in morse code

hello monday

2012-01-30T08:37:00.000-08:00

Our weekend was good to us.

*Five Guys and french fries for dinner

*Jake babysat so I could chat it up with some dear friends

*Stayed out way too late

*a 2 hour nap

*took a walk around in the cold but sunny weather

*ate some Chinese food and fortune cookies

*made my own studded gold collar (more on that later)

*watched Cowboys and Aliens on netflix

*and grabbed our favorite dessert from The Sweet Tooth Fairy

I think I am ready to start this week.

Certainly with a full belly.

walk this way

2012-01-26T07:32:00.000-08:00

music by Mother Mother "Bright Idea"

ASL wins again

2012-01-25T07:44:00.000-08:00

Oh man. If I could show this video to every person in the world I would. These two boys were adopted by an American family from China. Travis on the left is 3 years old and Deaf, and Tian on the right is 2 years old with partial hearing. When they came home they had zero language skills. 6 months later both boys can communicate beyond just expressing basic needs, and "have more words than [the parents] can count". This video shows how beneficial and just right sign language is for Deaf children. It's accessible--they have eyes to see it and hands to use it. In this clip they're not just using bare basic sign, they are relating to the book, correcting each other's sign, and making real world connections. To be able to do all that they must know the language on a deeper level. (in just 6 months??) Perfect proof that sign is the best choice for Deaf children and another point, look how smart they are! I don't know any other 3 year old helping a sibling "say" frog correctly. To read more about their story check our the family's blog called "Signs of Life: The Brownie Chronicles". I just became a recent follower and supporter. Oh, and don't forget to watch the clip!

a letter

2012-01-23T07:44:00.000-08:00

We've hit double digits-- 10 months. Wha what?? (only 2 more months you'll be 1. yikes!) Let's list off all that month 10 has brought us:

You love cars. You make car sounds when you push them around on the floor. In fact, you make car sounds if anything can slide around on the floor (one being my belt...) Your dad showed you how cars can drive everywhere, for example your body. so you like to drive cars up to the top of your head down to your bum. And then you test it out on me. I think you are more drawn to trucks and construction tractors as your favorite books are "Trucks" and "Things That Move". But, just a hunch.

We got you a push walker and you love it! Our poor little laundry basket was getting pushed everywhere. And that is what we do all day-- walk around, climb furniture, cruise around the coffee table and couch, climb the stairs, and try to touch every electrical thing in the house. What is with that electrical obsession anyway? You find every socket and just have to touch it. Or you want remotes, wires, phones, and the laptop. I am constantly doing the "move all electronics" dance. It's exhausting, but I keep telling myself that it burns calories.

Technology may be your thing, but your most favorite thing of all is playing chase with your dad. And it starts right when you wake up till he leaves for work, then starts right back up again when he comes home till you go to bed. You have a certain squeal to signal you're ready and then you're both off wrestling, laughing, tickling, and escaping. It makes your dad smile, and pretty excited to see his boy after work. Who wouldn't?

You are such a social baby-- at church you will search for anyone looking at you and then expect to be entertained. This means laughing to get people to look up, or banging on the chair to get their attention. We've learned to sit in the back.

The number of teeth has increased to a total of 6: 4 on top and 2 on bottom. You no longer look like a vampire. Even though it was pretty hilarious every time you smiled. And all this teeth is helping you chew new food like meat! Oh your dad is pretty proud about that. We've tried lots of fun things like rice, noodles, and even pizza crust.

My most favorite thing is how red your hair is getting. (Your Great Grandma Milne finally got a red-headed grand child!) I don't know how long it will last but I hope it stays a while. It totally fits you. And you've got beautiful big blue eyes with long blonde eye lashes. Oh excuse me, handsome. Silly me, you're growing up now and I shouldn't be using baby talk like "cute" and "beautiful". You are getting to be such a boy and I certainly didn't teach you any of that. It's all you. Love you handsome,

-Mom

challenge accepted

2012-01-20T09:38:00.000-08:00

Have you heard about the January a Day Photo Challenge?

Well it's the cool thing to do in January when there isn't any snow to play in.

I joined in the fun on instagram and here are my days 1-15:

1. Me 2. Breakfast 3. Something I adore

4. Letterbox 5. Something I wore 6. What makes me smile (how Jake ends his texts)

7. Favorite (M's favorite toy) 8. My sky 9. Routine (snuggles. always.)

10. Childhood 11. Where I sleep 12. Close up (iphone case)

13. In my bag (the interpreting bag) 14. Currently Reading 15. My happiness

Can't wait to finish out the rest of the month.
Today is someone you love.
Now who could that be?

my mama said

2012-01-19T09:51:00.000-08:00

Thinking we'd be in the unemployment situation for a while, we sold Jake's jeep. That leaves us to one car which goes with Jake to work everyday. That leaves me stuck inside a two bedroom little cottage with a 9 month old in the middle of winter...we get bored. Don't get me wrong, we do plenty in a day like playing cars, rolling the soccer ball back and forth, crawl around with Daisy, fill the sink up with water, read books, bang on pans, eat, sing songs, etc. etc. but that gets old by the middle of the week. Luckily, my parents live close so they come to get us for a little change of scenery. Yesterday, as I was hanging out at my mom's, we found her old sketch pad. She is an artist, and growing up, most of all the artwork in our house was from my mom's hand. (Don't ask me how that wasn't passed down to me). Super talented that woman. And I found one of those talents from her high school notebook. And she has a little sense of humor too...

I had to take a picture because Myer is the fish on the left, and I'm the fish on the right. Oh dear Mama, you said it.

reception crashers

2012-01-17T08:29:00.000-08:00

Saturday night we went to a reception for one of my dear friends from high school. And we've stayed friends since then. (Honestly, I was hoping she would become a sister-in-law one day...such a schemer!) Anyway, we chatted with good friends and ate yummy food. My personal favorite was the hot chocolate bar. Divine.

And I also had two stellar dates: Jake and M. Can't complain when I have two handsome boys by my side. Not to mention that Myer is looking more like Jake everyday. Double the fun!

p.s. thanks for all your phone calls, texts, and comments about Jake's new job! We are so excited for another adventure!

good news!

2012-01-16T08:28:00.000-08:00

Jake accepted a job Friday!

Woot woot!

He starts today,

and can I just say, that I'm happy to see my Jake back.

He has a little twinkle in his eye.

Can't wait to greet him at the door tonight from his "day at work".

pic taken from celebrating Friday night with frozen yogurt.

like father like son

2012-01-12T09:16:00.000-08:00

One of Jake's nightly routines no matter how full he is, no matter when he last ate, no matter what time it is, he will open the fridge. Just to look at it. Maybe something will pop out at him? The man is a bottomless pit. I caught someone doing the very same thing...

I opened the fridge for a second, turned my back, and Myer was already standing in front of the fridge--just looking at it. Monkey see, monkey do.

clippin coupons

2012-01-11T08:04:00.000-08:00

I have my binder. I have my section dividers. And I have my baseball card sheets. I'm ready to start clipping. But...I am intimidated to actually take these little papers to the store and put them to use. Talk about needing a college degree in Couponing because the lingo is just going over my head. Along with the different rules and policies of each store, I feel like I've entered a different world and I'm clueless. But it's going to help us get through these next few months so I'm gonna do it. And as I go along, I think I will document it--find out what works for me, what secrets I find, and if I score a deal you know I'm going to post that. Everyone needs little moments of victories. So here goes nothing!

weekend-gram

2012-01-10T08:19:00.000-08:00

1. Netflix date with Jake 2. bedtime stories

3. working hard or hardly working 4. bed head

(apparently we like hanging out in our star jammies...)

