I can relate, can you?

I read this on the blog of my cousin Stephanie, and I could totally relate. She is so Funny and a very talented writer. I wish I was cleaver enough to come up with it. You are supost to post it on your blog and highlight the things you have done. Instead whenever is says Ponies or Princess shoes just substitute for, Trains and Cowboy boots and you'll get the point.


1. Felt the world shift and change when you held your newborn baby.
2. Thought, "Hey, they didn't tell me about this when I got pregnant."
3. Given away perfectly good pants because they just don't seem to zip up anymore
4. Walked around with snot on your shoulder and pretended it's normal
5. Wrestled with a car seat and won
6. Cursed the makers of really loud annoying toys
7. Rocked your baby until she fell asleep, and then kept rocking anyway.
8. Gained superhero kissing powers-- you kiss it, it's okay.
9. Learned the art of counting to three, in a loud, patient voice
10. Avoided swearing like a pirate when a small child stepped on your bare feet with heavy-heeled princess shoes
11. Dressed up as a butterfly and floated magically around the room with blanket wings
12. Made a tent out of blankets and chairs and crammed your really large body into it.
13. Learned you really aren't a patient person, but tried to work on it.
14. Listened to really bad, heartfelt, vibrato out-of-control, children's music that for some reason your children love.
15. Succeeded in doing an awesome hairstyle on a squirming, uncooperative child.
16. Decided that bribery really does do the trick.
17. Read a Parenting book and thought, "Do they even have children?"
18. Gotten nothing but lessons in patience and enduring to the end from the past 3 years of church
19. Allowed others to think you're crazy as you drive down the road doing the actions to "5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed."
20. Smiled and managed not to punch the people without children who give you advice on how to discipline them
21. Pitied the pioneers, who didn't have movies/television.
22. Thought sadly about landfills, but put it out of your head by remembering what dunking poopy cloth diapers in the toilet is like.
23. Managed to get the grocery shopping done with one or more children in tow.
24. Put yourself in time out.
25. Given up career opportunities, wistfully, but gladly.
26. Thought, "This is so worth it. I have the best job ever."
27. Thought, "This is so not worth it. I quit." But woken up and fixed breakfast and taken care of the kids anyway.
28. Heard your child say, "I love you so much!"
29. Watched with delight as your child lurches around the room with their first dinosaur-like steps.
30. Ignored your dirty house to play ponies.
31. Taught a child to use the potty. (And wanted to start an ad campaign with signs posted above every public toilet that read, "If you can use this, thank your mother.")
32. Tried a home business to make just a little extra money
33. Actually sewn something, that turned out pretty good if no one looked too
34. Played the choo-choo or airplane game to try and convince your child that food is not evil
35. Slipped, tripped or twisted on a left out toy
36. Fished pennies/small toys/anything small out of your child's mouth, while keeping the panic at bay.
37. Lost brain cells while watching a Baby Einstien movie
38. Wondered where the instruction manual is.
39. Thought that you could improve upon the baby design model by adding three lights on the side of each baby-- one for hungry, one for tired, and one for poopy.
40. Listened with chagrin as your child repeats your favorite adjectives.
41. Crept into their room at night, just to make sure the covers are on and that they're still breathing.
42. Thought while breastfeeding, "No wonder people get breast implants. My shirts actually fit."
43. Laughed out loud at the optimistic "6 weeks after birth prognosis" by your male doctor.
44. Learned that you really aren't a pleasant person with only 2 hours of sleep.
45. Tried to explain why clothing is mandatory.
46. Had to eat your words because, "I would never do it that way," but then you do.
47. Called Poison Control.
48. Left the store without buying anything because your child is screaming.
49. Had to apologize to a stranger.
50. Wanted to petition that handicap stalls also be available to mothers with 2 or more children under the age of 6.
51. Said, "That's not funny," when really, if you weren't the parent, it was funny.
52. Felt extreme anger at another child when they hurt your child.
53. Cleaned up throw up more times than you wish to count.
54. Eaten a soggy cracker.
55. Thought sadly of hungry people as you scrapped your child's uneaten food into the garbage.
56. Threatened to do something awful (and untrue) like leave your child at WalMart, or cut off their toe if they didn't stop misbehaving.
57. Even though you vowed never to say it, yelled, "Because I said so."
58. Not left the house for three or more days.
59. Discussed buying stock in paper towels, wipes and diaper companies.
60. Conversed with other adults about poop, drool, and snot.
61. Thought, "My gosh. My children are the most adorable things in the entire world."
62. Smiled when your kids hugged each other.
63. Thrown away Halloween candy (after fishing out all the chocolate bars).
64. Realized the true use of a timer is not for baking.
65. Thought, "Isn't there at least some period of their lives where they adore me and listen to what I say?"
66. Cried and cried, because you feel like you're just not cut out for this sort of thing.
67. Felt triumphant when your child spelled their name without prompting to your now impressed neighbor/relative/friend.
68. Put on boots, coats, hats, gloves and snow pants and just as you're walking out the door hear a rumbling from your child that indicates severe diaper problems, or having your older child say, "I have to go to the bathroom."
69. Realized that children's books are sometimes written for adults.
70. Had to remind yourself not to talk in a sing-songy, supercalm happy voice when speaking to other adults.
71. Sometimes the only constant in your day is that it will eventually end.
72. Discovered that a really childproof room is empty and padded and only exists in insane asylums.
73. Had to backpeddle quickly when you told your child not to do something and they said, "But Mommy, you do it."
74. Dug out a sliver
75. Been ignored. Over and over.
76. Felt that if you get touched one more time you might have to become a hermit.
77. Laughed (with just a bit of hysteria) at the magazine picture of well-behaved children that put together beautiful crafts.
78. Gotten an unexpected kiss and a hug.
79. Had your heart melt when you hear, "Hold me, hold me."
80. Cleaned up a blow out diaper, and managed to salvage the onesie.81. Thought, "Oh, my parents were right."
82. Prayed really hard that you're raising them to be good, thoughtful, happy people.
83. Hoped they won't remember the time you accidentally dropped/forgot about them.
84. Hoped they will remember the times you read stories/sang/played with them.
85. Felt like the Wicked Witch of the West.
86. Given an Eskimo kiss.
87. Felt your heart strings tug when they first let go of your hand to venture off on their own.
88. Pretended you liked something just to get your kid to eat/do it.
89. Wore matching outfits with your kids and thought it was awesome.
90. Tried to keep the car nice by not allowing food, then gave up and tossed food randomly at your children in an effort to quiet them.
91. Heard your child yell excitedly, "Mommy!" when you walk into the room.
92. Caused extreme giggling (on purpose).
93. Vanquished a monster with a spray bottle.
94. Answered "Why?" questions with preposterous and crazy answers but still not managed to stop the "Why?"s from coming.
95. Bought a really padded bra for protection from elbows and other stray limbs
96. Played the, "I'm going to hide in the _____" version of Hide and Seek
97. Learned to traverse the kitchen with a small child clinging to your legs and the phone on your shoulder.
98. Told yourself, "This is for her good."
99. Known this is the best and hardest job in the world. (But wished for paid time off)

