Just What the Dr Ordered

When I discover things that I think are cool, I like to share them with people. Today, the Duchess introduced me to a website that I absolutely love and it was right up my alley, just what I needed. Now, this isn't something that everyone in the world would love, but if you are LDS, you use your computer on a regular basis, and you struggle keeping up on your scripture study, this is the site for you. It's readthescriptures.com. You can sign up to read any part of the scriptures or even sunday school lessons. For instance, the Duchess and I signed up to read the BOM by chapter. So, each day we get an e-mail with a single chapter and if we mark it completed then we will get another e-mail with the next chapter the next day. I LOVE IT!

An Evening to Remember

PBTB and I would like to pay tribute to one of the most wonderful men to have walked the earth.

Gordon B. Hinckley June 23, 1910-Jan 27, 2008

Now, there was a man. We will always remember you.

That's What I Get for Thinking

I don't know what happened. I thought that when the holidays were over that I would get over my bloggers drought. I guess I thought wrong. My intentions were good. I have a few photos that I took, intending to blog them, but now all I am left with is outdated pictures. So, that is what I leave you with. I have noticed a similar trend in my circle of blogger friends. Where did all the bloggers go? Hello? Is anyone out there?

This one was actually taken today. "W" discovered his feet recently and I love it when he grabs his toes. Ok, maybe most babies do this a little earlier, but he had some interference that he has grown out of recently.

This is "W" in his new Jumperoo. He loves it! He bounces and bounces and bounces. It also makes horse noises that make him squeal. Mommy loves it because now she doesn't have to bounce 19 lbs. every ten minutes.

I don't like to admit it, but "W" has a strong preference for his daddy. These are the hats that PBTB knit for himself and "W". Like father, like son. Yes, PBTB, really is the jack of all trades, including knitting.

And on a final note, a little nakie baby pictures always make me smile.

2007 Re-Cap

1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before?

First & Foremost, I had a baby and yes, everything other than that is paled in comparison.
Second, I stayed the night in a hospital....I wonder how many people this is a first for when it is from childbirth. There are too many firsts to list that are associated with little "W".
Third, I went without a paycheck for an entire year as an adult (I am actually proud of myself for this one. It wasn't even close to as bad as I would have thought. I feel more worthwhile being a mom.).

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I don't make new year's resolutions. I am however in a constant effort to better myself. Right now and before the new year started I was working on the following; Reading my scriptures daily (failing miserably at), viewing all people I come into contact with in a positive light (very hard, but I'm getting better), learning to love my new ward as much as my old one (it's all in my attitude, repeated a million times), and of course, losing the baby weight (coming along).

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Did anyone close to me not give birth?......Just kidding. Yes, my sis, my cousin (twins), 2 of PBTB's cousins, about 3 people in my ward, and at least 3 of my friends.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, not that I can remember, and yes, I may have forgotten with the state I've been in even if they were close to me. Our friend lost his wife earlier this year, but we had only met her once. Paul, if you read this, we're thinking about you often.

5. What countries did you visit?
Countries?!*#....I haven't left my bedroom in 4 1/2 months!

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?

Peace, calm, stability, sanity....Ditto what the Duchess said....oh, who am I kidding, like 2008 should be any different than the rest of my life, a girl can dream.

7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Aug 24th and Oct 14th. The days my sister and I became mommies.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Well, "W" arrived, that had to be the biggest, and he's still with us, amazing if you think about who his main caregiver is.

9. What was your biggest failure?
I try not to think about mistakes as failures, just learning experiences. I can't think of anything major. I have fallen twice now with "W" in my arms, not what I would call a success.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Not unless you consider childbirth an injury.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
PBTB and I bought a Digital SLR (Nikon D40) and it was probably the best thing we've bought.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

The Duchess, of course, even though she thought she was insane, I don't know anyone who could have handled a childbirth like that with better behavior. Also, "W", I have nothing to compare him to, but I think he is the best behaved baby I have ever met. And it was definitely cause for celebration with everything that is happening in my life right now.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

I am sure there have been multiple people who's behavior has appalled or depressed me this past year. I do not, however, remember any details. I am extremely forgiving by nature and that means forgetting. Sometimes I wish I wasn't, but most of the time I value this piece of my character.

14. Where did most of your money go?

What money?

