Christmas has come and gone

What a fun Christmas. We were able to spend time with all of our family and not feel like we had to run around to every house with no time.

Some of the highlights included:

Christmas Party at Beth's house

Pink princess pj's for Bella from Grandma Brown

My little pony from uncle Joel

White elephant game at grandma Jan's

Watching the look on Daris and Lewis's face when they saw their favorite things being given away
Seth's new cot from Grandma Pam
Letter to Bella from Santa

Doll House from Santa for Bella

Color Wonder for Seth (anyone who sits by us at church will appreciate that one)

Amy didn't go into labor on Christmas (I had contractions and got worried)

That was a quick version of just some of the fun things that we did. I feel so thankful that we were able to spend time with all of our family and friends. Now with Christmas over we can focus on getting ready for our new little baby. We can't wait!!

what to give, what to give?

I was reading in a magazine the other day, and it said you should give all service workers a Christmas present. By service workers, they meant the garbage man, the mailman, the guy who brings the water or milk, or doctors and dentists. So I started thinking that was a good idea but now I'm wondering what to give. First of all I've never actually talked to my garbage man. To be honest he kind of scares me. He usually has a mean look on his face. I I don't get water or milk delivered so that leaves the mailman and my OB/GYN. Our mailman is very nice and I'm seeing a lot of my OB lately. So now I'm left wondering what to get them. I don't think I'd dare bake something for the mailman. He doesn't know me that well and all my time baking might go to waste. Giving chocolate to the doctor seems like a waste. I always hear him talking to the nurses about trying to loose weight. The more I think about the garbage man, I think I probably should be giving him something. Although I'm sure he'll think I'm crazy. Oh well, it won't be the first time someones thought that.
Anyway, if you have any good gift suggestions I'd love to hear them.

Fun weekend

This time of year gets so busy. I can't believe the weekend is over let alone that the month is already half over.

We had our annual friend/neighborhood Christmas party Friday night. So much fun, but of course I was so caught up in all the fun that I forgot to take pictures. The traditional white elephant game was fun, with Seth and Laura fighting over who got the Santa thong. We also introduced a new game. But I don't know the name, it has to do with nursery rhymes. It was so much fun watching my darling husband get stumped.

Then Saturday morning Beth took out her endowments. She chose this day because it would have been Seth's dad's birthday. She looked beautiful and so happy. Again, no pictures. After the temple everyone enjoyed lunch at Texas Roadhouse, one of their dad's favorites. (how cute is my sister-in-law? She's 24, so pretty, a nurse, owns her own place, gets Seth's sense of humor, and as Seth always says, she got the best traits of everyone in his family). I had to put that out there just so you all know.

Saturday night was the annual Christmas party with all of Seth's high school friends. (you guessed it, no pictures). Seth couldn't wait to bring the thong and hopefully Bart and Monica will get some use out of it. I'm sure everyone enjoyed seeing Bart try it on. We love our new cell phones that look like bricks.

I love this time of year when we get to spend time with family and friends. It almost makes me forgot how miserable I feel being pregnant. (only 4 weeks left)

Oh and one last thing that made our weekend great...Laura found out she's having a girl!!!! I can't wait for the little cousins to get here and be best friends.

Where has time gone?

As I sat in primary today the little kids from nursery came in to sit on the front row with the sunbeams. And there folding her arms and

being very reverent was my little Bella! Or as she would later tell me "mom I'm big kid Bella now". I've known this was going to happen for some time but being there made it very real. It was so fun to watch all their little faces as they looked around at all the older kids and tried to sing the songs they'd never heard.

I just can't believe I have a child coming into primary. I've been told I'll be released at the beginning of the year so I don't have to worry about teaching and having a new baby, but seeing Bella in there today made me almost want to stay for another year.

I guess this is all just part of being a mom. Kids get older and I'm left wondering how fast time has gone.

Happy Birthday Bella!!!!!

Three years ago today my little Bella was born. I can't believe how much has happened since then. Last night and this morning I've been feeling a little emotional as I think back at how much has happened and where I was three years ago at this time. I went into Bella's room last night and watched her sleep and thought about how thankful I am to be her mom. What a blessing.