5. and we met Grandma's new dog--Toby

We are surrounded by dogs in this family and Myer is getting the spoiled treatment.

He has friends everywhere he goes now.

This makes me want to get a dog...

january is the new april

2012-01-06T07:27:00.000-08:00

It was 42 degrees yesterday,

January 5th.

January.

So we hit up the park like it was April-- swung on the swings

and watched the other kids play.

If the weather still thinks it's spring tomorrow,

then we'll be back dear neighborhood park.

cousin play time

2012-01-04T08:54:00.000-08:00

Naturally over the holiday break Myer got some real time with his cousins and Aunt Jessie's new dog, Remmie. Maddix is starting to figure out the whole extended family thing so he started calling Myer, "my Myer". And always giving him hugs, telling him "hi", and sharing his toys. He also calls his little sister Navy "my brother" so we aren't quite there yet. But at least he knows Myer is a part of his family. He cracks me up. The cousins had bath time, food time, play time, and even church time together. We wish these cute cousins lived closer but it makes holidays and reunions that much sweeter. I think they'll be best little buds.

We are so looking forward to April. (a combined little first year birthday party for Myer and Navy might be in the mix. We just gotta convince my sister to make that 10 hour drive again...) No big deal right? Love you cousins!

here's looking at 2012

2012-01-02T07:44:00.000-08:00

Let's get real for a moment, k? This blog documents my little family's life like a journal slash scrapbook, and with that comes exposing our life. And like some of us know, life isn't perfect right? Life has it's good and bad moments right? And this past year has been so good. Almost too good to be true-- I was working my dream jobs, we had a baby, and Jake graduated. I blogged all of that. But life happens, and just these past two weeks life happened hard. And now I'm blogging it. And I hope you don't mind.

A week before Christmas Jake was let go from his job. Now I do not blame a soul for this. I blame the awful economy who force people to make cut backs. I mean who hasn't felt the side effects? So Christmas was a little different this year as well as celebrating the New Year. We so badly wanted to end 2011 on the high we were on. We tried hard to forget about the pressures money can push on you, and just enjoy our time as a family. Myer really helped us remember what the season was all about. I love feeling his little spirit.

So with 2012 starting today, goals and priorities have taken on a new taste. Obviously Jake would like a job, and I would like to make cutbacks, save money, and be a cheerleader for Jake. But mostly, I want to get through this as a family and as a couple. We are getting back to the basics and putting our complete trust in God and his plans. Kinda humbling.

This blog I hope stays positive but also honest. (and maybe a little vent from time to time) but mostly positive! So I'm taking a deep breath, stepping forward, and looking 2012 square in the face. Here we go...

photo credit

your christmas cards

2011-12-30T07:41:00.000-08:00

They look so lovely hanging on my wall.

Thank you!

the day after christmas

2011-12-29T09:38:00.000-08:00

It was a crazy Thacker family party. Everyone was in town! We exchanged gifts, had a huge dinner, and then got down to the game business-- minute to win it business. Never knew my family was so competitive, especially my grandma. When money is the prize, she makes it happen. Maybe that's where some of us get it... Then we all had a huge sleepover, just like old times, but had a few more little bodies and a dog in the mix. Made for an early morning. The fam is still in town so we are prolonging this party as long as we can. New Years is going to be crazy. Happy Holidays!

a high five

2011-12-27T07:44:00.000-08:00

Do you know why wedding bands are worn on the left ring finger?

It's because it's the only finger that has a vein directly connected to the heart.

(I credit working at a jewelry store for two years knowing the answer to that question)

I am one lucky lady to wear a ring for the past 5 years

to remind me of Jake's love and eternal promise we made to each other on our wedding day.

I'm glad it's close to my heart.

Happy Anniversary Jake. I'm so glad you're mine.

Five down, forever to go...

pic above of our wedding rings on our wedding day

christmas, christmas, christmas!

2011-12-26T07:44:00.000-08:00

1. Christmas jammies 2. She & Him background music

3. the best Christmas present ever

4. totally into unwrapping the presents

5. car keys 6. slobbery car keys

Christmas morning was a hit.

Even though it was at 6 am...

our christmas card

2011-12-24T07:44:00.000-08:00

Signing off for the holiday weekend...

a letter

2011-12-22T13:43:00.000-08:00

Myer-
It's three days till Christmas and I can already tell you that this is becoming the best Christmas. We got your stocking up, your ornament on the tree, and presents all wrapped. We are having our own little Christmas morning which you probably won't even know what is going on, let alone remember when you're older, but we've been waiting to do this once we had kids and even though you're 9 months we are making this happen!

You've gotten so big and I think it's all the food you're eating: peas, bananas, apples, puffs, apples, sweet potatoes, grapes, crackers, applesauce, strawberries, bread, squash, pears, and you're starting to drink from a sippy cup. You mostly get water all down the front of you, but practice makes perfect. When you see your dad and I eat, you make the sign for food, and we break, and give you whatever we are eating. You are starting to sign yes, mom, and dad. But it happens randomly so we aren't really sure yet... We think you can also say "mama" and "dada" but that also happens randomly...

Books have become a real fascination for you. You like to help us turn the pages even if we aren't done reading the page. You also like clapping your hands, clicking your tongue, blowing bubbles, and taking your fingers up to your lips and make all sorts of sounds. Something else that you have started doing that makes no sense to me, is when you're crawling you like to grab a book or something flat, place it under one hand, and push it along as you crawl. Is it laziness? Mimicking a car? No idea. But it's funny. Wheels are a new interest so therefore you think everything can roll. You push things back and forth to see how they move like the hamper, chairs, boxes, etc. I think the Christmas present we got you will save our floors...

You really are starting to pick up on things like how we communicate, what to do to get food, and how things move. In just under a year? Craziness. Lucky to watch it each day. Love you,

-Mom

A Solitary Holiday

2011-12-20T07:40:00.000-08:00

photo via me

Hello friends of Bryton's! I am Rachel from Blogging is for Lovers and I know Bryton from college. She's pretty swell, no?

My love for Christmas has waned over the last few years. I can't stand the songs and decorations until after Thanksgiving, and even then, it's barely tolerable. I never know when the Christmas cheer is going to hit, but it eventually does and we all have a magical season.

I got to wondering why I'm such a notorious Scrooge, I used to love all this stuff! And then it dawned on me - I associate Christmas with family. Don't get me wrong, I adore my fam, but I don't have my own to start traditions with. I haven't lived with my parents for many, many years and I always seem to live quite far from them. They're in Utah and I've been as far as San Diego and I'm currently in DC. Sigh. We have so many wonderful Christmas traditions that I miss terribly in the weeks leading up to Christmas. I don't partake in those anymore because I don't see them until a few days before the big gift giving extravaganza.

I am definitely looking forward to the day when I can have Christmas cheer as early as Thanksgiving (maybe earlier!) because I get to watch how my children react. Is there any better holiday for kids? No. Definitely not. I live for the moment when my amazing nieces and nephews open their presents (and let's face it, as one of the single aunts I'm constantly competing for title of FAVORITE).

I'm going to be home on the 23rd and I'll hopefully be able to sneak in some of my favorites:

-my mom has a huge collection of Christmas stories and we would read one a night after reading scriptures as a family

-we would do 12 Days of Christmas for a family at church (my brother is a hurdler and is amazing at doorbell ditching and then running like lightning)

-German Oven Pancakes for breakfast!!!

