Furniture hunting

I am constantly keeping my eye out for the furniture we need. I think the only things we've bought new are Daphne's crib, a pack n play, and our bookshelves.  I just wait until I find used items. Overall I save money, and sometimes I find pieces that are great quality. Much better then some of the things you can buy new these days. I've found almost all our furniture on craigslist. My favorite things and probably the luckiest things I've found are the girl's beds and their dresser :) They are all a dark walnut, they look so nice together.

Anyway, yesterday I went a little craigslist crazy and found a bunch of things I wanted (I'm still waiting to hear back about a couch, but I'm guessing I didn't get it :/ ). One thing I found was a dresser for Dallas, it was at a flea market called Buy It Here Too. We went to check it out and came home with a dining table and chairs instead :)

I LOVE my table!! I've been hunting for one for over a year now, so it's a relief to have it. It's white... and so is the rest of my kitchen. But I'm loving how it all looks with our dark floors. The top is actually a very light green. I like it, but I'm not sure if it goes with the rest of the house. I'll leave it for now, but painting the top a bolder color would be fun.

We've had our previous table for over 8 years now, Dallas' parents gave it to us when we got married. It's actually the last piece of furniture we still have from our newly wed days. Kinda bitter sweet. We are definitely ready for something bigger :) Our new table fits six and I'm tempted to find/build a bench so we can fit all the kids on one side if we have visitors.

Up until yesterday I planned on painting a table that I got for free a year ago, it needs to be painted and fixed up... And it needs chairs. It's been in our garage waiting for me to make up my mind and get going with it. I just wasn't loving it and didn't want to put in the effort for something I didn't love. I'm glad I found something that doesn't need a paint job or chairs... problem solved.

Phone pictures from our lunch today...

Real time

I'm gonna keep the updating posts coming! It isn't as hard or annoying as I thought it would be. Hopefully I am not boring you though! If you are more interested in what is happening in real time you should join Instagram, I absolutely love it! The one thing that would make it better is having a better camera on my phone. Oh well. I love that I can snap a photo, edit it and upload it all at once. It's also easy to share on FB so everyone can see what's going on. Anyway... just my plug in for Instagram. I'm done now.

This is where it gets hard.

There is a reason why I haven't blogged. Or caught up with everything that has been happening this summer.

Taking care of 3 kids is hard.

They all have their own needs, they are all in very different stages in life.

Daphne eats, naps, crawls around and gets into everything. I can't take my eye off of her. She needs to be carried, rocked and cared for every second of the day.

Makiah needs entertainment. She needs to talk, play.... she needs interaction. She is still dependent on me, she needs help at meal time, doing her hair, matching her clothes, bathing, cleaning up, etc.

Evan is in school. He comes home tired. He doesn't know how to handle all these new things coming at him. He needs guidance and help so he doesn't fall to pieces (though he does, every single day).

So... even though 9-11 am and 2-4 pm is easy (Daphne naps and it's just me and Makiah), 4-8 pm is HARD. Those 4 hours of nap time are not spent catching up, they are spent staying sane. Preparing for the 4 hours of craziness that happen every single night.

After school, dinner time, and bed time need some work... or I will fall to pieces (Oh wait. I do. Every single night).

Here I go...

Time to play catch up. Time to upload 1000+ images to my computer. Time to try to remember everything we did and post it here. I also have things from June that never made it to the blog so I'll just have to do a *quick* summer in review. Wait for it...

New outfit and some crazy weather

Makiah got this super cute outfit from her Grandma and Grandpa Bateman. She even let me put a matching flower in her hair and take her picture :) She sure looks all grown up! 

Last night Makiah said her prayers and thanked Heavenly Father for her cute outfit from Grandma. It was kinda sweet :)

The heat here this week is insane. Our poor little "garden" is wilting on us. We moved it to the shade and gave it plenty of water... today it is looking much better then it does in the pictures. We got one tiny little bell pepper from one of the plants :) Not much, but it is still fun!

The kids have swimming lessons again this week and next. Lucky for them it isn't cold this time around. Unfortunately for me I have to sit in this insane heat to watch them. I feel like I need a shower just after watching them swim for a half hour. It is crazy hot out there. 

Mini Session Opening...

I have soooo much to post. Maybe I'll get around to it this week :) I just have NO motivation to blog. It is a bad thing. Hopefully it will go away soon so you all can see what's going on around here.

I have a last minute opening for my Mini Sessions this Saturday, June 25th at 5:30-5:55. Let me know if you are interested! The information is all in this post here. The only change is the location. June Mini Sessions will now be held at Happy Hollow Park.

