L is for Lightle

What else is going on.....

2012-01-06T12:59:00.001-08:00

So I signed Ethan up for a 6 week playgroup and absolutely loved it!! He didn't really play with anybody, but he loved all the toys and gadgets. It was also a nice break to get out of the house in the winter weather. Whitney has been busy with girls basketball. Thom has the pics on that and I hope to blog about that soon, but who knows with me. She likes basketball and has been practicing her dribbling. Indoor soccer will be starting soon and that I would say is her favorite.

I thought I would throw on Ethan's video on folding laundry. It's pretty cute how he picks up on things. One day he watched me fold laundry and then did it himself. So cute!! He loved crawling through this tunnel

working in the kitchen.....

hammering away....

One video is Christmas and the other is E folding laundry

Christmas/Halloween

2012-01-06T12:15:00.000-08:00

So my posts are out of order, but you can figure it out. I've been trying to upload a Christmas day video,but who knows. It's at the bottom of this post. So the end of the year has been very hectic church calling wise and work wise for Thom. We haven't been diligent in taking as many pictures as we would like. So here is a brief summary of the last few months of the year.

Halloween we went with some friends trick or treating around Highland Whitney helped Ethan take his pumpkin around,but for the most part Ethan stayed in the wagon and liked to be pulled around. Whit was a zombie and Ethan was Eyore. It's nice to use that costume that Thom made again. We also went to the ward trunk-or-treat and Whit always has a good time at that. Ethan on the other had was a bit of a beast through it all.

Christmas we stayed home this year. Thom was out of vacation days because we used most of them for our Utah trip and young men's camp. So we've stayed home for all the holidays this year. Whitney was so excited to receive an answer from Santa Claus, she took it to the first day back to school. Ethan and Whit both were spoiled and they loved every minute of it. It was a good Christmas. Christmas morning...(trying to upload a video,but it doesn't seem to be working)

Whit was a zombie of some kind and Ethan was Eyore. It's nice to be able to use this costume again.

Little Eyore at the ward trunk-or-treat

Some of the holidays

2012-01-06T11:32:00.000-08:00

The preparations.....

The fruits of our labors....

The lighting of the town square. Whit and her friend Mia standing by the reindeer

She did so well for her first recital!!! So proud of her!

I'm not sure anyone even checks my blog anymore since I really don't update, but here is Thanksgiving and Whitney's first piano recital. During Thanksgiving we had the lighting of the town square. Whitney invited her friend Mia to come with us. There was a parade, lights and real reindeer. We had my brother-in-law over for Thanksgiving dinner.

We did enjoy the day watching the parade, watching Elf the movie and working our our ornaments to send to family.

Whitney did so well in her first piano recital. She complains about having to practice the piano,but I keep telling her she will thank me later for keeping her in piano. She likes it, she just doesn't like to practice.

Whit's Birthday

2011-10-30T17:08:00.000-07:00

I have been a terrible blogger lately, so here is Whitney birthday a couple of months later. I can't believe my little girl is 9 years old now. She is getting tall and too smart for her own good.

We just had a small family party with her Aunt Gina and Uncle Neal and cousins. Thom has more of the pictures, so here are just a couple.

She was spoiled, but worth it.

My attempt at a big cupcake. It was good.

Has it really be 10 years?

2011-08-03T08:34:00.000-07:00

I've thought about today, and cannot believe we have been married for 10 years. It's been a roller coaster, but I wouldn't change a thing. My oldest niece got married today and it made me reflect on my wedding day. Thom and I both were not nervous. We rode to the temple together and just talked. We got sunburned while taking pictures and our closest loved ones shared a wonderful luncheon with us. We had a good day. I love him more now than I thought possible 10 years ago. I can't image life without him! Walking out of the Mt. Timpanogos temple.

Our family on Whit's baptism day.

I seem to post this pic alot from our Hawaii trip, but it just was so memorable. The best time we ever had!

Another family pic

Utah Vacation!!!!

2011-07-11T10:55:00.001-07:00

Utah here we come!!!! Our first stop was Denver Colorado. NEVER again Denver!!!! The traffic was terrible. We did get to enjoy a place called Casa Bonita. It's a place where kids can have fun. They had a mariachi band,arcade games and live skits and diving into water. Whit had a good time. I would recommend going once in your life. The next day was Cedar City Utah. We settled into Vince's house and then visited with family. We got to spend some time with fam that we don't see very often. Whitney loved playing with here cousins. We did go to a groove fest while we were there. We have similiar things here, but Whit had fun. She did a little jousting with her cousin Jarren. He did take it easy on her. We also went to Zion's National Park, but Thom has all the pics for that, so I will post those at a later date. We enjoyed our own time to ourselves as well as family. We even went to Panguitch (my old stomping grounds) to show Whit where grew up. There was alot of driving invloved those to weeks. I kid you not we went a total of 4,000 miles in that 2 weeks.CRAZY, but fun. Thom also became a big fan of geocaching while on the trip. He introduced it to the nieces and nephews and they seemed to have enjoyed it too. So Thom did alot of geocaching while on the trip. Lots of swimming and shopping as well. The kids did very well driving. Ethan did great! Alot better than I thought he would. I'm glad we went the trip was worth it. Welcome to Colorado!!!!!

We had a front row table to the music.

Jarren and Whit jousting

I put this one in there because I forgot to blog it in this next post.... Blais Clan!!!! This is the first time we have taken a family picture in 5 or 6 years I think.

Vince's Wedding

2011-07-11T09:47:00.001-07:00

The wedding needed it's own blog spage. Vince and Savannah got married on June 25th. They looked so happy. The ceremony was wonderful and these are pics from the temple and reception. The weather was perfect,the reception was like a storybook,elegant and perfect. I did cry tears of joy for my brother. He looked so happy. We had a wonderful day. Of course Thom had to get a little geocaching in at the reception. So everyone was happy. Ethan looking handsome waiting for his Uncle Vince and Aunt Savannah to come out of the temple.

Ethan really warmed up to his cousing Bradon(Sheredith's boy). E absolutely just loves him. Bradon even taught E how to roar. They are so cute.

Awwwww look how happy they are!

All of the siblings

Some of the nieces and nephews hanging out waiting. The one in the pink is getting married in August. I can't believe my niece is old enough to get married,crazy....

Ah the little ones.... so ready to get dirty at anytime:)

Vince and Savannah dancing. I think I cried here too.

Cutting the cake.....

Just thought I would throw this one in of the geocaching at the reception. Kim logging the geocache.

2nd week of our Utah trip (up north)

2011-07-11T09:22:00.000-07:00

The last week of our trip we spent up north with my sister Sheresa and her family. We stopped in Provo, on our way up, and visited Thom's old stomping grounds BYU. Unfortunately, he was not feeling well that day, so we didn't stay around much. We bought somethings at the bookstore and walked a little around campus, but that was about it. We then went to see our friends Mat and Ashley and went to dinner with them. I enjoyed it alot,but poor Thom just did not feel well. We wished that we could have spent more time with our dear friends:(

We finally made it to Sheresa's house and had a good time. We did lots of shopping,swimming and I learned how to make beaded watch bracelets. We went to the Gateway mall in Salt Lake and they have those swimming fountain things that Whit,Brit,and Avey got to play in. Whitney really liked that. I also got some good deals on school clothes for Whitney. Thom and I got to eat at one of his favorite restaurants Tucano's. It's a Brazilian restaurant, that serves the best grilled pineapple mmmmmm.
Whit and Avey playing in the water

waiting for the water to shoot up

Sunday before we left we got to see our friends the Mendenhalls. Holly grew up in Highland and now lives in Utah. We really enjoyed seeing them and catching up. Love you guys!

