Tagged.

My friend Annie tagged me for this little meme, but I have done one that is really similar. I will just to the parts that may be a little different.

10 years ago:
Ten years ago was hard! My brother, Mike, was in a sledding accident on Jan. 1st. He was in a coma, and I remember the first time I saw him so clearly. My Dad was in the room with me, and was wiping Mike's head with a washcloth. Then I had to sit, because I was going to pass out. My Dad came over to me, and started wiping my head with the wash cloth! I believe he had opened his eyes by this time (Jan. 31st), but was still not responding to much. My parents both lost their voices the first week from the shock of his accident, and took turns being by his side through this time. I was still working at Contempo at the Cottonwood mall, and was able to come and see him at the hospital quite a few times since I was already in close to SL. This is when I gained a true testimony of compassionate service. My parents ward fed our family EVERY SINGLE NIGHT...for more than a month! At the time there was four totally capable young adults in the house, and my Grandma down in the apt. The meals still came, and when my Mother or Father would come home to a home cooked meal, and children fed, you could see the gratitude in their faces.
I was just about to turn 20. Lincoln had proposed to me just before Christmas. We were excited to be newly engaged.

5 things on my to do list today:
Talia is feeling sick. I have her a bath, and then we cuddled and watched Mary Poppins.
I finished a coffee table book for a client.
Made some customer calls.
Photoshopped my lily pictures.
Cleaned the house.






5 places I have lived:
1:Midland, Tx
2:Brigham City, UT
3: American Fork, UT
4: Hillsboro, OR
5: Columbia, MD


5 Jobs i have had:
1:Contempo Casuals
2:Jazz n' Place Dance Studio
3:Nuskin
4: Intel (one of these things just doesn't belong here...one of these things just isn't the same. =)
5: Photographer =)

5 things people don't know about me:
Gosh, can you read my blog and not know it all...eventually.
I am an Aquarius.
I just found out I am a "little anemic".
Hmmm...
I *think* we are 100% sure of the name we will be using for this baby girl!
I stepped on a cricket with bare feet the other day. I almost died!
Ummm...
I LOVE February! I love Valentine's Day! Love Love Love!!! Red hearts, pink frosted cupcakes, a candy bar on my pillow from my Dad, love notes, valentine cards, flowers, chocolates, & hugs and smooches!! Seriously, I love it more than Christmas!

26 weeks

Photograph courtesy Wyatt Tidwell....with sticky apple hands. I wish my belly showed a little more in this picture. =)

We are a happy family......

It has been too long, and I should post something.

I don't feel like anything monumental has happened, but we had a really good week last week, and this week is close to an end.

We are such a happy and silly family. Tonight, Lincoln bribed the kids to finish their chicken noodle soup by promising a PARTY. I looked at him and tried not to laugh. The kids ate, and then he forced us out of the kitchen while he set up the "party". My heart could just burst with love for this guy! We can be so dorky together, and it doesn't matter. I had to preface with that, because it was a *crazy* party! There were three kinds of girl scout cookies, candy corn, and caramel corn on a paper pate, paper towels cut into snowflakes (I could have died laughing), a cup that has flashing lights at the bottom as the center piece, music blasting Wyatt's favorite dance tunes, and a funny "hat" for each person to wear. My hat was a white plastic bowl with a thumb hole, Talia had a big clear bowl, Wyatt donned a strainer, and Lincoln wore a pot. We danced to "I'm blue da ba di", "Ice Ice Baby", and a few other songs in the dark kitchen with the cup as our only light. My kids ate it up! They loved it! It sounds so ridiculous, but I can't stop smiling when I picture my kids munching cookies, and dancing. We are blessed to be able to be so silly and carefree.

(One little note: If you are every lucky enough to see Wyatt dance you would be so entertained. My goodness, this kid is good-----but in a messy b-boy fighter kind of way. I try to suggest or show steps to him, and he says, "Mom, my moves are cooler than that." So everything he does is purely Wyatt. Ooooo..I'll record him. He is too shy to show anyone. You'll love it.!)

I finally did it. I read Twilight. It is a book that my friends finished reading a LONG time ago. I asked for it for Christmas, so "I could be like the cool girls." I read it in two days, and then Lincoln went out at 9:00 at night to get me the second book, New Moon. He is at guitar class now, and is bringing me home the third book. (smoooch!) I guess that is the advantage to waiting so long to read the series....I don't have to wait for the next book to be published. =) I will have the whole series read in a weeks time.

Talia has had some high fevers, and a bad headache that scared me. She is doing fine today though. We have had some great days together. We got "kicked out of the house" on Wednesday afternoon, and so I took her to Panera bread. We had a nice lunch together, and she kept me laughing the whole time. My kids light up my life. Wyatt is doing really well at school, and his "real" teacher is now teaching for the first time this year. His teacher had cancer, and is feeling up to teaching- now that the chemotherapy is over. I get to help in school tomorrow, and I am excited to meet her.

I bought some flowers to photograph, but they all died before I was able to get some good photographs. What a waste.

We went to the PARK this week. It was 70 degrees. Hello....January? It was a nice time, and I tortured them for a minute with the ol' 5d. =)

I went to the mall with some friends, and had the best time. I think it is because I spent money, which I usually don't do. I went to Sephora, to use my gift certificate Lincoln got me. A true miracle happened; Natalia fell asleep in her stroller. I got to have a SA do my eyes and cheeks, and I got the most adorable Lorac pallet. I am a pallet junkie. I love it!

Christmas 2007

We had a fantastic Christmas. It was hard to be away from family, but we had a wonderful time together.

On Christmas Eve we went to the Hansen's for a crab feast. Christina and I have talked about doing this for a long time, and I'm glad we finally did it. Lincoln and Wyatt went to pick up the crabs, and then swung by to pick up Natalia and I. The car smelled so strongly of Old Bay for a few days afterwards. It was funny! Old Bay is totally a Maryland thing! I hadn't heard about it until my Brother served his mission in this area. It is a spice combination that they use to COVER the crabs in after they steam them. It is a little spicy, and so addicting. Daniel (my Brother) told me some die-hards even feed the seasoning to crabs. They even have "crab chips" in the grocery store, which is just a potato chip covered in Old Bay-Wyatt loves these. They picked up two dozen crabs, and Lincoln thinks Wyatt ate the most crab of the entire group!

