the hair schweedahts

a concert

2012-02-08T19:24:00.003-06:00

Right after Christmas I was given (yes, given!) a piano. It has been such a warm and welcome addition to our home. I have loved playing every day (not well, but stumbling through the primary songs) and so have our children.

Here they are two days ago, playing a concert for their stuffed animals, giggling all the while.

This is just a cute picture of Carson. He is looking so grown up lately. And although you can't tell from pictures, he actually is getting slightly heavy! Yay!

Valentine's Picture

2012-02-06T07:00:00.004-06:00

Last night for our Sunday family activity, we made Valentine's for all of the kid's grandparents and great-grandparents. (Now that I've put it out there in blog-world, I'll have to follow through and actually send them!) Here is the picture we took to go inside of them. Aren't we cute?

our house

2012-02-03T14:27:00.003-06:00

Well, we have news. Exciting and frustrating at the same time.

1. We put an offer on a house! A great house! A house on an acre!
2. After we submitted the offer, the seller's agent found out how upsidedown the seller was on his mortgage, and said it should have been listed as a short sale. Ugh.
3. Kept in our offer, even though it will be a looooong process. We weren't even looking at short sales, but the joke was on us!
4. Will temporarily rent out a basement apartment from a family at church. Hopefully not for too long, it is guaranteed to be squishy!
5. We love the house. I mean, really really love it. Being patient is not always my specialty, but hopefully these next 2, 3, 4, 5 6, hopefully not 7 months, will fly by!

We will keep looking at houses in the meantime, in case something spectacular comes up that isn't a short sale, but it will have be pretty stellar to sway us from this house.

The house has a giant, two-story stone fireplace, 3 bedrooms, skylights, 2 car garage, a hot tub (not that we really cared about that, but it's still pretty cool), great deck, an unfinished basement (will add two more rooms and family room eventually), hardwood floors, and green carpet...in the master bathroom. Haha. So, it's not all sunshine and roses, but easily fixed.

The lot is OVER an acre! Lots of trees, a garden, an awesome giant shed with a loft and electricity, a place for bunnies, etc. We've already discussed family camping trips...in our backyard! It was really the yard that sealed the deal. It is amazing.

So...we'll keep our options open, but I'm pretty certain this is our house. We trust in the Lord's timing. This little set-back is certainly for a good reason, so we'll just have to wait to see what that is!

a change of plans

2012-01-26T19:48:00.002-06:00

We are looking to buy a house!

We have to be out of this house by March 1st, so Jason and I had been looking and looking and looking for another rental, but none of them were right for us for one reason or another. Jason kept saying that he'd rather buy a house, but I wanted more in savings and a signed contract for a partnership buy-in first. I kept resisting and he went along with it. Well, after a month of that, and many *seemingly* unanswered prayers, Jason came home on Monday determined that we should buy. After one night of shock, I came around to the idea and am now convinced it's the right move.

Problem.

There is almost no way we can be out of here and moved in "there" in a month. On Tuesday we got prequalified for a loan, and this Saturday we're going with our realtor (who seems to be fantastic) to see five different houses. So now we just HOPE that it all moves quickly. Hope that we'll find a great house, in a stellar neighborhood, with great schools, near Jason's office, with a pretty fantastic backyard, AND that we can make an offer quickly and get the loan finalized even more quickly than that. Whew!

We're trying to prioritize our "wants" but it's much harder to do in real-life than it is watching House Hunters!

There might be some opportunities to rent for a short time from a few different families in our ward (basement apartments, etc), but if not, we'll explore other options. We may end up getting a 6 month lease somewhere (and then breaking it?), or stay at an extended-stay hotel (veeeery expensive). So, we'll see. But we are excited! For what we're paying in rent, we can afford a nice home...so why not? Things are going GREAT at the office now, and Jason just got a temporary job in Richmond, VA to supplement our income on most of his days off. Yay! Things are looking good down South, I just pray we'll find our new home soon!

a night with the gals

2012-01-21T22:26:00.005-06:00

Jason has been gone several nights this week, so I've been trying to do fun things each night with the kids. The other day we pulled out the girls' new mini-rolling pins Grandpa gave them at Christmas, and made homemade pizza! While Carson played in his favorite cereal cupboard, the girls created and baked masterpieces.

Carefully, oh so carefully, rolling out their dough. The adorable aprons are courtesy of Grandma Hutchinson and my favorite (and dearly missed) Corrine-

Slathering on the sauce, as much or as little as they wanted-

Then the toppings were carefully chosen, pickles among them (surprisingly good). And, of course, Addie sang backup music the entire time.

The finished creations! Yum yum!

season's highlights

2012-01-09T09:43:00.010-06:00

1. REAL Christmas Caroling! Jason and I invited several members of our church over for Family Home Evening the Monday before Christmas. It was a HUGE success! Including our family, we had 38 people caroling, from 7 families! We walked up and down our street, singing to our neighbors, and came back to our house for hot chocolate and donuts. All the kids LOVED it, and we decided we'll continue to do this as a tradition every year. It really brought the Christmas spirit, to those of us singing and to those we sang to. It was a blast.

2. This picture was supposed to be on our Christmas card...that we never got around to making. I like it, though. Thanks, Mom! 3. Here was our cozy tree and living room on Christmas Eve, once all the kids were asleep. I was sipping hot chocolate and wanted to capture the moment.

4. New Christmas dresses! Provided by Grandpa and Grandma Hair. Addie is in her favorite--PINK!

Awesome Christams tie provided by Aunt Caitlyn, sorry you can't see it very well.

5. Grandpa came to visit! He got here Christmas Eve and stayed through New Years day. The kids LOVED having him visit. Addie actually asked if she could have two dads now, one being Grandpa!

6. Santa brought the kids a TRAMPOLINE! Jason and his dad stayed up Christmas Eve setting it up, in the cold & dark, but it was worth it!

Addie thought Santa put a bow on it to show her it was a present just for her and Macie, and she didn't question Santa's magic when we asked how he fit it in his sleigh. For someone who didn't grow up "doing Santa" it certainly is a lot of fun. I love the magic.

7. The week after Christmas we were blessed with 50 and 60 degree weather, so we could enjoy Santa's generosity! All the kids love it, including Carson.

8. The annual Christmas Eve puppet show. I love our family Christmas traditions.

We had a wonderful Christmas. We certainly spoiled everyone. With watching our belts so tightly for so long, we felt we deserved it for our first post-graduation Christmas. I'm so glad we did!

diagnosis of a 4 year old

2011-12-22T08:50:00.003-06:00

Yesterday Addie was the doctor, Macie the nurse, and I was the patient. After looking long and hard at my leg, Addie declared, "I know why you're sick. You have bugs in you. Bugs and sheep." The next minute was spent being poked by Macie and Addie, attempting to remove the bugs and sheep. Addie then thought she should look in my ear. "Oh!" she said, "there is something else. You have a tiny lady inside...and she's screaming!"

I love my life.

the "homemade" tree

2011-12-20T02:42:00.004-06:00

We have two trees this year, our normal big tree, and our little 4 footer. We don't have many ornaments, and I couldn't justify spending more money just so we could have two trees. Instead, we have been decorating the little one with things we have found around the house and recycled. It's been so much fun being creative, that we just might make this a tradition every year!

What we've put on the tree:

1. Popsicle stick and yarn ornaments, colored with markers

2. Bottle cap ornaments, painted by the kids, with yarn (I had been saving bottle caps for months, knowing the perfect craft would come along, and I'm so glad it was this!)

3. Orange tulle, left over from Addie's Halloween costume

4. Yellow pipe-cleaner star on top

Oh yeah, let the creative juices flow!

the first birthday of a third child

2011-12-20T02:05:00.003-06:00

It was so sad. He didn't even like his own cake.

Poor Carson. His birthday was Nov 18th. We were in Michigan that day for my brother's wedding without Jason, so we waited to celebrate. THEN we waited until Thanksgiving so my whole family would be there. THEN we waited until after Thanksgiving dinner, naps, games, and pie to celebrate. By then he was a year and a week, abysmally tired, and so was everyone else...so it wasn't much of a celebration. The sad reality of the third child.

And now he's 13 months old, and I never even took his 12 month picture! Probably the most important one after doing it all his life, and it's not done. I'm sorry, Carson. I love you just as much, I swear it!

Here are the things I want to remember about you when you first turned one:

-You love wheels! You will push anything around our house as long as it has wheels (doll strollers and trucks being your top two favorites), and it never ceases to amaze me how quickly you find the wheels on laundry baskets, rolling carts, chairs, etc. Wheels, wheels, wheels!

-You are quick to smile, and a have an eight-tooth toothy grin.

-You love cereal, milk and peanut butter & jam sandwiches, and hate broccoli, rice and pasta in any other form than spaghetti.

-Though you just learned to crawl about three weeks ago, you now LOVE it and crawl everywhere and get into everything (though, thankfully, you have no interest in the Christmas tree!)

-Your favorite place is our lazy-susan cereal cupboard. Although our cereal boxes are often strewn across the kitchen, it never bothers me. I know how much you love to get them out, put them away, hide trucks in the boxes and push them around the floor.

-You light up in the morning when you first get to see your sisters.

-You still love Mom better than anyone, which she secretly loves and cherishes.

-Your forehead-to-forehead hugs are just as cuddly and sweet as any arm-around-the-neck-hug.

We love you, Carson, and can't believe you are ONE!

bundles at the park

2011-12-20T02:02:00.003-06:00

After a week of sickness, the kids were ready to go OUT!

Macie's hair always looks like this

happily ever afters

2011-12-12T22:34:00.003-06:00

Adelyn is so sweet and sensitive. She is always right on the edge of giggling hysterically or crying big crocodile tears. She just wears her heart on her sleeve. I love that she always looks for the good in everything and shares every positive experience with anyone that will listen to her.

Over Thanksgiving we visited my parents in MI for my little brother's wedding. While there, Addie was taking an especially long time getting out of the car. Here is the conversation Jason shared with me afterward--

JASON: "Addie, what are you doing? Why are you taking so long to get out of the car?"

ADDIE: "Well, I'm thinking about nice things..."

JASON: "You are? What types of things?"

ADDIE: "Oh, just animals and Happily Ever Afters."

**My heart just melted!**

a little late, but always welcome

2011-12-12T13:35:00.002-06:00

I know Thanksgiving was several weeks ago, but today I am feeling so much gratitude!

I am grateful for my awesome, silly, cuddly family! We love being together, playing Candyland or cribbage or tag or playdough, and we laugh and tickle and sing and dance.

I'm grateful for my car (and for the deer that squashed our other car last Christmas so we could get the one we have now). It is so nice to spread out, stretch our legs, and have a DVD player in there on days when one is absolutely necessary.

I'm grateful for my mom and sisters. I love being able to call them and chat anytime, and be weird or whiney or crazy, and know they'll still want to talk to me tomorrow.

I am grateful to have a house to live in, food in our fridge (and even a little extra on occassion to eat out), and the Christmas tree in our living room (regardless of how sparsely it is decorated).

