tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116735462012-02-01T11:29:30.504-08:00Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.comBlogger8751100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-19606208199443260582012-01-11T13:33:00.001-08:002012-01-12T17:43:27.479-08:00

Yesterday was pretty awesome! Abbie went to school with Jackson, so I was officially down to one kid for three glorious hours! It started off a little sketchy. Elizabeth screamed the whole way home from dropping the kids off. She wanted to be held constantly after we got home. But after a good snack, I laid her down for an early nap and was completely kid-free for two hours. It took a

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-67428198400057931532011-12-29T06:29:00.000-08:002011-12-30T05:58:49.743-08:00

Little Baby Ellie is officially a year and a half old! We are consistently shocked at the things she can do. It's hard for us to say if she is doing things sooner because, as we were discussing last night, we probably expected a lot more from the other two at this age. Because when you have a newborn in the house, 18 months seems pretty grown up! Regardless, I still think she is pretty

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-1828323593743888912011-12-28T21:57:00.000-08:002012-01-01T20:01:35.255-08:00

I made a TON of gifts this year. I started back in April, took the summer off, then worked my rear off from mid-October til the week before Christmas. I think it was all worth it because, according to my not entirely precise gift spreadsheet, I spent half as much on gifts this year with a significantly longer list! Here's everything I made! 'Red Riding Hood' themed hooded scarf '

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-25389858302314629382011-12-28T14:06:00.001-08:002011-12-28T20:21:01.306-08:00

It sure is fun watching this little boy grow up! Trains and Toy Story interests are being joined by new fascinations with superheroes and matchbox cars! The new superhero interests have been especially fun. I love watching the cheesy old batman episodes, and thinking about all the fun room decoration and birthday party possibilities. He still loves playing with his trains and dressing up

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-64636885194978095842011-12-20T06:55:00.000-08:002011-12-29T06:59:50.585-08:00

Four and 1/4

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-86561619511569720682011-12-02T06:34:00.001-08:002011-12-02T19:21:23.284-08:00

My little super baby is almost a year and a half old! She is crazy amazing, always doing something that surprises me and makes me smile.  She says new words every day and seems to understand almost everything I say.  Last night, during a rare quiet moment, I asked her if she'd like me to read her a book.  Her eyes immediately lit up and she went running to find a book.  The one she wanted was

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-78596314233643986162011-11-28T09:55:00.001-08:002011-11-28T15:29:23.232-08:00

I need to share these pictures so I can feel justified that I did not waste my weekend slaving behind a sewing machine :)  I'm SO excited about how all of these turned out!!  Really nice to have a four-present success after last weekend's four-present failure! Fleece-lined giraffe blanket Hot pink brocade pillow with purple trim Corset insulated coffee cozy (first time using rivets, yay!)

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-43837765005234173942011-11-25T07:00:00.000-08:002011-11-25T22:05:40.944-08:00

Abbie, Abbie, Abbie. Where to begin. How do I even start to explain such a character? Abbie is happy! She has the cutest smile. She can barely contain her joy sometimes. Her Papa and Grandma and Great-Grandma (Maga) came to visit for Thanksgiving and when she and Jackson went to give their Maga a hug, she was so overcome with excitement that she fell to the floor wiggling and

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-22883187686218379492011-11-24T07:39:00.001-08:002011-11-24T08:15:22.351-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving by the way... But, more importantly :)  Jackson finished Disneyland last night!  Jackson, my brother Ryan and I went yesterday afternoon totally last minute!  I hurried to write down a list of the rides Jackson hadn't been on yet, and off we went!  Such a fun time! He's been asking to go on Splash Mountain for weeks.  CRYING about it for weeks.  Wanted to go SO bad, but I

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-12952948606423438182011-11-18T22:03:00.001-08:002011-11-18T22:08:02.825-08:00

I've reached a new low!  I am getting the kids' new Christmas bikes off Craigslist this year!  Santa is bringing USED bikes!  I feel like I should feel bad or embarrassed, but I can't stop smiling... it is AWESOME!!  I'm saving like $125 on two bikes!!  Coolest thing ever because the kids will never know the difference!  I'm on the search for a plasma car for Elizabeth next.  Somebody stole our

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-25206768950788729122011-11-16T07:09:00.001-08:002011-11-16T12:36:49.975-08:00

I've been very careful about when and how I ask Greg and the kids to help around the house.  Greg does not like to help clean, and it didn't take long for Jackson to start using his 'I'm too tired right now' excuse.  I knew that if I started trying to do an all family clean up effort too soon, it would mean nothing but frustration and disappointment for me.  Like, fighting them every single day

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-14650907609489737172011-11-13T15:57:00.001-08:002011-11-16T07:31:35.062-08:00

I feel like I just graduated from the nineties because I FINALLY figured out how to download fonts.  Yeah, I don't want to hear about it, I know, it's retarded, but I seriously haven't been able to figure it out for nearly two decades.  I was so excited to find a tutorial on pinterest this morning on how to make your own word art.  SO excited because there is a quote that I love, but couldn't

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-8607636880148351562011-11-07T21:56:00.000-08:002011-11-08T07:30:23.669-08:00

At times, when I was pregnant with Ellie, I was convinced that my life was over.  I'd been in the pregnancy/baby phase for so long... YEARS... completely abandoning any sense of self.  I knew the things I wanted to be, wanted to do, but it just wasn't possible.  There was NO TIME!  It felt... sad.  Even though all the sacrifices were for a good cause, for my little children, I couldn't help but