I also brought a huge pasta salad, a roasted chicken, and a grilled chicken! I was worried about the non-crab eaters, but it ended being way too much food. It was such a nice evening to eat and talk with friends. Before we left, Christina took a minute and read a few books to my whining kids. It was so sweet, and I am so thankful for her. Who knew that a ward family, could be so much like a real family? We are so blessed to live in a ward where we are totally accepted and loved by so many. It is an overwhelming feeling, and I am so grateful for my friends.

On to Christmas Day! Our kids slept until 7:00 am, so it was nice not to wake up too early. The kids were so excited when they saw the presents. Soon they were all open, and we were picking up bits of paper and bows! I don't know how that happens so quickly?

When Wyatt was 3 he requested "green marshmallows" from Santa right before bedtime. Who has green marshmallows?!!! Two years ago when Lincoln's Mom was staying with us, and she snipped large marshmallows with scissors, and dipped them in green sprinkles. It worked perfectly, and Santa has to bring them every year! =)

Wyatt's main gift was a Star Wars collection. Really, some poor man sold his Star Wars collection on ebay, and now my five year old has the privilege of destroying this mint collection. In an email Lincoln put this man's mind at ease by saying, "My son has been collecting Star Wars for years. There are many pieces that will make a nice addition to his collection." So---YEARS means TWO years right? The unknowing man responded that he was glad they were going to a nice home! What he doesn't know won't hurt him! =) Wyatt loved seeing all those characters spread out across they floor. He has over 80 action figures, 3 ships, the AT-AT (the gift he asked for), and many other large "things".

The "please leave us alone so we can play" shot.


Wyatt in his new jammas from Grandma James, building a creature.

Lincoln got me a new 100mm macro lens. Oh, this is such a toy for me! I can't wait to go buy some flowers, and photograph them!

Here is my Christmas self portrait. See my new lens! Oh, and my new robe. I think this robe was made in HEAVEN, it is so soft. =)

We have a tradition of seeing a movie on Christmas day. It started in 1996 on our first Christmas together. We took the kids to see Alvin and the Chipmunks. Natalia fell asleep half way through, and so...did I. *sigh* Only for a few minutes though. I feel so dumb paying for nap, but that is what happens when you hold a warm snuggly girl. Wyatt loved the movie, and laughed right out loud. There is a scene where Alvin is in the dishwasher, and Dave calls him "sudsy". Wyatt could hardly contain himself. He loudly quoted, "SUDSY," and laughed until he was red in the face.

We are grateful for all the blessings we share as a family. We are glad to be members of the church, and love to serve. We have learned many lessons, and made it through some difficult times together. We have also had many times to celebrate. We know we are lucky to have each other. We thank our Father in Heaven for our friends and family. We are looking forward to 2008, and wish everyone a Happy New Year!

Just a weekly report, and some recipes.

We had a good week. Honestly I am glad it's over. Wyatt got in some trouble at school, and it was such a fiasco. He was so brokenhearted about it. It ended up not being a big deal.

Talia was sick most of the week with a fever, and croup. She still sounds awful, but is really doing much better. I had to say that, because if you are in my ward, and heard that REALLY loud cough during the opening prayer.....that was Natalia. Isn't that the most horrible sounding cough? That is was she normally sounds like, so you should have heard her with croup.

My belly is getting bigger, and the baby is starting to kick like mad! Lincoln and Wyatt have both felt her kick, and Talia says she has- but is lying! =) We put all the girls names we like into a spreadsheet. There are too many! I like to make the kids say them, so I know IF they can say a certain name. I will say, "Talia say ______," and she will say, "NO!" Last night I tricked them into saying many names by throwing a beany baby cat back and forth, if you had the cat you had to say a name for the baby. Some of the names that came of of the kids mouths were HILARIOUS. Talia suggested "Africa" and "Bones".(...Talia has only seen the ultrasound picture, and she does look like a BONES.) Wyatt likes "Autumn" and "Sophie" and all the girls names from his class. I love the name Autumn, and I don't know where he heard Sophie, but he is sold on it. =) I will not share anymore of our names!! We have to have something be a surprise right?

I got to do sharing time again today. I actually really enjoyed it! Nothing monumental, but it was a fun day. Our home teachers came by, and one of them brought their 5 yr old. The little boy recognized me, and was so happy about it. That totally made my night! We were in the process of making bread pudding, and my kitchen looked like it had exploded. Lincoln and I were both embarrassed, but I said, "At least their expectations are set really low for next time!" (They were new home teachers.)

The bread pudding we made is the same bread pudding we had on our vacation. I found the recipe online, and had to try it. The recipe is really vague, so I think the next time I make it it will turn out a little better.


Raglan Road: Ger’s Bread & Butter Pudding Including the Butterscotch & Custard Sauce Recipes!

Note: This recipe comes straight from RR’s Head Chef’s cookbook.

2 oz. raisins
2 ½ Tbsp. Irish Mist (I used apple juice)
¾ stick butter, at room temp
12 slices medium-sliced white bread, crust removed
1 1/3 cups cream
1 1/3 cups milk
4 egg yolks
1/3 cup caster sugar (a very fine white sugar, I didn't use it.)
2 eggs (these are 2 mystery eggs...I don't know where you use them, I added them with the yolks above.)

Soak raisins in Irish Mist overnight. Drain off excess.
Preheat oven to 350. Generously butter an ovenproof dish. Using the remaining butter, butter both sides of bread slices & cut each into fourths. (The dish I used was too small, resulting in too much custard. I will use the same dish, but not all the custard next time.)
Arrange a single layer of bread slices in the dish, slightly overlapping. Scatter with some raisins. Repeat with one more layer of bread then raisins. Press down gently.
Heat the cream & milk until just to a boil. Remove from heat. Meanwhile, whisk together the egg yolks & sugar in a heatproof bowl over simmering water until thickened. Remove from heat and beat in the cream mixture.
Pour two-thirds of the custard mixture over the bread and let stand for 30 minutes.
Pour remaining custard over soaked bread in dish and arrange the rest of the bread on top. Press down firmly so the custard comes halfway up the bread. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown.

BUTTERSCOTCH SAUCE
½ stick unsalted butter
4 Tbsp. light muscovado sugar (I found this at giant, it is a type of brown sugar.)
2 ½ Tbsp. clear honey
2 ½ Tbsp. double cream

Place butter sugar, and honey in a small pan. Bring to a boil over moderate heat, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Reduce heat. Add cream and simmer 2 to 3 minutes until thickened. (Yummy!)