But most of all, I am grateful for Jason. He really keeps me sane and in touch with what is worth my emotional energy, and what is not. He also likes to spoil me when possible, and forgive me when I am unbelievably grouchy. And because of his dedication and hard work, I am able to stay at home and read books to my adorable little children whenever I want. It's easy to forget how blessed I am to be able to do that, but I truly love it, and am so thankful to be a mother who is able to just be at home and on-call.

My life is so good!

What do a cow, a duck and a butterfly have in common?

2011-11-05T15:43:00.004-05:00

They're all very HAIRY!

I've used the duck costume for each of our kids, and it was pretty small for Carson (I think it's a 3-6 mos costume, and he's nearly a year!) so we taped the footies on him. I made Addie's tutu, wings (they were time-consuming), and her pipe-cleaner antennaes. She loved it, and I think she looks pretty. As for Macie, a few days before Halloween she delcared she wanted to be a cow. She was going to be a butterfly like Addie, but out of nowhere, decided she just HAD to be a cow. So, a cow she was. Our favorite cow! I have to say, even though her costume was so easy, she definitely stole the show. Isn't she adorable? And while I love making the costumes and find a lot of satisfaction in doing it, I find that I'm relieved every year when Halloween is over. Until next year...

from pumpkins to jack-o-lanterns

2011-10-27T14:01:00.007-05:00

Our pumpkin adventure...

Carson hates sitting in grass, and the pumpkin patch wasn't any different.

This was our attempt at a family picture at the end of a long, fun day. Addie absolutely refused to take the picture, that's why she is off by herself, having a tantrum over a little sliver in her finger. Poor Addie. Isn't the farm beautiful?

Finished product! We checked out a book from the libary with face ideas, so the girls picked out their designs that way. From left to right we have Macie's pumpkin (the girl), Addie's pumpkin (the happy face), and Carson's (which I did myself).

Happy Halloween!

11, 13, 25, 31, and 0

2011-10-21T14:11:00.007-05:00

eleven. The number of months Carson has been with us! He is 11 months old. I can't believe our boy is almost a one year old! He is so small, it's hard to believe we'll soon be celebrating his birthday.

thirteen. This is as high as Macie can count on her own. She is already a trickster and loves doing or saying anything contrary to what I do or say, enjoys helping me do my chores, and loves being the biggest sister while Addie is away at preschool.

twenty-five. This is how many days until Grandma and Grandpa Hutchinson come to see us on the train, and Addie CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THEM! It is also approximately how many times per day Addie talks about getting/owning/buying a pet. "When can I get a pet?" "Can we go to the pet store and see the pets?" "Can I have a turtle/kitty/elephant/dog?" "I'm a kitty, and you're my mommy." "Why can't I have a pet?" "Mom, I can work hard and take care of it!" (I'm pushing for a dog for Christmas.)

thirty-one. The amount of ghost pretzels I made for the Edgar Allan Poe book club this week! Aren't they cute?

ZERO! The amount of insurance companies Jason has left to be approved on! YAY! It sometimes felt like this day would never come. Now he can see EVERYONE and his schedule is picking up quickly. We're hoping in a month that he'll be able to finally finally finally add another day of work. Whew. It's been a long 5 months, but we know it will totally be worth it in the long run.

He visited Addie's preschool class on Wednesday (it was their medical professionals day) and spoke to the kids about their eyes, and then gave everyone a free eye screening. He and I had a good time, and Addie was proud to show him off.

It's been a good month, and we're all looking forward to Halloween!

rain, rain, stay all day, come and play any day!

2011-10-03T22:37:00.004-05:00

I love the fall and I love rain, which means I have been LOVING the weather we've had the last few weeks. We've had plenty of overcast and rainy days, the air is getting brisk and the leaves are starting to change...and fortunately for us, we have PLENTY of gorgeous leaves!

I was fortunate to catch these sweet sister memories recently. Watching my girls play together, hearing their little secret giggles, fills me with so much joy. Addie loves showing Macie bugs, new dances, how to sing, the proper way to be a kitty, and Macie just eats it all up. For her, Addie sparkles. I hope to capture on film their reunion hug after Addie has been at preschool. The first time I nearly squealed out loud! It is adorable! (On film? Ha!)

Typical of them- Addie in front, and Macie as happy as can be to be following.

I love her smile peeking out from underneath the umbrella, she is just so happy!

I believe she was singing to herself here.

Bug inspection in the rain! And yes, I realize we reallyreallyreally need to get these girls some wellies! I'm waiting to find some on an incredibly awesome sale...

look at this! how exciting!

2011-09-24T21:43:00.001-05:00

http://visionsource-fredericksburg.eyehub.com/index.cfm?content.display&pageID=107

9 months & more

2011-08-24T14:10:00.004-05:00

Carson has made it! He has now been out as long as he was in!

Fun with makeup. Yes, they're even wearing mascara!

When we can get Addie to smile normally, she is just sooo pretty. Don't you think so? Or am I just a biased mother? Good thing I don't have to worry about boys quite yet.

In case you were curious, here's what we look like opening our mouths as wide as we can-

And here is Macie refusing to do anything she doesn't want to do. This hilarious pouty face is new.

And here is cute cousin Hannah! Well, daughter of Jason's cousin Katie. (First cousin once removed, right? I have no idea.) Her and her parents came for a short visit. It was great having them- we thoroughly enjoyed beating them in every game we played. Ha!

every day life

2011-08-17T13:44:00.004-05:00

Macie's outfit is Jason's strange sense of humor. She thought it was hilarious.

As for me, I'm still running. Jason and I will be running in Richmond, VA's half marathon on Nov. 13th. I've been having a more difficult time committing to this race. My running partner is a high school teacher, so she starts school in a few weeks and won't be able to run with me anymore. That means I'll be training on my own and I'm a little worried. But it will be awesome to do it with Jason--too bad we can't train together. I've also been doing Weight Watchers for about a month and have finally been able to steadily lose weight. Hurrah! It's true what they say about the third kid. This time the baby weight is NOT coming off easily! So, here is a picture of me from a few days ago...I think I look a little thinner! Yay!

Carson is cute, but more needy than ever. Much more than either of our girls. He is a Mama's Boy through and through. This morning, after I ran 4 miles, I opted to mow our whole lawn for another hour of time away from him. He is very charming but also very demanding of his mother. It was perfect, though. Jason got what he wanted--time to sit and chill out with the kids watching a movie--and I got what I wanted--time ALONE. I love my husband! (And I really do love my kids, too, but sometimes a mama needs a break!)

Just a cute picture of him falling asleep on Jason's lap.

Now here is a happy story. I bought a box of 100 Curad bandaids. I was ignorant of the fact that they were the world's WORST BANDAIDS. They came unstuck minutes after being put on. I have never been so annoyed by a product before, so I decided to email the company. Well, about a week later, look what came in the mail!! Carson's face looks about how mine did when I opened the mysterious box!
It was so fun to have them send me all this free product, and they are the much nicer, more expensive bandaids...so they actually STICK! Hurrah! I will definitely be writing more companies in the future.

The end.

you'll never guess my new hobby

2011-08-03T20:28:00.005-05:00

It has to do with these: Some of this:

And faces that look like THIS:

It's true! Lately, I have been ENJOYING COOKING! (well, more often than not anyway...)

As many of you know, I have never been one who likes cooking. There are always dishes afterwards, half the time it isn't even good because I don't have natural cooking instincts, the kids are always whiny at dinnertime...yadda yadda yadda. WELL...

I HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH FARMER'S MARKETS!

There is something so wonderful about fresh, colorful food, bought directly from the people who lovingly planted, watered, cared for and picked it. I ask them questions (What do you do with a lemon cuke? How would you use the mini-eggplant in a dish?) and then go home and invent something. And the best part? Usually I invent something GOOD. Usually. (Our eggplant-zucchini-tomato soup the other night was a complete bust.) And it has been pretty FUN.

8 months

2011-07-27T14:17:00.004-05:00

Carson turned 8 months on the 18th. He is getting to be such a big (but little) boy! He army scoots all over our house, often gets stuck under chairs and tables, and has been known to explore an entire floor just to find me. He is definitely a mama's boy. Each of our kids have gone through the "I want Mom" stage, but he seems way more attached than either of the girls have been. And while I love feeling loved, it has its drawbacks, too.

Carson's eyes are a bright, crystal blue and he has long blond eyelashes- longer than the girls. He always sticks his tongue out when he smiles. He smiles easily, and LOVES his sisters. They can make him laugh better than anyone else. He isn't very interested in his pacifier (which has been different for us) but will take it in his crib. He nuzzles his blanket when he sleeps. I can tell he's going to be curious. In fact, I think his personality will be similar to Addie's--interested in everything, somewhat sensitive, and goofy!

He has been such a joyful addition to our family!

walk in the woods

2011-07-14T13:56:00.007-05:00

The community we live in is surrounded by woods, and they have several paths that run through them. My friend and I took our morning run through this path on Monday, and I just had to bring the kids back. This is how excited they were to be here this afternoon! Isn't it gorgeous?

The girls wanted to pick the Queen Anne's Lace, and the entire root came out. Notice how long they are, and the kids dragged them around the whole time.

Group photo!

I seriously love my kids. I love that they love being together so much. Since moving to VA it's been slow going to find kids Addie's age and she really really really wants to make friends, but she is always quick to mention that she's happy Macie is her friend. And Macie just dotes on her.

One more thing, do you say woods or forest? I say woods, Jason & the kiddos say forest. I think a forest is BIG, and the woods are small-ish. But I've heard them used interchangeably. What do you think?

Oh yeah, and there are three more new posts below. It was catch up day!

happy independence day

2011-07-14T13:52:00.005-05:00

We spent the Fourth of July in downtown Fredericksburg. First, we watched the 30th annual raft race, where everyone builds rafts out of recycled materials and races down the Rappahanock River. (Why don't we have any pictures???) We're trying to convince the doctors in Jason's practice to sponsor and build one with him and ride on it next year.

Then we were treated to ice cream at Wally's famous ice cream shop,

ate lunch at the local 919 Saloon (my fault, I chose to bring the kids into the bar, before I realized it WAS a bar! Haha!), sat on a bench and watched people walk by,

took pictures in front of old historic buildings,

and then at night we watched the fireworks (although the 10 minute show was pretty dismal).

Even though the fireworks were disappointing, I enjoyed the family-friendly vibe downtown for the day's festivities. I'm getting more and more convinced I'm going to thrive here.

addie turns four!!

2011-07-14T13:50:00.003-05:00

Addie is on a bug kick. She is always catching bugs and putting them in her various jars. Here she is on her birthday, wearing the antennae birthday hat. She is holding up the bug necklace we bought her, it has a black scarab beetle encased in the "jewel." We thought she'd love it. Well, it took a while for her to get over that we'd get her a DEAD bug. Haha. She wanted one that was alive, and could walk around. We even had to put it away for a few days because she was so upset that it was dead. Our tender-hearted Addie. Addie wanted a unicorn birthday cake and this is what I came up with! I was pretty happy about it, and had fun playing with my cake decorating stuff that I never use. I still would like to take a cake decorating class one day. (By the way, check out my friend Cassandra's cakes, she's my old college roommate and they are fabulous!)

