DECADE RECAP

I've seen a bunch of people recapping the last decade and thought it would be fun to try. Even though I migh not remember what was going on that year. So here we go . . . .

2000

I was in high schol. I thought school was great cause there were soooo many cute boys. I guess you could say I was a bit boy crazy. My friend Heidi and I (my best friend) had a blast. We played, hung out, sluffed school, and played some more.

2001

Well, still in high school. I do remember that my sister Jessica came and hung out with Heidi and me alot.

2002

This is where I really remember, I graduated from High School!!!!! I had fun in high school but was so glad to be out. My friend Heidi and I decided to apply to BYU Hawaii and go to school together. Well as it turned out, she got in and I didn't. So she was off to Hawaii and I was off to hair school. Which was fine for me cause that was my original plan. My mom wanted me to go to the community college for a year, but the stuborn girl I was (maybe still am) decided to do it my way. Hair school was fun, but alot of work. I was dating boys, going to school and having a blast.

2003

I will just start at the best part of 2003. February 7th 2003 . . . . I went out on a blind date (which I was going to cancel cause I wasn't feeling to great. But by the way, Heidi in Hawaii and another friend told me I should go, cause something great may come out of it) so, I went out on a blind date with someone I don't even remember his name. He was shorter than me and that is kinda a deal breaker. But anyways, he took me to a single adult dance. Fun right?! Well, I was less than impressed with him, I don't even remember his name. But while there, I was in the hall talking to some friends and I remember seeing this guy walking down the hall and thinking to myself "I have got to meet him!" Then as he got closer, he stopped and introduced himself and started chatting with me. Well, it was Ben, and we hung out at this dance the rest of the night. My date dropped me off, and Ben came and picked me up (the same night) I do have to say that Ben didn't even know I was on a date. He got my number and said he would come and get a haircut at the school. I didn't really think he would come, but the next week, they told me that a Ben was coming in. Awesome, he came in and asked me out for Valentine's day. So our first real date was Feb 14th 2003. And after that I was smitten, (you'll have to ask Ben for his side of the story) and we dated, and dated, and dated until September 11, 2003 he proposed. he suggested that we get married in January and I suggested November. So we met in the middle and got married in December. December 13, 2003.

It was the greatest day ever. It was awesome weather and I was just so happy to be marrying my best friend. Even though I'm sure we didn't know every single thing about eachother, we knew that we loved eachother. We got married and spent a great honeymoon in Cancun Mexico where I celebrated my 20th birthday!!!

2004

Ben and I were loving being married. We lived in a small studio apartment (in Mootzies basement), but we made it ours and we loved it. I took an awesome trip with my 4 sisters and mom. My awesome mom might I add. What mom takes her 5 girls to Europe for 2 weeks?! It was such a blast, but I really missed Ben. That was the first time I was away from him. But the trip was amazing. My sisters, my mom and I bonded and had such a great time. I just love my sisters and mom. In the fall we moved out of Mootzies basement and found a great townhome. We both fell in love with it and were happy to make it our new home! In November 2004 Ben and I decided it was time to start our little family. So we got pregnant. Let the journey begin . . . .

2005

I was pregnant for the first 1/2 of he year. And a good hot portion of the year might I add. I worked with my sister Jessica at an Elementary School, which was a total blast might I add. We were in our new townhome, and getting excited to welcome our new little girl into our family. (I have to say that Ben is such a good sport. He didn't even come with me to find out the gender. I was at the mall with my sister Hilary, we were passing one of those fetal photo shops and just decided to go in and find out. Then I took a little gift to Ben at work. It was a pink bib, with the pictures telling him we were having a girl) We painted our nursery and just got totally ready. Which was a good thing because a week after Ben and I got home from visiting Coby and Tif in Michigan in March I had to have a circlage. And then it was bed rest for me for the rest of the pregnancy. It probably should have been more strict but I am a mover and a shaker, so I did the best I could. That summer we spent alot of time up at the cabin, and just really took it easy. On July 27, 2005 we welcomed Samantha into our family. She was such a tiny little baby, and so sweet. Even though she had a rough start (like ending up at Primary Children's a couple days after she was born. She was really really dehydrated and jaundice, not a good combination) she handled it great. I was just so thrilled to be a mom. I loved every litlle second with my little buddy. We spent coutless hours at my mom's house, just hanging out. We would sit and chat and follow her around the house while she did her daily things. Life with one is so simple, it's crazy to look back and think about it. Sam was such a fun addition. That was the major highlight of 2005. Becoming parents and having Samantha!!!

2006

May of 2006 Ben and I decided to make a move out to Lehi. We sold our cute little townhome and made the trek out around the mountain. We thought it would be a great change, and it was. We found an awesome house, and just loved it. Around the time we celebrated Samantha's 1st Birthday was about the time that I got pregnant with my little man. Ben was still going to school and working at Wells Fargo. He was so great to do all of it and never complain.