-we watch White Christmas every Christmas Eve and sing along like fools (Bing Crosby - swoon)

Those are just a few, I'm sure I'll chastise myself later for the ones I have forgotten. What I'm really looking forward to is the day when I get to start traditions with my own little family and we get to make new magic every year.

See how the Christmas spirit hit me this year here, and stop on by Blogging is for Lovers any time

Merry Christmas!

jake is one year older

2011-12-19T08:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Jake's birthday. And we like it when a birthday lands on a weekend over here. We make it last and last. Friday we surprised Jake with a cake and balloons at work. On the right is what it looked like before I put a lid on it and drove 20 mins. On the left is the aftermath. No one knew whose birthday it was. It was a mystery! I asked Jake what he wanted to do to celebrate, and all he wanted was food, watch basketball, and watch TWO movies in one night. We sure go all out for birthdays. What rebels we are.

So we did.

Happy Birthday Jake!

We love you to pieces.

-Me and Myer

a little project on the side...

2011-12-16T08:43:00.000-08:00

After hearing this message, I felt like I needed to do some family history work. Sometimes I find myself browsing the internet, checking my email six times a day, and basically being a bump on a log while my baby sleeps, and I realized that I could be doing something greater with my time. Low and behold, I get a phone call from my grandma. She asked me if I would transcribe her mother's journal (my great grandma Pernie Mae.) Immediately, I said yes.

I'm only 20 pages into her journal but oh my goodness this has been such a cool experience. I never met my great grandmother because she died shortly after my mom got married, and I am getting to know an amazing woman. There are some real sweet stories like how she would help with the ironing and have to use two hands with the big black iron, or how they attended a one room school house called The Buck School House, or how she walked on foot when her family moved from Arkansas to Oklahoma, or when she would make soap from scratch it would burn her hands, etc. etc. etc.

My grandma told me she couldn't transcribe the journal because it was too hard. I thought she meant reading the handwriting and typing on a computer. Nope. She said, "It's too hard because I cry." I can see why. Doing genealogy work I thought would be boring, but instead I look forward putting Myer down so I can get my time with Pernie Mae. And I'm happy I'm no longer a bump on a log.

oh what do you do for Christmastime?

2011-12-15T08:02:00.000-08:00

Hi there! I am thrilled to be guest posting on Bryton's blog! Isn't she lovely? She asked me to talk a little bit about my traditions for Christmas. Christmas is such a wonderful time of year and I love it more now than I did before. Here are a few of our fun holiday traditions:

-My husband and I have been married for 5 years, for 3 of those years we have dedicated our Christmas time to another family. That means that we take the money that we would spend on each others' gifts and use that to buy a gift card for a family in our area that is in need. This has been an incredible way for us to do service and help keep the spirit of the season in our home. It has been incredibly beneficial in our lives and needless to say Christmas is now my favorite time of year.

-We do not handle "Santa" the same way that others do. I remember when I was young and I found out that Santa Clause...well...you know...I am kind of embarrassed to admit that it broke my heart. I was so upset about the truth of the matter and it really impacted me. When Peter and I discussed how to handle this with our son Owen we decided that Santa is real, for all intents and purposes. We want Owen to know and remember that Santa Clause is the one that helps us to remember others during this season. He, along with the Savior (the Savior more so than Santa), help us to remember to do service, to love one another, and to focus on the Reason and not the commercialization of Christmas. Not only does Santa help serve as a reminder for Owen, but he also stuffs his little stocking with yummy treats.

-We try every year to go to SLC and walk around Temple Square. The lights, the company and a quick stop for hot cocoa really make for a lovely outing.

-Christmas Eve has always been spent at my parents home. We have a very chill dinner together and watch movies, chat, play games and have fun. Then we open presents! We do our sibling gift exchange and then relax and enjoy each others company. One of the big things in our world are Christmas movies. We love Elf, Charlie Brown Christmas, Just Friends, A Christmas Story and National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. FUN, FUN, FUN!

-Every Christmas morning we wake up and check our stockings. This will, at some point, serve as a way for Mommy and Daddy to sleep in, while the kids see what Santa brought for them. Then when we wake up (which let's face it, we are more excited about Christmas morning than the kid right now) I make delicious Nutella Crepes and the present opening begins! We spend the day together watching movies, playing with new fun toys and remembering our Savior.

-I love Christmas so much. I love remembering our Savior and celebrating His birth. I am grateful for this time of year and the time it gives me with my family, friends and other loved one. I hope your Christmas is filled with joy and love.

Merry Christmas!

-Hugs

Ashely (visit her blog called Our Party of Three)

picture found here

stocking stuffers

2011-12-14T08:07:00.000-08:00

You know those lovely quarters, pennies, and nickles always lying around? Well, we put those things to good use. Throughout each year we load up a piggy bank with all our extra pocket coinage. Then when December rolls around, we break open the bank, and use whatever amount of money is inside for our stocking stuffers. Kinda makes you keep those pennies... Then one night Jake and I both go to the store together and try to secretly buy each other's stuffers. It's always a surprise Christmas morning.

This is my favorite Christmas tradition that Jake and I did on a whim. (mostly because our first year of marriage we were dead broke and wanted presents in our stockings, and the only money we had anywhere was in that piggy bank.) But it stuck. And we do it every year. Now Myer is in the mix which makes running around the store much more fun with a squealing baby.

As a new family we are still trying to figure out what our Christmas Traditions will be. So to help me out, I've asked a few friends to post about their traditions. If anyone of you would like to share your holiday traditions please feel free email at brytonmorse@yahoo.com The more ideas I get, the better off we'll be next year!

temple square

2011-12-12T07:55:00.000-08:00

We've started into our family traditions this year, and one of our favorites is walking through Temple Square.

We layered up, bundled up, and took the evening to see the lights and feel the spirit of Christmas.

I love the feeling there.

I couldn't take enough pictures of the temple.

Breathtaking.

Nothing says Christmas to me more than spending my time with Jake and Myer,

Christmas Lights, and walking Temple grounds.

Merry Christmas!

favorite picture from yesterday

2011-12-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

I snapped this picture yesterday afternoon and had quite the giggle.

I let him play for a while and then once he crawled back to me, I got him dressed.

Well...later on as I was picking up, I found a nice little puddle where he had been playing...

So the picture took on a little more meaning.

Someone was busy...

a friendly video

2011-12-08T07:08:00.000-08:00

I know that this video has been floating around the blog world but I couldn't help post it again--that little blonde girl is just too cute. And seeing children sign makes my heart smile. Hope your Wednesday gets you through to the weekend. Bye friends.

stockings without a mantle part ll

2011-12-07T07:08:00.000-08:00

All hung with care on candle holders.

(just like last year)

Jake's, Myer's, and mine.

Oh dear Santa fill them well.

just last week...

2011-12-05T07:12:00.000-08:00

...Myer can crawl up the stairs,
pull himself up on the coffee table and couch,
says FOOD in sign language,
and likes to hold the spoon himself at lunchtime.

This growing up business happens way to fast.

first

2011-12-02T07:54:00.000-08:00

baby's first ornament,

baby's first Christmas tree...halfway decorated.

Happy first Christmas baby M.

the last vegas post. and it's a video

2011-12-01T07:40:00.000-08:00

the rest of the vegas thanksgiving

2011-11-29T08:29:00.000-08:00

1. the drive down 2. yoga

3. Remmie post surgery 4. a walk with all the grandkids

5. Navy and Myer

6. Black Friday shopping 7. Christmas accomplished

8. swimming in the pool

9. Myer, Grandpa, and Maddix

10. bathtime 11. Aunt Sierra

12. sticking out our tongues 13. cousin play time

and you know there's a vacation video coming...

a vegas thanksgiving

2011-11-28T07:40:00.000-08:00

For "camping" out in Jessie's one-bedroom apartment for Thanksgiving, it was pretty stellar. We all pitched in with some new recipes-- Jessie made her first turkey as well as yummy roasted veggies, Jamie made her first batch of pies, and my mom took care of the essentials like potatoes, stuffing, and gravy. And I may have brought some rolls that someone else made but at least I brought them right? I also tried bring veggies but I froze the broccoli to make it last and well...lesson learned.

