life in stewartville...

All hallows eve... 2011

2011-11-08T22:17:00.000-08:00

I was so glad that there was no trunk-or-treat this year. I feel like it is so anti-climatic. The kids run from car to car and it's all over in ten minutes. Those kids need to work for that candy! As much fun as they had trick-or-treating, they had loads more handing our candy and answering the door.

Side note: costumes are...

Doug=dog, the bounty hunter

Me=not so exciting witch

Toria=Little Bo Peep(had to be the costume from Toy Story, no exceptions accepted)

Rome=Batman

Davin=Elvis

Motorcycle ridin'

2011-11-08T22:13:00.000-08:00

I must admit that I am not a fan of the mr.'s motorcycle. But, the kids do love a spin around the block(not the street block, just our little block within the neighborhood... I am a paranoid mom.)

BELATED, I am... My big 5 year old!

2011-08-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

I truly deserve the "worst mom" in the world award! Toria's birthday was only three two and a half months ago... way to be on the ball! It was all about "Tangled" and in true Miss Toria form, she knew just what she wanted. Here are some highlights:

Our little gals decorating the braids I made for EVERY girl(yup 16 of them, I am insane!)

The royal cake, not made by me. Thanks Marci, you are A-MAZ-ING!

Owen and Toria. Already this handsome guy has been dubbed by our gal as the future Mr. I think she really would have been just as happy if not another party goer attended. He was our first guest to arrive and once her knight was there, pretty much nothing else mattered.

My pinata... my first attempt at one, and pretty dang spiffy if I do say so myself.

Tug of war with Rapunzel's braid.

Our artist's mural. A BIG hit.
Our Pascal craft/favor... also a bigger hit than I would have ever guessed.

I cannot believe my first little munchkin is now 5. The time really does just zip right by. She is such a good girl. Very smart and thoughtful. She loves to be the "mother" of every group. She puts much more pressure on herself to do what is right, so no need for guilt by Mom. Hopefully that trait sticks around thru teenage years! She is a very talented artist and loves to dance, dance, dance. She is so much better than I am and I know I was blessed enough to be given her so that I can rise higher. Happy Birthday my goober!

3!3!3!

2011-04-22T09:26:00.000-07:00

So our little superhero turned three. Rome is such a spark of energy, excitement, and laughter in our home. He is the first to tell me how much he loves me and the first to get angry and tell me that, " you're not my mommy anymore!" He is truly full of gusto in all things. He gives the tightest hugs, the biggest smiles, and wants everything to be..."biggest, biggest, biggest!" Rome is such a joy in our family and I can't believe that three years have passed so quickly. He is the sweetest stinker there is. Happy Birthday my big, little guy!

The big O-N-E!

2011-03-21T15:48:00.000-07:00

It happened, just like that. My baby grew up. Already one. I can hardly believe it. It was such a fun yet, sad event. I already miss the tiny baby that he was. But, I am excited for all that is to come.

In true Davin form... he loved his cake. He loves anything that he can consume.

Happy Birthday, my lovey, sweet, chubba chubbs!

A Tale of Two Cities

2011-01-27T13:28:00.000-08:00

My children, the two big'uns that is, have a deep and abounding love for The Sound of Music. More specifically the "puppet show." I am thrilled by this, I have fond memories of pretending I was a VonTrapp child and had a giant puppet theater, a wealthy and handsome father and a nanny/mom that sung on bike rides and we jetted thru the hills of Austria. Even as I have been planning a home to build( not anytime soon, just planning out in my head.) I realize the design is that of an enormous entryway(ballroom) with all of the rooms opening to it and intricate railings to look over. Where did this grand design come from? Why the lovely VonTrapp home, of course!

Back on our puppet story, so Toria has been begging for a marionette. And I, being the great Mom that I am, decided we would make some. I found a (quasi) kid friendly pattern.

Scene Tuesday: My three little dumplings and I are strolling the aisles of Robert's collecting our supplies.(See what a good Mom I am!)

Scene Wednesday: Toria, Rome, and I are assembling our marionettes. Rome is not doing much assembling, but rather playing(aka creating chaos) with the feathers and foam. I forgot to mention that we were making "ostrich" marionettes, hence lots of feathers! As Toria wants to do EVERYTHING herself, I am sweetly and patiently guiding her in her efforts. (Really, I am the best Mom ever!)

Scene Wednesday night: I am wondering how long it will be before the marionettes can disappear. I have untangled the strings about 482 times in one hour. And each occasion causes great weeping and wailing. When does the garbage get picked up again?? (Ok, so maybe I am the worst Mom.)

Nine Months!

2010-12-28T22:02:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe how amazing this little guy is. He is truly my cherubic angel. (Nearly) always happy, content and cheerful. Unless of course you are taking more than 1.5 seconds to shovel food into his mouth. He is truly insatiable. Eats more than the two "bigs" combined! But, he can eat all he wants as long as I can cuddle, love on and squeeze to my hearts delight. He is crawling and so wants to play with the two hooligans. Please stop growing up.

Side note: his nickname is chubba-chubbs, since he is our biggest baby... weighing in his 9-month visit at 18 lbs and 3 oz.

THANKSgiving take 3

2010-11-23T21:44:00.000-08:00

Sleep. Glorious sleep. My sweet munchkin now sleeps for 12 hours... in a row... without waking up... all night long. I have never had a child do this, not at 8 months. Let's be honest, not ever. I know there are those of you out there with babies that do this very early on. I hate you. Ok, I don't hate you, I just wish I had your gift. I have failed miserably in this department of parenting. But, wow... 12 hours. I pinch myself every morning.

Tivo. This was truly an inspired creation. I don't need an entire hour to watch a show. Just zip thru those annoying commercials. I have true and real love for this little box. Only downfall, and I do mean only... I really have no idea of any movies that are ever coming out. But that is what Netflix is for, right?

My blog. It's my little space on the web to vent, brag, put down my ramblings. I don't have amazing pictures on it like Mrs. Jones, nor do I have witty topics with fantastic writing skills like Mrs. Miller, and I'm not funny in any way like Miss McClellan( I am about 95% sure I am not spelling that correctly). But, it's mine, all mine.

THANKSgiving, take 2

2010-11-15T21:11:00.000-08:00

It's a hard one today to come up with these.

My husband's job. I am making myself be so very grateful for this one. I AM so grateful that he has a wonderful means of bringin' home the bacon. I just wish that for the last 2 months it did not include 80 hour work weeks and arriving home on Saturday night(make that sunday morning) at 5am. That LDS church can be a workhorse!

My kids sleeping, or rather, lack thereof. I am grateful that my 8 month old has caused me to toughen up and make him cry it out... tonight. (While my husband is still at work.) Give me strength, I am so not good at this one.

The internet. Oh sweet Safari. How much simpler you make my life. When sweet Toria asks me how big beluga whales are, I can head to you for answers. When I don't want to attempt the mall with my clan, I just jump on over and let my fingers do the shopping. How I love thee...