When Addie woke up that morning and saw her cake she exclaimed, "Thanks for my cake, Mom! It is beeeeee-autiful!" That is one of Addie's best qualities, she is always so appreciative. I'm sure she gets it from her daddy. I think she had a nice birthday. Too bad we didnt' get her a pet, though we considered it. Maybe for Christmas.

And one of the funniest things about the day? Jason's parents had been talking about this chocolate cake from the moment they arrived...how moist and delicious and amazing it was. We were all thrilled to have it! We couldn't wait! Well...turns out they made it wrong. After hearing about it for over a week, we all laughed and laughed at the hilarious disappointment. Better luck next time.

virginia safari park

2011-07-14T13:41:00.005-05:00

Jason's parents came for a visit two weeks ago. It was fun to explore our new home together. From the movies, to sushi, to a horse-drawn carriage tour through historic downtown Fredericksburg, we had a blast.

An obvious highlight was the Safari Park! Here we are on the wagon ride-

I just like this picture, taken from the wagon. He's checking us out, daring us to invade his privacy a little more.

Feeding the reindeer. Grandpa loved enticing the reindeer over to him with his food, and then grabbing on to their antlers. Did you know reindeer have furry antlers? I didn't! They are covered in fur!

About five bison all charged toward the wagon at once, stopping just short, all vying to get a bite from our buckets. One got more than just a bite, he stole the entire thing from the lady sitting next to us!

The guide warned us of the camels. They are notorious bucket thieves! We saw one steal a bucket, and then proceed to stick the entier thing in its mouth and chew it all up. We drove away before we could see if he swallowed it or not, but I wouldn't have been surprised. Here is Macie, holding on to her bucket with all the strength her two-year-old arms could muster! (This guy looks like he's wearing a toupee!)

Mothers, do you do this? I always just take a random picture of myself to prove I was there! See? HERE I AM!

Feeding the llamas. Macie ADORED the llamas. She loves our "Llama llama" books, and I think that's why she was so excited to see them. They were soft and sweet, and she kept waving to them over and over and over. It was pretty cute.

Addie, always the animal lover, couldn't get enough.

Lots O' Llamas!

hutchinson clan

2011-07-11T15:21:00.003-05:00

I was looking at these pictures today and my family makes me smile. Aren't we a cheerful looking bunch?

camping Up North!

2011-07-03T14:26:00.004-05:00

We spent four days and three nights with my parents and brothers and sisters and their kids camping Up North. We swam, played Bingo, shuffleboard, Macie and Addie rolled around in the dirt with their cousins, and found LOTS AND LOTS of caterpillars.

We had a great time, and have decided to make camping a Hutchinson Reunion tradition! We're already planning what great we'll need for next time, I can't wait!

311

2011-06-26T21:07:00.009-05:00

I just downloaded all the pictures we've taken since May 20th and the grand total is 311! It's been a busy busy month, lots of work and lots of fun. Here are the highlights.

We crammed in packing an entire house and doing all the "one last time in Memphis" stuff all into one crazy week. Here we are at the Collierville sprinkler park.

Carson hated the water, Addie loved it, and Macie took some warming up.

Addie "graduated" from Joyschool. Oh, how she misses her friends!

And a family picture on the steps of our dear house on Satellite Street that we just absolutely loved. There are so many things I already miss about Memphis!

After picking up our reserved truck a day late because they ran out of them, Jason drove it 13 hours to Fredericksburg, towing our car behind it. I followed him with the kids. About two hours into our trip, TWO of the tires blew on the U-Haul, flinging tread back into my windshield. After three hours on the freeway, they were fixed and we were off, and fortunately without any more mishaps. Here we are waiting in the car for the tires to get fixed.

We had one week to get moved in and sort of settled. During that week, Macie turned TWO! My baby is a full-blown talking toddler! Jason loves the practice he's in, it's exactly the sort of office he's always wanted, although it IS far from family. But he absolutely loves it, everyone there has been wonderful. A few of the staff are even Green Bay fans! He's in heaven. And I already have two early morning running partners!

After being in VA just one week, we drove to Michigan for a family reunion/camping trip Up North. Camping will get its own post, there is just too much to say. We also had one other day there, so we headed up to Greenfield Village and rode the train and some old Ford cars. The kids had a blast. Thank you, Mom!

Now we're back in VA. Carson turned 7 months old, I turned 29 years old, and Jason's parents are in town for over a week! Like I said, busy busy busy, just the way we like it.

post graduation thoughts

2011-05-25T23:02:00.006-05:00

Friday, May 20th was a monumental day for our family. Jason GRADUATED! Nobody is more proud of him than I am. He has worked so hard for this, and as a first generation college student, he has had to push himself and stretch himself when the odds seemed against him.

The graduation ceremony was emotional for me. I was bursting with pride! When they announced "Dr. Jason Thomas Hair" as he accepted his diploma my eyes welled up. This was the culmination of years of extremely hard work, stress, juggling school and family, and studying...but it was more than that. This was Jason setting a very tough goal for himself and accomplishing it, and by so doing setting a precedent and example for our family. Our seven-year anniversary was Sunday, so we have literally spent our entire married life as a student family and now it is OVER!

I am blessed to have such a motivated husband, he's always been someone who doesn't wait for things to happen, but he is someone who makes them happen. Something I didn't know about him when we married was how goal-oriented he is. Six years ago he made a goal to beef up his resume for optometry school. He started the UVSC Pre-Optometry club and the club is still going! Well, not only did it make him a great candidate for school, it also earned him a scholarship. Since those undergrad days, his determination hasn't let up. He has already set one-year, five-year and 20-year goals for his professional life and even more spiritual and personal goals. In fact, he wrote down these goals just a few days after he graduated.

It has been a wonderful nearly four years in Memphis. We have made some wonderful friends, some life-long friends, and Jason and I have both grown as individuals and as a couple. We trust each other more, strive to live the gospel more, and are more comfortable in our own skin. It's been a lot of learning who we are as a couple, individuals, and as a family--and I know we are stronger for it. We will miss those who have helped us become what we are now, but look forward to our post-student life, to a new start with new people who have no preconceived notions. It's exciting to start fresh, and really be given the opportunity to be someone you've always wanted to be. While nervous about so much change, we are excited about the great possibilities that await us in Fredericksburg...here we come!

**I want to add more pictures later. For some reason my computer is stalling, and I have to get to sleep!

**Oh yeah, and if you know someone who needs a couch, washer, or entertainment center in Memphis, send them our way!! :)

celebration!

2011-04-20T14:04:00.004-05:00

Jason turned 32 years young yesterday, and to celebrate the occassion Adelyn and I made him a BUNNY CAKE! My mom used to make these for my brother Kurt because his birthday was always around Easter, and I've been talking about making one for Jason for years now. Well, wah lah! Here it is! Addie had fun putting on the whiskers and picking out the colors of the nose and eyes.

Carson turned 5 months old on the 18th and, as usual, I just had to take my monthly pictures. He's getting big, but I think his 4 and 5 month old pictures look pretty much the same. He started rolling a long time ago, but just this month discovered how tasty toes can be.

And, for those of you wondering, Jason's interview in Fredericksburg went well and we got a GREAT job offer. Pending some minor negotiations, we'll be Virginians in June! I was putting off posting about it until the contract was signed, but am too impatient. Hopefully it will all be finalized soon. We are excited to be starting the next phase of our lives...the paycheck phase!

the race

2011-04-14T09:00:00.005-05:00

Well, I'm sorry to say I didn't achieve my goal. My ONLY goal was to run the entire race...but when around mile 4 my knee felt like it was going to cave in and I was going to collapse on the side of the road, I thought I should walk. Walk, run, walk, run, walk, run...for 9 miles. All in all, I think I ended up walking between 3 and 4 miles total. And I am pretty disappointed.

I struggled about whether I should suck it up, or be careful and save my knee. I'm glad I didn't push it because I was limping for two days. Today is the first day I can't feel my knee when I walk. Ugh, it is frustrating. I'm more proud of my 11 mile run than I am of the race, and that is sad. I'm supposed to run another one the end June with my sister Hillary. I'm going to take the training a little easier towards the end so I can hopefully run the entire thing. So, after a week off, we'll see how my run on Saturday goes. I will keep running these races until I do the whole thing RUNNING!

But hey...I FINISHED!

this weekend

2011-04-07T14:29:00.004-05:00

This weekend...

-I run my first half marathon! Whew! I'm excited and extremely anxious!

-we leave our two girls for two days with Jason's cousin. The longest we've been away from them, and I'm nervous about how they'll do and how I'll do.

-we're taking a 13 hour road trip to Virginia. Our little family loves road trips, especially in our new car!

-Jason has a second interview with a practice in Fredericksburg, VA. His first was on Skype a few weeks ago. The practice seems great, they seem excited for him to come, and we're praying we get the job!

With so much excitement in the air, it's hard to sit here and do laundry.

being a runner

2011-03-26T10:05:00.005-05:00

I am so grateful to have such faithful running companions! This morning Rachel Hite and I ran 10 miles, about a third of it in the rain. It was cold and soggy, but overall, I enjoyed it! This begs the question: At what point can you call yourself "a runner?" Is it when you've trained hard for a race? When you get out jogging three times a week? When you've burned 1000 miles in one pair of shoes? Does being a "runner" have more to do with athleticism, commitment, or sheer determination? A combination of all three? Or something else altogether?

I still don't know the answer, but I do know that today, I AM A RUNNER. And it feels pretty good.

sisters & PIG

2011-03-20T21:33:00.004-05:00

Addie is becoming quite the little artist. She drew these last week.

The first is a picture of Addie and Macie. The antennaes on Macie's head are her pony tails! I love it. She is always concerned about getting the eyes correct-- pupils and everything--and it makes Jason pretty proud. Ha. If you look carefully, you'll see she wrote Macie's name around the page.

This second one, obviously, is PIG. She's been practicing her letters, too, and she'll write out names and words as I spell them outloud. She's getting to be pretty good!

niners

2011-03-20T21:26:00.001-05:00

I ran NINE MILES on Saturday! Woo woo! Still hard, but not as hard as eight. Hopefully that's a good sign.

stress!

2011-03-19T09:12:00.004-05:00

So, our updates. Jason applied to one residency and we found out two weeks ago that he didn't get it. He decided against trying to get the remaining residencies, he just wanted to get a job and start working and earning real money. Since then our days are filled with job searching, sending resumes, and chasing every available lead. It's been exhausting and very very stressful. VERY. I'm so grateful to have a husband who never just lets things happen to him, but is proactive and ambitious and makes things happen.