This morning we started off her birthday in true Amy style. Anyone who knows me well knows I make a HUGE deal out of birthdays. (junior high count down, which I would prefer to just forget, and the woods cross birthday calendar, ring any bells?). Anyway, we did our traditional breakfast and presents in bed. (Seth has to do this too on his birthday, but he wouldn't let me post his pictures on the blog). Technically we started Bella's birthday a little early. Saturday morning she had a birthday party with her friends. There was coloring, dancing and eating cup cakes. The best part was when her friend Tanner opened all of her presents. Bella didn't mind because she was preoccupied with something else, but her other friends Emily and Kalli had a fit because he wasn't following the rules. That night we had dinner with her cousins at the Spaghetti Factory. I swear it was her choice. What can I say if she has good taste? Then Sunday night we had the Brown side of the family over for cake and ice cream. And thanks Kelli for actually reading my blog. Once again Kim at Parson's did an amazing job on Bella's cake. She always goes above and beyond on our cake and then gives us a screaming deal. Then to top off Bella's birthday today, she gets to spend the morning with her best friend and cousin Luke, who also has a birthday today. What a fun birthday. Bella, I love you so much!!

I'm so thankful

I'm feeling very thankful and emotional these days. Maybe it's the pregnancy. I don't know. I sat with Bella this morning and tried to explain Thanksgiving and got a little choked up. I have been truly blessed. I have a wonderful husband who is so thoughtful and caring. I have a healthy adorable little girl who teaches me new things every day. I have a new little one on the way. I have a great house and I am surrounded by family and friends. I had to express my gratitude or I know I'd feel a little guilty later. So Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Welcome to Bountiful

We just found out that Jeff and Karen bought a house in Bountiful! This is great news for us and we couldn't be happier. Especially Bella. She is so exited to have her favorite cousin/friend so close. And I'm always happy when someone comes north. But seriously Bountiful isn't that far. I know when you're not familiar, it might seem far. But we're only 15 minutes from Salt Lake and we have everything. I can't wait to give Karen a tour. Anyway, I just wanted to welcome the Tufts to Bountiful. We're so happy you're here.

Going Digital (scrapbooking, that is)

I've mentioned this before but I'm finally ready to go digital with my scrapbooks. I've decided that each child will have one baby book that I actually scrapbook and that's it. Then I'll just do one scrapbook for the whole family for that year. I just don't want to get behind. I'm finally caught up and I only have 1 kid. I'm pretty sure I will get behind if I continue to scrapbook the old way. Plus I like the idea of not having to sit down and come up with cute ideas.

Anyway, the point of this post is that I can't decide which company to go with. I've seen so many and they're all so cute. I'm sure a lot of you saw Lindsay's, which was darling. The verdict is still out on that one though,(as far as the sturdiness of the cover) since she hasn't received it yet. The book from our cruise that Melissa put together from Shutterfly was great. Then there's my cousin Jami who sells Heritage Makers, but they're the most expensive. There's also Kodack, Picaboo, Blurb and the list goes on. If you've used one or know of one that is really good will you please help me decided which company to use.

Happy Halloween!!!

What a fun Halloween! Bella was a princess. This is not surprising, since right now she loves everything princess. I went as an oven with a bun in it, and Seth wore an apron that said "bun maker". Bella loved running around the house saying "dad's the bun maker".

I missed going trick or treating this year. I stayed home to hand out candy, and to be honest I wasn't looking forward to walking in the cold. That's what dad's are for, and Bella loved going with hers. Seth was also lucky enough to take all of the cousins too. Actually, I don't know how "lucky" he thought that was.

We had a great time at our ward trunk or treat, over the weekend. Bella loved playing with her friends in the back of a van and eating hot dogs and pouring out all their candy into one big pile. Our friends also got in the spirit of Halloween. Rick and Marianne went as a basketball player and cheerleader. Recognize the wig? And Dan and Amber went as superman and wonder woman.