My Mom. This is not a hard one to come up with. She is AMAZING!!!! I do not know what I would do without her. She is the most present and engaging Grandma to my kids and I am immensely GRATEFUL that she is so close to us. Mom, today, and all days you are the best!

THANKSgiving

2010-11-10T20:53:00.000-08:00

As I approach the upcoming holiday, I am attempting to focus on the "little big" things that I am thankful for. I can easily put a huge list of "big" things: my husband, my kids, my family, my home, food on my table, the Gospel, the Temple, the Atonement, prayer, my Savior, the list goes on and on. But for the rest of the month I am going to dig a little closer to the surface, or rather, simpler. Maybe with something to focus on... maybe... I will be a more consistent blogger.

Thanks this day for...

Yo GabbaGabba. I mean really, what can cause more excitement and love in a child than our fabulous friends Plex, Brobie, Foofa, Muno, Tootie, and DJ Lance? We went to the "Live" show this week and the pure and utter joy gushing out of my kids as they sang and danced to "Party in my Tummy", "Name Game"(of which I have heard the lyrics... my name is muno, muno, mmmmmm, muno muno, muno... about 2,300 times since), "We don't Bite our Friends" and all the other great favorites. Hey, if they love a skinny guy in an orange jumpsuit, who am I to not be grateful to him and all the rest of the funky bunch?

Modern Medicine. Let me sum up our last three weeks:

Davin: double ear infection, cold, croup

Rome: croup

Toria: cold, croup, ear infection, inflamed tonsils, and possible UTI

Hence (I love it when I can write that! Hence and Thus... no better words in the English language. They sound not only intelligent, but also a bit pretentious.) Hence, I am extremely grateful for good ole' antibiotics.

These are a few of my favorite things

2010-10-25T14:24:00.000-07:00

Toria has MANY great loves in her life. They change daily, but the staples remain the same:

Unicorns

The color purple

Anything to do with weddings

Drawing

Barbie movies

Pinto(or Appaloosa) Horses

and Davin

Ten-O-see

2010-10-22T08:46:00.000-07:00

We ventured off to the Great Smokey Mountains a few weeks ago and loved it. It's an amazing part of the country... trees as far as the eye can see. So, so beautiful.

But, also it's a completely different experience. There is a lot of poverty, difficult educational opportunities, housing everywhere that I couldn't believe humans actually reside in. I came home with a new and GREATER GRATITUDE for ALL that I have. Seriously, I can't believe how blessed we are.

It was a wonderful time and there was so much to do... our highlights...

Racing at the tracks. This is definitely NASCAR country and there are race cars everywhere!

Hiking in the amazing mountains

The aquarium. AMAZING!!! Best we have ever been to. This is in the penguin enclosure where they swim all around you.

Excuses, excuses

2010-08-27T23:02:00.000-07:00

Pretty much anytime that Rome attempts to love on/squish the little guy, it's always the same response.

"But, but he's my brudher."

Count my blessings.

2010-08-27T21:01:00.000-07:00

Life, it's hard sometimes. Lately I am tired. So very tired. I know you all do it to, but cooking, cleaning, kids, work, laundry, more work(can I state for the record that I am so over this one, but dang it those flight benefits) the list goes on and on.

BUT, just when I start to feel like I've got it so rough, I am reminded constantly that my life is amazingly blessed. That I have so very much and that my trials are mere compared to so many.

I have a dear friend, really a sister more than a friend. I love her so much and she is enduring the trial of her life. She is so brave, so strong, so much more than she knows. I can do nothing to make her trial go away. But, I can be there, call, hug, love, comfort, and listen. It's not much, nothing close to what I wish I could do. I am constantly reminded by her situation how really, REALY easy my life is.

To her... my heart is filled with love for you, my prayers are filled with pleading for you, and my thoughts are filled with hope for you.

Wisdom

2010-07-11T23:35:00.000-07:00

I am constantly amazed at the things I learn from my children.

On Father's Day this year I thought we needed to start a new tradition. Since my Dad passed away 2 1/2 years ago and my step-dad just in the last month... I thought I would have the kids draw them pictures and would would send their "messages" off to them with balloons.

When I first presented this idea to the little ones here was the conversation...

t: why are we going to draw them pictures?

me: i just thought it would be nice to send their father's day pictures to them

t: will they get them?

me: do you think they will get them?

t: yeah...

me: i do too(as I tear up a bit.. because... well, because I am a crier)

t: mommy, don't be sad... they will be resurrected.

Lesson #1 the faith of a child is a beautiful thing

While the pictures were in progress, I asked Toria what she was drawing.

t: A path. Pappi Jim(my step-father) needs a path. He needs to find his way.

Jim was not a member of the church and maybe, just maybe she know exactly what he needs.

Lesson #2 i cannot begin to imagine how well a child's ears can hear the Spirit

The "mr."

2010-06-29T21:02:00.000-07:00

He will not love me for this but here goes...

10 thing you may not know about my husband:

1) He has a great love for Charlize Theron(really? could you get any more opposite of me? leggy, thin, blonde.)

2) He will not share beverages with anyone. Not me, not our kids, no one. Do I really have any germs that you don't already have?

3) He will keep his nursery calling for the next 25 years, if they let him.

4) He has been in 2 major biking accidents. One time hit by a car and the other he was graciously taken to the ER by some kind hikers who came across an unconscious guy in the mountains(really, no embellishing here!). And I let him ride a motorcycle because...?

5) He was in a movie... treats for those who can figure it out.

6) He would go shirtless at all times if he could.

7) He would buy everything at Costco if he could, it is absolutely his favorite store.

8) And speaking of shopping... he actually likes to go shopping... for clothes.

9) When he gives a gift, it is the most thought out, perfect gift. He really, really goes out of his way to make them special.

10) He hates Oprah.

Zzzzzzz's

2010-06-21T22:56:00.000-07:00

8:15 pm

The time I put Davin down to sleep last night

8:45 am

The time my angelic baby woke up this morning

Never had one like this before... home truly can be a heaven on earth

Daddy and Disney

2010-05-07T13:28:00.000-07:00

About 2 weeks ago Doug decided to surprise Toria with a quick 2 day jaunt to the land of princesses and Dumbo. They had some fantastic one-on-one time and went like mad thru the park... not having to wait to park strollers and such makes the day much speedier.

And this is what a full day at Disneyland and then a quick trip to LAX turns into...

Payment

2010-05-04T18:12:00.000-07:00

I sat on the couch holding our little Davin after a VERY long morning. Clothes had been folded, two older ones napping(or at least "quiet-timeing"), running around done, lunch made, and baby finally content. I was so very ready for a break, really coveting a nap(right, as if!), but really needing to give the little guy some uninterrupted one on one time. I mustered up an enthusiastic greeting to the babe. And he immediately returned the biggest smile( this being his first smile... timing is everything!). Ah, it really, REALLY is all worth it.