2007

March 11,2007 The third greatest day, (1st the day I married Ben, 2nd the day we had Sam) Mason was born. I have to admit that I was a bit sad when I found out I was having a boy. I for sure thought that I was having a girl, and that Sam would have a little buddy. But let me tell you, Mason was my little boyfriend from the time he was born. It was a tricky time when he was born. Ben got a new job working full time, was going to school at night, and had to pick up another job that he had to work through the night several nights a week (so that we had insurance) Looking back that was one of the hardest times ever!!! I had just moved in to an area that I didn't really know a ton of people. Luckily my brother Taylor was living close, and we have always been close. I could call on him day or night. My other saint was my mom. I would go and hang out at her house during the day, and then when it was time for me to make the trek around the mountain, I would cry the whole way home; sometimes while I was still talking to my mom. But my mom always insured me that everything would work out and be fine. The person I have to give props to is Ben. Once again, he never once complained. He was the one working 2 jobs and going to school and never sleeping. He is quite the amazing man. I was so grateful when he was able to quit the night job and be home with me. Though I really had to grow up in the months that he was gone through the night. It made me depend more on the spirit and the savior. There were many nights where I didn't feel like I was enough, taking care of these 2 little people and feeling like I was doing it on my own. But there were many times that I felt the spirit and knew that I was being blessed. It was a hard time, but definately a growing time for me.

Also in 2007 we decided to sell our house in Lehi and make a move in with Ben's parents.In November Ben graduated from the UofU which was awesome, I was so proud. To celebrate we took a trip to Hawaii. It was just the 2 of us for 1 whole week. We left the kids with family, so we knew they were in good hands. Ben also decided to make the move back to Wells Fargo. We spent Christmas 2007 with Honey and Poppy, thanks for having us. My main goal was to be in a house by Mason's 1st birthday.

2008

We looked and found a great house. We bought it and closed on it before March 11th. That was the deadline that I wanted to be in for. We went on an awesome adult trip with Ben's family. A mexican cruise, it was a blast. But the thing that sticks out the most for this year was the really sad and tragic accident of our little nephew Jack. Jack and Mason would be about the same age, and I was even thinking about it tonight. They would have been such great buddies. Jack passed away in September, and that is a day I will never forget. It was a horrible thing for me to have to watch people I love so dearly suffering. It affected everyone and we still think about and love and miss Jack. (when we pass the cemetery where he is burried, my kids without fail every time, will say hello to him. It is like clockwork, we drive past and both Sam and Mason start saying Hello)

2009

Right off the bat Samantha started preschool at someone's house in our neighborhood. She just loved it. We started her later in the year, but better late than never. Mason is walking and talking and just so dang cute. I love my two little kids (even though for the most part they want nothing to do with me, they just want their dad) Ben and I thought that it might be time to add a 3rd to our orderly chaos, but when in January when the pregnancy didn't quite feel right, I wasn't surprised when I miscarried. I was about 10 weeks along, but i figured that was a sign for Ben and I that we weren't quite ready for #3. Well, nope not a sign. I got pregnant in February of 2009, which was a shock, but a good shock. So #3 ready or not here you come. We decided not to find out what we were having. It was fun since we already have one of each, it didn't really matter. It was either going to be a Luella or Teagon. So the time passed and Samantha and Mason were getting really excited. They were asking all sorts of fun questions about the new baby. Samantha started her 2nd year of preschool, still loves every second, and Mason wonders why he doesn't get to go with her to preschool. It is so sad to drop her off and have him sad and sometimes crying in the car. On November 2, 2009 (a day before Ben's birthday) we welcomed a very cute and little Luella girl to our family. The kids didn't get to come to the hospital to see her, so I remember when I came home and they got to see her. Sam was at school so Mason got to sit and hold her forever, which he loved to do. And when Samantha saw her, she thought she was the cutest little thing, and she has been my big helper. 3 is crazy but I wouldn't have it any other way. Even though I feel like I have a huge task at hand, especially when Ben is such a hard worker and gone alot. I just need to make sure that I am the best mom that I can be to these sweet little things that I have on loan. Love them, teach them, and guide them to where they need to be. Our home isn't always heaven on earth, but we are working on it.

2010

Well, my decade was alot of changes. In one decade I went from being in high school, to marrying the man of my dreams, to having my 3rd beautiful baby, celebrating my 6th wedding anniversary, and alot in between. This past decade has been a blast, and I feel like I have learned and grown a ton. I am so excited for what is to come.

Looking back was a great thing for me to do, it made me see where I was and how far I have come. I feel like I have grown a ton. I have matured as a person, as a couple, as a mother, and I am still and will always constantly be growing and progressing spiritually. I have been so blessed in the last 10 years, I hope that I continue to work hard and stay worthy for the blessing that may be in store for me in the future. I will do my part and that is about all I can do.

BRING IT ON!!!!!

what could be better . . . . . ?

Ben and I had a fun date night with his family. We went to Macaroni Grill and a movie. (happy belated anniversary Jim and Jo) We went and saw "When In Rome". It was such a cute flick, there were some really cute and funny parts. I would see it again. But before we got to the movie our awesome sitter text me a question and I thought I'd just call her. Ben asked while it was dialing "do you think the kids are in bed?" well of course Sadie is awesome!
She asked how to get the apple tv working with movies other than disney, and then I asked her if the kids were in bed. Well, like I said . . . of course. She really is a great sitter.

So with that said, what could be better?

We got home late and I drove our sitter home and I was gathering my stuff to head to bed. I always pop into the kids rooms before I go to bed and check in on them. Especially after I don't put them to bed, cause I miss them. (even after such a short time) So I popped in, and they were all sound asleep. They all looked so peaceful.
That is the answer to my question. What could be better? Nothing is better than sleeping babies. I love peaking in on them and watching their chest rise and fall as they breath. Seeng them all cozy and curled up in their beds. Sometimes laying in the opposite direction that they were put in their bed, but totally and completely out. I could just sit and watch. Just sit and watch them sleep and do nothing. There is something really great about it. Weird right?! I just love it. Peaceful sleeping babies!!!

