Home Body...

I am proud to say that baby #3 has brought out something in me I never thought I would have. I have always loved being on the go, doing something, and being around friends and family. Well, ever since baby #3 has come along I am totally content staying home everyday, all day. I have even been excited when school has been cancelled because it means that we get to stay home all day. No carpool, no obligations. The weekends even come, and I am totally content to stay home all weekend. Greg is happy that I am liking staying home. He would always get annoyed with me when he would just walk in the door from work and I would want to go somewhere just to get out of the house. Look Babe, we are finally on the same page with this one!

Drama

O.K. everybody. I will do one more post about T.V. and then I will be done talking about it. Tonight we told our kids that there was no more T.V. They cried their hearts out. They were so sad thinking about not being able to watch their favorite cartoons. They include Scooby Doo, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Tom and Jerry, etc. My heart broke in two. I immediately told Greg that we needed to get cable back. But, then I thought about it for a minute and realized how addicted to T.V. my children are and I knew that we had made the right decision. I then proceeded to ask questions like, would you rather have your bike or T.V. They said bike. Would you rather have your WII or cartoons. They said WII. Would you rather have your waterslide or T.V. They said waterslide. They soon caught on and their tears dried up and then Colton asked, "Does this mean we can play Monopoly more as a family. I said yes. I am thankful for this decision we have made for our family. If it takes getting rid of the T.V. to focus more time on more important things in life, than I am glad that we did it. Hopefully we can stick with our decision.

Menu for February 25-March 2...

Without T.V., I guess I have plenty of time to cook this week...

Monday-Cream Cheese Chicken/Mashed Potatoes/Salad

Tuesday-Hamburgers/Salad(again)I bought all the salad fixings at Sams Club and I need to use them before they go bad

Wednesday-Ribs/Baked Potatoes

Thursday-Leftovers

Friday-OUt

Saturday-Soup

Sunday-Roast (We still haven't had this even though it has been on my menu planning for weeks)

I am going to leave you with a recipe probably a lot of you have but if not, try this it is super yummy!

Cream Cheese Chicken
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 package dry Itatlian dressing mix
1/2 cup water

Cook these ingredients for 4 hours on low in your crockpot

Then add
8 oz. Cream Cheese
1 can Cream of Chicken soup

Cook one more hour on low or until sauce is bubbly. If sauce is too thick add more water!

Serve over Rice, Mashed Potatoes, or Noodles.

Goodbye T.V.

If you know me or read my blog, you know how much I loooove T.V. I love to crawl into bed at night and watch T.V. and unwind from the day. Well yesterday, Greg and I decided that we were sick of spending $80 a month just to watch T.V. So today Greg unhooked our cable box and DVR and drove it to Cable one and cancelled. Minutes later I was saying good-bye to T.V. They changed it that fast. We now have 4 channels. CBS, NBC, ABC, and Fox. I am so sad, but I think to myself what we could spend that 1,000 a year we are paying to have T.V. on. A great vacation comes to mind. So bear with me, you might hear me complain a lot the next few weeks. I am definitely in mourning.

Wicked...

Wicked here I come... After I so graciously invited myself to Wicked with my family, I got all the details worked out last night and Crew and I are going to LA in April. I am excited to get away to the warm weather and to be able to see Wicked. I have heard such amazing things about it. Thanks Mom and Dad and Todd for making it happen. My brother-in-law so graciously offered to watch Crew for me during the production. Thanks Greg for letting me go and watching the two older boys. They are excited for their boys weekend and to go fishing with Grandpa! My husband is the best! Thanks everybody for making a mom of 3 so excited to do something.

Same Restaurant, Same Day...

Have you ever eaten at the same restaurant twice in the same day? Well that happened to me today. I ate at Johnny Carino's for lunch and dinner today. I had a friend's birthday lunch and then my Mom and sister came into town and my Mom was dying to eat there. It is her favorite. So we went again. Thankfully I didn't have the same waitress both times.

