HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

So, mothers day is always a little insane for us, being that we get to celebrate it times 4 (well, actually times 5 including myself,and after reading this it does sound slightly polygamous, but alas we are not). Since our parentals are all divorced and remarried Jamison and I both have awesome moms and stepmoms to whom I just wanted to say thanks for being so amazing!!!

And on that note, as a mom I could use a little advice from all you moms out there. Chase has started going through this phase of major atittude. The dreaded temper tantrums have begun, along with hitting, and refusing to stay by my side when we are out and about. She is so independent, which could be a good thing, but it scares me when she is running up to strangers wanting them to pick her up! ahhh! Someone said to me "Well, are you giving her enough attention?" After the initial urge to smack them, I explained that Chase probably gets to much attention. Jamison and I have tried ignoring it when she acts up, because feeding into it makes her laugh and want to do it more. The doctor suggested putting her in her crib for just 2 minutes when she acts up. That doesnt work either. She is only 15 months old, so its not like there is a ton I can do. So.... any suggestions? Jamisons family is constantly telling me that he acted exactly how Chase acts, attitude and all. So, maybe its just how it is. There are days that I love her independance and days I stress about it and imagine all the horrible things that could happen because of all the freaks out there. Oh the joys of motherhood. Its the most scary, rewarding, stressful, joyful thing in the world.

random pics, and first time at the zoo

cutest butt crack ever.

jumping with dad

very mad that she cant open the door to get outside.

we bought this tiger at the zoo, and she clung to it the whole time we were there. It was pretty cute.

such a little helper. she always insists on helping me push.

These are just some random pics taken over the past wk. I took Chase to the zoo for the first time yesterday and she loved it, but not because of the animals. She quit enjoyed the fences she was able to climb, the train, and the fountain at the entrance of the zoo. When we left she started screaming and made a few attempts at running back in. It was funny. Hopefully when she is older she will appreciate the actual animals a bit more.

Best day

Today was the best day. It all started when I was standing in line at normandie cafe to get something to eat. When it came time for the lady infront of me to order her food she says to me "you go ahead, I am waiting for my daughter". So I ordered and stepped aside, not thinking much of it. Well while I was waiting I watched this mom greet her daughter when she walked in, and give her a big hug, and tell her how beautiful she looked today, and for some reason it got me all choked up ( I am such an emotional dork). And then to top it off as they are leaving she says to me "you enjoy that little angel, they grow up way to fast."
So, it was at this moment I decided to heck with the stuff I should do today, Chase and I are going to spend the whole day having fun, and I am not going to take for granted her kisses and cuddles, which at this point in her life she so freely gives. So we played outside walking up and down the curb 100 times because now she can walk up and down stairs so of course we should do it over and over again dah, then we jumped on nannas tramp, then we cuddled on the couch and watched baby einstein, then we pretended to be trains, and I made sure to tell her I loved her at least 1000 times, because I know when she gets older I am going to miss days like today, days where I know she loves hangin with her mom.
Now she is fast asleep, and I miss her, and its so cheesy, but I know any mom can completly understand.

"When I was 26 I was fabulous"

On my bday someone said to me "How old are you Jamie?" I answered "26". They said "when I was 26 I was fabulous". I thought to myself "hmmm, I would consider myself fabulous at 18, but 26? Fabulous is not the word that comes to mind. These thoughts led me to consider my hobbies.......wait what hobbies? If you consider constantly thinking about how I still need to lose baby weight a hobbie then I am really good at my hobbie. I have been considering taking a photography class, because I am facinated by photography. I find myself looking at Gallery Photographys blog everyday, just to see the creative way he photographs weddings. So I ask anyone who finds themselves reading my blog, what is a good hobby? Although I am first and formost a mom, I want to look back and remember doing more with my time then just this (dont get me wrong,i love being a mom, and its definatly not easy, but anyone who says they are happy just being a mom is lying). A woman will go crazy if she doesnt have an escape once in a while (aka, a hobbie).

And on that note, here is a pic of the munchkin performing at grandmas house. Her most current hobbies are jumping and kicking.

Good things come to those who wait and wait and wait

watching tv with head phones on. of course.

tiny pigtails

brushing teeth

1. I was finally able to put Chase's hair in little pig tails yesterday. It was incredibly hard for me to let it grow out (I am not a fan of the mullet), but I think my patience paid off. She looked awesome with pig tails.
2. After driving the same damn car for 8 yrs, I finally got a new one. Watching my brother in law drive off in the sentra was a bitter sweet moment for me. After all the times I secretly wished she would just blow up, all of the wonderful memories made while in her flashed through my mind as she drove away. The sombrero (or was that the stanza?), driving away in her while sara was still getting out, rear ending the girl who decided after 40 minutes of debating to not call the cops because she just remembered theres a warrant out for her arrest. Now I am over it. Let us never speak of this car again.

HAPPY 30TH JAMIS

Yes, Jamison turned the big 30 on the 6th. I really wanted to throw a suprise party, but he specifically told me not to. We did a very low key celebration in Park City with Nick and Laura(if you guys read this, thanks again for treating us to dinner!) . During this celebration I learned how truly addicting guitar hero is.
So Jamison, if you read this, Happy Birthday you sexy man you. Deuch chillllll...

