...And the stockings were hung by the chimney with care

I had so much fun designing Christmas stockings for our family this year! Sherri helped me make them over Thanksgiving break, and they turned out so cute. I wanted them to kind of have a retro theme, yet each have a little bit of our individual personalities. Here they are!

 All of the stockings are lined with the coordinating striped fabric of the toe on the inside

I love how huge they are! You can stuff DVDs, Books, all kinds of cool stuff in there!

I alternated them so they will hang green ,red, green, etc on the fireplace. I am already excited for when I get to make the next stocking! haha. (and no, it won't be coming anytime soon!)



8 months

Gotta get up to date!




Do babies get any cuter? NO!!



Here's what my little man has been up to:

• 21 pounds 1/2 an ounce, 28 in long
• Army crawling, pivoting, rolling, scootching, basically working his way to wherever he wants to go (which is EVERYWHERE)

• Can sit unassisted now, but still can't push himself up to sitting on his own

• Says Da da, Dad, Ba ba ba, and just barely starting to say Ma. I think he is figuring out the meaning behind Da and Ma too!
• Feeds himself finger foods and LOVES it. He eats Yogurt Melts, Baby Mum Mum crackers, Gerber Puffs, Maple Crunchies, and Apple Wheels. His favorite are the Yogurt drops I think. Keeps himself entertained for half hours at a time doing it!
• Up to eating solid foods 2-3 times a day with snacks in between
• Loves to sit on Dad's shoulders and pull his hair like reins. haha



"Giddyup Dad!"

• Still has this one wake up at 5:30 everyday where he needs a couple sips of his bottle to get back to sleep. We're working on that. haha
• Investigates everything, especially Electronic things that Mom and Dad love i.e. Cell phones, remotes, laptop, xbox controller, camera, keys, and things that are "off limits" - cable cords, battery cord to computer, air vents, plastic bags, wrappers, price tags, etc etc etc

This is his "inspection face" We see this one a lot. LOL



just getting a little gaming on

• Also has an obsession with this mini tape measurer
• Officially has become a good little car rider! wahoo!
• Wearing 12 mo Clothes
• Has decided sleeping in bed with Mom and Dad is the only way to go
• Still obsessed with his morning TV shows. We're talking addict

• Can't wait for Christmas in a matter of days! (okay, so maybe thats me excited to give him all his presents!)

Gobble Gobble Gobble

Since we're only 10 days away from Christmas, I figure I better get my Thanksgiving post in! We have been so busy this past month with Emmett growing and changing every single day. We've also been decorating, Christmas shopping, mailing out our cards (comment with your address if you haven't got one!!), and just enjoying the season in general! It is SUCH a wonderful time of year. It really is magical - beautiful, peaceful, and everybody really is nicer to each other and more charitable. I love it.

...For Thanksgiving we got to journey back up to Rexburg and visit the Ericksons. We had such a fun weekend! The drive was a little bit scary and had me clenching my fists in stress, but we traveled safely thank goodness! As always, Emmett was the star of the day in his cute little Thanksgiving outfit Grandma Roe sent him.

Love that little Turkey butt!

Hanging out with Grandpa Erickson

Jareds sister Emily has a baby (Julia) that is Emmett's exact age (they were due very same day) so it's always fun to get those two together. 

Grandma Erickson with Julia and Emmett

Giving each other the close-up inspection. They were quite fascinated with each other.

We had a delicious dinner, played games, enjoyed each others company, did some Black Friday shopping, and Sherri helped me make Jared, Emmett, and I's Christmas stockings! They are SOO cute that they deserve their own post! So that will be coming.

Notice Emmett (bottom left) joined us for dinner in his bumbo. He doesn't do well with being left out. haha

We ventured out into the snow and fed (or should I say got attacked?) the ducks/wild geese. Emmett wasn't quite sure what to think. One of the little psychos even bit my finger in its frantic fight for the bread crumb. haha.

This time of the year really makes you count all of the wonderful blessings in your life. I am so grateful to have Emmett, who I love more than anything in the world, an incredible husband, and the most amazing family I could ever ask for. I am grateful for the gospel, and the Savior's presence in my life each and every single day.

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well!

Wednesday Confessional

#8 - I really, really wish my body would just return to it's pre-pregnancy form [without so much work]

This is all I have to say about it.