Halloween was so much fun. I feel so thankful to have my little family and I can't wait to have another trick or treater in the family next year!

I miss school

I can't believe I'm saying it, but I really miss school. Maybe it's because it's fall and that time of year, or maybe it's because I'm not there. I don't know what it is, but there are so many things I miss about it. I'll admit I've never been a top student, but when I got to college and found something that I enjoyed learning, everything changed. I loved learning from someone who was working in the field. I loved being challenged. I loved reading. I loved graduating knowing I accomplished something big.

Now, I know I could challenge myself and read without going to college. But there's something different about being in the grind of school and reading text books and other books you're assigned to. I still read the news paper and I read the book club books as well as others, but it's not the same. I also miss the book store. That's a funny thing to miss, but I do. I just miss being on campus. I know so many people who are in school right now and probably think I'm nuts. Maybe I am. Hopefully in a few years when my youngest is in school, I'll be able to go back. Then I can look back at this and laugh.

So much fun in October!

It's not even Halloween and we've been having so much fun this month. Grandma Jan thought it would be a great idea to have all the grand kids over every Monday and do Family Home evening with a special Halloween activity. This has been so much fun. So far the kids have painted pumpkins and next time they will be decorating cookies. We also went to the pumpkin patch with some of our favorite friends in the ward. They teased me about how the pictures would end up on my blog, and they were right. One night we went as a family and picked out a pumpkin from a little pumkin patch in Bountiful. We still have a little more time before the month is over so I'm sure there will be more pictures to come of Halloween costumes and parties.

Utah Man Am I

The pregnat women enjoying the whole first half inside eating and talking.

Today we had the great fortune of getting to sit in some boxed seats and see the U play. Most of you know that Seth has a season ticket. Yes, that's correct just one ticket. I'm not die hard enough to spend the money. Cindy Hatch I know you tried. So for each game this season Seth has car pooled with our friend Joe (Joe's wife feels the same as I do so he buys 1 ticket as well). But today we got a call from our cousin Jason (Allison's husband) telling us there were a few extra seats and they were ours if we wanted them. This was perfect for me and Jenny (Joe's wife), being the non-supportive wives that we are. We had so much fun watching our husbands loose their voices and getting so excited over every play. It was great! I have to admit I did love being at the game with Seth. The only down side to this is that, although I do want to go now, I want to have nice seats like the ones we had today. I can always dream, right?

Family Cruise

There just wasn't enough time to talk and hang out with everyone! We had so much fun seeing all of our family we don't always get to see, and seeing the regulars from Crown Burger. Although, it wasn't the same without grandma and grandpa. Bella now has two new best friends; Jill and Sandra. She even wants to name the new baby Sandra. I'm excited to see everyone elses pictures on their blogs (Jenny, Lisa, and Kari). I just can't believe I didn't get a picture with all my fellow bloggers. That was my plan, but things went by so fast. Speaking of blog friends, I'm now torn about going private, thanks Kari. I can't decide. Any suggestions?
All and all the cruise was a blast! Even being pregnant. Bella loved dinner time when she got to play with Jill. She also loved the under water boat tour, (as you can tell from the picture) where she got to see the fish swim up close. Seth really enjoyed getting to know everyone better and I loved catching up with everyone I don't always get to see. I just wish I'd taken more pictures. I didn't get any of Alisha singing karaoke, or Bella and her best friend Sandra or one of me and Seth with the sun setting in the back ground on the boat (yes, I'm that cheesy, but I really wanted one). It's nice to be home, but as I sit here at the computer looking out my window at the snow I'm wishing I was back by the pool.

Jam Packed Thursday Night

Where do I begin with all the events from Thursday night? I guess it started with a baby shower for Noelle. I can't believe she's having a baby! She looks so cute, she wasn't even wearing maternity clothes. I hate her for that, by the way. We're only a month apart and she's so tiny. (Andria has more cute pictures from the shower on her blog). After the shower I left to see Paul receive hie Eagle scout. There is seriously nothing better than watching the special needs mutual. Paul was his usual self, very funny. He didn't want to be there, but he was told he could have a movie after it was over, so that helped. It was so nice of some of my aunts and uncles to come too. Once we got home and got Bella in bed it was time for The Office!!! I have been waiting all summer for this and I'm happy to say it did not disappoint. But there should be a warning for pregnant people when watching. My sides and stomach hurt from laughing so hard. At one point spit came out of my mouth onto Seth (sorry, honey). But it was well worth it. (Annie Dibbs, I hope you got to watch it and I can't stop thinking about your dad not having Tivo. We've got to do something about that). All and all it was a great evening.