Drudgery

2010-04-15T17:59:00.001-07:00

Is it just me or do you all have certain tasks that feel like they were created to add misery to our lives? I see their purpose, but really... can't someone else tackle them? Mine is emptying the dishwasher. It's something I do pretty much every day and I put it off, try to avoid it, hope and wish that my husband will do it(NOT going to happen). I make up games to trick myself into getting this one checked off for the day. I tell myself I will do it for 5 minutes and not a second more. Well, it never takes more time than this to empty the blasted machine. I count in my head like a stopwatch and see just how quickly I can get it done. (I have just revealed what a nerd I am... seriously, games to get the dishes put away?) It's not like it takes long, it's not like it's hard. I just despise it. Please help me to not feel like such a goob. Do you have a task you hate like this one?

3 or 13???

2010-03-25T14:20:00.000-07:00

As we were eating dinner the other night, Toria asked for something. I don't even recall what it was... soda, dessert, something that she was not going to be receiving at that moment. Her response to my negative answer...

"You are ruining my life!"

Really? Already at three? It's downhill from here.

Best of friends... most of the time.

2010-03-21T21:14:00.000-07:00

He has arrived! Davin Stockwell Stewart

2010-03-21T20:46:00.000-07:00

Our new little boy made his entrance on March 16th(I was hoping he would hold off one more day and be our St. Patrick's kid!). He is my biggest thus far at a whopping 8 pounds even and 20 in long. Toria and Rome love to hold, make that all that they want to do is hold, touch, poke and prod their new bay Davin(as Rome says baby DaBin).

Our little mother in training

My two little men

Rome was just glad there were snacks at the hospital

Love at first sight

The Land of Nod

2010-01-27T13:05:00.000-08:00

Since the post months ago, our little sugarplum has become quite the pleasant sleeper.

There is no reason nor change that accounts for this wonderful manifestation. She apparently just decided that she would not cause World War 3 each and every night. So, we continue our little routine of rabbit milk(actually cow's milk with a dab of Nestle Quik in it... you know rabbit on the front), reading, prayers, songs, then off to sleep.

BUT, just to put me in my place, just so she is sure I am aware of her feelings about the matter...

Last night's routine ended like this:

Me: Goodnight sweetheart, I love you.

T: Goodnight Mommy, I love you too.

T: Mommy (Pause)

Me: Yes

T: This sleeping thing is making me sick!(Said in the sarcastic tone of "you make me sick")

Me: Ok

Already?

2010-01-25T13:07:00.000-08:00

My little ones were heading off to slumber last night. Rome was bidding adieu to all in the fam. But, for a new twist he strolled over to Toria's "sparkling princess" barbie collection. He proceeded to greet each one with a high-pitched "hi" and a smooch on the lips. When did this start?

On a scale from 1-10terda

2010-01-07T12:57:00.000-08:00

Do you ever have those days? Well, two days ago was one of them. After one of my kids waking up at 4:30(yes, in the morning, a.m., that is) and the next at 6:15. And no one going back to sleep until 8:30. I was in a less than stellar and patient mood. The day just continued to escalate. I really can't pinpoint anything that my tykes did terribly horrible, other than being tired and grumpy. But, I really have to say that my parenting grade for the day ended up scoring around a 2-2 1/2. Do I want to be a 2 parent, not really. I really try to shoot for 10. But yesterday that was not the case. I can really attribute it to my cruddy attitude. As the day wound up and my hubby was STILL not home from work at nine, I reviewed my hours of endurance. As my little ones lay all tucked in their beds(Rome after 15 minutes of screaming and Toria just two or so requests for various things) I thought of how terrible it was of me to not allow our day to turn out better. These precious little kids I have been blessed with did not want a day of impatient, irritated, and counting down the minutes to bedtime Mom. No, they just want love. So, fast forward to present. Yesterday was great. We made cupcakes and I even let them make all the mess they wanted to decorating them. We read, we played, we had a jolly old time and even went to visit Dad at work. We accomplished things, we ran errands and my little gems were patient and wonderful. So for yesterday my score upped to I would say and 8. And the cherry on top of the day. No comment from Toria like the day before,"You're not a very nice Mommy." Honesty at it's finest.

Tis' the Season

2009-12-21T21:24:00.000-08:00

Presents are purchased

Cards are out(... about 185 of them!)

Neighbor gifts, teacher gifts, kids friend gifts, etc are delivered

Tree is up and decorated

Parties have been hosted and attended

Check, check check...

To do...

Wrap

Bake

Cook

Enjoy

Of how they fly!

2009-12-06T05:33:00.000-08:00

This week we celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary. Crazy to think about the last five years, where they have gone, what we have done... so here is a wrap up counting down...

Dec 1st 2002- I am working, flying around somewhere. Dating an average guy with an exceptional family. Thinking this might be great, I adore his family... him... well, jets just say it's good that all ended!

Dec 1st 2003- Doug and I are just "hanging out." He is moving to Toronto to work on a film and I am thinking, "Well, that's good, now I don't have to let him down because CLEARLY, he is not the man of my dreams!"

Dec 1st 2004-We spend the day at the Salt Lake Temple tying the knot, in the most frigid weather possible. The ceremony is PERFECT. The pictures, etc after... well, let's skip that. Yet, three days later, our reception is PERFECT!

Dec 1st 2005-We are living in our new home in Lehi, I am 3 months pregnant with our first little bumpkin, Toria. We spend the weekend in a lodge outside of Heber-lovely place.

Dec 1st 2006-Still in Lehi( we love it!) Anniversary at our "honeymoon inn." We enjoy our first holiday with our baby girl, and lots of family who come to visit.

Dec 1st 2007-I am 6 months pregnant with Baby #2, Rome. We take a very difficult trip(for me that is) to Vegas for the weekend-leaving our poor little gal with my Mom. She feels completely abandoned... scarred forever. Not so much.

Dec 1st 2008-Rome is 8 months old, Toria is 2 and we our on our"one night close to home" anniversary. Since every other year I am nursing! So off to the "anniversary inn."

Dec 1st 2009-Baby #3 is 4 months from arriving. We have a relaxing day getting massages, having a quiet lunch, and finally pedicures.

Five years, almost 3 babies, a house and lots more in between... next thing I know I will turn around and it will be 25!

Make my day... or month!

2009-11-22T15:09:00.000-08:00

Again, a greatly tardy post. We have been on a trip to he lovely and warm state of AZ... a post on that to follow. No internet access... excuses, excuses. Moving on...