Holly's youngest Jacob so cute!!!

Happy fourth!!! The day before we left, we went to a mini Bourgeous reunion at my cousins Lance's house. That was fun and it was great to see cousins I haven't seen in years! I'm talking years!!! (My mom's side of the family)

My cousin Heather and her little girl,but Sheresa ducked out of the pic

Thom and Lance catching up with Lance's son Thomas I think? and Ethan

Summertime

2011-06-01T17:54:00.000-07:00

Summer has officially started for Ethan. He is hanging out with his friend Emma in her pool. So cute I must admit. There will be alot of swimming this summer. Ethan was too small last year. Whitney has school on Friday and then her summertime begins. She is leaving Saturday with her grandparents to the gulf shores in Mississippi (I think). She has alot of fun stuff coming her way this summer.

First birthday!!

2011-05-22T16:56:00.000-07:00

Ethan's birthday was over Easter weekend, we were down at my in-laws to celebrate it. He enjoyed his birthday cake and his toys. He had an ear infection while we were down there, but that didn't seem to slow him down much. His birthday is April 25th. He's 21 pounds, 29 1/2 inches long and of course his head is off the charts. He's not walking yet, but he stands by himself alot.

Ethan loves books. He'll crawl to me with a book in each hand and throw them at me. That is his way of letting me know we wants me to read to him. He has quite the personality. He loves playing with his sister. We are grateful for every moment with him.

Swing

2011-04-09T20:41:00.000-07:00

Ethan's first time in the swing and he loved it! I can't believe my baby is going to be 1 this month. Where does the time go. He is very busy crawling around and getting into his daddy's computer cords. He loves cords and daddy's wireless mouse. He also loves to play with his big sister. We love him so much!

Should I be suprised?

2011-04-09T20:30:00.001-07:00

That my husband can do nails too? Whitney wanted these stick on nail things and and I started them,but it just didn't look right, so Thom took over. He did such a great job! He can do just about anything. I'm glad he's mine. The final product.

Whit lovin her nails.

Thom getting started.

Snow days, snow days,snow days

2011-02-05T07:28:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure what to title this entry. There really hasn't been alot to talk about I guess. Although Whitney has been out of school in January on and off for a total of 10 days. That is crazy, this weather is crazy for around here. Whit does have a neighbor friend she plays with that took some of the crazy cabin fever away during those days off from school. Thom and Whit are working on her Valentine box for her party on the 14th. She wanted a spongebob box, so her dad is building one with her. I think it will look great. Ethan is 9 months, he has his check up next week. He doesn't crawl yet,but he pushes himself backwards around the living room floor. He is growing up sooo fast!! Here they are paper macheying the box and legs and arms for her spongebob box, oh yeah Whit got a new hair cut.

We just thought this was the cutest outfit at the gap. Sooo cute!! My little devil.

Now my little pirate arggghhh

'tis the season

2010-12-31T12:11:00.001-08:00

Christmas has come and gone and wonder where did the time go? We were pretty busy with Christmas shopping, Whit's school program, visits with Santa, and our church Christmas parties. I really felt the season this year. Usually I just wait for it to end,but I this year I took time to enjoy it. Maybe part of that was because it was Ethan's first Christmas. I know he didn't appreciate it, but it was fun to have him around. The holidays have been good to us this year and we look forward to an even better 2011. Wearing his daddy's baseball cap. Go Cards!!

Whit's Christmas recital. They dressed in 50's theme. Lots of cute actions.

Whit was very animated and really put her all into it.

Whitney recognized this Santa as Apollo Wall because of his eyebrows. How funny. I have been suprised how well Ethan has done sitting on Santa's lap.

Tennessee Christmas

2010-12-31T12:05:00.000-08:00

We really had a good time down in Tennessee. We did some after Christmas shopping and just enjoyed the time off. Thom has been so busy with work, that it was nice for him to have a break. Fun was had by all. One of Whit's favorite things she got for Christmas. They were hard to find, but Santa came through.

Grandpa opening one of his gifts.

This was a cute shopping center that had this huge rocking chair. She looks so tiny in it.

Christmas day

2010-12-31T11:57:00.001-08:00

We went down to Thom's parents house for Christmas. Santa came. I guess our kids were good this year.

Ethan loved the wrapping paper more than gifts.

Grandma opening one of her gifts.

Whit and Ethan having a good time.

Santa time

2010-12-11T07:50:00.001-08:00

This was Ethan's first trip to Santa and he didn't cry. Whitney was the same way the first time she visited Santa. Every year we go to the square in Highland and look at the lights, the little elf houses, and then to Santa's house to see him. We love this time of year. Ethan has a candycane which probably helped him not to cry.

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-06T20:36:00.000-08:00

This was the first year that we celebrated with just our little family. We had a great time. With the hussle and bussle that happens with lots of family around, Whit had never seen the Thanksgiving day parade. So this year she got to see it and ooohed and aaaaahed through alot of it, Ethan's eyes were glued to the t.v. They played together while Thom and I prepared dinner. Then we watched Elf and then worked on our family ornaments that we made for members of our family. This was actually Friday getting ready to go to the parade in Highland and the lighting up of the square. Ethan did not like being in his coat.

Thom slaving away on our stove. It was nice to have 2 ovens to cook everything in.

Tada!! it tasted pretty good too

Whit wanted one of the turkey legs. mmmmmmmmmmm

Halloween week

2010-10-31T14:26:00.001-07:00

The week started with carving pumpkins for family home evening,then a school parade and party and ended with trick or treating Saturday night with some friends. A town near us trick or treats the night before Halloween because of a huge parade that they have on Halloween. Whit had a lot of fun. Whit getting the "guts" out of the pumpkin

K-2nd grade have a school parade where all the parents come to watch them show off their costumes.

getting ready to head out and get some candy

E's little bucket ready to go

E went to 2 houses and then he was done and fell asleep

6 months

2010-10-25T13:48:00.000-07:00

I can't believe our little guy is 6 months old. I wish he would stay little. Alas, that is not meant to be. He's getting more of a personality everyday and it's great to see him change.

He loves to play with his sister,watch the dogs,read books with mom,jump in his jumperoo, and he just started eating baby food. We are lucky to have him.
5.5months

3.5 months

1.5 months

3weeks

1 day

Trunk or treat

2010-10-25T13:06:00.000-07:00

This year trunk or treat was out on a farm. We had a good time. Whit had fun with the games and hayride. The candy is a given. I wish I would have taken more pics, but oh well. Ethan slept through most of it. Isn't he the cutest bee? He even held his bucket for a little bit of candy for his mom. There was a bon fire as well and the weather was great, so everything worked out. I can't get him to stop sucking those two fingers on his left hand. grrrr

Happy with his spoils

He had a firm grasp on the handle of the bucket. So cute.

Whit likes to be scary things now for Halloween. Dead cheerleader last year and now a vampire. Where is the girl that loved princesses and pretty witches for Halloween?

Thom and I decided to go has pirates. We bought these shirts last year for like 2 bucks a piece. Guess that's what we will be every year.

