Chaser

Day 13- So Thankful for Chase; "Chaser" "Chaser-boy" "Chaser bug" "Chasers" .

He is somethin else ! That boy...he is extreme . One minute he can be cuddling you so sweetly and the next minute be screaming about something . It's ALWAYS been on HIS terms . No forcing this boy to do something he does not want to do . We still love his huge personality though !

Chase is; charming (has ALWAYS stopped people wherever we go, with his big smile and baby blues-dangerous) , super silly , friendly , brave , determined , has an addictive type of personality (yikes!) , sweet (when he wants to be) , loves to "read" (ya!) , passionate , helpful , leader , and more.

One little funny thing...Teigen and Chase were playing trains yesterday and they were making them fly off the tracks and such. Chase kept saying, after a train would fly in the air, "That was sick !" He always tries to act older than his age and with his lingo too apparently .

He just makes me laugh! 

(Chase was copying Teigen and trying to pout like him but he started laughing shortly after)

(Chase loves being Mr. Potato head)

(Loves playing outside with the big boys-refuses to wear shirts most the time)

 

(Mustache Chaser)

 

(These lips!!)

 

Teigen

 Day 11- I am very thankful for Teigen..."Teig", "T-boy", "Teigster" . I love his personality. He is funny , a jokester ,  athletic , caring , determined , smart , sweet , sensitive (Zodiacs most sensitive sign) , quick to feel remorse , is always genuinely worried about others , and more . He makes us so happy . During his "parent-teacher" conference , his teachers mentioned they have noticed that he is sensitive to everyones concerns and that they wish they had a class of all Teigens and another boy (who happens to be LDS as well- funny) One occasion , Teigens teacher told the class she had a bad headache and Teigen kept asking her throughout the day how she was feeling . Always praying for others to feel better too . That's our T-boy . One more thing...he is SUCH a good big brother to his little sister and little brother . One time Chase got his finger smashed in the sliding door on accident by one of Teigens friends and Teigen started crying before Chase even did because he felt his brothers pain and was worried about him . He just naturally cares for others so deeply . I would do anything for this kiddo, then again...for any of my kiddos . Incredibly thankful that he's in our lives .    

(Teigens favorite fastfood-Taco Bell)

(Teigen loves making silly faces, just like his mama. Here's our duck face)

(Teigen kissing on his baby sissy)

(Teigen (during allergy season-poor guy) cuddling with his Addy Sue) 



(This last picture was when I told Teigen to keep an eye on Addyson while I put Chase down for a nap. I came out maybe 5-10 minutes later and Teigen had fallen asleep next to his baby sister making sure she didn't fall off the couch)

10 things

Day 10-           I thought I'd do something different today...Let's get personal...
                       Did you know?.....

1.)  I went to college for 1 1/2 years, with a major focused in photojournalism . Honestly...I don't like taking family photographs of other people . Ya . Sorry I don't . (Although I do enjoy taking engagement photos...maybe it's the love I can feel while taking them) I enjoy taking photos of mountains, waterfalls, sunsets, animals, buildings, abstract things, some people-but just living their life-not necessarily looking at the camera . Anyway...I wanted to be in National Geographic . I wanted to travel . Everywhere . It was one of my favorite magazines to read/look at, starting at a young age . I soon realized this dream would be impractical since I wanted to have a family and stay home with my kids . So, maybe in another life...

2.)  I love the smell of wet pavement after rain, dirt and soil as well . (I ate dirt clods on occasion as a very small child...not sure why) But I do remember doing it, even though it sounds gross to me now .  

3.)  Ok this one is going to sound weird too...but I enjoy the smell of Moth balls . It's not necessarily the smell though, it's the memory I have associated with the smell . There was an older couple on our street when I lived in Merced, CA., that I called grandpa and grandma . Their house would always smell of moth balls (as a kid I didn't know what the smell was though, I just thought it was what old people smelled like. lol) They were so kind to me . They were from Puerto Rico (I'm pretty sure) . They would always bring me a gift back when they visited Puerto Rico . I remember walking or riding my bike to their house everyday to say hi and get my handful of the tiny tootsie rolls . (tootsie rolls have a good memory too-still love them today)

4.)  Something that's very personal, but we're getting personal here...I've had depression off and on my whole life . It's something I'd rather deal with without medication but sometimes it really does help balance the body . I'm not currently on anything and haven't been for a while . But I've come to accept that I may have to be on them again someday, and that's ok .

