Diaper Diaries

  I don't know why we think it's so funny to put diapers on our kids head, but we sure get a kick out of it. We used to do it with T a lot when he was younger, but never took pictures. I'm kind of sad about that. So tonight, when we were getting the kids ready for bed, B's diapers ended up on the boys head. We broke out the camera and had ourselves a good laugh. 

Haha. Fun family memory for the book!

2 truths and a lie

You know the game two truths and a lie? Here's my blogger version:

1. Beckett has 7 teeth.

2. I love grocery shopping.

3. My parents are coming back for round two next week.

1. There's my lie. Beckett only has 2 1/2 teeth. The half is the top right tooth that just broke through two days ago. And I couldn't be happier. He is not a great teether, so its been a rough few days. He didn't want anyone but me and was super whiny. Not his personality at all, but it looks like things are looking up.

2. Wahoo. I LOVE grocery shopping. I go on Thursdays after I put Beckett to bed. Scott puts Tayden down and I get to go enjoy a little shopping trip by myself. I'm the crazy coupon lady with the ads and calculator figuring out what item is cheaper per ounce. I love feeding my family good meals and staying within my weekly budget. Anyway, call me crazy, but its Thursday and I can't wait to go shopping!

3. My parents were here for 3 days and will be coming back on Sunday for 2 more days. They spent some time with us and then flew out of Vegas to Texas to see my brother and his family. They fly back into Vegas late Sunday night and get to stay here for until Wednesday morning.  Its been so great having them here. Minus the fact that B was a little less than happy most the time. But Tayden has been more than thrilled to have them here. I'm super excited for them to come back and we can have a few more days of fun.

Then, after they leave, I will write a real post.

Maybe. Okay, fine. I will!

Fall Wreath Makeover

 I love wreaths! I especially love fall wreaths. However, this year I felt my normal fall wreath wasn't Vegas appropriate. Its full of pretty yellow and orange leaves. Its looks out of place here in LV where we are surrounded mostly by palm trees. So I did a little wreath makeover.

First, I stripped my old wreath of its beautiful leaves.

Then, I added grabbed some scrap fabric. Once again, stolen from my mother.

I cut the fabric into strips and wove in through the twigs.

 Added the ribbon to hang it with, attached the same sign from last year and Viola! A Vegas themed fall wreath. Its not as FALLish as I prefer, but its a fun free project...so no complains here!

This is kind of a crumby picture. :(  Much  cuter in person.

Another fun thing about fall? My mom has harvest break. Which mean, drum roll please, she and my dad will be here in TWO days! Wahoo!

Our Themes

          Becketts theme for today is, CRY and WHINE. Poor little guy  is working on some more teeth. When the doc checked in his mouth, she was sure he was getting four new ones. I disagree. I'm pretty sure he is getting every single one. Okay, that might be a little extreme, but I can see one about to break through and the other is getting real close. He doesn't teeth well, and has been really whiny. Its very unusual for him to act like this, so I'm not really sure how to handle it. My arm's are about to fall off from packing him around and I think my back just gave out. Teething for B is also a major cause of lack of sleep. He cried a good share of the night. I finally pulled him in bed with me in the early morning so we could all get a little shut eye. He is currently napping on my chest as we speak. It so sad seeing this little guy be anything but happy.

Good thing for big brothers. Tayden can always make him laugh and smile.

            Taydens theme for today is, UH-OH MOM! As in, "uh oh mom, I spilled rainbow rice all over the floor." Or, "uh-oh mom. I dumped out lots of bubbles [aka- half of my new dish soap] in the kitchen" And including, "uh oh mom. All my toothpaste is on the counter mom" Oh, and lets not forget, "uh oh mom. I broke your book." Yes, today has been full of oppsies. Tayden is extremely independent, which most the time leads to some accidents. I felt like every time I turned around today there was another adventure that needed cleaning up.

 Don't even remind me about the chocolate milk.