Baptism weekend

2010-09-22T20:39:00.000-07:00

Thom's parents came up this weekend and we had a really great time. Saturday we went to the firmen's open house. They had a lot of fire trucks and bouncy things. They also fingerprinted the kids and put them in the database system. In case anything happens to them. good times Whit next to an old firetruck thing

E in a little firmen's hat

Whit racing that girl over the bouncy thing

Dad and Whit in the truck

Getting fingerprinted

measuring her height

hanging with grandma and grandpa

Baptism

2010-09-22T20:12:00.000-07:00

What a special day for my little girl. September has been quite the busy month. We just had Whitney's baptism over the weekend. She was so ready to be baptized and she loved grandma's dress that she made her. Love the dress!! Here she is with her baptism dress and her blessing dress. awwwww

Grandma and grandpa with Whit

Whitney got baptized with another little girl from our ward. Her name is Sasha Daughrity.

Our little fam before the baptism

I still can't believe it. She is so grown.

8

2010-09-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my little girl is eight years old now. Wow!! She wanted a Hannah Montana party. So she invited a few friends over and had a fun time. She really liked her party. They played games and pinata. She always likes to have a pinata for her birthday. She is growing up so fast and I wonder where the time has gone. Whit's bday cake. Thom frosted it. Looks great!

Playing the balloon game where they step on each others' balloons to pop it. Good times.

Pinata time woohoo!

Getting ready to have cake

So finally got her moxie girl. That's what she was saying.

Back to School

2010-08-17T08:27:00.000-07:00

I can't believe school is here. Whitney is a big 2nd grader now and she is excited to sit on the bleachers. That is where the 2nd graders sit before school starts. She thinks it's pretty cool. Last night was back to school night. I'm not sure what I think of the teacher. We'll have to wait and see. She was a little nervous to go today because she worried that the new kids in her class wouldn't like her, eventhought she knows most of the kids in her class. I hope all is well and she will have a great year.

Headed to the bus stop.

So ends the summer vacation

2010-08-10T12:42:00.000-07:00

So we didn't do anything exciting this summer. The EXTREMELY hot weather and E being so small we didn't get out much. The highlight for me was having my family here. We have been having house issues and found out we had termites. The problem has been taken care of and my husband has redone our kitchen floor, which looks awesome. Whitney did a lot of swimming at grandmas and grandpas, but only swam twice with me. I took her to the indoor pool a few weeks ago and she loves the big slid there. She is finally tall enough to go down the slide. All in all it was a pretty good summer.(minus the termites) This is the whirlpool Whit loves to swim in.

Not a very good pic, but that's her coming off the slide.

Whitney and E hanging out together. E loves to hang with his big sis.

LOVE my new kitchen floor

Smart baby

2010-07-29T07:28:00.000-07:00

This is the cutest thing ever!!! Thom was just playing around with him and E just started copying what Thom was doing. My heart totally melted. Thom sent it to AFV so we'll see if it ever gets on there.

Summer continued

2010-07-27T08:48:00.000-07:00

Thom's parents came for a short visit the end of June to see the baby. We enjoyed having them here. They took Whitney back with them. So she spent 2 and 1/2 weeks with them. She absolutely LOVED it there. Didn't even get homesick. Thom and I missed her of course,but was glad she got to spend quality time with them. Other than that... it has been quiet around here. Ethan is growing and cooing and smiling more and more. I can't believe he is 3 months old. The summer has flown by. It's time to gear up for school in a few weeks. Grandpa and E sporting the mohawks.

Grandma and E. This is one of my fave outfits of his. Little monsters.

Whitney after Clayton's birthday party. It was a pirate birthday. She's a riot!! I love her.

Family activities

2010-06-23T08:53:00.000-07:00

The month of June has been a little crazy. My family came to visit and they hit a deer on the way here. So they weren't able to be here for Ethan's blessing. They rented a car and came Sunday evening. Luckily no one was hurt.

So the week they were here was fun. We shopped until we dropped and went to a Cardinals game which was alot of fun. We went swimming and went to one of Whit's baseball games. We pigged out on alot of junk and hung out. I was sad to see them go. Two of my sisters are still here waiting for the van to get fixed, which should be hopefully on Friday. Their families are anxious to get them home. There is never a dull moment when the Blais family gets together. 1 of 2 pics I took of the blessing. I can't believe I didn't get more taken. :(

Hanging out at the swimming pool.

Heading back after the game.

Going to the game.

Big Sister

2010-06-10T10:08:00.000-07:00

Alot of people have asked how Whitney is handling the big change of another child in the house and I'm here to tell you she has handled it wonderfully. She is the best big sister Ethan could ask for. She is on diaper patrol (throwing diapers away for me) and doesn't complain. She loves to give him kisses and constantly checks on him to make sure he is okay. She enjoys holding him and reading to him sometimes.

Ethan is doing well too. He is entertained by her and I know he loves his big sis. He is also growing leaps and bounds and sleeping well at night for the passed 3 weeks. yay! He's starting to smile more often as well. We also love his little mohawk, so adorable. We are a very blessed family.
Don't they kinda look alike?

School's out for summer!!

2010-05-27T17:17:00.000-07:00

Whitney has been bugging me about using her slip-in-slide, so it was hot enought the other day to use it. We invited some friends over to use it as well. She had a fun time. She has been sooo ready for school to be out and now it is. We hope the summer will be fun for all of us. Enjoying the slip-in-slide.

. Whit, Carlin, and Allie enjoying the water.

Little Emma in her cool lookin shades.

The latest...

2010-05-24T08:39:00.000-07:00

Ethan is almost a month old. I can't believe how time flies. He is finally getting his days and nights right and letting me get some sleep. He still wakes up at night, but it isn't for long periods of time. He goes for his hearing test again today. I can't remember what ear didn't pass, but he goes today. He went to church for the first time yesterday and did very well. He slept through most of it. He is a sweet boy and we love him very much! Getting ready to go to his first day of church. Doesn't he look handsome? I love his hair! No matter what I do, it sticks up like that. So cute.

This is his vogue pose. Strike a pose!

Ethan has arrived!

2010-05-04T14:47:00.000-07:00

I know that I am behind the times and that my son is now a week old. Well Thom has better pics on facebook, if you want to check them out. I can't believe a week has already gone and Ethan has kept me very busy. It's weird to think that I was to be induced tomorrow if he hadn't come yet. The delivery and everything went well and I only had to push for about 20 minutes and out he came. Ethan apparently was anxious to join our family. We are so glad he is here and we love him to pieces.
Whitney loves him, but he is a bit boring right now, so she doesn't interact too much with him. Thom has been getting up with Whitney for school and she's only missed the bus twice, so not to bad for my husband who hasn't had to get Whit ready for school before.
So basically we are doing well and enjoying Ethan in our home.

He wasn't too happy to have paint on his foot.

This was his going home outfit and boy was I ready to go home. Not a fan of hospitals.

Ethan's room

2010-04-12T19:24:00.000-07:00

The room is finally done! Just a few wall hangings left, but that will be later. Thom resanded and painted the dresser that we found at goodwill. He really has done a great job with painting the walls , and the chair rail in the room. My mother-in-law made the curtains,bumper pad, and the quilt. I definitely married into a talented family :) Now Ethan just needs to get here and use his room. Love the curtains and the glider rocker.

We got such a good deal on this dresser from goodwill.

I love this quilt, soooo cute.

35 1/2 weeks

2010-04-05T15:51:00.000-07:00

Just a little more than a month left!!!! We are so ready for him to come. I'm down to my weekly check ups starting this week. I feel Ethan taking up more and more room and finding it harder to breathe. All in all though, I have been feeling pretty good. The weather has gotten warmer, so I will be wearing Thom's shirts through the duration of the pregnancy. All my maternity shirts are long sleeve and I'm too cheap to buy short sleeve when I have so little time left.

