The wait is finally over!

I'm so happy to announce that John Henry Smith Insurance has moved to Bountiful! (the sign isn't up yet) This means that Seth's new commute is now 6 minutes. He timed it. The Mordues have been looking for a place in Bountiful for the past 10 years and finally found one in Colonial Square. Right by Parson's Bakery, one of my favorites!
I still have to laugh a little that Seth works for Boydel. (He would never call him that, I just had to put that in for the WX friends).
As if things weren't great enough, guess who bought the space next door? Suzette and Sheridan. Hip & Humble is now in Bountiful as well as the 9th and 9th shopping district in Salt Lake. I'm so excited!! If you haven't been there you need to check it out. They have the coolest things. A lot of my house is furnished from that store, so I'm a little bias. I also love the owners. I missed the grand opening but Soni tells me it was awesome.
Seth has only been in his new office 3 days and I'm already feeling spoiled. He now comes home for lunch and is home within minutes of leaving work.
So the next time you're in Bountiful stop in and have Seth give you a quote (that was shameless I know) then get some shopping done. (But call me, I'm always looking for a reason to go to Hip & Humble and get a treat at Parson's).

Is there a light at the end of this tunnel?

How did this happen? I'm sick!!!! I've basically been a hermit since I had Claire and I still got sick. I can't believe my luck. So now not only am I sleep deprived but I can't go 2 minutes without coughing. Claire and I have taken up residence down stairs. For 2 reasons: 1) I can have the little heater on as high as I want and 2) Seth won't be kept up all night by my annoying coughing. I say annoying because I'm even annoyed by it. If you were to stop by my house, like my poor friend Jodi, you would see me in PJ's with a mask on. It's not a pretty sight.
I'm wearing the mask because I'm not taking any chances with Claire getting sick. I had to spend 5 days in Primary Children's Hospital with Bella when she was 5 weeks old because she had RSV. I'm convinced that Bella or Seth brought something home and I got it, but they never did. Really, this is so not fair!
(I just had to complain a little, I'm over it now. Thanks for listening)
I think the saddest part is that I haven't kissed my girls or my husband in a week. I miss it!

Birthday Week is Over!!

Birthday week started a little early this year, even for me. It started with lunch for laura's birthday with her friends. The next day was lunch with the WX friends (thanks Hatch for buying). The rest of the week was basically me using every opportunity as "it's my birthday", for Seth to do something. (did I exploit the fact that it was my birthday? Of course I did!!) It only happens once a year. Then yesterday Seth and I had a day to our selves. My parents watched the girls so we could run some errands and have lunch, then that night his mom watched the girls so we could go to dinner. Today we had a dinner for Laura and I. Scott brought Rock Band. I think that was by far the highlight!! I thought guitar hero was fun, this was much better. Tomorrow is a girls day with Jan, Laura, Sharla and hopefully Jamie if she's not too scared of my family. Girls day includes lunch and a movie. I have to say this was a great birthday. 27 was a great year, can't wait to see what 28 brings!

My Little Mini Me

I can't believe how much Bella is like me! It's crazy. Not only does she look like me (these pictures are a good example), but she's started acting like me too.

I can't believe it. It's actually pretty funny sometimes.

She's just such a sweetheart. I feel so blessed. I could go on and on with all of her great qualities and why I love her. But I'll just leave it at that. I love you Bella Bean!!!

No Sleep

How could I forget that when you have a new baby you get no sleep? I must have blocked this part out. I wouldn't change anything to have our sweet little Claire, but I am definitely a person who needs 8 hours of consecutive sleep. So needless to say I'm walking around like a zombie these days.
Last night around 2:00am I had just finished feeding the baby, when Bella started crying and calling my name because she had a nightmare. I let her sleep in our bed, mostly because I was too tired. That was mistake #1. She never gets to sleep in our bed, so she looked at this like play time. The rest of the night was pretty much a blur. I fed the baby again and this morning found everything like this: Seth asleep in Bella's bed, me downstairs, and Bella alone in our bed. Something is seriously wrong with this picture.

Claire

Here is our little Claire. My dad took these pictures and I thought I should post them since they are soooo cute!!

My Girls

I've finally taken a few pictures of my kids. (There are more, but some reason this is all I could get right now). Claire has been such an easy baby. She just hangs out and looks cute. Bella has been a little wild lately as you can see from the last picture. But she loves her little sister so much. If she's away from Claire for any reason she'll run up to me and say "what's happening with baby?". She loves to open her eyes when she's sleeping, because "she wants to be awake" and she also loves to "help" in any way she can, even if mom and dad don't see it as helping. But we love it. They make our life that much more fun.

