1st Halloween Date

I am usually not a huge fan of Halloween. In fact, it is my least favorite holiday of the year. My fear of masks might have something to do with that. However, this Halloween was wonderful because I had the opportunity to go on a date with my husband to this beautiful place:

My mom and dad were kind enough to watch Tayden while Scott and I went to the temple. It was simply amazing. The temple is my favorite place and to go with my favorite person was icing on the cake. The spirit was overwhelming and a much needed break from the stresses of the outside world. Thanks so much Mom and Dad. I wish you understood just how much I appreciate you guys!

Now as for Taydens first Halloween, besides all the fun he had at Grandmas house (really, he must have had a blast. He was all smiles all day), he dressed up as a football player. Scott and I joke about Tayden growing up to be a football player and taking care of Mom and Dad, so it seemed like an appropriate costume.


Drawing black lines on his cheeks was not an easy tasks. As you can see, they're not exactly even and he had them rubbed off in about 3 minutes, but they were cute none the less. Holidays with kids are so much fun!

My Baby the Puppy

Tayden has discovered a new method to carry stuff:

I think he spends too much time with Tanner.
( P.S-Nice bed head buddy!)

9 Months!

Tayden is 9 months old today! I can't believe how fast time has flown. I swear we just brought him home last week. This has been my favorite stage by far. He is a pure joy to be around. Very rarely is he is cranky, and if he is it is usually for good reason. At 9 months Tayden:

• Crawls quite efficiently and cruises around on all the furniture.
• Loves to play in Tanners food.
• Talks non-stop.
  
• Has discovered stairs.
• Is into EVERYTHING!!!
• Learned how to flush the toilet.
• Flirts with the girls in my Young Women's.
  
• Started finger foods and feeding himself.
• Is on a very structured schedule.
• Responds to "no no", then proceeds to lick instead of touch.
  
• Finally starting to get over the mommy stage.
• Has seven teeth.
  
• Moves your hand or anything else that is in his way.
  
• Developing quite the personality and sense of humor....and attitude.
• Claps when excited.
  
• Drinking from a straw.
• Likes to look at himself, whether it is a picture or the mirror.
• Waves (most the time).
  
• Has Mommy and Daddy in constant awe!

We sure love our little man. We are so blessed to have him in our family. He is the center of our lives and I can't image life without him. We love you Tayden!

Must be the PJ's

Apparently nothing exciting has been happening in my life lately since I am posting about Taydens sleep positions again. Scott went into check on him after he quit crying tonight and found the babe in a different pose. Tonight Taydens choice of comfort was:

Face Down,

Smashed Nose,

And completely doubled over. At least he is getting closer to laying down.

It must be the pajamas.

Crying It Out

I know I just posted about Scotts midterms last night, but I seriously could not wait to share these hilarious pictures with everyone. Tayden has been having a little bit of a rough time sleeping the past few weeks. So, being the great mom that I am, I have been letting him cry it out. It sounds horrible and mean, but in all honesty it helps him sleep through the night. Tayden was so tired last night so I wasn't to shocked that he only cried for 10 minutes. However, I didn't know he was this exhausted:The poor kid had fallen asleep sitting up. He has done that once before, but we didn't get any pictures. This time, we were not missing out on the opportunity. They aren't the greatest, but I am lucky I got three without waking him up. (I was only expecting to get one.) He had bar lines on his face and drool running down clear to his belly button when I laid him down. It was seriously the funniest thing. Scott and I laughed for about 20 minutes after it happened. I hope Tayden doesn't mind that he is our main source of entertainment.

Midterms

Scott has midterms this week.
...

He has been 'teaching' me all about circuits.

Here is a closer look.

I don't get it.

Neither does Tanner.

Tayden thinks its boring.

GOOD LUCK SCOTT!!! YOU'LL DO GREAT!

Office Chair

We are in the process of redoing our office. Not by choice really, it flooded last spring and we are getting it put back together. Scott and I got separate wrap around desks and somehow he ended up with the nice computer chair. So, I went to the D.I to purchase a stool (easier for scrap- booking) but left with this chair instead.

But after a little bit of paint and some clearance fabric...

I got this chair! Nothing like a fun cheap project!