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
I am easily excited and this post would not allow the room needed, but here are a few things. We found out "W" was a boy in February, that was really exciting. We found out the Duchess was prego soon after, woohoo! "W" was born in August, Little Sir in October, double woohoo! And then there's the usual, our annual Seattle trip and Christmas, I love Christmas.

16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
Baby, It's Cold Outside (My favorite holiday song this year), My Heavenly Father Loves Me ("W"s favorite church song that I had to learn the words to so I could sing when we didn't have his cd)

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
 a) happier or sadder? 
b) thinner or fatter? 
c) richer or poorer?

A)much happier, that should be everyones resolution B) The same, I think, I try not to make a habit of weighing myself, it's unhealthy for my OCD C) Richer in spirit.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Travel and stopping to smell the roses.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Think.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

With all those people that I can't live without, minus the Duchess and her fam.

21. Did you fall in love in 2007?

Oh yes, deeply, devotedly, astoundingly in love with my little boy. (Sorry, the Duchess couldn't have said it better, the answer stays)

22. What was your favorite TV program?

I don't watch TV.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

No, I don't hate people.

24. What was the best book you read?
I am not a critic of anything. I enjoy almost all books and movies. I enjoyed reading Harry Potter 4, 5, 6, & 7, The Twilight Series, Train to Potevka, and a few others that must have escaped my memory.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Pandora.com

26. What did you want and get?
A perfect baby.

27. What did you want and not get?

A pair of tennis shoes for Christmas.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

Again, not a critic. I enjoy everything I see. We did go to see Hairspray in the theater the day before "W"s arrival. I just watched Stardust, absolutely loved it, but that was this year. Again, my memory is failing me.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 27 and I have no idea what I did. That's coming up on a year now, I can't even remember this morning.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Winning the lottery....oh, that's right, Utah doesn't have a lottery and I wouldn't enter it even if they did. This is kind of a silly question.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
Is it clean? Can I still fit into it?

32. What kept you sane?
Who said I was sane?

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Mitt Romney

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

I live in a small town of elected incompetents. That was a little harsh, but I had a bad experience. Where was my unceasing forgiveness personality trait on that one?

35. Who did you miss?

My sister, I always miss my sister, and now my newest little nephew. (again, ditto Duchess) I also miss "W". I know that sounds weird but every time he gets bigger, I mourn the loss of a smaller "W".

36. Who was the best new person you met?

Definitely "W", oh, and PBTB's brother that we didn't know about until July of this year. Although, still waiting to meet him in person.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.

What's that saying about not judging someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes?

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"Yes, I know Heavenly Father Loves Me"

I am not going to tag anyone, but I would absolutely love to hear anyone's answer to all of these questions, especially those who read my blog. If you don't blog, just e-mail me.

Toto, We're Not in Kansas Anymore

Well, we got quite the storm last night. Several large trees were uprooted and PBTB spent the morning helping neighbors get a tree off their house, but not without a little help from a crane and a boomlift. Miraculously, there was only minimal damage.

This is at our friend Marsha's house. It's not a very good picture, but this one was just as big as the other one and narrowly missed the neighbors truck and garage. Too bad for the fence and the grapevine.

Old Dog + New Dog = New Tricks

My Dad,the King, is always talking about a certain baby reflex that kicks in when you try and balance your baby in the palm of your hand. PBTB decided to put it to the test. To my terror, with our little "W". My heart skipped a beat the first time he tried, but "W" passed with flying colors and now it is as good as a daily ritual. He stays up for about 15 seconds. (PS don't try this at home, babies can only do this for a few months out of their lives. I would hate to see someone try during the wrong months.)

Here is "W" in mid-roll.

"W" loves books and being read to. When I read to him he turns around and smiles at me after every page. Unfortunately, he also loves the TV and gets that glazed look over his face just like all the other males in the family. Next he'll be fighting for control of the remote.

Happy New Year

I don't have much to say about the new year. I have no desire to set a resolution. I am kind of sad to leave 2007 behind. Here are a few pics from JH's blessing and visiting with the family on New Year's Day. Happy Blessing JH, you are such a beautiful baby, and no wonder with such beautiful parents.
Look at all these happy, good-looking people I am related to.

W eating a baby.......PBTB aka The Old Woman Who Lives in a Shoe, he loves the little ones and best of all, they love him.