5.) This may come as a shocker . Only a handful of family/friends know about this one . I USED to have an eating disorder . It's something I keep secret, but realizing there may be girls in my ward that suffer from this (I know the signs that others may not see), I'm willing to open up to help them . How else will they get help if they don't talk to someone who's been in their situation ? I feel it's my job to help young girls . I don't have any local friends following my blog...so I can still keep this private from most people . P.S. Please don't treat me different now that you know this . ;)

6.)  Back to something good...lol...I LOVE swings . If I had the backyard for it, we'd have a huge swing set with like 6 swings . It's so relaxing . I'm able to clear my head and think . To relax my head and let the wind blow through my hair . To let my legs go limp and then push high into the sky pointing to the clouds . It's very peaceful . The swings are my quiet escape . (That's why my hubby proposed to me on a swing set ) .Makes me want to go swing now...

7.)  I do not like driving on bridges . It's like I want to hurry up and get to the other side . I hold my breath a little going over them too . I do like looking at bridges though .

8.)  I have anxiety now (after having kids) if we go hiking and there are cliffs (even with railings) or anywhere there is a drop if I am with my kids . Just typing this, I'm getting anxiety THINKING about it . Sad, I know . I'm trying to work on it .

9.)  I love to sing super loud in my car, house or shower . The kids are starting to enjoy singing too, which makes me happy . I suggested this to Justin for Teigen, but he's anti . I did it when I was young for a few years and it really boosted my confidence . So I guess I'll have to wait until Addyson is a little older . ;) It was a lot of fun! I recommend it !

10.)  I am sooooo okay with staying in my pajamas all day sometimes . Like right now, it's 11:20 and I'm still in my pajamas . lol . But I did promise the kids I'd take them to the dollar theater later, so I guess today won't be an all day jammie day . ;)

I'm thankful for all these things, because I wouldn't be ME without them .
Hope you enjoyed learning (or maybe you already knew) 10 things about me !
 Now it's YOUR TURN to get personal...please !!

Addyson

Day 8-
          I am so thankful for Addyson "Addy Sue". She brings so much happiness in my life. I didn't realize how much I needed her, until we were surprised with her. BEST surprise ever!! I love her to pieces. She's seems so tough for a baby, hardly cries. She makes any sad feeling go away just by looking into her eyes. Such a sweet girl. True joy in her smile. I can feel a tenderness about her that she will be able to ease any troubled heart that needs comfort. A true sweetie pie. I'm sure we'll be blessed with drama down the road, but to tell you the truth, I look forward to it, after all, she's my only girl. I am so thankful to have her and am blessed to take care of her.

Such a deep cackle. lol. Her brothers love making her laugh.

Today

It's really hard to kick this depressing feeling after the results of the Presidential debate last night and think about what I have to be thankful for, but I think it's JUST what I need to do in order to feel better. A positive outlook.

I'm a little behind, so here goes...

Day 5-  There is one thing that I KNOW to be 100% true, can't be shaken and can't ever be taken away from me. My testimony. I'm thankful to have MY testimony.  


Day 6- I am thankful for Doctors. I hate putting my health in another persons hands, but when I can't figure out what's best for my body, it's nice to have professionals to help me. Along those lines, comes modern day medicine. I can honestly say, I wouldn't be here without it. I feel very blessed to have medicine.


Today, Day 7- I am thankful for the internet. I know that sounds silly. But I am thankful I can communicate with my family daily through the internet and or phone. I'm also thankful for all the GOOD resources you can find online.

Friends

Day 4- Today I'm thankful for good friends. We've started something fun with some friends of ours recently. (Beth and Travs and their kids ages 9,7 and 4). We get together on Sundays for dinner and games after church. We started this a few weeks and it is lots of fun. We rotate houses. Tonight, it was at our house. I cooked some pork tenderloins with my homemade applesauce, a little water and herbs de provence. Oh.my.word! It was fabulous. It melted like butter in my mouth. I made some delish gravy too with the left over juice that was left behind along with some more applesauce and herbs mixed with some cornstarch to thicken it. Wow! It was one of my favorite gravy's I've made. I guess you could say I'm pretty proud with the outcome. Note to self: Don't forget to write this recipe down! I also made some garlic mashed potatoes in 6 minutes in my fabulous pressure cooker. ;) (No, I haven't named her yet. Sorry sil's!) Anyway...back to the meal...my friend made a perfect salad with feta, candied nuts and little cubed apples. (It's like she was on my wave link and new what would balance out perfectly) Bonus: All kids chowed it. Then we ended the night with some blondies with ice cream, made by my friend, while we played, The Game of Life. Overall, a very fun evening. Can't wait till next Sunday.
I am very thankful for the friends we have and are continuing to make.    