EGG CUSTARD
2 ¾ cups milk
6 egg yolks
3 ¾ Tbsp. caster sugar
a few drops of pure vanilla extract

Bring milk to scalding point in a nonstick pan. Meanwhile, place the egg yolks in a bowl with the sugar & vanilla stirring to combine. Slowly, whisk the hot milk into the egg mixture. Wipe out the pan and pour in the egg mixture and cook, stirring constantly, for about 10 minutes until thickened. Do not let boil! (Lincoln and I both thought this sauce was time consuming, and not worth making again.)

We also made gingerbread men on Thursday. The kids had so much fun! The recipe I used turned out so well. I was worried about my kids loving the idea of gingerbread cookies, but not really liking them. This recipe was the perfect thing, it tasted like a gingerbread cookie, just MUCH milder.

Gingerbread Men

Prep Time: 25 Minutes Cook Time: 12 Minutes

Ready In: 1 Hour 37 Minutes Yields: 30 servings

"Doesn't need molasses!!!!"

INGREDIENTS:

1 (3.5 ounce) package cook and serve butterscotch pudding mix 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 egg 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS:

1.	In a medium bowl, cream together the dry butterscotch pudding mix, butter, and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in the egg. Combine the flour, baking soda, ginger, and cinnamon; stir into the pudding mixture. Cover, and chill dough until firm, about 1 hour.
2.	Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease baking sheets. On a floured board, roll dough out to about 1/8 inch thickness, and cut into man shapes using a cookie cutter. Place cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
3.	Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, until cookies are golden at the edges. Cool on wire racks.

Eventful night.

Last night at about 1:30 Talia came in to our room, and she was making a terrible noise. She was wheezing and couldn't speak. She would try to talk, but she couldn't make a breath of air last long enough to get all the words out. Given her breathing history, we couldn't decide weather or not to take her to the emergency room. Lincoln tried to get her to speak to us, and she just stared blankly at him. Like any good Dad, he tickled her. The cough that came from her then was unlike any cough I have heard. Lincoln jumped up and got dressed. He hurried out the door with no coat for Talia, and forgot to turn off the alarm. I stood at the door with her coat, and insurance card. It was nerve wracking waiting for them, but I kept my phone on my chest and Lincoln called me several times. The triage nurse said it was croup, which I have no experience with. The trip out in the cold night air may have been enough to curb it, because she was fine at the ER. After waiting two more hours to speak to a doctor, Lincoln left. She seems better today, but still sounds awful. Wyatt and I will be going to church together. I have to teach sharing time for the Sr. primary only today.


We had a good weekend. We had a good week too, but Lincoln was gone all week. We did alright without him, but I am so glad to have him home. Last night was the ward Christmas party, and it was so fun. My kids ran around too much, and I got tired to telling them to come back. If I saw them doing something crazy, I would just tell Lincoln and he would go get them. (See, so glad he is home!) We warmed up a ham for the party, and I made a "cricket-eye" pie and a cherry version of the same thing. It is really just a no bake cheesecake kind of pie, but I haven't had cricket-eye pie in so long (oh, it just blueberry, but my Dad called it that) that I had to make it. The kids helped me in the morning with the crusts. I used little cookie cutters for the edge of the pie crust, and the tinies loved helping me with that part. I had a session in the morning, and it was a fun one. A family of FOUR boys, and I actually left feeling optimistic about what I had captured.

After the session I took Talia to the Nutcracker, while Lincoln drove the Honda to the airport to its new owner. All our cars fit in the drive way now!!!! Anyway...the Nutcracker was fun. Talia loved seeing the nutcracker, and was disappointed when he turned into a human. She was even more upset when Clara and the nutcracker left the stage. We both loved the second half, and she kept asking where the Rat King was. I would tell her a simple "he's gone". To which she would reply, "NO, he's dead!". I could tell she was paying attention, because she would clap after a difficult move. Her little clap would echo trough our section, and would tell her just wait until they finish. Oh did I mention our seats were on the very last row? It was still fine, because it was not a very big theater.

For me, it was a fine nutcracker, and good for a non-professional company. There were many flaws, but it was easy to over look them with Talia in my lap. It was so sweet to hear the music, and see the costumes. It made my feet tingle, and my heart a little sad to watch. How I miss dancing. I want to photograph dancers, and I think my style of photography would mesh really well in the dance world. That is a big goal of mine, but I think it will have to wait until my children are a little older. I am thankful that I have a skill that makes me so happy, and that I can combine with my first love.....dancing.


I took this last year....or two years ago. It was taken at 9:00 at night under florescent lights, but I still love it.

Nutcracker

I forgot about the funniest thing, and was reminded tonight. After dinner Natalia asked if we could go to our "Show and Tell." That is what she called our hotel the whole time on our trip. We kept trying to correct her, but she just couldn't get it. Love her.

I went to the Christmas Tree Shop in Lancaster with Christie. She invited a ton of people, but we were the only ones that made the trip. Well, you all missed out! It was a fun day. I spent an unmentionable amount, but got so many wonderful things! I am so excited about some of them. Natalia held a small nutcracker ornament the whole time we shopped. I didn't buy it for her, and I ditched it at check out. It said "Jason" on it, why would I buy that? She bawled when we got home without it, she was seriously so sad. She really loves nutcrackers, and notices them in stores. I have watched the Nutcracker ballet a million times, and never understood why Clara loved that ugly nutcracker. Well, I think I need to find a Ballet company and take my nutcracker loving daughter to go see it. She will also be getting one for Christmas! =)

First

Well, I taught sharing time today. It made me so nervous. I have taught so many sharing times, I don't know why I was such a wreck. I think I did well with the Jr. primary. They listened really well, and were excited to participate. The Sr. primary are just so much harder for me. I told a group of friends I thought I bombed it, but the chorister assured me I didn't. (thanks Cami!)

I had three gifts; LOVE, HAPPINESS, and PEACE and scriptures for each word in photo boxes with red ribbion. The jr primary had to throw a "snowball" (a wad of paper) into a bucket to earn a letter clue that would help us learn what was inside the presents. The Sr. had to answer a painfully easy question (can you say, stalling) in order to earn a snowball toss.

I didn't think anything I was teaching was actually sinking in. It was a very simple concept, and I had hoped they weren't already taught it in the beginning of the month. I forgot to check on that! For the first sharing time I just wanted them to have a good time anyway. Well, during dinner this evening Wyatt asked me, "Mom, the first present was peace, and the second was love, will you tell me what the third present was?". I guess it was sinking in. (We didn't have time to finish, I am still getting used to the time thing.) Wyatt usually remembers a select few things about what he learned at church (don't we all), and I am glad my sharing time was still in his head.