A Very Merry Christmas

Prepair for picture overload! This year for Christmas we got the Gift that keeps on giving - THE STOMACH FLU, wait we get that every Christmas. Actually I am the only one has avoided it Knock-on-wood. I think next year I will ask Santa for a front loader washing machine and a year supply of Tide. No, dispite the Flu we had a really wonderful Christmas as usual. My most Favorite thing about this Christmas is that Landon took his first steps on Christmas day. It made it a very memorable day.

Here's our little walker. I knew her was getting close but I thought I still had a few more weeks. But when Landon decides he wants to do something he does it. He is so determined to be as big as Brighton.

Brighton realized how much attention Landon was getting so he would copy him. He would stagger acrossed the room to my Dad then clap and say "Yeah Brighty did it."

9:00 A.M. Christmas morning we had to wake Brighton up to come see his gifts. We didn't even give him some "special Christmas eve medicine"(Benedrly) . I think he will need it next year.

We really tried to simplify this year. By the time they get things from cousins, Grandparents and Santa, I just seems to be to much. I think they had a really nice Christmas with out getting just a bunch of STUFF.

Here they are playing with there Kitchen. They both love it. You should have seen the look on Seans face when I asked him to load a kitchen that his two little BOYS were getting into the shopping cart. I think it's a very manly looking Kitchen. The Big White thing wrapped in plastic is the Head Boards to there bunk beds - which we will be taking to the storage shed until we move. Seans Mom got them for us, and they are really cute, I am excited to use them hopefully SOON.


Aunt Megan gave all the kids a Big tube of PLAY DOUGH. Brighton loves it, but I just got through throwing all our other ones away. So our's has mysteriously disappeared to resurface after I finish getting all the old play dough out of the carpet. We love you Meg :)

The Virgin Mary and the FIREMAN, who doesn't remember that account in the scriptures?

