sorry to freak everyone out!

Here is a picture of Wesley because he is changing every day. Preston still looks the same, and is in his favorite green pajamas (see the previous blog about Preston's PJ's)

Tuesday, March 4, 2008 Highlights

I took pictures today but the camera is downstairs and I am too tired to get it (sorry!)

So today I have some quick highlights:

1 - Preston is driving me crazy!! Tonight he took a whole package of those flushable toddler wipes and flushed them down the toilet. I told him to go sit on the stairs so I wouldn't spank him because I just really had to hold back the urge to do it. I sat with a plunger for about 10 minutes trying to get the wipes to go through the plumping so our toilet wouldn't break. He just kept laughing about it saying, "I broke the toilet - haa haa haa" and then I would say, "Preston, it is NOT funny" and he would say, "Yes - it IS funny" I was trying to hold back from laughing so hard because I really was so mad! He has completely destroyed the house today making messes everywhere. Soap on the bathroom mirror, all the books out of his basket, threw Wesley's diapers all over the floor..... This is just one child and I can't even handle it. Just a little mommy venting today.

2 - Took Wesley to get his ceramic handprints/footprints done. I did this with Preston so tradition tells me I must with Wesley. It is near impossible to get a newborn to open his hand!

3 - Today I had lunch with some friends and it was so fun to catch up with them. We are all ready for summer - going to parks and swimming pools and hanging out together. I love my friends.... we are all unique and bring so much strength to each others lives. Thanks friends :)

I am off to bed - super tired! Tomorrow's goal: aerobics and get all the laundry put away

Monday, March 3, 2008 Highlights

Sorry - still no pictures. Tomorrow's goal will be to take some pictures

My highlights today are:

1 - My mom got back from her cabin yesterday and so she came over this morning to bathe the baby and then stayed for about 5 hours. The entire time we just sat on the couch and had a "Red Tent" experience (if you haven't read that book, I highly recommend it!). I cleaned up the family room and in a matter of an hour it was a mess again as Preston was doing everything possible to get us to pay attention to him.

2 - Eating out at La Casita tonight with a 3 year old consisted of:
1) him being dressed in his pajamas
2) picking up a tortilla off the ground and almost eating it
3) Hearing about 4-5 "toots" which were so big they should be considered farts. When we told him he needs to do in the bathroom he says, "No, I toot in my pants" Lovely....
4) mentioning that one of the workers in the restaurant had a "big tummy" and sticking out his stomach and pointing to him. I gave Tom this horried look and then Tom said he was talking about himself. So then I asked Preston "Who had a big tummy?" and he waited for the guy to walk by again and he said, "That guy has a big tummy" I was horrified. I thought taking your kids to restaurants when they were 18 months was bad.... Lesson Learned: Your kids will embarass you more than you could ever embarass yourself!

3 - I didn't blog yesterday so I have to highlight the fact that yesterday I went to church. My friend Carlen came up to me after sacrament and said, "Doesn't it feel so good to be back" and it is so true. You really realize the blessings of going to church when you don't go for 4 weeks. Welsey was wearing a hat and we told everyone his nickname, "Grandpa" I now understand what a man feels like when he is going bald. Waking up each morning thinking "More hair is gone?" I have to take a picture of the progress of this receding hairline - hee hee.

4 - Reading everyone's blog - I love reading blogs. Those of you who haven't blogged need to do it. If I can do it, and you are reading this, you need to do it :)

I am off to bed - no nap for me today, and I am actually funtioning.

Saturday, March 1, 2008 Highlights

Sorry I don't have any pictures... I will get some soon. So today my top 3 highlights:

1 - Preston and Wesley woke up at 8:30am so I got to sleep in.

2 - Cleaned out the garage with Tom - it feels so great to not be pregnant. Every day you feel a little bit more normal and come to the realization that you really are not a lazy person (because after 9 months of being tired and lazy you forget).

3 - Went bowling with some friends. Tim and Great Grandma Wilkinson watched Preston and Wesley and then Heidi and Branden picked them up and took them home to bed. I guess Grandpa Tim had quite an experience watching Preston.... he didn't make it to the bathroom in time. Last time they babysat Preston he threw up on their bedroom floor. Now there is a nice red stain that reminds them of Preston.