---------------------------

On Saturday we went to a Christmas tree farm to cut down a tree. It was a really sunny day, but the ground was a bit muddy. It was so fun to hold a hot apple cider in one hand, Natalia's hand in the other, and march threw the hills with my family. We kept pointing out the craziest trees and saying "Oh, this one!", and we would all laugh. We found our tree and Lincoln began sawing away, the kids cheered him on. Then Lincoln and Wyatt carried the trunk, I carried the top, and Natalia held my hand and carried the empty cups. Happy times! Our tree was only $30.
This is where we went.

In the evening we went my friend Kortney's annual Christmas party. It was so much fun this year. She is the best cook! Her husband, Mark, told us that they have been having testing out different appetizers for THREE weeks. They had really good ones, so it paid off. They also had a chocolate fountain. Yum! It is a really dressy party, and I didn't really have a great outfit. Just kidding...I looked so cute!

They always have a white elephant exchange. We have always brought the funniest gifts. The first year was some "How to speak Chinese" tapes, the second was a Harley Davidson clock, this year we brought a four pack of hot sauces from Walmart. Not funny. I guess the funny parts of our past gifts was the wrapping. Lincoln wrapped the tapes with chopsticks on the top, and the clock had a can of WD40 on the top. They play the game so you steal the unwrapped gifts, and then open them at the same time at the end. In past years our gifts were stolen the most! This year we didn't have time to get fancy with the wrapping, so my poor friend Kortney ended up with our hot sauces! The funny thing is, I saw some one holding some "How to speak Chinese" tapes after all the presents were unwrapped!

It's a...............

GIRL!!!

We took the kids to the ultrasound with us. They were very well behaved, but it was a long ultrasound. 45 minutes. It made me a little worried, but everything looks good. Look at her little legs...so cute!

The technican said, "It looks like your having a little girl."

Immediately Wyatt said, "She said "looks like" so it still could be a boy."

I am at the halfway point, 20 weeks. This pregnancy has been such a breeze, except for the worrying. I am so grateful.

Another bit of news.....I was called to be the first counselor in the Primary presidency. I am so excited for this calling! I was in the primary presidency in Oregon, and loved working with the children. What a blessing to be able to do it again. I have to do a sharing time this Sunday, and it feels so strange. Hmm.....time to start researching fun Christmas ideas.

It snowed yesterday. We have about four or five inches. Wyatt is so excited! He has been asking when it would snow since MAY! He played outside for a long time after school. He knocked on the door and asked me, "Which window are you watching me out of, the first, the second, or the third?" I went and knocked on the window, after he went back outside. His face lit up and he told me to stay there. He walked around the bushes so he was directly in front of the window, but took time to make a snowball before he got there. He drew his arm back and threw the snowball at the window (my face level), then with a big smile he shouted, "I LOVE YOU!". I just laughed, what a sweet way to show someone you love them! =)

He came inside and we shared a bowl of kettle corn. (I was out of hot chocolate.) He asked "Is it snowing in Florida?". I told him it doesn't snow in Florida, to which he answered, "BORING!" I do not love snow, so it nice to share a house with someone who adores it.

Lincoln decorated a the outside of the house the night before last. He was determined to do it this year, and we went to buy wreaths, garlands, and lights. I peeked out the front door and saw him leaning against the Impala with his arms crossed over his chest. He had just finished, and was admiring his handy work. I loved seeing him like that, it made me so happy that both of us can find joy in the simplest of things. We are such a good match, and I am grateful for his sweet silliness. Anyway- the decorations look so pretty with snow on them.

We have the world largest list of baby girl names. Seriously, it is a bit out of hand. The criteria for this name is it has to unique and uncommon. Last night we were discussing names in bed, and we were suggesting some that we would really never use.

I said "Would you like a baby girl named Echo?".

Lincoln said "what?".

I said "Would you like a baby girl named Echo?".

We both started laughing so hard. I said it in the exact same tone both times. I guess you had to be there...but it was so funny. I danced with an Echo, and she was so gorgeous, and talented.

We also talked about the times in our marriage when we have been the happiest. I was thinking like a year or the time living in a certain house. Lincoln said "That time in Oregon when we went to the park and picked blackberries." I started laughing, wow, such a specific answer. I think we have been happiest this year. Yes, the beginning of the year was tough, but we have been so blessed.

Our vacation journal

We are home. It feels strange to be back. I have had to sit at my computer all day to catch up on photography stuff.
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We had the most amazing vacation. It was such a happy time for the four of us, and I am so glad we went.

Day one: Lincoln received his new company car, so we drove that. We put the kids seats on top of towels to protect the back seat. We left at 3 in the morning and drove to Myrtle Beach, SC. We knew nothing about Myrtle Beach, so we went to go explore the beach. Well, after about 10 minutes on the sand my kids where in the water. Natalia was in a cute little brown skirt and top from the gap, and Wyatt was dressed in some brand new clothes. (I thought we were going out to eat!) They had such a ball in those cold waves. I loved watching them. I soaked it all in, because I didn't have my camera. The sun was setting and Wyatt was picking up shells, and running through the water. Natalia kept falling each time a big wave would come, and she would get up laughing. I really enjoyed that day.

Day Two: We got up early (4:00) and drove to Orlando. We stayed at a HUMONGOUS Marriott...for FREE! Lincoln used his points to pay for all of our hotels. It was such a nice spot. We swam in the pool after enjoying a hamburger (kids shared) and tuna stackers (we shared) and four drinks that cost $50. Lincoln said "That's what fifty bucks looks like at the Marriott," as we walked away. I thought he was kidding. Then we went to Downtown Disney for Thanksgiving Dinner. We were not the only ones with this idea. We ate at Disney's Rain Forest Cafe, and had a great time. We walked in and out of a few shops, and the kids spent the Disney dollars they had earned. Yup...all of them.

Day Three: Walt Disney World! We had such a wonderful day. The kids loved the jungle cruise the most, and Natalia really thinks those animal were real! She loved the characters, and would ask to hug them as we walked by. There was always a huge line, so we never stopped. I knew there would be characters on the cruise to hug. We didn't have to wait in too many long lines, and discovered the fast passes really quickly. Those things are fabulous. Lincoln's favorite ride was the Buzz Lightyear ride, where you have a gun and targets to shoot. I got a score of 13,000, and Lincoln's score was 250,000. I was really trying too! My favorite was the Pirates of the Caribbean....you know that little waterfall that make you go down....they don't warn you anymore...and they make you go down in the DARK! Natalia grabbed on to me to tightly, she pinched my skin under my jeans! I smiled. =) Oh it was such a good day!


