Here's what's been going on at our house this December:So, Maya loves Santa! She was so thrilled to sit on his lap. (She threw her socks off somewhere in the mall.)
Here we are all bundled up to go look at Christmas lights. There is this cool house in Murray that has the lights synced to music! Here is a link of the address and other information if you want to go see it too: "Christmas house" link. I can't believe how much people do for Christmas!
Hayden and Maya are becoming good buddies. Here is Hayden sharing his cereal. Look how he has his mouth open to say "Ah". They are always giggling and chasing each other. The other day when I was putting Maya down for her nap Hayden said, "Goodnight, my cute little princess girl!" It was totally cute.
We've made a few goodies. Here is the reindeer cupcakes we made. Hayden was so excited about his. They have m&m eyes and a red lollypop nose and pretzel antlers. His reindeer has a huge double layer of green and red m&m's.

And...Maya! She is such a handful. I am constantly pulling her off the counters and the table and the piano and now this ledge that is in the toy room. Look at her smile! She knows she's not supposed to be up there, but she is pretty proud of herself. She just looks too little to be climbing. She has also started telling me "no" after I tell her no.

My Baby Has Hair!

A few months ago, I was complaining about how Maya has no hair and how I can't ever do anything but put a headband in it. Well, look at it now! All of the sudden her hair is growing like crazy! I now have several hairstyles to choose from. There's the pigtails (above), the on ponytail right on top, or the side pony. It's great fun! She sits so still while I do her hair. It is the only time of the day she will sit for me. She even lets me curl it. Yesterday, I didn't do her hair right away and she brought me a comb and the squirt bottle. Isn't that cute? I love having a girl! (The second picture she is saying "cheese".)

Meet "TY"

This morning as I was getting Hayden ready for pre-school, he said that today he was wearing something Ty would wear. I asked him who Ty is and he said, "Oh, just my friend." I had never heard of Ty before, so I started to ask more questions. "Does Ty go to Pre-school or primary with you?" "Where does Ty live?" Here are the facts about Ty:

• He has brown hair
• He has red eyes ? (creepy, huh?)
• He comes over to our house all the time
• He doesn't go to Pre-School or Sunbeams with Hayden
• He lives really close to our house
• Sometimes Ty's other friend Kaylee comes over, too
• Kaylee is having a birthday soon
• Kaylee lives by Marisa's house

I told Eric about this conversation I had with Hayden, so while I was gone tonight, Eric questioned Hayden a little more. Hayden told Eric that Ty just left a little while ago. So, I'm thinking that Hayden has an imaginary friend or two. I looked up his pre-school list, and there is a Tyler in his class, but he has never mentioned Tyler before today. And, I don't think that Tyler in his class has red eyes. At least I hope he doesn't. I 've been trying to ask Hayden more questions, but he said he's tired of talking about Ty. He now says that his best friends are Trey (his cousin), Ty and Kaylee.

My mom told me that I had an imaginary friend named Shanney. I played with her all the time and talked about her. I need to ask her again, but I think Shanney went away when my sister was old enough to play with. So, here's my question. Is this normal? Do any, or have any of your kids gone through this, too?

Haircuts

If any of you know Hayden, you know that he is a pretty chill kid. He goes with the flow, doesn't get uptight, and he has a good attitude most of the time. Except when it comes to one thing. Hair cuts. You say the word to him and it sends him screaming and flailing his arms. He becomes hysterical! I took him to get his hair cut from my friend, Rondi, once. I was so embarrassed. He kicked and screamed and I had to have him sit on my lap while I tied him down with my legs and arms. I think he still kicked Rondi a couple of times.

It really is not his fault he has this fear. It's mine. When Hayden was about 16 months and needing a haircut, I took him to the nearest barber and he had a great experience. So, the next time he needed a haircut, I did it myself. I bought my own haircutting set and everything. The first couple of times he did great with me cutting his hair, but then he started throwing fits every time he would see me take out the electric razor. One time I was cutting Eric's hair and he yelled, "OW!" I guess the razor was catching and pulling hair as it went along. Hayden now thinks that this is what happens when he gets his hair cut. Last week he told me that he either wants to grow his hair long like a girl, or take his hair off. When I told him that in order to take his hair off he would have to get a haircut, he said then I guess it will be long. He was dead serious. He hated hair cuts that much. Until now.