My Cute Girls

I just love my girls!!!!! Just a few fun pictures and updates on what's been going on.

Luella takes a binki and I LOVE IT!!!!! All of my kids have been binki

babies and it is just great. But it is so dang cute when she can't find her

binki or it has fallen out and she finds her hands. She just

goes crazy sucking. It is the cutest thing to see and even cuter to

listen to.

Samantha is my big helper. She is always wanting to feed

Luella, hold Luella, rock her, everything.

But she especially loves getting her picture taken with

Luella. She always reminds me that babies need lots of

love and hugs and kisses.

Sam has been asking to do the dishes!!!!!!!!! I wonder how long

that one will last. I might as well take advantage of it while I can.

So she loves to take a stool over to the sink and wash away.
Here we are . . . she is washing and I am loading.

Luella is getting to be so fun. She is smiling, and making noises (like she is trying to tell you something), she recognizes our voices. She even tried to giggle the other night when I was getting her into her jams. It was so cute.

Crazy Monday

I always have some kind of plans for every day. You know the usual gym, laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, volunteering at Ssam's school and the list goes on and on. We woke up this morning and Mason would not walk. He wouldn't put any pressure on his right leg. He just complained and wined and cried and crawled and wanted a heating bag on it. Well, sometimes the wining is normal, but the not walking . . . . that isn't normal. Especially for Mason, he is so active. He is always running and jumping around. I always say it is better so be safe than sorry. So I called and made and apt, made arrangements for Sam to go to a friends house before school, and let Sam's teacher know that I wasn't going to be coming to help out.
We get to the doctors and as I'm getting out, Mason won't walk and Luella can't walk, so I have to push a stroller and carry a 3 yr old. Fun right. Well the doctor came in and checked him out and couldn't figure it out, just like we couldn't. So better safe than sorry again, we headed over to get x rays of his foot, leg and hip.
We get in there and luckily Luella was asleep. I get Mason in the x ray room and he is freaking out. He was not happy to be there. I and another nurse had to hold him down to get the x rays. So they took about 6 or so pictures and went to make sure they all turned out. Nope, we still needed more. But by this time Luella was waking up, actually screaming cause she was so hungry. I stayed out and fed Luella while 2 nurses were in with Mason, holding him down to get some more pics. It was so sad, he was just screaming and crying, yelling for mommy. It was so heartbraking. I love my little guy and it was so sad that he didn't understand what was going on. After they took round 2 of x rays, they went to make sure they all worked. Well, lets do a round 3, what the heck. So this time, I handed Lu off to a nurse and went in with Mason. I held his hand and he didn't cry, he was so brave. I guess it just took 3 times to get him used to it.
I was so glad when it was all over and done with.
The nurse called later and said that the x rays came out clean. He did start walking and putting pressure on his foot while we were at the doctors. They just said to keep an eye on it.
But really, how often is it that you have some plans and then . . . change of plans. That is just the story of my life right now. I think it is also just called being the mom. I told my mom the other day that the most selfless act I think I will ever do is be a mom. I plan on going to the gym in the morning and the baby gets up to feed, so I don't go and don't make it at all. I plan on going to help out at Sam's school and something unexpected somes up and I don't go. I've just some to realize that my reality is that the things that I want and need (working out, quiet time, time with Ben, running errands, ect) are quickly replaced with the things that my kids want and need. When you get up with your kids around 7 am and are with them non stop until 10 pm, that makes for a very long day. And there isn't alot of me time, or ben and me time. I guess I just never realized that mom wasn't really the right name for me when I started having kids. I think that the other names are housekeeper, laundromat service, cook, driver, nurse, referee, teacher, friend, rule enforcer, and the list goes on and on. There are so many crazy days that I am so grateful for the days where it is complete bliss. They are far and few, but there are some. And when they come, Ben and I really appreciate them.
(just to clarify . . . I love my job as MOM and all the extra titles that come along with it. I would never trade my job as a mom or my kids, they are all definately one of a kind. I just think that I am going to be in desperate need for some Whitney time and in even more need for a Ben and Whitney trip. )

