What happened to no trips for a while?

So today I find myself in Tampa Bay, Florida hoping desperately for a nap soon. Guy woke up yesterday at 2 pm from sleeping off night shift. He mentioned to me how he and Karissa were joking around about us going to see her and Corri & Frank while she is visiting with them from Utah this week. I told him that was a cool idea. Then he mentioned he had looked up a hotel to jokingly. Well dang it, if we didn’t just up and decide to leave for Florida after placing a couple calls to see if we were really wanted. Then we were on the road by 4pm. And that is with giving the babies a bath!!! It’s shocking how good we are getting at just up and going places with the kids. The only thing we ‘forgot’ is some toys for the kids. They are big people watchers and new place lovers so they shouldn’t miss them. Well, off to put them down for their morning nap then we are off to the beach! Ahhhhh, the warm Gulf of Mexico beach in 80 degree weather sounds like just the ticket. YAY!

Mormon Mommy Blog's giveaway

http://mormonmommyblogs.blogspot.com/2009/02/february-giveaway.html
Here is a link to a new giveaway. They have some pretty cool items.

Yeah, I know, I'm starting to become the giveaway notice queen. Well, think of it as making it easier for you to find them, because you don't have to go look yourself! Have a great day!!

**** I also added this comment to the Shutterfly book giveaway****
"This was supposed to have comments, but they didn't show up. You can get your own free hard cover 8x8 20 page book at Shutterfly using the code photobooks. Ours came today and it was great! It cost 8.69 with tax and shipping. Not bad!"

Big sorry to my fam for no photos of late

I was looking for a couple blog posts to share showing the babies 'then' and 'now.' Well, it has been days since a recent photo was posted of them. To explain a little: I had total apathy towards processing photos for about a week after getting back from Atlanta and Utah where I didn't work on photos at all. Two of the five shoots 'waiting' are done and have been favorably received by the subjects. lol That sentence just sounded funny. I'll post some highlights on the photography blog tomorrow. The last three shoots to process are all of our family members. Guy's sister Michele and her four kids. The next shoot was of Michele's son, Andrew, and his fiancee, Kourtney, who just got engaged while we were there. The last shoot is of my little sister, Gracie, for her 17th year.

Here are a few recent shots for you guys to look at.

On Tuesday (I think) there was an activity for the Faith in God girls at church (I think around 8-10 years old). The topic was how people have faith in God all around the world and how no matter where you go our church teaches the same things. I and three other ladies were asked to speak to them about our experiences as missionaries. It was so much fun. And listening to the other ladies was very uplifting for me. Recently I've reconnected with a lot of people who served a mission in Nebraska with me and people I met and taught there on Facebook. Facebook is so cool. Here is Nicole, me and Kim.


Can I just say that I'm not that tall?! Really. But sometimes I look at photos and think, "Man! I'm a big girl compared to [whomever] is in the photo with me." LOL Neither Nicole or Kim are really short either. Oh, two things. I am loving the new darker hair color. And one of the girls in the class asked me why my coat had only one button done. Well, didn't you know, little one, that is the best way to cover up a muffin top! She let me know it was driving her crazy. I love the random things kids ask and say.


Here are all the girls. There are also two sets of twin girls in here.




This jumping shot is so cute!


Just woke up when he heard the door. Yesterday he crawled into their room and was trying to pull the bear through the bars. They only get the bears when it is time to sleep in an effort to create a sleep routine or mood.


He is LOVING standing as much as possible.


Look at this cutie! The top of her hair lays down in cute wisps while the bottom is showing definite curls.


The positions kids sleep in.


So sweet. Doesn't he just look like the shirt will be too small in a few days. Dang. I thought they would be in 18 months for quite a while.


Madison happily plays both by herself and with Blake. It looks like she is already learning to hold a footy correctly! Go girl. Where is Auskick? Do you think they would take them yet?


She is a very accomplished crawler now!


She also has the longest tongue! It reaches her chin.


I like the curiosity and dark lighting on this.


Blake pitching a fit. I'd say he pitches about 5 fits a day. Every day.




Another cool window lit shot. He scrunches his nose and forehead together when he is deep in disgusted with his life thought or there is a bright light.


Blake speed crawling at me. He could win a crawling race. Though he is showing a lot of walking signs, he may not walk for a while. The speediness of his crawl gets him places in a flash.


