tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87176585814652739622024-03-13T05:30:44.734-07:00TODD and ANNIE"THE GREAT USE OF LIFE IS TO SPEND IT FOR SOMETHING THAT WILL OUTLAST IT."
-William JamesTODD + ANNIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14522069733313883205noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717658581465273962.post-69021056019509140992012-12-17T15:11:00.000-08:002012-12-17T15:19:57.828-08:00A Birthday and a Colonoscopy, yay!What do a Birthday and a colonoscopy have in common? Nothing, or atleast they shouldn't, specially when you are two. But for Atticus, he got a colonoscopy for his third birthday! Many of you know the story by now but for those friends and family who don't I will give you the update. For months, like 8 or 9 months, I noticed Gus had some bleeding. I mentioned it to our pediatrician who felt confident it was typical and something most kids do at some point. When I told her it wasn't going away she wanted me to try removing gluten from his diet. I was one hundred percent sure his problem was not a food allergy so I ignored her request and feeling a little frustrated with her, I went for a new route. Long story short, after a few doctors, a lot of headache and endless phone calls, I got him into a Pediatric Gastroenterologist Specialist at Primary Children's.
After an exam and some talking, his initial response to me was similar to that of the pediatrician which was, the bleeding was most likely due to constipation, hemorrhoids or fissures and I could tell he was about ready to send me home. So I told him more and expressed my concern and he finally asked if I felt like Gus needed a colonoscopy? Now obviously, a colonoscopy on a two year old is not ideal and the doctor expressed he rarely, if ever, had done one on someone so little but I couldn't leave what was my best possible source of help with no answers so I said yes, and five days later we went for it.
Atticus handled the process of cleansing before hand like a champ and it went better than I expected. Kids really are amazing. The things you think are going to be hard for them usually don't phase them, and then the insignificant, "cut their sandwich up wrong" type of situations are what make them come unglued! Ha. Anyhow, two days of laxatives, 30 hours of fasting and I was headed to the hospital with a tired, hungry confused little boy.
It was a long day at the hospital before they finally put him under and I really couldn't believe the strength and courage I saw in him. Gus has been potty trained since June but I was worried with all the cleansing medication this might throw him off. He never had one accident. He would say his belly hurt and run to the potty over and over, but never had an accident. He was trying so hard to be pleasant and obedient still even though he had no clue why on earth I was doing this to him. When they tried to take his clothes off and put on scrubs he finally lost it and broke down saying he WAS NOT going to sleep there! They gave him a sedative which calmed him down and the anesthesiologist came out with bubbles and a flashlight to distract him and take him from my arms. (Can I just say, that hospital is amazing and the staff have the science of distraction down! What a blessing to have that facility.)
An hour later, the doctor came out with pictures of the procedure and there it was. In the last 30 seconds of the ten minute colonoscopy, he found a polyp growing in his colon. It was a good size and had obviously been there for a fair amount of time. They were able to do a polypectomy right then and there to remove it and they sent us home telling us they would do a biopsy on the growth to make sure it wasn't malignant and let us know later that week.
It was a long week. I didn't sleep.
Even though I felt at peace and the doctor felt confident it wouldn't be cancerous, he followed that statement up with, "But you just really never know till a biopsy is done."
Thankfully by Friday we got the call that it came back benign and he should be free and clear with no more problems! So it was time to party! Literally. Thursday was his birthday so we took him swimming but Friday, once we heard good news and could relax, his grandparents all came and his Aunt Jane and we had a great three year old pirate party!
It felt very appropriate to celebrate his little three years of life on the day we got good news. I feel beyond blessed. I felt like the Lord opened the doors I needed to get him seen by the people he needed to. Two days before the colonoscopy I was feeling guilty and worried that I was about to put him through something pretty dramatic for nothing. I had a lot of people telling me their kids had similar type problems and it went away. But the Lord blessed me with the wisdom to move forward with it and I am so, so glad now we did.
I have never felt that much love for both of my children as I did in those five days of waiting to hear back on the lab results. I couldn't hold them, kiss them or love them enough.
My heart is different from this experience. I got a small taste of how it might feel to watch a child suffer from illness, and fear losing them. I am grateful it didn't turn into anything that serious. And I don't know how people go through such challenges but if you are or have, you are amazing and the Lord is surely mindful of you.