About three weeks ago, on a lovely Sunday afternoon. I was chatting with a friend after a meeting. Let me start this story with a description of this friend. First of all, she is gorgeous, tiny, stylish and always, ALWAYS looks perfectly put together. Add to that that she has beautiful kids that also are as put together as she. And top it off, most importantly, that she exudes a calm and confident demeanor, she has a radiant countenance, is knowledgeable in things spiritual and temporal, is well educated and pretty much is the kind of gal I look at think... now that is someone who has it together! She is so classy and I find it hard to even imagine her cleaning a toilet or mopping a floor- not that she is not a hard worker, but you know those people just seem above such menial labor that pretty much surrounds my day. She is someone I admire greatly and think is pretty much the cream of the crop.

Well, now that you have an idea of who this is coming from... she basically threw me for a loop and gave me about the best compliment one can get, especially form someone like her. She told me, in a much more eloquent way, that she thought I was amazing and great. I know this seems like a funny post, but I just had to let this said sister know that, it was one of the best compliments I have ever had. So.. to you... Thanks!

You just never know what others think...

Boys will be boys

2009-11-09T17:59:00.000-08:00

And this is how our Friday went... little boys heads and square banisters do not mix well.

At least 2 hours in the ER, being strapped to a pappose board, and getting 4 lovely stitches did not dampen his spirits too much. Although, this picture was taken about 8 hours later.

Illiterate and tired

2009-10-23T20:56:00.000-07:00

I am working on getting the ever anticipated "rest of summer" updates up. But, much to my dismay, my dear hubby(whom is the master of this lovely computer) has done some tampering or something with the shortcut he so kindly created for me to shrink down my photos for your viewing pleasure. And since I am far from the master of this machine, I am at a standstill until he is home from work long enough for me to mention this to him. Yes, he is working LOTS these days. I am not a fan. The other day he arrived at our abode at 11 pm- yes I said ELEVEN! I am going to have to call up those general authorities and give them a piece of my mind... what kind of slave drivers are they?

As a side note, does every Mom out there have "getting their 3 year old to go to bed" problems? Or am I just miserably failing in that aspect of my parenting? I swear I have tried everything... but am very open for suggestions. I am talking sitting in her room for 2 hours singing and doing everything she can to not fall asleep. Pretty much, just driving me crazy. If I would sleep in her room with her(which I have done) she falls right asleep. But, alone... it's the ninety minute wind down. HELP!

Toria's big "3"

2009-09-22T14:23:00.000-07:00

On a hot and windy day in July, we celebrated our little gal's third birthday. All She wanted was a circus/elephant party. So... that's what she got. I attempted to turn our backyard in to a "greatest show on earth." We had our deck turned into a circus tent(note the "windy" previously stated, not so helpful in keeping that tent together). A clown, "Bubbles", who provided the face painting/magic show/balloon animals entertainment. We had two amazing cakes(thanks Aubri!!!) 1)an elephant and 2) a circus tent. We had a pink elephant pinata, make your own clown hat, circus coloring pages... and well, that's about it. The only request that I could not make happen for my ever so easy to please tyke was an elephant ride. Yes, just a small request. But, alas, there are no elephants for rent in Utah. In fact, there are no elephant rides, that I could find, anywhere except for India. A little too far and too exotic of a trek for the time being. Still, she was thrilled with everything. Especially the elephant cake. I think she only stood staring at it for about 15 minutes.

Excuses, Excuses!

2009-09-20T20:25:00.000-07:00

I admit it. I am a pathetic, finicky, non-consistent blogger! I know all of you(all 3 of you that read this) are just dying to hear updates of my amazingly exciting life. I really only have 2 reasons(ok... excuses) for my absence, here goes.

1) When I get behind, I think of all the time it will take to catch up. Hence the reason that my scrap booking effort has not been completed past my freshman year of college(and never will! I have written off that dreaded means of torture and guilt forever. I'll save my soap box on that one for another post.)

2) Baby #3 is on the way and I have been feeling, how shall I put it, less than stellar. Now there are many of you that I cannot hold a candle to. I'm not saying this is a good excuse. I am not throwing up 14 times a day, I am not bedridden, or anything of the like. But the daily nausea/vomiting/exhaustion/etc. have taken a bit of wind from my sails.

But, nonetheless, back on the bandwagon I am! I will post about my firstborn's 3rd birthday(only 2 1/2 months late), my son's biting tendencies, and more!

I hear the faint cheers of my 3 followers!

Goin' to the chapel

2009-07-29T22:15:00.000-07:00

My daughter has a bit of an obsession. She is infatuated with everything involved in, thought about, or pertaining to being married/a wedding. In church, she bears her testimony... "I will get married in the temple." She sees a bride, on t.v., in a picture, anywhere... "Mommy, she is married, is she married in the temple, who is she married to...???" She sees any type of bouquet of flowers... "When I get married, I will have flowers, are those my married flowers?"

And always this one:

T: Mommy, I will get married

Me: You can't get married until you are bigger, a grown up.

T: I will just get little married now.

The latest on this string is her absolute certainty that she will marry Rome. She asks/tells him: "Rome, will will you marry me." "Mommy, Rome and I will get married and he will put a veil on my head, and I will have beautiful flowers and a beautiful dress and we will be married." (Because we all know that marriage is ALL ABOUT a swanky dress, nice flowers, and the veil. Nothing more too it than that. Right?!) She then proceeds to make him dance with her and continues to tell him that they are married now. I try to inform her that in not so many years the idea of marrying your brother will not only sound unappealing, but downright gross. Nope, she's set. He is THE ONE. Well, at least I know I will like the in-laws!

Lessons from a three year old

2009-07-19T21:04:00.000-07:00

I shared this little tidbit with some friends the the other night:

ME: (something along the lines of...) Toria, that was a very bad choice and it makes me sad when you do that(pathetically, I don't even remember what it was that she did!)

TORIA: well, Heavenly Father loves me even when I make bad choices.

Howe do you respond to that one? Other than agreeing and being so glad that she knows this. One of the said friends responded with reminding me of the fact that this is so great that she knows this and how fantastic it will be if she can carry this with her thru her life. (Thanks, said friend.) And I thought about this so much. How great is this that she knows that she has someone that no matter what, will always love her. How much better would we all be if we REALLY knew that and REALLY believed this with all our hearts? I don't know about you all, but I have a feeling that most of us are much harder on ourselves than ANYONE else would even think about being. If we treated our friends like we treat ourselves sometimes, we wouldn't have many friends! Thus(I love that word), let's just give ourselves a little break and remember who loves us.

The simple joys.

2009-07-19T20:54:00.000-07:00

It doesn't take much to keep our little fam happy...

A little rock band with Dad:

A little quality time:

Any, I repeat ANY "movement oriented" anything for the little guy(watch out neighborhood kids, he will climb on and claim any of these he sees):

Some little "fruits" of our garden:

The best things in life.

Rainy summer days

2009-06-21T21:23:00.000-07:00

Where oh where can that little sun be, oh where oh where can he be? I am R-E-A-D-Y for it to be full fledged cook an egg on the sidewalk, get in a boiling car, socks-no-more, sunscreen necessity kinda weather.