A funny shot


Madison has decided she will only take pureed food from a specific kind of spoon while I am holding a specific type of bowl or she will pick it up to feed herself. No other method is acceptable. Weirdo.













Even with only 3 hours of sleep, spotting more then 60 cops along my route (1 for every 8 miles), a 7 hour drive (took us 10), both me and Blake sick, babies who did not want to sleep and no other adult with me we still managed to take a state line photo! I would have gotten the other ones, but they managed to be asleep while driving by the others.


Guy and his Punkins.


Maddy showing off her new Berkley's clippy.

Cool quiz! What kind of Survivor are you?

I love this quiz. Take it and make sure to leave a comment letting me know what kind of survivor you are.

Blake and Madison Quiet Time Book - Get your own almost free!

This was supposed to have comments, but they didn't show up. You can get your own free hard cover 8x8 20 page book at Shutterfly using the code photobooks. Ours came today and it was great! It cost 8.69 with tax and shipping. Not bad!

View Project at Shutterfly

Pay it Forward

A chance to give back! Thanks Rachel for giving me the idea on your blog. I felt weird starting one if I didn't win on someones blog so I went backwards from the blog you won on and found a number 3 spot to post on! lol I actually won on Jade's blog. This is going to be some much fun. Good Luck to everyone else.

1. Be one of the first THREE bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me - something crafty or yummy (I don't do yummy)! We'll talk about what I can do and what you want when you comment.

2. Winners must post this challenge on their own blog, meaning that you will Pay It Forward, creating a handmade gift -anything!- for the first THREE bloggers who leave a comment on YOUR post about this giveaway!

3. The gift that you send to your 3 Friends can be from any price range and you have 365 days to make/ship your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you receive your gift and have shipped your gifts. And, remember: It’s the Spirit and the Thought That Count!

4. When you receive your gift, please feel free to blog about it, sharing appropriate Linky Love! If you are not one of the Top Three Commenters on this post, you can still play along. Go ahead and start your own Pay It Forward chain, and encourage your blogging friends to do the same! SO, REMEMBER...Pay it forward!

Please feel free to comment even if your not the first three, I would still love to hear from you.

I I I I I - Those are I's as in me, myself & I

Have you ever contemplated going a day without using the word ‘I’? It definitely bears thinking about. Any thoughts? I’m not sure I could do it…. lol

Ruth is now at 25 weeks. Her doctors want to deliver her at 34 weeks. 9 weeks to go. She has an amazing outlook. If you have time go leave her some comments and a link to something cool to keep her busy.

I had a duh moment yesterday. After thinking I was only going to share it with Rachel who’s post I commented on right after ‘the incident’ it seems I’m bursting at the seams to share it with everyone. Or at least everyone who reads this blog. Which going by my last two weeks traffic report is no one at the moment. Here is the story. I’m happily reading along the blogs I follow in Google Reader when this post shows up on Petit Elefant blog. Yeah! I totally won this cute doll I wanted. So I click on the post and put in a comment saying I think it’s me, because I remember seeing the exact comment and thinking it. Then I happily look through the original contest entry post to confirm it’s me. As I’m clicking on my name it suddenly takes me to someone else’s blog! Oh no! But I remember thinking ‘so cute’ and everything. I look further to see if two Shannon’s wrote the exact same thing. Nothing. No entry from ‘me’ at all. The only thing I can think of is I was going to post my entry, got distracted and saw that one when I came back thinking it was me. DUH!!

Today my friend Melissa came over. The kiddos were not on their best behavior (picture above not from today but illistrates my point). However, we did get a chance to have a nice salad and sandwich for lunch while the kids were sleeping. Unfortunately Blake had a poop needing to make its appearance during their nap. So they didn’t get to stay asleep for the normal length of time. He had to announce his uncomfortable bum and drag Madison from her sound sleep. We decided to head out to Buttons and Bows children's consignment shop. (For anyone local you should go there and definitely you should consign there. You get 1/2 of your sales price once it sells). Blake apparently did not have his required mommy time yet today. He must have a certain amount of time he is physically touching me every day. No lie and no joke. After about five minutes in the non confined play area he starts 'telling' me he wants to be held. He does this by grunting, making fists &

generally throwing a tantrum. Yes, he totally throws a tantrum at 9 months of age. There are no tears during these demonstrations of his want. As soon as he is in my arms he is happy as a pig in a mud puddle. He is also charming and sweet once he is in my arms. I really need to get this on film. With him now weighing about 23 pounds he gets heavy really fast even in a carrier. How cool will it be when he can walk and hang onto my leg when he needs his alloted time? There were about two minutes when he was content crawling after me. We all got a good silent chuckle out of it. Thankfully neither Christine (the owner) nor Melissa rewarded his bad behavior with a chuckle.