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-4495605518432024192011-10-30T09:35:00.000-07:002011-10-31T09:36:45.574-07:00

We went to the Great Park (aka the big orange balloon park) this week, and I carried Elizabeth less than half the time we were there.  She was running to catch up with the other kids, climbing the rock steps to go down the slide by herself.  She was reasonably focused on keeping up with all of us and not wandering aimlessly.  As I was watching her march around behind her brother and sister,

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-85850639813462371592011-10-26T20:50:00.000-07:002011-10-29T20:52:38.892-07:00

*I FINISHED DISNEYLAND!!!* Since we moved here, I've seen everything there is to see, ridden on everything there is to ride and done everything there is to do.  Ahhh, feels good!  Been working on this for a while!  That last ride, the stupid Jumping Jelly fish that I could never go on when I was with the kids because they weren't tall enough, and couldn't go with the adults because it is a lame

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-59760493323434393492011-10-23T05:41:00.000-07:002011-10-23T05:41:12.914-07:00

Don't worry, I'm still busy busy busy NOT losing weight!  Still getting up early almost every morning to run 3 miles, and eating double portions because it makes me hungry!!  I'm figuring that even if I am not losing weight, it is still good for my overall health, right?  Right???  I've also been eating terribly -- or wonderfully, depending on your point of view.  Yummy deserts, fatty dinners,

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-11080818993545667812011-10-16T15:56:00.000-07:002011-10-16T18:57:25.877-07:00

My sewing machine and I got reacquainted this morning after a 6 year separation.  Things were good, and fun... aside from the kids begging for my attention every two minutes.  Seriously, they act like I never do anything with them.  You'd think I'd deserve to make something once or twice a month. Anyway.  I'm excited!  I had expected that I would be working on this for the better part of two

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-85887048492799406122011-10-06T09:39:00.000-07:002011-10-06T09:44:33.065-07:00

My daughter, she is an enormous character! She is so full of life and stubbornness and personality and cunning. She's a smart little thing. Always watching, taking in, analyzing, copying. She is funny too. She likes to 'jump' out and yell 'suh-pize!' and run after you making growling monster noises. At the doctor this week, she was pointing to the mural on the wall and I said "that's a

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-87002416332133155792011-10-02T07:46:00.000-07:002011-10-06T09:48:02.975-07:00

I'm feeling a little discouraged this morning.  I've been trying to exercise every day for a couple weeks.  Getting up at 5:30 to run 3+/- miles most mornings, taking the kids on bike rides, working out on the elliptical, one super crazy hard pilates class... I hurt everywhere... and I've GAINED two pounds.  Sure, I've had ice cream the last two nights, and haven't exactly been starving myself,

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-31764450166119212272011-09-15T16:25:00.000-07:002011-09-15T16:28:42.135-07:00

Well well well.  It seems as though I have neglected my baby!  Two and a half weeks late for her 14 month update.  Better than missing it by a whole month though, I guess! Elizabeth is freakin' amazing!!  She is wonder baby!!  Every once in a while, I catch her speaking in sentences!  "Open the door" was one her Grammie caught last week.  And Greg and I were both FLOORED when, seconds after

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-63906888722935258992011-09-14T14:02:00.000-07:002011-09-14T14:02:08.740-07:00

Here is a link to his birthday album. Jackson has had his fourth birthday and his first day of school this week.  What a great birthday party we had!  Lots of work, but lots of fun!!  Can't beat a crew of real pirates showing up to your pirate birthday party! He has grown up so much over the last few months!  Preschool is a breeze now.  So happy that there is no longer an obstinate,

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-22280756077166638872011-09-11T12:00:00.000-07:002011-12-13T06:20:32.207-08:00

Dec 2011 - At 6:30 AM:  "Let's have a Friendship Party!! (a what??)  Abbie!  You clean the house!  Mom!  You decorate the house!  And I will knock on everyone's doors to ask them!!  Okay, let's go!!" Dec 2011 - Batman (1960s) is his new favorite show, he was excited to hear that there was a new-to-him episode on today.  He said "I hope there are Batgirls on this one!!" Dec 2011 - We went by the

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-63323521494396674922011-08-23T12:02:00.000-07:002011-08-28T06:51:21.850-07:00

Preparing to write about Abigail has made me think, a lot -- about what makes my kids who they are. With Jackson, my first experience with parenthood, it has been all about what he can do, what he can say, and when he can do it all. It has been a learning process about kids in general, about their development, how to parent, how to handle all the 'firsts'. But with Abbie, I am less intrigued

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-17269970058166362011-07-31T14:31:00.000-07:002011-08-02T07:19:17.565-07:00

It will never cease to amaze me, how fast these kids change during the first two years. Elizabeth is even more steady on her feet, and picking up speed! My favorite development this month is her ability to go down stairs! I don't want to jinx myself, but I can't believe we made it to this stage without her falling down the stairs once!! She can climb down off my bed too. This is pretty cool,

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-54429931173816659382011-07-26T13:49:00.000-07:002011-07-26T14:35:17.162-07:00

After nearly four years of living in this house, I finally figured out that I've been cleaning it backwards!! I see the house as a big "C" ... the kitchen at the lower end, down the hall, up around the stairs, down the hall and my room is the at the upper end of the C. I always start in the kitchen, non-stop cleaning as the kids continually mess it up, like a hamster running on a wheel. Then,