As usual that's all I really have to say. Sad, I know. One day I will tell you something fun and interesting and I might even post some pictures ;)

Updates...

I'm home. Ahhh.
I miss Utah... hmph.
The kids are loving the hot, humid weather... because I let them play out in the water.
I am loving the hot, humid weather.... but only because my skin is much happier and no longer dried up.
I am booked full for the summer with photo sessions :) It's a good feeling.
BUT I do have 3 available Mini Sessions on June 25th. Take a time slot while you can, because after August and am going on baby break :) Oh, and I added some extra time slots to the Mini Sessions.... check it out on the blog :)
Next Thursday I have my 20 week ultra sound... that means I should know if it's a she or a he. I am super excited. I am sick of calling it an it.
I have many, many pictures and much to tell you. Stay tuned.

Blog Stalking

So. I have a bunch of really nice/cool/fun friends. They all stalk my blog and leave me really nice comments. Thanks friends! I had fun reading all your comments this past weekend. I am glad I *ordered* you all to comment... you all had such nice things to say. Thanks! I also have fun reading all of your blogs.  You are all wonderful. If I don't comment enough on your blog, I will try harder.... but because of my lack of commenting I understand completely if you all read, but don't have time to comment on my blog. You all rock!

So this is random, but I had the time so I did it :) It always seems that when someone comments and then I reply in a comment, I end up wondering if that person will come back to read my reply. Anyway... this time I thought it would be fun to reply in a post. All of your last comments made me so happy and they all got me thinking so here are my replies....

@Tiffany: I like stalking your blog too... and aerobics rocks, I love it so much. One day I will come on Fridays too... but for now that is my lazy-sleep-in-till-nine-day :( One day though, I promise :)

@Bethany: Ummm, we are related sister! (I think you already knew that) And yes, Mom is my go to girl. I love calling her.

@Mary: Bedtime. Yes. No patience at all! My kids are getting to the stage where the just want one more drink or one more story. Ahhh! Just go to sleep please... thank you :)

@Kristen: Definetely enjoy those boys of yours, they are so cute! ...and I'll try to resolve the girl issues with Kiah. She really is a sweetie.

@Colleen: You will have a blast with those cute girls of yours! And I am glad you enjoyed the last post :)

@Kim: Yes. Someone I can confide in! You know all about the fun girl drama...though I am always impressed with Molly and how sweet she is!

@Sheena: Laundry? Really? I am impressed. I am glad someone can enjoy it!

@Christi: I love your posts too... it's fun to get to know you more and more :)

@Angie: We do have much in common! Our kids are so close in age and are going through a lot of the same things. I am always interested in what you have to say on your blog. I wish we lived in Utah so we could hang out so our kids can get to know each other!

@Celeste: I always appreciate your comments! Thank you! Thanks for sharing your April Fools joke, too funny!! It gave me a good laugh :)

@Julia: I hope you are enjoying that cute baby of yours! Enjoy your time off from Aerobics... but I will be glad when you can come back!

@Tracy: We should get together sometime! I always am so happy to see you! And about the clutter... I guess my only secret is to not have any. Dallas and I move almost every year and each time we just get rid of anything that we don't use. Since we won't be moving this year I am thinking of just going through everything and getting rid of anything that is non-sentimental and not being used :) It really helps to keep things organized and clean. I have never regretted getting rid of anything except an old computer... but I got over that :) But I have to admit that my house isn't always organized and clean! I try though! Also I try not to buy things that will just add to the clutter... unless I get rid of other things first. Hope this helps!

@Cami: I am glad you check my blog... maybe I'll have to start posting twice a day just for you!

@Heidi: Thanks for reading! You should start a blog too :) It would be fun to read what's going on... we should get together! It's been awhile.

@Alison: Yeay! I am glad that you and Joel both read. It makes me happy that he likes hearing about my kids! We miss you both!

@Emily: Dallas LOVES to surprise me. He always has something up his sleeve and is constantly bugging me about it (though it is fun to get gift etc. so I shouldn't complain!). He also likes to keep secrets... like when he got accepted to Purdue he didn't want to tell anyone until his graduation at USU. It drove me nuts! I am surprised that I was able to keep that a secret. When I have something exciting going on I'd rather just tell everyone and anyone right away.

@Ross: You and Dallas are a lot alike... I wonder what other similarities Melanie and I have... Thanks for reading! I didn't know you read my blog at all :)

@Kim: I love your blog too... and your pictures. It is so nice having a blogging/photographer friend that lives so close! We really should get together and do something photography related sometime. I bet I could learn so much from you!