Soooo....Happy Birthday Atticus! We love you, oh so much. You and your sister are the light of our lives and I already know your little soul is so much stronger and mightier than mine. But I am grateful you are ours to raise! xoxo
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TODD + ANNIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14522069733313883205noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717658581465273962.post-13393640368086140182012-04-12T09:19:00.005-07:002012-04-12T09:41:00.011-07:00Lucy Jane CrowtherLucy Jane born April 5th... <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bE_I6Wq7xlc/T4cBP1aK0oI/AAAAAAAAAeY/ViCDB_6T91g/s1600/lucy%2Bface%2Bshot.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bE_I6Wq7xlc/T4cBP1aK0oI/AAAAAAAAAeY/ViCDB_6T91g/s320/lucy%2Bface%2Bshot.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730550422398751362" /></a><br />all 6lbs 15 oz 18 in. long.<br /><br />There is nothing like bringing a baby into the world, or witnessing a baby being brought into the world. I don't care how or where you do it. It doesn't matter if it is in a hospital or in a shack, with medications or without. It always has been and always will be <span style="font-style:italic;">sacred</span>. The second that baby is delivered and their first little cry fills the air, the only possible reaction is to cry along with them. Overwhelming tears of exhaustion...joy...love...and reaffirmation that God is good. <br /><br />DAY OLD CHILD<br />My day-old child lay in my arms.<br />With my lips against her ear<br />I whisper strongly, "How I wish-<br />I wish that you could hear;<br /><br />"I've a hundred wonderful things to say<br />(A tiny cough and a nod)<br />Hurry, hurry, hurry and grow<br />So I can tell you about God."<br /><br />My day-old baby's mouth was still<br />And my words only tickled her ear.<br />But a kind of light passed through her eyes,<br />And I saw this thought appear:<br /><br />"How I wish I had a voice and words;<br />I've a hundred things to say.<br />Before I forget I'd tell you of God<br />I left Him yesterday."<br /><br />-Carol Lynn Pearson, <span style="font-style:italic;">Beginnings</span>TODD + ANNIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14522069733313883205noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717658581465273962.post-17348380745227584422011-11-15T15:42:00.000-08:002011-11-15T16:29:29.549-08:00A Man's ManSo it all started with growing a beard about a month ago. Actually, it all started with a lucky (expensive) permit. <br /><br />Then came the beard. And lots of anticipation and preperation for....the big limited entry elk hunt! <br /><br />Let's be honest, me trying to give the long, exciting details of Todd's hunt would be like Todd trying to give the long, exciting details of childbirth. Completely unnatural and inconceivable. So the short of it from me is....<br /><br />They had the adventure of a life time. <br />A true "man's man" experience!(Complete with a discovery that lead to a police investigation over a case that has been unknown for years! Seriously!)<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yWZm4T_L34w/TsL9sA9KpnI/AAAAAAAAAeA/MVKUVPjjY7U/s1600/best%2Belk.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yWZm4T_L34w/TsL9sA9KpnI/AAAAAAAAAeA/MVKUVPjjY7U/s320/best%2Belk.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675377413052868210" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qK38qluTcO4/TsL95wnQSlI/AAAAAAAAAeM/1AFdl6Z0t2k/s1600/group.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qK38qluTcO4/TsL95wnQSlI/AAAAAAAAAeM/1AFdl6Z0t2k/s320/group.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675377649184164434" /></a><br />Thanks to the guys who went to help him out and an even bigger shout out to the wives that shared their men!TODD + ANNIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14522069733313883205noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717658581465273962.post-65622263000671202742011-10-31T12:59:00.000-07:002011-10-31T13:17:52.183-07:00Happy to announce....It's a girl. A <em>girl</em>. <br /><br />I could say the words over and over. <br /><br />April 5.2012.<br /><br />xoxoTODD + ANNIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14522069733313883205noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717658581465273962.post-30084716579263675322011-08-24T14:32:00.000-07:002011-08-24T16:00:50.564-07:00Summertime and the living is easy...Unless, that is, you have been so busy it has nearly come and gone and you don't remember what you did! That is about what our summer has been. A whirlwind. We started early on with some serious landscaping, which involved an entire sprinkler system (nice work uncle Vic!), lots and lots of raking and rock picking up, putting in borders, moving around top soil and hydroseeding. Pray for our nearly half acre lawn that by next spring it will look like a lawn, not a field!
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<br />We have fit in a few vacations, but not as much as we would like. My highlight was D.C. as mentioned earlier. Beyond the usual tour of our Nation's capitol, my new must see is Monticello. You won't be disappointed!
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<br />Atticus has become a little boy this summer! I absolutely love this stage. It is beyond busy and exhausting but oh. so. cute.
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<br />We did find the time to hike the Oakley trail. It is kind of fun to see your hometown from above. Atticus enjoyed the ride. And he was thrilled to see that grandpa found a jellybean growing in his ear.
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<br />This picture was early June and he has grown so much since!