No more rain, at least for a bit. It's time for the kiddie pool to be a permanent fixture in my yard!

But... in the meantime... in my (no so present, I will get on to that one later) free time, we have done some of this....

And LOTS of this... ( am I the only one whose child has a CONSTANT runny nose?!?!)
But mostly this month I have been cherishing, aching for, and relishing the time I have with my kids and husband. See, I have decided to put myself thru... well there is no other word for it... hell. Sparing the gory details of the matter, I am almost done with a VERY, VERY long work training. Most days I wonder if I will make it to the end. My Mom(the amazing!) has been watching them valiantly, and although my kids adore her in every which way, I know that it has been a stressing month on them, My hubby, my Mom and yours truly. As if I didn't want to squeeze the munchkins at every second before, I now hold and cuddle them till they wrangle themselves from my iron grasp and will not take another moment of my affection. And add to that the fact that the Mr. has had to step up the responsibilities at home, which he has done humbly and beautifully. (He's not doing the cleaning, but dang it, he has provided the means to have someone come in and do so!) And add the fact that I am completely neglecting my calling(fellow Presidency... my deepest and most heartfelt apologies... I promise double time soon!) The end is near. We can, we will make it. Underutilized Mom, signing off.

Bubble Blowing Skirt and Top GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-05-29T21:06:00.000-07:00

Bubble Blowing Skirt and Top GIVEAWAY!!!!

Vintage Wedding Refashioned Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-05-29T21:05:00.000-07:00

Vintage Wedding Refashioned Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

The Joys of Motherhood

2009-05-24T22:51:00.000-07:00

So, last weekend my two little kidlets were both sick. Toria=sinus infection, Rome=ear infection. Which equals lots of antibiotics. Toria seemed to be pepping right up, she was even playing outside as I put the final touches on my garden this year( I am late, I know.) After a fun filled morning of hauling topsoil/compost/peat moss, planting, and lots of sunny-filled weather, the kids and I headed off to the local nursery to try and scour up some strawberry plants(again, late, I know!) They both fall asleep in the car, my favorite! But, we arrive and I have to wake them up, not my favorite! As we are walking into the nursery, Toria says,"Mommy, my throat hurts." I don't think much of it. I am carrying Rome and trying to make a quick trip of this outing when I kneel doen to check on Toria and... she begins to projectile vomit all over me, herself, her clothes... EVERYTHING! We are not talkin' a little but of puke here my friends, this id full fledged "Stand By Me-Pie Eating Contest Puke." It's one of those moments that seems like it lasts for about 10 minutes but is really about 12 seconds. Meanwhile, rome is crying, Toria is devastated, she starts apologizing, "Mommy, I'm sorry I spit on you!" I don't know where a bathroom is, I don't know what to do with Rome, I don't know how I am going to get myself home before the stench begins. Finally, a sweet angel-of-a-gal directs me to the bathroom, bring me heavy duty towels, holds Rome, and is as kind as can be as I strip Toria down to her skivvies(I would have done the same, but for some reason it's only appropriate for the 3 and under crowd) and attempt to rinse us all off as best as can be done. We proceed homeward and luckily make it before the foul odor gets to me, and my poor sweet girl just kept pleading for us to go back and get the strawberries. We did make that trip again the next day. Am I brave or stupid?!?!

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood...

2009-05-24T22:05:00.000-07:00

It's here, it's really here! Warm weather, kids playing in the streets, sprinklers at full throttle. All signs that my time of year is now in session! I love, truly LOVE our neighborhood. I love that kids knock on the door every day to ask if Toria can play, I love that I can walk to at least 8 houses on my street and ask to borrow a cup of sugar, I love that we can call our neighbors our friends. So... this summer is one to be excited for! Toria has (FINALLY!) learned how to ride her trike. Rome will(cross my fingers) be walking sometime in the not so distant future. And all is well in the Stewart realm... I wish such a fine summer for all!

Happy Belated Birthday Rome!

2009-05-11T21:47:00.000-07:00

My adorable, angelic, mischievous, always hungry, cuddly, little boy turned one!! So, we (well, I) went for the army themed party, since really... what does a one year old have a preference for? He loved his cake, as he does anything that is edible. He is seriously the best baby and has reiterated that each child has his own unique personality. He is crawling like a speed racer and is just waiting for the courage to let go of whatever he is holding on to and take off a walkin'! He finds himself quite funny and his favorite jungle gym to crawl on is me. He loves, adores, and fears his sister... smartly so, as is is always a mystery if he is going to be loved on (85% of the time) or tackled down/grabbed/whacked(15%). He has completely solidified that fact that I want heaps more kids, ok, two more really. Happy Birthday my my sweet BUBBS!

Simple Skirts GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-05-03T18:53:00.000-07:00

Simple Skirts GIVEAWAY!!!!

On my mind

2009-04-28T23:49:00.000-07:00

Lots on my mind the past few weeks. I have been away from civilization, in a remote sub-saharan desert... ok, not really, but in Taiwan, and away from internet access.

So, I have been thinking a lot about my life. And, seriously, I wonder how I have been able to get off so easy. I see so many around me struggling with major, MAJOR things. Almost all brought on not because of poor choices, bad planning, or any fault of their own. I am starting to think I need to be really ready for some major tsunami to come charging in.

A friend of mine just lost her baby at 21 weeks. As I heard of the news I just cried and cried. It was her first pregnancy, so anticipated and hoped for. I cried for her. For her husband. For her baby. For my babies. For the babies I hope to have in the future. It made me so very sad. And I know that His plan is much better and wiser then ours. And I know that His purposes are perfect and right. But still, I cried. I cried because I can't imagine carrying a precious life, having to deliver the body that housed that life, and coming home with nothing. Nothing to hold. Nothing to swaddle. Nothing to dote upon all the love that was building. Coming home to a quiet home, when you really wanted sleepless nights, soft coos and even loud cries. Because those things mean life. Those things mean a baby.

I am one of those weird people that reads the obituaries every day. I am always drawn especially to those that I think should not be on those pages. The young, the healthy. I don't know why I read these. Maybe because I have had more than I would like of young death in my life. My sister, my Dad, my friends. And even having had these losses, I cannot imagine the sadness and emptiness of losing a child. I hope and pray(literally!) daily that I can have my children protected. Don't we all? Not that I am more deserving, or more needing of this blessing than any other parent in the world. I think of the mothers in poor or third world nations where their children are dying is expected and "normal." How do they go on? I can't even begin to understand their plight. How is it that I am able to be here, in this country, in the place that I am where health care is so easily accessed and expected. I suppose that they are much stronger women than I. Much more capable to handle these trials. All I know is that i am grateful to be where I am.

It has been on my mind. Checking out for the night.