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-1951299716511242522011-07-17T20:23:00.001-07:002011-07-17T20:27:10.239-07:00

I just wanted to announce that editing and uploading ALL our home videos was A LOT OF WORK. I hadn't worked on them since November, and it took weeks and weeks of every second of my spare time, and as of right now, I am officially finished!!!It doesn't feel as great as I thought it would. Really just feeling the absence of guilt about not doing it. Oh well. Celebrating nonetheless!! November

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-34583320700384733812011-07-06T19:32:00.000-07:002011-08-02T02:02:16.629-07:00

Jackson is starting to slowly shed his shyness. I am constantly amazed at how his little personality emerges when we are around other kids and he forgets I am around. He is becoming a class clown. LOVES to make people laugh, either by being silly or trying to tell jokes. He's experimenting with humor, trying to figure out what makes people laugh. Like, calling people silly names... like

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-56644663424130724962011-07-06T19:08:00.000-07:002011-08-02T01:53:41.721-07:00

I'm very late with this update, but wanted to write it anyway, so I don't have an excuse to give up on these quarter-yearly updates.Abbie is SO super cute!! I love how she smiles all the time. She has the prettiest smile. She laughs a lot, and is very gentle and feminine. She loves bows and necklaces and tiaras and tutus and ponies and shoes and makeup and puppies. All things that the '

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-46628837979978642842011-07-03T19:24:00.001-07:002011-07-07T22:12:53.351-07:00

Okay, I kept my third kid alive for a whole year! She is a wild and crazy little girl! She is so much fun, so active, so observant and loves to mimic the things she sees us do. Her first birthday was fun. We went to Disneyland the week of her b-day, and took our time, letting her check some things out. She loved the ducks the best! She got a new chair and a few toys that all three kids love

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-688536685417824132011-07-01T19:12:00.000-07:002011-07-18T20:02:52.602-07:00

Soundsational ParadeDisneyland Autopia

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-73808761252002425922011-06-29T08:07:00.000-07:002011-12-29T07:07:49.468-08:00

Dec 2011 - Wanting help to get down from my bathroom counter, she asked 'will you hold my hand please?' Nov 2011 - She's been fully Disney-princess-ized.  She wanted to dance with her daddy so she sang "I know" (the beginning of the 'I know you' sleeping beauty song).  Then I was brushing her hair, singing the rapunzel song, and she sang back the last "mine" :) Nov 2011 - My parents came for

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-8595623275923948872011-06-24T06:04:00.000-07:002011-07-01T06:04:11.942-07:00

Greg and I started a weightloss competition amongst ourselves in mid-april. I weighed in at 140, it was 8-weeks long, ending right before our trip to Palm Springs. Greg lost 3.5 pounds, I lost 6.5. It was a really really really hard-earned 6.5 pounds. I ran on the elliptical for 45 min almost every day for those 8 weeks, and carefully watched what I ate. Between vacation eating for a week

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-30809221869544081662011-06-07T19:30:00.000-07:002011-06-08T14:21:59.203-07:00

I love gardening! I've had a little garden every place I've lived over the last 12 years, except here! I was so sad that the yard at our current house isn't big enough for garden boxes. I've had a lot of fun growing fruit in the back yard-- guava, citrus, peaches, strawberries and tomatoes -- but really wanted a plot at the community gardens. The gardens by our house are fairly small, maybe

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-54642519492553257122011-06-05T19:41:00.000-07:002011-06-05T20:17:35.932-07:00

Ah, my little girl is so big! She took her first steps yesterday!! We were at Jackson's t-ball game, sitting in the grass behind home plate, and she decided she wanted to practice her walking. Oh, it was so cute. She has good balance, and is such a great mix of caution and ambition. Poor Abbie gets hurt more often than Elizabeth does. Ellie goes up the stairs with ease, has never fallen (

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-15283835209460568612011-06-01T16:19:00.000-07:002011-07-17T20:22:46.423-07:00

Blowing Bubbles and Mommy and Me ClassBathtimeJack and Ellie Playing Pat-a-CakeEllie Laughing and Saying 'No No No'Ellie Blowing KissesEllie at the WaterparkTrying to Get a Video of Ellie Doing... AnythingAccidentally Caught Ellie WalkingTrying to Capture Ellie's First StepsThree Monkeys Jumping on the BedJackson Playing T-Ball

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-75028779983411112102011-05-24T21:44:00.001-07:002011-05-25T05:29:11.988-07:00

I'm calling it! Even though my weight goes up and down like a roller coaster, I'm calling it... if anything, just to motivate myself to keep the weight down -- I've lost five pounds! And it was a HARD five pounds to lose! I've been on the elliptical for about 45 min almost every day for several weeks. And it has been working! I haven't been dieting. I don't believe in diets, but I have been

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-88253716059516690382011-05-21T11:44:00.000-07:002011-05-21T11:45:25.662-07:00

Love this quote:"To be cheerful when others are in despair, to keep the faith when others falter, to be true even when we feel forsaken—all of these are deeply desired outcomes during the deliberate, divine tutorials which God gives to us—because He loves us. These learning experiences must not be misread as divine indifference. Instead, such tutorials are a part of the divine unfolding." - Neal

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-58010250434541790232011-05-15T05:46:00.000-07:002011-05-15T06:16:27.036-07:00