Ethan is very busy moving around alot especially up in my ribs. He still quiets down when his sister tries to feel him moving around. Sibling rivalry has already begun :)

Easter time

2010-04-04T08:21:00.000-07:00

Whitney wanted to thank the Easter Bunny before he came, so she left him a note thanking him ahead of time for the stuff she was going to get. How thoughtful of her and you gotta love the bunny drawing, it's so cute. Saturday we had a little easter egg hunt in the back yard. She enjoyed it and has plenty of candy to keep her hyper for weeks!!

She was so quick that the hunt lasted about 5 minutes if that.

Baby Shower

2010-03-27T11:10:00.000-07:00

My friends put on the best baby shower ever! I absolutely loved and enjoyed it. All my friends came and supported me and I was grateful. We had alot of fun and Ethan got alot of good stuff. The theme was puppies and Leah and Virginia really ran with the theme. My mother in law as able to come too. Some of Thom's cousins came as well and Gina. We did some fun games and just had a good time. Me in front of the gifts and cake.

Trying to change a diaper blindfolded.

Virginia made this cake. It reminded me of blues clues, sooo cute!

Here is the quilt my motherinlaw made. I absolutely love it and Ethan will too.

Toothfairy woes

2010-03-27T11:04:00.000-07:00

So the toothfairy forgot to come to our house a couple of time when Whitney has lost a tooth. The other day she was sooo sad about it. So I told her that the toothfairy must have been afraid of the dogs and while she is at school and I'm at Walmart she probably would come. The dogs would be kenneled at the time. She left her a little extra for being a little late. Whitney gets quarters and wonders why not a dollar bill or a toy. Go figure.

Big girl bike

2010-03-27T10:55:00.000-07:00

Whitney is officially riding her big girl bike!! I thought it would take her awhile to get up the nerve,but she has been riding like a pro for about a week now. She has some girls in the neighborhood that ride up and down the street with her. She loves riding her bike now and wants to go riding every day. I'm happy for her.

Soccer Mom

2010-03-11T09:52:00.000-08:00

Well I am officially a soccer mom. My daughter plays indoor soccer and last night was her second game. They tied last night and won their game last week. Thom wasn't with me last night which he probably should have been. I swore I would never be one of those parents who boss their kid around during a game,but I DID! Whit was the goalie and she kept dancing around and looking at everything but the ball. I just kept saying keep your eye on the ball!! One of the parents told me at least my daughter is entertaining, which she is of course cause she is adorable. Anyways, it's not that I care if her team wins or loses, I just didn't want it to be my kid that let a goal go by and win it for the other team. Anyways, I just told Thom that I can't go to her games without him because I need him to keep me in check :) Bottome line is that she has fun and that is all that matters and I just need to keep my mouth shut!
I'm not sure what she is looking at right in this moment....

Whit playing offense...going after the ball.

Here she is playing defense.

Bike update

2010-03-09T17:06:00.000-08:00

So trying to teach Whitney to ride a big girl bike was challenging. She didn't have any confidence and the bike was heavy, so Thom took Whitney's little bike and took the training wheels off. Whitney was able to balance the little bike and can now ride a two wheeler!! She is soooo excited. We think we'll let her ride the little bike for awhile until she rides really well and has more confidence. We are so proud of her :) Good job Whit!!!

First lesson....

2010-03-06T15:15:00.001-08:00

Today was another first for Whitney. She had her first bike lesson on a two wheeler. Thom is the one with the patience for this. She was learning about balance and Thom took her up a down the street a few times. She complained a bit, but she will not give up. She wasn't very thrilled, but she will learn. See that happy face!!! Just loving this experience?

Thom taking her up and down the street.

She got to pick out her bike, so of course it is pink.

Sibling class

2010-03-06T15:05:00.000-08:00

Whitney had her sibling class today at Anderson Hospital. We learned lots of things. She learned about emotions she may feel when the baby is born. She learned how to help out with the baby and she got to make a sign with her picture on it that will be put on his bassinet when he is born. She really had a fun time with it. She also wanted to wear her big sister shirt to the class. Learning how to fold the blanket with the baby in it.

Feeding and playing with the baby.

Changing the baby's diaper and getting him dressed.

I think she really liked this one. The bathing of the baby.

Her little craft sign that will go on the bassinet at the hospital.

30 1\2 weeks...

2010-03-03T08:25:00.000-08:00

I am so excited that I am 10 more weeks closer to my due date. Hopefully Ethan comes a little early like Whitney did. Went to my dr appointment last week and everything is looking good and on schedule. He said I had really good iron because a lot of women at this stage in pregnancy get anemic.(hope I spelled that right.) So I am grateful for that. The shirt I am wearing seems a little baggy to see my belly good. Oh well trust me I am getting bigger. Ethan is getting more and more active. When I have my book resting on my stomach,he seems to know that and will kick it up and down while I am trying to read. I just can't wait to have him in our little family.

Valentine's

2010-02-14T19:15:00.000-08:00

We had a great opportunity this weekend to celebrate Valentine's day. Whitney went with Thom's sister Gina down to his parents house, so we had the weekend to ourselves. Saturday we were able to go to the temple and then had a very nice lunch at Tony Roma's. We then went to the mall and did some baby shopping and just had a wonderful time together. I'm really grateful we were able to do that before the baby comes. We did miss Whitney and are glad she came home today. She did have a good Valentine weekend too. She made Thom and me a bouquet of chocolate cover marshmellows and pretzels and a picture. She is so precious.

Whit's little bouquet for me and she made one for Thom too.

Stolen Moments

2010-02-05T08:40:00.000-08:00

Thom and I have very different morning schedules with me getting up with Whitney and he going to work. This morning at 5 we were both awake and able to just talk about inconsequential things. We don't get very many moments like that, but when it happens I thoroughly enjoy them and hope for more down the road.

25 weeks

2010-01-28T14:37:00.000-08:00

Okay I really have gotten bigger since my last picture. I woke up one morning and my stomach was sticking out there. Crazy huh? Went to the doc yesterday and everything is fine and Ethan's heartbeat is strong. He moves around alot more too. A couple of days ago my nephew Harley was at my house and we were talking to him about me having a baby and he thought that I ate him!! hilarious! We had a good laugh about it :)

My turn on Earth

2010-01-23T09:17:00.000-08:00

Have any of you heard of this musical? Well I grew up with it and last Sunday Whitney and I were listening to it and we discussed what the songs were talking about. One of the songs talks about choosing the right road and gives some examples of not choosing the right road, but that you can back up and go down the right one. Whitney was so cute.... she said"Mom, sometimes I get stuck on the wrong road." How true that can be in life.

Recall

2010-01-14T10:25:00.000-08:00

So our bassinet that we bought in 2002 for Whitney has been recalled. We couldn't believe it! Nothing like that happens to us. Apparently some babies have been killed in them strangled. So we looked online and the picture was exactly like ours and walmart was taking them back. The only thing was we couldn't find the model number anywhere. Fortunately the customer service for walmart gave us all the information we needed. So we went to our walmart to return it. They couldn't find any of the information and we were there for about an hour. Finally they got the store manager involved and we were able to get our money back. Can you believe it? Our 8 year old bassinet we got to return for its full value and since we haven't used it for so long, it had that mildew smell that we were going to clean up. I felt like one of those shysters taking advantage of walmart,but we really just lucked out with the recall. Since the baby will only be in the bassinet for such a short time, we will borrow one now, or find a really cheap one. I still can't believe it.