Lunch=Potato Soup and House Salad

Dinner=Wedge Salad and Shared Greg's Italian Nacho's

I think I have had my fill of Johnny Carino's for the next year!!!!!

Disney Cruise...

I absolutely loved the Disney Cruise we went on. It was a once in a lifetime trip and I hope we get to go again someday. Everything is so kid friendly and the atmosphere and entertainment is top notch. We have gone on some amazing vacations, but I think this was my all time favorite vacation ever. I dream at night about going again. I can't wait.

Baby Weight...

For all of you Mom's out there that lose your baby weight just by nursing, (I HATE YOU)! SO this post is for all you Mom's out there that can relate to me that it is stinkin hard to lose that baby weight. I am now back to the gym and working hard to lose some weight. This past week I finally show a loss after 1 month faithfully going to the gym. I lost 3 lbs. Only 9 hard pounds to lose. So my post today is a love/hate relationship. I hate working out, but feel so good when I am done.

Menu for February 18-24

Tues-Orange Chicken/Rice

Wed-Breakfast

Thurs-Turkey Steaks/Baked Potatoes

Friday-Ribs/Funeral Potatoes

Sat-Out

Sunday-Roast/Mashed Potatoes (Didn't have this last Sunday) We will try again

I will try to think of a yummy recipe to post here sometime this week. Until then Happy Eating

Forever Friends...

When we first moved to Idaho, we had the most random experience that was the beginning of a great friendship that our family will cherish forever. My husband Greg went on splits with the missionaries one night and ended up at this couple's house. (http://web.mac.com/allisonlee/Site/Welcome.html) We were in different wards, but the same stake. Bradey was the ward mission leader in his ward and they just happened to drop in on their splits. Bradey and Ali had just moved to Idaho from Utah and Greg just clicked with them right away. A couple nights later we got together and we have been friends with them ever since. They are such a neat couple and family. We have learned many great lessons through them.
Anyways this tribute is sent to them because we had such a great time with them tonight. Ali is so talented and beautiful. Her girls are to die for cute too. O.K. Bradey I guess your pretty cool too. They sure do know how to throw a party. We had amazing food and company. Thanks for all the fun times and I hope to have many more!!!!

Reminiscing...

Isn't it fun to think about the past and what is to come?

Past, Present, Future
20 years ago
1. I was 8 years old and my family had recently moved from South Carolina to Utah and I was trying to make new friends.
2. Growing up too fast. My friend told me what the definition about the birds and the bees was (I was mortified) and I learned the truth about Christmas (So Sad).
3. I can't believe my Mom would let me walk out of the house looking like this!

10 years ago . . .
1. I had recently graduated from high school (1997)
2. Sent my boyfriend of 2 1/2 years on his mission and was devastated.
3. I had gone to UVSC for one and a half months and decided to come home and go to Weber State.
4. Met Greg in one of my sales classes.

5 years ago . .
1. Colton had just turned one.
2. Still adjusting to living in Idaho Falls.
3. Making new friends.

3 years ago . . .
1. We had just bought a lot to build a new home.
2. Cannon had just turned one.
3. Enjoyed being a stay at home Mom. Colton had just started preschool.

1 year ago . . .
1. We moved into our new home.
2. Were desperately trying to have a baby (A month later we found out we were pregnant)
3. Just got home from a Caribbean Cruise with our friends.

So far this year I . . .
1. Tried to offer and give more service.
2. Tried not to sweat the small stuff.
3. Got a new laptop and camera!
4. Enjoyed my new baby to the fullest!!!!

Yesterday I . . .
1. Went to lunch with Greg, Cannon, and Crew (Johnny Carino's)
2. Went Grocery Shopping.
3. Made soup for dinner and played cards with some friends.

Today . . .
1. Posted a Blog
2. Made a cake.
3. Going to a Scentsy party.

Tomorrow. . .
1. Start church meetings at 9:45 a.m. and get done with church at 4:30 p.m.
2. Cook a Sunday dinner (Roast/Mashed Potatoes and Gravy)YUM
3. Oh and did I say church. It will be a nine hour church day for me.