Here is a photo of Melissa's family. She only has a few weeks to go before they welcome little girl Rylee!

Madison was a bit cranky over her lost sleep which didn't show until dinner time. She was very uncooperative and indicisive about her food. I think she had a 3 inch ring of blended veggies around her neck/shirt/high chair strap. And duh mommy didn't put a bib on her. Maybe because they wore them 24/7 for the first 6 months & I pretty much don't 'rember' to often. When we do use one it is now the Kiddopotamus bib. The Kiddopotamus bib is rockin! Everyone should get one. They are a soft rubber, have a nice pocket to catch stuff, easily cleaned, sturdy, pack into the diaper bag well, and the kids do not mind them like plastic bibs. Just DON'T get the plastic IKEA ones. They are hard and funky.

I also had a cool experience tonight, but I'll share that tomorrow.

I LOVE the Amazing Race

Really, I love most reality shows that are not trashy. The Amazing Race and Survivor are my favorites though. If you haven't watched them recently both just started and look like they will be good seasons. You can also watch the first episodes online free. I've recently watched a few things online. Very impressed and so happy to have technology. Here is a clip of what has to be the funniest thing contestants on The Amazing Race have ever done. Laugh and Laugh and Laugh! You deserve it!!!



Now it is time to laugh at Madison. Her paper obsession has made for one funny photo. Some paper got stuck to her chin like some funky man beard. It is especially perfect with her head at this angle. Like one of those tattooed stocky motorhead California guys. This shot especially had me laughing.


Blake and Madison were really enjoying the time on the front porch until this moment. I never thought I'd have a drama boy. He is sooooo drama about every emotion he has. All of them are a bit over the top as he expresses himself. It really is quite funny. His hair is already a bit long and is getting very unruly as he plays and sleeps now.


Both babies were dressed in red for Valentines Day. Maddy and I also had pink on. Happy late Valentine's Day to everyone. Hope it was a great one!

We are down a family member. Moose went to stay with my Atlanta family members. While there he fell in love with having another dog, two cats, cuddles with three adults, and almost daily visits to the dog park for a month and a half. By the time I drove down for a visit and to pick him up he could care less about us other then as visitors to his new home. My family also fell just as much in love with him as he did with them. They let us know they would love to have him if we ever decided to get rid of him. After seeing how incredibly happy he is there we decided to let him stay. It is a bit strange seeing the doggie door, toys strewn about the backyard and the dog food area. Everyone there is really so happy with each other we are also happy for them. We travel so much too, so they will be a lot more stable home for him. We are not happy to see him leave nor are we sad to have him gone. Is that weird? Not for us.

Dad, Judy & Gracie - Have a wonderful time with the bestest dog ever!!!! We need to set up a meeting to get you guys all of his stuff and get the crap I left behind when we left.

Another giveaway notice

This is a new blog designed to inspire people with and without special needs children. She is having a fabulous giveaway to start things off.

The Conservatory Overcoat GIVEAWAY!!!!

This is a really cool coat! Way cute. I like the photos too.
The Conservatory Overcoat GIVEAWAY!!!!

My friends

Hey all of you darling readers and great comment leavers! My friend, Ruth, is on hospital bed rest for the duration of her pregnancy. She is only about 25 weeks too!!! This is going to be a long stay for her. They found out she has placenta previa (like they thought my little sister Tawnihad last year). She has four beautiful kiddos at home over a 2 hour drive away so she doesn't get to see them very often. Let's pray her cervix and placenta keep it all together and leave her some comment love with lots of great links to keep her busy.

Rachel and Elaina have inspired me to start giving you all tips about photography. I will be putting some on here and some on my photography blog. Today I thought to give you guys a 'let's flatter women' tip.