My marvelous husband.

2 nights ago as Jamison and I were getting ready for bed, I looked over and realized Jamison's hair looked a whole lot like David Hasselhoff's. This was very disturbing. Jamison has gorgeous auburn/reddish hair, curly and thick, but it does nothing for him to look like David circa 1980. I am trying to talk him into going to a professional to get it cut. There is so much potential there. Luckily the next morning the resemblence was gone.

Last night as I was attempting to watch Lost online Jamison lays down on the bed and proceeds to ask me "Isn't it awkward when 2 girls hug and there boobs squash togethor?". Um, what? I can honestly say I have never considered this nore do I want to. Apparently some girl he works with was showing some wedding picture of two girls boob squashing hug and the subject was brought up. Being that he asked me this very late,and I was exhausted it was a lot funnier last night. I am still able to get a good chuckle out of it, yet its still slightly disturbing (but never as disturbing as the hoff).

EASTER IN ST.GEORGE

the first easter egg hunt.

the wading pool at the art festival. we couldnt get chase out of it.

Since it was Easter weekend, and spring break at the U we decided to head down to st. george. It was incredibly relaxing. The art festival was going on, and we took Chase both days. If we would have let her, she would have walked around in the cute wading pool they had there for hours. It was much needed r&r for Jamison since he has been going non stop for months. Chase had lots of fun doing the easter egg hunt, and getting to play outside everyday all day, since the weather was perfect. It went by way to fast. Oh how I wish everyday was a vacation..........

A DAY IN THE LIFE

So, today was a very unproductive day. I always start out with the best of intentions (clean the house, go grocery shopping, take chase to the park etc....), but it never works out that way. I even make lists hoping they will motivate me. They do not. Of the 7 things on my list today i only got 2 done. Picking up Chases perscription, and cleaning the bathroom. I didnt get to the bathroom until about 8 at night, only to have Chase pee all over the floor right before I was going to put her in the bath. Oh what fun. I took some pictures cataloging the unproductivity that was my day. Actually they are more just random pics of Chase taken throughtout the day (mainly because we got a new camra a month ago, and I dont use it enough). Does anyone else have those days where you feel like your going non stop, but not getting anything done?

Chase's first sledding experience!!

Chase and Sawyer. I think this is her first crush. They will be playing and if he walks out of her line of vision she freaks.

shiz

Chase Emma turned 1 a few wks back, and as all you mothers know, this is the point where you get rid of the bottle and start giving them whole milk and big people food. Well, i thought this stage would be great but i am having a really hard time. I am not a good cook. On average i would cook dinner for Jamison and I twice a wk. Now that Chase is able to eat more foods i feel guilt about not cooking to i went on a recipe shopping spree and bought so much crap to cook dinner. unfortunatly it turns out Chase is a very picky eater. At her 1 yr check up, the doctor told us to get rid of her bottles ( we threw them away as soon as we got home), and to basically feed her whenever we eat and make sure she gets at least 3 snacks inbetween. So much easier said than done. The doctor also told us to make sure she gets at least 16 ounces of whole milk a day. Also easier said than done. She does not like the sippy cup, she likes drinking out of normal cups. This could be a good thing, but I cant tell how much milk she is actually getting since it seems most of it ends up down the front of her, so i keep pushing the sippy cup but some days it is pointless. I am so paranoid shes not getting enough to eat and drink. I watch for all the signs of dehydration, and she doesnt show any, but i cant help but be worried. How do moms with more than one child do this? I have great respect for you guys!
Anyways, if anyone has any suggestions for me please feel free to share them!!! I am hoping this gets easier soon!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHASE EMMA!!!

1 YR OLD

6 MONTHS OLD

1 DAY OLD

I cant believe how much she has changed in 1 yr! her bday was on the 16th but we did her party today and it was a blast. we reserved a room at rocky mountain pizza and it turned out to be quite fun. lots of friends and family came, and chase got lots of fun stuff. i can say the one good thing about jamison and i having divorced parents who are all remarried is chase gets 4 sets of grandparents who take great joy in spoiling her. it was fun watching her attack her birthday cake. she started walking a few wks ago and likes walking in circles for some reason. during her party she choose to entertain everybody by showing them how good she is at walking in circles. what entertainment! HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHASE!

slacker

So I have been a major blogger slacker. Since my last post christmas and new years have come and gone. It was Chase's first Christmas so that was way fun, although a little over stimulating for her. It was this experience that made me realize absolutley nothing good comes from her getting a million toys, few of which she will actually play with. She did get a bounce and spin zebra and we get a good laugh out of it everytime she rides it. We may have a cowgirl on our hands (but dont say that to Jamison, it will offend him).

She finally started walking!! yay! Actually I should say she finally started real walking. For about a month now she will walk but only when we crawl infront of her with a yummy treat. Today her little cousin some how miraculously inspired her to just start walking. What a munchkin.