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<br />Our baby boy is seriously transforming into a little boy. He speaks in nearly full sentences now which is so weird to me! I love it when he catches me off guard. Like when I sneeze and hear a little, "Bless you mama" from the other room. He is so full of life and has such a sweet, curious, happy disposition. TODD + ANNIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14522069733313883205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717658581465273962.post-49445452785838301552011-07-15T13:04:00.000-07:002011-07-15T13:26:59.094-07:00Leavin' on a Jet Plane...Just a few more days and I will be visiting here...<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ft-TocLUGyQ/TiCd4VUk8oI/AAAAAAAAAco/bJAOxsLN8Qg/s1600/0-washington-dc_master%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 249px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ft-TocLUGyQ/TiCd4VUk8oI/AAAAAAAAAco/bJAOxsLN8Qg/s320/0-washington-dc_master%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629673125334807170" /></a><br />To see her...<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5pkbq1T1gLA/TiCd35UzROI/AAAAAAAAAcg/8B9asZM1jfs/s1600/n657305055_2194992_6675%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 202px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5pkbq1T1gLA/TiCd35UzROI/AAAAAAAAAcg/8B9asZM1jfs/s320/n657305055_2194992_6675%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629673117819552994" /></a><br />Feeling free like this...<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qpYGpBavbV8/TiCd35lOkTI/AAAAAAAAAcY/6d2Q4gj95EU/s1600/n556001963_680723_7924%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qpYGpBavbV8/TiCd35lOkTI/AAAAAAAAAcY/6d2Q4gj95EU/s320/n556001963_680723_7924%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629673117888450866" /></a><br />Free because I will not have a diaper bag hanging on me and free because nothing reminds me of the liberties I enjoy every day like a trip to our Nation's Capitol! That is right. I am leaving Todd with Atticus. I guess I should say I am leaving Atticus with Todd. Otherwise, it sounds like Atticus is the one in charge. Either way, it feels strange to be leaving my boys but I can't wait to see my sister and visit one of my most favorite places on earth. We live in an amazing country!!TODD + ANNIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14522069733313883205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717658581465273962.post-26516649948350923212011-06-20T15:16:00.000-07:002011-06-20T15:57:25.682-07:00Words I wish he didn't know...Every now and then, life throws a curve ball. Sometimes it is to keep it exciting, sometimes to learn a lesson, sometimes to wake us up, sometimes for reasons unkown. Last Thursday we had one thrown at us, and I feel it was for lesson(s) to be learned.<br /><br />Lessons I learned:<br /><br /><strong>There is a first for everything, so be prepared. </strong> He had never climbed onto the counter before, so I turned my back to a hot stove.<br /><strong>Nothing in the world is as important as he is.</strong> Slow down, stop trying to do it all. Distraction is deadly with a toddler.<br /><strong>Watching your child in <em>real </em>pain is nearly unbareable. </strong> Enough said.<br /><strong>Don't wait for a scare to renew your deep gratitude for what you hold dear.</strong> The thoughts of how bad it could have been make me sick.<br /><strong>Accidents do happen, forgive yourself</strong> All the love in the world doesn't ban heartache from happening....now and then.<br /><br />Lessons he learned:<br /><br /><strong>The real meaning of hot.</strong> Luckily the stove had been off for a few minutes, or this lesson may have been a little too harsh.<br /><strong>The words "<em>burn</em>" and "<em>bubble ouchy</em>"</strong> (blisters).<br /><br /><br />I am grateful for prayer. I am grateful for Priesthood holders. I am grateful it wasn't worse. I am grateful he is on the mend.<br /><br />I promised myself when I started this blog it would be real. Not for show, not to impress. Well, here is real life as a mom. And this mom is grateful for the lessons we learned.TODD + ANNIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14522069733313883205noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717658581465273962.post-11388914360948931822011-04-29T09:42:00.000-07:002011-04-29T09:55:46.269-07:00This took me back....Every once in a while if I have a hard time falling asleep, which is not very often, I will listen to my ipod. A few of my favorite artists I could listen to day and night, over and over are Sara Bareilles, Nora Jones and John Mayer. Well, the other night, I thought I would mix things up and put my ipod to shuffle. I turned off my lamp, closed my eyes and hit play. Low and behold I heard this....<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HtqZVO61gmA/TbrrxKvDZnI/AAAAAAAAAcM/dMoJcF3PKyo/s1600/nsync_usa_cover%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 304px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HtqZVO61gmA/TbrrxKvDZnI/AAAAAAAAAcM/dMoJcF3PKyo/s320/nsync_usa_cover%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601048316516460146" /></a><br /><br />Not just any Nsync song but the song....God Must Have Spent A Little More Time On You. I have to admit, it put a smile on my face and took me back to my younger days. It is so funny how music will do that to you. Now I know you are probably laughing at me, thinking less of me or seriously questioning my taste in music but come on... this was a good song.