FOUR

Happy Birthday to my sweet little Boy! I can't believe you are four! We love you always and forever. Love, Mom and Dad

Merry Christmas

...and a Happy New Year!

Random Bits of Happiness

These are just some things that I love or that I'm grateful for in my life right now. It's always good to reflect on the good and I think Thanksgiving reminds us of that.

Spending time with family for the Holidays, eating Turkey and yummy Pumpkin Pie. I love these boys!


Grandparents are the greatest thing. I'm so happy that Tyler has 2 sets of wonderful grandparents who are a part of his life and love him so much.

Children, I love my little boy so much, he makes me laugh, cry, and sometimes I wanna pull my hair out. But he's mine and I get to spend time with him everyday and he always brings a smile to my face, for that I am so grateful.


The gospel and the blessings it brings into my life. The opportunity to share it with others and to better myself. The fact that Tyler loves to tell scripture stories and that I know he is retaining some of what is taught to him.

Christmas music, I can't get enough of it, and you bet I'm listening to it right now. If only December could last longer, Kev won't let me listen to Christmas music any other time. :(

That I'm rounding the end of my 1st semester back to school, yeah for Christmas break and no homework. I'm glad I made the leap, it definitely has been an adjustment but it's also been fun and I feel like I am accomplishing a long time goal which makes me even more excited about it.


Our new computer, we finally broke down and got one, we decided to go with a mac. I"m still adjusting to it, but everyone says it will be worth it in the long run. I do love the iPhoto program, as well as the iCal to keep all my priorities straight. You can tell what sites I am often on :)


Becky Higgins new Project Life Kit so that I can still stay caught up on my scrapbooks while I'm going to school.


Yummy Soup on a cold day...

My new comfy soft and warm slippers, this is a must have for me almost at all times when I am at home, because my feet get so cold. Yeah for Target and cheap prices.

Christmas trees, the way they smell the beautiful lights and ornaments, and just the coziness they bring to your home. I love sipping a cup of hot cocoa while sitting by the Christmas tree.

Fall Photo Shoot

Every Year we get our pictures taken to send out with our Christmas cards. Every year the boys hate it but they bare it. This year Tyler was so much fun, he did so awesome and was so giggly, and I absolutely love how the pictures turned out. We went to Gardner Village and it was fun to walk around and see all the Witch stuff they had out, I think that's what kept Tyler so entertained. Thanks to Elle Photography check them out they did an amazing job.

Stock up on gifts during Stampagana

Hello to the blogging world...just wanted to let you all know about a great deal and gift idea for Christmas. As some of you may know I am a Close To My Heart consultant, and during the month of November they are having a sell on all stamp sets. Buy any 2 stamp set (size A, B, C, D or E) and get the 3rd one for FREE! Click here to see the flyer! Stamp sets range in price from $13.95-$22.95, not a bad price. If you are interested and want to see a catalog please let me know or you may go to the CTMH website click here and then click on the products link and you can look through any of the 2009 idea books/catalog. I hope you enjoy they have a lot of really fun stuff!

If you do want to place an order you will need to get it to my by Wednesday November 11, 2009 so that I can make sure to have the orders in before the holidays and money will be do at that time. You can contact me via email at lilmegancaroline@yahoo.com or leave a comment, if you have any other questions please let me know. Happy Holiday shopping to you all!

How is School?

Our life as been busy crazy ever since school started. One thing is for sure if you're looking for something to fill your time...school is definitely an option. I had too much time on my hands before, and now I don't have enough time. So sorry if I'm slacking, I probably will continue to do so, because rather than spending my time reading, scrap booking or blogging...I'm doing homework instead. Don't get me wrong it should all be worth it in the end, but for the next few years it's going to be insane!!

On that note Ty loves pre-school, he asks me every night do I go to school tomorrow mom? His teacher is cute and energetic and I think it will be a fun year. Meanwhile my fridge is becoming cluttered with Ty's projects, and he couldn't be more excited to put them up. We had to make more magnets because I didn't have enough for him. So far they have been learning about space, the moon, the stars and so forth. I love to ask him what he learned or did today, although his usual response is I did nothing mom.

Ty on his first day of Pre-School

Tiny Tots Soccer

We had our first soccer game on Saturday. Tyler has been waiting to play for over a year now, he has lots of cousins that play and of course he wanted to do what they were doing. Well the first soccer practice didn't go quite as planned, since Tyler has become very frightened of the wind, and it was windy that day (that's a whole other story). So we weren't sure what to expect at his first game, if he would even play at all.