For those of us on the receiving end of photos we have all had those shots taken of us we just hate because "Do I really look like that?!?!" runs through our minds. Unfortunately this next tip is going to be a tough one for my very vertically challenged readers. I wonder how really short photographers deal with this? Hmmm, interesting thought. Back to the tip. When you are photographing adults it is best to be at least eye level if not a bit higher. This is the same effect as when you come accross a skinny mirror. I don't know about you, but I love me a skinny mirror! This happens because the mirror is tilted slightly towards you from the top. The same principle applies to the camera when taking a photograph. This is just one simple way to help eliminate what seems like the 10 added pounds in photos and video. Try a couple shots with the camera at 3 different levels. Start about 2 inches below eye level, then eye level and the last shot should be 2 inches above eye level. If you would like to share your results I would love to see them!

Recently a lot of obscure people have 'found' me on Facebook. I'm still not sure why some of them want to be my friend because we haven't had one conversation or comment exchange. BUT I have had several people find me who have been a ton of fun and interesting to reconnect with. You know the Facebook high school thing going around? Well my one and only prom date found me recently. How cool is that? I still remember the white strapless dress showing off my horrible farmers tan, the round (yep round like Gerald from Wallas & Ladmo for you Phoenixites!), and the tight perm on my still blond hair. So not cute or cool. Another friend of mine who is sisters to an even better friend of mine found me recently. We exchanged emails and her Christmas letter today. It was sooo much fun to see all of their photos and the little blubs about each family member. Now I have even more of a draw to go visit Seattle with my cousin and a good friend there! All the cool memories of fun times are just floating around pleasantly through my head keeping me away from working and going to bed in a timely manner. Oh well. Who needs sleep. ME!

Remember I said I won a clippie for Madison? It arrived and I absolutely love it! Seriously! She already wore it yesterday and today. And I can't believe it stays so well in her hair for a 'big' clip! Check out Berkley's Clippies for one of your own or for a gift. Madison would sure like some more. They even have a little something extra inside to keep them on her hair without pulling any of it out. She likes that. Apparently it is also quite tasty too. I've determined Madison loves to eat anything non food, but can be a little picky in the food category. The second photo shows off some red clay spiked with rocks she ate in Georgia. I love the photo too!


Lorie from the blog Be Different... Act Normal offered the clippie as a prize. She has some great give a ways and some wonderful ideas for decorating, crafts and cool stuff. I like to see what she posts. Thanks again to Lorie and Berkley's Clippies!

Picture tag

Yeah, thanks Lisa. Like I have time to even post anything.... And I really do have sooo much more to say.

Simple rules- Go to your sixth picture folder and choose your sixth picture. Post it!
Tag Six People

Here are my taggies first. Tawni (cuz I don't see enough pics of my nephew & hoping it's one of him), Lin (cuz I know you'll do it), Rachel (cuz I know you read my blog :-), Tabitha (cuz I'm interested to see what you pull up), Melia (cuz you need to blog...), & Aleesha (cuz I'm hoping it's a recent preggers pic of you!).

Here is a strait out of the camera photo of my little sister from her 17 year old photo session we just did. By the way she is fabulous with the twins!!!! Seriously, she is more competent and calm then most seasoned moms are with them.

Guys day out while in Utah

Check out my Bro in Law's blog for some photos and commentary on the guys day out a week ago.
Jamie's blog

The babies were able to see ALL of their grandparents within 3 days in 3 states! When we left Utah where Nanny & Poppy are our flight was about one hour late. We arrived just in time to get on the connecting flight in Phoenix, but the gate agent told us the flight was completely full so we couldn't use the car seat. She did say if we were willing to get in 2 1/2 hours later the next flight is wide open. We decided it was well worth it. This allowed enough time for my mom to borrow a car from a coworker and meet us in the terminal parking garage. She got about 25 minutes with the kids. Right now I am in Atlanta visiting and picking up our dog. But I think we are giving the dog to my family here who completely fell in love with him.
My mom with Maddy in her arms and Blake being the mobile child he is.


Here is a peek at Madison's one leg crawl!

I Love Faces

Here is my entry to I Love Faces blog contest. This weeks theme is Silly.


Blake certainly looks silly here!


You can check out the I Love Faces blog here.

Hmmmm & tips for traveling with multiples

When it has been a while there is sooooo much to say, but it doesn't seem as note worthy as when it just happened. Since most people reading this blog are in it for the babies here's a bit of an update on them.