We've looked into buying practices, associate positions, working for Indian Health Services in Alaska...nearly everything. He's had a couple phone conversations with doctors, but those ones want someone to buy their practice. We'd prefer just to have a regular job first, and then in a few years buy. I don't know if we're in a good position to buy a practice right now, and Jason would like a few years experience before having his own. He's had a couple practices want to interview him, but we don't have the money to just pick up and fly him to VA or NV for an interview, so we've asked for phone interviews first and are still waiting to hear. We still could do a retail chain somewhere, and we will if we have to, but that's our last resort. We may need to expand our search of locations, but I feel it's fairly broad as it is. Ugh.

Long story short, we're tired of not knowing. It's hard. We're scared. In my heart I know we will be taken care of, but it's easy to get stressed and worried when we're looking over our finances, or looking at the calendar and wondering what will happen in two months. The Lord has blessed us so much, and I know He won't stop now, but it'd be nice to have some asnwers now. So, please keep us in your prayers. We need them! (Wow, I am a downer...)

On a lighter note, Carson is 4 months old! Wow, time is flying by. He is such a sweet baby, so good natured and handsome!

new favorite photo

2011-03-15T16:48:00.001-05:00

Gotta love these kids!

8

2011-03-12T10:32:00.003-06:00

I ran eight miles this morning. EIGHT MILES. Whoa. And it was hard. Really, really hard. But I did it! I had run 7.5 about two years ago, so this is officially my longest run ever. My legs feel like jello, but I am proud of myself. Last week we ran 7 miles and it felt easy to me, but today was not an easy day. Oh well, I pushed through it and DID IT! Yay me!

Memphis is best in Spring

2011-03-04T14:59:00.007-06:00

There are several things I will miss about Memphis, one of them being the spring. Spring in Memphis is like walking through a perfume store- the smells are delicious. There was a giant honeysuckle bush/tree (?) outside our apartment and I loved opening our windows and inviting the sweet smell in. Yes, Memphis is best in spring.

The last few days have been WONDERFUL in Memphis. Spring weather, daffodils, short-sleeves, pink and white trees blossoming, smiling children, walks around the block...it's so nice to GET OUTSIDE!

These pictures are from yesterday, our fun-filled afternoon. Macie and Adelyn loved playing in the backyard (and even Carson stopped crying when we ventured out). When Jason came home we walked around the block as a family, Addie practicing on her garage-sale bicycle and Macie gathering a collection of twigs.

the littlest schweedaht

2011-02-24T08:35:00.002-06:00

I've found it's true what they say about mothers and sons...

...he really does melt my heart.

(And it's obvious he'll get anything he wants with those big blue eyes!)

6 miles!!!!

2011-02-19T10:05:00.003-06:00

So...I haven't wanted to post this on here until I was really sure I could finish...but I am training for a half-marathon! The race is April 9th. My older sister and I also want to do a half sometime this summer as well. This morning I ran 6 miles! Woohoo! I've been so blessed to have great friends to run with, who motivate me, meet at my house, and make sure I just do it!

Carson turned 3 months old yesterday. The time is flying by. The more kids I have the more I wish time would slow down. As of Wednesday, he can roll from his stomach to his back. It took Addie and Macie four months to do that. Well, he's a boy! He now weighs 11 lbs 2 oz. That's big for my kids! Haha!

And here is just a cute picture of Macie saying "Cheese!" for the camera. She's getting to be so big. She can say 15 to 20 words now, and is starting to sit on the potty from time to time. I honestly do love my job. Being a mom to three great kids, and wife to one fabulous, supportive husband IS THE BEST.

sisters

2011-02-16T15:00:00.010-06:00

Having sisters around the house is so much fun. It's easy to see how much they love one another. Macie and Adelyn will play and play and play together. Here are a few cute pictures from January and February. I love my blondes!

Steelers vs. Green Bay

"Goooooo Green Bay!"

King

2011-02-08T11:18:00.002-06:00

This weekend we were in Virgina. Jason had an interview for a residency there (which he felt went well, by the way) and we stayed in a semi-posh hotel for cheap. Well, we had a KING BED. And it was SO NICE.

So, thanks, King, for making your appearance.

And thanks, Green Bay, for winning the Superbowl and making my husband a happy happy man.

mattresses

2011-02-02T12:01:00.004-06:00

Last night I woke up around 3 am to feed Carson, who was sleeping beside me. Macie was sleeping next to Jason, who had somehow suckered him into allowing her to sleep in our bed. This isn't too uncommon in our house, we're a family of snugglers. After Carson was finished eating, Addie woke up and asked to come in our bed, too. I was firm and she did spend the rest of the night in her own bed, but that isn't always the case. While the four of us snuggled together in bed, to help me fall asleep, I started writing this poem in my head and finished it this morning. I thought it'd be something fun to share. Oh yeah, and Jason doesn't usually snore, but it has been known to happen! :)

MATTRESSES

When we were first married
Being close was our goal
Head on his shoulder
We slept on a Full

Welcome Baby Number One
Skinny body, blonde head
Co-sleeping meant sleep!
And she slept in our bed

A few months of that
My body soon shouted
“I need my space!
This Full is too crowded!”

Enter Baby Number Two
And I was quite keen
On getting my rest
Mom, Dad, Baby and new Queen

Much sooner than later
Came Baby Number Three
We bundled him up tight
Between Husband and me

And now that they’re older
They all sleep alone
But as parents, we’re softies
And we have been known…

To wake up in the morn
With three kids beside us
After the kicking and rolling
To grin and delight us

Late last night I awoke
With an elbow in my face
A leg on my stomach
Feet all over the place!

A baby to my left
Two sweet blondes over there
My husband was snoring
An entire family of Hair!

And year after year
As the kids keep on growing
Our bed, sadly, does not
And now Queen’s overflowing!

So, King, if you could
Make an appearance tonight
Rescue my family,
Solve our snuggling plight!

and the answer is...

2011-02-02T10:28:00.003-06:00

CARSON

ADELYN

MACIE

I'm surprised by how well most of you did! Great job! It was also fun to see how many "anonymous readers" we have out there in the blogging world!

a very hairy game

2011-01-30T22:19:00.007-06:00

Ok, so I was looking through some old pics and thought this might be fun. Here are pictures of each of my kids the month they were born. Now YOU get to guess which one is which! Take the poll on the side. In a few days I'll reveal the winning combination!

I know the pictures aren't the greatest, but it was hard finding pictures without any gender/timeline indicators.

And here is a picture that made me smile. We really miss Hailey! They were the cutest little bestfriends.

mommy moment: THE BOWL

2011-01-28T08:58:00.004-06:00

After a particularly stressful/tiring day and night, I've decided to focus on the funny moments that make up a mother's life. So, whenever you see a "mommy moment" post on my blog you'll know I've needed a little redirection in my thinking!

The Bowl

Carson is less than two weeks old and I am enjoying a rare, quiet moment bonding with my newborn son. As I nurse him on the couch, Macie sits cuddled next to us. She has a slight fever and I can tell she isn't feeling very well. Addie, as usual, runs wildly.

After several, nearly blissful, moments, Macie starts throwing up. Mommy reflexes kick in (you know, the kind that wipe snot without a thought, that clean dirty fingers with your tongue when the wipes aren't handy). My hands shoot out, gladly catching the putrid interloper, just to save myself the trouble from cleaning the couch later.

"Addie, please run into the kitchen and get me a bowl!"

"Where, Mom?"

"The bowls on the bottom shelf, the ones you and Macie always pull out and play with on the floor!"

With the aggravating innocence that only three-year-olds posses, she calls out, "Which ones, Mom? Where?"

While still holding the puke, still nursing, still laughing to myself that I'm even in this position and think I can handle three children, I continue to holler, "A bowl! A bowl! ANY BOWL YOU CAN FIND!"

All I hear is a bunch of rustling kitchen-type noises. Rattling metal pans, dropped utensils, the blender flung on the ground. And then, ah, triumph! "Mom, I got it! I'm coming, Mom!" Addie runs around the counter, dodges the love seat, and finally hands me my salvation...

...the colander.

2 months!

2011-01-20T17:31:00.003-06:00

My friend Keri used to post pictures of her son with homemade month signs. As her son grew older and more mobile the pictures became funnier and funnier. Here is our first of many!

It's hard to believe Carson is already two months. This was taken on the 18th, his actual two month mark. He wasn't in a particularly smiley mood, but oh well.

FHE Missionaries

2011-01-18T16:15:00.003-06:00

Last night for Family Home Evening we talked about what missionaries do (they teach people about Jesus), what missionaries wear (ties, white shirts, badges, and girls wear dresses), and then dressed them up like Dad on his mission.

Jason hid behind a bedroom door, and they had to knock on all the doors in our hallway until they found him. Addie then said she was there to tell him about Jesus, and he let her in! It was a fun FHE. This entire month we're learning about missionaries. Last week we showed them pictures from Jason's mission to Houston and wrote their Uncle Danny while he's on his mission. I love FHE and making time to spend time with our family. It truly is inspired.

crazy thumb

2011-01-14T15:43:00.005-06:00

Saturday night, during an intense game of Candyland, we noticed Addie's thumb looked odd. Take a look yourself.

Turns out she can't straighten it. It doesn't hurt, though. Today she loved showing her preschool class her "crazy thumb."

It turns out, after a trip to a pediatric orthopedic, that Addie has "trigger finger." It usually occurs in older people when they have accidents that cause their joints to pop, such as ski accidents. It also occurs in children, but our doctor told us it's more common in newborns. He was pretty surprised that it didn't manifest itself until now. An X-ray showed she has a nodule on her joint which is inhibiting the tendon from moving. Unfortunately, she now has to have surgery to get it repaired. It's outpatient surgery, fairly routine, and we have it tentatively scheduled for later in the month.

Surgery! TWO THUMBS UP!

a few Christmas miracles

2011-01-03T15:57:00.008-06:00

After driving 12 hours to MI, we hit a deer twenty minutes from my parent's house. It was scary, but we were able to make it there ok and everyone was fine...except the deer. We had to console Addie, she was worried it was one of Santa's. Ha.

Because of the deer, we were able to get THIS! A MIRACLE! I absolutely LOVE having a bigger, newer and all around better vehicle to tote my tots.

Miracle #2: It snowed in Memphis on Christmas Day! I realize it's a crummy picture. As you can tell it wasn't much, but it was snow!

And the last Christmas miracle? Carson smiled a few days before Christmas! That was one of my favorite gifts! We didn't get a picture of the first smile, so a cute snapshot from today will have to do. My kids are adorable!

hilarious family pictures!

2010-12-26T19:25:00.006-06:00

We went to Michigan for a few days before Christmas. While there we had Carson blessed by his dad. We also took family pictures. As you can see with the progression of Addie's face, ours just get better and better better with each one. Try and click on the last picture to see it enlarged, you'll get the full effect of Addie's awesome smile!

Here is a snippet of a conversation tonight at dinner--

Dad: Addie, if you eat all your food you can have some Ginger Ale.