Wabbits and eggs

2009-04-14T13:18:00.000-07:00

Our Easter was a nice one. Simple. Off to church in the morning, then dinner and egg hunt at Maka's(translation: Toria's name for my mom). I did itty bitty baskets for the kids, no need for a two or one year old to have tons of sugar, right? It was such a nice relaxing day-truly how I feel the holiday should be. And we were celebrating two things...Easter and Rome's birthday(birthday post to follow...) Now on this day, and so many other our two little munchkins are in to one thing and one thing alone...

For Rome it's

FOOD!

Don't mind the girly bib, it's the only one at Maka's house.

For Toria it's

ELEPHANTS!

Maka(aka Easter bunny) found these animal eggs. And of course Toria walked around all day holding the elephant ones.

2009-03-31T21:22:00.000-07:00

Some days feel like this... I don't like it. This too shall pass...

Paper Crane Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-03-25T22:22:00.000-07:00

Paper Crane Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Summer of 69 Thrift Store Refashion Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-03-25T22:18:00.000-07:00

Summer of 69 Thrift Store Refashion Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Modern Pirate Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-03-25T22:14:00.000-07:00

Modern Pirate Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

What's in a name?

2009-03-25T21:28:00.000-07:00

My dear little Toria has taken upon herself quite the unique name these days. I must, I repeat must, state her name as "baby elephant" in all requests, questions, and statements.

"Can you please put your toys away?"

"Can you say 'baby elephant, can you please put your toys away?' "

"Baby elephant, can you put your toys away?"

"Of course"

"Let's get in the car."

"Can you say' let's get in the car baby elephant?' "

"Let's get in the car baby elephant"

"ok"

Incidentally, I have now said the words "baby elephant" about 973 times in the last three days... let's hope this is a short lived phase.

To save or not to save...

2009-03-02T21:40:00.000-08:00

So, it's almost eleven at night and I continue my bleary eyed search for added discounts for my online ordering. Why oh why do I feel like it is worth it to spend an hour to save $4 on my gap.com order? Why do I feel so much more justified in buying Toria adorable little dresses and shoes if I can get a mere 10% more off? I just am a penny pincher to the core. I don't know where this came from... before the days of wedded bliss, I would shop to my little hearts content on fab accessories, clothes, and lest we not forget shoes, without a thought of the price. (Ok, a thought, but a passing one) Now, I have completely embraced the bargain hunting mentality. Wether it is sassy heels or spaghetti sauce I must save as much as I can. If you need a discount code, a coupon idea, or the best price on that great clutch. Look no further my friends... I am only a phone call(or e-mail) away. And the happily ever after to this story is that my little plum did get the delightful red dress, but not the snazzy red pumps. I waited too long and now her size has vanished. Maybe, if I am lucky, they will have them in the store... the quest continues...

Nails on a Chalkboard

2009-02-22T21:21:00.000-08:00

Quick post, it's late and two nights a a sleepless toddler are wearing on me. I gave a little class yesterday and in the program I was referred to as "Becky" Stewart. Ok, so not to be witchy here, but who takes it upon themselves to assume one's nickname? Don't get me wrong, I am sure the dear sister who typed it up(or PC'ed or MAC'ed I know, no one types things up anymore) just figured that was what I went by. Well, I DON'T! And I don't ever want to. No offense to the name "Becky", but I imagine a dirty faced five year old with red pigtails when I hear that name. It truly is not me, not that I wasn't a dirty faced five year old at one point, but now... it's just not me. Sorry for the rambling, just had to vent for a second. I am off to sweet dreamland... hopefully I will be resting my peepers for more than 2 hours tonight!

Me!Me!Me!

2009-01-26T20:24:00.000-08:00

I sit here reviewing my blog and realizing that about 99.9% of my posts are about or involving my kids. Not that this is a bad thing, but dang it, it's MY blog and should have a bit more chapter and verse about MY thoughts, MY ideas, MY life, and MY feelings. I think I got into this offspring whirlwind because, when I think of what defines me, I think of my family. Now, mind you, my little tadpoles are adorable(in my opinion), funny, and fantastic... BUT there is more to me than being just "Mom." So, one of my resolutions this year is to allow my blog to be more journal-esque(I know it's not a real word, but I like it!) And since we are on this "bettering" road... here are the ones I am working on for good 'ole 2009.

Take time to breathe, stop worrying about so much and take a chill pill. I would have to say that about 360 days a year I am on "GO" mode. I wake up and from the first morning breath to the lying down of my head I try to get as much done in my "ever so effective" style of multi-taking as I can. I always want my home to be spotless, My kids to be played with, taken to enriching/educational/fun/fantastic activities, my meals to be fabulous/heathy/impressive(and goodness forbid that I do not introduce a new recipe to my family at least once a week!) I am picking up toys, filing papers, sewing halloween costumes, visiting sick friends, planning parties, attempting to beautify my little house(gosh I wish I knew how to make my space=what I want it to look like), work out(why, oh why was I not born with Heidi Klum's body? or something even somewhat resembling it?) etc., etc. , etc!!! Whew! I feel tired just talking about it. I am trying to(this is REALLY hard for me) realize that I will never be Emeril, Martha Stewart, Nate Berkus, or any other representation of "the best" at something. I have to get it in to my stubborn noggin that I can be just good at something an that's ok.

Stop worrying about what other people think. I do love shoes and clothes, even though I now spend a thrice of what I used to on these items. I do stare at the mirror contemplating my far from perfect figure, wishing the FAA would approve at-home liposuction. I have to remember that most people at church/the grocery store/children's museum don't even notice me, much less what I am wearing or my chunky thighs. I so want to look fashionable, put together, classy elegant, and lest I forget skinny. I sometimes feel like people look at me as an old, frumpy mess. So, as I ramble here... this is one of my big goals. Stop worrying what people think. I mean, I'm not going overboard. I won't be at Target in pj's. I won't be pounding down ben and Jerry's by the pint.

Really, REALLY be more in tune with my Father in Heaven. I have this(reference above) innate desire to be so very, very good. To want to always do the right thing . Unfortunately, I do not always put forth all the effort to achieve this. I slack in my scripture study, forget family morning prayers, and even (I know, it's reprehensible!) swear if I stub my toe. There are many, many more faults/shortcomings/weaknesses, but there is only so much space in a post. I really, REALLY want to go the 110%. Do what I need to do to be the me I want to be. I will keep you updated on my progress... as long as it's forward and not backward!:)

Focus more on my husband and marriage. I think I have, as many of us do(at least I hope I am not alone in this boat) let my kidlets come before my dear spouse. I mean really, what am I without my guy? He is so great to me. What kind of man stay up until 3 am putting my new elliptical machine together? I GREAT one! What kind of man brag to his friends about his wonderful(thank goodness he thinks so) wife? A GREAT one! What kind of man say,"You look the same as you did before both kids!" A GREAT(albeit blind) one! So, no more complaining about his lack of grocery shopping, cleaning or cooking(none of which he has done even once in our marriage!) I will begin the boasting, appreciating, and spoiling now.