I have to brag on my son for a minute. This was a total unplanned result, but I am still SO proud of him. First, the un-proud part -- Jackson is STILL having a hard time with going poop in the toilet. It drives me crazy. For like 6 months, I've been cleaning out poopy underwear and it is so gross. The first couple months, it was full-load, like he forgot he didn't wear diapers anymore. For

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-891788763437670142011-05-08T05:03:00.000-07:002011-05-08T05:25:00.112-07:00

I seem to have a weekend weight... my weight goes up during the week, I return to my weekend weight... my weight goes down during the week, I return to my weekend weight... my weight goes WAY down during the week, I return to my weekend weight. It is frustrating. But, I guess it is better to plateau than to be on a steady ascent. I've been working out on the elliptical every single day for 2-3

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-65960904755176869462011-05-03T14:07:00.000-07:002011-05-03T14:33:37.472-07:00

Okay, I think I'm through with all this post-baby madness. Life is feeling normal now... although 'normal' has completely evolved and turned itself over on its head these past few years. Elizabeth isn't nursing as much, and I can totally tell that my hormones aren't going all crazy anymore. Of course, I'm probably just in an estrogen up-swing today, but still, things are not so crazy anymore!

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-59037968477946762312011-05-01T15:45:00.000-07:002011-07-17T20:17:14.895-07:00

Abbie Hulahoop-ing*Playing inside the HUGE BallEllie Giving Daddy KissesAbbie Running Around the Great ParkNapkin ParatroopersEllie Trying on HatsEllie Walking Behind her Princess CarEllie Playing Peek-a-Boo in the WalkerAbbie's Last Day of Preschool*Playing Outside*Home Depot WorkshopDisney Junior Show

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-43157795277154708932011-04-25T15:59:00.000-07:002011-04-25T16:15:11.206-07:00

Something oddly profound happened last week. I think if my neighbor read my account of it, she would think I am so silly, but something she said really resonated with me. We crossed paths outside, I can't remember what was going on, or what we were talking about, but she said, "How do you do it all?" I laughed, and said "I don't!", and jokingly invited her in to see the dishes and laundry.

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-78885585298680943832011-04-24T06:02:00.000-07:002011-04-24T07:53:32.552-07:00

Here's a link to her month ten album.Amazing month for Elizabeth! Absolutely amazing!! We started out with a baby, and ended up with something not quite a toddler, but not quite a baby anymore either!I was very surprised to find her, one morning after finishing the dishes downstairs, UPSTAIRS in the playroom, happy as could be. So... she can climb stairs really well. She can stand, and cruise

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-64779667307308165392011-04-20T13:08:00.000-07:002011-04-20T13:12:17.345-07:00

Got up at 5, ran a couple miles, had tons of energy for most of the morning... running low on energy this afternoon though. I think Jack and I will make bunny sugar cookies while the girls sleep.Greg and I are in the midst of a weight-loss competition. I think we'd both like to lose 10 pounds. I'm two pounds down so far. I hope we can stay motivated! I'd love to feel comfortable in a

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-79705863570557071432011-04-16T14:45:00.000-07:002011-04-16T14:58:17.592-07:00

I've been waiting for this! I remember when it happened with Abbie and Jack -- when they were both finally old enough to play outside without absolutely constant hovering supervision. My three-kid moment of zen happened just now. We went outside to play and it finally wasn't WORK for me!I think it was a good indication of how our family dynamic will work too. Jackson, my 'lone wolf'...

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-81764235936118072812011-04-14T15:29:00.000-07:002011-04-14T15:36:43.742-07:00

I couldn't resist the urge to start on the goldilocks hat yesterday. Just finished. Here are pics of the tom thumb scarf and hat, and the goldilocks hat. It turned out close to as cute as I had hoped... I guess I just had imagined something a bit more delicate. This will work though. The yarn was super cheap and soft :) I may make a couple more for my girls to keep.My unenthusiastic models

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-1108836645003579732011-04-13T10:14:00.001-07:002011-04-13T10:29:12.705-07:00

I cannot stress enough what a huge deal it will be for me to stop nursing Elizabeth. Literally EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. since December 1st 2006, I have been pregnant or nursing. EVERY! SINGLE! DAY! Almost four and a half years! Four and a half years my body has not been my own, and my hormones have been swinging and swaying crazily.Elizabeth is happy to nurse first thing in the morning, but has

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-24057601294367187472011-04-07T13:24:00.001-07:002011-04-07T13:45:48.419-07:00

I made another push to put pictures in frames this week. I suppose it isn't so bad to just do a handful at a time. Still have quite a few more frames to fill, but I'm getting closer! I've ended up with exactly what I was afraid of... hundreds of photos in a drawer. Not quite so terrifying now that I think about it. I have two frames downstairs to take care of, then just the dozen or so in my

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-38178239922160927012011-04-04T19:54:00.000-07:002011-04-06T19:06:03.577-07:00

Two scarves finished during my trip! Thanks to my sisters taking me to Powells, I also got really adorable books to go along with all of them. Put buttons on the first one today, and am playing around with the hood idea on the second one this week. Not looking promising, but I am on a mission. Wanted to post this so I can have a reason to take pictures of them tomorrow! :)Scarf one is red,

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-78030807444602341032011-04-02T06:44:00.000-07:002011-04-04T19:53:19.013-07:00