Phew!

So... just a few things to add from my last post... or update rather.

1. I cleaned my bathrooms today... and swept, mopped, and vacuumed my house. Just for those of you who might have worried about my house being sanitary :) I really do clean my house I promise... I just don't do it as often as I should!

2. Kiah's clothing drama... WOW. I think she has a compulsive problem. Because of a BIG dilemma on Saturday I had to take away her white outfit and put it in a "timeout."  Now she has a pink outfit that she has to wear. We'll see how that goes. I am trying not to give into her crying. Wow. She is a fun one.

3. My kids still watch too much T.V. Especially during General Conference weekend. At least Dallas and I were able to watch conference while the kids enjoyed themselves... right? Maybe next year they will have the attention span to watch a little bit with us. Evan tried and even played a bingo game with me, but it didn't last long. We really enjoyed listening to all the talks. I have learned to LOVE General Conference! It is so nice to be at home, relaxed and able to listen to the Prophet and Apostles. I love it!



P.S. If you actually read all of that... wow! I really should put some pictures up... my past couple of posts need a little more color and variety :)

Just a few things on my mind:

I randomly decided yesterday that the kid's room needed a change. So I moved Evan's bed. It was easier than I thought it would be. And I like it. And it's a good thing, because I am not moving it back.

I really like it when the sheets on our beds are just washed and clean.... I just hate doing the laundry. But really, who likes doing the laundry?

I am pretty confident that I am a good at keeping my house clutter free and organized... but I have a really hard time remembering when the last time was that I vacuumed, mopped or cleaned either of the bathrooms.

My kids watch too much T.V. There. I admitted it. 

It's April fools day. I am really bad at telling lies and I can never think of anything clever to do on this day of the year. Anyone have any good stories from today? Do tell.

It's Dallas' half birthday today. Happy half birthday Dallas!

I am *this* close to just throwing away Makiah's "flag shirt" (as she calls it) She insists on wearing it every day with her white skirt and white shoes (she has this thing with matching lately). I am so very sick of having to wash this shirt every time it gets dirty... and then having to listen to Makiah cry while we wait for it to wash and dry. It is exhausting. Doesn't she realize that she has a drawer full of cute shirts that NEVER get worn?

I can justify throwing away said shirt. It's old, worn, and too small for Makiah. Should I throw it away behind her back or should I have Kiah help me? We could have some type of funeral for it... Hmmmm.

Having a little girl is exhausting in it's own way. Having a little boy is relaxing in it's own way (I don't EVER fight with Evan about hair or clothes).

Evan has an obsession with batteries and screwdrivers. He insists on unscrewing every toy he has to see how many batteries it needs. I find him searching his dad's tool box fairly often.

Sometimes I call my mom with nothing to say. I think she knows the times that I do this. Still she is nice and she talks to me anyway. I like my mom. I think I will call her today.

I don't like surprises and secrets. Dallas does. We are very different and not for this one reason alone.

We have flowers popping up outside... and buds on the tree. But I still wear my coat when I leave the house. It's cold.

Bedtime stresses me out. Really, it's the hardest part of my day. I don't know why I can't learn to enjoy it. I love it when Dallas is here to take charge, I just can't handle it.

My kids have been sleeping in past 8 everyday. I love it more than you know. Life is good.

Sometimes I get curious and wonder who even reads this blog.... if you have a minute do you mind leaving a comment? Even if it's just a quick hello? I just want to know who you are :) Thanks for reading!

Day dreaming

Dear Summer,

You are very much missed by just about anyone stuck here in Winter. Please come back to us. Soon. I don't think we can wait much longer. 

Yours Truly,

Jessica

Okay that was cheesy. But really. Who isn't ready for summer? I have to admit, I actually made it through January this year with out hating winter too much. But February has been cruel. First the crazy storm and tons of snow... and now 50 degree wonderfulness that we all know won't last long enough (okay I shouldn't complain... we were lucky to get the nice weather this week). Anyway, my point to this post... I am done with crazy weather and all I really want to do is pull out my shorts and flip-flops :) Who's with me? 

To go along with my summer dreamin' we made homemade ice cream tonight. We made it with the last of our frozen peaches. We might as well have a funeral, because this marks the end of all our fruit that we picked last summer. Every last strawberry, blueberry and peach is gone :( May cannot come soon enough!