Painter's 1/2 Marathon and 5K

I signed up for a runners serries a few months ago with my sisters Hilary, Rebekah, Rebecca and my brothers Nicholas, McKay and Matt. We have all been training, some more than others getting ready for our first race of the series the Painters 1/2 and 5K down in St George.
My sister came and picked up the kids and Ben and I took off on the road. It was clear skies, really turning out to be a great drive. It was about 7pm and we were right outside of Fillmore and we started to hear a really strange and yucky noise with the car. We decided to pull of at Fillmore (good thing we did) As we were pulling off the off ramp, our car completely gave out. Yep, stopped working. Ben got out and pushed it half way up the street and then I got out and pushed it the rest of the way to the gas station. Lu got hungry so I fed her while Ben and a mechanic diagnosed the car.
The diagnosis is a new engine . . . . basically. I was just busting up, I handle the big things like a champ. Throw any large wrench in my way and I can handle it. It is the small things that get my feathers ruffled. We weighed our options of getting home, and getting the car home and finally decided that we would have the tow truck/AAA guy tow our car and take us in the cab with him. *side note* if you have AAA service I guess that you really need AAA+ Joanne and Jim said that we could use their AAA but it could only be towed about 5 - 10 miles. Well, that wouldn't have really made a dent in our way back to Salt Lake.
We all hopped into the cab of the truck, and made the journey back to SL. On the way back the weather wasn't with us. There was a time when I was really worried. The roads were so bad and we couldn't see the road or which way the road was going. But our driver was very confident in his driving, and he let us know about that. So after a long drive leaving Fillmore at 8pm and getting home at 11pm we were totally done.
Our trip that was supposed to be a simple drive down to George, 35$ for the race fee and staying at the St George House quickly made a turn for the worse into a 6 hour trip, 450$ tow back to Salt Lake, pringles for dinner, and a possible blown enginge.
So if you are wondering why there are no pictures of me at the finish line of the race, we didn't quite make it. And I totally forgot to get a pic of our cjute little subaru on the back of the tow truck. Needless to say, it wasn't a half bad night. It was a comfortable ride with no kids talking in my ear and Luella was an angel. She just slept the whole way. So I guess the real question is new engine or new car. It's a debate.

SaVE My houSE

I have come to understand what people mean when they say that boys are destructive!!!! My little Mason is only almost 3 and I can barely keep up with his energy and enthusiasm, especially when it comes to being wild and crazy in my house. Today Sam came running up the stairs telling me that he had broken the glass by the window. Well, it was the tile ledge that was at the bottom of the window. Yes indeed, he had hit it with something and knocked a good piece right out. Seriously, are you kidding me?!!!
Then there is the ball issue. Not just basketballs, if only. No, any kind of ball. Actually anything that he can throw. We put a basketball standard in his room so he could play anytime rain or shine. But, the problem is that he has brought his game from his room to the hallway (throwing a football from one end of the hallway to the other, he's got a pretty good little arm), and from the hallway to the kitchen where he will either, dribble, bounce, throw or drop kick any sort of ball. So if you can imagine a little 3 year old with pretty good, or DANG good hand, eye and foot coordination, well, let's just say that all day long I ask hime to stop. Today he was throwing a ball at a picture on the wall, drop kicking it onto and over the counter, and just being a boy.
I just need the weather to get better so that my house will survive this little boy. (or maybe just so that I will survive) We have a hoop out in the back and he loves it, but it needs to get warmer so that he can stay out there longer, maybe even all day long!
I love my little Mace, but he is going to be the end of me and my patience. So if anyone has any extra patience, send it my way . . . . I am in desperate need!!!!!!

Sam and the Dentist

We took Samantha and Mason in last Thursday to get their teeth checked. Samantha did really well. She sat and let them clean and polish her teeth. I was so surprised. Mason on the other hand wouldn't even sit in the chair, so Ben just held him and the dentist just took a peek at his teeth. (i've been so worried about his 2 front teeth, since he hits them on a regular basis. I'm surprised they are still in there) So, the dentist said that Mason's teeth look great (and the whole time he just kept on telling Ben that he wanted to leave and he wanted to go home) Samantha had some sugar bugs as the dentist called them, more commonly known as cavities to the rest of us. So we made an appointment to come back today.

In the meantime, during the past week every time Sam brushed her teeth and spit the toothpaste out after, she thought that she was spitting the cavities out. Poor thing had no idea what was in store for her at the dentist today.

We got there and she did great. She was so brave. She had 4 to be filled. (she so has my teeth, it is so sad. I was always at the dentist getting cavities filled) She had 2 on each side on the bottom teeths. So the dentist came in and numbed her right up, which she later told me that she didn't like that part where the dentist wiggled her cheek around. But she sat so brave and opened so big while he was working on her teeth. She held my hand the whole time.

At one point when he had finished 2 of them on one side, she sat up for a little break and wanted to be done. She wanted to leave. I told her she had to lay back down and finish the other side, and there was a minute where I couldn't get her to lay back down. The dentist had to tell her that the rule is if she lays down by herself then mommy can stay with her, but if she didn't then mommy had to leave and go sit up front. She laid down and let him finish. She did so great, I was so impressed.

And of course right when we left she was still numb, but the first thing that she wanted was some candy. You'd think that she wouldn't want it cause she was numb and because of the sugar bugs; but no that doesn't stop her. Once again like mother like daughter. It is strange to think and see how alike we really are. Watch out for the older years, that is all I can say!

Live and learn and learn and learn

Ben might not be happy that I am sharing this, but seriously, it has to be shared. For Christmas my dad gave us a spare key to our house and the tahoe in my stocking. The reason being that my dad bailed us out in December and decided that we needed spare keys. Those keys are still hanging in our house. Not very useful if they are in the house and not like under the car or something. So anyways, back to my original thought. I talked to Ben on his lunch break today, and at the end of our conversation he was heading into work from his car. I then got a phone call soon after that and he told me that he had locked the keys in his car. Well my dad was a lifesaver (like normal) and went to my house, got a spare key and drove it all the way out to Ben's work. Great, The End!