Toria-isms

2008-12-27T21:26:00.000-08:00

After a tiring day at the "Kwanza celebration" at the U's Museum of Fine Arts we arrived at the Training Table for a late, late lunch. Toria was like a Mexican jumping bean and could not for the life of her sit still. She was up, she was down, she was dancing, she was jumping. Now, I'm usually a bit of a stickler on table manners, but after an exhausting afternoon and in a basically empty restaurant, I was giving her some leeway. Well, even I, the pillar of patience(not so much) reached my limit. In the nicest tone, yet with a hint of sternness told her to, "Sit down on your knees or bum, right now." She sits down, sticks her finger in her ketchup and in just as firm a voice states" Mommy, stop being mad at me." Doug and I laughed so hard. Maybe you had to be there, because as I read this it doesn't seem as funny. But, I promise, it really was.

A Star is Born

2008-12-27T00:06:00.000-08:00

Toria had her first little dance show and I have to admit that I was a little worried about how nervous she would be with so many people watching her. Apparently it's confirmed. I DO NOT have a shy kid. Despite being far past the hour of her slumber, she was flitting, bowing and clapping like a little sprite. As many of the other little tots were crying for their mommies, she just kept on dancing, kicking, and passe'ing(not quite sure the correct plural for that one) away. She loved every minute of the cheers and adulation. My only concern now is, will I ever be able to get her off the stage?

Forced gratitude

2008-12-26T22:21:00.000-08:00

So, one of Toria's new things is to make sure that as we sit down to a meal everyone thanks me for preparing the food. Generally goes like this...

Toria: Mommy, thank you for the food. Daddy, can you say thank you to Mommy for the food?

Doug: Thank you for the food, Mommy

Toria: Skylar, can you thank Becca for the food?

Skylar: Thank you for the food

Toria: Rome, can you thank Mommy for the food?

Rome:(silence... give the kid a break he's only 8 1/2 months old)

And so on, until all those seated at the table have thanked me for the food.

So, this is cute and funny, but it truly is the start of every meal at our table. Hence, I tend to hear this pretty much 3 times a day.

Well, today she added a spin...

Toria: Thank you for the food, Mommy. Daddy, can you thank your wife for the food?

Ok... are you really 2 1/2?

The most wonderful day of the year!

2008-12-26T22:02:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas morning...

Stocking stuffers doing their job

Bubbs in his new headwear from Aunt Leann

Bubbs not getting the present thing, but being very overwhelmed and tired

Toria Loving her new scarf, hat, and puppy w/ matching hat

Shoveling snow...

Shoveling MORE snow

Rome still not caring about the presents, but loving it all

daily ritual

2008-12-08T22:52:00.000-08:00

is it just me or does everyone feel like they are unloading a dishwasher, loading a dishwasher, or washing dishes 24-7? i'm not complaining, just stating a fact. i guess if i did more takeout, then i would do less of this... but alas, i love to cook(most of the time) for my little fam... thus my ritual continues...

My Men...

2008-12-08T22:50:00.001-08:00

Oh how i love them!!!

Halloween '08

2008-11-24T21:25:00.000-08:00

This is a little late, but an update none the less. Toria was having quite the time deciding what she wanted to be for Halloween. First a tiger, then a lion... no, no a tiger. No a lion. So a smart little friend of mine gave me the idea... a LIGER! Toria was thrilled, and well, Rome was along for the ride. We went with the whole Napoleon theme and here's what ensued...

Some people got the liger thing, others not so much. But we had fun. Thanks Natalie for saving the day with the Napoleon accessories. We couldn't have done it without you... our hero!

Nuf' said...

2008-11-16T21:58:00.001-08:00

My budding artist...

2008-11-16T21:49:00.000-08:00

My funny little gal LOVES to paint.

I LOVE that she is so uninhibited in her creativity.

Daddy Doug's Birthday!

2008-11-16T21:41:00.000-08:00

Here is the "oh-so-professional" artwork that my lovely hubby woke up to on his Birthday. Toria had so much fun making it, Rome... not so excited. My guy is another year older, it's true that something just get better with age. You are the best husband/father/best friend a gal could hope for!

Squeezable!

2008-11-15T21:55:00.000-08:00

My little Chubarooski! He is pretty dang adorable, if I do say so myself. He is my content, lovable, smiley, sitting up, handsome little guy! I so could not resist this hat for him. Some days I want to just bite into his bulbous cheeks, nibble his rotund feet, and squeeze, squeeze, squeeze him!

Let the sleeping begin!

2008-11-01T22:21:00.000-07:00

"Anyone who says they slept like a baby never had one"
I saw this quote and offered a big AMEN.

After three nights of gut wrenching(more so for me than anyone else) long nights. My little guy is sleeping through the night!
The first night was a cry fest, the second was slightly less taxing and the third night was hardly difficult. Day four has come and gone and he is an official all-nighter!

I never thought I could do it. I forgot how much your heart breaks as their little cries for help pull at the mom instinct and make you want to leap up and soothe them and make sure that they know you love them and would never abandon them! I laid outside my little man's room as he learned how to do it on his own. It took everything I had to not save him!

Relief... he still loves me and smiles at me and doesn't hate me.

Back again!

2008-11-01T22:14:00.001-07:00

So, I have been hesitant to post, to report the lack of success in our potty training efforts. We will just leave it at that. We have had fun-filled busy times! Between a trip to St. Louis for my father-in-law's 60th birthday, Halloween, trips to the children's museum, dance class, etc., etc., etc...it's been well, busy! I will have pictures up soon!

Binkys, Big-Girl Beds, and Pottys

2008-09-28T21:13:00.000-07:00

So, the last few months have been BIG ones for our lovely, little gal. First... we took away the oh so coveted, and adored binkys! It went quite smoothly, I must say. Much easier than I had imagined it would. I swore I would never let a child of mine have them that long, but I did. I drew the line at birthday #2. She only asked for them twice, but since she had thrown them in the rubbish bin with her hesitant hand, she knew they were gone. Second... no more crib for our tot. On to the real deal! A big-girl bed! Ok, so really it's a toddler bed, well... really it's her crib, with one side converted to a toddler bed. So, maybe not such a HUGE transition, but for the "not-so-great-sleeping-kid" it was a big step. She pulled that one off with flying colors. She loves her bad and often just sits on it to play saying, " Mommy, I just sit on my bed, I don't go night-night." On to accomplishment number 3! Well, tomorrow marks the first stop on our potty training expedition. I know that millions of millions have tackled this one, so I go in to our journey with the support of mom's everywhere. I will keep you updated...

Just a note, as I was playing with her today. I wondered-where did this little baby go?

And when did she grow up in to this little girl that I can't get enough of?

Hot Summer Days. Love Them!