This was our first Thanksgiving dinner as just us siblings. Normally it's with extended family, so this was special. I loved being around my sisters who live out of state and around their hubbies and kids. We have such a good time. All of us. After dinner we participated in a game of Dance Central 2 on the Kinect. Burned that dinner right off and what ever was left over I'm sure I burned off laughing so hard.

I think this may be my favorite Thanksgiving. Families make the holidays so much sweeter. Let the holidays begin!

my bijou market loot

2011-11-23T07:46:00.000-08:00

Well friends once again, I didn't get any Christmas shopping done.

It was a "successful" trip for me and M.

I got a couple prints for a collage I'm doing in the kitchen,

some earrings,

cards,

and a beanie for M.

Next year I'm not even going to shop with the pretense of Christmas shopping.

After two years now it's not going to happen for a third.

Anyways,

I hope you all enjoy your Thanksgiving.

I'll be spending it with my family down in Vegas at Jessie and Carson's.

(Be sure to tune in to hear all about the six hour car ride with Mr. M, and how 14 of us fit in a one bedroom apartment for Thanksgiving dinner...)

And we are off!

Later gaters.

a letter

2011-11-22T07:44:00.000-08:00

Myer-

8 months today. That sounds so old to me. No more squeezing into 0-6 month sizes, just 6-12 stuff. Weird. You sometimes act like you're older though, like when you try to stand from a crawling position, or when you hold our hands and walk, or when I found you half way up the stairs last week. (those stair gates came up real fast.) The crawl is your main mode of transportation and you are getting very quick. I love it when I'm getting ready in the morning and I check on you in the family room, and then the next minute, you're at my feet in the bathroom. I also feel like a human jungle gym from the moment you wake up to the time you get to bed. It doesn't matter if I'm holding you or sitting on the floor by you, you are all over me.

Right now, your favorite trick is sticking out your tongue while babbling. Even in church. Or even trying to drink water out of a cup for that matter. But my favorite thing is when you get real excited, you sound like asthma is kicking in after a good work out. So seeing you interact with toys or kids I feel like I need a breathalyzer handy cause you get so excited and there's that wheezy sounding breathing. I hope we don't kill you over at Christmas. And another one of my favorites is you learned how to clap your hands. You do it at the dinner table, in your jumper, to your monkey during nap time, and when you want to impress strangers. It's a real crowd pleaser.

Another milestone this month is you got another tooth! Yep, your left incisor. So we are looking pretty awesome with two bottom teeth and one incisor. You might be a redneck... I'm hoping your front ones come in pretty soon (yes I'm crazy for hoping for more teething.)

People say that personalities start showing around this time, so if I could sum you up in one sentence it would be "a mellow one year old in a body of an 8 month old." You are very well mannered but just so busy and not satisfied until you can walk like the rest of us. Everyone keeps telling me that you'll be walking by 10 months. I sure hope not. You are growing up much too fast. I already cried packing away your newborn clothes, don't make me cry when you start walking.
-Mom

the wedding party

2011-11-21T07:29:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite picture from the weekend.

My friend Anna got married and everything about it was just beautiful--

from the temple, to the reception, to the flowers, to her dress.

She also is quite the beautiful bride (her hair!!)

Congrats Casey and Anna.

Thank you for letting me be part of your wonderful journey and most important day.

May you both be this much in love, forever and always.

xoxo

-Me

thanks goodness for instagram

2011-11-17T07:32:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I'll be at a wedding all day

and Saturday I'll be at Bijou Market.

(who will I see there??)

So it's an instagram post for the weekend.

See you next week!

a bijou market GIVEAWAY!

2011-11-15T07:19:00.000-08:00

Bijou Market is having a GIVEAWAY on their blog.

And it's quite the mother load with 7 prizes!

I seriously can't pick a favorite because I'm loving the above print

as well as some pillows shown on the website.

Yum yum.

Click here to enter and good luck!

chutes and ladders

2011-11-14T07:19:00.000-08:00

We are not only crawling,

but we are climbing on everything.

I already baby proofed floor level

now I have to baby proof anything that looks like a possible ladder.
Oh, and someone also has found their tongue.
Helps with deep concentration.

bijou market

2011-11-10T08:30:00.001-08:00

This is my favorite thing each November: Bijou Market. (you've heard me rave about it here) It's back again and coming to two locations-- Provo and SLC. It's been on my calendar for months and I seriously can't wait to get my shopping on. And with the holidays fast approaching, this is where I get most of my Christmas shopping done. Well try anyway. I always leave with more things for myself....Added bonus, they show you what vendors are coming and their products so you can pre-plan and get exactly what you want for everyone on your list. Click here for the website and get shopping!

the crawl

2011-11-08T08:59:00.000-08:00

our new little trick.

song: Lolita by Throw Me the Statue

new bride party time

2011-11-07T07:53:00.000-08:00

My best friend Anna is getting married next weekend

so of course we attended the bridal shower.

Myer, my mom, and I got our fill of yummy food, presents, and friends.

(Myer even found a new girlfriend and couldn't keep his eyes off of her.

Wherever she went, we had to follow. oye!)

That is how I like to spend my weekend- celebrating with friends.

Thanks Anna and I can't wait till next Friday!

remember when i had long hair?

2011-11-04T08:08:00.000-07:00

I look like a different person.

Browsing through old holiday photos I found this

and about didn't recognize who that was!

Talk about Flashback Friday...
(and speaking of Friday, it's the weekend. Hurrah!)

happy halloween

2011-11-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

The Morses went as S'mores.
First you take the mallow...

sunday was my birthday

2011-10-31T07:21:00.000-07:00

1. dinner at Harvest 2. french toast for breakfast

3. a play at Desert Star 4. My date, Jake

4. presents

5. unwrapping those presents 6. messy onsies

7. 25 candles

8. and a very fitting Halloween birthday cake

(and maybe having Jake and Myer pick it out had something to do with it...)

Whew! Having a birthday over the weekend is the way to go.

Sure milked that birthday!

wearing halloween colors

2011-10-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

Orange and Black.

We're pretty festive.

Only 6 days till Halloween!

a letter

2011-10-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

Myer-

7 months is my favorite age so far. You're becoming more you; more Myer. You are a very curious, rambunctious, vocal, little boy! I laugh at you (ok not at you with you) as you crawl yourself into a corner and squawk for someone to get you out, stick your feet on my face and arms when we cuddle, grab your toes while either in the car seat or stroller, rotate your wrists as if you're trying to sign, shout at me between each spoonful cause I'm apparently not fast enough, snort because you're so mad you can't reach something, testing out how high your voice can go when you should be napping, the look of disgust on your face when I wash your sleeping buddy Mr. Monkey, when you laugh at me every time I come into a room thinking it's a game of peek-a-boo, how you practically leap out of my arms when your dad comes through the door, and the way you touch my face and sing with me during our bedtime song.

