Pink Princess Panties!

Since my close friends and family know that I have no control over my oldest daughter, (she has been in charge of her schedule from the moment that she was born) it should come as no shock what she decided to do today. A week ago, we picked out some "Pink Princess Panties" (you must say that in a very loud, almost screaming voice because that is how Rylee would say it whenever it was brought up) to get her ready to potty-train. Mostly I bought them on the slim chance that I would want to potty-train her, because at the moment, it just hasn't been something that I want to do. Well,apparently today was the day, because she got them out of her drawer and came and told me that she wanted to wear them. You can't fight her.
So all day long we have been huddling around the bathrooms listening with anticipation the first tinkling in the potty. And all day long she would sit there for five or so minutes, say she was done, get her Pink Princess Panties on again and then within two minutes pee on my floor. Luckily, we have mostly hardwood and travertine on the main level, so it is easier to clean up. But still no fun. Well after the 10th pair of underwear, she finally went. I could tell another accident was waiting to happen, so I kept her on the potty until she couldn't hold it any longer. I am pretty sure that I was more excited than she was, and might have scared her a bit by my scream of relief. Hopefully tomorrow will be easier and more will actually make it into the potty. Here's to hoping, and to many cans of anti-bacterial spray.

Way. Way, Behind!

So I know that I am way behind on this whole blogging thing, and truthfully, the more time passes the more I don't want to sit down and record anything. I think that I fell totally overwhelmed with what I have to talk about. So hopefully I can take it one moment at a time and jot down a few notes on what has been happening in our lives. (Mostly for my sake) Until that time period, I just want you all to know that we are moved in and really enjoying our new home. I would post a photo or two, but my camera is not hooked up to my computer yet, so you will have to wait. For those of you that don't want to wait, come by and see me. I am not used to being out in the country by myself, and could use some company every now and then. By the way, my phone number is still the same. I miss all of my friends, and hope that all is finding you well. Love ya!

My Mommy

Happy Mother's Day Mom!!

I didn't get to see my mom today in person but I sure thought a lot about her. She is the reason that I am who I am. Her amazing example of the kind of person we all should be is something that I hope to become someday. She is kind, generous, thoughtful, loving, and patient. She always answers all of my crazy questions or concerns with loving, but practical advice. She is a huge giver and is always looking out for others needs before her own. She is a perfect example of a wife in the way that she treats my Daddy, and has taught me many things on how to take care of Ryan. I am so blessed to have been born to her and have her as my Mom. Heavenly Father sure knew what he was doing and knew that one day I would appreciate everything that she does for me. Because of her, we have a big family with many children around. She is the best. Love you mom!!!!


Happy Mother's Day Evalee!!

I have such a great Mother-in-Law that I have to shout out to her also. I am so grateful that she raised such a wonderful son who treats me so well. She is so kind and considerate of others. She is the ultimate wife. She gets up every morning and makes her hubby a homemade breakfast. I admire that so much, but apparently love my sheets too much to do it for Ryan (sorry honey!). I am grateful for her example and her love of my kids. Love you Evalee!!!!

Oh Where in the World are moving?

To answer a few of the questions that have been posted, we are moving out west. We found a great lot out in West Haven and are building a home on it. It is going to be more out in the country, and I think my hubby will love it. We have been in our current home for longer than we thought we would be, and though it has been great for us, the west is calling. I am excited about something new and excited to expand my friendships. We are hoping for a hole to be dug sometime this week and are at a time frame of 4-6 months before completion. We shall see how I handle dealing with 4 kids, selling my home, and building a new one all at the same time. If some grey hairs pop out I wouldn't be surprised.

My House

Click here to be directed to the blog for my house.

Why oh why the craziness?

So now I can finally reveal why I have been a hit and miss blogger. We are moving! Yea for us, I cam really excited about it, but the process so far has taken up a ton of time and I know that it will continue to do so until we are settled at our new home. Since I know that word of mouth is the best form of advertising, I am going to post a link for our home on my blog. If any of you loyal readers (hahaha, all four of you) know anyone that is looking for a home in Northern Utah, send them my way.