All these pictures were taken with our point and shoot. I didn't take my camera, and sometimes I would be so sad that I didn't have it. Overall I am glad I didn't take it, because I never had to worry about it getting lost or stolen.


Day Four: We went to Sea World. I love Sea World! They have finally changed the Dolphin Show, and it was so amazing. It was like watching Circ De Soiel with Dolphins. They had a show with pets, mainly dogs and cats, and the funnest part of that show was watching Natalia! She would clap with all her heart after every trick, and then ask if she could pet them. She got to pet a sweet old dog at the end of the show. He kissed her face and she giggled happily. We got to feed and pet sting rays and dolphins. I loved petting the dolphins....but that may be because I have longer arms than the kids. For dinner we went back to Downtown Disney to eat the "best bread pudding on the planet", that Lincoln had tasted on a business trip. It was at as Irish restaurant, and it was the MOST delicious bread pudding on the planet! Yum, (I don't normally like bread pudding.)

Day Five:We drove to the Ship! The first time we spotted out cruise ship we were all a little shocked. It was so huge! We got on and found our state room. It seemed so small, but I emptied our suitcases into the drawers and closets - and it was just the perfect size. We only slept in there anyway. We found a buffet, sat on by the pool , and drank Bahama Mama's. Lincoln had to submit (finish it too) a paper, so the kids and I went up to the party on the top deck. As we sailed off, we waved to all working fishermen below us, and they waved back! Then we went to a fun magic show. That is when I started to feel the ship really moving. The curtains would sway on the stage, and Lincoln and I would just look at each other with raised eyebrows. We were so worried about Wyatt getting sea sick. He is always getting car sick, so we thought the cruise would be a similar puke fest. He actually only complained once the WHOLE time, and never got sick. THANK GOODNESS! This was the most I felt the ship moving, so we must have had rough seas that night.
On the cruise you get three waiters that serve you every night. Our waiters were Levi, Marco, and Nino. They were so fabulous, I wanted to sneak them in my suitcase. They cut the kids food, they would make mickey mouse ketchup for Talia, they did magic tricks for us, and they were just sweet as can be. We had a wonderful dinner, but we were unfortunate with our dinner time. We missed out on the good dinner times. Ours was at 8:00 pm. That is what time I put my kids to bed, and we usually eat dinner at 5:00. It took some creative snack times to get them used to this schedule, but Natalia still fell asleep at the table twice.

Day Six: Day two of the cruise....We got to the port in Nassau at 9:00 am. Before we left the ship we visited with Belle, Cinderella, and Snow White. The princesses loved Natalia, she would hug them, and then have a conversation practically nose to nose with them. Cute!
Anyway. We had prepaid for a shore excursion called Black Beard's Cove & String Ray Encounter. We got off the ship and walked to a boat. It took us to a little island, where there were a few huts and buildings, and many lounge chairs on the beach. We got to go in with the stingrays first. Part of the beach isolated, and they kept the stingrays in an enclosed area. It was so fun. The stingrays would swim right up to you. I was surprised because these stingrays had poky bumps down their spines, and more texture to their skin than they rays we met at sea world. The females were much much larger than the males. Lincoln and Wyatt swam with them, and Lincoln tried to teach Wyatt how to snorkel - but the waves were much too strong. The waves were a very bad part of the day. They kept knocking Natalia over, and her legs got so scratched. Wyatt's did too, the sand was so coarse, there was a lot of coral being washed ashore also. Then they had us line up women and children on one side, and the men on the other side facing us. The stingrays immediately began swimming down the center. They knew what was coming....SQUID! They came and dumped a big pile of squid in my hand. A sweet lady next to me held up Talia, and I held Wyatt. We all fed the stingrays and laughed as they sucked the squid from our fingers.

The excursion included a lunch....this was not provided by Disney. =( The island was so "breezy" that day they couldn't even get their grill to heat a precooked hamburger. The first windy day in the Bahamas? My goodness. There were so many disappointed quests, but my kids didn't care. They just chased birds. We went back to the empty beach, and played in the water and dug in the sand. There were shells every where, but Wyatt collected rocks. We bought Wyatt a necklace with a sharks' tooth, and Talia one with pink and blue shells.

That evening we went to the Hercules show, and to a terrific dinner. The kids both had colds so we went to bed.

Day seven: Day three on the cruise....We went to Castaway Cay, Disney's private island. We loved it! There were two characters on the walk to the beach and they loved Natalia. Donald Duck picked her up and swung her around. Even when there was a long line of people waiting, Pluto took her by the hand and played ball with her. So cute again! There were TONS of people on the island. I didn't let that bother me, we still had a fantastic day. Lincoln went snorkeling, and the kids and I played in the water. Then we had a BBQ lunch that was delicious, and back to the beach for a NAP. Yup! Natalia fell asleep on the beach with me under and umbrella. Pure heaven! Lincoln and Wyatt went snorkeling, Wyatt laid with his face smashed up against a clear intertube, so he could see straight to the bottom of the ocean. Lincoln just pulled him around, until Wyatt actually fell asleep too! Then we laid in hammocks under some palm trees, and laughed when Lincoln did a flip out of his...not on purpose! It was a good day.










That evening we went to see the Golden Mickeys show on the ship, without the kids. We felt so guilty because they would have loved it. It was one of my favorite shows on the cruise. There was a pirate party on the ship that night. We bought hooks, earrings, and two toy daggers- and they gave us four bandannas covered with skulls. We looked great, but Talia fell asleep at the table. =) We were all tired anyway.

Day eight: Day four on the cruise - a day a sea. We went to see the new movie Enchanted, and swam in the Mickey Pool. We had a great seafood buffet for lunch, and we saw the Disney Dreams show. We ate our last delicious dinner. It was a totally enjoyable day.

Day nine: We had to get off the ship!!!!! Boo hoo.. I didn't want to leave. We drove to South Carolina, and Wyatt got carsick. It is a funny story. I was driving, Lincoln was sleeping, and Wyatt told me he was going to be sick. I bumped Lincoln to wake him, and the news must of really startled him....because he grabbed a cup half full of sunflower seed shells, reached back to the back seat, and then he jumped. The jump caused all the shells to FLY all over the car. Somehow Lincoln was able to still save the back seat from vomit. I pulled over and Lincoln got out of the car with a limp in his walk. "I pulled my groin," he said. (HOW??) I had Wyatt get out of the car to get some fresh air. He paced around with his mouth wide open, breathing in and out. I was laughing so hard. End of funny puke story. We stayed at another Marriott that night. We walked around a mall before dinner, and Natalia sat on a SOUTHERN Santa's lap. It was funny to hear Santa with a southern drawl.