This year I will . . .
1. Try to enjoy my children and husband to the fullest.
2. Go on a week long trip to San Diego (June)
3. Try to build friendship and increase my testimony
4. Go to the gym at least 3 times a week to get rid of my pregnancy body (Summer is coming) Thanks Christine for being my gym buddy!
5. Budget and save $$$$$$$

You're tagged if you read this!!!

Flowers...

Greg never fails to bring home beautiful flowers on Valentine's Day. This year he brought home 3 bouquets and let each boy give me some. Colton was so excited to give them to me. Thanks boys I love them.

Crew is 3 Months Old...

I really can't believe that Crew is three months old. He is such a sweet, amazing baby. I can't imagine him being my last. I am savoring every moment with him. I am so thankful that he is a part of our family.
Here are a few updates with him
-He sleeps every night from 9 p.m. - 7 a.m.
-He is starting to try to grab at things
-He thinks he is funny when he is nursing and looks up at me and laughs
-He looks around when I say his name or am talking and tries to find me, and when he does he smiles
-He poops up his back a lot lately
-He likes to sleep in his bed even for naps
-He loves his baths
-He still loves his swing
-He loves to ride in the car
-He loves when I push and talk to him at the grocery store
-He is just barely growing out of his 0-3 month clothes
-He wears size 2 diapers
-He is such a happy baby

I am so thankful Heavenly Father has sent this sweet sweet baby here.
Happy 3 month Birthday. I love you!

My Valentine...

Happy Valentine's Day to the 4 men I love most in this world!

I Want Sunshine...

I want some sunshine or a good vacation.

Menu for February 11-17

Day #11
Organized Food Menu=Happy Mommy to make dinner

The past couple weeks I have slacked on menu planning, so I am trying to start the week out right!
Monday-Tacos
Tuesday-Orange Chicken/Rice/Corn
Wednesday-Chicken Enchiladas/Spanish Rice
Thursday-Valentines Day=London Broil/Baked Potatoes/Green Beans
Friday-Out
Saturday-Out
Sunday-Roast/Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

I have had many requests to post this yummy soup recipe

Cheesy Cream of Potato Soup
3 cans chicken broth
6 cups peeled, thinly sliced potatoes
1 tsp. salt
Pepper to taste
1 (2 cup) package cheese
16 oz. heavy whip cream
1 1/2 cups milk

Bring broth, salt, pepper, and potatoes to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender but not mushy. Then add whip cream and milk to broth and potatoes. Bring all ingredients back up to a simmer. Then add the cheese. Stir until melted. Then in a separate cup, add 3 TBS. cornstarch and a little bit of water to make a smooth paste. Add to the simmering soup. Might need to add more cornstarch and water until you have a thickened consistency you are happy with. Then sprinkle with real bacon bits or some cooked crumbled bacon. Also can top with some green onion and shredded cheddar cheese. Serve with a piece of bread or a roll.

Jazz Game...

This weekend we wanted to go the Jazz game soo bad. We were online most of Saturday trying to find tickets to a sold out game. I wanted good tickets so we could really enjoy the game. At the last minute, my aunt called and told us we could buy her tickets on the 4th row. Greg and I jumped at the opportunity to be so close to the action. Of course Colton wasn't going to let us go without him. I am glad we took him. He smiled the entire time. He was definitely in his element. He loves Carlos Boozer. We got to the arena and Colton had to buy a Carlos Boozer jersey before we even went to our seats. While the Jazz were warming up, he went over and called out to Boozer and pointed to his jersey. Carlos smiled and waved. Wow what a wonderful memory we made this night. Thank you so much Mindy for selling us your tickets.

Colton holding up 5 fingers for Boozer's jersey number!

Colton standing on the court

My cousin held this poster up at the previous Jazz game and got on TV and jumbo screen a ton, but I didn't have much luck, but it was still fun to hold up during the game (After all Kyle Korver is hot!)

Enjoying the game!