<br /><br />****Unless you are in junior high and slow dancing with a member of the opposite sex, with straight arms, 2 feet away from each other, taking baby steps. Then this is a <em>painfully</em> long song.TODD + ANNIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14522069733313883205noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717658581465273962.post-46962286087908202122011-04-19T12:54:00.000-07:002011-04-19T13:08:03.781-07:00I will warn you....<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--n3gfsTCRhU/Ta3rjp2x9PI/AAAAAAAAAcE/8YEh-ZljOvg/s1600/SDIM0698.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--n3gfsTCRhU/Ta3rjp2x9PI/AAAAAAAAAcE/8YEh-ZljOvg/s320/SDIM0698.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597388909654963442" /></a><br />I heard many different warnings from people about having a boy....<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fqQFukaFLog/Ta3ri7RmL0I/AAAAAAAAAb8/bba4KefQP0k/s1600/SDIM0670.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fqQFukaFLog/Ta3ri7RmL0I/AAAAAAAAAb8/bba4KefQP0k/s320/SDIM0670.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597388897150971714" /></a><br />But no one warned he would steal my heart.TODD + ANNIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14522069733313883205noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717658581465273962.post-75472260394638533332011-03-22T08:53:00.000-07:002011-03-22T10:08:29.259-07:00We have a walker!We may be nearly 16 months but we finally decided to walk! And he finally is getting more than 4 teeth. We have been a little behind in those two departments, making me feel like I still had a baby, but having this little person walking around my house suddenly makes me wonder where my baby went! It is so cute though. Don't mind me...it was a Saturday morning. It is only appropriate I am still in pajamas with no makeup on! He is the star here anyway! <br /><br />I love his little head bobble midway across the room. It was a good save!<br /><OBJECT id=BLOG_video-a1e874f3a151ce06 class=BLOG_video_class width=320 height=266 contentId="a1e874f3a151ce06"></OBJECT><br /><br />One of his newest tricks is to fold his arms for prayers...oh and slap his bare belly!<br /><br /><OBJECT id=BLOG_video-170183228a65977d class=BLOG_video_class width=320 height=266 contentId="170183228a65977d"></OBJECT><br /><br />I know to some people, they look at a post like this and think "ya ya, I am so sick of moms thinking their kids are so special! All kids do this stuff!" But it is such a different story when you witness this little being from before birth grow and develop. Every new word, movement, understanding is a miracle in your eyes!TODD + ANNIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14522069733313883205noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717658581465273962.post-11544482162196268252011-02-20T19:59:00.000-08:002011-02-20T20:17:52.658-08:00Happy President's Day...Tomorrow I will be grateful for the men who have served the United States of America as President. While I don't respect them all equally for their policies or leadership, I am grateful for the service each of them have rendured in our behalf. It is no easy thing to be the President of our great Nation. Whether you consider yourself "political" or not, I hope you think of your favorite President and why you respect his legacy. Then go and live it. <br /><br /><br />Ronald Reagan<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yRPusgLGb30/TWHli8k6cEI/AAAAAAAAAbM/4FW5O7ztBXs/s1600/rr_osfront%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 252px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yRPusgLGb30/TWHli8k6cEI/AAAAAAAAAbM/4FW5O7ztBXs/s320/rr_osfront%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575990202200649794" /></a><br /><br />All great change in America begins at the dinner table. <br />-Ronald Reagan <br /><br />Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same. <br />-Ronald Reagan <br /><br />Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged. <br />-Ronald Reagan <br /><br />I know in my heart that man is good. That what is right will always eventually triumph. And there's purpose and worth to each and every life. <br />-Ronald ReaganTODD + ANNIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14522069733313883205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717658581465273962.post-84831268728369490482011-02-04T13:45:00.001-08:002011-02-04T14:37:59.048-08:00Isn't it ironic...don't ya think<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TUx1gSdWx6I/AAAAAAAAAbE/r_xLqoYUg1U/s1600/262185-22611-15%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TUx1gSdWx6I/AAAAAAAAAbE/r_xLqoYUg1U/s320/262185-22611-15%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569956036721690530" /></a><br />Me joining a book club would be like Todd joining Weight Watchers...highly unlikely and almost contradicting. Not that there is anything wrong with book clubs, or Weight Watcher's. It's just if you don't swim, it's not natural to join the swimteam, you know? Soooo...here is the ironic part. One of us did join the club. I won't leave you guessing which one of us it was.... me. I joined a book club. <br /><br />I don't read. I could count on my one hand the number of books I have VOLUNTARILY read in my life. (School can't count.) The irony in that is I LOVED every single one of those books and finished them in no time. So why don't I read? Good question. All I know is I have 378 pages to read in the next few days before the big gathering. Intimidating. I have forewarned the gals about my dillemma with joining a book club and they all swore they wouldn't kick me out if I didn't get the books read in time. We shall see. If they do, I guess I will join Atticus in his book club. <br /><br /> THE BABY BOOK CLUB<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TUx1biuosVI/AAAAAAAAAa8/DApBF0LFgkc/s1600/baby-book-club%255B1%255D.