30 days to be Thankful...

I'm making it my goal to post every day about something I'm Thankful for, for the month of November. (Yes I know I've missed 2 days already so I'll make them up today). After all, Thanksgiving is in 19 days. (And Christmas is in 52 days). Your welcome! :)

Side note: These are not in order of importance (although Day 1, is #1). These are just what come to mind in that moment.

Day 1- Thankful for my amazingly, perfectly made for me, hubby! For those "Friends" watchers....He's my Lobster. :) He is my hero...our kids' hero, actually because of his occupation, he's everyones hero. I can't imagine life without him. He completes me. He "gets" me, because let's face it...I'm hard to "get" sometimes. He's brave, strong, knowledgeable, determined, hardworking, handy, a problem solver(thank goodness, because I am not), funny, sassy(which is perfect for me because I'm sassy back), helps me think before I speak, and he keeps me calm and helps me breathe when there is literally smoke steaming from my ears! :) I could go on and on about ALL the reasons why I love and am Thankful for my hubby...but I'll just put those few. So Thankful that I get to spend eternity with my best friend!

Day 2- Thankful...because I'm eating some right now, thanks to Halloween....CHOCOLATE! A mini heath bar to be exact. Oh it's delightful. And okay okay! I ate 2, and I'm about to go for another. Seriously...what is it about chocolate that makes everything melt away...except for the pounds?! I love the stuff. I actually have 1, 2, 3, 4 oh ya 5...secret stashes in my house. That's normal, right? lol. Well, I'm very thankful for chocolate in all its forms.

Day 3- Thankful for a roof over my head. It literally breaks my heart when I see/hear about devastations that ruin peoples homes. Sometimes I feel I have it so easy compared to other countries or even in our own country. I do take it for granted. I get so busy in my everyday agenda, that I lose track of why I even get to have an agenda. I want my kids to be grateful for what they have. They aren't going to have "what all the other kids have". (I'm sure I'll hear those words eventually). I'm scared for the future generation being given whatever they want. I am very thankful for what I have and hope I can teach my kids to be thankful too.              

Change

Change is good....at least for me. Right now. Change is good. Very good.

Dictionary-
Change: Make or become different: "a proposal to change the law"; "beginning to change from green to gold". 

     I was so uplifted, rejuvenated, and my testimony was made stronger from this past weekend watching and listening to all sessions of LDS General Conference. I haven't watched all sessions in a while. There I said it. Something always came up and I'd miss Saturdays. But Saturdays talks, were some of my favorites. It is much different listening than just reading the talk when it comes out in the Ensign. So glad I listened. Me and my kids were sick with the.....runs. Yeah. So we were home bound. Actually toilet bound. But this kept us where we needed to be all weekend. Maybe where I needed to be the most. (Sadly, the hubby had to work).The boys were running around the house playing for most of it. I stayed in my room. Watching from my laptop. Letting the house become a mess with toys EVERYWHERE. But I didn't let it bother me. That much. ;)
     I haven't cried this much watching conference in a while. You know how "they say" that there's always a talk specifically meant for you if you are prepared to hear it and gain from it? Well, that happened this weekend. Although it wasn't just one talk. There were many! I am just sad I didn't take notes now. Bummer. But I guess my journaling counts...
     I have a new outlook on different areas of my life. And a new focus.

1. Me as a mom and how I'm raising my kids. Lately I've been feeling like I MUST be doing something wrong. I talk. No one listens. How I yell way too much and how I've already been minimizing that. I'm also asking more questions to my kids about everything. I'm taking more time to play with them. To get on the floor and spend hours making all kinds of "cool" train tracks. (As Teigen says) They love it. I notice when I do, they want to help and listen better. It's come to my attention that I won't always have time to do these things with them and they won't always be this age. Thank goodness we don't have them in any sports yet. That day will come but it doesn't need to be now. I don't want to send their Mommy time right out the door.