Dear Former Physique,

Where have you gone? I was hoping for a sooner return, but alas, you are taking a longer vacation than I thought. I miss our old days at the gym enduring grueling workouts, our shoppings trips [where you looked so great in most everything you tried on], and your ability to eat a few treats now and then without sacrificing too much. 
Your temporary replacement is not living up to expectations. It is fickle, deciding to randomly just add back on the 5 pounds that I worked so hard to lose. I have been eating healthy [besides the occassional treat too good to pass up], working out [so my schedule might be a little erratic the past couple months], and still it refuses to accept the memo. It will not surrender. I find my myself catching a sideways glance of my body in the mirror occassionally, stomach relaxed, and am caught off guard at the pooch I thought I had taken care of! I don't want to look pregnant anymore! Even though the replacement may fit in your old clothes, it doesn't come CLOSE to looking as good in them as you did. It is a foreign body being shoved into them, and they were stretched and worn to a different shape.
Will you ever return? Will your nice flat abs ever decide they want to come home again? I would throw them quite the welcome party! Please let me know of your decision asap. And  whatever you do...don't say no.

Thanks,
Me

Do any of you Moms out there ever feel like this still??

Say Cheese!

We finally had our FIRST family pictures taken a couple weekends ago! It was also Emmett's first professional pictures. We got some really great ones, I am so happy it was worth all that hard work!

This is my favorite (LOVE the little mans smile! He looks so grown up! haha)

Here's a few more shots with the dark background

And an outfit change...

A few shots of my chub a' lub



and last, but certainly not least...

Family Photo Shoot = SUCCESS!  :-)

Texters Anonymous

Is there such a thing? Cause Emmett has a problem, and is in desperate need of a support group. It's an addiction.

"Get off my back, ok?! That message was URGENT!!!"

Ah yes, same old story. Keep your eyes and ears open and let me know if you hear of any Texters anonymous meetings around the Utah County vicinity.

Worse case scenario: Maybe e-trade is looking for a new spokesperson.... (or is it spokes-baby?)

Shutterfly Christmas Cards

I love Shutterfly, they have such great deals and make the cutest photo books and Christmas cards! I have always been pleased with my products from them, and they come quickly. Their graphics are always up with the trends and stand up from the plain, boring ones you normally can buy at costco/drugstores. They are running a promotion right now where if you blog about your favorite cards, you earn 50 free ones!! Isn't that genius?? Think of all the exposure they're getting! Free advertising going viral on the web and not costing them too much! Here are my favorite cards:

                                          To participate in this offer go to: http://bit.ly/sfly2010

Look what I found...

Emmett's exersaucer has a mirror on one of the toys on it that is supposed to be a pond. He's never paid particular attention to it, but the other day I turned around in the kitchen and saw this:

HE FOUND IT!!

 His head was bent down so low I couldn't even see his face and his nose was basically pressed up against the mirror. He was in awe of the magic face staring back at him down there :-)

Hahaha Oh Emmett...

7 months

Heres my man's latest stats:

Weight - 20 pds
Length:  26.75 inches

 Yes, he has clothes. But why cover up a bod this cute??

• Still a blondie with beautiful blue/green eyes (for some reason pictures always make his hair look reddish)
• Becoming more and more like a toddler (and less and less like a baby) every single day
• SMILEY, SMILEY, SMILEY
• He is officially "mobile". He rolls himself wherever he wants to go (which always seems to be not the safest of places). I have to keep a close eye on him!
• Wearing either 9 or 12 month old clothes
• Sits up straight on his own for 10-15 seconds before toppling to one side
• Jumps in his exersaucer, spins the seat 360, and knows how to work every toy on the tray
• Still LOVES walks and being on the go -people watching.
• Loves to grab at your face. Smiles really big then grabs onto your nose, your cheeks, your chin- whatever he can get a hold of.
• FAVORITE show is Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. It is hilarious. That song can come on at a barely audible volume and he will break his neck and just about knock the bumbo over to see it. He loves the "Hot Dog Dance". If he's on the floor, he rolls himself to a prime viewing location and parks it, then kicks his legs in excitement. haha.
• Also likes Baby Einstein DVDs

"Mom, why are you bugging me with that stupid camera, can't you see I'm watching my show?"
• Always holding on to his toes
• Pretty much sleeps through the night. If he goes to bed at 9, he usually wakes up at 4:30 to eat, but if he goes down later, he'll sleep til morning.
• Always want to play, and he makes sure you do. He screams and babbles and giggles and grabs at your face to let you know he's ready. If I try to read and he wants to play, he takes his chubby little hands and closes my book then laughs. LOL. He will scream (not cry, but actual shrieks) until he gets the attention he wants.
• Very opinionated, and uses his shrieks to communicate the way he wants things
• Has tried all fruits and vegetables now, and i give him little tastes of my food occasionally
• Gets really excited when Daddy comes home.
• Loves baths
• Wraps his fingers in my hair for comfort and to help him fall asleep (ouch!)