I found this place called "Cookie Cutters" over on about 114th and Bangerter in the new shopping center and movie theatre area. I called and made an appointment and just told Hayden that we were going somewhere "fun". We walked inside and it was a kid's dream! First, we had to use the bathroom, and the have a door for grown-ups, and a smaller door for kids. Then, they have a play area with a slide and video games. Now, I am sure that Hayden knew he was getting a haircut, because he could see it being done. I think he was just distracted at the bubbles, video games, car chairs, and movies going on.

When the girl called Hayden's name he ran over. He was so excited, but I could tell he was a little nervous. She asked him which car he wanted to sit in and what movie he wanted to watch. (They have a TV in front of each chair...and they have pink cars for girls!) He chose an airplane and Scooby Doo. The girl that was cutting Hayden's hair was the best! (I have her name if anyone wants to go there.) She kept asking him questions about Scooby Doo and about what he's learning in preschool, etc. And he was asking her questions like, "So, how long have you worked here." and "This is a pretty cool place, don't you think?" Funny, huh? He also mentioned that she was way better at cutting hair than his mom, and that he is coming back for sure.

I was so happy I wanted to cry. Finally, after 3 years of fighting, Hayden had a good hair cutting experience and it was well worth the money. We tipped her 25%. She was that good. She also gave him a balloon, a sucker, and a cookie cutter. How fun is that?

So, anyway, I will never have to put up with a haircutting tantrum again. Unless I cut his hair. He says it's only me that hurts him when he gets his haircut. Oh well, one less thing.

Me: Hayden, what are you going to be when you grow up?

Hayden: 12.

Annual Snow Dance

Growing up, my family always celebrated the first snowfall of the season by running outside in our bare feet and yelling and screaming. My dad could always stay out in the snow the longest! Now, we do the same tradition in my family. It really seems like some sort of cruel discipline, but we are having fun. Hayden thought it was the best idea! He wondered why we couldn't go sledding like that.

Here's a picture of Eric's snow-angel. So graceful!

We made "elf's of ourselves!"

The Best Idea

Last week my in-laws from California, Mike and Emily, shared this idea with us.

They asked their children how many presents the wisemen brought to Jesus.

They answered, "Three."

Then they replied, "Do you think that you should receive more presents than Jesus?"

"Of Course not!"

Genius, don't you think? I hope you don't mind me sharing that, Mike and Em, but really, everyone that I've told that to has decided to change their ways this Christmas. You two are brilliant!

Look at us!

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!

Happy Holidays!

Pictures!

I downloaded some pictures from our leaf fight a couple of posts down. You have to click on them to see them up close because they are a little dark.

Our Thanksgiving...And Much To Be Thankful For...

Our Thanksgiving this year was spent up in Cedar City near Duck Creek in a nice cabin with my dad and Georgie and families. It was a very different experience! We have never been anywhere but Farmington for Thanksgiving. There was so much food...DANG IT! Good food! Our highlights of the trip were roasting marshmallows over an open fire in the woods, family game time, and sleepless nights with our little one. I really felt Thankful to be able to get to know my siblings a little better without the distraction of the X-box. Thanksgiving night we were laughing for hours until we were crying. I miss those times with them. They are fun to be around, and I am looking forward to watching them grow up.

Eric's entire family was together for the week, so we only stayed a couple of days in Cedar City. The house was full of cousins, and they were all in heaven! On my husband's side of the family, there are 15 grandkids and of those 15, there are only 3 girls! When I was pregnant with Hayden, so were all of my sister-in-laws...with BOYS! There are 4 boys all born within a year of each other! They have such a good time together. I seriously love all of Eric's family like my own. My sister-in-laws are probably the most fun women that I have ever known. I wish we could get together more often. It was sad to say goodbye.

And now...here are a few things that have been on my mind that I am Thankful for:

• My husband. He and I have had quite a year. It has been our goal to get our lives in order, but it hasn't been without a fight. Change is hard! But, I count myself as lucky to have a man that will encourage me and won't let me give up. It is so comforting to have him by my side, and I truly feel like together we can accomplish great things.
• Family. It is not often that someone has great support systems on both sides of the family, but I really do! I have family that are all strong in the gospel, and are examples to me. I feel like our family has such a legacy of faith, and I hope that I can leave that legacy with future generations.
• My Children. I feel the weight of being a mother daily. I have been blessed with 2 amazingly active children who challenge my patience daily. But, there are so many moments where I stand in awe that these children are my gift to raise. I am thankful that I am able to teach them about the Savior and about the gospel. Maya has started to fold her arms and say "Amen", and Hayden has started to say some very insightful prayer. They both have such individual talents and abilities. I am Thankful to be a mother!
• Work. A few weeks ago, I had the best day! My kids were happy, I was happy. I was able to get so much done, and even serve someone in the ward. At the end of the day, I was exhausted from having done so much. As I was lying in bed, I felt at peace. I had done my best. I realized what a great feeling it is to be able to say at the end of a long day that I had worked as hard as I could. There is such a peace that comes from work well done. Knowing how to work, and work hard is something to be Thankful for.

What's Up at the Salway home!

The past week, Eric and Hayden raked all the leaves from our back yard. I have some really cute pictures from that! I'll try to post them later. Eric would have Hayden stand in the garbage can to push the leaves down to make room for more. They had a leaf fight and everything!

On Saturday we started cleaning out the garage and the storage area. What fun! Honestly, though, I love that feeling of having things in place. I am realizing we have way too many baby clothes, but I don't want to get rid of them yet! I think we have one bin for each age bracket boy and girl. That adds up quick.

One other thing that we've been doing: About a month ago in a regional conference, the Prophet spoke and basically said that if something is bothering you in your life, stop complaining and change it! So...I am changing the things I complain about. My biggest problem was that I was feeling like I was being thrown into my day. I would wake up when my kids woke up and I felt like there was too much to do and I could never get on top of anything. I have since started waking up and going to the 5:45am cycling/weight class at the gym and I now have time to shower, start a load of laundry, and read my scriptures all before the kids get up. Now when they wake up, they wake up to a happy mom who is excited to see them, rather than a sleepy, groggy mom who wants more sleep. It is awesome! I feel really overwhelmed sometimes, like there is too much that needs to be changed in my life, but I have to start somewhere. There are many mornings that I don't want to get up, but I say to myself, "Too Bad!" and when my mind starts making excuses, (but really what else do I have going on at 5:45 am?) I say, "So what."

Spiderman, Chicken, and Hippies, OH MY!

We had our ward party last Friday night. It was a Chili Cook-off/ Trunk or treat. The kids (and us) dressed up and begged for candy around to the different rooms in the church. It was my goal to get Eric to dress up this year and here is what we went as ...HIPPIES! I think Eric secretly liked this costume. He totally became a hippie. We have been coming up with catch-phrases from the 70's like, Groovy, Psycadelic, etc. and when we put our costumes on for a family party on Monday, Eric pulled out the Brady Bunch dance moves.

Hayden loves his spiderman costume, and he tells everyone the muscles in his costume are REAL! And Maya doesn't really care what she is, but she sure is cute! The chicken costume fits her because her hair is constantly standing straight up like a chicken. Can't wait until tonight! Time for tons of candy, scary movies, frightening the trick or treaters...I'm all set!

Eric's Birthday

We celebrated Eric's birthday last week on October 25th. It was so much fun! Eric requested an Angel Food cake with whipped cream and strawberry jam for the topping. (which is so delicious! We eat this on our pancakes!) We had my Dad and Georgie watch the kids over night (THANK YOU SO MUCH!) and we went to PF Changs and to see a movie. Then, we slept in! It was relaxing and so enjoyable. Thanks, Judy, for watching the kids a little longer. We honestly had the best time. I'm so glad I am married to such a good guy! I love you, honey.

Brandi's Better half (I mean bigger half)

Well I guess I got tagged by my new Step Mom-in-law. I didn't know that this tagging thing worked unless you had your own blog, but apparently it works if your wife does. So without further adeu and so my wife will be happy with me I now Present the life of Eric Salway, From A to Z.