2. "I'm a Mormon. I know it. I live it. I love it." That's right I am. We have many nonmember friends and they know we're mormon. They know we're different. They know we're happy almost all the time. I wasn't as outspoken before as far as my beliefs into detail. But now, I feel like I could talk to anyone about it. I want people to know. I want people to have the gospel in their lives. I want everyone to hear it and know it and love it like I do. I believe everything about this gospel inside and out. Why question something that makes me so happy? My testimony has been strengthened so much. I needed that boost this weekend. I've felt like a blob lately. Contributing zero to society. I want to do more. I NEED to do more.

3. "Let it go!" I'm harder on myself than the Lord will be. I'm sure of it. I hang onto everything I've done in my life that wasn't up to par. I have a hard time forgiving myself. I'm trying. I really am. I don't give myself enough credit. Ever. This is something that will take a while to fix. But I'm ready to try. I know who enjoys me feeling down on myself all the time...and I do NOT want to please Satan. So this is a major priority. One that might take a little extra help from those who specialize in this. And that's ok! I finally got the memo that I'm not super mom and it's ok to ask for help.

4. I have a disease. I hide it. Not a lot of people know about it. And that's wrong. I can help people with my story. I'm in the "running" to have my "story" nationally published. Since the CCFA told me this a month ago, I realized I need to do more. I'm currently working on creating a blog dedicated to life with Crohn's. There aren't a ton of blogs out there about it. I want to tell people how it is. The story that is not told. How it REALLY is. How I really feel. How it hurts. Everyday. But I don't tell people that. Who wants to hear bad news? Right? But those who want to hear the good bad and ugly will listen. And hopefully I'll help them.

So here's to more writing. More journaling.
Goodnight.

Catching up

 

There is so much that has happened since my last post. I'm realizing that life is busier with 3.

I will try to be better! With that said, sometimes things are better told with pictures

 (and no they aren't in order)....

 

We found baby quails in our front yard. I caught them and we helped them find their mommy.

 

Chase is starting to be nicer to his sissy...not bugging her as much.

Teigen started Pre School! He loves it. Gets chased by the girls everyday.

His teacher raves about his good manners.

(thank goodness he's perfect for his teacher)

The boys love Addysons room.

 

My best friend, Kristin, moved to Arizona. NOT cool.

(Yes, we have matching shirts.

We often buy the same shirts without knowing the other bought it too. We're cool like that.)

Teigen went to the dentist for the first time. Sat perfectly still and did everything he was asked to do. Got x-rays. NO issues!! Yeah!! Perfect appt = happy mama...Since mom and dad aren't that lucky!

 

Daddy loves his girl

 



 

Addy Sue makes mama happy every day!

 

Addy...our little doll

 

While Teigens at school, the mama goes running and the little 2 usually nap in the stroller.

 

Chase turned 2! Free dessert and a balloon at red robin. He picked the best place! 

 

Chase got a fish. He named him "Blue". He loves him. 

 

Daddy works A LOT! We miss him and love what he does to support our family. 

I ran my first 5k. The Color Run! It was so fun! Since then, I also ran the "Hot Chocolate 5K". I think I've started something here....



 

Brotherly love...

More to come!

This girl.....

Addy Sue

This girl....oh my....I can't explain to you how this girl melts my heart! I truly believe that she was brought into our family to soften us and bring the spirit more. I know all babies are sweet, but there's something about this one that is SO SO sweet!! When she looks at me and smiles, I can't help but forget about whatever was ailing me at that moment. She looks at me as if she's telling me,

 "mom, everything is going to be ok, just breath." I didn't know/realize how much I needed her.

 She does have her daddy wrapped around his finger FOR SURE (that's a whole other post) lol.

But this mommy has got it BAD too!

 Addy Sue has changed us for better.

...just look at these and maybe she'll change you. :)

Happy Birthday Justin!

J-joyous

U- upstanding

S- sincere

T- talented 

I- incredible

N- noble

I love this man....more than ever!! I thought I loved him a ton when we were married, but somehow that love grows and grows more each day. I can't picture life without him. He makes me stronger,

 smarter (yes...and thank goodness for that. lol), believes in me, encourages me, laughs at me and with me, is sweet to me, loves me, and I could go on and on!! 

JUSTIN/DADA- YOU ARE OUR HERO!!!!

  

Happy Birthday babe!!!!!