Here is a link to here month nine album.Happy nine month birthday little girl! Elizabeth and I are spending some one-on-one time in Portland this weekend. She is putting me through the ringer with not a lot of sleeping, but I have really really enjoyed getting to know her better. Sounds silly to say that. It is true though. Poor thing gets lost in the fray at home. She is so independant and

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-17152998161485976682011-04-01T19:53:00.000-07:002011-07-16T15:44:50.735-07:00

The Girls Swinging OutsideEaster Morning*Ellie Playing, Saying Da-Da and Opening the Baby Gate*Ellie Walking Behind her Princess CarEllie Climbing the StairsPlaying Outside*Ellie Playing the RecorderPapa and Grandma's Visit*Ellie Laughing at Grandma*

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-2936486498362435102011-03-27T22:00:00.000-07:002011-03-28T05:35:16.976-07:00

In a passive fit of lunacy I decided I wanted to make Christmas gifts this year. I have always loved crocheting and knitting and sewing, but haven't been able to for about five years because of the cats (who would play with, and eat, the yarn and thread), and because of the little kids (no time!!). I figure if I start working now, I may be able to finish them in time. If anything, I should be

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-62838489188928508902011-03-23T19:20:00.000-07:002011-03-24T04:58:15.585-07:00

A long time ago, soon after I became a mom, I accepted the fact that there will never be a perfect day. I will never have enough hours each day to give the kids and my husband the attention they deserve, cook, take care of the house, take care of myself, have a social life, have hobbies... it just is not possible. Tonight, I was thinking, and decided that there will also never be a perfect

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-46151326471032002062011-03-18T19:55:00.000-07:002011-03-24T04:59:45.465-07:00

Not great today!!Not because of our pet losses, just in a crappy mood. Greg has been out of town since Wed am and gets back Sunday night. It is weird because it's not a big difference from my usual week... he only spends about 10-15 min with us in the morning, then doesn't get home until after the kids are asleep. And he rarely helps clean anything up around the house. So, it's not that I

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-19650576822352824312011-03-15T21:39:00.001-07:002011-03-15T22:39:08.087-07:00

I really haven't been in the mood to talk about this, but it is time to unload. We had to put Cougar to sleep last Wednesday. It was, and still is SO hard. Greg and I have so much guilt, so much uncertainty, so many heavy feelings about it. It's hard to go through this so soon after losing Tiger. Greg had a very special relationship with her. They had been together for so long... they had

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-33928288625235918222011-03-13T19:48:00.001-07:002011-03-13T20:18:10.518-07:00

Organizing the medicine cabinet is the BEST!! I literally haven't even so much as *thought* about sorting through the medicine cabinet since... ever. Before we moved here, I lived in a new place almost yearly, so the chore of throwing out old stuff always got done prior to the packing process. We have been here for over three and a half years now. I can not wrap my head around that fact.

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-30070094693015570182011-03-07T12:27:00.001-08:002011-03-07T12:56:38.396-08:00

Had a fun day at Disneyland with Jack and Abbie yesterday! It is nice, in some ways, that Abbie is growing out of her naps. It was great to be able to go whenever we wanted and stay as late as we wanted without having to figure out how to work in her, formerly necessary, nap.We took the train around the park first thing (this is becoming a habit and is getting a liiiittle bit old). Went on

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-76026799731826451852011-03-04T07:12:00.000-08:002011-11-25T07:22:22.530-08:00

We had an amazing spring day today! Jackson helped me make blueberry muffins for breakfast. Jack, Abbie and I went to the Home Depot Kids Workshop, sat outside in the sun, and built wooden toy race cars this morning. Went out for a bike ride around the block a couple times. I worked/played on the computer while the girls were sleeping, and Jack and Greg played catch in the back yard and

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-42078130947156072862011-03-04T06:10:00.000-08:002011-03-04T07:12:38.746-08:00

Last week's contribution was the beginnings of the emergency plan that I have been too scared to start. Glad I decided to just DO something... it doesn't seem quite so intimidating anymore! I looked at a few government websites and outlined what we will need to do to create a working family emergency plan. - Ask about emergency procedures at work and school - Plan for what to do if something

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-76639925461908787352011-03-01T21:58:00.000-08:002011-12-29T07:02:23.977-08:00

Dec 2011 - Toy: Powerwheels Jeep Dec 2011 - Ride: Toy Story Dec 2011 - TV Show:  Batman Oct 2011 - Game: Musical Chairs Aug 2011 - Game: Duck Duck Goose Jul 2011 - Profession: Astronaut Jul 2011 - TV Show: Little Einsteins Jul 2011 - TV Show: Bubble Guppies Jun 2011 - Ride: Mr. Toad Jun 2011 - TV Show: Max & Ruby May 2011 - TV Show: Team Umizoomi May 2011 - Color: Orange (third to

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-7722427393735928052011-03-01T18:42:00.000-08:002011-03-02T19:28:25.992-08:00

I completed my organization goals for last week. Worked on my binder, rotated all the kids' clothes and boxed them up to give away, and had that leaky pipe fixed... finally!! Also, how crazy is this -- so a couple years ago we had a landscaper do some minor re-arranging in our tiny back yard. He installed three new sprinklers along the house to water the grass. The grass is 4, maybe 5 feet

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-48405156891794330012011-03-01T06:05:00.000-08:002011-07-08T20:36:08.222-07:00

Taking the Ladder Upstairs*Throwing Leaves in a FountainJack and Abbie in the JeepAbbie Dancing with DaddyFeeding Ducks at Rancho LakeEllie Swinging at the ParkPlaying with the Timer*Abbie Dancing with Ellie