Addie: I want some Gingerella!

As you can see, the princesses are going in full force around here.

four weeks, three kids, two days, one tongue

2010-12-16T14:45:00.006-06:00

FOUR WEEKS. Carson is four weeks old today! He is such a good baby. He usually goes four hours in between feedings, can sleep through almost anything, and is gaining weight like a champ. Will I have my first chubby baby after all? Unlikely. But he IS getting heavy! He is so handsome, too. He definitely looks like a boy, but not like an old man boy baby. He is just small and sweet and handsome! The pictures honestly don't do him justice.

THREE KIDS. Everyone seems to want to know "how is life with three kids?" Honestly, not too bad. More hectic, more crying, more mess...but (now to the cheesy part) more giggles, more kisses, more love. The girls just LOVE their brother, they would love him to death if we'd let them, and I just love seeing how much they love him. He is constantly being kissed, hugged, patted, tickled, held. He is brought endless blankets, pacifiers, burp rags, toys, and socks. They can be bribed to do ANYTHING as long as their reward has something to do with Carson. The only thing that I really hate about having three kids is trying to go anywhere with all of them. It's ridiculous how long it takes to get out the door!

TWO DAYS. We are all going to pile into our Nissan Maxima (yes, three car seats jammed in the back seat) and drive for 12 hours to Michigan in just TWO DAYS! I can't wait! Getting there and back may be rough, but I am thrilled to see my family and show off my adorable children. We'll be back here on the 23rd for our own Christmas, but get to share the before-Christmas festivities with my family. My sister Kari had a little girl, Lucy, on Dec 1st, so there will be two cute little babies around to snuggle. The bonus? Carson and Lucy are both going to receive their baby blessings from their daddies this Sunday. What a great day to share with a cousin! Oh yeah...Anyone want to let us borrow their van? Pleeeeeease??? :)

ONE TONGUE. Carson was born tongue-tied. I didn't even know that was something other than an expression until he was two weeks old. That means the connective tissue from his tongue to the bottom of his mouth (the frenulum linguae) connected at the tip of his tongue, preventing him from sticking his tongue out or touching his tongue to the roof of his mouth. In some people this doesn't ever cause a problem, but in others it can affect speech and teeth growing in properly. We opted to get his clipped. On Tuesday I took him to the ENT, they took out some scissors and *snip snap* clipped his frenulum. Good thing he won't remember any of it, it was so sad to watch. They did numb the area and put on silver nitrate to cauterize it, but he wasn't very happy. It took him a little while to figure out how to latch properly again, but he seems to be just fine now.

A pre-clipping picture. Can you spot my frenulum? (I hope you all enjoy your new vocab word.)

deck the halls with christmas cards, fa la la la la la

2010-12-09T15:24:00.004-06:00

It's that time of year again *fa la la la la la la la la* Christmas Card Time! Have you seen Shutterfly's holiday card collection? I've been sent a few from my friends already this year and they are gorgeous! There are many styles to choose from, and the quality and clarity of the pictures are excellent! I love the bold colors of this one, and can see my cute kiddos smiling out at all my loved ones!

Last year I made up a photo book for Jason's birthday on Shutterfly. It was an awesome gift! It contained our entire dating story, now written down for our children to read and *hopefully* enjoy! He loved it, and I loved how simple it was to create! Not only that, Shutterfly has great promotions and every once in a while you can get a FREE photobook, and who doesn't love that? The site is also so easy to use! I have since made up one more book, waiting to be printed. I also love their calendars, and am considering making one or two for our great grandparents for Christmas gifts.

And now, to anyone who hasn't heard yet, Shutterfly is offering 50 free Christmas cards to anyone who blogs about their awesome site. Not only do I love Shutterfly's website, easy to create creations, and their products, I also LOVE that they're getting in the Christmas spirit this year and GIVING us all free gifts! Thank you, Shutterfly!

a busy couple of weeks

2010-12-07T14:51:00.012-06:00

new baby Carson

new loving big sisters who LOVE to help

Cousins Chaela and Joci, Aunt Caitlyn and Uncle Willy all come to visit

Grandpa and Grandma visit (My mother-in-law is amazing, by the way. She stayed for an entire week to help me exclusively. My kitchen sparkled! I was so spoiled.)

We put up TWO Christmas trees. haha.

And Macie is just, well, simply awesome. Her personality is really coming out now.

We even managed to squeeze in a visit to Santa. Too bad he was the grouchiest Santa in the entire world--look at him glaring at us! Macie could obviously sense his disdain for children.

As for me, on my own with three kids, I'm doing pretty well. Hopefully soon I won't just feel like I'm surviving, but I'll be thriving! Besides my shock and dismay when it took almost two hours yesterday to just get three kids ready and out the door, I'm doing great. My "to do" lists have remained purposely small, and I'm enjoying watching the girls love their baby brother. Yay for families! I sure love mine, my husband and kids just bring me so much joy. And I am especially thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ this time of year, and the knowledge that we can live together forever as a family. Ah, I have so many blessings...

Carson!!

2010-11-25T22:36:00.010-06:00

A few days before his arrival.First time with Mom.

Group photo!

Let's see, what to write, what to write? Carson is one week old today, and was able to enjoy his first Thanksgiving with family. We've been blessed to have Jason's family in town this past week, and his mom is staying another week to help me out. It's been great to have others around to clean the kitchen (yay!), cook dinner (double yay!) and rake the leaves in our backyard (super triple yay!). I will be sad to see them leave--as will Addie and Macie. They have loved playing with their grandparents and cousins.

Carson is a very easy baby. He eats well, sleeps well, and puts up with endless sisterly kisses well. The girls can't get enough of him. Macie has learned a new word, "bubba," which is either brother or baby and Addie insists on taking her naps in the same room where he sleeps. They adore our new addition.

I am recovering fairly well. It hasn't been quite as easy a recovery as the first two, but I suppose that is to be expected. Now I just have to focus on eating better and going to bed at a decent hour. Those two things always help me feel better about myself as a mother, wife, and person in general.

Well, it's late and Carson is calling. I want everyone to know how much we have appreciated the phone calls, texts, emails, prayers, dinners, and offers of help you have been sending our way. We are so blessed to have fantastic friends and family. We love you!

Baby Carson

2010-11-18T21:13:00.003-06:00

Baby number 3 has arrived! Not positive on the name yet, but we're thinking Carson...he was born November 18, 2010 at 2:41 pm. He weighed 7 lbs. even, and was 20 3/4 inches long. He stayed awake for the first 4 hours he was born and only cried for the first 5 min. he was born...I think he's going to be pretty laid back, which Jana and I are excited about. More pictures to come...

milk

2010-11-10T21:46:00.003-06:00

Today I bought milk that expires on 11/26. My due date is 11/24. The thought that went through my head? I expire sooner than this gallon of milk!

cooks in the kitchen

2010-11-07T22:41:00.004-06:00

Addie and Macie both love to be in the kitchen when I'm cooking. I finally pulled our play kitchen into our kitchen so Macie could be more involved. Here are some cute pictures from this last week.

Don't you just LOVE the chef hat and matching apron? My friend Corrine made them for Addie's third birthday and she always has to wear them whenever she's helping me. The cute apron on Macie was Addie's present for her second birthday from my mom. Adorable! (And, in case you wondered what pink concoction Addie was whisking, they are our specialty...colored pancakes!)

fun in the yard

2010-11-02T23:53:00.007-05:00

On Saturday Jason and I spent over three hours raking our backyard. It was a huge undertaking, but we all had a blast! Addie LOVED playing in the leaves and Macie simply loved being outside. We ended up with three GIGANTIC piles of leaves when we were through.

We had so much fun simply spending time together, outdoors, working and playing. And, I know I'm biased, but our kids are so cute.

And the last one, just to prove I was there too!

haircut? whaddya think?

2010-10-31T21:58:00.010-05:00

On Tuesday I have an appointment to get my hair cut...or trimmed. I am torn. Tonight I was looking through some old pictures and am now undecided what to do. Should I cut it all off again? Or should I let it grow, baby grow? I need your advice. I'm not saying I'll definitely take it, of course, but I will take it into consideration.

SHORT:

Pros- My hair gets done much more often, it's quick to blow dry and style, my face looks skinnier (or, actually, I was skinnier at that time, so maybe that doesn't count), I actually have a hair style

Cons- My hair basically has to be done every day so it's higher maintenance, not as many ways to do it (no braiding, and man, I love braids in long hair), must be cut more often=more expensive

LONG:

Pros- Can easily be put in a pony tail for those days when I don't want to do it, braids!!, feels great when Jason brushes it for me, is pretty when cascading down my shoulders and back...haha...

Cons- Is basically put in a pony tail every day because I'm lazy (I had a tough time finding just three pictures of my hair down because it is UP in every picture I have!)

And, just for fun, I thought I'd introduce everyone to my older sister, Hillary. This is the best I've ever seen her.

Halloween Party!

2010-10-29T10:11:00.006-05:00

WE LOVE JOYSCHOOL!

Addie's Joyschool had their Halloween Party on Wednesday. They marched in a costume parade, performed a few Halloween songs, played some games, and we all enjoyed the sugar cookies they decorated! The kids were so cute and had a blast.

Donuts on a String is a hilarious game to watch three-year-olds try!

Left to Right: Adelyn the Black Cat, Aiden as Mulan, Avary as Princess Annaliese (I'm still trying to figure out exactly who that is) and Laker as Spiderman.

I'm still a little disappointed that Addie insists on being the same thing she was last year, but hey, it saves us money and I'm tired. I guess it's a good thing. :)

brother's weekend

2010-10-28T15:33:00.008-05:00

Over the weekend three of Jason's four brothers came to stay with us. Jason has been looking forward to the "Brothers Weekend" for a long, long time and, well, I was too. I love having people visit.

We went downtown Friday night to listen to some authentic blues music and eat delicious BBQ at BB Kings. We also took them to Dyers and all enjoyed deep fried twinkies. Mmm... It was so much fun. Jason and Aaron danced to a local band (check out the video on Facebook, hilarious!) and I waddled around, loving it all.

Saturday was spent playing Carcassonne and going to a bonfire/birthday party for some of our friends. Hayride and hot dogs included.

On Sunday the guys all went to Nashville to watch the Titans play the Eagles (Titans won!) and then Aaron and Danny had to go home Monday. Sorry, no pictures of that yet. Jake came back and hung out with me and the girls while Jason spent the day sick on the couch.

I have to say, though, the best part of their visit was watching them and the girls play together. Addie and Macie became quite attached to each of their uncles. Addie is still asking when she'll be big enough to go to the airport and visit Uncle Jake, and Macie misses all the spoiling she received from Dan, Aaron and Jake reading her book after book after book.

It was especially great to see Dan because he's leaving for a two year mission to Australia in a few weeks and this was our last time seeing him before then. Oh, and kudos to Dan! He's lost over 100 pounds to prepare for his mission...he even chose a SALAD at a BB Kings! Amazing!