A- Attached or single: Attached
B- Best Friends: Why my lovely wife Brandi of course. I also still have two friends from Childhood that I try and somewhat keep in touch with, Darryl Feilbach and Richard Pittman
C-Cake or Pie: Depends on the time of year. I love cake Most of the year but right around Thanksgiving till the end of the year it is all Pie Baby!
D- Day of choice: I love Saturdays the most. Especially when BYU is playing.
E- Essential Item: My Treo. I honestly feel uneasy when I don't know where it is or if the battery is getting low. Now that I can receive e-mail from my cell phone I feel like I can go anywhere and still be on the clock. As Kip from Napoleon Dynamite once sang... "I love Technology!"
F- Favorite Color: Blue... True blue through and through
G- Gummi Bears or Worms: If it is Cinnamon Bears than Bears but if not it's worms. I love to bite their little heads off or tails (you can't really tell with a worm)
H- Hometown: Stockton, CA (The Ghetto baby)
Indulgence(s): Watching Trashy TV with my wife and way too much Football on Sundays
J- January or July: July
K- Kids: Hayden and Maya
L-Life is Incomplete Without: Brandi, ESPN, BYU Football, Weekends, Long hot bubble baths (Kidding.. kind of), DVR, Mtn. Dew, The Gospel, oh yeah and my kids (Things listed were not necessarily in order of importance, except for my wife of course)
M- Marriage Date: June 26th, 2002
N- Number of Siblings: 1 sister and 4 Bros (Grew up with a lot of testosterone in he home)
O- Oranges or Apples: Oranges but neither if I could choose
P- Phobias or Fears: Unemployment, Medical Bills in the mail, Dentists, Mice, (ask Brandi how I react)
Q- Quotes: Multiple quotes from Zoolander, Princess Bride, and from the TV show The Office... "That's what she said"
R- Reason To Smile: I'm almost finished with this (j/k) I have the best family in the world and was born a Cougar fan not a Ute.
S- Season: Spring/Summer right in between when Golf is the best
T- Tag Three +: Anyone that feels the need
U- Unknown Fact About Me: I'm actually really attractive. I'm just wearing a fat suit so the ladies wills top hitting on me. Also, I secretly want to be a Cop
V- Vegetarian or Meat Eater: Meat all day all the way.
W- Worst Habit I'm sure my wife could point out many. After about 6 months to 1 year I get really antsy about my job and go look for something else. I guess one of these days I really should go be a police officer.
X- X-Rays or Ultrasounds: X-Rays I guess, as an Ultrasound would really hurt and I'd be afraid of what they might find.
Y- Your Favorite Food: Prime Rib. There is nothing better than a nice juicy piece of Prime rib medium to medium rare with Horse radish and Au Jus. Good Gosh that sounds so good right now. Freaking diet I'm on that won't let me eat Prime rib meals a day.
Z- Zodiac: Scorpio

Our Halloween Activities

We have had such a fun month so far. We have gone to Frightmares twice, Hogle Zoo, Gardner Village, Cornbelly's, and we have also made yummy treats: Frankensteins, Sugar cookies, and pumpkin cookies. We have more fun coming up next week, but here's what we've been up to!

I have Created LIFE!!

How to create your own Frankenstein:
You will need:
A body (chocolate cupcake)
A head (marshmallow dipped in green colored almond bark)
Eyes (mini Ma Nem & M's)

Bolts (white tic tacs)

Green Goop (vanilla pudding dyed green)

First: Create your chocolate body (or 24 of them)

Next: While the bodies cool, melt almond bark (found by the chocolate chips in the store) and dye it green. Take large marshmallow head and dip it in the bark. Add eyes and bolts before it sets.

Then: With a syringe full of green goop, squeeze the goop into the cupcake.

Then, frost the cupcakes, and with a fork, make a nice hair-do on the head. Then place the head on the body. You have just created life!

WARNING: You must eat Frankenstein before he realizes his need to be loved. If you've read the book Frankenstein, we all know that doesn't end well!

ABC, IT'S ME!