Hanging out watching his mobile with his Wocket. Notice him running his fingers through its hair?

Staples of my Childhood

I've been meaning to do this post for months now but have gotten so behind. Better late than never I always say!

Grandma's houses hold so many special childhood memories. Favorite games, movies, decorations that have stuck through the ages. This summer when I went and stayed at my Grandma Whittakers, I decided to document all the "staple" items that were trademarks of Grandma and Grandpa Whittaker for my own memories. The house just wouldn't be the same without them!!

Top Left:

This is the special stone pathway to Grandma's house. Endless hours were spent hopping on one foot, playing hopscotch, practicing my balance beam... My sister Kendall is modeling it for us above.

Top right:

Grandma's special bonzai tree. Grandma's bonzai's are so coveted in her neighborhood, one

time one was completely dug up (roots and all) and stolen overnight. No lie.

Bottom Left:

 The "Green Roses" This is some special flower/cactus they have in New Mexico or something (I finally got the story behind them this summer). But my whole life I thought Grandma's garden was the coolest because she's the only person I've ever seen that had Green Roses.

Bottom Right:

The Entrance to Grandma's house with the standard Ivy and Whittaker sign

Top Left:

The reading baskets. These are scattered throughout the house. Always chock full of books (Lately Grandma gets them from "'the girls' at Curves")

Top Right:

The Ticket!! Grandma and Grandpa are constantly going to movies or as they call them "shows". Therefore the ticket can ALWAYS be spotted lying out. We've all told Grandpa on multiple occassions that the paper is pretty much obselete thanks to Fandango, but he is loyal.

Bottom Left:

 The Octagon window - Need I say more? Usually their neighbor Henry can be spotted outside of it cranking his lawnmower.

Bottom Right:

Grandma's knitting basket. Always in the same place behind her Recliner.

Top Left:

Grandma's Old-fashioned phone. This is even a replacement of the the original one. But my whole life a phone like this has hung there (I think it's cause Grandma is from England)

Top Right:

 The Hat boxes. Grandma always has hat boxes stacked around the house like this for decor. Looking at some of these pictures makes me realize how similar our decorating tastes are! haha

Bottom Left:

The twisty lamp. The living room wouldn't be the same without it

Bottom right:

 The dress up box!! This was all the grand-girls favorite part! Grandma has it stashed with lacy things, heels, etc.

Left:

The bathroom snail that always has an array of towels wrapped in it

Right:

The dust monsters. A favorite toy of grandkids under 5. Grandma was really smart tricking us all into dusting for her.. haha.

And last but not least... their beautiful backyard that Grandpa (and Grandma) spend hours a day working on. I always picture grandpa with his wireless radio headset (AM radio of course) pushing the lawnmower. The yard is always full of colorful flowers, and the tables make it perfect for family get togethers. Many Easter egg hunts have taken place in this yard. As we grew up we learned Grandma and Grandpas favorite hiding spots: the basket that hangs down from the tree, the water fountain, along the fence rail... ahh the nostalgia!

So there you have it! A detailed tour of Grandma and Grandpa Whittaker's. You can see why I loved going there so much!

Something to brighten your rainy Monday

If this doesn't put a smile on your face I don't know what will!!

And just in case you need an extra dose of joy...

Wednesday Confessional

#7 - I want to own my own bakery someday

Okay, I realize it's Thursday....now. I didn't really know that til this afternoon though. My friend Rachel and I were taking our babies on our daily walks and she was talking about losing track of the days of the week, and I was like "Tell me about it! I can't even keep track of Wednesday to do my Wednesday Confessional!" haha. It's sad, but true. I have embraced the stay-at-home-mom life full force, and am loving it. Me and Emmett have a blast every single day, and consequently all our days of joy just blend together. We bake goodies, watch movies, clean/organize/decorate the house, walk to the grocery store, walk to the library, shop, cook dinner, hang out at the park with friends (I know, he's not old enough to really play at the park yet, but we socialize). We were even invited to a playgroup that we've gone to once so far! Basically... we have the life.

You can see how amidst all that continuous excitement, it can be hard to remember just what day it is.

So for our sake, we're just going to pretend today is Wednesday.

And you're going to go along with it.

Someday I want to own one of those cute bakery/cafes that is decorated totally feminine and antique-ish. Old-fashioned white, curly chairs that are reminiscent of old time ice cream parlors. Crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Lots of oval shaped white frames hanging on the walls. Possibly even sell books in it. That would be the ultimate. Then people will buy my mouth-watering treats, sink into a comfortable chair in the corner, and lose themselves in a book. Basically it would be an embodiment of me - Dessert and books. lol. But really, does it get any better than that?