Thanks, guys, for spending the weekend with us! We already miss you!

bedtime thoughts

2010-10-24T22:33:00.007-05:00

I'm getting nervous about having this baby. Okay, let's be fair, I've BEEN nervous. From the beginning. But now I'm worried that I haven't sang Macie enough bedtime songs, read her enough books, rubbed her back long enough...I'm worried that I won't have time to "make up" for all the one-on-one time I may have already short-changed her. And once Baby comes, Macie will get even less of me.

I've struggled since Macie was born with the guilt that comes with not being able to hold your second baby as much as your first baby. For example, I rarely sing Macie bedtime songs and Addie has always had bedtime songs. And now, with Baby quickly on his way, can I correct this?

I think it's important to focus not only on what can be improved, but what has been improved. I have been making very deliberate decisions lately to spend more time with her. Just over the last week she has developed a new, and wonderful, love for books. I make sure to read them to her as much as possible. I make sure to never turn her away when she wants yet another pair of shoes on her chubby little feet. I try and cuddle her after her naps whenever possible. But is this too little, too late?

And then there is time with Addie, too. My friend suggested planning something simple that can be done each day, alone, with your toddler. I've tried doing this the last two weeks and while I haven't been perfect, it has helped. We painted together the other day, and we haven't done that in a long time. It was wonderful to experience her lively imagination first-hand. But there are still so many times she wants me and I can't (or don't) make the time. And then there will be Baby...

I know all mothers just do the best they can. But am I?

So my question is, what do you do to show your children, individually, how much you love them? How do you make time for each, especially with a newborn in the house, who requires so much attention?

Dad taking his girls to bed

blogging again!

2010-10-15T15:40:00.010-05:00

Addie catching a praying mantis we found IN OUR HALLWAY.

Our girls are growing growing growing. Macie just grew out of a pair of adorable shoes before I remembered to put them on her (always sad for a mother) and Addie is going to preschool. Both of them are in "Mommy Mode" all the time, Macie babying our dolls (wrapping in blankets, pushing in strollers, feeding bottles), and Addie babying me (when I'm so tired all I want to do is lay on the ground) and Macie. They're both going to love their new brother and Addie, I know, will be loads of help.

Macie currently likes baby dolls, books, Addie, drinking anything she can get her hands on, slides, talking on the phone, bath time, closing doors and SHOES! She definitely has a shoe fettish. I change her shoes upwards of 30 times a day...no kidding.

Addie currently likes dogs, pretending to be a mom, dressing up, setting the table, talking on the phone, playing with her friends, brushing her teeth and washing her hands, and watching movies. I've been trying to limit her TV time, but with this pregnancy quickly coming to an end, my will power has been less and less--I've been so lazy! She has such a bizarre sense of humor (I wonder where that comes from??) and is so fun to be around. We never know what wacky thing is going to come out of her mouth! She loves calling others "Little Silly" when they do something crazy.

Jason went to an optometry conference in Portland, OR the end of last month. He went to network and ended up having two job interviews while there. Both were awesome practices, and he felt one interview actually went really well, so we're hopeful but realistic. He doesn't even graduate until May (I can't believe it's so soon!) so anyone else who they like just as much and can start NOW has a definite advantage, but we keep praying hard anyway! I'm just grateful he's been so proactive. Hopefully we'll have a job by the time we graduate, but honestly, I'm not that worried about it anymore. It's frustrating not knowing where we'll end up, but I feel certain we'll get a job somewhere even if it's not the job of our dreams...yet. So, we're just working hard and waiting *somewhat* patiently.

As for me, what is there to report? I'm due in less than 6 weeks! I was released from my church responsibility as the Young Womens President (the leader of the youth girls) about a month ago and am now the primary chorister (I teach the little kids church songs on Sunday). It's been wonderful! I FEEL SO FREE! It's been great to not be in charge of anything...just show up, do my job, and go home. I do miss the girls, though. I've also quit Stroller Strides. Between those two things my schedule has freed immensely and I sometimes wish I had more to do...but my list of books to read has grown leaps and bounds in the last few weeks, so I'm learning to fill up my extra time.We truly are a happy family. So happy. And I feel like I'm finally in the two-kid groove. I worry about the dynamics changing in a few weeks with the addition of our baby boy, but I know the Lord is watching and helping us and that our little boy will just bring us that much more happiness (and exhaustion). So, on that run-on, I'll close. It's nice to be among the bloggers once more!

Three happy hoodies!

long overdue

2010-09-09T15:24:00.008-05:00

Last month I lost our camera, which is also why I stopped blogging. Blogging without pictures is simply journaling, which I prefer to do in a journal. So, now that we have an AMAZING new camera, it's time to briefly update y'all.

Three weeks ago we moved into a house. A fabulous house with three bedrooms, none of which you have to trample through to get to the bathroom. Jason and I are happier, our kids are happier, and we are now determined to stay away from apartments at nearly all costs. The only downside? Roaches. Eeek! Oh well, maybe by the time we move in 8 months I'll have gained the courage to sweep them up myself. And did I mention the enormous kitchen this place comes with? I can't fill up all the cupboards, except with my children!

Can you tell how big this place is?

Unfortunately, the reason we were able to rent this house is because some of our best Memphis friends moved. Just today Addie said she was thankful for Corrine and Hailey during her lunch prayer. She's not the only one missing them, I assure you.

Jason started his first externship in Covington, TN, about a 45 min drive. He's enjoying feeling like a "real" doctor, and I'm enjoying being able to anticipate when he'll be home every day. It's fun to feel like a real family with a real job, even though there isn't any paycheck.

We're starting a mommy preschool next week with three other kids from church, and I know Addie is going to absolutely love it. She keeps asking me if she's going to be going to school with Heidi, my freind's daughter. She's so excited about school, and I'm looking forward to not only sending her, but teaching the class twice every month. It will be fun to get creative and involved. She has also perfected her dancing, we'll have to get a video up on here soon.

Addie singing to herself in the backyard. Yes, that's right, a BACKYARD!

Macie is finally walking! She's been taking steps for nearly a month, but will now walk more than half the time. She still falls a lot, but is mastering falling gracefully. It's about time, she's 15 months old! She is more territorial than Addie ever was (by that I mean she screams every time something is taken away from her, or she simply feels threatened by another kid that something will be taken), but is also very easy to smile. She loves lounging (sprawling out her entire body, usually accompanied by a sheepish grin) and playing with cell phones and remotes. We love getting to know her better every day. She is such a silly little kid.

As for me, I'm doing well. I get to take a nap nearly every afternoon, and have been able to keep up on the housecleaning. For me, that's pretty great. While this has been my most uncomfortable pregnancy by far, I can't complain. I've gained less weight this time (hurrah!) but am really annoyed because I can't jog anymore, it's just too painful. With Macie I was out jogging the day she was born! Oh well. I have a goal to walk 3 miles four times a week, which I've been fairly good at keeping, so hopefully I'll be able to stay in some kind of shape. This little guy is very active, doing flips and kicks all evening long. Hopefully he'll slow down once he's born, because I'm pretty nervous about having three active kids at home. When will I have time to read? Or, let's be honest, watch HGTV? :)

And this is our newest neighbor, Matt Hughes. Named after the UFC Fighter. I know you can't tell from this picture, but he's BIG. Really, really BIG. And we like him. He lives in our carport and comes out at night. We'd love to find out what kind of spider he is, we can't find him on the internet. Does anyone happen to know?

hutchinson family reunion 2010

2010-07-30T09:55:00.002-05:00

I took Addie and Macie to Nauvoo last week for the Hutchinson Family Reunion. Jason, unfortunately, couldn't miss that much school so we had to go without him. All nine of my aunts and uncles were there, as well as my cousins and their kids. We had about 80 people total. We had a great time!

The pictures, in order, are me and my girls (we took a bunch of family pictures), my grandma and grandpa, Addie playing in the cafeteria (the same place where she fell and broke her front tooth pretty badly), my dad wearing one of my balloon hat creations, everyone all together, the great-grandkids and grandparents, grandkids and grandparents, and Dominic wearing my best balloon hat to date.

Even though we were all melting in the 105 degree heat outside, as long as we stayed inside it was awesome! We played lots of games, reconnected with family, saw the amazing Nauvoo pageant, and Addie got to get to know her cousins. It was a blast!

Baby #3 is a BOY!

2010-07-02T23:43:00.001-05:00

18 WEEKS!

2010-06-23T13:15:00.003-05:00

No kidding, the ultrasound yesterday showed the baby at about 18 weeks! My estimated due date is November 24th! I am shocked!

During the ultrasound they said the baby was measuring between 16 and 18 weeks on all of its limbs, spine, abdomen, etc., but was calculating the due date for Nov. 24. So, that is what they put in my chart! It might be a little earlier, might be a later, so there will be a bit of a surprise--which is good, I like surprises! Either way, if my due date is Nov 24th, I AM 18 WEEKS TODAY! That means I was already 11 weeks when I took the pregnancy test. Crazy, eh? They couldn't get a very good shot of the gender, but we are finding out this time, so I'll keep y'all posted!

2010-06-21T22:20:00.008-05:00

We've had a busy few months. Here are the highlights:

My mom and sisters visited me in early April for a women's conference. Here we are, fancy flower faces, at the Memphis Botanical Gardens. I loved having a girl's weekend.

In April Jason finished his LAST final! Wahoo! This was the celebration sign Addie and I made for him. He is now in his fourth and final year of optometry school and only works as an extern in various offices throughout the year. With his lecture classes finished and homework a thing of the past, we are all looking forward to GRADUATION in the spring!

Jason turned 31 on April 19th. Whoa. He is now approaching 40 and has a hard time digesting the idea.
Speaking of digesting, my brother Kurt, his wife Heather, and their adorable son Harvey, visited in early May to enjoy some real Memphis BBQ. Unfortunately, during their visit, Kurt and Harvey got sick on Mother's Day, so it wasn't much of a celebration for Heather. Oh well, we had a blast having them here.

On June 5th, Macie turned ONE! It's hard to believe she's already a year old. We had a small party with a few of her baby friends (she was the oldest but smallest kid there) and Addie loved "helping" her open her presents.

Macie isn't walking yet, but finally seems like she'll want to at some point, which is an improvement. Her personality is really starting to show. She is always up for fun, but has a temperamental side, and loveloveloves her big sister. They are so cute together.

We had a family reunion in Columbus, OH earlier this month. Our new niece, Jocelyn Eve, was being blessed in church, so many of the Hairs made the trek to the land of the Buckeyes. I didn't take many pictures (grrr...) but did get a few cute ones at the zoo.

It was so nice to have a relaxing weekend with family--complete with a driveway bonfire! Thanks, Will and Caitlyn, to hosting us all!

Daddy, Adelyn, Uncle Willy, Cousin Chaela

The couples-- Jana, Jason, (Mom Hair behind Jason's head), Dad Hair, Aunt Gem, Uncle Eric, Uncle Willy, Aunt Caitlyn

And finally, the BIG news! Well...SURPRISE (to all of us, I assure you)...I am pregnant again! Please read my next post, dedicated completely to this event.