Day ten: Is not worth writing about, we got home. Back to reality. Cyrus was so happy to see us though!

New hair

The day Natalia got a haircut was such a funny day. I am too tired to tell the whole thing. I will update it later..

*Had to get a birth certificate in the scariest mall in Maryland.
*Went to Holly's for Lucy's 1st birthday cake pictures, Natalia's haircut, my hair color, and so Natalia could pee in Holly's hair sink. (long story, involves a locked bathroom door.)
*Drove home just in time to get Wyatt of the bus.



Me and Talia. Why is she smiling so big for the CAMERA? She never does this when I am behind it.

Should have asked first....

If you are in my ward, and I have photographed you (or your children) in the past year, your pictures may be on a lovely Christmas tree at the Temple Visitor's Center. I know I should have called you all individually and asked for your permission, but I was under a tight deadline. I heard they look lovely on the tree! I know they looked lovely spread across my kitchen counter before I handed them off!

When did I start using the word lovely so much? =)

A tera who?

Lincoln bought me another hard drive. It is a terabyte! I didn't know this until now, but that is a thousand gigabytes. =) I feel so safe now. I have three places to put files, and more than enough room.

Lincoln sold his Honda! OH MY! It took less than 8 hours on ebay. We will only have three cars now. He sold it to someone in Florida, and now he is trying to convince me to drive it down we then we go on the cruise. ??? We shall see.

We are going to name this baby Ava, after the avocado. =) (see below...and also know I am kidding.) Wyatt yelled to me after I said good night to him, "take care of that avocado!" We all think it is funny. I love my silly family.


Back to work now.

A little stuck.

My C: drive is completely full. 180 GB. I can't download any more sessions, so tonight we are going to best buy on a date. Woohoo...(that was sarcastic.)

Where are all the pictures on this blog? I haven't really been taking any of my own kids. I haven't done their Halloween pictures, and I keep telling them we are going to do it. Things just keep getting in the way.

I did finish proofing one session last night, before I realized I was in "crash my computer" territory.

My baby is a big as an avocado this week. Last week was a small apple, and the week before it was as long as a lemon. What is up with the comparison with FOOD. These things are not always the same size. I have bought a giant avocado before, and we have really tiny apples in the fridge right now. It just made me laugh that they use food. Speaking of food. I have FINALLY chosen a color scheme for my family room. It is vanilla, chocolate, pear, and raspberry. Doesn't it sound lovely! Lincoln made fun, and said I only picked those colors because I am pregnant, and they all happen to sound like dessert. I got my inspiration from Divine Design...I love that show. I actually bought some pear colored candles, so that sealed the deal. Now to really start decorating!

Another funny food story. I take my prenatal vitamin every night. The other night I stayed up way too late. After I took my vitamin, I got sick. I came out of the bathroom laughing. I said, "Lincoln, I threw up because I didn't eat dessert." It really struck me as funny, and I had the giggles for a long time. This was at 2:00. That means I have had dessert every single night this whole pregnancy....and before too. No wonder my bum thinks it needs to expand, and my belly is taking is own sweet time. I do have a little belly now, so I took a picture. Lincoln said (in a very loving way) that if I showed anyone that picture they would laugh at me. So I will take another one in a few weeks. =)

H I J K and a little P.............

This week was a gorgeous week. The weather was gorgeous anyway. The week was actually a whirlwind of events! I have so much work to do, so I have another busy week ahead of me. I think I need to get on my calendar and plan every second. Here is a quick highlight of this week.

Monday- I was able to repay a dear friend for years of of kind deeds. I would need to do something similar many more times, to even begin to compare to the kindness she has shown me. I watched her little boy that is Natalia's age, and the only reason I did so is so she could take a NAP! Her newborn was as equally kind, and took a long nap with her.
We also told the kids they were going to get a little brother or sister. Wyatt was cute about it, and gasped. Natalia thought we were going to get the baby that I mentioned above.

Tuesday-We woke up early, and as the kids and I walked down the stairs together Wyatt said, "So....You still going to have a baby?"
I had an appointment in the morning. Everything went well. Natalia got to hear the heartbeat, and Lincoln was able to be there too. Then I had Christie's kids, and then she watched Talia for me. I had a session in Severna Park, RIGHT on the bay. I have had one other client in this area, and I love being able to use the private beaches. The pictures turned out so lovely, and it was a miracle...the six year old girl was sassy. Let's just leave it at that!

Wednesday-I went to water aerobics, and to Walgreen's to stalk up on MEDS. I bought so many the register went nuts, and thought I was going to make drugs at home. =) I was doing this spa rewards thing that Christie found. Then we raced to the Halloween parade at the school. Oh there is a story to go with this....My son is SUCH a rule follower. He is a little naughty, but if you explain why a rule exists he will OBEY it. (and enforce it on others, I am afraid) There was a rule about not dressing up as anything that portrays violence. He must have asked his teacher if he could be a knight, and she must have said NO. We made him into a king, and he looked wonderful. Lincoln was up way too late making a foil crown with the "Tidwell Code of Arms" on the front. (There were many many many violent characters there.) Each child had to choose a word that described their character, and Wyatt proudly wore the word "BOLD" around his neck.

We went trick or treating around out neighbor hood. (I'll add pictures) It was such nice weather, and the kids had a wonderful time. Lincoln bought these crazy teeth....a grill (all gold teeth) with gross crooked teeth. Then he put on his hunting jacket and pulled his hood down to his eyes, and walked around saying "Rick of Reet" to people we know. What a dork! I am still laughing about it. =)

Thursday- I went to Lancaster with Christie, and Emily to buy three dollar dresses. As soon as I got started shopping, Talia announced to the whole store that she needed to go potty. The whole store laughed, or at the least the people also looking for 3T. I had to take her so far away to find someone that would let us use their potty. I still got some good dresses though. I also got a Cherry Limeade (and a corndog...which I was teased about) at Sonic. We stopped at The Christmas Tree Shop and I spent $147 on the coolest $1.99 stuff. I love that store.