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 217px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TUx1biuosVI/AAAAAAAAAa8/DApBF0LFgkc/s320/baby-book-club%255B1%255D.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569955955189789010" /></a>TODD + ANNIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14522069733313883205noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717658581465273962.post-6841707469824917872011-01-20T12:21:00.000-08:002011-01-20T21:41:49.785-08:0024<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TTif3iGZbaI/AAAAAAAAAag/DWnKFtY4kjI/s1600/best%2Bfriends.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TTif3iGZbaI/AAAAAAAAAag/DWnKFtY4kjI/s320/best%2Bfriends.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564373116011507106" /></a><br />Starting the new year off with a whole new age is kind of fun. It always makes me reflect on my blessings of the past years. This time I came up with a lot, 24 infact. So here are the top 24 highlights of my life, or shall I say blessings:<br />1. Being born to goodly parents<br />2. A magical childhood in Oakley<br />3. Christmas vacations in Mexico<br />4. Belonging to two wonderful exteneded families<br />5. Experiencing a family band<br />6. My membership in the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints<br />7. Wonderful highschool friends<br />8. Moving away from home<br />9. Marrying Todd (*Thanks to our dear friends Adam and Kenzie)<br />10. Learning to live on next to nothing with Todd :)<br />11. Graduating from college<br />12. A belated Hawaiian Honeymoon<br />13. Getting a "real job"<br />14. Traveling to Europe<br />15. Buying our first home in Oakley<br />16. Remodeling <br />17. My first positive pregnancy test<br />18. Quitting my "real job"<br />19. Giving birth to Atticus<br />20. Teaching violin and guitar from home<br />21. My husbands employment through a rough economy (truly blessed)<br />22. A rekindled friendship<br />23. Good health<br />24. The blessings of being a mother<br /><br />Life has been so good to me. I see the Lord's hand in everything our little family has been given and I am truly grateful. I am grateful for my friends and family that made this birthday a special one! Nothing like thoughtful cards and gifts from loved ones, a homemade birthday cake, a relaxing pedicure, a long day of skiing,an evening of shopping without complaints from your husband and a homecooked meal from mom on your birthday! Love you all.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TTigEtcI9II/AAAAAAAAAao/zu5vjBa89f8/s1600/drying%2Btoes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TTigEtcI9II/AAAAAAAAAao/zu5vjBa89f8/s320/drying%2Btoes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564373342393791618" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TTigRmZ7SrI/AAAAAAAAAaw/AorAM5JLr_w/s1600/mom%2Band%2BAtticus.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TTigRmZ7SrI/AAAAAAAAAaw/AorAM5JLr_w/s320/mom%2Band%2BAtticus.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564373563843758770" /></a>TODD + ANNIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14522069733313883205noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717658581465273962.post-71876869640183229462011-01-03T08:21:00.000-08:002011-01-03T08:24:15.914-08:004 Years and counting.....<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TSH3svy7YAI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/s3J-mPR6RBY/s1600/165140_10150358243340512_646455511_16816836_2043862_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TSH3svy7YAI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/s3J-mPR6RBY/s320/165140_10150358243340512_646455511_16816836_2043862_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557995763268280322" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TSH3st92FLI/AAAAAAAAAaI/KBxOrnyk2q4/s1600/165140_10150358243335512_646455511_16816835_4342495_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TSH3st92FLI/AAAAAAAAAaI/KBxOrnyk2q4/s320/165140_10150358243335512_646455511_16816835_4342495_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557995762777199794" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TSH3sTYMbqI/AAAAAAAAAaA/RToHRZsdxNI/s1600/165140_10150358243325512_646455511_16816834_3326300_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TSH3sTYMbqI/AAAAAAAAAaA/RToHRZsdxNI/s320/165140_10150358243325512_646455511_16816834_3326300_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557995755639959202" /></a><br />Todd and I celebrated our 4th Anniversary on December 27th! Pretty amazing. Chris and Lizi joined us seeing how they were celebrating their 3rd the day after. We tried out the infamous Ruth's Chris.TODD + ANNIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14522069733313883205noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717658581465273962.post-48592341440389000142010-12-25T23:57:00.000-08:002010-12-25T23:57:50.917-08:00Can you believe it?Our baby turned ONE on December 6th!<br /><br /><div style='text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;'><a href='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TRb1ekmtwWI/AAAAAAAAAZg/uszwXYsF4hQ/s1600/SDIM0639.JPG'><img src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TRb1ekmtwWI/AAAAAAAAAZg/uszwXYsF4hQ/s320/SDIM0639.JPG' border='0' alt='' /></a> </div><br /><div style='text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;'><a href='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TRb1e_se34I/AAAAAAAAAZo/jdw1hmrUT9Y/s1600/SDIM0626.JPG'><img src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TRb1e_se34I/AAAAAAAAAZo/jdw1hmrUT9Y/s320/SDIM0626.JPG' border='0' alt='' /></a> </div><br /><div style='text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;'><a href='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TRb1fComSuI/AAAAAAAAAZw/xYzPr0xDqVo/s1600/SDIM0635.JPG'><img src='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TRb1fComSuI/AAAAAAAAAZw/xYzPr0xDqVo/s320/SDIM0635.JPG' border='0' alt='' /></a> </div><br />He was the most careful cake eater I have ever seen! I love these pictures because it sums up our baby boy. He is happy, sensitive, curious and sweet. We thank our Heavenly Father daily for sending him to us. The first year has been full of love, blessings and laughter. I can't wait to see what our future with Atticus holds. Happy first Birthday!