My friend, Amber, who is new to the blogging world tagged me to do this! This is a fun one. Thanks, Amber!
A- Attached or single: Attached
B- Best Friends: Eric, and even though I'm not great at staying in touch, I still consider Lindy my best friend.
C-Cake or Pie: CAKE! I love most all cakes, especially Dairy Queen's ice cream cake. The fudge and cookie center....AH! That's heaven to me.
D- Day of choice: Um, Friday! Weekends still mean party time!
E- Essential Item: My "CHI" straightener. You guys should see my hair when I wake up. It cannot be tamed! This is the only thing I've found that works miracles. It was well worth the $100 we paid for it, believe me.
F- Favorite Color: Sometimes red, sometimes green. Mostly Red.
G- Gummi Bears or Worms: Worms. They last longer.
H- Hometown: Farmington, UT...I would love to move back!
Indulgence(s):
J- January or July: July
K- Kids: Hayden and Maya
L-Life is Incomplete Without:Eric, my kids, my testimony.
M- Marriage Date: June 26th, 2002
N- Number of Siblings: 3 brothers, 2 sisters
O- Oranges or Apples: Apples
P- Phobias or Fears: AHH! SPIDERS!
Q- Quotes: "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." -Mother Teresa
R- Reason To Smile: It's almost Halloween!
S- Season: Fall
T- Tag Three +: Heidi, Dad, and Jody
U- Unknown Fact About Me: I can stand on my head longer than any of you.
V- Vegetarian or Meat Eater: I don't love meat, and I have a hard time eating some vegetables. But, probably more of a vegetarian.
W- Worst Habit: I'm addicted to blogging
X- X-Rays or Ultrasounds: ultrasounds.
Y- Your Favorite Food: ITALIAN! I love alfredo sauce. I know it is the worst thing you can eat, but that's probably why it's so good. Olive Garden's bread sticks dipped in alfredo sauce is better than...ALMOST anything!
Z- Zodiac: Taurus

A SpOoKy song just for YOU!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Ma Nem and M's

I suggested to Hayden today that maybe we should make some pumpkin shaped sugar cookies today. He said, "Ya and make ma nem and m eye's." What, you might ask, are ma nem and m's? They are those yummy chocolate center candy coated treats that melt in your mouth, not in your hand. Yes, Hayden calls M&M's--ma nem and m's. And everytime he says it, this song is what pops into me and Eric's head, and is there the entire day! This time Hayden burst into song after he said Ma nem and m...followed by do do do do do...ma nam and m...do do do do.....Yep--in my head all day! Thanks a lot, Hayden!

A Call to Action

Tonight I have been going over the talk given by Sister Beck in the 1st session of General Conference on Sunday. In the LDS blogging community, there has been some controversy regarding her talk, and I would like to give my opinion.

I truly believe that Sister Beck's talk was more of a call to action. I am sure that there would be no controversy if she didn't poke at some sore spots that need to be changed in our homes and families. For me, I felt that I was doing well in some of the areas that she talked about, but I definitely need work in others. That is what conference is for! It is a chance for us to evaluate our lives, and see what needs to be changed. I personally felt a resolve to try harder in this important role as a Mother. She was giving us direction, and helping us to see what we need to do to raise our children with no regrets. I believe it was pure inspiration.

She talked about how the role of Motherhood requires more vigilance. It is not a job, but a responsibility. How many mistakes could we prevent if we are more vigilant with what our children are watching on TV, what they are doing daily, and what they are learning. She asked us to do less. Permit less media, less distraction, and live on less so that we could spend more time learning, talking, laughing, and praying with our families. How pertinent is that to our day? I allow more TV and computer games than I should, and again, this was a call to action for me. When my children grow up, they will want to spend more time away from home. I realize that they will be involved in sports, and other extra-curricular activities, but I need to help them to be selective about the activities they choose, and also to value the time they spend at home. And that is where her words on being a homemaker come in. She did NOT say housekeeper. She said homemaker. You can be a homemaker whether you work outside of the home, or whatever the circumstance may be. She did say that a homemaker is a nurturer. They create a climate for growth by keeping an orderly home. I could not agree with this more. Having order promotes spiritual growth. It gives stability to a child.

I love this quote from Sister Beck, "Home is where women have the most power and influence." That quote has been on my mind. Where else in the world will we hear words like those? Many people in our day and age demean motherhood. The world tells us that women belong in the workplace. That motherhood is a chore and not valuable. That we can achieve more from having a career. That our children will be okay without our vigilance. This is not true! We are needed at home! If we are not teaching our children, who is? She mentioned a young man who said that he did not learn anything at church that his mother had not already taught him. Our children need our direction and influence more today than ever before.

I want to be "a woman who knows." I am not there yet, but I am striving for that every day. It is not easy. If it were easy, I would not become the woman that I hope to be. It stretches me and challenges me. These two little lives that I am responsible for are priceless. They are entrusted in my care and I cannot be casual with the way that I raise them. I hope that Sister Beck's words struck many of you as they did me. It is, as I said, a call to action. A challenge to take our role a step further and do more.