And I think you are like me in the way you have to follow the schedule. You aren't shy about letting us know when we have to move onto the next thing. It's like you know. And that schedule is: you normally wake up at 7 AM. Then you take naps at 9, 12, and 4ish. You eat Oatmeal in the morning along with your Banana Puffs and then other pureed fruit/veggies for dinner along with more Banana Puffs. Bedtime is 7 and you make sure of it. (We've tried letting you stay up but you won't have it. Darn it.) And of course you like your afternoon walks, the jumper, and playing with pots and pans while I make dinner. For bath time we have to put you in the kitchen sink because you won't sit still in the bathtub. For some reason each corner of the bathtub has to be investigated. More than once.

You can crawl backwards, but when you want to, you can army crawl forwards. (it doesn't last long.) From a sitting position you can get on your hands and knees and rock back and forth. We're hoping one of these days you'll have enough momentum to move forward and actually starting crawling. You are trying to pull up on things like the coffee table, your toy basket, and the VCR. Baby proofing has begun.

We are looking forward to celebrating the holidays with you: Halloween is coming up first and are still debating if it's weird we take a 7-month-old Trick or Treating....ok ok, I just want to show off our costumes and Dad just wants the candy. Can you blame us as first time obsessed parents? We love you and marvel everyday at the kind of little person you are becoming. I think I call your dad twice a day just to tell him something hilarious you did. After all, you have captured our attention. Maybe just a little...

-Mom

i thought today was friday

2011-10-20T08:37:00.000-07:00

Which means I thought yesterday was Thursday.

So I did "Thursday" things:

laundry,

prepared for work,

put dinner in a crock-pot,

and was all excited for Project Runway later. (the final four!)

Then it all clicked once Jake started talking about the young men activity for the night,

an every Wednesday occurrence.

A whole two days off.

Stinky.

But good news, all my Thursday chores are done,

it's Fall Break so no work,

which also means I also can actually watch PR on the tv and not Hulu.

(our internet is not the fastest)

So Happy Thursday everyone.

in case you were off like me...

yeehaw at hee haws

2011-10-19T07:59:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we spent our Saturday at Hee Haw Farms.

We saw the animals, played in the corn pit,

went on a hay ride, and picked pumpkins.

And it was so warm.

Such a nice day to visit the pumpkin patch.

M's first pumpkin.
Now all we gotta do is paint it!

we took family pictures

2011-10-17T08:04:00.000-07:00

Can't wait to show you what we picked for our Christmas card.

We had so much fun.

Can you tell?

pics taken by this sweet lady

tomorrow

2011-10-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

8:45-10:45 Substitute Teach 2nd period
11:00-11:30 Guest Speak at my little brother's Career Day
12:45-2:15 Substitute Teach 4th period

5:30-6:00 Set up for our ward/neighborhood Father-Daughter Activity
6:30-7:00 Attend one of Jake's friend's wedding reception
7:30-9:00 Finish the night off with one of my close friend's bachelorette party

It's going to be one of those jam packed days.
So this is me signing off for the weekend.
Until Monday...wish me luck?

summer ---> winter

2011-10-12T07:53:00.000-07:00

Did anyone else feel like we missed the season called Fall?

Last week felt like winter with the dropping temperatures, having to turn the heat on,

actually wearing socks, and the obvious-- snow.

Our little cottage got dumped on

so M and I just snuggled inside.

He makes one great snow-day companion.

a juggling act post

2011-10-10T18:43:00.000-07:00

Did you know that my little sister has a blog?

Well she does! and I did a little guest post

on keeping a balanced life.

Or a somewhat balanced life..

Click here for the link

and be sure to stop by!

(sorry for the late post. with all this crazy weather our internet went down. but it's up and running now!)

fall polaroids

2011-10-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

from AF Canyon last year.

Fall is truly my favorite season.

So happy it's here!

#ldsconf

2011-10-03T07:59:00.000-07:00

The only way to watch General Conference:

homemade fort on the hide-a-bed,

french dip sandwiches,

bottled root beer, sweet potato fries,

homemade caramel popcorn,

and a baby in the middle.

Favorite excerpts from the weekend:

"The greatest thing a father can do for his daughter is love her mother."

"Inspiration and guidance are gifts [God] freely gives, if we but seek them."

"Our code of conduct is definitive; it is not negotiable."

"Revelation did not end with the Bible. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever."

"We should be kinder to each other and ourselves."

This weekend tops the charts on favorite weekends.

Love, family, inspiration, food...how could it not? Hope yours was just as lovely.

Seriously can't wait for April.

fresh produce

2011-09-29T07:40:00.000-07:00

Recently, I've joined a fresh produce co-op with this lovely lady.

We get fresh produce every 2 weeks.

Last basket we got:

Romaine,

Kale,

Peaches

Plums,

Cauliflower,

Apples,

and Blueberries.

We get to pick up our next basket this coming Monday,

and I can't wait for what we get this time.

This has really made me use veggies and fruits in our meals.

(last night I made Potato-Kale Hash-browns and Jake actually ate it!)

And I've never seen produce this good.

The Romaine lettuce was perfect. Awesome!

Since I can't have a garden, I think this is a pretty good alternative.

monday night is family night

2011-09-27T07:27:00.000-07:00

Went up the canyon last night and had a little bonfire,

roasted some hot dogs, and enjoyed some family time.

Myer of course loved the fire and watching Jake chop wood.

I loved the changing colors,

and I think Jake liked being with his boy in the greater outdoors.

All around it was a good family night.

the weekend list

2011-09-26T07:58:00.000-07:00

-M got his first cold

-I got a cold right along with him

-Got some lovely flowers from Jake to help us feel better

-Made this recipe...yum

-Jake surprised us with a car

-Test drove that car- love it!

-Forget-Me-Not's became my favorite flower

-Visited brother-in-law Mitch post surgery (big wheel accident...)

-Introduced M to squash

-M downed that squash

-and most importantly caught up on some much needed sleep. Thanks Jake!

a letter

2011-09-22T12:06:00.000-07:00

Myer-
Yay! 6 months today! I like to think this is a pretty big deal considering we've made it half of a year, and this being one of the best half year's yet! And here's why:

You are moving tons. You can roll over to your tummy and back. In fact you like to practice that while napping. That's been loads of fun...And now you are trying to crawl. You can fully push up on your arms, but you're legs still don't have the hang of it yet. And how do we know this? Well, because you're moving backwards! And in circles. Should I be worried? And my favorite one that just happened this week is you can sit up. You finally figured out how to balance all that chub. Fat 0, Myer 1.

We have already started solids. How could I not when every time your dad and I eat, you watch each spoonful, chomp on your two teeth, and reach for our food? So I gave in. Ever since then you are more content. It was like you felt left out on our little secret. So far you've had rice cereal, sweet potatoes, squash, yams, and you're-not-so-favorite green beans. We are going to try again though!

The best thing lately is when you get excited, you open your mouth wide and wiggle your whole body. It makes Dad sure happy when he comes home for work to see that kind of welcome. And your grandpa's and grandma's think so to. And let's not lie, it melts my heart. Love you so much. Can't wait to see what the rest of the year has in store for us. But I honestly don't know how it can be any better than this.
-Mom

daisy the dog

2011-09-21T07:59:00.000-07:00

Our Landlords have the cutest yorkie.

Her name is Daisy and she is best little buddies with Myer.

Every time we are outside, she joins us.

I finally had my camera with me and tried to get pictures of the two of them together.

Next time I'll have to videotape it because Myer's laugh when he is around Daisy is just too funny.

We could spend all day with this little pup.

I think I want one of my own...

and in other news,

we are sitting all by ourselves!

I'm one proud mama.

(and I'm proud of myself for capturing those rolly polly arms. Seriously, 3 rolls?)

Love this little tank.

i can't eat that

2011-09-20T08:01:00.000-07:00

Motherhood is rewarding, yes. But giving up certain foods while nursing? Not so much.