I've even daydreamed what my decor color scheme would be. White and Tiffany blue with lots of crystal. Can't you just picture it? The glass case lined with pastries and cookies and cupcakes in every color of the rainbow topped with dollops of frosting?... mmmm. My sisters just bought me one of those giant cupcake pans from Williams Sonoma for my birthday, so I'm excited to add that to my repetoire. I can't wait to practice my cake decorating skills on it. I've already got a couple cupcake decorating books on my queue at the library!

Well that's all for tonight, but I will try to be more diligent in my Wednesday posts!  What do you think, would you come to my bakery??

Long ago, in a galaxy far, far away...

Jared, Cassie and Emmett (AKA Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Yoda) partied hardcore in honor of Halloween.

Leia and Yoda ate way too many Sugar cookies, "Mummy" dogs, and other Halloween goodies. Okay well maybe just Leia. But Yoda got a taste of frosting at least!

Some visitors from Planet Naboo (AKA Josh and Natalie) even showed up for the occasion.

It was a wonderful celebration, and everyone was quite surprised at Yoda's ability to party with the best of them. He even played a little Rock Band (backup dancer action)!

Happy Halloween from our Galaxy to yours!!

Wednesday Confessional

#6 - I turn 25 this weekend. Ahhhh I'm getting old!!

Okay so not really, but 25 is a pretty big milestone! It says to me "You're on the downhill climb to turning 30". Scary thought. haha. I still don't feel any older? My college-age sisters act like it's "weird" to go on double dates with their married sister that has a baby. I didn't even realize we were in that different of stages... I still feel like a college student (and the fact that Jared still is a college student makes it even more so) So it was funny when I thought of myself from their perspective.

But other than that... I don't really feel like blogging tonight. I'm tired. I have a cold. I had to grocery shopping tonight which was wearisome, and while there I happened to lose my shopping list midway through.  I found out today I could potentially have Tuberculosis. Okay so I probably don't haha but I had a reaction to the TB skin test, so the doctor said she "couldn't consider it negative." Interesting...  So I'm calling it a night! Until next time blog readers!

Boog's First Half Birthday!

I think it's safe to say that no one has witnessed the amount of change that I have by the time their baby is 6 months old (Emmetts adjusted age). Physically, mentally, emotionally... my little guy has done a complete 180. Times 5. Then maybe doubled.  See for yourself.

                                          THEN                                                        NOW

Would you ever even guess this was the same baby? I wouldn't!

The first time I looked at him, I didn't think it was possible to ever have more love in my heart than I did at that moment. It was overflowing at full capacity. That being said, it continues to amaze me that I really love him more and more every single day. Look at that smile! It lights up my life, and when he wakes up and sees me and responds by giving me that one-of-a-kind grin, my heart just melts. It's a drug-like state where I am completely overcome and intoxicated by the little bundle I hold in my arms, my head clouded and oblivious to all other things around me. I am aware this sounds somewhat crazy, but I wanted to try to put in words what that "indescribable feeling" really feels like... and that is what came out.

• Weighed 18 pds, 10 oz at the doctors today
• Emmett can pretty much sit unassisted now!
• He loves to spin himself around when he's laying on the floor. I'll look down and he will have scootched himself all the way around so he's facing the opposite direction.
• Started eating solid baby foods! So far he's had bananas, applesauce, peas, and peaches.
• He is such a go-er! He loves to be out and about - doing anything. Consequently he has become the best little shopping partner! He loves to be pushed around his stroller in the store and watch everything going on around him. We try and go somewhere everyday to get out of the house, and he is SO good. I can even try on clothes with him!
• He got a new big boy swing which he loves to be in again (YES!). This one sits more upright and has toys for him to play with on the the tray. In the mornings he loves for me to move the swing in front of the TV and he just chillaxes.
•  Fills out his 6-9 month clothes already, and is starting to even be able to wear some 12 mos! (with the pant legs cuffed of course. lol)
• Finally has enough hair to style! Which is lots of fun :-)
• Is all the sudden starting to look so much older to me! His features are so much more defined, and he's starting to not look so "baby-ish" anymore
• Watches cause and effect, and mimics the action. He sees me press a toy and turn the music on and then repeats it himself. The other day my sister was waving her hand under this motion sensor halloween decoration to turn it on, and when she stopped he starting sticking his hands under it. haha

Big Boy got his shots and was so tough!

Showing off his Mo

Hard. Core.