              Moms theme today, BREATHE. These two have kept me on my toes today for sure. Its been a day of frustrated bliss for me. I'm pretty sure I have not accomplished one thing  all day. Its been a two steps forward, three steps back kind of day. I was feeling the frustration of  my failures come through. I have yet to get showered and ready for the day. My house is a mess. I have no idea whats for dinner. Laundry is still in the dryer from yesterday. Work out? Whats that? And so on and so forth. I had to take a deep breath and breathe. I forced myself to remember what staying home is all about. Its about my boys. So, I forgot my chores for the day and got down on the floor and played with my kids. That's where my bliss came in. Nothing is better than laughing with your children. Nothing is better than good quality time. Nothing is better than soothing a hurting baby or teaching a toddler to clean up his mess. 

And nothing is better or more important than these two.

5 Years

43 829.0639 hours

260 weeks

1825 days

60 months

No matter how you say it, the fact remains the same. Today, I have been married to my best friend for five years. I can’t believe how quickly time has gone. I never thought we would be where we are today, but I couldn’t be any happier.

We met on a cold February night in 2006. I was on a date with his friend Beau, and he was on a blind date with my roommate. I remember coming out from the bathroom and seeing Scott for the first time. He was sitting on our old green couch looking at his shoes. As I walked out, he lifted his head and I looked into his big blue eyes. I noticed his incredible smile first and was immediately drawn to him. I spent the evening trying to pull myself away from him and concentrate on my date (who by the way is a really great guy). The boys took us bowling and came back to the apartment for subway sandwiches. It was getting late and they were getting ready to leave. {I didn’t know they were about to go see a girl that Scott had been dating.} They walked us up to our apartment and we said our goodbyes. Scott and I locked eyes for a moment, probably a little too long because everyone noticed. [Awkward!] Needless to say, I called it off with Beau and Scott swooped in at the first chance. With his friends approval of course.

We met a few days later at Wingers with a group of mutual friends. Scott threw popcorn at me while I caught it my mouth. Haha. I remember laughing so hard and being happier than I had been in a long time. I had recently let a missionary go. We dated for four years prior to his mission, so being this happy with another boy was huge. It felt right. I knew in those few minutes I wanted to pursue this budding relationship.

Our official first date followed a few days later. He picked me up a few minutes earlier than when we were to meet the couple we were doubling with, so we headed off to a local park. We swung on the swings and got to know each other. Our conversation included our families, our dreams, our past, and everything in between. We went bowling again and played laser tag, but I remember feeling like that wasn’t enough. I did not want our night end. Sadly, it had too.

Luckily, he called the next day and we saw each other again. He told me his friend was getting married in Manti. Scott really wanted to go, but had no one to go with. So I offered to ride along. I look back now and wonder what in the heck I was thinking. We had only really known each other 4 days, but I felt like it had been years. He accepted my offer and we took a weekend trip to Utah. On the way there, I met his family for dinner in Inkom. I was crazy nervous, but they were so nice. His mom was cooking deer and I was scared to death I was going to hate it and have to choke it down to not offend her. Turns out I really like deer, and elk for that matter. We stopped in Utah to stay with my grandparents over night, then off to Manti in the morning. The weather was awful as it snowed like mad. I remember feeling so safe though. I knew he would protect me and keep me safe. The trip to Manti is when I really fell in love with Scott. We had so much time to just sit and talk and really understand one another. When we came home, I could not imagine my life without him.

This whole time, I was living in Rexburg and Scott was going to school at ISU. We met every Wednesday in Idaho Falls and I came home on the weekends to be with him. The time came for me to renew my contract in Rexburg, but I opted not to. I moved back to Pocatello to be closer to him. After only four weeks of dating, 

he proposed.

I had been dying to go to the museum in Idaho Falls, but he never gave in to take me. One April 5^th 2006, he finally took me. I couldn’t understand why he wasn’t talking to me. He was acting so strange and not paying any attention to me. I starting getting very aggravated at one point and stopped talking to him. I was looking at one exhibit and turned around to tell him something, but he wasn’t there. Then I looked down, and there he was on one knee with a ring in hand. He asked me to marry him and of course I said yes. He put the ring on my finger and it was official.

Shortly after we were engaged, Scott left for the summer to go install security systems in North Carolina. It was the hardest summer of my life. I’m pretty sure I drove my mom crazy. I was not pleasant to be around. However, it was the best summer for Scott and me to grow as a couple. He was clear across the country and all we had was the phone to communicate. We had many nights full of arguments and misunderstandings. But, some of the best things happened. We connected on a purely emotional level and grew closer than we ever would have had he been home. It was hard, but I am so grateful for that summer.