Now, we are planning her first birthday, which is on the 16th. That year went by way to fast!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

So, with Thanksgiving being tomorrow I decided I would get all sentimental on ya'll, and list a few of the things I am most grateful for.....
-Chase Emma
-my hard working husband
-my home
-my car
-my religion
-my parents
-my minnie sisters
-really good music
-baby einstein (because while watching it, its the only time Chase will sit still for more than 2 sec)
-my friends old and new
-my clumsiness (hey, it makes me laugh so i guess i should be grateful for it)
-the office
-arrested developement (thankyou nick and laura for making us watch it)
-my favorite quote from arrested development "I dont want no part of your tight ass country club you freak bitch"
-my ipod (how did i ever survive without it?)
-yummy turkey and mashed potatoes, and basically all things tasty
-dvr
-the dent in my forhead (it gives me character)
-chamoise sheets
-really good books that i stay up until 3am reading
-my daughters kisses (which are more of a headbutt)

I could go on for hours. I am grateful for a lot.
I hope everyone has an awesome Thanksgiving!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Aren't I the cutest bunny?

she does not enjoy sitting still for pics. especially in a very hot bunny costume
grandma let me have a go at the candy bowl

CHASE'S FIRST HALLOWEEN. THANK GOODNESS SHE ACTUALLY ENJOYED HAVING HER COSTUME ON

I hate moving. I am tired of packing up boxes. I needed a break, so i just watched "The Hills" online. Secretly I am addicted to that show. My husband makes fun of me when I watch it, which is why I often find myself watching it at 1 a.m. on the laptop. Also I just decided I really like the band Paramore. I dont often like punk bands with chick lead singers, but I really like this one. I just watched like 3 of there videos. I also just watched some movie trailers. I do not want to see 30 days of night. Jamison really wants to see it. My friend told me there is a part where a vampine eats off someones head. GROSS! Why would I want to watch that? Jamisons idea of celebrating Halloween is watching scary movies like 30 days of night. My idea of celebrating Halloween is watching Its The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. I tried to get Chase to watch it with me the other day, and she was not having it.
I need to go to bed now.

moving

So as many can tell, from my last post, Jamison and I decided to put our condo up for rent. It was kindof a spur of the moment decision. Something came our way so we decided to take advantage of it so we could move into a bigger place.
So we put up the For Rent sign, and posted our place on ksl.com, and almost immediatly we started getting calls. We had people coming to look at it left and right (which was great). We had about 6 or 7 people tell us they wanted it, and we finally narrowed it down to 2 people. A single guy, and a small family similiar to Jamison and I. My parents have some rental property so they made sure we followed all the correct procedures etc. We had them fill out rental applications, we did a background check, we checked all of there references etc. The hardest part was deciding who to rent it to. I had no idea how stressful it would be. We went back and forth for 2 days. Although it may not sound that stressful, it was! W wanted someone who would take good care of our place, keep it clean, not damage anything. All I can say is I am so glad its over! We are renting to a really cute little family so lets hope it works out.
I am going to miss living here. Mostly the area and the ward. We are living close to my parents (same ward), which does make me nervous, but Chase will have a yard and a bigger house. Lets hope it all works out.

Hello everyone. Just wanted to let you all know that Jamison and I are renting out our condo. If you or anyone you know is interested, rent is $750 a month. It has new carpets and paint. Its in an awesome location (2000 east 2700 south in sugarhouse). 2 bedrooms,1 bath.

Although this isnt a "blog" per say, i figured what the hell. we want to move out soon. Now that little chase is crawling and attempting to walk we realized we may need some more space.

Who came up with this stuff?

So, the other night my husband was studying for a test he has coming up in his classical mythology class. He asked me to help him so of course I obliged. Little did I know what I was in for. I was not aware that there was a god who raped another god then made her eat the offspring, but as she was doing so she asked one of the offspring to cut off the balls of the god who raped her which he did. He then proceeded to throw the balls into the ocean. Apparently the fome on the ocean waves is caused by this gods balls being thrown in. From this fome caused by the balls another god was born (I cant keep all the gods names straight, so I am not even going to try). Also, the god zeus had an affair and got the woman preg. She died so he cut the baby out, then cut his own calf open, and let the baby gestate in his calf. Like, who came up with this stuff. Did the ancient Greeks honestly believe it? But the best part is when they would attack or go to war, they would hold there manly bits as they were attacking because I guess it was a sign of dominance. Jamison showed me a painting of it.......pretty funny. There is also a painting from ancient Greece of Zeus (i think), standing by an old school scale with gold on one side and his wang on the other, and his wang far outwieghs the gold. This showed how powerful he was.
Those greeks had some pretty crazy ideas. Jamison and I got a good laugh out of it though.

What if you slept?
And what if in your sleep, you dreamed?
And what if in your dream, you went to heaven
and there plucked a strange and beautiful flower?
And what if, when you woke, you had the flower in your hand?
Ah! What then?

-Samuel Taylor Coleridge

This quote is at the beginning of one of my favorite books, "Second Glance". I don't know why I liked the quote so much. If just kindof stuck with me.