Rylee

Well I am officially late in posting this, but things have been kind of crazy around our home.

Happy Birthday Rylee!!!!

On March 29th my baby girl turned two and now I can't call her my baby girl anymore. It seems so weird that she is already that old, where does time go? We were able to share the day with my family because little cousin Millie was blessed on the same day. We spent the morning and afternoon at Clay and Jen's home and then went to Papa and Pama's to take a nap and then open presents.
Some of my favorite things about Rylee are: Her love of laughter and smiles (she never stops), her two dimples placed perfectly on her cheeks, her big blue eyes with never-ending lashes, her desire to talk on the phone with her grandparents every day and when she gets upset when I try to take the phone away, when she grabs the combs out of the bathroom and insists that I sit down so that she can comb my hair and make me pretty, and when she run/skips to her Daddy at the end of the day.
When we were opening Rylee's gifts, I decided to let her open the clothes first so that she wouldn't be too distracted by the toys to continue, well she held those clothes up so proud and was so excited to be getting new ones. You would have thought that she was a teenager by the way she responded to some new outfits. It was awesome.
This girl is full of life and personality and I can't imagine our family without her. I still don't know why she felt she had to join us so early, but I am pretty sure that it had something to do with feeling left out of the party. I guess she didn't want to miss anything. I love you tons Rylee and hope you know that you are a big part of my life.

Time Warp

Okay so there has been some serious time warping in our home because one month has completely flown by. I can not believe that exactly 28 days ago I was welcoming my new little one for the first time. I am pretty sure that Heavenly Father drags out the time while we are pregnant and then speeds it up as soon as our little ones arrive. Why this happens I have no idea, but I wish that it was the other way around.
Tessa has been the most angelic baby ever. She is so calm and quiet, and such a joy to have in our home. Last night, one of my friends from Festival of Trees got to me her and she said, "Looking at a baby like this, I can now understand while people steal them." I agree, she is a definite head turner already, and it will be fun to see how she grows.
I weighed her today and she tips the scale at 7 lbs! It is nice to have her grow a little slow, this makes me feel like I have a new one for longer. I love her tons!

By the way, the amazing photos that you are looking at were taken by my cousin Abbie and her sister. They own a photography studio and do awesome work. If you want to know more about them you can click here.http://bellabeanphotography.blogspot.com
You rock Abbie!!!!

Valentine's Day

Here's the story of what happened on our Valentine's Day....

I woke up around 8:30 am to contractions every 2 minutes. I am not sure exactly when they started, but since I was asleep we will start here. Ryan had left to go play church ball and wasn't going to be home for a while. I ignored them for a while because having contractions that regular was something that I did every day. After a few hours of this and recognizing that even when I changed positions or activities they weren't going away we began to talk about heading up to the hospital. Of course if you live by us you will remember that it was a crazy blizzard on this day and Ryan had to snow shovel about 6 inches off our driveway before we could go anywhere, and then of course shower. I was getting kind of impatient but he didn't seem to notice, I think that he thought that this was just another day of contractions and nothing to worry about.

We called Doug and Sheryl to see if they would watch our kids while we went to the hospital to be checked out, and they graciously accepted. (They rock by the way!) And then we were off around 3 pm.

When we got to the hospital I was at a 4 and contractions were still every 2 1/2-3 minutes apart. They called my doctor and admitted me. I told them to have her come in and break my water so that something would happen, or I could have been there all day and night.

Machel got there and around 5:15 pm broke my water, this immediately put me to a 6 cm, and I knew that I would be having a Valentine's baby for sure. Because Tessa was posterior, it took a few hours for her to be born. Thank goodness for the miracle of hypnobirthing because it was a comfortable 3 hours and not one that sent me screaming like those that you see in movies.