Princess Tea Party

One of the many joys of being a mom to a little girl is all the fun "girly" things you get to do. Bella and her friend Kalie have been talking about having a tea party for a few weeks now so her mom and I finally gave in. I saw a show on the food channel (Soni you'd be proud) about having a princess party and it seemed really easy, so I decided to do what they said. The party was a huge success. We had lunch, colored princess pictures, read princess stories and danced like princesses. The best part was the girls were so good and it was over in a hour.

Girls Only Weekend

Friday night we had our first girls night out with my mother in law and sisters in law. And of course I forgot the camera. We enjoyed dinner and the midnight madness scrapbook sale. We missed Jami but we know she'll make the next one. And Bella and Seth had a night out as well. They went to Temple Square where Bella got to see the big statue of Jesus, but she didn't understand why he didn't talk. She also received a very long and way over her head lesson from the sister missionaries. (They were just doing their job, but from what Seth said I think they forgot they were talking to a 2 1/2 year old). On Saturday night Bella and I had a mom and daughter night. Seth was at the Utah game, I'm a horrible wife. The poor guy had to buy just one season ticket. But thanks Huggins and BJ for taking care of him, I'm sure it was more fun with the boys than me anyway. Bella and I had fun looking for a new dress and new church shoes for her. She was so good that after we got dinner at the Spaghetti Factory. (ok so dinner might have been more for me).

What's in a name?

We started thinking about names for the baby the other day and this is turning out to be very difficult. A persons name is so important. There are so many things to consider. You have to think about something that's cute right now, as well as something that will fit them when they're an adult. And you can't choose something that's so popular that everyone has it. (AKA: Amy, in 1st grade there were 4 Amy's, I thought my name was Amy H. for a whole year). But you also can't choose something that is so obscure people are always asking how to pronounce and spell it. We've been looking through books, but all that does is make us laugh because there are so many strange ones. And everything I like Seth doesn't like and everything he likes I don't. Bella's choices include Mommy, Daddy or Laura. So here we are back at square one without any ideas. I thought I would see if any of my friends and family have ideas of how to find a good name. And I know all of you who don't have kids yet, have some great names that you won't want to share but at least tell me how you came up with your amazing names.

Think Pink.....Again

I'm now 20 weeks, half way there! And today we found out we're having another girl. Bella doesn't seem to think this is news, since she's thought from the beginning, she was going to have a "baby girl sister". I was the one who didn't believe it. I asked the nurse if she was sure it was a girl. Seth had me convinced it was a boy. All and all we're very excited. Everything looks great and the baby is healthy, so that's what really matters. Now Seth can join some of our other friends, Treion, Joe, Rick and others as the only man in the house. Hopefully he'll survive when there are 2 teenagers in the house.

Island Park '07

Part of the "Jeff Show". He makes it look so easy

The Hedberg/Brown/Klimt side of the family finally had a family vacation! It was so fun to have our aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins there as well. At one point we had 26 people. If I were to write everything down we'd be here all day so here are a few of the highlights.

• Seth trying out surfing on the boat
• Watching the "Jeff Show"
• Watching Chase saying goodbye to his new best friend Chris
• Laura selling Cookie Lee (even on vacation)
• Jan and Jodi playing Wii
• Paige doing her victory lap after winning wii
• Bella cheering on her dad while he was wake boarding
• Fred breaking into a running car to turn it off
• Playing games
• Great Food

I'm sure I'm leaving out so much. We missed everyone who couldn't be there, but hope they can make it next year when we try Bear Lake. And if you took pictures I want to trade.