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-24376868418199760552011-02-28T19:58:00.000-08:002011-03-02T19:26:39.139-08:00

Here is a link to her month eight album.Huge month! HUGE! Last monthly update, just barely getting up on her hands and knees... today? Full blown crawling EVERYWHERE (she crawled OUT of the house yesterday, for example), flipping around to sitting, pulling up to kneeling and tonight she pulled her self up to standing!! Cruising is just a short step away... she is growing up SO FAST!!!She gave

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-6572625081610353952011-02-26T08:31:00.000-08:002011-02-26T08:35:26.771-08:00

Recipes from our Mommy and Me class --Play dough4 c. flour1 c. salt4 c. water4 tblsp. Oil½ cup cream of tartarPut all above into large skillet on stove top. Turn on heat to medium and begin stirring. The dough will begin to stick together. Keep stirring until it forms a soft dough, but holds it shape well. Turn out onto a cutting board and let cool. After cooling, knead well to smooth out.

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-69523949488423060602011-02-25T19:24:00.001-08:002011-02-26T08:37:32.741-08:00

Working on my 'craft idea' list for my binder. I don't do crafts with my kids very often. I really really really wanted to be that kind of mom, but it just hasn't been in the cards yet. It would be so convenient to blame all the pregnancies and little babies for my lack of organization on this front... so, yeah, actually, I will just do that, blame the babies. Jackson will sit down and do

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-28003404153140319812011-02-21T18:46:00.001-08:002011-02-25T18:55:20.815-08:00

Make no mistake, I am fully aware that I am utterly and completely boring, but also make no mistake that I am 100% okay with that!! These pointless, rambling posts make my brain happy, and so, this blog serves it's purpose. This blog helps me grab hold to pieces of time before they roll into days and weeks and months and years and slip by and become a formless mass in my mind. It changes my

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-7168402360923700862011-02-20T16:52:00.000-08:002011-02-20T17:42:42.739-08:00

Here's a link to her birthday album.My baby is two! I have been saying she is two for so long that it is less of a surprise that she is NOW two, and more of a surprise that she wasn't ALREADY two! We had family in town for a week up to and including her birthday, and we were reminiscing about how much she has changed in a year... even how much she has changed in six months! She wasn't even

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-24444631119545034312011-02-18T19:36:00.000-08:002011-12-29T07:07:07.262-08:00

Dec 2011 - Movie: 'The Disneyland Movie' Dec 2011 - Toy: Princess Barbies Dec 2011 - Costume: Rapunzel Nov 2011 - Movie: Snow White Nov 2011 - TV Show: Team Umizoomi Oct 2011 - Movie: Peter Pan Jul 2011 - Flower: Honeysuckles and "the red flowers" too! Jul 2011 - Color: Purple Jul 2011 - Animal: Horsie Jun 2011 - Animal: Doggie

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-39109307685626402492011-02-11T05:23:00.000-08:002011-02-16T06:09:22.038-08:00

So, I have sisters, I love them, they're cool, I like spending time with them, duh. It's a given. Maybe I take it for granted how unique and special it is. But seeing sisterhood from a mom's perspective is nothing short of supremely sublime.My girls like each other now! Abbie's new favorite thing is to run into Elizabeth's room while she is napping, climb up the side of the crib and squeal "

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-68920395405042179632011-02-10T01:23:00.000-08:002011-02-10T20:42:39.095-08:00

I made an album of all my favorite Tiger pictures. It was incredibly therapeutic! Love that cat!!I can't sleep, I miss my cat! I don't even know who I am anymore. I used to hate cats, and now here I am up in the middle of the night grieving over one. (Sure, my vomiting son has a little bit to do with the sleeplessness, but still). I feel like such a child, but I think, technically, this is my

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-69396863323553844242011-02-04T11:36:00.000-08:002011-02-06T05:17:39.851-08:00

Iteration three of the binder plan. I could've had it finished by now, considering how much time I've spent planning. I'll claim to be going by a carpenter's rule of measuring twice, cutting once. I'd rather do it right the first time. Very much open to ideas as I will probably change this a few times before actually doing it.Front pages: Calendar for month, meal plan, shopping lists by

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-68720205582230186042011-02-04T09:18:00.000-08:002011-02-04T11:27:03.601-08:00

Not a great start to Elizabeth's monthly updates. Five days late. Better than I thought though, for some reason I had it in my head that it was the 11th today. What a relief it was to regain a week! :)Elizabeth is a cute little thing! She is napping and sleeping well (as long as she's not sick). She eats lots, 1-2 big bowls of food plus gerber puffs and crackers. I have our freezer stocked

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-5376819468937961022011-02-03T05:35:00.000-08:002011-02-03T06:04:50.597-08:00

1. Transferring my spreadsheet schedule to cozi.com. I love my yearly schedule spreadsheets. I can go back at least six years and know exactly what I did, where I went or who visited for every single day of each year. Love it, but now that I have five little schedules to track, instead of just my own, I need something more three-dimensional. I won't go on and on about how awesome this site

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-10720604311433340102011-02-01T21:18:00.000-08:002011-07-08T06:05:06.926-07:00

Ellie Playing with her Favorite ToyAbbie's Last Helping of Birthday Cake*Abbie Dancing with her Cousins*Jackson Taking Pictures of Ellie*Ellie Playing with her Shadow*