Belly Shot

2009-12-31T09:53:00.000-08:00

There have been a few requests for belly shots, so here ya go. I'm 21 weeks here and just had my last doctor visit yesterday. My doc said everything is going well. The baby's heartbeat is strong and my weight gain has been to a minimum (which I am grateful for). I have just started feeling him move around this past week. Thom can't feel him yet,but it won't be too much longer and he will. We still haven't decided on a name. I think we agreed on Whitney around my 6th month. For some reason, a boy name seems harder to come up with.

Christmas at Grandma's

2009-12-29T09:40:00.000-08:00

When I first started to blog this I realized we just took pics of Whitney opening her presents and nobody else or anything else we did down there. Whit, of course, loves visiting grandma's and having grandma's attention to herself. We basically hung out and ate and ate. I can't believe another year has come and gone for the holidays.

Thanksgiving Week

2009-12-01T11:37:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving week was very eventful. Thom's parents and sister Staci came up for Thanksgiving. Whitney, of course, couldn't leave grandma's side the whole week ,so she stayed at Thom's other sister Gina's house where mom was staying all week. I wish I had more pics, but we kept forgetting to take them. Tuesday we went to the Science Center. I think Whit enjoyed herself. She and daddy went around exploring. Wednesday the gang went to the City Museum and Thom told me about a half hour in and he couldn't keep up with her. She was all over the place. They had crafts there too, so she got to do some crafts. She loved it. Thursday was all about Thanksgiving. I had our camera there,but forgot to take pics. There is just one right below that was taken after the feast. The Friday we went to the parade and lighting of the square. By Saturday, Whitney was just exhausted. She had a very fun and busy week.
The only Thanksgiving picture.

The family at the City Museum.

building the arch at the science center

mini arch with Whitney and Clayton

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

2009-11-20T07:29:00.000-08:00

Whitney was on the front page of the Highland News Leader yesterday for getting her H1N1 vaccination last week. The health department came to highland and ended up vaccinating 930 people. Since I am pregnant, I got to be vaccinated too. What a face huh? Gotta love it!

Helper

2009-11-12T08:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Whitney and Thom had the day off. Whitney was such a big helper for the both of us. She helped me make cookies (sorry no pics of that) and she helped her dad shovel dirt off the back of the truck. We are learning to be more patient with her help. Sometime things take twice as long when she does help,but we know it is good for her to learn. She actually did a great job with the cookies. She even had her apron on like me. She is so stinkin cute!!!

So inventive

2009-11-12T08:39:00.000-08:00

Whitney is the most creative little girl. She is definately following in her father's footsteps. She took an old box and decided to make a car out of it. We didn't take in all the details, but she put windows in, a seat and doors etc. We tried to get her on video playing with it without her knowing, but no such luck. The decorating did take a little while, but she had alot of fun. She's so cute. We love her! The headlights

The steering wheel.

Pregnancy reaction

2009-10-28T16:12:00.000-07:00

Here is the reaction we got from Thom's mom when she found out I was pregnant. We think it was the best reaction. She wasn't paying attention to Whitney's shirt,which made it even better. Enjoy!! There is some fastforwarding because mom just wasn't paying attention to Whit's shirt.

Trunk or treat

2009-10-24T08:38:00.001-07:00

Last night was our ward trunk or treat. Whitney wanted to be a dead cheerleader,but doesn't she look so cute? The dogs look hilarious especially Bowser. Those poor dogs,they did not like their costumes. We had a good time. This is her zombie look.

Goooo team!!!!

Sam was a monkey and Bowser was the ladybug. Oh my gosh sooo cute!!

The Magic House

2009-10-18T15:18:00.000-07:00

This weekend Thom,Whitney, and Grandma went to the 30 year anniversary of the magic house. Admission was free this weekend,but they got there before it got too crowded. Whitney had soooo much fun. They have expanded the magic house and here are just some of the pictures. Whitney's favorite was the bubble room where they got to play with bubbles. She wanted to repeat a bunch of stuff, but there was so much to see and just not enough time. Good times. This was the curious George room where they had a bunch of activities.

Whitney!!! the next president of the United States

This was a beanstalk that was three stories high,she really liked climbing that one.

The Kirby guys return

2009-10-08T15:47:00.000-07:00

I simply cannot believe these kirby guys who tried to sell me a vacuum cleaner 6 months ago showed up at my door again!!!!!!!! Different guys same company. They even used the same line about being a new carpet cleaning company in the area. I totally caught them off guard and confronted them and asked them if they were selling a vacuum. They wouldn't even tell me. So I told them about my last experience and said thanks but no thanks. What nerve to come back to my house. They still haven't replaced my light fixture from the first time they were here! lol

The new do

2009-09-24T14:17:00.000-07:00

Whitney has been bugging me for some time now to get her haircut. I finally broke down and let her get it cut yesterday. She had some legit reasons like the kids at school play with her hair and her hair gets caught in the screws in her chair. Although I do miss the long locks, I think she looks really cute.

Whitney's birthday

2009-09-10T10:25:00.000-07:00

I still cannot believe my little girl is seven years old. She is growing up way to fast. We had a family party and her grandparents were able to come and suprise her. She really loved that. We all had a good time that weekend.

Pioneer Day

2009-08-17T19:55:00.000-07:00

I had to share Whitney's unhappiness with pioneer day. I thought all the kids were just adorable in the pioneer clothes and Whit wasn't having any of it. She fussed and cried because she didn't want to wear her costume once she got there. I am a bad mom and made her wear it until after their little parade. She was fine once she took her costume off. We had a great time at the activity. All the little primary children

I had to post her unhappiness :( Doesn't she look so cute?

I loved this pic of Lark. She doesn't look too happy in her costume either.

First day of first grade

2009-08-17T19:52:00.000-07:00

Whitney was soooo ready to go back to school. She came home today and really likes her teacher. Today was a short day, so she was concerned that there was not enough recesses in first grade. So on to another year school.

Our anniversary

2009-08-03T09:29:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been eight years today that Thom and I got married in the Mt. Timpanoogos temple. We have been through so much together. Our first year, Thom and I were both working and he was finishing up BYU. We had Whitney 1 year and a month later from our wedding date. Thom couldn't find a job in Utah, so we took a leap of faith and moved out here to Illinois and stayed with his parents after Thom had graduated. We were both working opposite shifts, so someone was home with Whit until Thom could find a job in his field. Thom looked for about a year without success, until he got the job with water treatment. Then he traveled for two and a half years, while I stayed home with Whitney. We knew this would be a sacrifice now for a better down the road. Which leads us to now, he still is in water treatment, but he no longer travels and we were able to buy our first home 2 years ago. We have had many ups and downs in our lives,but there is a no better man to have those with then my wonderful husband. I am truly grateful for him and all that he sacrifices for our little family. Here's to eight years and eighty more. I love you babe!!!!! Just leaving the temple

This is just one of my favorite wedding pics.

I can't remember when this was taken.

I will always remember our trip to Hawaii. We were so cliche' and took walks along the beach at sunset. This was around our 5th anniversary.

Our little family..dogs and all.

My Dad's visit

2009-07-15T07:34:00.000-07:00

We are go glad when my dad comes to visit. He usually comes once a year. This year we were able to take him to the botanical garden. That was a first for us as well as my dad. We didn't get a chance to do a whole lot,but we went to the PBJ here in Highland that is held every Friday. Whitney enjoyed seeing her grandpa that she doesn't get to see very often. I really enjoyed just being with my dad. I don't get many oppertunities to see my family. It was fun. Whitney didn't want to get too close to the flowers because of the bugs.

I thought this was kinda cool to sit under.

heart-shaped lily pads, aren't those cool?

I am a Survivor....

