Why.Oh. Why.

I've figured out why I don't blog much. It's not so much that I don't have anything to say. I can always come up with SOMETHING.

It's the pictures. I find it a chore to have to upload pictures and then FIND them.

Oh, I know where they are -- in 'my pictures' file.

The problem is I have at least seven cotillion ( I don't know how many that even is but it must be a lot) pictures and it takes for-ev-er to find the one I need.

So- I'm going to just find a random picture for this post and put it up.


Ok- I couldn't just put up a picture of ONE of my kids so I put up a picture of all THREE.

I didn't even edit these in Picassa.

Meh.

Where Have I Been?!?

I'm so BAD at posting on my own blog and SO, SO, GOOD at reading others. So- here's the scoop on what's been happening in my/the family's life this past little while (in no particular order):

• Had Sasha's birthday party. She turned 3 and is old enough to remember this birthday which is really cool. I must say it was more like CHRISTMAS with all the gifts she received. And thankfully the birthday balloons have been quiety disappearing since the almost strangulation situation with Sampson. Had to break out the scissors, make a fast dash and rescue the poor baby! {Side note: I've just now realized that I've managed to nicely space out my children's birthdays; March, May and July. Just enough breathing space between each to get ready for the next!}
  

• Went to London's (Kristine and Mark's little girl) baby blessing. We had such a nice time and London looked precious in her blessing dress. She was in such a good mood while we were taking pictures, too. Sooo sweet!
• Was lucky to have my sister and her family come visit a few weeks ago. Randy loves it too because it means I clean the house!
• Managed to not freak out too much when I came home to find my husband had ONCE AGAIN rearranged my computer/desk situation. When I walked back to the room that is ONCE AGAIN my computer room I just stopped in my tracks and turned around to face my husband. He just stood there with a HUGE grin on his face. He knows how much I stress out when he rearranges things. It wasn't too bad this time since he had most everything moved. {I was equally surprised to discover our NEW living room arrangement a few days ago as well. Sigh..aren't women supposed to be the ones to do the "rearranging"??!?}
• Both Sampson and Sasha got sick. Sampson has RSV, bronchiolitis and ear infections. It's the first time he's been so sick. Sasha just had a an annoying cough. Bleh!

• Spent tons of time online pouring over paint color samples and living room decor. I still want to decorate my living room with aqua/teal/ice blue...{you get the picture} I'm sooo close to buying paint. It's just hard for me to get in the painting mood when it's SO DARN COLD. Stop snowing already!

Love how clean and refreshing this one is. But I'm not too sure about that clean, crisp, WHITE furniture. Not only do I have children but also 2 dogs who think they own all the comfy spots in the house. I can just see their cute little paw prints running across the the back of the couch and down the arms.

The wood accents in this one warm it up a bit. I just don't know if I can find make time to search for only blue and white accessories. {And the beautiful decorative items on the coffee table would more likely be on the beautiful rug beneath it once Sampson's seen them.}
I'm thinking I REALLY like this one. I know, I know, still have to find the color matching accessories. But the couch is beigey/tan. Much better at hiding little paw prints. It feels warm, cozy, AND best of all, has a splash of PINK!

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Feel free to leave me a comment!

Good Morning!

Today Randy had to take his work car into the dealership to get the headlight replaced.  This meant I had to drive the van to the dealership so he had a ride home.

Things for me to do:

Get kids up (okay Randy got Sampson out of his bed and Sasha woke up on her own but still...) {check}

Change diapers {check}

Get kids dressed {check}

Give Sampson a handful of Cheerios and a bottle {check}

Get Sasha  a sippy cup with milk and a baggie of Trix {check}

Get dressed, brush teeth, put hair in pony tail {check}

Do Sasha's hair {check}

Put Sampson in carseat with blanket {check}

Get kids in car {check}

Things for Randy to do:

Take shower, brush teeth, do hair {check}

Get dressed {check}

Eat {check}

Get in car {check}

Hmmmmmm....... The "lists" look a little uneven... 

What's Been Happening?

Today Randy surprized me and came home during the day with a gift for me.  A Valentine's Day gift. ( I know, I know, a little late) He had it wrapped in one of Sampson's blankets.  He had a big speech ready to give me on how he knew I would love this gift and it was useful as well...and on and on and on.  I just KNEW it would be:

1. something he wanted or
2. something incredibly crazy

He said he had to go to TWO stores to find it and even had to get on his phone web browser to prove to the lady in the store that they had some in stock.  They were in backstock. (I wonder why?)