I will try to get through this spring fever... I might just have to take advantage of my time indoors, curled up with a nice book... before these relaxed winter days are gone and we are crazy-busy again... though I don't mind crazy-busy as long as I can wear shorts and flip-flops!

Much to post...

I have much to post about... but that also involves effort. I will get to it, I promise. Some of it may include: Thanksgiving, a gratitude list, my crazy children, 3 trips to Walmart (soon to be 4) to buy MORE Christmas lights, and an incident that occurred yesterday... that involved scissors. But for now I just want to share something that is on my wish list :)

If you know me well then you might also know that I am a Pioneer Woman fan. I am so excited for this book to come out (February 1st!!), it is on pre-order now at Amazon :) Yeay! If you want to read more about the book click here. Ree is hilarious and I love, love, love reading her blog. 

P.S. My live signature is not working for some reason... can any of you even see it? I can't :(

Deja vu

I think I have shown this photo about a zillion times but I had to show you something...

When I took the photo below, the photo above popped into my head...

Isn't that so funny? Even after a year she has the same expressions... and a lot more hair :)

Big Blue Eyes

Totally random and off topic from all the Utah posts but darn it, this face make me want to have another baby...

This was only a little over a year ago... she IS growing up dang it. (but she is still adorable!)

P.S. Shannon, she looks so much like Demi in these photos! They were meant to be sisters :)

P.P.S As cute as she is... it's not enough to make me actually want another baby.... yet :)

I need a new 'do...

and I just found exactly what I want... can I pull THIS off?? Your honest opinion please... bangs?? Yes or No? Could I do this style without the bangs? I am thinking I need the bangs because I had a horrible experience with my hair dryer (at least that is where I am putting the blame) and my hair has broken off on one side. Oh and for those of you who live around here... where should I go for this style... any hairstylist recommendations?

My second idea is to grow it out for a while longer (to help the hair that broke away) and go back to something like THIS (the mom, not the bald baby :)).

What do you think??

When I am feeling lazy... um like today maybe....

I have talked about my lack of cooking before.... on days that I don't feel like cooking (oh wait... I think that might be everyday...) THIS is what I make. Healthy? No. Good? Yes. Try it... you will like it. In fact you could probably run and throw it all into your crock pot now and have it ready for dinner tonight. That is the beauty of it, it is soooo easy to make (and it has cream cheese in it :)).

For those of you who don't want to click on the link I'll fill you in. Chicken, black beans, corn, salsa layered in a Crockpot. Cook on high for an hour and on low for ummmm well... until it's done. Shred the chicken and throw in some cream cheese. Cook through and voila! There you have it... the best nachos EVER. Serve with green onions and lettuce on top of chips. Yum.

Rambling..... please don't get too bored.....

This week will probably be kinda boring for me. Only because it's going to be crazy for Dallas. Today he got his exiting exam project that he has a week to finish. Then he has to present it next Friday. To top that off he has an interview on Thursday in Wisconsin (I am in no way complaining :)). He leaves tomorrow afternoon and he will be back Thursday evening. He's taking the laptop so he can work on his project while he's gone. Basically, I will be stuck at home for the next two days with no car and no computer :( So I guess I will be reading lots and enjoying time at our playground here at our complex.  Hopefully this nice weather sticks around for me so I don't go crazy. Two days without a computer shouldn't be such a big deal.... I guess I will be okay.

I do have some things to look forward to... Since I am getting into this photography thing, Dallas and I decided that I needed a computer with more space and more speed. I am hoping to actually go into business by the end of the year (Fall maybe?). So I talked to my Uncle who sells computers and he is hooking me up with an awesome computer :) It is actually on it's way and should be here on Friday!! After that comes I will be able to get another Photoshop trial (so I can edit Kim's photos.... finally) and then hopefully get Photoshop before Dallas graduates (Yeay for student discounts!!). I am getting so excited about all this photography stuff and I can't wait to actually go into business with it.

About all this photo excitement.... I am always looking for opportunities to take portraits. If you (or someone you know) would like your photos done let me know (just comment or send me an email). I am trying too get as much practice in as possible and I am also trying to get a portfolio together. I can do portraits for families, kids, couples, babies, and high school seniors. Please let me know if you would like a free session and a free CD with all the images. I would love to help you out. This is a great deal that won't always be around :) With that I will stop boring you all to death and leave you with a second preview to my latest photo shoot....

Molly was just adorable... the most photogenic child ever :) She has the most natural, beautiful smile!

A few more things to tell ya.....