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-10797382672393164032011-02-01T17:47:00.000-08:002011-11-25T07:21:06.077-08:00

Two and 3/4 Two and 1/2 Two and 1/4

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-60178197221667402902011-02-01T17:44:00.000-08:002011-02-20T17:47:03.030-08:00

24 Months23 Months22 Months21 Months20 Months19 Months18 Months17 Months16 Months15 Months14 Months13 Months

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-6740277253116428182011-01-27T20:31:00.001-08:002011-01-28T13:59:02.630-08:00

I am trying to convince myself that it is officially time to exit 'survival mode'. I've spent soooo many days over the last year and a half just trying to make it to bedtime. I'm sure that would sound super lame to most of the people I know... people with more kids, more responsibilties, fewer resources, but that is why I have a blog! I can say exactly how I feel and (hopefully) not have to

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-62783141623740650232011-01-19T03:32:00.000-08:002011-01-21T14:09:40.063-08:00

Last monthly update until my little Abigail turns two!!Abbie is BACK! (again?) For months, she just hasn't exactly been herself. A little grumpy, whiny, irritable. It was like she was perpetually on her period. Maybe she has reeeeally slow-growing molars, hasn't been getting enough sleep, went through a super long growth spurt or had some kind of recurring/long-term illness? Who knows, I am

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-77785805999420318722011-01-12T12:41:00.000-08:002011-01-13T05:37:09.682-08:00

I don't get a lot of constructive internet time most days. And it bugs me when I find a site that I want to check out/use, but don't have the time... THEN, when I DO have the time, I forget what I wanted to look at.So, I figured this is just as good a place as any to keep track of what I want to look at next time I have more than a couple minutes at the computer --- For special Mom & Jackson

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-32530234897209005762011-01-07T16:21:00.000-08:002011-01-09T08:54:58.632-08:00

-- The look on Abbie's face as she watches Jackson do his Bevis dance to the Polar Express theme song. Half studying the moves, half amused by his ridiculousness.-- Abbie spoon-feeding her baby sister. Also, the way Ellie watches Abbie ravenously eating the snacks off her high chair tray... fascinated by the process of grabbing, picking up and putting food into her mouth.-- Jack and Abbie

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-10278904800194898612011-01-01T19:13:00.001-08:002011-01-01T19:48:41.150-08:00

Here is a link to her week 22, 23, 24, 25 and six month albums.There should be a name for this phase, where they are still babies, but suddenly seem so much more grown up. I always notice these sudden changes by the kids' hands. They start out with their tightly clenched, shriveled hands, then suddenly they have enough control to grab what they want to grab, they can reach up to touch your face

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-20234531006234299942011-01-01T07:12:00.000-08:002011-07-07T21:17:43.902-07:00

Abbie and Rody*Abbie Feeding Ellie*Playing in the Playroom

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-69748569762422676782010-12-20T04:25:00.000-08:002010-12-20T06:27:27.078-08:00

Abbie, Abbie, Abbie... Where to begin... this little girl is becoming complex!! I don't know how to say this without it sounding bad, but for most of this month, I really felt like I didn't know her! I am not sure if she just was out of sorts because of those troublesome molars trying to push through, or if she is simply growing up? She had her own mind this month... no more hugs 'just because

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-44992249332175660702010-12-15T18:49:00.000-08:002010-12-20T06:32:31.613-08:00

1. I was driving, thinking about how much I hate how the back of my pants slide down when I bend over or squat down (which is pretty much all day), and how my shirts tend to ride up so my lower back is exposed. I feel like I am the only one that has this problem and don't know why. Some days I wear stretchy tank tops under my shirts and tuck them in, so only the tank top is exposed, but still

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-76012771396482373152010-12-11T18:42:00.001-08:002010-12-11T18:49:37.308-08:00

While they still have a fairly rocky relationship at times, Abbie and Jack are beginning to find great ways to work and play together. Yesterday, Jack used his climbing skills to reach the highest shelves of the tallest cupboards to get the GOOD snacks, and Abbie used her ability to gnaw through plastic to open them. Last night, Jack banged obnoxiously on a drum and sang 'Abbie-dun, Abbie-dun'

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-45856968910813048992010-12-07T10:38:00.000-08:002011-11-25T07:22:49.091-08:00

My little boy is moving on to a new stage of his life. He is growing up and I think I can officially call him a 'preschooler'. He seems to be completely potty trained, although we are still working on fine-tuning #2. He reminds me when he has to go while we are in public, which is a huge help to me, and now only rarely has accidents. It is still weird for me to have to get underwear for him

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-34768709052873542202010-12-02T19:43:00.000-08:002010-12-02T20:41:55.442-08:00

It is so easy to forget that nothing makes me feel better than helping other people. It is easy to get wrapped up in the details of life. November and December are busy and stressful. My to-do list is two pages long, and time to work on this list is limited. I often feel extremely overwhelmed with holiday tasks on top of my often borderline-unmanageable daily life. This week, as I have been

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-18073259079804180852010-12-01T19:57:00.000-08:002011-07-05T14:59:35.540-07:00

Playing in the Snow in UT*Opening Presents*Christmas Morning*Abbie's Puking Pit-StopEllie EatingAbbie Putting on MakeupGymnastics Field Trip*Ellie Eating ApplesauceSlide at Birthday PartyPlaying on the Street*

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-56641150722255064312010-11-29T13:51:00.000-08:002011-01-01T19:41:38.744-08:00