I love when Family from out of State are able to come home. I think Michelle was Happy to be here.

Landon was the only baby to not sit on Santa's lap at the Mitchell Family Party. If Grandma and Grandpa were still alive they would have had 7 new Great grand babies born sense last December. WOW.

Brighton was not to sure about Santa either. His shirt says, " SANTA I CAN EXPLAIN." Very fitting.

Aunt Jen and Uncle Joe sent us a package a few week before Christmas with some fun toys and a book. They are always so good at make Holidays and Birthdays special for there Niece's and Nephews. Thanks, we love you.

Matching Jammies after the Bourne Christmas Party. They have the same Santa come that used to come when Sean was a little boy. This was the first year that both of Sean Grandparents were not alive for the party. We are glad for the wonderful tradition they started.

And finally the Sunday before Christmas picture. We had a really good program in our ward, and I always love the Beautiful music that is sung and played during the reading of the Christmas story. I am thankful for the Christmas Season to be able to remember the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Maybe I went to far

I have been trying to grow Brighton's hair out for 2 months now. I just wanted him to try a new style. Yesterday, I thought Landon looked like he needed a little trim so I cut his. Then I just kept looking at Brighton and thinking how cute he looks with his hair short, I love when you can see his cute little pixy face. So I started cutting and like most hairstylist tend to do, I got alittle carried away. I kept going shorter and shorter, until ....

That's right matching faux-haux's for my boys! Grandpa H made it very clear that he had complete and utter distain for it. Maybe he is to old for one. I don't know it's staring to grow on me. What do you think?

School's Out FOREVER

JUST UNDER A DECADE - BUT HE DID IT!

The Happy Graduate

If I look like I have been crying, it's because I had. It was such an emotional day for me, and I had the worst headache that would not go away(probably stress related). I was really stressed just before we left, and a wonderful friend called to see if she could stop by. It really helped calm me down, and I'm grateful for her.

Brighty with his Daddy.

Landon and Daddy. This would have been a really cool picture if it wasn't for the creepy guy staring RIGHT at the camera in between the Sean and Landon.

Sean walking. He is the third person back in the cap and gown.

Brighton was so excited waiting for Daddy to come out. He kept saying "I can't see Daddy", so Grandma H gave him these binockulars and he held them up to his eyes and said "Wall-e". Thanks so much to my Mom and Dad who wandered the halls with the kids most of the time. It felt way to much like Church.

Here is Sean waving to me and the kids as he came out of the tunnel, I think the smile on his face pretty much sums up how he was felling.

This is the back of Brighton's Head watching Sean walk to his seat. We are SO proud of Sean. I was not as supportive as I could have been, and I complained alot. But the fact is not many College students could go to school full time, work full time, come home tired and still wrestle two little boys who are dying to see him, and give a lonely wife five minutes of his time and a kiss. You are our Hero, it took alot of sacrifice to back and finish and we know it was 1o times harder for you then it was for us. We love you CONGRATSULATONS, we are so proud! Thanks to Seans Mom and Sister for coming and supporting Sean, I know if ment alot to him to have you both there.

Happy(actual) Birthday Baby

I know I have already posted a lot this month but this won't be the last one either. I just wanted to wish my Baby Boy a Happy Birthday. He is such a sweet, happy, silly addition to our Family. When I think back on the First year I am amazed. I just wish it didn't go by so fast. When Brighton was born I remember thinking "I can't believe I have a child." Not with Landon, when he was born it seemed like he had ALWAYS been here, in fact it's hard to remember life with out him. He meshed into our crazy life so easily. He has been such a patient and easy to please little guy. He has his silly side too, mostly when he is with his older brother. Brighton must have been so bored and lonely without him. He can't wait to be just like Brighton. He tries everything he does, even if he ends up with several bumps on the head. He loves to laugh at Brighton even when no one else thinks it's funny! Our Family needed you so much. Your first little year has been very busy, and not quite as consistant as I would have like it to be. But you have brought me more joy then you will even know. We love you. HaPpY BiRtHdAy.

I don't know about this kid!

We went to my Mom's house the other day while she was putting up her Christmas stuff. Her house was a little torn apart and Brighton was kind of up-set about it. He hates messes, I have successfully brain washed him! She has a Statue of Christ that always sit's on her piano. She had moved it on to the couch while she was setting stuff up. Brighton has always noticed the Statue and commented on Christ "owies" the makes in his hands. He looked at the Statue and said "Jesus is sad" I said, "he is? why?" In my head I thought he was going to say something tender and sweet, to be remembered for Christmas to come. But in stead he said, "Jesus is sad cause Grandma house all messy!" Then he patted the Statue on the head and whispered, "it's oh right Jesus, don't be sad Jesus." Sometimes I wish I could get inside his little head, just for a day. I can't wait until he goes to Sunbeams in a few weeks, I'm sure their will be more Gospel Doctrine according to Brighton to come.

