Cutie Patootie

Rachel is such a fun sweet little baby. She has just recently started getting on her hands and knees and rocking. She is 6 months, but I just can't believe she is already getting old enough to crawl! She scoots backwards (which is funny because Madeline did that too) and has started making fun noises too. The other day I gave her a bath in our sink and I just thought this picture was too cute not to post.

One Down, Two to Go

Last Friday Madeline went to the potty in the morning and I felt ambitious and decided to let her wear underwear. Much to my surprise Madeline basically potty trained herself. She would go in the bathroom, go potty and clean up after herself! This happened all day Friday. She has only had a few accidents and I am SO happy about that! I was really dreading potty training Madeline and I thought waiting until she was ready would mean she wouldn't be potty trained for forever, but lo and behold, it's done! I hope all my kids are get out of diapers that easily!

President Hinckely

Last night we found out that President Gordon B. Hinckley, the prophet of our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, had passed away. He was a great man. I keep being reminded of different parts of my life that he affected. I am so thankful for living prophets and for the organization of the church. I know President Gordon B. Hinckley was called by God to lead the church in the latter days.

Need a Boost?

I am a firm believer of exercising. It makes you feel great in so many ways.

(tangent)Today we were suppose to have play group at my house and basically no one came. (I called a friend that moved out of our ward and invited her so she was here) Who knows why no one came, but I have to say I felt a little disappointed and sad. I mean it's only once a month, but anyway. Our ward really struggles to have good turnouts at Enrichment Activities-- any recommendations for getting sisters to come?

Anyway, so back to exercising. After my one friend left I was feeling sad and decided that I needed for sure needed to exercise. We just inherited a treadmill so I went downstairs and started walking- I really dislike running ALOT. Madeline and Rachel were down there with me and I was able to get in a great workout. I feel SO much better! Our bodies let off endorphins when we exercise that help us to feel happy. So if you are ever feeling kinda blue do something active and I bet you'll start feeling better really soon. Exercising also keeps your body stay fit and healthy both mentally and physically. Even if it is just for a little bit it is for sure better than nothing!

I saw this scripture and I think it can apply to exercising- Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass... Alma 37:6 So whether you need to start exercising to loose weight or if you just want to exercise to have a good time and a good self esteem start now!!

The Placerville Loop - an Idaho Scenic Drive

On Saturday, Jen wanted to go for a drive up in the mountains. We want to go to new places around here (the Treasure Valley) so Idaho City was our next destination. Since we were going all the way to the old cowboy town, we decided to drive through the mountains to Placerville, then to Garden Valley, then to Horseshoe Bend, then back to Nampa (there is a map below). It took about four hours, but it was very pretty. To tell you the truth, we didn't want to go to Garden Valley, but we took a wrong turn and somehow ended up in Garden Valley. Oh well, just more scenic Idaho mountains. Jen drove at some scary parts (some steep, slick declines), but we're still alive and made it home safe. We did pass a sign that said "snow tires beyond this point" but little did they know they power of our minivan. The girls slept through most of it. We stopped a couple times to go sledding.




We stopped after Lucky Peak and went sledding. Madeline was a little too scared and cold so it was a short stop. Aliza had a lot of fun.

We bought the girls some snow cones. It was a great price, FREE. All you do is take their cups and scoop some up off the ground. Make sure this type of snow cone is not yellow.

This is a saloon in Placerville, one of the few stores in the town.

At Garden Valley, we stopped at an LDS church in the middle of nowhere (how in the world is there a big enough population to have a church). And we threw the girls onto a pile of snow so they would do more sledding.