Tessa was born at 8:38 pm without any medical intervention besides my midwife breaking my water. No drugs were used and mom and baby were calm and relaxed throughout the whole process. I am so grateful that I found the hypnobirthing class because it has allowed the miracle of my children entering the world to be peaceful and amazing.

I am proud that I can say that I have done this four times, each one being a bit different, but none the less amazing in their own ways.

Tessa is a very calm and quiet baby, and I can tell when I look in her eyes, that heaven is behind them. We love having her in our family and feel blessed that Heavenly Father had his own plan in this one.

February 15, 2009
Tessa Marjorie Matheson decide she didn't want to miss out on valentine's day 2009, so she was born at 8:38 p.m. weighing 6 lb 4 oz and 19" long. Everything went great with the delivery and Talya did an amazing job with her natural birth. Both mom and child are healthy and expected to come home tomorrow night.

25 Things

Okay, I think that I have been tagged about four times for this post, so since I can't do much but sit around for the next few days, I guess I will get at it.

1. Even though I am about to have my fourth baby, I still have no idea when I am in labor. My doctor always has to tell me, and since she is gone until Friday, I guess I will be sitting around wishing the contractions would end.
2. I have my babies naturally and without any pain meds. This is something that I feel most women could do if they were willing to learn about other possibilities than an epidural.
3. I have a goal of one day riding LOTOJA all by myself, and getting to the finish line and feeling major accomplishment.
4. I love cheese, it is my comfort food.
5. I love having a clean house but utterly despise cleaning it. Most of the time I procrastinate cleaning until someone is coming over.
6. My biggest fear is that one day I will have to live without Ryan. This paralyzes me.
7. Someday I would love to have a small dance studio where kids could come and just be creative with movement. It would be a modern only studio.
8. Spring is my favorite season. I get so excited to see the first crocus stems pushing their way out of the ground, and I love the smell of spring. It is truly the finest time of year.
9. My favorite color is green, and I am pretty sure that I will not be able to have a house without at least one wall painted "Wild Grasses".
10. I hate it when people tell me that they will try. I feel like saying back to them, "Just tell me no." You either do or you don't. Period.
11. I don't believe that I will ever let my hair go gray.
12. I am scared for where this country is heading, and the leadership involved.
13. I love to chew ice, and I am aware that this is annoying to my husband. However, one day I want an ice maker that makes the little crushed ice like you get at the hospital.
14. My favorite food is seafood. Almost every time we go out to eat, I order fish, while Ryan orders steak.
15. I hate unpacking from anything, and sometimes have to force myself to do it after looking at a suitcase for a couple of weeks.
16. I would love to be a doula someday.
17. My ideal vacation would be an exotic beach with incredibly soft sand and exquisite underwater views.
18. My favorite church calling to this date has been YW camp director.
19. I don't like dogs or cats.
20. I have great in-laws, that personally I don't think we see enough.
21. I have no idea how much money that we make every year. I have left that totally up to Ryan to keep track of, and I just spend it. See how I would be lost without him.
22. Sometimes I get tired of being a mom, but then I tuck my kids in bed at night and remember how blessed I am to have them.
23. Christmas is my favorite holiday, and my decorations are up for almost 2 months.
24. I would love to learn how to scuba dive one day.
25. I wish I was 3 inches taller. 5 ft 3 inches is nothing to brag about.

Surprisingly, this wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. So I guess if you want to be tagged, then you have been. Otherwise hope you enjoyed reading these few things about me.

Babies

Well it it once again 2:30 in the morning and here I am wide awake. This is such a curse of being pregnant for me and I can't wait for it to end! So here I thought that I might take a few quiet moments and post about some really cute new babies that I am an auntie to.
I first need to post about Carly and Robbie's baby that was born back in Septemer. I know that he is not brand new, but I never did. They were so incredibly kind to allow me to be a part of the labor and delivery, and I can't thank them enough for that awesome opportunity. Carly asked me to be here unofficial "doula", and help her with her natural childbirth through hypnobirthing. Since I have had three children natural, this was awesome. She did incredible, and little Daxson was born about 12 hours after they had to induce her. I came home with a high and decided that one day I would love to get my doula licence and do this more. (This was the second birth that I have helped with, my other sister Erica granted me my first, which was equally amazing. Thanks a ton sissies for allowing me to be a part of your big day!)