Colton was so excited to go into the tunnel after the game!

This is how close we were to the players! What a blast.

Quick Getaway...

A QUICK TRIP TO UTAH!!!
I was so sick of being in snowy Idaho, that I talked Greg into a quick weekend to Utah. A trip to the mall or Target just wasn't going to cut it this weekend. I needed a change of scenery. It was 50 degrees down here on Saturday. No coats, it was BEAUTIFUL. They do have so much snow though. It was like arriving in the Twilight zone. We couldn't even see the houses from the streets because the snow banks were so big from the snowplows. Friday night we went to a new restaurant in North Ogden called Boccia D'Italia. It was really yummy. My kids loved the food.

Colton said this was the best pizza he had ever eaten!

Cannon loved the Spaghetti!

Colton & Grandma

Laurel and Emily

Crew was an angel, sleeping away!

Day #8
There are so many new baby products on the market since Cannon was a baby. This is a great thing I just got in the mail and Crew loves it (His Bumbo Chair). He can sit up and see everything that is going on and I can tell it makes him feel like such a big boy!

Snow Day

Today I was actually thankful to have a snow day for school. I woke up with a pounding migraine and it didn't go away until about 2:00 in the afternoon. Colton was so helpful. He got food for Cannon and him and he kept Crew happy unless he needed to eat. Thank goodness for this snow day, but now you can go away!!!

Crew Sleeps...

Crew has been such a great sleeper since the day we brought him home from the hospital. Here are a couple things I think helped him become a great sleeper so early on...

-He was on a strict eating schedule in the NICU the first 2 days of life
-I never woke him up to eat, I waited until he was awake ready to eat
-I would not feed him unless it had been 3 hours (I stayed on the NICU schedule)
-I wrapped him up tight, with a swaddle blanket. (I love this blanket. A great purchase)

Since he has been home from the hospital, he has only woken up once a night. Each night it would get longer and longer. Now he is sleeping through the night from about 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. He is such a sweet heart and such a good baby. I am so thankful that he has been a great sleeper because I am a person that needs lots and lots of sleep to function. So here are some cute pictures of Crew sleeping.

New Recipe (Bowtie Festival)...

I love when I try a new recipe and it is so yummy and so easy, so here is a good one to try. I found this on someone else's blog a couple weeks ago, so I can't take the credit for this one, but my family loved it!!! If any of you have been to the restaurant Johnny Carinos, this is a knock off of the Bowtie Festival.

Bowtie Festival
1 Rotisserie chicken, take all meat off and shred (Could use boneless skinless chicken breast)
1 jar 4 cheese alfredo sauce
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 package dry italian dressing mix
1/4 cup butter melted
Real Bacon Bits (as much as you like), I used about 1/2 cup
1 package sliced mushrooms.

Put all ingredients in crockpot for 3 hours. Serve over cooked bowtie pasta. This sauce turns out really thick.

New Prophet...

What an amazing experience to hear the loving words spoken at President Hinkley's funeral and then to be able to see a new Prophet called (President Thomas S. Monson) along with a new 1st Presidency. I love to see the amazing work of our Savior's continue. What a spiritual last few days.

The Boys...

Cannon always wants his hair combed like the guy on guitar hero right now. It looks cute on him though right?

Colton absolutely loves all sports. I am glad he gets so much enjoyment when he plays sports and is doing something he loves. P.S. His hair is crazy in this picture because it was crazy hair day at school.

Crew is an absolute joy to have around. His smile just melts my heart. He is also sleeping so well at night (9:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m.) which makes for a happy Mommy.

There Is A First Time For Everything...

Colton was so sad when he noticed that his first tooth became loose. He said it hurt and he was scared to bite into food because he thought his tooth would fall out. Well after a couple days of wiggling his loose tooth, he was at church and he showed it to our friend Andrea and she flicked it and out it came. He was so excited. He loved that the tooth fairy came and that he had FINALLY lost his first tooth!!!

The excitement of children when they experience something for the 1st time!