<div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>TODD + ANNIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14522069733313883205noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717658581465273962.post-28867218171167949102010-11-25T08:56:00.001-08:002010-11-25T09:03:13.239-08:00Happppppy......<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TO6VcrJyNCI/AAAAAAAAAZU/5qJwqni0Tgw/s1600/IMG_6127.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TO6VcrJyNCI/AAAAAAAAAZU/5qJwqni0Tgw/s320/IMG_6127.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543532511192298530" /></a><br />Halloween, yes Halloween. I realize I am posting this Thanksgiving morning, but what can I say. We are a little behind! Maybe we will take a picture today and post it for you on Christmas. While I am at it, HAPPY THANKSGIVING! My favorite holiday. Lots to be grateful for today. Love you all!TODD + ANNIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14522069733313883205noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717658581465273962.post-65427911916277060912010-09-22T14:33:00.000-07:002010-09-22T14:38:24.713-07:00Photo Shoot with MomI am more grateful for my sweet baby boy everyday. Grateful for his health, grateful for his presence in our home, and grateful for the humbling experience of being his momma. Happy 9 months Atticus! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TJp3JNYTy0I/AAAAAAAAAZM/LjpWjmAopBM/s1600/SDIM0456.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TJp3JNYTy0I/AAAAAAAAAZM/LjpWjmAopBM/s320/SDIM0456.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519855293390113602" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TJp3IpCmFLI/AAAAAAAAAZE/4L0U9u0jhH8/s1600/SDIM0454.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TJp3IpCmFLI/AAAAAAAAAZE/4L0U9u0jhH8/s320/SDIM0454.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519855283635360946" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TJp3IGgXWKI/AAAAAAAAAY8/4xO-WjIOcy0/s1600/SDIM0450.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TJp3IGgXWKI/AAAAAAAAAY8/4xO-WjIOcy0/s320/SDIM0450.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519855274364983458" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TJp3HQDjXGI/AAAAAAAAAY0/IZX1yOjBT1s/s1600/SDIM0447.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TJp3HQDjXGI/AAAAAAAAAY0/IZX1yOjBT1s/s320/SDIM0447.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519855259748621410" /></a>TODD + ANNIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14522069733313883205noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717658581465273962.post-72638899735278003152010-06-10T09:56:00.000-07:002010-06-10T11:19:12.425-07:00Bouncin' Baby BoyChillin on grandpas shoulder.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TBEpsZTKAfI/AAAAAAAAAYk/RYVhzkFxxa0/s1600/L1050485.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TBEpsZTKAfI/AAAAAAAAAYk/RYVhzkFxxa0/s320/L1050485.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481208064168821234" /></a><br />You don't have to work to hard to get big smiles from this boy!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TBEpriC8o_I/AAAAAAAAAYc/bme0gmQ0IIg/s1600/L1050505.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/TBEpriC8o_I/AAAAAAAAAYc/bme0gmQ0IIg/s320/L1050505.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481208049336886258" /></a><br />Atticus thinks his daddy is the funniest person on earth. Check out these adorable giggles! It is my favorite sound in the world. I love when he gets that serious face between his bouts of laughter!! I dare you to watch this and not smile. I think it is impossible. <br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwgDXp8tAEkxgPJ4TKO3gUP0jxT23UUXILIksp5Ri-QKO7CiIZkr4no1CtGzOKEKIMVXYbJ3q-qLJxLVaAg3g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy7PoNHp_QwxvLs_tK1-FYDDwssOiFPOWuJKN4aBF8gxqt8v6qcfHt9bDpg5bLzuNxak7q5hV9ciFTYZDi1ig' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>TODD + ANNIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14522069733313883205noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717658581465273962.post-87523096908165523132010-05-24T14:08:00.000-07:002010-05-24T14:17:23.145-07:00Atticus 5 months<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S_rr4A63PoI/AAAAAAAAAYU/fzfmDGg7Og4/s1600/IMG_3346.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S_rr4A63PoI/AAAAAAAAAYU/fzfmDGg7Og4/s320/IMG_3346.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474947644574350978" /></a><br />This is actually a picture of Atticus at 4 months old but we have a video that we will be posting shortly!TODD + ANNIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14522069733313883205noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717658581465273962.post-38365381148338635382010-05-17T16:54:00.000-07:002010-05-17T17:09:27.194-07:00Bon Appetit!