2008-08-15T23:00:00.000-07:00

Is it just me, or do the summer days fly by? I guess it's because we are so busy outside, going to zoo's, swimming pools, bbq's and any other activity that lets us enjoy this wonderful, yes I know it's hot, time of year! I am all about flip-flops and lemonade, parks and sunscreen, shorts and vacations. I try to not complain about the hot leather seats in my car, or the sweaty stickiness of an afternoon outside, because I really love thew warm weather. So much can be done, not like those nasty, cold, snowy, miserable, slippery, winter months! Cooped up inside, when only so much can be done to entertain busy bodies. I am trying to soak up every minute of sunshine, popsicles, and wading pools that I can!

It really works!

2008-07-25T23:47:00.000-07:00

So, as far as my life is concerned these are some B.I.G things!

1) Yesterday morning Toria was saying our breakfast prayer, which has always been a consistent"Heavenly Father... Thankful... Amen." But alas, this prayer-I don't know where it came from-was... drumroll, please..."Heavenly Father, please bless have a good day, grateful for food, daddy, name of Jesus Christ, Amen." I know I should not be prideful, but I must say I was pretty darn proud of my little, just turned two year old!

2) Toria was in primary and they were having a lesson on President Monson. When the teacher held up his picture and asked, "Who is this?" My bright little bee piped up, "President Monson!" Ahhhh. The FHE lessons are sinking into her wee noggin!

It's so nice to see that all the work and sweat and love we Mom's(and Dad's!) pour into our kids makes a difference. Not growing up a member, sometimes I wonder if I am doing the right things to teach my kids the gospel. I felt like it was like a little pat on the back from Heavenly Father reminding me that it's ok if I am new to all this, as long as I am trying to be obedient He will make up the rest.

I am lame, but busy!

2008-07-25T22:11:00.000-07:00

I have had a hard time getting to this blog in the past weeks. I unfortunately started back to my part-time work at the airlines and am hating, hating, hating every minute of it. I so wish I was not spoiled with flight benefits, but alas, we sure do love our traveling...so hi-ho, hi-ho, it's off to work I go. Must find a solution!

Our ward split this week and since I have tons of free time floating around, I was called to be the compassionate service leader. And it's a fun month-only 8 women having babies! But, seriously, I am really excited and can't wait to get to know the sisters in the ward on a whole different level. Now I have a good reason and excuse to do so.

The kidlets are growing up way too fast and I wish I could just bottle them up and keep them this cute forever!

All in all, life is good, just busy...which I am sure is the case for about 99.9% all of us. May the blessings of time-management, multi-tasking, and an extra hand fall upon us all.

the simple things

2008-06-17T23:02:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we had a busy day of meeting my bookclub at the park for a picnic and then off to Harrison's 1st birthday party. Toria was in heaven. Nothing could have made that little girl happier than sitting in three inches of water and having on a party hat. Which she did not want to remove even at bedtime! I love that she is so happy with simple joys-a lesson I can learn from my almost 2 year old.

2 months

2008-06-17T10:57:00.000-07:00

so, at Rome's 2 month appointment he weighed in at a whopping 11 lbs 9oz! Talk about progress! No worries about our little guy starving. he is a wonderful baby and is already growing and changing so fast. Sometimes I wish I could just bottle my kids up at the age they are and keep them there forever. Toria is so cute and says the funniest things. It's so neat to see how she is figuring the world out, how everything is starting to make sense to her. Her latest thing is calling me "becca." Today, I was getting ready and she put her hand on my arm and said in the most tender voice, "that's my becca." I never knew how rewarding and amazing being a mother could be

Settling in

2008-05-21T08:33:00.000-07:00

We are getting our new routine down and Rome is such a great sleeper...8 hours last night! Gotta love the kid! We have had our days of chaos too. Foe example, yesterday! I was watching a neighbors son, who is the same age as Toria, from 11-5 and also had 4 other kids from the neighborhood over to play with water toys, pools, etc. Incidentally, Doug was not going to be home from work until 8 or so. But, the icing on the cake was when Toria woke up from her nap with a poopy diaper and tried to take it off. Yes, I know you can imagine the sight I walked in on...her screaming because of the gross factor, her hands, feet, sheets, and crib covered in nastiness. One of the days you look back on and laugh, but at the time it's not that funny.

Week one

2008-04-21T16:15:00.000-07:00

So, the first week of having two little ones at home has been fun, exhausting, and a balancing act. I'm definitely feeling the guilt of not being able to give Toria my full attention, even though I know it's the best thing for her to have siblings. Rome is great, he is a champion nurser and is starting to get his days and nights straight.I love his little coo's and grunts and can't wait to know more of his personality. We love our sweet kids so much and count our MANY blessings every day...I really don't know how our life could get any better.

"Rome" has arrived!

2008-04-17T17:03:00.001-07:00

ell, surprise, surprise...our little guy came early. After a long day of standing in line for a "Deal or No Deal" casting call we went directly to the hospital and had a baby! We got to the hospital at about 6 p.m. and he was born at 8:15 p.m. weighing 6 lbs. and 14oz. and 19 inches long. We named him Jerome "Rome" William Stewart-after my Dad(Jerome) and Grandpa(William). I never expected for him to come 12 days early, since I was induced with Toria 5 days late. He is so precious and we love him to pieces! He has his days and night confused, which is fun with a 21 month old sister going all day...no rest for a weary mom! Toria adores him and wants to hold and kiss and touch him all the time. She is always aware of what he is dong..."mama, baby Rome sleeping, shh." She is such a little mom and is our constant energetic, talkative, and sweet little girl.

along we go...

2008-02-06T12:12:00.000-08:00

so my belly is expanding and we are getting close to having our new guy. we are so excited to have him, but i am definitely not rushing his arrival. i am trying to get as much sleep as possible stored up before i go into zombie-like mode again. we are adjusting to a new norm, since my Dad passed away...Toria is quite confused about not seeing "Papa" every day and is definitely missing him lots., as we all are. i count my many blessings every day...i couldn't have a more supportive, loving, amazing husband! we are very abundantly blessed in so many ways!

he's on his way

2008-01-09T21:45:00.000-08:00

so baby number two is our boy due in april. we so so excited to be adding another to our fun clan. i, as most moms do wonder how i can love another baby as much as i do toria. i know that magical mom thing happens though, and am not too worried about it. life is in limbo(isn't it always) as Doug is finishing his law school applications and we don't quite know where we might be or what we might be doing in the next few months. time shall direct our adventure...

here we go...

2008-01-08T20:12:00.001-08:00

so..first post. we are doing great, living in lehi, ut and enjoying our richly blessed lives. our daughter, Toria is 18 months old and we are expecting a baby boy in april. life is very good and we couldn't be happier. we love our neighborhood, our families, each other and the way our path is heading. we will keep you updated as to what's going on and anything fun or interesting we encounter...till then cheers!