2009-07-11T19:21:00.000-07:00

of young women's camp 2009. I would post pictures, but I was so busy, I didn't have time to take any. I was the stake camp director and let me tell ya, it is a thankless job. I will say my ward really appreciated me. They gave me some pillows that had their names written on it. I really loved it. All in all it did look like the girls had alot of fun. The weather was better than I thought it would be and Friday was the only day it rained. We will definitely go there again next year. Despite the stress, I really enjoyed being the camp director and now it is time to concentrate on youth conference. Thom has really been such a support in my callings and I know I couldn't be in the stake young women's presidency and stake camp director without his support. He and Whitney went down to his parents house for the week I was gone. Where has the summer gone?

The fruits of our labor

2009-06-19T17:51:00.000-07:00

Radishes!!! This is the first vegetables from our garden. We were so excited that we didn't kill our garden. They are very good too. We don't think our peas are going to make it because the pods need to grow in cooler temperatures. Our cucumbers and watermelons are looking hopeful.

My Hero

2009-06-12T14:58:00.000-07:00

My husband to the rescue. This morning we found a nest had fallen from our tree. There were 2 baby birds hatched and 2 eggs and they were alive and everything. The mama bird kept flying by us chirping her head off wanting us to leave her babies alone. I don't blame her. Anyways my husband put gloves on and gathered the birds and nest and put them back up in the tree. He got a ladder and went high up there. We waited and the mama eventually did go back to her nest. We worried that she would not have anything to do with them. What a great husband. Whitney can't wait to tell her friends.

T-ball big leagues

2009-06-05T07:10:00.000-07:00

This is Whitney's first t-ball game. She has really enjoyed the practices and Thom has enjoyed helping Whit practice. Since we don't have a son, he wanted to be in charge of her practices. I was totally fine with that. I wish I had pics of Thom and Whit practicing in the backyard. Oh well. In Kindergarten t-ball they get to hit and run the bases 3 times. So they have 3 innings and they don't keep score. We like it because it gives all the kids a chance to play. This is the only pic that Whit would look at the camera. Some of these girls were in Whitney's class in school.

Whit hitting the ball. They get 3 pitches and if they don't hit it they use the tee. Her 3rd time up she hit the ball with a pitch. We were so proud.

Whitney have a good ole' time dancing in the outfield. I laughed so hard when I saw this pic. It was so cute.

Thoughtful daughter

2009-05-29T19:47:00.000-07:00

I just have to say, I have a sweet little girl. Every time I am away, whether it be at book club or some church meeting, she always leaves me a drawing on my pillow. If I am not home, she has to leave me something just to remind me that she is thinking of me. I'm not sure who is in the picture,but it is the thought that counts and I am grateful for her artistic ability. I really hope that she inherits Thom's ability do draw and things like that. I love her very much.

My Mother

2009-05-13T08:26:00.000-07:00

This time of year is always a struggle for me and for some reason this year especially. I feel if I put it down into words then I will feel better. My mother passed away 11 years ago yesterday and Mother's day always makes me miss her. Maybe it is because I felt cheated and wasn't ready for her to go. Don't get me wrong I know the plan of salvation and I know I will see her again. I just miss her. She wasn't there to plan my wedding, she wasn't there to see my daughter born or be there when I needed to call her about something maybe I did as a child that Whitney does now. Just alot of little things. I do remember all the things she did do for me and am fortunate to have had her here on earth for as long as she was. The thing I remember most about her, is the giving of her time whether it be to one of my baskteball games,drill team performances or serving in the church. She gave her time. My first 2 years of college, when life felt rough my mom would call or I would recieve a letter in the mail just when I needed it. She wrote faithfully while a served a mission. I will ever be grateful that she is my mom and taught me to choose the right and help me become the woman I am today. So thank you mom...... I feel better already :)

Cards game

2009-05-11T08:12:00.000-07:00

We were so excited when Thom was able to get free Cardinals tickets to the game against the Pirates. For those who may not know, Thom and I are VERY big Cardinal baseball fans. We couldn't have asked for a better day. The sky was blue and the was a nice breeze,perfect game weather. I recieved my first sunburn of the year. The forecast predicted rain that day, so I came unprepared for the sunny weather. The burn hurt afterward, but was worth it. I also tasted my first baseball hotdog. Now I'm not a big fan of hotdogs, but stadium hotdogs are soooo good. The day was perfect and Thom and I got to spend some alone time together(thanks Leah for watching Whitney) and just to absorb the atmosphere. Oh and the Cardinals did beat the Pirates in this game. Go Cards!!!!!!!!!!!11
Thom and I decked out in red.

We really enjoyed the view.

Just another shot of the stadium.

Wedding

2009-05-06T07:36:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick blog about the weekend. In the end Gina's wedding turned out very well. There were a few bumps along the way....for instance dad forgot half the decorations in Tennessee, so us girls ran all around St. Louis looking for stuff to decorate with. Basically to me there just wasn't enough time in the days before the wedding. The wedding itself, I thought went well. There definitely were some AFV moments during the ceremony, like the telephone in the legion hall want off pretty loud and Harley yelling "Gina!!" in the middle of the ceremony. We have some pics, but there aren't very good. Whitney loved being a flowere girl, but it probably doesn't look like it because she was so nervous. Whitney's aunt Staci did her hair for the wedding. Doesn't it look georgeous?
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh don't they look beautiful? Mom added a little color to Whit's dress and flower basket.

Here is dad telling Gina she can run if she wants to, there still time :)

Here is Gina and Neal, what you don't see is Bishop Cronin doing the ceremony. We thought he did well. Short and sweet and to the point.

This is Sunday evening after everything is over. Everyone is chillin at our house just enjoying each other's company. We think the kids were down stairs playing. All in all a fun weekend. We went to the the zoo on Monday, more pics on that later.

Easter

2009-04-26T15:11:00.000-07:00

This Easter we spent at grandmas and grandpas and I'm sad to say that it took going down there for Whitney to experience coloring easter eggs. I have never really been a big fan, so I don't think about stuff like that. Thank goodness for a grandma who thinks about stuff like that. Whitney was concerned that the Easter bunny would not find her down in Tennessee, but we told her he is smart and can find her anywhere. Whitney ready to bite into one of the eggs.

Grandma and Whitney coloring the eggs.

How pretty, Whitney really seemed to enjoy doing this.

We had an Easter egg hunt Saturday morning.

Whitney was spoiled with 2 Easter baskets. One from grandma and one from the Easter Bunny.

Nashville Lightle style

2009-04-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

Well we finally did downtown Nashville, while we were waiting for cirque du soliel. We had a good time. I totally played tourist and took pics of everything. They have a lot of bar and grilles with live bands and just a lot of foot traffic. We didn't get to see a lot, my husband's parents ARE NOT big country fans. They put up with my tourist antics though, so I'm glad we saw what we did. What you don't see pictured here is my co-pilot skills on the way home. I lead my father-in-law to a scary part of Nashville, but we survived.
Check out the hugh guitar, it has a lot of famous country stars on it.

We exhausted Thom's dad, he just couldn't keep up with all the excitement.

Elvis and I way back.

I had to go all the way to Nashville to eat a Joe's Crab Shack because the one near us is next to an olive Garden and of course I would choose olive Garden. I had to break my own crab legs for the first time. It was fun.