BABY #3

2010-06-21T21:00:00.000-05:00

SURPRISE! I'M PREGNANT!

Mid-April my "monthly visitor" didn't come a'knockin. Well, since I was ON BIRTH CONTROL and STILL NURSING, I wasn't overly concerned. I let it ride. I excused the ligth-headedness as possible anemia which runs in my family. I upped my skin care regime because of the sudden breakouts. I took more naps for my sudden lethargy, but I was running in the mornings and still going to Stroller Strides...of course I was tired! I had stopped losing weight, but wasn't gaining either. But still...I COULD NOT BE PREGNANT.

After three weeks, I decided I'd better take a test. Just to be sure. But of course that wasn't it. But I'd better just check. Although I knew I wasn't pregnant. No way. Fast forward to May 3rd.

POSITIVE.

And not just slightly pink and faded, but a bright and bold and gleaming MAGENTA line glaring me in the face. I was pregnant. There was no mistaking those results. Bam.

We were planning on Macie and Baby #3 being three years apart. We didn't really want to even think about it until Jason graduated. This really rocked us. Well, mostly me, actually. Jason was surprised, but thankfully calm and collected and overly optimistic. I needed all of those things. It was very clear to both of us that there was a reason this baby is coming now--either for the baby or for us or both. I am grateful to believe that the Lord has a clear purpose for the trials and blessings He gives us. I am learning to trust in His timing. I am actually growing closer to the Lord through this experience as I need His comfort and strength and peace more than ever. Anyhow, I am getting excited. And big. And less tired--which helps with the excited part.

So, now to THE GAME. How far along do you think I am?? Because I was nursing, I hadn't really started having regular periods. And I was on birth control for only two months (mid-Feb to mid-Apr) but the first month was kind of weird, so I may have even been pregnant then. I honestly have no idea when I am due. Silly, eh?

Take into consideration three things: (1) this is my THIRD baby and many women have said you "show" a lot earlier the more you have, (2) most home pregnancy tests have a difficult time picking up a "positive" before you are 3.5 to 4 weeks along (that means that 7 weeks ago I was at least 3 or 4 weeks, but more likely 5 or 6 because I waited 3 weeks to take the test after I noticed I missed a period), and (3) the pictures. So, what do you think? Tomorrow I have my first appointment with a doctor (thanks to the slow-as-molasses process of getting approved for Medicaid) and hopefully will have an ultrasound and find out. I'll let you know!

I found out I was pregnant May 3rd. If I was 3 weeks then, now I'd be 10 weeks; 4 weeks then, 11 now; 5 then, 12 now; 6 then, 13 now; etc. Happy guessing!

our talented family

2010-04-15T09:54:00.004-05:00

A few weeks ago our ward (congregation at church) had a talent show. Addie sang "Let's Go Fly a Kite" from Mary Poppins and did a wonderful job! And we, like the fabulous parents we are, completely forgot to bring our camera. She was so cute and proud of herself afterwards, I can't wait to see her take in my musical-loving, singing-all-day, footsteps!

Jason and I and some friends of ours did this crazy skit. It was so fun! We're sitting on our husband's laps while they play our hands. I wish I knew how to implant the video right onto our blog, but here is the link to watch it from their blog! Enjoy!

http://mchbutler.blogspot.com/2010/04/blog-post.html

this is exactly how I feel

2010-04-14T22:17:00.000-05:00

"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden. I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived." — Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Easter

2010-04-10T00:22:00.002-05:00

coloring and dying the eggs--Addie loved it!

Macie is such a happy girl, this is what she did during our egg-dying session.

Mmmm...at least the dye that got all over her mouth and shirt seemed to match her outfit!

Our Easter was pretty typical. Big guy in a white bunny suit (kinda scary), Easter egg hunt, and dying eggs (the most important of all Easter activities). Our family Easter tradition used to be to wake up early and watch the sunrise (see the symbolism?), read the story of the resurrection from the scriptures, and then come home and have a big breakfast. Since having kids, Jason and I can only manage the breakfast! This year our pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream were delish. Afterwards, General Conference finished the day off perfectly. Ah, I love just simply spending time with my wonderful husband and two adorable little girls.

new hair for the Hair!

2010-03-25T11:19:00.003-05:00

all about pretending

2010-03-19T07:48:00.002-05:00

Addie: "Do you want to eat that?" (Holding out her hand, pretending there is something in it.)
Mom: "What is it?"
Addie: "A booger."
Mom: "Ewww. No, I don't want to eat a booger."
Addie: "It's yucky? You don't want to eat it?"
Mom: "No, I don't want it."
Addie: "It's just pretend."

doing our doodie...er...duty

2010-03-09T19:38:00.004-06:00

Well, we've finally ventured into the wonderful stage of POTTY TRAINING. (Thus the doodie.) I have been terrified since Addie was conceived. Honestly. This was something I had no interest in tackling--ever.

I just love how her beautiful blonde hair shines. I hope she keeps it forever.

Overall, she's done great. I borrowed my friend's book about how to toilet train in one day. Well, after one day, and then another, and another...I would consider Adelyn to now be (8 days later) fully trained.

TRIUMPH!

Jason's super-duper important and difficult board exams are next week. Lately this has become all too common. We all CAN'T WAIT to have him back!

Macie is getting bigger (Jason and I swear she is the teeniest bit chubbier in her cheeks!) and isn't learning anything new except how to eat EVERYTHING. I wish I had her metabolism. She is so cute and loves her sister, her pacifier, and babbling (when I remember to remove her pacifier...).

Look at her ridiculously skinny body. I just lovelovelove her, but wish there was a little more to hold on to!

Jason and I have been working hard at reaching our weight loss/fitness goals. If we accomplish them by our anniversary on May 22, we are treating ourselves to a fantastic night out. I am proud to say that in the last 2 months Jason has lost over 15 pounds and I've lost 13! Woohoo for us! We each still have quite a bit to go in 2 months, but we're trying hard and enjoying smaller pant sizes and going down belt loops.

And yes, I do occasionally put her in clothes... :)

Now I've done my duty (or doodie?) and updated y'all. Anyone want to come to Memphis for a visit? PLLLLLEEEEASE?

my clever girl

2010-02-23T12:48:00.005-06:00

Addie: "I need two cookies."
Mom: "You have two. I gave you two."
Addie: "Oh." -pause- "I need, um, five."
Mom, laughing: "No, you don't need five."
Addie: "Six!"

I just love this age! I love that she can be sneaky, respond to logic, and most of all--PRETEND! She is such a happy and (generally) obedient little girl, and we seem to constantly be laughing at her craziness. I have loved every stage of childhood more and more as they go along, and now with Macie, am remembering how much I love the young stages, too. Being a mother is truly the best job!

It Worked for Me

2010-02-19T23:22:00.005-06:00

My friend Tiff asked her friends to share on their blogs some kind of parenting tip that has worked well in their family. If you want to read the others on her list, click here. For us, it has been our trick to getting our 2 1/2 year old sitting down and excited for Family Home Evening.

For those of you in the dark, in our church families are counseled to hold Family Home Evening (FHE) each week. It is time set aside (usually Monday nights) for families to spend together learning principles of the gospel, playing games, and creating memories (and often involves a treat!). Well, for a while we had a difficult time getting Addie to sit still while we did the "lesson" portion of FHE, even though we keep them super short for her short attention span. Then I had this idea and it has been GREAT. Every FHE we now sit in a circle on the floor with our legs outstretched and feet touching during the opening song, prayer, and lesson/scripture story. We then go ahead with the fun activities. Addie gets so excited to sit in the circle and have her feet touch ours, it actually keeps her somewhat still! Macie usually sits in the middle of our circle, smiling and babbling. I'm excited to watch our FHE circle get bigger and bigger as we add to our family. It's also nice to sit in a big, connected circle because it feels all cozy and lovey, just as a family should.

What are your ideas? Share them on Tiff's blog, or post them in my comments. I'd LOVE to read what has worked for you! What a terrific idea!

balloon fun

2010-02-16T16:18:00.003-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Jester Hat creation (being worn incorrectly, however)

The Butterfly Wing Crusader

WE LOVE BALLOONS

when you send it flying up there

2010-01-26T23:08:00.005-06:00

all at once you're lighter than air

with your feet on the ground you're a bird in flight

with your fist holding tight

to the string of your kite
wo-oh-OH!

We went kite flying yesterday! We are the COOLEST moms!

Look who's 7 months!

2010-01-06T15:36:00.001-06:00

The time goes by so much faster with your second! I can't believe my baby is already 7 months old!

new horizons

2010-01-04T23:24:00.005-06:00

I have a new hobby. Don't laugh, but with the help of YouTube, I want to learn to make these

and possibly this

(wouldn't Addie make an adorable Emily to my balloon Clifford?)

and hopefully, one day, I might even make this!

So far I have made this

and these-

With my trusty new pump and two bags of balloons in hand, the possibilities are limitless!

Balloons certainly make for a very merry Christmas!

silly nilly willy pilly billy SILLY

2009-12-14T22:58:00.003-06:00

I like my family because we are all so silly. Let me show you what I mean:

The Bathrobe Babes, lounging around in their ultra-comfortable apparel.

Medusa refusing to eat her ultra-healthy broccoli soup. Don't stare into her eyes!

Below is what Addie calls "The Monster"

Jason's been saying for a long time now that we need a toy box. Truth is, he's right. So, today I created what I like to call the Poor Man's Toy Box. Made out of a cardboard box and some duct tape. Yup. I even made a duct tape handle for the lid. Just shove your toys in there, your kids, too, if you like, and wha la! A very silly and cheap, yet functional, toy box. I bet we use it for years.

Addie wanted a blanket dress, and this is what we came up with. The Nemo PJs were given to us recently, and we almost have to pry them off her body with a crow bar. Oh yeah, and I asked her what a camel says and she threw her hands in the air, just like below, and said, "Ta Da!" She just might be right.

Addie reading to Macie in a blanket fort. Just adorable.

And my favorite new picture of my favorite two silly girls.

And why isn't Jason featured in any of the silly pictures? Is he silly, you ask? Why yes, Jason may just be the silliest of all of us, however he's been missing since finals started. If you see him, show him where we live. Thanks.

so proud

2009-12-10T17:13:00.004-06:00

Yeah, it's been over a month. I know, I know. It just seems like my days fly by. After a fantastic Thanksgiving at my parents house, here at the Hairs we're now gearing up for Christmas. We are planning on driving to Idaho on the 20th and hope to survive the 25+ hour car ride with two kids. I'd LOVE to hear any tips you may have. (Two people have already recommended doping them up on Benadryl...)