Millie was born a little over a week ago to my little bro Clay and his beautiful wife Jen. Clay took this darling photo of his little girl and I am grateful because I haven't been able to see her yet. Our family has all been sick for the past week and couldn't go cuddle her. Luckily they are coming to my house today for dinner and we finally get to meet her. I heard that Jen was amazing and how her tiny little body was able to push out a 8 1/2 lb baby is beyond me. But I am sure glad that she did, because she is beautiful. Congrats guys, and I can't wait to hold her!

Jason and Ivy had their baby a few days after Millie, and I wish that I could post what her name is, but they still have not told me, so for now she is baby hairy monkey. I don't feel bad about calling her that because looking at her reminds me of my own Tyler who came out looking just about the same. Ivy also took my advice and did hypnobirthing classes to go natural, and Jason told me that she was incredible! Way to go Ivy! I wish that circumstances would have allowed me to be there. Since these guys live 3 hours away, and given my current situation, we have not gotten to see this one either, but are looking forward to holding her. Congrats you two!

All of these babies have gotten me excited to see my own little one soon, and to hold her. Hopefully she can hold off just a bit longer so that I can bring her home when I leave the hospital.

Babies are such a reminder that I our father in Heaven loves us and trusts us with something so precious. Sometimes I am not sure why I have been granted the opportunity to be a mother, because it is so overwhelming and lots of times I fall short. However, every night that I tuck my chili beans into bed and see their precious faces sleeping so soundly, I am so grateful for the chance for another day with them. My children are my most priceless gift.

Update

Yes, I am still here. I guess that I just don't have the blogging buzz lately. I sit down to my computer to type something and just don't have the desire. Maybe it's because I let myself get so far behind that it is overwhelming, or maybe it's just cause I am getting to the tail of of this pregnancy and nothing seems enjoyable right now. Who knows, and whatever the reason, I am still alive.
An update on my pregnancy, Last Friday I was no further thinned, but I am at a 2-3. Which is good and bad news. Great news because at this time last pregnancy Rylee had already joined us and we were doing the back and forth to the hospital thing. Bad news because things can progress quickly and we don't know when this one will come. All of our prayers center around her waiting until she is okay enough to bring home with us. So in the meantime, we will keep waiting and praying, and I will keep feeling like a lazy slug and not doing anything.
I will attempt to keep this blog updated, but until I find my feet with four kids, don't hold your breath.

Christmas Tag

This is fun to remember some of my Christmas Traditions.....

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper, and while I love the look of bows, they usually don't make it on my gifts because I wrap almost everything myself.
2. Real Tree or Artificial? Artificial, we tried a real tree once and the whole Christmas season I kept asking why I did that to myself. What a mess!
3. When do you put up the tree? First snowfall, or the first two weeks in November. It is always a struggle to get past Halloween.
4. When do you take the tree down? After New Years.
5. Do you like eggnog? No Way!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Snow skis, it took two years to get them.
7. Hardest person to buy for? Ryan, because he is so particular about what he wants and usually ends up buying what I was planning for him anyway. This year, he bought it and I got it from the mailman and won't give it to him until Christmas.
8. Easiest person to buy for? Rylee. Can we say dolls, jewelry, and shoes?!
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Only 18
10. Mail or e mail Christmas cards? Mail, and I am proud to say that this year for the first time in forever I got mine sent out.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Used jewelry from an ex trying to win me back.
12. Favorite Christmas movie? Don't know if I have one.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually in October
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Caramels and English Toffee
16. Lights on the tree? White lights only please.
17. Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Travel before or after to be with family, but Christmas morning is ours at home with the kids.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Only if I sing the song
20. Angel on the tree top, or star? Star
21. Open presents Christmas eve or morning? Christmas Eve we get to open our outfit for the next day, and then everything else gets opened after we are dressed and fed on Christmas morning.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Angry people, I don't understand getting so stressed out at the best time of the year?
23. Favorite ornament, theme, or color? Burgundy and Gold. Must be sparkly!
24. Favorite food for Christmas dinner? We have crepes with raspberries and real cream on Christmas morning, but don't have much of a tradition for dinner.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? I told my boys that I want a clean house and nice children for Christmas and Tyler said, "But Mom, Santa can't give you humans!" So I guess I won't be getting my gift!