So far on the list of "Don't Eat That or Else..."

-Peanut Butter

-Asparagus

-Broccoli

-Tomato Sauce

-Salsa

-Milk (ANYTHING with milk)

-Beans

-Orange Juice

-and chocolate

Peace out Mexican food, Italian food, and Reeces peanut butter cups.

Come next March(ish) I'm eating that whole list.

All in one sitting.

I miss them all so much.

pic found here

a fall walk

2011-09-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

We bundled up and experienced one of our first cold September evenings.

I was surprised that M let us layer him up,

but maybe he takes after his mama and likes the cooler temperatures.

Fall is my kind of season.

Because I love walks just like these.

thought i'd share

2011-09-15T07:43:00.000-07:00

the whole gang

2011-09-14T08:02:00.000-07:00

From Jessie's wedding.

Can't believe how big we've become.

And only half of us are married,

imagine what a family picture will look like when we are all married with kids.

So fun.

From left to right: my brother Cooper, sister Jamie holding her daughter Navy, little brother Oakley, brother-in-law Mike, my Mom holding their son Maddix, new brother-in-law Carson, sister Jessie, my dad, me, Jake holding Myer, and little sister Sierra.

my closet

2011-09-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

As lovely as our little cottage is,

there isn't a whole lot of storage space.

And that includes the closets.

Above is my closet.

It's as wide as my arm span

and tall as my shoulders.

Kinda small right?

And if any of you know me,

this creates a problem because of my, ahem, addiction to shopping.

Jake loves it.

So to keep up with this small space

I have a rule: "one shirt in, one shirt out".

It makes me really know what is in my closet

and if I went shopping, what shirt would have to be taken out to replace a new one?

And I have quite the attachment to some of my clothes.

Granted I don't follow this perfectly.

Sometimes my sock drawer is stuffed with recent purchases

but for the most part, it is keeping my closet live-able.

And our marriage blissful.

little mr.

2011-09-08T08:04:00.000-07:00

Not a whole lot going on at the Morse household except non stop instagrams of this little man. And I truly mean little man with his broad shoulders and *buff* arms. Doesn't he look like a mini-me of Jake? Kinda fun.

We are spending lots of our time outdoors though, to take advantage of the rest of summer, and mostly because Myer is one busy little person. So so busy. Is it just him or all baby boys like this?

I did get some of my fall shopping done on Labor Day and can't wait for that crispy air feeling. Oh, and my birthday is in a month (well a month and 22 days...) so I am shamelessly sending out hint emails and pins. I get real excited about my birthday. I'm sure there'll be an extra long post about that real soon. Anywho, we are leaving the house today cause I am not filling up the bathroom sink again to entertain my little mr. Errands are more dry.

telling secrets

2011-09-06T07:23:00.000-07:00

and apparently it's really funny.

pic taken from our Labor Day weekend chilling at our park

myer's pumped up kicks

2011-09-01T07:22:00.000-07:00

makes me laugh every time.

in came the second

2011-08-30T07:56:00.000-07:00

tried to get a good picture of the

TWO bottom teeth now in the mouth of my five month old.

But all he wanted to do was chew on my fingers.

That ain't going to happen now.

Ouch.

not back to school

2011-08-29T07:22:00.000-07:00

So...

I've made the decision not to teach again this year.

Luckily I have stellar Jake

so I don't have to work,

but I am seriously going to miss it.

All of it--

Timpanogos High School,

the faculty,

and especially my students.

I am not completely ditching out on the whole teaching thing, though.

I'm actually going to be a sign language substitute teacher for this area.

(Lone Peak super senior whaaaa??)

And,

I am working as a sign language interpreter twice a week at night.

to also keep up my skills.

This I can juggle

and want to do.

So here's to a calmer school season,

but also a goodbye to my students

(but not for long...cause I may be your annoying substitute teacher!)

my twins

2011-08-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

M's hair is finally growing back in.

And you know what?

It's got a little red in there.

(the same color as Jake's beard)

I call them my twins.

a modest summer

2011-08-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

Check out the blog Clothed Much

and my guest post about A Modest Summer.

(back when I had blonde hair...)

I love Elaine and her tips on how to love and re-use the pieces of clothing you have

when you are on a modest budget and when you wear only modest clothes.

That's kinda my life so her posts are gems!

Click here for the link again.

Thanks Elaine!

Jake, Bryton, and Myer vacations

2011-08-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

Myer's first vacation: St. George

Filmed by me

music by Matt and Kim "Cameras"

Myer laughs in Park City

Filmed by me

Music by Kris Farrows "I'm Yours" Accoustic Guitar in the Style of Jason Maraz

a letter

2011-08-22T08:44:00.000-07:00

Myer-

You are a very active 5 month old! Say goodbye to just sitting on laps. You like to stand, then sit, then stand again, then lay back, then turn around, then move to the ground, lay down, arch your back, sit back up, then stand, then sit, then stand again and repeat repeat. I get the best work out too since you are a whopping 17 pounds! But my arms aren't that strong, I can't carry you in the car seat anymore. I struggle from the car to the front door. Your dad sometimes steals the car and I have to do push-ups just to be able to lift you into the jeep.

We had to buy you a jumper (already) because you no longer like the bumbo since you can't reach the ground, or the swing since you like to climb out of it, or the bouncer since you arch your back every time you're in it. Getting the picture of how active you are yet? My favorite thing ever, and I even stand by your door to watch, is when you go down for your naps you whip your monkey from side to side until it falls in the perfect place above your head. Ha! Makes my day. But you are so strong. You are rolling and starting to move while on your tummy. And you can sit on your own if I sit behind with you between my legs. (Yes!)

Every one comments on how happy and smiley you are. You don't have that "stranger danger" scare yet, and you smile at anyone. When it's been a good nap, you wake up with your "song". (we call it your song because it's not a squeal, but a one-note song that you hold out for a good few seconds and keep going until we come get you.) You also do it in the car. Precious.

You already have your first tooth! And I think a second one is on it's way. Sometimes I think you are 6 months... So like a good mom I bought all these teething toys. Shouldn't have spent the money because you only like to gnaw on my fingers. That new tooth hurts by the way.

So my darling active little boy, I wonder what next month will bring. More teeth? A walker? Stair gates? Driver's license? Seriously.

Love, Mom

come say hello!

2011-08-18T14:24:00.000-07:00

Hop on over to Blogging is For Lovers

and check out my Guest Post on our favorite Polaroids.

(don't be shy, making new friends is fun!)

Click here for the link again.

enjoy!

my big kid night out

2011-08-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

Last night I went out with my sisters to watch Justin Giles's Soul Escape.

So amazing to watch good dance again.

Scratch that, incredible dance.

And it was even better to watch it with my family.

Sierra (left) danced in the pre-show,

and Jessie (right) was able to come up from Vegas

and support SE as she danced with them last summer in their Dallas show.

And you want to know the best part?

Jake stayed home with M,

cleaned the bathrooms,

fixed our shower head,

and picked up the toy strewn house.

It was good to go out.

family tradition

2011-08-15T09:17:00.000-07:00

We get together to celebrate good'ol Alpine Days.

We watch the parade,

visit the booths,

eat the food,

see old friends,

and end the day with fireworks.

It's my favorite tradition of the summer.

Already looking forward to next year.

birth video

2011-08-11T09:11:00.000-07:00

filmed by Jake

music by Brendan James "The Lucky Ones"

do we do anything else?

2011-08-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

more swimming!

Uncle Cooper

Aunt Jessie with Navy

Mimi with a wet Myer

the whole family.