Babies 1st Birthday!

We had Landon's Party last night. It was a Circus theme, complete with red clown noses for all the kids. His actual Birthday is Thursday, but Grandma and Grandpa Bourne where going out of town.

I had been dreaming about what the cake was going to look like for about 2 months. I didn't turn out exactly how I wanted but, 4 cake mixes, and 3 things of frosting later it looked pretty good. The Orange looked alittle Pink but by 1:00 in the morning I really didn't care anymore. I love the little circus animals on top!

He LoVeD the cake. He even licked the plate when he was done!

Thanks to all our Family for coming even though some of you had a rough day and things are so busy with the Holidays. Thanks Mom and Dad for letting us use your house for the Party.

Projects

I have been pretty busy working on some projects. I like having projects, I get bored if I fell like I'm not getting something accomplished. December is a VERY busy month for us, even more then usual, so I started some projects during the last week of October to try and have them done by December 1st. I thought maybe if I got them done early I could just sit back and enjoy the Holiday Season. Here are some of the project I have been working on.

I took some pictures yesterday of Landon(outside sense in was almost 60 degrees), I haven't had a chance to edit them yet so this is not a finished product. I can't believe he is almost One. He is getting big way to fast, and it makes me really sad.

Family Christmas card, done, mailed out and hanging on the fridge.

Sean's Graduation announcement. YES HE IS REALLY ALMOST DONE! I am so proud of him. (there are two styles so you may have gotten one that looks different.)Landon's Birthday Invitation's (Out side)

(Inside)

I did not have to bother with Christmas Decoration this year sense they are all in storage. I love doing this and I'll miss it but, it is just one less thing on my to-do list. And I only have 2 more Christmas Presents to buy, so now maybe I really will just be able to relax and enjoy Christmas. Probably not, I'm sure I'll think of something I forgot.

This Picture was taken just before Landon sustained his multiple Thanksgiving injuries. The baby gate got left open and Baby took a tumble down the stairs. Then when he was having his bath, he stood up on the side, slipped, and cut his eye. Of coarse the water made the blood worse and I was sure he was going to need stitches. I don't ever remember Brighton getting hurt enough to bleed other then a scraped knee or two. I guess this is how it is when the LITTLE brother wants to keep up with the BIG brother. Brighton had fun playing with all his cousins but he didn't eat much because he was more interested in what everyone else was doing. Sean got lucky and had the day off, which was very great because I didn't have to haul kids all over by myself. We were able to eat with both our Family's which was nice, but made for a long day. Both my Mom and Mother-in-law made yummy food. My favorite part of Thanksgiving Dinner is the Rolls - which might explain all my "ROLLS." It was fun to get together with family but I think starting next year we are only going to one of our parents, Brighton was so wired that he didn't fall asleep until Midnight! Until Next year.

Give Thanks!

Well here it is the THANKSGIVING POST. Really though, I have alot to be thankful for, and I think it's a good idea to right it down so we done forget ever thing we have. I know what your thinking, what could she possibly be thankful for? He Husband is a 31 year old student(only for a few more days!) She currently lives in her in laws basement, and doesn't have a lot of money! It probably sounds pretty bleak to some, but it could always be worse. I have a saying that has kind-of become my motto over the last year and a half. It is "Sometimes when you don't have much, you realize how much you have!"


I am so thankful for my BEAUTIFUL and HEALTHY Family!

It's Crock Pot season!

Most of you who know me well, know I am a fan of the Crock Pot. And not just because it's easy to make stuff in it. I love the smell of a hot meal that fills my house(or my in-law house) all day long. Some of Sean's favorite meals are one's I make in the Crock Pot and for some reason cold weather always puts me in the mood for Crock Pot meals. I am going to post some of my Favorite Crock pot meals below, and I would like yours as well if you know some good ones.

This one is my Moms, and one of Seans very Favorite (also it's way easy)

Zesty Crock Pot Chicken

-4 frozen chicken breast(you can do frozen, just increase the length of cooking time or use a higher temperature setting

-2 can's cream of chicken soup

-1 can water

-1 whole block of cream cheese(I usually soften mine and cute it into small pieces)

-1 packet of DRY zesty Italian salad dressing mix(right next to the regular salad dressings)

* I have used 1/2 a bottle of liquid zesty Italian dressing before, and it works too. It seems to have a stronger taste.