Worst Case Scenario Mom

I can't be the only mom out there who does this. But ever since I was pregnant with Bella I've thought of every horrible thing that could possibly happen to her. It usually starts at night. I'll be trying to go to sleep, and then I start thinking about all these bad things that could happen to my kids. For example, I've thought about my house starting on fire, someone breaking in while Seth is gone, my kids getting kidnapped. I mean seriously if you could be inside my head you would think I'm a crazy person. My latest worry happens with Bella in the water. So now I'm terrified to take her swimming. Oh and when I tell my "oh so supportive husband" about my latest worry, he just says, with a grin, "well you have a few months before summer". Not funny. What is wrong with me? The sad thing is, since I've had Claire my worries have only gotten worse. Am I the only one like this?

A shout out to all the nurses

I've been thinking a lot about the good care I received while in the hospital and I've decided it all comes down to having good nurses. I was so lucky to have amazing care. I had just about the best labor and delivery nurse ever! It was almost bad to have someone so good, because after her no one could be that good. But I was lucky enough to have the same nurse for recovery both days I was there and she was also amazing. I've decided as soon as I'm a little better I'm going back with presents. They've probably forgotten me already, but I could never forget them. So this post was just a way for me to say thank you to all of you nurses out. You're wonderful!

We have a baby!!!

One last picture the night before

Our little baby Claire is here and we are so excited! I was induced on Friday morning and everything went great. Only 4 hours and 2 pushes!!! (maybe working out until the last week really did do something. Thanks Soni). Seth is beyond exited and just about the greatest dad ever! Clarie and Bella are very lucky. He was so supportive and made me so happy. Bella loved seeing the baby. She had told me she was going to play tag with the baby at the hospital so I think she was a little surprised when she got here. But Claire gave her a present(a Dora coloring book) so she was pretty happy. She even shared her favorite blanket with her. I'm feeling as good as you can after having a baby. Tired, Grumpy, Happy, (do I sound like all of the seven dwarfs in one?). But mostly I'm feeling thankful. We have 2 healthy girls. That's all that really matters. I'm also so thankful for all of my friends and family. I can't believe how blessed I am. Everyone has been great. Thanks again for all your support.

Oh Brit, What went wrong?

Everywhere I turn there's talk about Brittney and her break down. I mean even CNN and Fox News are talking about it. So naturally it's been on my mind. I can't believe I'm going to say this but...I feel a little sorry for her. I mean really who's to blame? She's old enough to be held accountable for her actions, but really I think it started a long time ago. So is it her parents, for the wonderful parenting they've done? Her parents for letting her sell herself short? Her parents for putting her in the business so young? Maybe it's the media and paparazzi? I'm sure some of it was having kids so close together and not being ready and she probably had postpartum.

I really shouldn't spend any time thinking about it. It is what it is, celebrity. The higher the climb the harder the fall.

Deceptively worth it?

I got this book, Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld, for Christmas and decided to try it out today. If you haven't heard of it,(have you been living under a rock?) it's a cookbook. She was tired of auguring with her kids about eating their vegetables so she started to "hide" them in their food. Basically the cookbook has all these really yummy recipes but with things like spinach, and cauliflower and other vegetables added that you can't taste. All the recipes are backed up by a nutritionists and the book has lots of good info, like guidelines for how much fiber you need and things like that. When I saw the author on TV she was saying that she spends one hour a week pureeing all the food, measuring them, and putting them in ziplock bags. Then she stores them in the freezer. When she's cooking during the week she just has to grab one of the bags and add it to the recipe.
It sounded easy enough. I was naive to think I could get everything done in an hour. I won't even say how long it took me, it's too embarrassing. But I did finish. I was able to do butternut squash, carrots, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, raspberries, and pineapples. Once I was done it was gratifying to look at.
Tonight I made three of the meals and they were all good. Seth really liked the "tortilla cigars" (they had butternut squash and carrots), I loved the fruit punch (that had carrots, pineapple, and raspberries) and we all enjoyed the ice cream sandwiches (in the book Jerry Seinfeld says he loves it so much he would request it as has last meal). The crazy thing was you really couldn't taste the vegetables.
All and all I guess it was a success. Now my freezer is stocked with lots of fruits and vegetables that are ready to be added to any of her recipes. But after all that work, and considering that there are so many vegetables I still haven't done, I can't decided if it's worth it.

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.