Friday- I was back in Lancaster. We were invited to have dinner with Lincoln's co-worker. His name is Tom, and he has six children. It was so nice to share a day with them. The conversation was so nice, and the food was wonderful. The family has decided to try to be vegetarian, but Tom had to cook up a great steak. I don't think he is trilled about being a vegetarian. Lincoln was ranting the entire drive home, "Did you see the kids' plates, how are they going to live on THAT!" It was funny. Their plates had one little carrot, one bit of cauliflower, and a little scoop of scalloped potatoes. That was it! It was a little bear. Lincoln would die if he knew how often becoming a vegetarian crosses my mind. My man is BBQ loving fool. We both agreed it would be nice to really cut back on meat, and I am looking forward to trying it.

Saturday- I had a session with 11 people at a beautiful garden in Virginia. It went well, but it made me realize why I usually turn down large family groups. I love the interaction I have with my subject. LOVE it. If I don't have a chance to really get to know my subject, I leave the session with an empty feeling. I love being able to ask questions, and try to find something I have in common with every subject (that can speak =). I have a hard time when it is more than one child even. I don't get to sit and talk, and then I have to be silly. Rambling.....anyway....
Then I had three sessions in a row at Centennial park. It was such a nice way to work. It was only three hours of shooting. I had a good time, and am downloading all the images now. Here's to proofing! =) LOL! FIVE sessions this week, and four next weekend. See.....I am going to have to plan out ever second this week, I have to get all this proofing done by Saturday.

After I got home from the sessions, Lincoln took us all to see The Bee Movie. I can tell I loved the promo about saving the bees, with Burt from Burt's Bees at the beginning. That is about ALL I can tell you, because Natalia and I fell asleep. That was my second nap of the day, because I managed to squeeze one in before my family sessions. I must have been tired. =)

Today- We left church early so we could go to Lincoln first guitar recital...or concert. He did a good job, but I could SEE how nervous he was. His fingers were shaking. =) I love him.

There are a ton of needs in our ward right now. The most ever at one time. My heart is just breaking as I try to get them all taken care of. I am very thankful for this calling and all I have learned from it. It has opened my eyes immensely, and has taught me many valuable lessons. I know almost all the sisters in my ward, some of them by voice, but not by face. It was amazing the first time I met a sister face to face that had helped me on several accounts. We hugged each other, because we had shared so much over the phone, it felt like we were old friends. She is many years older that I am, and I don't think we would have become friends without this calling.

Holy cow this is a long post.

My title is taken from the middle section of the ABC song, sung by Natalia.

The quiet game begins..........NOW!

Wyatt said this about twenty time is the car tonight. Obviously the quiet game doesn't last very long in our car.

We just got home from the ward Trunk or Treat. The entire eight minutes after we stepped in the door, Talia had us all laughing. Lincoln told them to take their costumes off, and put pjs on. They both started stuttering and scrambling, "but, Mom...Mom said....we could have...Mom said...one piece of candy." (They already had a ton, I am not that mean.)

We let them dump their candy on the floor to see all of its glory.

Talia started to open a box. I noticed it was HOT TAMALES, and motioned for Lincoln to watch her. Both of us were laughing as she took a bite, after I told her it wasn't a good choice. Lincoln was handed a half chewed piece of candy. She started to unwrap her second choice, and I began to pick up her pile of candy. She wasn't happy about that, and franticly started gathering arm fulls of sweets at her feet. Then she sat on them, and fluffed her dress so not a single piece would be seen. I said, "Talia, your pencil is right behind you. Get it before it rolls under the stove." She wouldn't budge! She knew exactly what I was trying to do.

Then it was up to bed. It is hard to put a sugar wired three yr old to bed.

(Natalia was dressed as Cinderella, and Wyatt was a knight. They looked wonderful.)

This weekend was supposed to be my family photo day. I had to cancel because it has been raining here for two days straight. Today actually turned out to be a nice day, but it was still so soggy. Speaking of rain, Wyatt went to a pumpkin patch with his class on Friday. In my gut I thought they would cancel the trip. Rain filled the entire forecast. He was wearing an undershirt, and a long sleeve t-shirt, and then I put him in a windbreaker. I should have put him in a winter coat! Poor boy was freezing. He did have a good time though. They found his Transformers lunch box this week. It was in the lost and found. (Did they check there before?) I jokingly asked him if there was a moldy sandwich inside as I opened it. There was a moldy sandwich inside! SICK! It was over a month old. Thank goodness for ziplocks!

Today, we went to the gym, to Mimi's Cafe for lunch, then Wyatt had a birthday party, and then we went to the church. It was such a busy day, and I can't believe it is over.

We did it....

We booked a Disney Cruise! I am so excited. I have wanted to go for almost THREE years! (Thanks for all the help booking, Corinne.)

I decided we were going to go. It really is the perfect time for us. I can't go on the ship when I am over 24 weeks of pregnancy, Talia is three now and can go in the different child activity areas (as opposed to only the child care center), and if we wait until after the baby...I will have to wait THREE more years. See....perfect timing. Lincoln disagreed, and turned on his money saving mode. RUDE! He only goes into money saving mode when it is something I want to splurge on. =) We went back and forth about going for a week or more. Then last night Lincoln came home to an exhausted wife, and a naughty three year old. I asked him to go and check on Talia, and said the words "I am done with her!". After a minute I remembered he had just got off a long flight, and was probably starving. I went upstairs to trade places with him. I told him there was homemade soups downstairs (Chicken noodle from Monday, or Potato from Tuesday), but he wouldn't leave. He said "I just want to be with you," and then he made a sad face. I asked him what was wrong. He said he just had the scariest flight of his life. People were screaming! The plane dropped hard and fast, and all the drinks flew into the air. The plane was pushed violently from side to side by strong air currents. Lincoln thought, "if my wife was on this flight, she would be bawling." Lincoln used his blanket to clean up spilled soda on man on his row. He comforted an elderly lady next to him, and helped the man just across the aisle that was panicking. After he told me about the flight he said, "so I was thinking, let's go on that vacation."

Can I just say, the way he helped those people on the plane is TOTALLY like Lincoln. He is always willing to help others in need. I love this quality, and it is one of the reasons I fell in love with him.

We are going on the cruise right after Thanksgiving. I guess the bad news, is we aren't going to Utah for Christmas now. Lincoln won't have enough vacation days.

Just had to share! =)

She bathes in Evian......or Crocs.