Here is a link to her week 18, 19, 20 and 21 albums.Another BIG month! Elizabeth's new thing is blowing raspberries. It is her main form of communication and she is visibly tickled when we 'spit' back at her. She has just started eating cereal (and spitting it all over) and likes it with bananas best. She actually finished a whole bowl of it this afternoon!! We've also tried a few tastes of

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-57561244308709625362010-11-27T07:50:00.000-08:002010-11-27T08:14:40.132-08:00

Fourth Thanksgiving dinner under my belt! :) This is the first BIG one that I've cooked without my mom or mother in law here to be my backups. We had 13 people, 20lb turkey, all the sides, 4 pies. Everything turned out great (turkey was PERFECT via dumb luck), except the gravy was too thick and I didn't love the pie crusts. Buying pie crusts makes pie-baking like 75% easier, but I don't think

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-30713816728037895052010-11-21T05:58:00.000-08:002010-11-21T07:36:07.089-08:00

I'm a fainter, as some may remember from previous events. I passed out again last night and landed head-first into the bathroom wastebasket. Fun times! Poor Abigail... I was in the middle of reading her a bedtime story when I felt it coming on. I ran to get Greg from Jack's room so he could take care of her. Next thing I know, I'm on the floor in the bathroom with a fat lip, Greg trying to

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-40838931630663043822010-11-19T18:37:00.001-08:002010-11-20T04:20:33.371-08:00

Ah, I love my sweet little girl! Such an absolute joy! Sure, she has her occasional faults (Ooooh, the DRAMA whenever she gets the tiniest boo boo or suffers the slightest injustice), but overall, she is just super cute and fun. She's been talking more lately. She uses 'stuck' a lot... whenever she can't do something on her own, she declares it to be stuck. When our neighbor came home

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-5753415520139897052010-11-08T13:39:00.001-08:002010-11-08T13:48:17.333-08:00

Jackson has been in "big boy underwear" for almost a week now. Huge leap forward for us because he wouldn't even TRY to go until last week. I swear he is the most stubborn child on the face of the earth! He's had a couple accidents a day and hasn't even come close to pooping in the toilet, but he's being reasonably good about the whole thing. Today I am trying to make him go at least once an

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-87980978401564882852010-11-03T12:51:00.000-07:002010-11-03T13:02:28.669-07:00

We got our family pictures!!! They are wonderful, so nice to be IN the pictures instead of always being the one taking them! :) The photographer posted a few on her blog and I cry every time I see her post. Now on to the task of picking out my favorites to print out! It will be so hard to narrow them down!! She is going to let me have all the digital copies, so that should make it easier to

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-41322443353423818342010-11-01T22:42:00.000-07:002011-07-03T19:57:20.485-07:00

Decorating for ChristmasEllie's First Meal*Ellie in the Jumparoo*Ellie in the Jumparoo Talking to DaddyDinnerNew Christmas TrainWorkshop at Home Depot

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-91885135978994205442010-10-30T19:36:00.000-07:002010-10-31T13:39:16.377-07:00

Here are links to Ellie's week 14, 15, 16 and 17 albums.This has been a HUGE month for Elizabeth!! I forgot how much they change every month! New this month -- squealing with delight, smiling SUPER big when she sees Greg and I, rolled over once, blows raspberries, reaches up to touch my face and giggles... kind of. :) She has the craziest giggle! She sounds like a 80 year old life-time smoker

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-38738400667831012792010-10-28T20:25:00.000-07:002010-10-28T20:47:58.516-07:00

Halloween has officially become my favorite holiday!! I love it! I loaded up on decorations at Target a couple weeks ago and have really REALLY enjoyed decorating the house. I've carved four pumpkins so far. Greg's still remains uncarved and a little part of me is hoping he will let me carve it for him... but I think I'll save it for him to have fun with. We've been to two pumpkin patches

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-29245481552204376632010-10-24T10:34:00.000-07:002010-10-24T10:37:14.161-07:00

September VideosHide and Seek after BathtimeJackson's Birthday Trip to Disneyland*Where'd Your Arms Go?*Riding Bikes at Mission ParkAt the Petting ZooAbbie SwingingAt the BeachAbbie Swimming in the Tub*Talking to ElizabethAugust VideosAbbie Playing Grandma's Guitar*Playing at Papa and Grandma's House*Abbie's Yellow BalloonAbbie Sleepily Dancing to Papa's MusicThanksgiving PointEllie Bouncing with

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-79323307281313289592010-10-22T20:00:00.000-07:002010-10-22T20:43:37.839-07:00

I got quite a kick out of myself this afternoon. The kids all slept, *at the same time*, for a couple hours after the pumpkin patch this morning. This is a rare pleasure and I racked my brain trying to think of what to do with my time. At the end, I decided not to veg out, and cooked instead. Made four loaves of zucchini bread and dinner. The dinner was what made me giggle so much... I

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673546.post-79540515242543793392010-10-18T14:15:00.000-07:002010-10-19T08:59:17.163-07:00

I'm glad today is Abbie's 20 month 'birthday'. I've been waiting for an occasion to write, but didn't have anything to tie together all my random thoughts... until now! :) Abigail is growing up into a fun, sweet, mischeivous little girl! She loves to read books and sing and snuggle with her blankies and stuffed animals. She gives her daddy tons of kisses and peels me away from the kitchen

Kjerstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916824023573134720noreply@blogger.com2