We were off to a good start with practicing when we first got there. Grandma Teresa came to watch so of course Ty had to show off for her. Then he got tired and when it was time to start the game he didn't want to play. So we let him sit out first, along with the only girl on our team, she was a little shy.

Then when it was his turn to play he got out there and this was his stance. I'm pretty sure he thought it was football, because once the game started all the kids were huddled around the ball trying to kick it and Ty started tackling them. Daddy is going to have to work on that with him.

After four very long 8 minute quarters. Multiple children crying to their moms that they didn't get to kick it in the goal, and 2 very tired teams of 3 year olds, that was the end of our first game. Hopefully next game they will know more of what to expect, but as for us adults it was the funniest thing you could ever watch. If you have ever watched 3 years play sports before you'll know what I mean. But hey they we so proud of themselves when it was over and that's all that matters right.

Here is our team the Grasshoppers! They did pretty good for a first game, and we have some little go getters on our team.

Back To School

I love this time of year...not only because it means that we are back on a schedule, and getting to bed earlier. But also because it means good deals all around. I think I've spent my limit this month in every department. This year has been fun because both Tyler and I will be going to school. So we went and picked up supplies at target, yeah good deals. Then we also went school shopping with my lil sis at the park city outlets. We had a blast finding deals and making Meisha try on tons of clothes. Didn't get that much for Ty, but came home and placed an order on childrensplace.com also picked up some new jeans and a shirt for me, after all I need cute school clothes too, right. Not only in the clothing and supplies department are there deals, the grocery stores are having all sorts of back to school sales. I made 2 trips to Albertson's in the last week, and stocked up on fruit snacks, crackers, cereal, etc. then the next time they had a deal for $25 in free groceries, you can't pass that up. Of course they were mail in rebates, but who cares I have $30 coming to me in the mail in about 6 weeks, plus a lot of yummy food at home. Yeah!

Be sure to keep checking the ads there are deals all over right now, happy shopping!

Summer sum up

Once the rain finally let up, it got hot and fast. So we have mostly been trying to stay cool while playing outside and what better way than to go to the pool. Tyler loves the water, it usually takes him a minute to warm up, but then you can't get him out. We didn't do swim lessons this year, and I kind of wish we would have, but oh well there is always next year.


My favorite summer month is July there is always so much going on and so many fun things to do outside with friends and family. Between bbq's and fireworks and staying up late we have had a blast. We made a quick trip up to Idaho for a family reunion, kind of funny but it's the first time I've ever been to Idaho, (btw not impressed) and the first time Tyler left the state of Utah. I know pretty boring but that's our life. It was the same day as our neighborhood block party, but we stopped by for a little bit after we got back. Thanks to Melissa for the pics of the kids, love them. And no, Tyler isn't wearing lipstick in the below pic it's from and endless supply of doritos the kids were munching on during the fireworks. Kind of funny!

One of our family traditions every year is to go to Eaglewood golf course on the 3rd of July and watch fireworks with Kev's family. It's something Kev and I have been doing ever since we started dating, and we love going. The kids run all over the golf course and roll down the big hills. They have music and dancing, and this year Carmen Rasmussen from American Idol sang. We usually try to invite some friends to come along every year, and we just have a ball.

Here is Tyler with his cousin Jenniel playing with sparklers, he is so funny. He won't actually hold them himself, because he's afraid it will burn him, but if someone else holds it he's think they are great. Another favorite this year was popper's, kids never can get enough of those things.

And coming soon pictures and details from our family vacation with the Shipp's.

LM Wedding

Just a little shout out to my Best Friend Megan and her new Husband Levi. They finally tied the knot on June 19, 2009. I am so happy for them, the wedding was absolutely beautiful and the weather was perfect. It was the only day that whole week that it didn't rain, lucky for them. It was a beautiful wedding, very short and sweet and they did it in her parents backyard. What a fun day I'm so glad we were able to share this special day with them. Of course I had my camera and was shooting pictures the whole time...here are a few of the ones I got. I hope you enjoy them Meg.

Levi was super nervous and his hands were shaking the whole time, but what a special moment.

Megan just couldn't stop smiling the whole night, and she looked amazing

This was supposed to be a shot of all the girls showing some legs, but no one really did so it was pretty much just Megan showing her leg...very sexy Meg.

Rain...Rain...