This is as close to the Country Music Hall of Fame that I'm going to get because Thom is not a big fan of country either.hmmm I wonder where he got that from?(hint: Mom and Dad)

Cirque Du Soleil

2009-04-13T15:06:00.000-07:00

There will be more blogging, but I had to share this while it is fresh in my mind. This show was the most amazing form of entertainment for our whole family. Whitney stayed on the edge of her seat through the entire show. There was just so much going on and lots of colorful costumes and acrabatics,singing,comic relief, and dancing. We can't wait to see it again. Hopefully it will come to St. Louis sometime. Thom joined the Cirque Club so that we could get updates on performances and we have the cd to this performance. This performance was in Nashville, TN. Absolutely amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Easter Bunny comes early

2009-04-05T08:03:00.000-07:00

It was so cute... Whitney put on her easter bunny mask and had her basket full of toys from her toy box. She went into our room and put toys from the "Easter Bunny" under our pillows, nightstands, and dressers. I just couldn't resist taking a pic of her dressed up like that.

Paris Hilton?????

2009-03-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

Paris Hilton came all the way to the St. Clair Square Mall for my birthday yesterday.ha ha ha We were going to the mall and it was packed. Thom and I were like what is the big deal. The mall was unusually packed. Paris Hilton was promoting her perfume line and if you bought 150 dollars worth of stuff, you got a autogragh. Too bad it wasn't a celebrity that we liked. I did make Thom go back and get a couple of pictures of her though. Anyway we got a kick out of it. What were the chances of someone famous being at our podunk mall?

My first mixer

2009-03-10T13:46:00.000-07:00

My birthday present came early in the mail. I am so excited!!!!! This is my first standing mixer and now I can do all sorts of fun stuff with it. I've been practicing my breadmaking skills for the past 2 days. Thanks Thom for my gift!!!!!!!!!!! This is a cuisinart mixer with all the fun attachments.

My bread turned out much better this time. Thanks Korey for the recipe.

My first attempt at monkeybread. I'm serving it tonight, we'll see how it turned out

Could it be?

2009-03-04T15:00:00.000-08:00

For those who know me, know how much I love Stephens Hot Chocolate and have been unable to attain any around here. I was strolling throught Dierbergs, which buy the way is a really cool grocery store, and I just couldn't believe my eyes!!!! Stephens hot chocolate. I was so excited that I called Thom at work and let him know. I didn't want to buy them out, so I only bought one can and some packets. See I can control myself, now that I know I can get it anytime I want. Yay!

Valentine's weekend

2009-02-23T07:56:00.000-08:00

I wish I had photos from that weekend because we went 4wheeling with Gina,Neal and my in-laws. We all had a good time. 4wheeling was a first for Whitney she was scared , but then she went once with Thom and really liked it. Also Whitney lost her big front tooth, but lost it down the sink drain. She cried because she thought the toothfairy wouldn't bring her any money. So we wrote the toothfairy a note and told her where to find the tooth. She was content and knew that the toothfairy could accomplish anything. Thom likes to buy me things that last for V-day, so he bought me an orchid this year. Last year was a tulip(I think)

I don't know if you could tell, but she had been crying in this pic for losing her tooth down the drain. Aaaaaaaah I love her so much!

First attempt

2009-02-02T08:48:00.000-08:00

Well... it didn't turn out exactly how I would have liked it. It was good, but a little dense. Maybe I didn't knead it enough. I will try again this week until I get it right. Bread making is my goal and when I master the white I will work on using my wheat from food storage to make wheat bread...hopefully.

Snow days....

2009-01-29T09:09:00.000-08:00

For the past two days Whitney has been home from school. She got to experience sledding for the first time. Why we haven't taken her before? I don't know. She was scared at first, but she ended up having a fun time. Yes I wish I would have taken pics of it, but I didn't. It has been a long time since we have been in snow, so I did not prepare my little girl properly. She didn't have double socks on when we went, so when we got back in the car her little feet started to thaw out and hurt. She was crying because she didn't understand why her feet hurt so bad. I felt like a terrible mom. Yesterday when we went sledding I was better prepared and Whit didn't freeze any part of her body. Good times.
This pic was taken after the big storm hit and melted a little already.

update

2009-01-15T07:48:00.000-08:00

We haven't really updated because not a whole lot is going on. Whitney had her first case of strep throat. We thought it was a sinus infection at first. Her temp. wouldn't go away. I was still suprised when we went to the doctors and they told me because she ate and drank and played around. Anyway the nurse said that every strep test she had given that day tested positive for strep. It still amazes me how resilient kids are when it comes to being sick.

I do have one goal this year and that is to learn to make bread from scratch. I kid you not, I just need to buy some bread pans and get up the courage to actually do it. Wish me luck!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2009-01-01T07:33:00.000-08:00

Well the Holidays have come and gone. Thom's parents came on Christmas Eve and stayed until that Sunday. We had a good time together. They surpised Whitney on Christmas. She didn't know they were coming. She got a lot of fun things. I think the thing she liked most is the art set with 130 pieces in it. We didn't do anything for New Years watched some television and went to bed. We usually don't do anything for New Years. Whitney is ready to get back to school. She gets a bit bored sitting around the house.
Whit is putting out reindeer food for the reindeer before she goes to bed.

Checking out what Santa put in her stocking.

Whit and all her spoils.

Accidents happen

2008-12-29T13:21:00.000-08:00

Twice in one week? That is a little crazy. On a Tuesday Thom backed into a parked car. Luckily nothing happened to the other persons car. His truck had some door damage. So then he had a rental, and I kid you not a week later on the next Tuesday he was going to work and hit black ice and wrecked his rental car. Luckily he wasn't hurt and no other cars were involved. Both days were sleet and ice, but this has been the first accident he has had in a long time. The towing company gave him a hard time for seeing him twice in one week.

Sweet girl

2008-12-23T08:23:00.000-08:00

For the past three mornings, Whitney has told me that she was going to be a sweet girl today. I asked her why and she told me for Santa Claus. So I'll take the sweet girl any way I can get her. Even if it is just for Santa Claus. It's funny because when I get after her for something she asks me where the sweet mommy is. She definitely makes life interesting.

Waiting for her turn to see Santa.

Christmas program

2008-12-23T08:16:00.000-08:00

Whit had her school program a couple of weeks ago. When it was all quiet her cousin Harley yelled "Whitney!!!!!!!!!" It was pretty funny. Her class also learned Silent Night in sign language. Thom got more pictures on his camera I think. This will have to do for now.

Here is her class doing Silent Night in sign language

Curly hair

2008-12-08T08:41:00.001-08:00

Whitney has been bugging me for some time to curl her hair. Let me tell you it takes awhile, anyway as you will notice in the pics she is not happy with the way they have turned out. I thought she looked adorable.
First night to sleep in curlers.

This is the really not so thrilled pic. She thought I was going to leave her hair like that.

She's forcing a grimace here getting ready to go to church.

See? They turned out fine, but she really couldn't see the back of her hair.

Lightle Christmas Party

2008-12-08T08:22:00.000-08:00

This is the first family Christmas party in a few years. Thom's family used to get together for Christmas. All his aunts, uncles and cousins. We had a good time just sitting around talking. Whitney had alot of fun with her cousins. She did alot of running around and pretending to be a vampire. It was cute.

Raymond,Anthony,Taylor,Little Rod,Noah,Alec,Emma, and Whitney

I'm trying to get a picture of family and Thom intentionally kept putting his head in.

Thom's cousins Lori and Rodney. We were at Rodney's house.

Buddy piggin out on the food. Thom's head in the way again! :)

Turkey Day

2008-12-01T10:57:00.000-08:00

Where to begin.... Okay Thanksgiving was enjoyable for the most part. We went down to my in-laws house in Tenn. Gina and Neal were there with Harley. We had a good time until one by one everyone go sick with the stomach flu. It was not pretty especially with only one bathroom. Everyday someone go sick Whit was sick Thursday night, me Friday night, Thom and Dad on Saturday. Sunday Whitney had to go to the emergency room, she had a UTI, not fun. She is on the mend so that is good. Thom was sick most of the day that day, so he didn't get to enjoy his vacation. Isn't that the luck of it all. I hope Christmas is alot better.
Whit insisted on having the turkey leg

Getting ready to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner!!!!