Just Playin' some T-Ball

Hayden decided he would like to try T-Ball out this Fall. We bought him a little T-Ball set and started practicing with him. It's funny how at that age when you say, "Run to the base!" They run to whatever base they want. Hayden picked up the sport very quickly, though. His first game was the cutest thing I've seen, and of course, I forgot my camera! Hayden stood in the outfield on 3rd base with his mit in the air, just waiting for the ball to land in it. Now, when he's playing outfield, he crouches down with his arms on his legs and waits for the ball. He is quite the hitter, too. His coach is pitching to him now, instead of Hayden using the "T". He runs his little heart out to each of the bases, and then he slides into home! Yes, he slides. It's so dang cute. The best thing about T-Ball is every kid gets their time to shine when hitting the ball; and in T-Ball NO ONE gets out, and everyone gets to run home. It has been fun to see him learn this new sport. He always tells me, "Mom, I can run so much faster when you are cheering for me." I must be cheering pretty loud because, in my opinion, he's the best player out there!

Marriage Counseling

Last night I was in a bad mood, and I got mad at Eric for no reason. Eric, being the good husband he is, took both kids to Hayden's T-Ball game, and gave me a break. When they came home, Hayden came up to my room, and this was our conversation:

Hayden: "Are you mad at me?"

Me: "No, of course not!"

Hayden: "Are you mad at dad?"

Me: "A little."

Hayden: "Why are you mad at dad?"

Me: "Because he thinks I'm ornery."

Hayden: "Well, AREN'T YOU?"

"Who's Your Mummy?"

Our house is all spooky and ready for the witches and goblins to visit! I found these mummies in a magazine and decided to recreate them! They have scared us quite a few times. The small one up by the door is right in front of a window. In the night when we walk by it startles us everytime! Cali, our dog, also barks at the door thinking someone is there. We also have milk jug pumpkins, and spooky eyes that glow in our tree. We have had a lot of fun singing Halloween songs, reading Halloween stories, and making Halloween goodies. Last weekend we went to Frightmares at Lagoon. We took the kids for a couple of hours, and then put them to bed at Eric's parents house, and we went back. Can I just say, I am a chicken! In the Hollywood haunted house, I swear I almost peed my pants. They had stuff from recent scary movies like "The Ring", and I hated that movie. It was by far the scariest thing that I have ever seen. All in all, Frightmares was a good time. We have many more events and activities planned for this fun month, so stay tuned!

Maya's got some crazy rhythm

There is a show called "Yo Gabba Gabba" on Nick Jr. I thought it looked like the lamest show ever, but my baby, Maya, LOVES it! As soon as it comes on, she gets excited and stomps her feet and dances all around. This is the best video I could get of it, because when I pull out the camera, she doesn't want to perform. She is getting so big! I am having fun with her.

Hayden's 4th Birthday Party

Hayden had to have a Scooby Doo Party! We frosted sugar cookies, and when we went to open presents, they were gone! And a clue was found. We had to solve the clues and find the presents. We played pin the collar on Scooby, Musical chairs, Smash the ghosts, and found the suckers outside. We solved the mystery and caught the villain. It was a fun party!

Hayden's Version of a Scary Story

Hayden LOVES scary stories. He used to ask me to tell him a scary story about 5+ times a day. Here is his version. I don't know how he does it! He always has a surprise ending. The other day in the car he asked for a scary story and I told him I was going to tell him a "real" scary story. I started telling him about this one time when I was in high school I was going to sleep and I heard this scratching sound under my bed. He stopped me right there and said, "Mom, you know I don't like scary stories, they give me bad dreams!" I'll never know how his mind works!

I am a "true" Mother now!

Strawberries were on sale at Macey's this week at $9.95 per palet. I decided to attempt once again to make Grandma Judy's jam. The last time I tried, the jam didn't get eaten at all because it was NOT like Mom's or Grandma's. This was 3 years ago, and I have yet to try again.

So, I began the process, and Hayden helped all along the way (no pictures because this all had to be done in an hour and a half during Maya's nap). It's funny, but I really was nervous that all of this work would not be good enough and my jam would not measure up--again! When all was said and done, I had about 40 containers of jam. (Different sizes) I guess that is what I am going to give out for Neighbor gifts this Christmas because there is no way we can eat that much! Especially if it doesn't taste like Judy's!

The next morning, I decided to make everyone toast with the jam, so that everyone could try it out. After one taste, my husband threw his arms around me, and spun me around the room and said, "That's it! You've done it!" It was a very dramatic moment. He then said, "You've just gone up 10 notches on your motherhood scale!" Wow! I was not expecting that reaction, but I'll take it. Both the kids loved the toast and it has been toast for breakfast every morning since.