Marital Advice

Back a long long long time ago (okay, only three years), my family had a bridal shower for me. There, they made me a 'marriage apron'. Its a cute white apron that everyone had a chance to sign and write down some advice to keep a happy marriage. I had it hanging in my previous kitchens and looked at it almost daily. After moving into our house, it had to be put away. Our kitchen simply isn't big enough to hang things and still look clean and organized. Well, I found it the other day. Here are some pieces of advice that I wanted to share:

• You can't expect your spouse to be a certain way until you become that way yourself.
• Always be honest.
• Patience, patience, patience. Not only with each other, but extended family also.
• Count your blessings.
• Handle the money.
• Remember those things that bug you after your married, are the exact things you fell in love with.
• Forgive and forget.
• Don't forget to pray together.
• Be kind.
• Keep your promises.
• Never go to bed angry.
• Don't sweat the small stuff.
• Life isn't always good, but it's a beautiful journey.
• Be supportive.
• Be true to each other.
• Remember to smile and move on.
• You don't always have to be right.
• Always be positive.
• Look after each other.
• Treat each other like you treat your friends.
• Make the bed everyday.
• Love each other deeply from the heart.

I love it! I am lucky enough to have a husband that is constantly thinking about me and my best interest. I hope I can reciprocate those actions and remember these little pieces of advice and keep him as happy as he keeps me.

Doublers!

Albertsons had a few doubler's in the paper this week. I took a stroll down to the store and was able to find:

2 Boxes Brownie Mini Mixes

2 Boxes Cheese-it Crackers
1 Box Ritz Crackers
1 Box Ritz Crackerfuls
1 Package Rhodes Warm-N-Serve Rolls

All for a grand total of about $6.50, that is less than a dollar a piece. (I left my receipt in the car and don't want to go out into the snow to get it for the exact total! Can you blame me? I can't believe it is seriously snowing! Ahh! Where did fall go?) Anyway, I saved about $15.00. Not too bad!

Autumn Wreath and Watch

Why is it that I never have anything to post, and then 2 days later I have a thousand things to say? It must be the unspoken blog law?! So today, I have 2 things I would like to post:

#1-I made an Autumn Wreath.! I got the idea off Make It And Love It. It turned out super cute. Plus, it cost under $7.00!

I have tons of leaves left over, so if anyone has any ideas what to do with them, let me know! Or, if you want some to make your own wreath or craft, let me know and I'll give you some! I seriously have a lot left.

#2-The real reason I am posting today. I am one of those lucky people and have great in-laws. I am truly blessed because of the family I married into. They are always so supportive of our decisions and love my family unconditionally. My mother-in-law must have known I was in dire need of some 'me time' and invited me to her enrichment night. And even nicer than that, she bought me the supplies to make a watch. And then even nicer than that, she watched Tayden! I was in heaven...until my baby started to turn into a little monster. Poor Cheryl! Lately, Taydens mood is as unpredictable as the weather in Pocatello. Happy as can be one minute and ticked off the next. I felt so bad. He didn't even want Grandpa Packard, which was a huge shock because he loves his grandpa! So, as I was rushing to finish my watch, Cheryl was taking over my cranky baby. A true manifest of love for her daughter-in-law and grandson. I had a horrible time concentrating and had to restring my watch about 4 times. I was so frustrated. After all the re- dos, I loved my final outcome. It is so cute! Here is a picture:


Oh, wait. I forgot to tell the rest of the story! Shortly after we left the church, Scott had to run to his grandparents. I was showing his grandma my new watch that I loved so much when Tayden decided he wanted to see it too. I was on the other side of the room, which meant Tayden had to crawl over to get it. His Great Grandma Packard was so excited to see Tayden crawl and I was having a bit of a proud mother moment, so I continued to hold out my watch to coax him to keep coming. Before I knew it he was climbing up my leg. Well, this happens fairly often at home, so I didn't think twice about it. Next thing I know, Tayden grabbed my beautiful watch and yanked hard. It shattered everywhere! Ah, my heart broke a little bit too. After all that hard work and my mom-in-law watching Tayden the Terror, my watch was gone. Fortunately, I got plenty of practice making it at the church, and it is going to be a fairly easy fix. I guess those are the joys of motherhood.

I just wanted to say thank you to my awesome mother-in-law for the wonderful night. Sorry it wasn't a wonderful night for you and that Tayden was a poop, but I appreciate it more than you know! You are always so great to us and always willing to give me a break from Tayden, even when he is not the most fun to be around. He is lucky to have a grandma like you. And a quick shout out to my dad-in-law. Thanks for giving me a break and letting me eat. Five minutes of sanity is worth thousand dollars! I used to be worried that when Tayden was a stink, people would quit loving him and not want to be with him, but I never have to worry about that with you guys! Thanks Dave and Cheryl. We love you!

P.S-I know I said I had 2 things to post, but I had to show everyone this picture. (Sorry, its not that great. Its from my phone.)

My son is into absolutely everything, nothing is safe. I was in the kitchen and Tayden had crawled to the front room. No big deal. I walked in 30 seconds later, and this is what I found. He had gotten into the newspaper. The picture doesn't do it justice. Regardless of all the craziness, I live for this little moments. I love being a mom.