FINALLY he gave me the blanket wrapped gift and I unveiled.....

A SNUGGIE

Have you SEEN the commercial about this contraption?  A blanket with arms?

Randy and I saw the commercial a few nights ago and we both could not stop from commenting on it.  Not in a good way commenting.  It looks like an outfit one of those creatures from Star Wars wears.

 

Or even a Jedi Knight. 

All I know is that I thought it was one of the silliest things I'd ever seen. Grab a blanket already. Put on a sweatshirt.  I know-turn up the heater! (oh wait, you don't have to turn on the heater wearing this!)

I honestly thought the gift was a joke. It wasn't.  My dear husband told me I could wear it while I was using my laptop (I have no laptop) or while I was watching tv ( I usually do that while in bed, under covers). 

He got one for my mother, too.  (because they were ONLY 15 dollars!   On the website they are two for 35.00!) I suggested he give MINE to my mother and take hers back. Not going to happen.  

I do like the cool little booklight that came with it.

Christmas Time Happenings

We had a nice quiet Christmas at home this year. It was mostly focused on Sasha since she's the who understood what was going on. Sampson just enjoyed rolling around in the wrapping paper! Sasha received a lot of fun presents from family and Santa. She really likes her Barbie that can go in the bath tub and wants to take a bath all the time now. She loves the special markers that only write on the special paper. She also likes all of Sampson's toys too..... and tries to share them with him. :)

Our gifts to each other: Randy received a GPS and I received a Cricut machine. We both received a stationary exercise bike but I've yet to use it.... Randy has been very dedicated to riding it. Yah for him!

We were able to visit with all of Randy's family in Roy. Had a really fun night eating, visiting and playing Rock Band!

Christmas Eve we went over to Mom and Lee's home, ate and opened some gifts. We went over again Christmas night and ate leftovers. Mom wasn't feeling very good.... not fun. I think she outdid herself getting ready making dinner and all.

I'm excited to see my brother, Joe, and his family in a few days. They will be coming up to visit. They are so cute.

Here's hoping for a ♥ safe and peaceful! ♥ New Year~!

S.N.O.W.

Way. Too. Much.

Cuteness!

Made this collage using Picasa 3. How cute is my little family?!?!?

New Things I Love

First off is the new tree I purchased AFTER Christmas last year. It's a slim pre-lit tree and I love it! I went with pink/white/silver theme this year. I wanted more pink ornaments but couldn't find any that I liked (or that were in my price range!).



Next are a few of the ornaments! Darling little canary ceramic cardinal. And this see through, meshy-type leaf with a cute silver acorn attached!! I would have bought more but I could only find 4. :(


I found these at good 'ole Wal-Mart! Um...I'll call them "decorative ball ornaments". I had them presented very beautifully in a glass cake stand but unfortunately the stand was accidentally broken. Now they just sit on my bakers rack until I can find them a new home. But I love them!


SCENTSY Plug-in! Love it! I got the green weave one to match my kitchen. Don't worry it's plugged in where the kiddies can't reach it! (But isn't one of their selling points they won't burn little fingers?) I had to show the wax inside cause it is TO. DIE. FOR. Scent - Nutmeg & Orange Zest. I think it smells like pumpkin bread....mmmmmm...

What are your new favs?

What to Watch

Mom: Do you want to watch TV Sasha?

Sasha: Yes.

Mom: OK

Sasha: Not the ball one. NOT football.

Mom: (Looking at Randy) Did you hear that honey??????

heehee

Stickermania

This is what happens when you let a 2 1/2 year-old have fun with stickers....

We start out with the gate outside my computer room...


Then move 3 feet over to the wall...


Next we walk down the hallway..just before we reach the family room...


We've reached the family room and found the coffee table...


Heading towards the kitchen we make a pit stop by the recliner and see the scooter...


We've made it to the kitchen and here is the baker's rack...



And our last stop...the kitchen floor....



It's good to know I won't have a problem if we ever have to sell our home with prices this low..:)



Oh...and this is what happens when you leave your husband alone with the kids...those are post-it notes on Sampson's forehead. And doesn't Sasha look so proud?

Are Ya Tired?

So we've been trying to get Sasha to go to bed at a decent time and some friends suggested I take away her nap. She usually naps for 2-3 hours. So I've been keeping her up in the afternoons.
A few nights ago she was eating in her highchair and when I looked back this is what I found. It was only 7:30 p.m.!!! Woohoo!!