Not really, you'd think that he would have learned, but I guess not. Ben got home from work and ran a quick errand to pick up some chairs for my salon. I was in the basement and my cell phone and home phone kept ringing. After the 4th time ringing I thought I'd better get it. Well it was Ben and he had locked his keys in his car again. Yes for the second time today. Lucky for him this guy was so nice and drove him to our house, waited for him to get his spare key and then drove him back to his car. When Ben got home all he said was he didn't want to talk about it. Well, I think maybe after this he will have learned his lesson and get those spare keys somewhere where we can use them when needed. I just had to smile though, it was one of those things that probably wasn't that funny at the time, but it will be funny later when he thinks about it.

I guess the lesson is to get those spare keys ready to be used. And when I say ready that doesn't mean made and hung back in your kitchen with all of the other keys. That will do you no good when you lock your keys in your car and you aren't in your driveway!

Lu's 2 month check up

Luella and I headed to the doctors today. She is growing like a cute little weed healthy and strong. She weighs 11 pounds and is 22 inches long. (right before the doctor came in I sat and held her, and she was totally grinning and giving me goo goo eyes. I just loved it, I almost wanted to cry) The doctor was so impressed because when he came in to see her she looked right at him and just stared while he talked. He said she looks great and he sent the nurse in to give her shots. Well after she got her shots, we had a little scare. Of course Luella was totally fine right before she got the shots, and right when the nurse put the first needle in her leg; she immediately freaked out. She turned the darkest shade of red I have ever seen. I've never seen her cry so bad. After the third shot (it was pretty quick, you should really see this nurse give shots, it's amazing) the nusre felt bad for making her cry and left the room. I picked up my sweet baby and was trying to comfort her, and I noticed that she wasn't crying anymore. So I pulled her away from my shoulder so I could look at her, and she didn't quite look right. She had a wicked grip on my hair and she was reddish purple and didn't look like she was breathing. I ran to the door and just yelled for the nurse and said she isn't breathing. The nurse took her straight to the doctor, but right when the nurse got her she started rubing her back and she started breathing. They said it was a breath holding spell. Instead of crying and breathing in and out, she just kept bearing down and wasn't taking any air in. Holy Cow it scared me so much. They handed her back to me and she was so white and fast asleep. The nurse said that just took everything out of her. They also told me that since it happened once, it could quite possibly happen again. Great, so I have to keep a look out for if she gets too hysterical while she is crying or anything like that. I'm just grateful that she is ok.

She is at such a fun stage where she's starting to interact with us through her eyes and smiling at us. She sleeps all the way through the night. She has found her hands and likes to suck on them and then smear the spit all over her face. She loves her swing and will sit in or sleep in it, which is a big help to me sometimes. She is a binki girl, which I love. She is just such a calm, happy and peaceful baby for the most part. We are just loving having her in our little family. Sam and Mason adore her just as much as her mom and dad.

(I just thought I would add that if our dog Molly hears Lu crying, she will go and stand by her door or go into her room; maybe just to let me know just incase I didn't already know she was crying. She is a cute dog, and she is great with our kids)

Daddy's Day Off

Since it was a holiday yesterday, Ben had the day off. The days that Ben has with us are far and few in between. We thought it would be a fun idea to take the kids to see "The Frog Princess"

It was supposed to be really fun, and it was; but what is a day without a few hic-ups. The kids were way excited to go and see a movie. We got them some treats at the store and of course they wanted to eat them right then. Sam and Mason had a good little cry in the car while I tried to explain to them that they couldn't carry their treats in, but mom had to put them in her purse. And if they ate them right then, they wouldn't have anything to eat during the movie. So, we got that all worked out and got into the movie. It was such a cute movie. Luella sat on my lap the whole time, and was really good. Most of the time she just sat and looked at the huge screen, then she fell asleep. Sam ate so much candy that I thought she was going to be sick. She was asking questions about the movie and talking redally loud. It was way cute. Mason was mostly just worried about getting all of his starbursts unwrapped and "how do we get out" He coudn't see the door and was worried that we wouldn't be able to get out of the theater. They were pretty good during the movie. Then when we left I was putting the baby in and all of a sudden I saw Ben dart out into the street. Mason had run and I mean RUN into the street and probably thought it was pretty funny. He was incredibly lucky though. Right before he ran out into the street a car had passed. That car could have hit him, and I am so grateful it didn't. After that we tried to explain to Sam and Mason the safety involved with listening and obeying. I hope that some day they will understand and listen and obey. Especially when their safety is involved.

It was fun to go out as a family, but after Ben and I both thought that maybe they are still a little too young to appreciate going out on adventures. And Ben and I don't have enough patience right now to do these kind of adventures that often.

I was just glad that we had Ben home with us for a whole day.

Mail for Samantha

Last week Samantha brought in the mail and there was a letter for her. She was so excited. My sister Rebekah was over and she knew exactly what it was. I opened it and it said . . . .

Sammie's Slumber Party

You are invited to a sleep over at

Aunt Rebekah's

When: Saturday January 16, 2010

Where: Aunt Rebekah's home

What: Bring your Tinkerbell sleeping

bag, PJ's, Sunday Clothes and your

favorite movie!

We'll be having dinner, baking goodies,

watching movies and staying up past

your bedtime.

Is that not the cutest invitation. Samantha was so excited she could hardly wait til Saturday. When she got home Sunday morning, she had had such a great time. They had watch movies (3 to be exact), had pizza, made pretzel cookies, and stayed up late. Samantha kept on telling everyone that she got to sleep over at her Aunt Rebekah's house. Even though that night she was so so tired that we put her to bed at 7, it was so fun for her to have a night with Rebekah!!!