I was having a conversation with my neighbor about this same kind of thing. Living up to our mother in laws. Now, my neighbor is the best cook that I've ever met, but she said that finally this past year her husband told her that he now prefers her food over his mom's. I hope that my husband will say that to me some day. Right now he prefers a lot of people's food to mine, so it may take awhile.

But, I can say, I made jam just as good as Judy's! YES!

I think my daughter is half monkey!

The other day, I was reading a book to Hayden in the living room when I heard the water on in the bathroom. I walked in to Maya sitting in the bathroom sink with the water running! How did she get up there you might ask? Watch and see! Keep in mind--she is only 14 months old.

Kitchen Re-Do

About a month ago, we repainted our kitchen cabinets from black to white in order to make our kitchen a little brighter. We have black furniture in the kitchen, and with the red accent wall it was feeling so dark. So...we decided to do white cabinets and change the accent wall to white and black wall paper to incorporate the black from the table, and the white from the cabinets. Hopefully soon we can re-do the countertops black. What do you think?

1st Day of Preschool

Hayden had his first day of Preschool on Tuesday with Miss Barbara! I was still very sick, so Eric got to take him his first day. I did manage to get out of bed to take these pictures of him. He is so excited to get to go to school. I heard him ask Eric if the school bus was here yet. Sorry-not until Kindergarten!

I got to take him today, and it made me a little sad. He ran right in without giving me a hug goodbye. He was just too excited. I'm sad that he is not my baby anymore, but I am glad that he is well adjusted and that learning is fun for him. He is such a happy boy and so energetic. I only hope that his teachers will be able to appreciate it and not find it distracting. (because it can be!) It's a big milestone! (for me more than Hayden)

Watch OUT for the FLU this year!!!

So, I have been sick with the flu- not the flu - some mutant form of the flu or something of that kind for 4 days! Yes, count them, 4 days! And, while I was warned by my friend, Marisa, that the flu going around was killer, nothing could have prepared me for how sick I have been. It started around 8pm on Saturday night and just today I am able to get around. Sunday, I decided that I would be fine and that we would just go to Bear Lake anyway because it couldn't last more than 24 hours. NOPE! I was pretty much checked out most of the trip, which is why you won't be seeing any pictures of my pathetic self while camping. (My sister in law Angelle took the pictures that I have- THANKS SO MUCH!) My kids, as you can see had a blast, so that made it worth it in the end.

My poor husband, though. Can you imagine? Camping, taking care of his sick wife, the kids, cooking, setting up camp, really! What kind of wife am I? He has been such a good sport. I have not heard him complain or grunt or moan once while taking care of the kids, working, housework, and me these whole 4 days. Did I score on a husband or what? The laundry is done and actually PUT AWAY, the dishes are clean and the house looks great! I would have been glad to have the house still standing, but it is great to finally be feeling better and not have a list of things to do. Thanks so much, Honey! I'm doing better now. Thanks for the phone calls, dinner, babysitting, etc. We have the best friends and family ever!

Bear Lake

Yesterday was quite the eventful day. After my post, I was feeling all good and motherly. I decided to take the kids to Tai Pan and then to McDonald's for lunch. While we were in Tai Pan, we kept running into this woman in the aisles and every time Hayden was singing and dancing to a different song. She was cracking up! Then, we ended up in the same check out line, and guess what--He was STILL singing!! She was laughing so hard. She looked at me and said, "Oh, bless you, MOM! Here's $10, take that kid to McDonald's!" What? Are you kidding me? I felt like I couldn't accept it, but she insisted. I have not run into many people that kind. I thought about her all day long and how good she had made me feel with that kind act.

On quite the opposite end of the spectrum, that night I went to Walmart to grab some food for camping. It was going to be a 15 minute trip, literally, and it was both my kid's bed time. Hayden was still running around and singing (really, it never stops! If you only knew!!) and Maya was very tired and just wanted to go to bed. I was trying to keep Maya sitting still, and keep Hayden out of people's way, when a woman suddenly yelled at me, "HEY WATCH WHERE YOU'RE GOING!!" I said, "Me?" and she yelled, "YES, YOU! CAN'T YOU KEEP CONTROL OF YOUR CHILDREN?" I had no idea what I had done to get this kind of reaction for someone. I started sobbing right then and there. I felt so ridiculous. She patted me on the back and said, "sorry", but the damage had been done. I was crying the whole rest of my shopping trip and pretty much the rest of the night.