Stir it all together and cook on medium for 4-5 hours. Easy! You can serve the sauce on any pasta(we like bow tie) or brown rice.

The next one is kind of my own creation

Fall Chili

-1 can of corn

-1 can of black beans(drained)

-1 can of kidney beans(drained)

-1 can stewed tomatoes

-1/2 a white onion(chopped)

-1/2 a small can of green chili's(I freeze the other half for the next time)

-1 packet of Taco seasoning

-1 cup of water

- 1 lb. of cooked Hamburger

Mix it all together and cook for 2 hours. Then crumble Frito's on top

And the last one I got from my Aunt....

Cheesy Tortilla Soup

-4 chicken breast(again frozen or thawed, just adjust time and temperature)

-1 large(the biggest one they make) diced tomatoes

-1 16 oz bag of Cheddar or Colby Jack Cheese

-2 cans cream of chicken soup

-1 can of water

-1 chopped onion (I prefer white)

- 1 green pepper ( or 1/2 a can green chili's - I like it better with the chilli's)

Cook for 4-5 hours on high. Remove Chicken and shread it the add it back in. Then crumble Tostito's chips in with it. (we like the one's with a hint of Lime)

Let me know what you think!

Q&A

This is my best attempt at doing something creative with a post. So I decided to have you take alittle test. Don't worry it's multiple choice and you will not be graded for accuracy, it's just for fun. I have put some random pictures from my camera on here and all you have to do is guess what is happening in the picture.

1)Sean is...

A) Christmas shopping for me on-line

B) writing a 7 page paper for his Financial Problems class

C) using photo shop to add more hair on himself in our Family Pictures

D) blogging

2)Brighton is crying because..

A) he is in trouble for hitting his brother

B) he is tired from missing his nap due to 1:00 church

C) he did not eat his dinner because of all the snacks he are at Church, and is now hungry at 8:00

D) all of thee above

3) This picture was taken because..
A) I am updating my portfolio for a modeling agency

B) The kids were napping, I was bored and thought I might make a o.k. new profile picture

C) I actually had make-up on and thought I should get a picture of it

4) Landon is ..

A) reading his favorite book to his Stuffed Animal Friends

B) just so dang cute that I take pictures of everything he does

C) catching up on his Hollywood smut by reading this weeks copy of U.S. weekly(Is Jenn Really prego?)

D) both A and B

5) This picture is of...

A) a mess

B) Brighton is back on his Princess kick and is playing Ariel. He gathered random items for his "Human Stuff"

C) Sean and I left these out last night and are now making the kids clean them up

6) This picture is of...

A) Brighton trying to wrestle Landon
B) Me trying to take a nice Fall picture of the boys who would not cooperate

C) Landon wondering why on earth I let Brighton hold him

D) Me taking pictures of my kids in every outfit they own, in an effort to justify my spending

Dang you Daylight Savings!

Sure we all love that extra hour of sleep we get with daylight savings. On Sunday I felt like a million bucks. But I hate what it does to my kids schedules. I know it's only a one hour difference but my kids have had to hardest time getting back on there schedule this week. Not to mention there eating schedule. They are not even hungry yet at dinner time. And for some reason Landon decided to Spring forward instead of Fall back. Nice. I love a schedule and it's what works for my kids, however the problem with a schedule is when you get off one, things are crazy! Are anyone else's kids having a hard time?

Halloween Hoop-la

HAPPY HALLOWEEN !

Here are the Boys in there HoMeMaDe CoStUmEs! Not really, amazon and ebay. I wish I could sew more then I straight line.(and I can barely do that.) Brighton was a Firefighter and Landon was his Fire dog. Neither one of them really wanted to ware there hats.

The hose really spray's water but, we decided not to let Brighton know that.


Brighton really wanted me to be a Princess, but I was a Witch, and probably didn't even need the costume.

My Parents have this cute Firetruck peddle-car that worked great for pictures.

Cousin Pictures

Brighton and my Mom carving his Pumpkin. Not the Green one from the Hayride. Sadly, it was rotten and started to grow mold so it had to go the Pumpkin Heaven.

All in all it was a fun day. It was Brighton's fourth Halloween which is weird to think about. He keeps telling me he has a "hole" in his mouth, but it's a canker sore from all the candy he's been eating.