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S_HXQJng2hI/AAAAAAAAAX8/jhcUpR0yDBQ/s1600/31098_10150181135645512_646455511_12711717_943623_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S_HXQJng2hI/AAAAAAAAAX8/jhcUpR0yDBQ/s320/31098_10150181135645512_646455511_12711717_943623_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472391694691392018" /></a><br />This amazing fruit tart was made by my friend Lizi. Ok, I helped beautify it by putting some fresh fruit on it, but I am just the sous-chef. She is the real deal! If you don't own her mom's cookbook, you need to! I truly don't know how I lived without. It is filled with the most simple, but incredible recipes. I promise you will love it!!! If you buy it, I will let you know what recipes have been my favorite so far. More than anything I love what she stands for in her book. She is all about getting families back to the dinner table. She makes you feel capable of being superwoman, getting everything done in your day and still having a fabulous dinner ready when your man gets home. She has a theme night for each day of the week, and on each recipes she has some great conversation starters to have with your kids. Going by the 2 week meal plan really does help you save money too. I am so glad she put forth all the effort to make her cookbook, because I truly love it!<br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S_HYHFdtN6I/AAAAAAAAAYE/-X3mWvw9SX4/s1600/FoodNannyBOOK_shdw.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S_HYHFdtN6I/AAAAAAAAAYE/-X3mWvw9SX4/s320/FoodNannyBOOK_shdw.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472392638469322658" /></a>TODD + ANNIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14522069733313883205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717658581465273962.post-23721726327039778042010-03-11T15:43:00.001-08:002010-03-11T16:04:12.884-08:00Atticus Has A Question...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S5mD1qBK8jI/AAAAAAAAAXs/5qCM7oaBYiM/s1600-h/P2012439.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S5mD1qBK8jI/AAAAAAAAAXs/5qCM7oaBYiM/s320/P2012439.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447530182116831794" /></a><br />"Can someone explain to me how I am <span style="font-style:italic;">ALREADY 3 months</span> old?"<br /><br /><br />So much has happened since Atticus was born that I realized I haven't blogged about. We've been skiing, we went to some concerts, our house flooded, we had a 3 year anniversary, I picked up 8 violin and guitar students (all cute as can be), we celebrated my 23 birthday..... but none of it seems quite as exciting to me as baby! Sometimes, I have to make myself get up and walk away from this baby boy because I can't stop kissing him, I lack the self control! He just gets cuter everyday. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S5mA-7p-EDI/AAAAAAAAAXk/AaBZAql9blA/s1600-h/IMGP3905.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S5mA-7p-EDI/AAAAAAAAAXk/AaBZAql9blA/s320/IMGP3905.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447527042935296050" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S5mA-aItefI/AAAAAAAAAXc/WHk6Je8epKA/s1600-h/IMGP3861.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S5mA-aItefI/AAAAAAAAAXc/WHk6Je8epKA/s320/IMGP3861.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447527033937426930" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S5mA93dgtZI/AAAAAAAAAXU/NdL0jEAjPTQ/s1600-h/IMGP3863.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S5mA93dgtZI/AAAAAAAAAXU/NdL0jEAjPTQ/s320/IMGP3863.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447527024629429650" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S5mA9dpKL9I/AAAAAAAAAXM/jW1YQ8FRW-8/s1600-h/IMGP3889.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S5mA9dpKL9I/AAAAAAAAAXM/jW1YQ8FRW-8/s320/IMGP3889.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447527017698963410" /></a><br />A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E.TODD + ANNIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14522069733313883205noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717658581465273962.post-61659836953461095452010-02-18T21:01:00.000-08:002010-02-18T21:28:58.391-08:00More Home MakeoverSo here is a long overdue post. We have taken a major break from remodeling since we had Atticus, and just dove back in last weekend, painting the kitchen. But below is some work we did pre-baby.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S34fpiRkgEI/AAAAAAAAAXE/YokR675tRi0/s1600-h/old+room.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S34fpiRkgEI/AAAAAAAAAXE/YokR675tRi0/s320/old+room.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439820198345736258" /></a><br />The picture above is the original nursery. Our bedroom basically looked the same. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S34eaabyuFI/AAAAAAAAAW8/lxkQn4uEEFI/s1600-h/atticus+room.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S34eaabyuFI/AAAAAAAAAW8/lxkQn4uEEFI/s320/atticus+room.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439818839031461970" /></a><br />And here is the new nursery! I think Atticus loves his room, which was finished just in the nick of time. Technically it is actually not finished, there is a mirror that goes on his dresser we still need to refinish. But compared to what we have done, that is nothing! My paint selection always worries Todd, but in the end I think he is happy. I love the color in Atticus's room. It is called Mermaid's Net, which fits. Jane and I agree that the ultimate job would be naming paint colors!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S34eaLfuRQI/AAAAAAAAAW0/nJls1DWUgrc/s1600-h/crib.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S34eaLfuRQI/AAAAAAAAAW0/nJls1DWUgrc/s320/crib.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439818835021415682" /></a><br />Many wee babes have slept sweet dreams in this crib! It originally belonged to my cousin Whitney, who is now 24. (Can you believe we are that old Whit?) I think atleast 5 babies have slept in it since. Kind of fun, I think!