What I really wanted to do was boast about my incredible little family. First, Jason COMPLETED his first half marathon with FLYING COLORS! He ran it in 2 hours 8 min and was pretty happy with his time. He said he'd like to do another one and finish under 2 hours. I'm proud of him. Afterwards everyone kept saying how easy he made it look because he didn't seem to be in much pain (and, truthfully, he wasn't) and pretty much took it all in stride. I was beaming. He worked so hard to accomplish this goal (we all did, really) and I am very proud of him!

Jason is in the yellow shirt right beneath the Finish sign.

Second, Macie worked hard a few days before Thanksgiving and got her first two teeth! She is also working hard right now at sitting up and can do it for about 10 seconds before she topples over. By Christmas she'll be sitting like a pro. I forgot how fun this stage is. She's curious about everything and grins easily. She is the easiest, most cheerful girl, and we just adore her.

Third, Adelyn is learning new things every day and developing quite the sense of humor. The other day she played a joke on Jason and then said, "Just kidding, Dude!" and busted up laughing. She loves singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star at the top of her lungs in the store, and is usually wearing a hat--any hat--wherever we go.

Oh yeah, and here I am with my friends from church right before our ward/congregation participated in our city's parade. I walked behind our float and sang. It was such a great way to start off the season with the spirit of Christ. I have much to be grateful for.

funny conversations

2009-11-06T17:22:00.002-06:00

It's been so fun having conversations with Adelyn lately. She's to the stage where she can talk in full sentences, and a lot of what comes out is pretty funny. Here are two from today.

Adelyn: "Mommy! I fell on my bum."
Me: "Do you want a kiss?"
Adelyn: "Yeah, kiss on my bum."
Me: "I'm not going to kiss your bum. Do you want a kiss?"
Adelyn: "No...want a kiss on my bum."

Addie got her two flu shots yesterday. Since then she's been obsessed with bandaids and has started playing Doctor.

Jason, explaining: "I'm going to be a doctor. That's why I'm going to school, to be an EYE doctor."
Adelyn, hugging him around the neck: "MY doctor." *pause* "A hug doctor."
So cute!

our little Trick or Treaters

2009-11-02T17:17:00.002-06:00

I made Addie's cat costume. I made the headband with ears, the BIG tail, and two cat bracelets (cuffs). She loved having her whiskers and nose put on with makeup, it was her favorite part. I made her costume last year, and hope to have it be a tradition to make my kid's costumes. I'm not a great seamstress so it usually takes me quite a bit of time, but I love doing it.

This is how Macie, Addie and Dad felt about trick or treating:

Here they are, Adelyn the cat and Macie the duck. The duck is always a hit. Obviously it's not one that I made, but it's so cute every one of our little ones will have to wear it!
And here they are in their matching "I LOVE MY MUMMY" shirts. Addie's was a hand me down, and Macie's was sent to us from Grandma. They even glow in the dark! Addie thought that was pretty cool.

Anyone want to borrow a costume?

2009-10-20T08:59:00.004-05:00

Halloween is around the corner (yippee!) and I have two toddler costumes someone is welcome to borrow. I have a cheetah costume (standard zip up with hood) and a homemade fairy costume (dress, wings, wand). If anyone wants them, let me know!

Sorry I don't have any pictures of the cheetah (would probably fit a child up to 24 mos), but here are pictures of my adorable fairy. (Honestly, I'm still just so proud I made this that I want it to be used again!) The fairy would probably fit up to a 3 or 4 year old.

my track star

2009-10-18T01:08:00.003-05:00

Jason has been training to run a half marathon for St. Jude on Dec. 6th. This morning he ran 10 MILES! Wow, double digits! I'm so excited for him. He's been doing it with some of his friends and really enjoying it. I never thought he'd be into running, and I'm looking forward to cheering for him as he crosses the finish line!

My favorite time of year

2009-10-16T22:49:00.003-05:00

The air is crisp, the delicious smelling candles are burning, the jackets are retrieved from the back of our closets...fall is my favorite time of year!

For Family Home Evening (our weekly family night held on Mondays) we had some friends over for our tribute to fall. After eating dinner baked in a pumpkin, we all had fun digging out the ooey-gooey mess and carving our pumpkins! Our pumpkin is the girl with eyelashes, and our friends carved the menacing classic jack-o-lantern.

I think the ears are nice touch and Addie agrees.

And here is Macie looking fashionable in the jacket Aunt Kari knitted for her.

I love fall!

Miss Macie is 4 months old!

2009-10-15T09:14:00.004-05:00

It's hard to believe I am already four months old. It seems like yesterday I was inside my mommy's tummy, laughing at her and Dad's constant conversations about whether I'd be a boy or girl...and look at me now!

I love to eat my toes, blow bubbles, grab and eat toys,

coo and babble, and roll over. I'm just starting to perfect rolling back from my stomach onto my back, that has been a little harder for me.

I am grateful to have a big sister that loves to hold me, read to me, dance with me, help me clap, smother me with kisses, well, basically just show me everything that she's doing. I always smile when I see her.

I am one happy girl!

September is the month of LOVE

2009-09-25T14:04:00.006-05:00

Love of sisterly giggles

Love of naked babies in the bath

Love of football

Love of new (and very delicious!) recipes

Love of a miriad of crocheted gifts

Love of baby bubbles at the fair

Love of our awesome stroller at the fair

Love of reading

Love of fairy wings and Family Home Evening Hug Necklaces

Love of Daddies

Love of Mommies

And finally, love of two little adorable sisters

look who we had over for breakfast!

2009-08-31T11:34:00.002-05:00

Remember us?

Addie insisted we join her today. She's been toting us around all morning.

the start to a wonderful week!

2009-08-25T15:03:00.003-05:00

Her happy face gives me my happy face!

So far this week has been a blast. Jason's finals were last week, so we have him all to ourselves this week! We are trying to do something fun as a family every day. Yesterday we did a lot of errands, and then ended the day at the park for a big Ultimate Frisbee game with friends. Today we're headed to the zoo. Stay tuned for pictures of Addie with the monkeys! She's been asking for them all day.

And here, as ususal, are some swell snapshots of my super-cute kiddos~

Macie is still too bumbly for her Bumbo!

Jason's newest hair creation, inspired by The Point

I love matching dresses on these two cute friends, unfortunately this is the best picture I could get. Thanks, Heather and Kurt, for sending these!

family in town!

2009-08-12T17:10:00.003-05:00

Last week the Hairs and Hutchinson descended upon Memphis in great quantities. We had people sleeping on our couches, two big air mattresses in our living room, a cousin in Addie's room, a family in a motel and parents at our friend's house. It was a PARTY! They all came to support us for Macie's baby blessing at church and it was so nice having them here. Here are some pictures:
Below are Addie, Macie and their cousins Alexis, Merrit, Makayla, Chelsea, Jaxson and Chaela.

Addie's new game

2009-07-18T15:04:00.002-05:00

I just love her little cheesy grin!

fun happenings at the hairs

2009-07-13T11:51:00.006-05:00

A video for the grandparents (and anyone else who would like to see Addie run around a car seat over and over and over again). Her current favorite past time is running circles around whatever happens to be in the middle of the floor.

We've had a busy week or so. Jason scraped himself all up at the ward 4th of July breakfast playing kickball,

we got all hot and sweaty watching the fireworks,

Jason and I saw Wicked (SUPERB!),

Addie and Macie wore their adorable matching dresses to church (thanks, Heather!),

and Adelyn continues to love her little sister more each day.

Oh yeah, I've also come down with a strange case of vertigo, most likely caused by something called labyrinthitis. It's pretty exciting as Labyrinth was one of my favorite movies as a kid. The vertigo is getting better, I am no longer confined to the couch or throwing up, but I still stumble as I walk and the world seems to constantly be in motion. The doctors all agree it should go away in a few weeks, but I'm praying for sooner. I can't drive and being confined to my apartment is making me CRAZY! It could be worse, though, and I'm very very grateful for some wonderful friends and a fantastic husband at helping me through it. Vertigo simply stinks.

I am TWO!

2009-07-04T01:14:00.004-05:00

Today was my birthday and it was sooo fun! We did a lot of things!

First I got ready in my "pitty berday dress" from Aunt Heather. I kept saying how cute I was all day. Macie and I went with Mom and Dad to some yard sales and they bought m a few swim toys, a little stuffed frog, and a rocking chair just my size!

Next we went to Burger King and I played in the play place for the first time. It was so much fun!

After that I took a nap in my big bed (soon I will be brave enough to sleep in my big bed at nighttime, too) and then WE WENT SWIMMING! I have been wanting to go swimming for so long, and now that I have my own water wings, Dad and Mom finally took me. I learned to kick my legs to move forward and how to float on my back. It was fantastic!

Later, some of my friends came over for cake and a party! We read books, played with toys, ran in and out of my butterfly tent and...

Dad played about 10 rounds of Ring Around the Rosie with us!

It was a great day! I love being TWO!

picture time!

2009-06-28T10:08:00.005-05:00

Macie is sick today (she caught Addie's cold) so we are having a lazy morning home from church. I thought it was time for more pictures so here you go. Addie's new favorite game is to do whatever Macie does (usually just sleep and cry).

Fun with my birthday balloons-

I just love her pudgy squishy face! (Ok, so she's really not that pudgy...)

Oh yeah, here's a little tip to make a new mom's life easier (courtesy of my mother). We all know steam can help clear up mucus. I used to sit in the bathroom and hold Addie with the shower on full blast when she was very little and stuffed up. My mom suggested putting Macie in her carseat on the bathroom counter while Jason and I take our showers. I never thought to take in the carseat and let it do the holding! I just finished showering and she is breathing a little easier. I love multitasking!

to my forever schweedaht

2009-06-22T00:39:00.006-05:00

Jason, I love you. You are a FANTASTIC father. Here's why:

1. You make our home a peaceful place to be. Often when I am at my wits end and ready to burst, you swoop in and take over, calm everyone down, and still have the energy to play with our little girls and let me take a break. You don't know how much I appreciate that.

2. You pitch in. Being a mom can get pretty frustrating. I hate stepping over toys, giving the girls baths and cleaning endless dishes, but you (when you're able) help out. (That may technically go in the "Awesome Husband" category, but I listed it here anyway.)
3. You work hard. I love that you study hard and do well in school. I love that our children will grow up watching their Dad work hard and be successful. It's wonderful to know we'll be taken care of and I am grateful for the time and effort you put into doing well.
4. You play hard. Our kids are so lucky to have such an energetic and playful dad! It amazes me how long you can spin Addie around and never get tired of it, and how much you love just seeing her laugh.
5. You are committed to teaching our children about Jesus Christ. I am fortunate to have married someone who shares my faith and is a partner with me in teaching our children to know and love the gospel.
6. You love your children with your whole heart. When Adelyn was born I saw you tear up when you first held her. When we brought Macie home from the hospital, I watched you stare in amazement at her beautiful little body and whisper to me how perfect she was. Our girls have you wrapped around their stubby little fingers and it delights me.

So, this post is sappy. You are THE greatest person I know, and there isn't anyone else I'd choose to raise my family with than you. Happy Father's Day, Schweedaht!