I've never really been a big fan of rain, I'm always too concerned about my hair or something. I think it's just one of those things as you get older you lose that sense of adventure. We don't have as much time to just play and be free. But as I've watched my little boy the past few days get so excited about the rain, I thought to myself...I'm actually enjoying the rain. It's fun to play and splash in the puddles, which is exactly what Ty has been doing. And it just brings a smile to my face that he is having so much fun, with something that I normally would be annoyed about. So I'm taking on a new perspective of the rain and I'm going to enjoy it while it's here, because let's face it, at least it's not 90+ outside.

I am also so happy about the cute little raincoat and rain boots that he has on. We went to the Outlets in Park City a few weeks ago, and found these on a steal at Children's Place (my favorite kids store) they were normally $29.50 each. Well I picked up these bad boys for $ .99 jacket, and $4.00 boots!! You can't beat that, plus I bought 6 more for my nieces and nephews. I just love when I get a good deal on clothing and attire for the little ones, especially when they grow out of it so quickly. So ode to Children's Place and the rain for making this week all worth it.

And I also wanted to give a little shout out to my friend Lindsay for all her Photography advice, you can check her out here and here. I don't really have any skills of Photography nor do I know what I'm doing half of the time, but thanks to her tips on her blog. I was able to capture Ty playing in the rain, not worrying about posing or getting the right angle, but just snapping photos, and this was the result. I absolutely love how it turned out, and the best part was I wasn't even trying to get a great pic. So thanks Lind's you are amazing.

Time to catch up

No I haven't forgotten about my lonely old blog...I just haven't really had much to write about plus now the weather is warm we have been busy with other things. Mostly fun but some not so fun.

Memorial Weekend...

We went camping with some friends and had a great time, despite all the rain. The weekend was anything but what we had planned, but we made the best of it. We went down to Green River to go River rafting all weekend, but because of all the rain and flash floods we couldn't even get near the river. So we found a nearby campsite and stayed for 3 days in the rain. On Monday it finally cleared up enough that we got to go down the river, my first time ever river rafting. It turned out to be a lot of fun, and thanks to those who stayed back and watched the kids. All in all it was a great weekend and we hope to do it again sometime without the rain.


Yard Work...

The worst part about this is it wasn't even our yard. Kev's parents decided to finally put sprinklers in their back yard...what a project when you already have sod down. So went spent all day Saturday and then back on Monday getting it done. The sprinkler system itself wasn't so bad, it was the clean up afterwords trying to get the grass back in the right places. On the bright side it does make me want to put in our backyard this year, but that requires money...and who has that? So we settled for fixing up the front yard a bit. We took out all the bark that the builders put in, then added top soil and tilled it in with the clay, then added more top soil. The we planted a few shrubs and flowers, and hopefully by the end of the summer it will look more full, and next year we will have something to add to.

Other events and happenings...

We haven't been up to much else just trying to enjoy the summer and have a good time while we can. We have a lot of things coming up this fall which we are excited for. Tyler is going to play soccer which he absolutely can't wait for. He has been bugging me for a year about it. He had already informed me that Callie (his cousin) is going to teach him how to play. I am excited to see what he will actually do on the field, it should be entertaining anyway. He also starts pre-school another thing he can't wait for. It's only 2 days a week for 2 hours a day, but that should free up some more of my time for studying. Which brings me to my last thing...I have decided to go back to school. I'm a little hesitant about it but also way excited. I'm going to go to SLCC to finish my pre-recs for the nursing program. Of course the program has a 2 year waiting list, so it will be a long process but I figure why not start. These were not my original plans for life, but sometimes the Lord has a different way of doing things than we expected, and I just have to rely on him that he will see me through this. I thought for sure by now we would be having another child, after all Tyler is 3 1/2 and isn't it a rule or something in Utah that you have your kids 2 years apart?? For now I will go back to school and try to keep my mind occupied and when the time is right hopefully we will be blessed with more children. So a lot going on and a lot of changes coming up, so wish us luck as we embark on this new journey in life.

P.S. I will try to keep you updated more often, but really our life isn't that entertaining.

Happy Spring

Can I just say that I am so glad we finally have warm weather. We have been aching to get outside, but the days that are good are so few and far between. So I'm glad Easter Sunday was warm, and beautiful. It made for a fun day of hunting eggs and spending time with family. Ty really liked finding eggs but I think he liked the candy inside more than anything. We also found a new food he likes...deviled eggs. This is the first time he's ever attempted eating eggs. I love Spring for many a reasons one the warm weather, two the reason we celebrate Easter, and three because we have a chance to hear from the wonderful prophet and apostles of our church. General Conference was special this year, although I didn't hear every session I'm grateful that you can download them and listen again, we have been doing this at night after Ty is in bed. I love the spirit that it brings into my home and for the renewed strength it has given me during this trying time in my life.