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S34dUMkUWQI/AAAAAAAAAWs/9TkpJ7HTUSA/s1600-h/master.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S34dUMkUWQI/AAAAAAAAAWs/9TkpJ7HTUSA/s320/master.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439817632718280962" /></a><br />This is our new bedroom. It originally looked just like the other one with white walls and nasty old tan carpet. Literally every square inch of our bedrooms have been remodeled. It was a lot of work, but I am so happy with the finished product!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S34b2OxRtpI/AAAAAAAAAWk/hIs6j_J0Ci0/s1600-h/view771.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S34b2OxRtpI/AAAAAAAAAWk/hIs6j_J0Ci0/s320/view771.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439816018401801874" /></a><br />Oakley is a winter wonderland right now and it is so beautiful. This is the view out of our back door. I am loving winter this year. Part of it is having this sweet baby boy to just sit inside and snuggle with, and not feel guilty about staying indoors. The other part is that my yard is covered up with snow, hiding the loads of yard work we have coming our way this spring. There is an endless checklist of projects around this house! I don't know if I could buy an older home again, just because I know how much work it is to turn it into something you want. It exhausts me just to think about it. But I am SO glad we bought this house. It has been an adventure and I have loved putting our sweat and tears into it and seeing the outcome. <br />***And a shout out to Jane, Abby and Kati. Thanks for being Todd's construction crew while I was pregnant (and plump, Todd wanted to add). You were a huge help! I was just huge ;)TODD + ANNIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14522069733313883205noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717658581465273962.post-31522018854507467212010-02-10T19:16:00.000-08:002010-02-10T19:40:40.530-08:002 Months...Already?So....I swore to myself I wouldn't only talk about my baby on my blog. So far, I have failed miserably at that goal! I promise Todd and I are still alive and doing well. Atticus is so much more fun though, and twice as cute to look at! All I have talk about regarding me and Todd would be our house flooding and more construction on our house. Nothing too interesting. Soon enough, I will get some pictures of the newest remodels going on, but for now, I want to talk babies again. Somehow, it has been 2 months since Atticus was born. Crazy. He now weights 11 lbs. and is 23 inches long. <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S3N5q5ewKUI/AAAAAAAAAWU/njzTipmbk-M/s1600-h/bear+ears.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S3N5q5ewKUI/AAAAAAAAAWU/njzTipmbk-M/s320/bear+ears.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436822953057593666" /></a><br />This baby boy has beautiful eyes. <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S3N5rbiolKI/AAAAAAAAAWc/ffjWj-Tn0Mw/s1600-h/big+eyes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S3N5rbiolKI/AAAAAAAAAWc/ffjWj-Tn0Mw/s320/big+eyes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436822962200679586" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S3N39ZijQTI/AAAAAAAAAWM/9B7Ve6YihuA/s1600-h/mad+baby.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S3N39ZijQTI/AAAAAAAAAWM/9B7Ve6YihuA/s320/mad+baby.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436821071877849394" /></a><br />Let's be honest. Motherhood isn't always a bed of snuggles and sweet noises. I don't know how I got this picture, but when I found it on my camera it absolutely cracked me up. Just imagine the sound effects to this picture ;)<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S3N3CaMXgnI/AAAAAAAAAWE/ftKZIDrgzA0/s1600-h/with+mama.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S3N3CaMXgnI/AAAAAAAAAWE/ftKZIDrgzA0/s320/with+mama.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436820058440958578" /></a><br />I love being a mom.TODD + ANNIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14522069733313883205noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717658581465273962.post-88777921544792904802010-02-03T12:43:00.000-08:002010-02-03T12:48:30.772-08:00Do you need a love?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S2ngJr_cUBI/AAAAAAAAAV8/HJv88UJpYYE/s1600-h/ssssss.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S2ngJr_cUBI/AAAAAAAAAV8/HJv88UJpYYE/s320/ssssss.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434120882431479826" /></a><br />You've come to the right place. Atticus is such a snuggle bug. I love it! He has started smiling and cooing to himself, sooooo adorable. Baby sounds are seriously the sweetest sounds on earth, and in heaven, I am guessing!TODD + ANNIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14522069733313883205noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717658581465273962.post-369072872859238522010-01-25T14:34:00.000-08:002010-01-25T14:41:05.134-08:00Thankful<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S14dzXUVIKI/AAAAAAAAAV0/l1f69vUne-s/s1600-h/AAA.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 181px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_esBpb3XkEKI/S14dzXUVIKI/AAAAAAAAAV0/l1f69vUne-s/s320/AAA.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430810968925216930" /></a><br />Recent stories and experiences I have heard make me so grateful for my healthy, happy baby boy. It is a blessing and it is hard to understand why babies have to hurt or in some cases pass away. My momma heart aches for the parents that have to go through that. I have never felt this much love for such a small person.TODD + ANNIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14522069733313883205noreply@blogger.com3