We have had a busy week. I mostly watched my friends' kids this week, so from Tuesday to Thursday I never left the house. On Wednesday I made this beautiful grocery list, and I spent a lot of time making it. What is a beautiful grocery list, you ask? It is organized into sections of the store, Dairy, Produce, Meats, Misc Home, Misc Food, and Frozen. I had complied a menu for this week and part of next, and written all the ingredients I needed to make those meals. I even made a separate menu for the fridge, and the cookbook/page numbers were written next to each meal. Then the best thing happened, Lincoln said, "I'll go to the store for you." Woohoo! I hate to shop, especially when I am tired. I set the meal list and grocery list on the counter by the microwave when I was clearing the table for dinner. When I went to pick it up later it had vanished into thin air. "Natalia," was my first thought. All four of us searched this house. Natalia asked for a piece of gum (nothing new) and I told her if she found my grocery list I would give her TWO! She said "I will chew two pieces of gum in two minutes! I will be right back!" She came back with a tuber (as in Tubers and Zots). I ran up stairs as started a bath for the kids, came back down and kept searching. Talia came up to me a few minutes later, okay MANY minutes later, and said "The bath is ready, I turned it off." Oops. Forgot about that. I hope they enjoyed such a deep bath. =) Anyway, I sent them up to get in (I tested it, not boiling hot), and came up right after them. Talia was already sitting in the tub with her hot pink crocs on! What a nut, she wasn't wearing them when I sent her upstairs! The wonderful grocery list was never found, until today....Sunday. Lincoln came home early from church. (story below) He got some crayons out for Talia, and my list was inside a craft box with green foamies stuck all over the back. I knew she had taken it!

We drove two cars to church today. Lincoln was going to drop his off at the mechanics after church. The alignment has been pulling to the left, but it miraculously fixed itself after he put air in his tires. =) After dropping Talia off in the nursery, they gave her back to us five minutes later! Why? Because she was coughing! Raise your hand if you have EVER heard Natalia cough. Does she sound like she has the croup even when she is healthy? Yes. Did she get the nickname "Baby Darth" when she was two weeks old for breathing like him? Yes. They did say she coughed up some gunk, which is not like her. That is probably why she was coughing, but she hasn't coughed again all day. I just laughed. I am going to get a note from my doctor, not really for the nursery at church....but for the childcare center at the gym. I do not want to get pulled out of the water and sent home, because she is coughing. Luckily we had two cars, so Lincoln just took her home instead of trying to chase her for two hours in the hall.

Oh, this post is getting too long. Short version for everything else.

Lincoln and I went on a double date with Christie and Brent to the Cheesecake Factory. Yum.

Saturday morning I got to go shopping with Christie. I got tons of cute stuff and it was all on sale.

We picked up our sitters, that happened to be friends, on our way home. We told them they could get together with our kids and walk to the tot lot. They did and had such a good time (the sitters and the kids). They also planned dinner together, and made cookies. Natalia was covered in chocolate when I got home, I wonder how many cookies she ate?

We went to the Renaissance Festival, and had a wonderful time. I could sit in one spot and just people watch for hours. There are some crazy people there! We didn't have a lot of time to spend, because we spent over an hour sitting in traffic on the way there. While we were walking the mile through the parking lot to the festival, we passed a super drunk woman (it was 3:00 pm) who was dressed very elaborately. She was walking with a man that was even more elaborately dressed. She was walking crazy zigzags through cars, and he said "Where are you going?". She replied "Somewhere where my feet don't hurt!" Isn't that the funniest thing? I will quote her for the rest of my life. It was so nice to go without the kids. We looked in just about every shop! We tried some crazy food, and some how all I ate the entire time was desserts! I had an ice cream sundae in a waffle bowl, a deep fried snickers, and a chocolate dipped frozen banana. When I got home I wanted to die, and I wanted something super healthy to eat. Lincoln was willing to run to the store to get me a watermelon! This was the last weekend for the festival and I am glad we were able to sneak in a visit.

When we got home I had to put chocolate dipped Natalia in the tub. I was helping Wyatt out of his shirt, and heard a spraying noise. I turned around and Talia was emptying a bottle of evian water into her bath. It was a new bottle, I had only taken two drinks out it. She wanted to play with the bottle in the tub, because it had a squeeze top.

Here are a few funny things Wyatt said this week.

*Lincoln wanted to have venison for dinner again. I said, "Please don't make me eat that today!" Wyatt said, "Mom, you could just have a delicious salad!"

*One morning I was in his room, and asked Wyatt to make his bed. He started making it and said, "I am going to make it nice, like the maids!" Rude, I guess all those times I made it, it wasn't nice. =)


*We were at Costco with Christina and Eli for lunch. I needed to run and grab milk. (Ya right, that is all I left with!) I put both kids in the cart, which looked a little funny because Wyatt is so big. I just didn't want to deal with dawdling. On the way out of the store, Wyatt located both ends of the seat belt. He tried to pull them together, but only made it as far as his sides. Then he looked at me and asked "Does this come in a larger size?" I laughed all the way to the car.

Big Sigh.

I am done...for now. =) I have finished proofing all my sessions. (pictures below) I have a bunch of very happy clients, now to get them to order LOTS! One is for a super cute friend of mine that is starting up an accessory business. I trade her for haircuts...and of course for the fun of it too. Now I can say I have done commercial work! =)I wish her all the luck in the world with this new business, and I know that good photography can give her a nice boost. The two boys are from a session that was a referral from Christina! Thank you Christina!!! They were so fun to work with.

While my Mom and Dad were here, my Mom made a comment about getting us some new garbage cans. Lincoln said that we didn't need new ones and that our cans were "FINE". Then I went and looked at them.....splitting up the side, horrible permanent goop in the bottoms, handles hanging on by a shred of plastic. Yup, they looked fine to me too!! =) So we bought two new wonderful garbage cans, with lids and wheels! There is a BUT to this story. My dear husband still puts the trash in the old disgusting cans! Today, I had to drag these two smelly cans to curb. Why is he boycotting the new cans? I just don't get it!

Jumping Bean

We looked up on the ultrasound screen, and it looked a little bleak. I couldn't see a heartbeat flicker, and I held my breath. As the technician looked around the baby jumped, and wiggled. She said, "well, I know it can't do that without a heartbeat," and then she located it. What a happy day. Lincoln came a grabbed my foot, and gave me a big smile. I feel very relived. I also wanted to thank you all for the prayers and well wishes. I felt so much calmer the day of the appointment.

I need to figure out our scanner so I can post the picture.

Oh, the heartbeat was 150, so my Mom said "it's a boy!" We shall see. =)