Halloween Fun

I know...it's a LITTLE late... but we had fun!


Lookin' for a pumpkin!





Sasha found one "just her size".



And here are the trick-or-treaters!

We Voted

We are proud to say we went out today and voted!




Yep, that's my "I voted" sticker the guy said I HAD to wear for 9 days..... I don't get it either.

I Missed It!!!

Yesterday we were up in Roy visiting Randy's parents and I was commenting on how Sampson is almost 5 months old and still hasn't rolled over completely. Randy piped in, "Oh, he did!" Hold on.... WHAT?!?!? My little boy rolled over and you forgot to mention it to me-his mother?!?!? Yah, I wasn't a happy camper... LOL. So, I missed a milestone in my little guy's life. And, he hasn't decided to roll over again so I still haven't seen him do it! Patience, Patrice....

Some Thoughts

So I haven't really sat down and written anything on the blog for quite some time. I just get lost in reading other blogs and before I know it....I'm ready for bed. I always think I'll post something "tomorrow" but tomorrow always seems to be a repeat of yesterday. So- I'm going to make it a goal to write more on here.
Randy was asking me the other day if I wrote down all that happened during the birth of Sampson. I said "no". Yeah- that didn't go over too well... lol. So, I'm just going to post 1o things that I remember about that day---May 30th, 2008.

1. I was SO ready to have Sampson. I was uncomfortable, irritable, grumpy...you get the picture! That doesn't seem like such a great 1st remembrance but it IS what I remember the most!

2. I wanted my sister to be at the hospital with me when I had Sampson. The MINUTE I found out that my mom couldn't be there (still upset about that!) I immediately called her and let her know she HAD to come up. She readily agreed and luckily I had him before she had to head back home because of work.

3. My mom getting emotional on the phone when I was talking to her in the hospital. She was sad she couldn't be there. :( She's such a great mom and grandma!

4. The AWESOME nurse I had that really talked me through everything and let me know exactly what was going on....except for when I was almost rushed to the OR room for a emergency C-section.... Well, it WAS CrAzYand she was busy calling in other nurses, herding out everyone except Randy and calling the doctor. Which leads me to #5

5. While all this was going on all sorts of things were rushing through my mind. I called out for Randy and he came and sat beside me and held my hand. I just looked at him and only him and stared into his eyes and just breathed. That was the only thing that comforted me while all the commotion was going on. I just remember the peace and comfort I felt just looking in his eyes.

6. Pushing like 15 times and NOTHING?!?!?!? What is up with that?!?! Finally the suction cup was pulled out and after a few tugs there was our DARLING BABY BOY. (Sorry if this was too graphic...)

7. Being shown the knot in the cord that was tied around Sampson's little wrist while he was inside me. The doctor slipped it off after he delivered Sampson. I didn't really think anything of it at first. Not until the nurse said that if the cord had slipped off his wrist while he was inside me he would have been stillborn. S.C.A.R.Y.

8. Thinking the nurse was playing a joke on me when she said Sampson was 8 lbs. 1 oz. and 21 1/2 inches long. Yeah, right! Can ya weigh him again please cause that can't be right. It was and I have the birth certificate and baby to prove it.

9. Worried I was going to upset Kristine (Randy's sister who is pregnant) because of the few complications that I had during labor. Sasha's birth was sooo easy and when Kristine asked if she could be in the room with Sampson I didn't think anything of it. I kept watching her to see if she was okay. I THINK she did fine.... :)

10. How wonderful it was to have family around on that special day. They are so wonderful and supportive!!!!

I know I have a loving Heavenly Father who hears and answers my prayers. I have 3 beautiful children to prove it. I have a wonderful husband who I am sealed to for eternity! I love the gospel and the blessings it provides me and my family. LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL!

A Great Team on Etsy

This is one of the teams I belong to on Etsy. Very supportive and helpful!

Filter Skate Palin

This is what my name would be if Sarah Palin were my mother. Check out this link to see what your name would be!

http://politsk.blogspot.com/2008/09/sarah_13.html

Some Lovin'!

So today I see that 1. I'm the featured artist on the EtsyScrap Team Blog. Go see the article here: http://www.etsyscrap.blogspot.com/

I'm featured because I won the "Halloween Card" contest! Yippee!!!

and 2. some of my magnets are featured on Studio71Design's blog here: http://jenniferstuartdesign.blogspot.com/

I bought some pdf files from her Etsy store and used them to create some magnets. Nice!