Other activities this spring thus far...

Playing at Hoggan Park with cousins and having a picnic. Riding bikes around the block with daddy and Sunday night walks in the wagon.

We had a chance to go see Wicked with my family and it was amazing. Kev even enjoyed it and he isn't into plays or musicals at all, but it was fun to have him go. He did think it was a little corny but oh well, the cast was amazing, Elphaba was my favorite and she has some real talent.

Today is a good day

Just spent the whole weekend (literally 24 hours) scrapbooking with my Sister in laws and friends. Nothing better than a little down time from the life of being a mom. Thanks to all for a fabulous weekend, and thanks to my hubby for taking Tyler.

Got a ton of pages done scrapbooking and now all I need to do is journal, I love when I feel totally caught up and on top of things. Plus I helped my sis in law a ton, well I hope I did anyway.

Just got back from church and I feel totally rejuvenated. I love when the lesson applies directly to my life and I feel the spirit so strongly. I seriously don't know how I would survive without the gospel.

Love, love, love that my little boy is finally potty trained. Finally no more worries and carrying around 12 sets of clothes just in case. Mommy's so proud of you baby.

Love to come home from church and get in my pj's and lounge around for the rest of the day. Not having to worry about the house or laundry, because that will all come tomorrow. I was gone all weekend after all.

Just found a very dear and close friend that I haven't talked to for quite sometime on facebook. I am so grateful I have been wondering about them for awhile and it's so good to get back in touch.

I just can't stop smiling today, for today is a good day.
We'll see what tomorrow brings.

A good Read

I recently got this book for my Birthday and I was so excited, I have heard many good things about it, and I have wanted it for awhile. It's a good, solid read with lots of parenting insight. I have learned a lot from it, but also felt like I have been implementing most of this into parenting already. But I am always looking for suggestions and what to do about certain things. If I can just remember to think before I react and try to change the situation to a positive rather than a negative then I'm in good shape. I have already tried some of the techniques and have noticed a world of difference. One of the reasons I like this book it that it offers many situations and the dialogue on how to approach them. I'm sure I will refer back to this book often and if any of you want to read it your welcome to borrow it. I even got my husband to read some of it, and he liked what he has read so far.

A new Incentive

Although I wanted Tyler to be potty trained about 6 months ago, clearly he was not ready. And it was just making for a very miserable day for both of us. So I decided to put it on hold for awhile. We tried the "How to potty train in 3 days", but I've come to the conclusion that I'm not a very patient person, at least when it comes to potty training. The accidents drive me nuts, so I resolved myself to the fact that he will do it when he is ready. He knows he has to be potty trained before preschool this fall. Over the past month or so he has went to the potty several times, but didn't want to wear underwear, so I didn't fight him on it. Now some might say that I am letting my 3 year old control me...while this is true this is one thing I am willing to let him take control of, because I just can't deal with all the mess and laundry that comes with it. Well one day he woke up and stated that he wanted to wear underwear, and went and put them on himself. He did pretty good, I would remind him every now and again to make sure to go potty, and when he had too many accidents he went back in a diaper. But over the past few days, he has decided to be a BIG BOY. He finally went poop in the toilet...oh my gosh, I never thought I would be so happy in my life. He's very independent and likes to do it himself, most the time he doesn't even tell us, he just goes. So as a reward for this big step, we went and got Buzz Lightyear that he has been wanting since December (after Grandma got him Toy Story for Christmas). I told him he can keep Buzz if he keeps going potty, but if he's not going to be a BIG BOY then Buzz has to stay on the fridge until he decides he's ready. So far he has been able to keep Buzz and he is doing very well. I am so excited for my little man, but it's just one more reminder that he's growing up. And cross your fingers for us that we have made it to the end of the potty training road. I know many of you have children that have already accomplished this, so thanks for bearing with me while I brag about my little guy. And for those of you who haven't...I'm so sorry and I wish you the best of luck. I really hate potty training.