Thanks Rebekah for having her over. She had a blast and felt so special!!!We love you!!!!!

THANK GOODNESS FOR SWINGS

(this was the cutest thing ever when I came up and saw

her binki totally being shoved up her nose. Apparently

it didn't bother her though, she just kept on sleeping.)

So I noticed the other day that I have a bunch of pictures of Luella in the swing. It must look like I keep her in there all day, but really I don't. Or do I? She is just such a good baby that usually she is sleeping in her bed, but on the off chance that she won't nap, or I just need to put her down for a second the swing is the easiest place. Who wouldn't want to sit in a swing and be rocked to sleep and usually listen to lullaby music. (that is Mason's new thing, to turn on the music on the swing)

If she weren't such a great baby, maybe I wouldn't use my swing as much. I would probably have a baby attached to my hip. But as it is she will let me put her down and pay attention to my other incredibly active kids. Now night time, that is another story. Lu wants to be held most of the evening. But that's ok since the kids are in bed and I can just sit and hold and enjoy her. That is something that you can't do as easily with more kids. You have so much to do that alot of the time, you can't just sit and stare at your baby (like I did with Sam, all day long, I loved it) So thank goodness for our swing! And thank goodness that she will sit/sleep in there like the little angel she is.

Saturday Night Date Night

Saturday Night is such a great date night. It is even better when you have one having a slumber party at her aunts house and the other two are with another trusty aunt. (thanks to Rebekah and Hilary . . . you are the best!) So we headed to dinner at Hoppers with Ben's cousin Jason and Heather. After dinner we couldn't really decide on a movie we both wanted to go see, so we compromised. I went to a movie with my 2 sisters Jessica and Hilary. We went and saw "Leap Year" It was a way cute movie. I just love the feel good, make you smile movies. I got home and Ben took off to go drive his rc car. If you don't know what an rc car is then you are not married to my hubby Ben. Remote Control Cars. Saturday nights are the official rc car racing nights. There is this hobby shop in Sandy that Ben found and the owners set up this track and sit out, in the cold, and race their cars. Hours and hours and they don't get tired. Ben even has 5 batteries that he charges to take with him, so he can race til his heart is content; or at least til the batteries are out. (just so you know I am constantly hearing beeping at my house. If you can imagine 5 batteries, that is alot of charging and beeping going off)

So, I sit here watching the food network channel and Ben is out racing. He just loves it and since he loves it so much, I love it that he gets to go out and play. So, Ben let me have my girl time and he is off having his guy time. I love having things to do as a couple, but I love that we each have our own things that we like. It is a pretty good deal for a date night.

A Day From ______!!!

So you know when you have one of those horrible days. Right when you get up, you just know that it is going to be a doozy. Well, that is how yesterday was. I woke up and wasn't the happiest mom, then my kids were wining and crying (which is normal, but sometimes enough is enough). Joanne was so sweet to come over and play with the kids for a minute before Sam went to school. After that I thought the day was on an upward climb. I picked up my mom and we went out and ran an errand together with just Mason and Lu. It was great. We made it back to pick up Sam from school and went on our way to take my mom back home. Well, I drive Wasatch Blvd everyday, sometimes multiple times a day. (i'd like to add that on the way to my house we saw a cop pulling someone over) Well, as I'm driving along, going about 40, a cop pulls out of a church parking lot and I'll leave out the details of my asking for a warning, going to his car to see the radar gun, even being so frustrated that I cry a little and just signing the paper to get him out of my face.
How unfair to add a speeding ticket to an already stressful day. It's like adding salt to an already open wound. And how sad to have to tell Ben when this is about my 4th speeding ticket in the last 2 years, and 3rd on Wasatch I might add. So I relaxed at my moms for a bit before heading back home. We pull into the garage and I get out and grab the baby, and right when I open the door for the kids to get out, Mason falls head first out of the car onto the cement floor. Seriously, are you kidding me. Could this day get any better. Just wait it can. So Mason gets this awesome goose bump right on his forehead, but is ok once Dad gets home. To end my day I went out shopping for a minute and found all these way cute shirts and they were even on sale. I probably tried on about 10 or so shirst. What to my luck only one fit. The others looked like I was a rather large girl trying to squeeze into something that belonged to a tiny person. Doesn't that just make you feel great!!! Well, I guess I just need to work a little bit harder and be a bit more dedicated.
I was just glad to lay my head down on my pillow and say goodbye to yesterday and hello to today!
(oh yea, so I guess I'm the kind of person that lets a swear word come out every once in a while when I am stressed. Imagine 3 kids and always being stressed. Samantha went into the bathroom last night while getting ready for bed and was saying a bunch of words and aparently said the sh word. Isn't that just a great mom's example. I guess I have more things to work on than I thought)

CAUGHT RED HANDED

Isn't it funny when you catch your kids doingsomething you know they shouldn't be doing. First of all they are usually away in another room, trying to be really quiet, and when they get caught . . . . they are kinda embarrassed.
Well, isn't it even funnier when it isn't your kids you catch, but your 29 year old husband!!! Well, Ben and I are really trying to be good and healthy and get in shape. It is definately hard work getting the body back that you know is in there somewhere after having a baby. So I need all the help I can get. Well, Ben is also working really hard. Going to the gym, eating healthy, and cutting out some things that do nothing for us; like soda.
Ben got home from a movie and went downstairs for a bit. I was in the kitchen and the house was pretty quiet. All of a sudden I heard the sound of a can popping open and the fizz being let out. I went over to the stairs and Ben was right there waiting for me. He pretended like he hadn't done anything, and I asked if he was drinking his soda. He tried to hid it for a minute, and then admitted to it. He told me that the moment that he popped the lid, he thought "I bet Whitney can hear this!"
Well, I am not a controling wife, just trying to help him out like I want him to help me out. I just thought it was so cute. It was more fun catching Ben doing something he shouldn't be than it is sometimes catching Samantha or Mason. You gotta love my Benji!!!