If you read this, you are tagged! Happy tagging!

What have I done?

If you want to play, just copy and paste this list on your blog, and highlight which ones you've done.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Held a praying mantis
9. Climbed a mountain
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill.
24. Been to Vienna
25. Was on Television
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Learned a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Crush

So I have had something happen to me this week that has made me go back in time to my childhood and remember what it was like to have a complete crush. Last Saturday night while driving in our car as a family, Eric announced that he was in love with a girl named Bailey from his school. He also said that another part of his secret was that he wanted to marry her. Ryan and I first reacted with stifled giggles, because it was so cute, but then it quickly turned into, "Oh crap, my kids only 7!" It scared me quite a bit because I don't remember having a real crush until 6th grade. His name was JR and I remember it being quite intense, and this is what scared me. (Which by the way Carly, thanks for that trip down memory lane with the blog link!)

Well, I kind of dismissed the thought of it until the next day. On Sunday during primary the leader was talking about things that we can give for Christmas this year to others that don't cost any money. The kids were to write what they were going to give and then tell the primary and put it on a Christmas tree as an ornament. It gets to be Eric's turn and he gets up to tell the primary that he is going to make cookies for Bailey. So tender and cute, but again, he is only 7. I didn't think that boys got crushes this soon, and it made him so big in my eyes. Later that night we had a discussion, he told us that his last secret was that he wanted to be Bailey's boyfriend, and then we told him that the prophets have told us not to date until we are 16 and we made him count out the number of years until that date. Thankfully there is 9 more to go, but if this keeps up we may be in big trouble.

My fears were once again resolved when Ryan told me that night that his first crush was when he was 7 also. He remembered first and last names of the girl, I felt so much better knowing this because Ryan was such a perfect child. I guess now I can say one more time, Eric is just like his father.

I think that I need to calm down and realize that this is a part of childhood and enjoy the fact that Eric is sharing with me. I can't believe how old he is getting. It goes by way too fast.

A Tender Mercy

I have a fetish, I collect something, and this also is something I inherited from my mother. At Christmas time I open a few bins that hold some of my favorite possessions. My Nativities. I carefully unpack each one and place them on the shelves, all while listening to my favorite Christmas carols. This past Thursday, I was doing such a task and had my favorite song on, "O Holy Night". I had unpacked all 17 sets, but not set them up yet, when I asked Tyler to go get the mail. He came back with a box postmarked to me. I recognized the handwriting immediately and couldn't wait to open it. It was a package from my dear friend Jodi. As soon as I had cut the tape, tears began flowing. Her family had just returned from Ethiopia, where they adopted their little boy Jacob. And inside the box was a beautifully crafted nativity from where they had just been. My boys didn't understand why I was crying, and I guess all I could say was, "I just miss Jodi."
Heavenly Father had sent me a tender mercy to remind me that I am not alone, and that someone is aware of me. He gave me a friend that knows what I love, and then had her send it in the mail to arrive at the perfect time to find the best place for it. It was such a simple act, yet every time I look at it I am reminded of the incredible friendship that I have with her, and the love that Heavenly Father has for me. He sent me a gift too. His Son.
It is so wonderful that we can be reminded, at the perfect time for each of us, that we are not alone.