(well except for Mike and Maddix. The tramp seemed to be more entertaining.)

Apparently we love the water!

I'm sure we will be swimming again.

In fact, count on it.

goodbye blonde

2011-08-09T09:42:00.000-07:00

hello brunette!

our weekend

2011-08-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

A couple things happened this weekend:

1- the New Mexico family (aka my sister and her family) are here to visit!

2- my brother-in-law turned 30 so we threw him a surprise party while he is here

(Maddix and Myer seeing each other for the first time in months.

Love this picture.)

3- Myer now arches his back when he is tired of something.

Those *somethings* have been diaper changes, sitting on people's laps, getting dressed, the swing, the car seat, etc. etc.

Really? We've already started that?

This kid just needs to crawl, move, or something.

What a busy body.

p.s. Thank you all for your comments about Myer's birth. I was so nervous to post it but goodness gracious, there are some sweet people out there. Be watching for the video!

every time the big black lens comes out...

2011-08-05T09:31:00.000-07:00

it takes a little bit of warming up to...

almost there...

getting closer...

there it is!

My favorite thing.

How could you not smile?

I think that's why my cheeks hurt by the end of each day....

birth story

2011-08-02T08:43:00.000-07:00

You've been warned. This is a birth story. I've decided to share this since I want to show Myer's birth video and this would explain my "sleepy" state. Also, there have been some pretty funny rumors floating around so let's set the record straight. Ready?

It all started on the Monday before my due date. There was a lot of blood so we rushed to the hospital. They started hooking me up to machines, monitoring baby's heartbeat, the regular stuff to figure out what was going on. They checked my blood pressure, which I wasn't worried about since the whole pregnancy it was fine. But this time it was sky high. Kinda surprising. The diagnosis was that the placenta was starting to tear away, in other words Placenta Abruption. The on-call doctor expressed that this is serious and that I needed to be induced right away. She explained the risks of Placenta Abruption and started throwing around words like low birth weight, brain damage, fetal death, etc. etc. Imagining a pregnant woman hearing these things? Yes not pretty. Poor poor Jake trying to deal with me.

Another risk of Placenta Abruption is that I could seizure, stroke, or worse, during labor. Joy. More good news. So to prevent those episodes from happening they put me on this medicine call Magnesium. It makes you dizzy, nauseous, clammy, and swollen. Exactly how you want to feel pushing a baby out right? And they told me if I didn't push him out in time, I would have a c-section. More pressure to preform while being dizzy and nauseous....So I was started on Pitocin, and the lovely Mag, around 8:00 pm.

After breaking my water 3 times (I had 3 layers of amniotic fluid...) the ball started rolling. I was in labor for 16 hours and pushed for 3. It took so long because I would sleep during each set of pushes. Yes sleep. But only little 2-3 second catnaps. I couldn't keep my eyes open, and during those naps I would seriously have mini dreams. I woke up one time and told Jake, "I want that jacket." and then was ready to push again. Imagine Jake's surprise. Finally Myer came at 11:59 AM. Healthy. Phew.

I was so out of it by this time I don't remember who was in the room; who was here to see the birth of my son. I only remember hearing Myer coo in someone's arms (Later I was told it was my Dad). Oh, and I also remember throwing up. In front of everyone. Like 3 times.

My nurse then started prepping me to transfer me to the Mother Baby Floor. I remember she made a comment saying that I was lopsided on one side, but didn't do anything about. Little did I know that this would spell trouble for me. How should I know? She took out my epidural out and whisked me to the elevator. I threw up in that moving elevator twice.

Once in my room the new nurse told me that I would feel my uterus contracting to get back to normal. I should have asked what "contraction" she was talking about: labor like contractions, which really feel like those lovely time-of-the-month-cramps, or true business contracting? So in my sleepy slumber I would feel this hard core awful "contraction". I would wake up screaming in pain and then whimper off to sleep again about ever 30 minutes. Jake was the only one in the room with me and we both thought this was normal. I was warned right?

My mom came in to see how I was doing and noticed instantly something was wrong. I was ghostly white and my lips blended in with my face. I kept cringing in pain when I all wanted to do was sleep. She got the nurse and basically demanded she see me right away. Good thing for moms. The nurse came in thinking that I was just a first-time nervous mom, but nope, she saw it too. She started poking around on my tummy and noticed the I was lopsided on one side. Sound familiar? Apparently from my placenta tearing away I was bleeding internally. (Hence the sleepiness. I was loosing blood.) Blood was pooling inside me creating massive blood clots which had to come out. And those awful contractions were not because my uterus was coming back together, oh no, it was my body trying to get rid of the blood Now understand, it's been a few hours, the epidural is wearing off, and I've had an episiotomy...I have to push out blood clots.

This is the pain that I vividly remember. This is when I stopped being a trooper. I was a really good girl during those hours of labor. I tried very hard not to yell, cry, or scream. But it all ended here. Every time they pushed down on my stomach to push out the clots, I screamed. I wouldn't let go of Jake's hand. In fact I was white-knuckling his poor little fingers. Finally after basically laying in her whole body weight, the nurse pushed out a clot the size of Myer. Everybody in the room gasped. Jake wouldn't let me look at it. (This blood clot became known around the hospital as the "un-loved baby".) But there were more to get out. I was such a baby, I kept repeating over and over to Jake, "make them stop, make them stop." Again, poor poor Jake. After a few more blood clots, my stomach felt normal. No more pushing. No more pain.

After a few hours, however, I still wasn't healing the way I should have been. I had a few different doctors take a look at me and they decided to give me a quart of blood. Long story short, I ended up getting 3 quarts of blood. You should have seen my arms: I looked like a heroin addict with all my IV's, Mag, Blood Transfusions, and spots where they tested my blood.... It was a long road to recovery for me, and I was happy to get home and rest. And rest I did. I have awesome family, friends, and neighbors that really went above and beyond for our little family. (Thank you!)

This was definitely not the way I've seen babies born on tv, or stories that I've heard from friends. In fact I came home from the hospital feeling guilty that I couldn't remember Myer's birth, or that I didn't have this grandiose spiritual experience. I guess this is why I am so excited to have this video. So bear with me! I am also grateful for modern medicine, hospitals, doctors, nurses, etc. who saved my life. (My OB later told me that this was how pioneer women died from labor. Gotta love that awful Magnesium.) And more importantly I am grateful that Myer came healthy and strong. That's all that really matters right? God does hear our prayers even if we are in and out of consciousness.

myer's friends

2011-08-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

Actually, these are Myer's cousins.

But I think M looked to them as friends because for a good hour

these kiddos stayed on the blanket and showed Myer each toy and how to play with it.

It was pretty exciting.

Can you tell???

Love you Morse cousins!

oh!

2011-07-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

it's Friday!

Myer and I are having a "Mother-Son" weekend since Jake is off to Moab with the guys.

So a dinner and movie in is the big plan.

Or I may just eat this chunk of a munk.

(I'm even contemplating a big sleepover in M's room since I get so scared when Jake is away...)

But I gotta go,

I have a cute little guy waiting to start our date.

Till Monday...

pioneer day

2011-07-27T09:42:00.000-07:00

We love you Utah.

You never know what kind of weather you'll get.

Like rain.

On your birthday.

Makes looking up at fireworks a little different.

Happy (wet) 24th!

beatin the summer heat

2011-07-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

Our big purchase this weekend was a plastic baby pool.

Going to a public pool seemed like a lot of work since M would only last 2 hours.

So we filled it up in Mimi's backyard, set up some beach umbrella's,

and soon it was a splish splash party.