Cutting down trees from the neighbor's yard

Can you believe it Whit doing dishes?! She actually is a very good helper. I appreciate all she does for me. I think I have a picture of me when I was little doing the dishes too.

The feast

2008-12-01T10:48:00.000-08:00

Whitney had her kindergarten feast Tuesday before Thanksgiving. All the kids decided whether they wanted to be a pilgrim or indian. She is the cutest indian. They made their food which was pumpkin pudding corn muffins and some kind of butter. Whitney shared with me the story of the pilgrims and the indians and how the pilgrims came across the sea in a boat named the cauliflower.

They had popcorn and raisins too.

This was whit's class and another class.

Under Water World

2008-11-24T14:31:00.000-08:00

I have been meaning to download these for awhile. For those who don't know Whitney, she is like a fish always wanting to go swimming. That was our favorite pass time during the summer. This pictures were taken by Thom with his underwater camera. I thought these were pretty cool. I think she is pretending to be a mermaid in these.

this is her funnest one. Doing a hand stand.

Home owners BEWARE!

2008-11-12T07:41:00.000-08:00

Okay I just feel you all should be aware of the shysters out there going door to door. Monday this guy comes to my door and tells me he is part of a new carpet cleaning company in the area and wanted to clean my carpets for free for word of mouth type advertisement and that it would only take 45 minutes. So luckily Thom was coming home early, so he could be there. Well let me tell you it was all a lie!!!!!! This other guy comes in with a Kirby vacuum that he ends up trying to sell me for 2,ooo dollars and the demo took 2 and a half hours. He wanted to vacuum my mattress. I'm telling you ignorance is bliss when it comes to what is in my mattress. Anyways, he's showing us how to use an attachment for our ceiling fan and ends up shattering the light fixture on our fan. Then it was time to compare our vacuum to theirs and of course we have an inferior vacuum because ours doesn't get all the baking soda out of our carpet, which by the way, he pours a whole box of. Then later I use my vaccuum again and there is still baking soda in my carpet.
Okay. now it is time for the financial guy to come in and throw some figures around. We already know we are going to say no, but he keeps at it until finally Thom had to tell him we are not interested. Don't get me wrong it is a great vaccuum, but we have some other things planned for that kind of money and we don't have it anyway right now. So they promise us they will buy us a new light fixture blah blah blah. Well since we didn't buy a vaccuum, they haven't been back with a new light fixture, suprise ,suprise.
They also don't leave any contact information because they want you to buy then and there so home owners beware!!!!!!!!!!!

Halloween week

2008-11-05T07:07:00.000-08:00

I don't have many pictures of Halloween because I forgot to bring my camera to some of the other events that went on during the week. Whitney had her class party and of course I forgot my camera. They had a parade for the k-2nd and we got to see all the different costumes. I was a volunteer for the party, so I helped with the craft. Whitney thought she was so cool because her mom was there and her friend's moms weren't there. Hats off to teachers because 22 kids is alot to handle day in and day out. I was exhausted by the end of the party. The kids had a good time.
Thursday we went on a scavenger hunt to all the businesses on the square and Whit got lots of candy (just what she needs more of). Then that night we went to Edwardsville to trick or treat with friends over there because they have a parade on Halloween night. So naturally I don't bring my camera to either one of the events.
Friday was actually Halloween and that is what these pictures are from. We went with some friends and had a good time. Whitney has 3 bags full of candy. I thinks some of that will accidently disappear. Anyway, the week was full of fun and candy!!!!!

Whit actually trick or treating

Whit with Carlin and Allie getting ready to go

Trunk or treat

2008-10-28T07:17:00.000-07:00

Every year our ward gets together with the other ward in our building and have a chili cook off and activities for the children. We also have a trunk decorating contest. Our trunk won most elaborate. I didn't put a picture up because I didn't get a good one. We had alot of fun just eating and hanging out with our family ward. I don't think the dogs had a good time, but oh well.

Sam is batdog and Bowser is the joker. Don't they look so excited to be dressed up?

Don't ask me what I am, I just dressed up for the fun of it.

Here we are ready to get going to the trunk or treat.

Thom is an engineer from a video game he plays called team fortess. Unfortunately all the kids thought he was Bob the builder. It must have been the hard hat.

Whit wanted to be a pretty witch, not a mean ugly one.

The pumpkin patch

2008-10-14T08:55:00.001-07:00

We went to the Highland Pumpkin Patch, but I have to tell you there wasn't a pumpkin patch in sight. Whitney had a good time playing the games and riding the train and hayride. We were glad the weather was so nice. They had about 5 different games to do and face painting. It was nice to visit once.

Tossing the bean bags into the bat
Enjoying the hayride

Whitney found this idea and wanted to try it. Cute huh? Oranges and jello

I've been tagged!

2008-10-10T12:54:00.000-07:00

A) The rules are posted at the beginning.

B) Each person answers questions about their sweethearts.

C) At the end of the post, the person then tags people and posts their names; then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment, letting them know they have been tagged.

So my friend Micah tagged me to answer some questions about my husband.

What is your husbands name? Thomas Neil Lightle Jr.

How long have you guys been married? 7 years

How long did you date? 7 months and engaged for 4 months

How old is he? 31

Who is taller? Thom is

Who eats more sweets? Definitely me

Who said I love you first? I think I did

Who can sing best? Probably him

Who is smarter? definitely Thom

Who does laundry? I do

Who pays the bills? Ido

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I do

Who mows the lawn? Mostly Thom, but I do sometimes

Who cooks dinner? I do

Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? I am because I am wrong a lot!

Who kissed who first? same time

Who wears the pants? definitely me :)

So I tag Heather Brimhall, Heather Roccazella, and Camille to tell us about their wonderful husbands!

Menace at Large

2008-09-28T17:49:00.000-07:00

This is a public service announcement. Bowser "The Koopa King" Lightle is wanted in connection to a string of incidents centered around the Northwest Manor section of Highland, IL. Known aliases for this dog are "Toots McGee" and "Bew Bew Biggles". Some of the crimes he is wanted for include the following: Excessive gassiness, fence-jumping, and extreme face-licking. His most recent offense occurred on the 27th of September at 8:30 PM. The police were called to report a dog that was barking in his yard. The police visited the residence of the Lightle family where a birthday party was being held and informed the homeowner of the complaint. The homeowner and his guests were really bummed out by this. It seems that this criminal puppy doesn't care about what pain and suffering he leaves in his wake and must be stopped immediately. If anyone has seen this puppy, notify police right away so he can be fitted with an anti-bark collar. Be warned, he is armed with very stinky toots and will not hesitate to use them to get away from you.

Thom's Birthday

2008-09-28T17:20:00.000-07:00

So Thom has given me permission to let everyone know how old he is. He is 31. I can't believe how time flies. He teases me and says that "I will always be younger than you." Which is true. We went to dinner and then had a few friends over and the missionaries. It was fun just sitting around shooting the breeze and playing rockband. Good times.

Leah, Virginia, Lark, and the missionaries. Thom trying to hold his excitment in, wondering what is in the package.

Thom faked me out when I was trying to take a pic of him blowing out the candles.

Whitney and Carlin overseeing the whole blowing out the candles thing.