Sledding w/ Cousins

My brother Taylor and his 2 boys Stillman and Bridger invited us to go sledding. Of course my kids were all over it, so we dropped Lu off with Grandma B for a bit and headed over to Bywater Park. At first none of the kids were that sure about it. The snow had turned into a big patch of ice. But once we sent them down and went down with them they loved it. Samantha screamed the first time she went down with Ben, but then she couldn't get enough. Mason got to the point where he had had it. He started to walk to the car by himself. He was cold and done.

On the way home Ben said that he was surprised that I went down the hill. I'm not a wuss, of course I went down the hill. (even though there isn't a picture of me on the sled)
It was such a great thing to have Ben home with us for the day and go have a Saturday Adventure. Those were always my favorite things as a kid. Saturday Adventures with my brothers, sisters and mom and dad!!!!

Our little Night Owl

Mason doesn't always go right to bed when we lay him down. Unlike Samantha who hits the pillow and is basically out, he likes to stay up in his room playing with his "things" (his toys and little trinkits), organizing his clothes or just not going to bed. Ben and I put them both to bed at the same time and we went down to watch a movie. When I came up the stairs this is what I found in the hallway. I'm not quite sure what he was doing but I do know that he got so tired he couldn't make it 10 more feet back into his bed. So I picked up my not so little toddler boy and took hi back into his bed. And when I got into his room I found that he had put bunches of his clothes, shoes, toys and diapers in a basket and box right next to his bed. He loves to have his "things" close to him when he goes to sleep so noone takes it. Even though Mason isn't always a happy camper, he is still and will always be my little boyfriend. Everytime I say "I love you" he will repeat the " I love you alot. I love you more. I love you forever. I love you forever and ever. I love you for always" It just melts my heart everytime!

Good Bye 2009 . . . Hello 2010

Randon cute pictures

We had a great December, but I'm grateful for the hussle and bussle of the season to be over. Luella has been changing so much that I wanted to put some cute pictures of her and how big she is getting. Samantha loves Luella so much. She does this cute thing where she kisses the top of her own hand and then puts that part of her hand on Luella. It is her cute way of giving Lu a kiss! She always asks for me to put Lu in bed with her, and even wants her to sleep with her. She ensures me that she will be really careful and take good care of her. They will be such good friends and buddies as they get older.

Bye Bye BeBe

So Mason woke up one morning and told me he wanted to trade in BeBe (binki). This is something that we had mentioned to him a while ago, but he got pretty upset so we dropped the idea. When he asked me about it, I asked him if he really wanted to trade his BeBe for a toy. He said yes. Then I told him that his BeBe would be gone forever, and I asked him if that was ok. He said yes. So we went and picked up my sister Jessica, and headed over to Walmart. The deal is that he can buy any toy he wants and payment for the toy is his BeBe. So we went and looked around and he saw a Spiderman on a 4 wheeler, and that is what he wanted.(he is really into spiderman and superman right now). So we headed up to the front and on the way up he saw a can of pringles. So he picked one up. We got up to the register and he kept telling me that he needed to get his BeBe out of his pocket, and right when he did, he put it right on the counter. It was the cutest thing ever. He handed his BeBe to the cashier and picked up his sack with his spiderman and pringles. He looked so grownup walking out of the store with his sack of goodies.
I thought he would have a hard time with it at night, but he didn't. And the one time he asked for it I just told him that he has spiderman now and he looked at me and smiled and said"ok".

Funny enough Samantha and Mason were playing in my roon and Sam found a binki under my bed. Mason was pretty happy about it, but he sucked on it for a bit and then I got ahold of it and put it away and there hasn't been any trouble.

Quick visit from Aunt Jessica

My sister Jessica came to visit, which my kids love. She is always playing with them and running around, which is something I need to be better at. But she came to for a quick visit, and while she was here the kids wanted to run the "marathon" with her. (that means they run in a circle around the wall in our basement) So they were running and having fun and Samantha ran and jumped on the couch and right as she turned around Mason ran and jumped right where she was. He jumped and his head hit her high cheek bone right under her eye. Right at that momnent that he hit her face it was like a blood vessel popped under her eye and it just instantly turned blue. Samantha was pretty devastated. And right after that Jessica had to leave. It was kindof a running joke. And now instead of running the marathon, Sam says they need to walk the marathon so noone gets hurt. Thanks for coming to visit J. My kids really do always love it!!!!

Monkey See Monkey Do

Do I really need to go into detail?! The pictures pretty much say it all. They love their Dad so much and want to do everything he does that they both asked for a pair of sunglasses and wore them while we were in the car. It was pretty darn cute!!!