A child's Prayer

Whenever I am struggling or just feeling sad, these words come to my mind

Heavenly Father are you really there?
And do you hear and answer every child's prayer?
Some say that Heaven is far away,
but I feel it close around my as I pray.
Heavenly father I remember now,
something that Jesus told disciples long ago
suffer the children to come to me,
Father in prayer I'm coming down to Thee.

Pray, He is there. Speak, he is listening
You are his Child, His Love now surrounds you
He hears your prayer, he loves the children
Of such is the kingdom, the kingdom of Heav'n.

I love the meaning this song has, and how when we sometimes feel discouraged we can simply remember if we ask Heavenly Father if he is there, and to be there for us, and He WILL. This song is so comforting to me, it's my favorite primary song and I sing it often. I have even started to sing it to Tyler to calm him down. Instantly I feel closer to heavenly father. I'm grateful for prayer and for the blessing that comes from it. I love to hear my little boy pray, and as he is getting older he can say what he wants and not just what we tell him. A cute thing the other day when he was praying.

Tyler: Heavenly Father, Thank you for this day
Thank you for me, Help mommy and daddy to listen to me,
Help me to be a good boy. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Such a simple prayer, but so sweet coming from a 3 year old.

Home Decor and some texture

I don't consider myself a great home decorator, but I do love it when I get something new to put in my house. It always makes me feel like it is becoming more of a home. I recently made a trip to Tai pan and picked up a few new things. Kev gave me a GC for my birthday, so I didn't even have to feel guilty about spending $. Of course there are a million things I still want to do to my house, but for now these will have to do.

These textured balls now have a home on our Kitchen table, they sit in a square dish, and they add a lot to our otherwise boring table.

A plate rack also for my Kitchen, I don't really have a color scheme in my Kitchen, but I do have hints of red, so therefore the red plate, and the yellow one I just thought looked good with it.

This is something I had in our other house, but just another example of red in our home. I am also a huge fan of stars (also purchased from Tai Pan) and making things to decorate my home. I love these family blocks I took a class at Heartland Paper, but picked out all of the supplies to match my home specifically.

February.. the month of LOVE

I love the month of February and how it reminds us of LOVE! I love the colors pink, red and brown and I love showing love to my family. This year I made a few things to put on our shelf in the Living room that reminds me of Love. This photo college was simple and fun and we can see it everyday and we are reminded to love one another. The set of blocks was also fun and easy and I love the simple XOXO's. I always love getting hugs and kisses especially from my little boy. I also have hearts now hanging over our Kitchen Island, and they are so fun to look at. I put some Valentine's candy in a pink bowl on our counter, (we'll see how long that lasts). I am so glad that I have family and friends to love. I love celebrating Valentine's day and the meaning behind it and I am so glad that I have people in my life to share it with.

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!

I am a Mother

"No greater recognition can come to you in this world than to be known as a woman of God. No greater status can be conferred upon you than being a daughter of God who experiences true sisterhood, wifehood, and motherhood, or other takes that influence our lives for good."

-Sister Camilla Kimball

I have been thinking about my role in life, what it is that I need to be doing to better myself? How to become a better Mother and Wife, and to be happy myself? Recently I have been struggling with being a Mom and how to deal with the new challenges of raising a 3 year old. It seems that it is more difficult than when they were 2 or even 1. But as all things have oposition, it definitely has it's advantages too. It amazes me everyday how much my child has learned, how funny he can be and how sweet he is.

I just read a book called I am a Mother, by Jane Clayson Johnson, (of course I was crying through most of it) and it really gave me a lot of perspective. I highly recommend this book to all mothers or those that want to be mothers. I know I am by no means a perfect mother, but I am a Mother, and it is truly the greatest blessing I could ever ask for. As I have struggled with the fact that we have not yet had another child, I am also comforted to know that I do have 1 child, and even though their are the days that I want to run away from it all. Their are also the days that I can't help but smile and laugh with my little boy.

DON'T QUIT

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,

When funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don't you quit....

Success is failure turned inside out.

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems so far,

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit.

It's when things seem worst the you must not quit.

-Author Unknown

This book has really given me a breath of fresh air, and helped me to get the strength to keep going, no matter how hard the days may seem, I can do this and I know the Lord will see me through it. The challenges of raising a three year old, who is very stubborn, now has a mind of his own, will Not potty train, and is starting to fight taking naps...can be a very exhausting thing, and some days I just feel helpless. But I must press on for that is what the lord would have me do. I am hear to be an example, a friend, and a Mother to my little boy, and this book helped inspire me to be proud of what I do and to become better at it.