Best 10 bucks we ever spent.

a letter

2011-07-22T09:01:00.000-07:00

Myer-

Hey there 4 month old baby! I feel like the time between 3 and 4 months was quite a jump. You already look like a little boy, no longer a newborn, and your personality has shown through. You still are a chunk though with the frists, cankles, and extra rolls around the knees so that's how I know you're still my baby. But you can move and do so much!

Your hands are more controlled- you can reach out and grasp toys, raise your thumb to your mouth, and let's not forget about your toes. Oh how you love to hold your toes. Every time we lay you down those toes are in your hands. Sitting up is also getting there. You can sit with your arms on the ground out in front of you like a tripod, but not very long cause let's be honest, the chubs makes for extra weight. The bimbo is your favorite place to hang out while you talk to the bookshelf, but if you had it your way, you'd rather stand. All day. Sometimes that is all we do: hang out on the blanket, I hold your hands, and you stand up, sit down, stand up, sit down, stand up, sit down...

What melts our hearts is that you recognize who mom is and who dad is. With me you are cuddly, talkative, and reach for my face and hands. Once Dad picks you up, oh goodness, you shriek, laugh, and grunt cause you know you're gonna get a wrestle. And that shriek, is like a "come and get me" taunt and that totally gets your dad around your little finger. Smart.

Another moment that we can't forget is when you see Daisy, the landlord's dog. Never fails, every time, you erupt in laughter. I think you sense her playful spirit. (cause you certainly don't do that with their cat.) I think it's a sign that we need to get a dog, Jake?

Only two more months and you'll be a half of a year old! Crazy how quickly you learn, grow, and get such a personality in such short time. It amazes me that your body knows the necessary steps to get you to sit up, crawl, stand, etc. Truly a miracle, and I feel honored to be a part of this and see you grow every day. Can't wait to see what this next month will bring (hopefully not more teeth...)

Love you,

-Mom

goodbyes

2011-07-20T10:11:00.000-07:00

Where to even begin...

This amazing lady and her hubby are moving.

As happy as I am for her new job opportunity and Will's new excitement to surf with the sharks,

I'm gonna miss them.

You've heard me gush over them here and here

so I won't over do it.

Just a simple thank you and goodbye.

and I think the party was a clear message enough how much we love them.

thanks Ash and Becca for great night.

And I'm still dying over all the treats.

If I ever move, I want those strawberry shortcake ca-bobs....

Best of luck Will, Flavia, and Ryssa!

Be sure to visit!

wasup

2011-07-19T11:55:00.000-07:00

Had to share my favorite pictures from the weekend.

this crazy guy was all energy.

(no I did not get my naps)

but even if I could nap,

how could I resist this face?

In other news, I finally finished M's birth video! (not gross btw)

I can't wait to post it!

but...I do look...what's the word...unexcited? tired? unemotional?

so I feel like I have to explain why I look unattached to the birth of my son,

but that would mean a birth story.

(which to some that's gross.)

trying to decide if I should share.

I try not to make this blog too personal, I have another blog for that,

but this video would raise questions otherwise.

I'll think about it...

Anywho,

yay for another week!

and more pics with this yahoo

favorite song plus great dancing? please!

2011-07-18T09:03:00.000-07:00

plans for no plans

2011-07-15T14:03:00.000-07:00

This weekend I plan to do nothing except sleep and just lounge out.

We think M is teething...so... again sleep is the master plan.

Hope everyone enjoys their weekend in their own way.

I'll be llivin up mine in pj's and slippers.

Party on.

Above picture from last summer up Hog's Hollow.

200 film

browsin finds

2011-07-14T14:31:00.000-07:00

1. Bonjour necklace

2. Double Puzzle Piece Keychain

3. 2011 Petite Unicorn Calendar

4. Pixie Hat

some of my favorite things on etsy.

thought I'd share what is currently in the "cart".

happy shopping!

the complete switch-up

2011-07-13T11:27:00.001-07:00

The past 4 summers I've worked various jobs (cause interpreting is scarce in the summer).

I couldn't just get a full time job because I would have to quit for the fall.

So I'd look for stuff that worked for 4 months.

Let's see I've been a receptionist at a jewelry store, personal assistant to a financial adviser, merchant account processor (THE worst), and an office manager for a moving company.

By far being a mom tops the cake.

Every summer I would complain getting out of bed,

"I just want to be a mom and stay home."

Well, finally, wish granted.

No more summer jobs.

You have no idea how happy I am to wake up every morning and see this face

instead of a spreadsheet.

family self portrait

2011-07-11T09:54:00.000-07:00

The past two times at church we all had matching clothes as a family. Not on purpose. Last week was red, blue, and white (funny how it was the 4th of July too. So cheesy.) This week was blue, pink, and gray. I see it last minute as we jump in the car. Just goes to show what a hetic morning we have every Sunday. Wonder what our neighbors think... I guess this means we are a family now?

and i thought he was all jake

2011-07-06T13:03:00.000-07:00

Found some pics of bad baby self and guess what? I can see a little bit of Myer in me...

2 1/2 months with older sister Jamie

almost 4 months

6 months

this is what we get to look forward to.

kinda excited.

now onto find Jake's baby pics...

the 4th of ju-ly

2011-07-05T10:16:00.000-07:00

we basically had the whole 4th of July package...

yummy food, family, friends, games, smores, songs, and fireworks.

I have to say this was the best celebration I've ever seen.

Now that aerial fireworks are legal, this holiday will never be the same.

Happy Birthday America!

life lately from the phone

2011-07-02T11:18:00.002-07:00

so far

2011-06-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

These past 3 months have been life changing. Obviously. But I didn't exactly know what I was in for. Not saying I was clueless-- I did help raise my brothers and sisters, babysat loads of babies, and definitely did my reading. When we took Myer home, I did everything I was used to; everything I've done with taking care of babies. Everything that worked for them. I learned fast that M isn't like everyone else. I had to get to know my baby and what makes him a happy baby. It was a great wake-up call, and I learned loads. So here are my tips in these 3 measly months I've had with motherhood:

*Each baby is unique. Don't compare when other babies are sleeping through the night, sitting up first, smiling, etc. Each baby develops at their own pace. I have to tell myself this still when I see facebook updates about babies sleeping 8 hour nights. We get 5-6 and I'll take what I can get.
*Laugh. One day, I kid you not, M spit up on me so I changed pants. Then he spit up again so I changed shirts. Then he pooped all over me. This happened all within 1 hour mind you, and all I could do was laugh. He felt better and that's all a mommy can ask for.
*Sleep. Everyone gave me the advice, "When baby sleeps, you sleep." And I did this the first few weeks. Then I thought I could handle life without naps. Oh so wrong. When you are well rested, you are more patient and a better mom. I am not a good nap-taker (never have been) but I force myself to lay down for at least one 30 minute nap every day. Life is so much better when I do.
*Be Flexible. I am a scheduled person and at first M was on a every 3 hour feeding schedule. Loved it. Then he jumped to every 2 hours. I thought I could push him to keep his every 3 hours because that is what I was used to...wrong again. I made him more upset and myself doing this. I didn't realize he was going through a growth spurt and was hungry more often. Oh. So then I thought he would go back to every 3 hours...nope. I finally gave up to keeping my schedule and just fed him whenever he woke up. Now, he wakes up happier and goes down for naps easier. Duh.

I'm sure I will learn more as time goes on, but I need to remember to keep in tune with Myer. I know him best. It's amazing how I can distinguish his "tired" to the "in pain" to the "scared" cries. Mom's Intuition is real. Another great gift to help learning mom's like me on their way.