Candy Houses

One of our favorite things to do in December is go to my parents ward christmas party. My dad is in charge of it and if that doesn't explain it . . . it is always just a blast. My kids love doing to candy houses at the party. This year our ward party ended up on the same day, so we thought we better forgo my parents and go to ours. But of course we went and got a house, some frosting and some candies so we could construct one ourselves. It was a great Sunday activity. Samantha's was such a girl house, very well thought out and neat. It looked really cute. Mason's was complete opposite. He put everything he could on there, pretzels were poking out of every way, but it was still cute. They loved looking at them on our counter, but more importantly they loved getting them down and sitting at the table and eating them. That lasted a couple weeks and then it was just down to the frosting, so I chucked them. Until next year I guess.

December 16th, Whitney turns 26!!!!!

December is already a crazy month, and to add to the chaos our anniversary is on the 13th and my birthday is on the 16th. Our anniversary hit on a Sunday this year. It was our 6 year anniversary, I cannot believe it. The time has just flown by. But my parents were sweet enough to invite us over for dinner and dessert. So we hung out with them, and had a great night!!!

So on my birthday, after Ben got off a half day of work, my mom and sister tended the kids while we went and saw a movie (the blind side) which was awesome. It is just the greatest treat to go to a movie, or just go out without our kids. Thanks Grandma B and Jessica. Then we rushed to pick up the kids and took Sam and Mason over to Honey's house while we went out to dinner. Ben was surprising me with where we were going but, as we were driving along Wasatch I knew there was only one place we could be going. La Cai (not even quite sure how to spell it). As we pulled in I turned to Ben and said we are taking a baby to La Cai with us. She was pretty good and the food was good and the atmosphere was amazing. I just love Ben and how great he is to plan a fun birthday. He knows how much I struggle with my birthday. It's not the getting older, I love that part, it's just the time and season that it falls. It's no fun to be forgotten on your birthday. But my husband always makes it a special day. I love him so much.

Then to top it off when we got home, he pulled out my present. He had gone out shopping and gotten me a kitchen aid. So I guess now he is expecting cookies, alot. I love you Ben!!!!!

Breakfast With Santa (doesn't he look awfully familiar)

Honey and the other Aunts arranged a fun Breakfast with Santa!!!
Samantha and Mason were so excited for days. When Santa got there Samantha hid under a table until he left, Mason actually sat on his lap. I thought he would be too scared, but he did it, and even Lu sat on his lap. They loved it. Thanks for the fun morning Honey!!!

Samantha's Preschool Christmas Program

Newcastle Preschool put on quite a cute little Christmas Program. I was excited to see it becuase I had heard Sam singing all of the songs all month long. We went to the Old Draper Theater, and Grandma B, Honey, McKay (also known as Mac Daddy), Jessica, Mason and Dad oh and Baby Girl (Luella) came to watch. She picked out her cute black and red outfit, and was so excited to go. I loved watching her sind and watching her wave at us during the program. I just love watching Samantha grow up, she is turning into quite the little girl.

Christmas Adam with the Rich's (if you don't know what that is look on Anna's blog)

We spent the day before Christmas Eve with Ben's family. We have a tasty dinner, then we got the kids all dressed up in their nativity costumes. Sam was Mary, Corbin was Joseph and Mason was the shepherd. Corbin said he was Joseph and so Mason said he was "Joses" So Mason was Joses the Shepherd.
After the nativity the kids put on their Santa hats and Jim read a Christmas story. That is one of the Rich's traditions. Jim reads a christmas story every Christmas Eve (or Adam).

Christmas Eve at The Ballstaedt's

We spent Christmas Eve at my parents and did all of our traditional traditions. We had a yummy dinner (my brother Taylor had deep fried a turkey), then we watched the movies "the gift". We have watched it every year for as long as Ican remember. We did the nativity and then ended with the Gift Ball, also a tradition that we have done forever. It was so fun to be with everyone and just hang out. I love all of the traditions that we have done since I was a little girl, and it is fun to start to share them with the grandkids.

Christmas Day 2009

We spent the morning at the Ballstaedt's having omelets and hanging out. It is the best part of christmas for me, my dad makes the best omelets!!! Then we headed over to the Rich's for lunch and opened presents and played. Then of course we weren't done, we headed over to my sister Jessica's to have chinese and play games. The only thing Ben said on the way home is "we are not going 3 places next year" I thought it was fun though, I love seeing everyone.

Christmas Morning at the Rich's

The kids woke up around 7:30 and so we all went out to see if Santa had made it to our house. We were pleasantly surprised to see lots of fun presents under our tree. Sam and Mason were so excited. They got some fun things. . . . .helmets, kites, sleeping bags, Mason got a train, Sam got dress ups. It was so cute to see them play with their toys, but even cuter to watch Mason take all of his "things" down the hall to his room. He must have made about 3 or 4 trips to his room. Christmas is all worth the hussle and bussle to see your kids faces on Christmas Day.

Grandpa Ballstaedt came over while I was doing hair and helped out with the kids. I found them all sitting watching High School Musical (mason's favorite movie these days) It was way too cute, all of them just glued. We love it when Grandpa comes over.

Samantha and Mason are always wanting Luella to lay with them. Here they are laying on my bed watching TV. (I still have to remind Sam that she is too small to pick up Lu and carry and move her around)