Dallas had an interview this week with the American Doll company :) I think that is kinda awesome... both Dallas and I are hoping for this one! It was a phone interview and it went really well. Dallas said that the man he talked to was really relaxed and that made it a fun interview... not as nerve racking as his interview last week with Travelers Insurance. They are going to get back with him within a week and if they like him he will be interviewing again in Wisconsin. So now we are waiting to hear from them as well as Travelers Insurance. We are crossing our fingers for something good to happen!

On Wednesday Kiah bit a hole in her binky.... I can't decide if this is harder on her or myself. Farewell binky... without you there is a lot of crying and whining. Hopefully Kiah gets over this soon (and hopefully I don't go crazy). I think it is a good thing though... yesterday in the car she was singing something in the back seat. I am excited to hear more of this... and talking. She has always been so quiet with the binky in her mouth all the time. There has definitely been more chattering going on the past two days.

Today is my Mom's Birthday, Happy "Dirbay" Grandma! Evan has been singing to you all day :) I finally got him to do it for the camera... enjoy :)

Comments

For some reason the commenting section on my blog wasn't working.... I believe it is working now in case you were wondering....

Just so you know

For those of you who are curious Dallas had his phone interview last Thursday and it went very well. I am sad to say that nothing came out of it :( Last night Dallas found out that they have filled the position. I guess we can't expect much out of a first interview. Hopefully we'll have lot's more to come and now Dallas is prepared :)

As of late.

Lately my attitude has been really blunt and sarcastic. I don't know what's gotten into me. Hopefully I can get through this post without adding too much attitude to it... A few different things have been going on around here. Nothing to exciting (well... except one thing...) but things I thought I could share.

Mornings. I am NOT a morning person. I honestly believe that there is no need (for a stay at home mom at least) to be up before 8:00a.m.... okay maybe 7:00 a.m. And this is a new rule around here. I don't get up before 7:00 a.m. If my kids are awake before 7 then they can come to bed with me or they can play in their room. Makiah is having a hard time learning this. She pulls on my arm and pulls down my covers and I just ignore it. (I am so so ridiculous, but I think she might catch on soon). Let me just say that the past two early mornings (5:30) have made me very irritable. (Maybe the reason for my new attitude?)

Evan has been a sweet little guy as of late. For awhile there I was wondering what happened to my sweet boy that I would brag about. He was ornery all the time. If he didn't have things just as he wanted them then, watch out!  He cried and threw plenty of temper tantrums just waiting for me to give in... and I would. A typical morning at our house consisted of this: Me carrying both of my kids down the stairs, Evan had to get the cereal and bowls HIMSELF, he had to have the right kind of cereal and the right carton of milk, He had to get his food first and if I poured it wrong then I had to do it again. If any of this went wrong then it was a crying fest. And this was just the first 20 minutes of our day. I don't know what I was thinking!!  One night as we ate dinner, Evan wanted to sit on my lap. I hate when he does this. I decided right then and there that I was through. No more. I told him no, he could sit on his own chair. He threw himself to the floor and cried every time I told him no. It was a awful meal time but it hasn't happened since. Evan has learned that when I say no, I mean it. 

Evan has also learned the word obey. When I use this word he knows I mean business (this has helped so much with potty training. We went a whole week of him refusing to use the potty.... that doesn't happen anymore). When Evan doesn't want to comply with me (ex: not wanting to clean up) I simply say: Evan you need to obey your mom. And he hops right to it :) I was waiting for this to back fire... and it did. One morning I asked Evan to obey his mom and he said: NO! You obey Evan!! I ignored it and it hasn't happened again :) He has been a happier kid all around! He wants to help me, and Kiah all the time. He always tells Dallas, Kiah and myself how much he loves us. He is back to normal :) And I love it!! It is so important to teach kids order in the home. I think it helps them to build trust and love for those who take care of them.

I found my new favorite website :) The Pioneer Woman is such a fun site! I have been spending a little too much time searching through her site. She is so funny and I love her sense of humor. She does photography which is why I first looked into her site. I read her Love Story of how she met her husband... it is great! She should get it published :) Lets just say that I've spent a little to much time on the internet these past few days :) Check it out... but watch out, you might get sucked in! Don't say I didn't warn you.

Last but not least... something a little exciting :) Okay, for us maybe it is very exciting. Dallas has his first (phone) interview tomorrow! We couldn't be more happy (okay... maybe we could... but this is a start right??) It is for a chemical and engineering company in Ohio and it is a job that Dallas would really enjoy. It would be a good start for us. But who knows... nothing may even come of it. Out of all the applications he has been filling out we are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. That is very reassuring. Wish him luck!! I think he will do great!