Blake can crawl well and is pulling himself up to standing, OH, about every two seconds. He is also really 'getting' talking on the phone. His conversations pretty much include listening and repeating his long drawn out version of Hello. It sounds about the same each time and does resemble Hi more then hello. Blake will eat about anything. However, if I put it into his mouth he has to pull it out then will pop it right back in. He refuses to pick up gooey food. Today he had some spicy black beans at a Mexican restaurant. Loved em. He is the biggest mama's boy in the world. No matter how content he is doing something by himself or with someone if he sees me he HAS to have me. Guy got a small taste of this treatment while we were in Utah as well. Blake also says some other words now including one short sentence! "I'll get it" We were pretty amazed to hear that one. He definitely applied it correctly too after spotting something he liked, saying it and going for it. He has climbed up stairs too. Blake also stood for about 15 seconds today unassisted when he had his shoes on. Our little pooper still poos at least 4 times every single day. Stinker! He thinks his throat has been cut permanently every time he gets hungry. From the moment I start to make a bottle until it is popped into his mouth he is going a bit mad grunting , whining, and/or chasing me for it. When they go down for a nap Blake will put his binky into his mouth, stand up, and turn to Madison's crib/playpen and laugh through the binky at her. Blake makes kissing noises at us and he can now wave.

Madison has also started to crawl in the last week. She still has a few issues trying to figure out how to use her legs and tries to keep one of them strait. She has the most charming smile and a cute deep pitched giggle. She is pretty fast getting the finger foods into her mouth no matter what the texture. However, she has fabulous storage cheeks, apparently. She is also a more picky eater. She often falls asleep from a sitting position hunched over a leg. She is generally woken up by her brother and calmly waits while he fusses to be attended to. Why fuss when she has someone who will do it for her. Not only does she hoard food but toys as well. Just the last couple days she has figured out how to put what is in her hand down to reach for an additional toy. She isn't quite as cuddly as she used to be with her new found activity. Boy the excitement and convulsing laugh she gave the first time she 'chased' after Blake and caught him two days ago. Her whole body heaved and her hands crashed down onto his back as she laughed. Maddy can also wave.

I also have two great new tips for traveling with multiples!
This one is for road trips. Low to mid range hotels make a GREAT place to stop and feed/change/exercise babies! I had this brain wave on my way here to Atlanta the other day and tried it out. My thought was they generally have a couch in the lobby, cleaner floors then my other winter options and a clean bathroom. I went into a Marriott Fairfield with the diaper supplied down my hoodie, a blanket draped over my shoulder, a baby in each arm, and had planned on the bottles in my back pockets (had to run back out for those)! The ladies were already cooing before I reached the front desk. After asking to use the lobby to change, feed and let them crawl a little they excitedly said, "YES!" One of the ladies even offered to hold one while I changed each diaper. Most people do travel with their spouse or someone else making it a little different, but this will definitely be an option for us in the future when traveling as a family. My other stop the same day was at a McDonald's around 3pm when they were not busy. At the register I asked if one of their female staff would be able to help me by holding a baby while I changed diapers. They were more then happy to accommodate and she then helped me by getting the high chairs for me.
My second tip is for flying. I accidentally left two water bottles in the diaper bag since we woke up late for our flight home from Utah. I also had a reusable plastic bowl & lid with some homemade baby food well over 4 oz in size. They were able to clear both since it is for baby food. This one will not always work, but was worth the risk for us, because of the prices to buy any additional water past security. It did take about 10 minutes longer to get through security. We always plan to drive up to the airport at least 2 1/2 hours prior to our flight in order to avoid stress with baby delays. Many times we are just making it to the gate as it is time to board.

A photo in front of our house on January 20th. Madison and Blake have on hats I made for them. Madison also has on an adorable jacket I picked up from a fellow Freecycler! It's an 18 month but fits more like a 2T so she should be able to wear it next year.


I got to meet some of my online infertility girls one of whom I've known online for 3 years now. It is amazing to see us all with babies after so much drama trying to get them. From left: Annie's son is now 5 months old. Ashlee (newer to our group) is trying for #2 and also had trouble becoming pregnant with her son. The girl belongs to Emily (also newer to our group) on the far right who is also trying for #2. Wendy's son hiding behind in the middle has a fabulous adoption story. And my two little ones are certainly taking up a ton of space on the bench compared to the other kids! Five years of trying to get pregnant was a long long time. I will not forget the struggle it was and feel it helps me to appreciate the kids more especially in the moments when they are hard to deal with.


Blakey with his daddy


I also actually won something! Whoa! Check out this blog. She has lots of great ideas.