Last night, I kept thinking how most people are really only concerned with themselves when it comes down to it. The first kind act of the woman who gave me $10, was so shocking to me because how often do strangers do that kind of thing? NEVER! I can't help but think how the kind act lightened my load, and the rude one made me feel that I was carrying more than I could handle. I wish I could thank the Tai Pan lady again and let her know that there needs to be more people in the world like her!

Being A Mom is not so bad!

I have read a couple of things lately that have made me feel that maybe having 2 children isn't as hard as I thought. I get overwhelmed quite frequently, and many times I feel that I have not accomplished much in the day even though I have worked myself ragged.

Currently, I am reading "The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands" by Dr. Laura. The book is really putting things in perspective for me. It is very true that if Mom isn't happy, nobody's happy. It's our responsibility to make sure that we are being as pleasant as we can around our husbands and family. If it means taking a nap, or asking for someone to watch the kids for an hour so you can have alone time, so be it. We determine the atmosphere in our own homes. I do not know where this quote came from, but it enters my mind daily. It says something to the effect of "Care and love your family in this life so that they will WANT to spend Eternity with you."

There is a story about a woman named Cornelia Africana who is considered the perfect example of a virtuous woman. When women questioned Cornelia about her mode of dress and personal adornment, which was far more simple and understated than was usual for a wealthy Roman woman of her rank and station, Cornelia indicated her children and said, "These are my jewels."

As I am sitting here with my son asking me to try his pretend pizza he made in his pretend stove, and Maya trying to climb up my legs to sit on my lap, I am reminded, "These are my jewels." They are what life is made of, and they bring me joy.

And before I end my post, here is a little fact to make you glad you have 1, 2, 3, or 6 kids and not as many as this woman had. We really don't have it so bad!
The highest officially recorded number of children born to one mother is 69, to the first wife of Feodor Vassilyev (1707-1782) of Shuya, Russia. Between 1725 and 1765, in a total of 27 confinements, she gave birth to 16 pairs of twins, seven sets of triplets, and four sets of quadruplets. 67 of them survived infancy.

Who uses that word?!

The other day we were eating dinner and there were ice cubes in our cups. Hayden looked at the melting ice and observed, "The ice is being integrated into the water!" What? I don't think I've ever used that word in my life, and here Hayden is using the word rather correctly. Do I have a genius on my hands, or what?

My OTHER baby

I walked upstairs to put Maya down for a nap and found Cali sucking an old binki of Maya's. She wasn't chewing on it like most dogs would. She was actually sucking it. Aww, even doggies like to be babied.

I am finally starting to love our dog. We bought a doggie door yesterday and have not had a single accident since! She plays so well with our kids and visitors. I really couldn't ask for a better dog. (I guess she's really still a puppy--6 months old--but she's as big as Hayden!)

Like Mother Like Daughter

I found this picture of me, and knew that I had a similar one of Maya. Both riding a horse, both in pink overall, both about the same age. I know she looks a lot like her dad, but there are a few similarities to us. I thought these pictures were fun! Enjoy!

The Latest of Maya

Our First Camp out

This past weekend we went up to South Fork Campground to camp and tube down the river with my Mom and Roy. I know my mom doesn't read these, so I'm going to say that we thought this was not going to be very fun. We were WRONG! It was a blast! As soon as we got there we floated the river twice, cooked tin foil dinners, let Cali play in the water, and roasted S'mores. Hayden couldn't wait to do all these things. Poor kid! We've only ever set the tent up in the Living Room! It rained-no-POURED the whole night on our wimpy little tent, but Hayden slept right through it. (We got to leave Maya with Grandma Judy!) The next morning we had pancakes, bacon, eggs and hot chocolate. It was pretty cold because it had rained all night, but Hayden asked us every 2 minutes if it was time to float the river again. Finally about 9AM, we agreed to go to the river. We got some of the strangest looks walking to the river with our tubes in the cold weather, but by the second time floating it, people started to follow. It was such a great time. I have lots of scratches and bruises from the rocks, but we will definitely be going there a couple of times next year. The water is perfect for young kids. Not too fast and not deep. We have already planned another camping trip to Bear Lake over Labor day weekend. Let us know if you want to tag along. The more the merrier!