Hard Worker

    Today I'm posting on how grateful I am for my hardworking hubby. He's always had this drive to work hard to be able to provide for his family. That's one of the top 10 reasons I fell in love with him. Just thinking about what he does for us makes me tear up with gratitude and because I miss him right now. Any time I mention ME working on his off days so that he wouldn't have to....he refuses the offer and wants me to be home with the kids and tells me that it's HIS responsibility to provide. (He probably knows how tough it is to do "my job" at home too). ;)
Anyway....   
    If you haven't heard from me or through the grape vine yet, Justin got deployed to the bad forest fire in Ruidoso. It was very minor saturday morning but quickly became a huge deal. Justin signed up for this team through the fire department sometime last year and has been going to a lot of training for it. The team wasn't something that everyone signed up for....maybe half a dozen or so. (Like I said...hard worker....he knew that if he got sent out somewhere, it would be "good money" for us.) I really didn't care about the "good money", I just wanted my hubby to be SAFE. That's MY top priority. But I am super grateful for why he does what he does and that he does enjoy it. So.....we were thinking he would be gone a few days but since it went from 2000 acres to 26,000 acres in one day and 0% containment, he's now there for 2 weeks! Poor guy. I get to talk to him once a day at least (at night) and he texts me in the morning before he starts the day. They are working 16 hours a day and have 8 hours to rest/sleep and repeat x14 days. He's going to be one "tired puppy" (as my dad would say). They are working hard by "cutting/burning lines" to try and contain the fire and Justin gets right there next to it.

Here's a video he sent....please excuse the swearing in the backround from another guy...
(turn volume down if you don't want to hear it)

    I'll keep you updated as I hear anything new. Please keep Justin and the other firefighters in your thoughts and prayers and bring Justin safely back to me!!! :)

We love you Justin and miss you so much!!!

Addy Sue

Our Princess's Blessing Day...

 Addy Sue with her SuSu...

Thankyou Hubby for giving her a beautiful blessing at church.

Thankyou Amy for making the cute dress, shoes, and headband. They were perfect. So Cute!

Thankyou Mom for sending her a pretty bracelet. (Sad you couldn't come) But glad that Dad was able to be here. Thankyou dad for coming to visit and helping me for 3 weeks! You rock!

Thankyou Dad and Mom Allred for being here and the heirlooms for Addy Sue-they will be treasured forever.

This is what!

A HUGE thankyou to SuSu (my "M.I.L"....aka "mother in love") for coming to visit for a week. She took care of our boys while we were in the hospital having our 3rd baby...a GIRL this time, Addyson Sue Allred (More about "baby girl" to come in my next post).
Back to SuSu....She was fabulous! We of course had some GREAT laughs....even though it hurt a little. haha. SuSu is a natural giver. I can't even BEGIN to tell you how much I appreciate all the little things (that I DID notice...actually I keep finding things she did around the house that I didn't get to tell her thankyou for while she was here)....and how much I appreciated the big things, and if you know SuSu, there were many of those.:)
All in all...everything SuSu did was a big deal to me and made my heart expand even more with love for her. We had a wonderful time with her! I only wish it were longer.
Thank you SuSu....you made out first week with Addy Sue go so much smoother than it could have.
Love you!!!


(P.S. SuSu...I wasn't ever going to show anyone this pic...but since you were sweet enough to post such a "great" picture of me....I thought...."Why not??" ;) xoxoxo
Whaaaaaaaat??????

Just a little fun.....

A friend shared this video with me and I was cracking up so hard. I love it! This song is sung around the house daily (the original version). I know I know!!! But, Teigen loves it. It's so funny to hear him sing it. Once he heard this version, he started singing it this way.
Hope you enjoy! :) (Totally how I feel!)
http://youtu.be/THAaNPIxEek

Luck of the Irish...

Being of Irish descent (distant, but it's in there) ;), I thought it would be fitting to make St. Patty's Day fun for the boys this year...a tradition that we will carry on throughout the years to come. The boys were super excited about this. (Well Chase was eating the bait, so I had to get his own bowl, but he still enjoyed it).

So we set a trap to catch a leprechaun and then went to bed. What does a leprechaun like? Anything green of course! We had some green grapes and lettuce handy and fashioned a homemade trap...

We woke up in the morning and we didn't catch that silly leprechaun but it ate the bait and left a note on a clover (so crafty that Leprechaun!)...

It was a scavenger hunt! Each color of the rainbow in clovers, there was another clue!

He left us gold and silver candy!!! We'll try again to catch him next year!

And then just for fun, we put together some little buckets full of green goodness!

And finished our morning with a big bowl of Lucky Charms, because we are so lucky to have boys like these...

Happy St. Patty's!