Mrs. Productive

Yesterday was a very productive day for me. I finished 3 projects! These projects have been "almost done" for too long so I decided before I could start any other sewing projects I had to finish these. The first was a pouch sling (to hold a baby in), the next was a set of pillows (a Christmas present... just a couple weeks late :)) and finally, Aliza's blanket! I'm most happy about getting the blanket done. I cut Madeline's receiving blankets- which were basically just pieces of flannel that were really too small to wrap a baby up in- into squares and then made a twin size quilt. It turned out really cute, and I have my family to thank for helping me tie it... we did it during Christmas break. Thanks! Now I can move onto my next projects "guilt free" :)

Madeline Progresses

Today was a first for Madeline... she told me she needed to go potty! That's a step in the right direction :) I was cleaning up the bathroom while Madeline was sitting on the potty when she proudly announced, "Mommy, the pee pee comes". Sure enough she went successfully went to the bathroom. I hope if I keep bribing her with chocolate kisses she'll want to be potty trained. You've gotta love that she is already reading the newspaper while on the toilet :)

Joseph and Elizabeth's Baby

 

Congratulations to Joseph and Elizabeth who had a baby boy on Friday (Jan. 11, 2008) at 8:18PM. Madeline was born at 8:14 PM so that is similar. In weight, they were only 4 ounces off too. This was a surprise to us since the baby was due in five weeks. As far as I know, the baby is healthy despite coming so early. They have not announced a name yet, they thought they had another month to decide, but it is now crunch time. Again, we are excited for you and congrats.

Jared

Silly Squirrels

If you look closely you can see 4 squirrels.

Today I was washing dishes and looking out the window and saw two squirrels on a really small branch really high up in a tree. Jared has taught me to marvel at animals so I was watching them and hurried and grabbed my camera. Then as I was taking pictures I realized there was a third squirrel and then a fourth! My goodness, it's the middle of winter and there are squirrels everywhere. At one point I think they were all on this one tiny branch- thankfully it didn't break! Maybe one of the squirrels was stuck at the top of the tree and all of it's friends came to coax it down :) It gave me a good smile watching those little critters.

More Fun

Today Madeline found my exercise band and put it around Aliza's waist and was leading her around. They were both giggling and having so much fun. Who's leading who? :)

Rachel's Eating Cereal!

I just can't believe how big Rachel is getting! She is 5 1/2 months and it has just gone so quickly! I fed her some baby cereal today and have to say that she wasn't a big fan. That's okay. She has gotten two teeth and you can see them when she smiles! She is rolling over, laughing, and playing with toys. Even when she was sick this last little bit she still had lots of smiles. How can you not smile back to that that cute little face? I'm thankful for our sweet baby Rachel.

Ring Around the Rosies

Last night while Jared was gone to scouts Madeline and Aliza were singing ring around the rosies while dancing. I thought it was really cute. I just love it when they play nicely together.

Baby it's cold out there!!

I don't know the last time I remember it snowing ALL day! I have to admit that it is kind of fun. I want to snuggle up and read a good book. Despite the weather I bundled up the girls and went to aerobics and then book club. We got to choose a book on Joseph Smith this month. I started reading "American Prophet, The story of Joseph Smith" and it was really good. It is a picture book, so not a hard read, but I learned things even though I only read 25 pages of it. Anyway. I am thankful to be able to read and I'm thankful that we can be studying the teachings of the prophet Joseph Smith in our church lessons for the next two years. I pray that I can gain a stronger testimony of Joseph Smith and also a better testimony of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
One more thing, yesterday my mom called to let me know she is coming up for a week at the end of January to help me while Jared goes on a business trip. I feel so spoiled that she is coming! I am not looking forward to Jared being gone, but the fact that she is coming helps me feel better :) Thanks Mom and Dad!

Baby Bunk Bed

When we were in Utah my Grandma was getting rid of alot of stuff. To say the least we had a car load when we left. Among the things we got was a bunk bed for dolls.


I guess Madeline and Aliza thought the bunk bed was for them. :) Come to think of it, it would save on space :)
Thanks for all the fun stuff Grandma and Grandpa

Holiday Catch-up

It's been quite a while sine I blogged because we were visiting our families in Utah. We had a great vacation and had fun spending time with everyone. The girls did pretty well for the most part, minus getting sick and being grouchy because of a lack of sleep, I think they had a lot of fun. Highlights of our trip were:

The Spencer family Christmas party in Heber


Acting out the nativity scriptures with the Smith family














Getting to see both of our families on Christmas Day,sledding, playing games, and just hanging out.













The Pratt family chess tournament and celebrating New Years with Jared's family


















Oh yah, and of course, opening/ giving presents:)















We had so much fun hanging out with everyone. Thanks for all the gifts and the kindness. Happy New Year! We love you all!