Scott was set to come home late August/early September, but drove from North Carolina to Idaho in 2 days to make it home for my birthday. It was the best surprise ever and we are lucky enough to have it on tape. 3 weeks later we walked into the Logan Temple to be wed for time and all eternity.

On September 15, 2006- it rained all day. I woke up and it was pouring. It’s one of my favorite memories about the day. I love the rain, so I felt like it was a blessing coming down from the heavens. I got ready at a hotel in Logan and when I was finished I sat in the hotel anxiously waiting for my groom to pick me up. He knocked on the door and I ran to open it. Scott looked so handsome in his suit, standing in the rain with those big blue eyes and smiling from ear to ear. The sight of him assured me all the world was right as long as I was with him.

We were married by my great grandfather and the ceremony was beautiful. My grandpa got my named mixed up a few times, calling me Ann Stacey instead of Stacey Ann, (he was almost 90 when he married us) - but we look back at laugh now. We are so privileged to have had him seal us. It was truly a dream come true for me. We stepped out of the temple as Mr. and Mrs. Scott Packard for the first time, and here we are today- making history.

I love my husband with everything in me. He is my best friend. To be honest, I cannot imagine my life without him. He pushes me to be the best I can be and picks me up when I’m not. He gives me strength when I’ve run out and reminds me of how strong I truly am. He has never asked me to be someone I’m not. He has the best work ethic of anyone I know. He is smart. He has a testimony of the gospel. He is funny. He kisses me every morning and night and always in between. He is kind. He was made for me. I don’t think I will ever be able to 

express in words what he means to me.

Here’s to five years, Scott. I love you more and more and more each day. Thank you for blessing my life on a daily basis and loving me like you do.

if you have a toddler

...You must try this!

All you need is a straw, dish soap, water, and food coloring.

Put some dish soap in the bottom of a cup, add some water and a little food coloring. Place a straw in the cup and let your child blow.

When they have made a colored bubble fountain, place a piece of paper over the bubbles and press down.

It makes the coolest design! You can kind of see our picture in the bottom, left corner.

Then, even after the color was gone, T blew bubbles for a long time.

And an added bonus for mom, my table was nice and shiny when we were done!

This is a boredom buster for sure!

Check Ups

The boys had their check-ups today. Tayden had is 2 1/2 year and Beckett has his 6 month-although is really is 7 months. We're a little behind.

My favorite part of the whole Nevada doctor appointment: Tayden getting out of the car and saying, "Brrr. Its cold." It was a chilly 78*. He must be used to the Nevada heat. More the used to it, he must be loving it.

My least favorite part of the doctor appointment. Waiting for the Dr. for an HOUR! The total appointment took almost 2 hours. Re-dic-u-lous!

At 2 years 7 months Tayden:

-Weights 28.5 lbs. (25-50%)

-Is 36 3/4 in. tall. (50-75%)

-Loves all things Toy Story.

-Enjoys story time at the library and reading his new books.

-Still loves watching football.

-Is extremely independent.

-Loves swimming.

-Has a minor obsession with Nemo fish.

-Finally loves nursery. In fact, its his favorite time of the week.

-Is a fantastic older brother.

-Could talk on the phone all day.

-Knows his numbers to 10, all colors, most shapes and some letters.

-Wants to be outside if at all possible.

-No longer wears pull ups at bed time.

-Thinks getting mail is the coolest. Even if its just our junk mail.

-Loves his train track.

-Hates when his brother plans with his train track.

-Listens like a champ...most days.

-Is a great helper.

-Makes me laugh.

At 7 months Beckett:

-Weights 22 lbs. (75-90%)

-Is 28 1/2 inches tall. (75-90%)

-Is a crawling machine. (I'll post a video soon)

-Can pull himself onto almost everything.

-Climbs up stairs.

-Can sit back up from crawling.

-Loves to drop a toy in a basket and then get it out again.

-Is eating baby food and starting some soft table foods.

-Has two bottom teeth.

-Is still happy and content most all the time.

-Falls asleep on his own.

-Adores his brother.

-Has the greatest laugh.

-Drinks from a sippy cup.

-Has a red headed temper.

-Still takes 2 1/2 naps.

-Is a fantastic eater.

My kids are the bomb.