Pumpkins & Kitties

Gosh, don't you just love this cute face?

Well, this little cutie got to go pick pumpkins in the
pouring rain yesterday with our friends..

It was pouring & freezing cold, but made for a good memory.
The babies were in the wagon shivering.
Lisa was running/pulling the wagon.
I was holding the umbrella over the babies heads while trying to keep up with Lisa.
Hahaha.

The days not over yet though..
Later we go to the neighborhood Trunk or Treat.
Summy looooved it & she was the cutest kitty around.

A Mother's Love

What would you do without your little one?
Me? I wouldn't know what to do next, where would I go? What would my next step be? What on EARTH would I do without my sweet little Summer? With no degree, living paycheck to paycheck, still working, going to school, going INSANE, the only thing I have going for me is being a good mom. I can honestly say I never really knew what true happiness was until my little Summer was brought into this world.

It's rough, SO rough. As many of you know Summer was a honeymoon baby. It wasn't a real big surprise that we were having a baby though, we weren't too careful.. we didn't think much of the future. We both knew that we wanted to have kids.. just not right then. Heavenly Father had different plans for us though.. and we haven't looked back since. She has been nothing but a joy from the first time I held her in the hospital. Sure, there have been times I have picked up the phone, utterly stressed, begging my mom to take her for the night (she takes her of course!).. and then what happens? I wake up the next morning not knowing what to do next. I miss her so incredibly much. My heart aches.

I can't sleep tonight. I sat up thinking of the 1 million things that I need to do this weekend. Came downstairs, got on FB and then found this amazing blog.

patrickandashley.blogspot.com

Check them out. But be sure to grab a box full of tissues. Their story really hits home. She's 22 (I'm 22 in 2 days) and her daughter passed away at 18 months due to a accident (Summer's 17 months).

Anyways, I'm posting this to remind all you ladies, well mostly MYSELF, to cherish each and every moment. Every single one. I love my sweet Summer so much & want to slap myself in my face every time I get frustrated at her or when she gets hurt or when life gets so busy that I can't even read her a book.

My cherished moment of the day..
Summer has learned the word "cookie". She loves oreos. I hate Oreos. When she eats them she gets them ALL over. Anyways, today Summer fell and hit the front of her face on a metal bar really hard. I immediately picked her up & let her cry on my shoulder. She was so upset but I figured she would just cry it out. My sister took a peek at Summer to see if she had any bumps on her face and little did we know there was a huge stain of blood on my shoulder. SCARY! We immediately ran inside to check out what it was. When I lifted her off my shoulder she looked at me (still crying hysterically) and said "Cookieeee!" Ohhh my little pookie, I love her so much. Anyways, she hit her nose and mouth somehow and she is fine now. Sleeping away in her crib.

I hate it so much when Summer gets hurt. I wish more than anything I could take the pain away. But, the moments where she reaches out to me, when she wants nothing or nobody else in the world.. when everything depends on me letting her know that everything will be alright and reassuring her that the world will go back to normal in about 5 minutes.. it almost makes the owies worth it.

Summer has been pointing to her lip all night and saying "owie".
I think she just wants us to know she has a owie. Oh, she is so cute.

Is there anything better than being a mom?
I sure don' think so. Motherhood is the best thing to happen to me and has made me into a much better person.
Thank you, Summer.

This is a pic of our most recent adventures at the zoo.
Summer loves animals. We had so much fun.

Movie's & Books

SORRY! I know it's annoying to read posts where EVERYTHING is underlined.. but I don't know how to get it off. oops

Movies First:

1. Wall Street
Money Never Sleeps

I did not know there was a prequel to this movie.
But I don't think you missed anything by not seeing it.

Scott & I really liked it. I don't know a lot about Wall Street so it was fun watching it & learning some new stuff! And Shia LaBeouf was so cute in this movie.. I've always thought of him as the annoying brother in "Even Stevens".. but yes.. he was a cutie in this movie.







2. Life as we Know it

Love, love, LOVE this movie. It may be my new favorite movie. It was so tender, fun and sad.. all in ONE movie! I seriously thought I was going to pee my pants a few times.. and then there were parts I was sinking down in my seat so nobody would see me cry! If you're a mom you will think this movie is the best!.. and if not, you'll still love it! And of course it was nice seeing Fergies beau down to his undies. Go see it!

Books

1. I Am Number Four

I absolutely HATED this book, until I got to the end. It was way too slow for me. The ending made me want to call up the author and demand him to hurry up with the 2nd one. There is going to be a movie made of this book.. so it will be interesting to see how they do it. So if you don't mind super slow books.. you might like it. But I really don't reccomend it.









2. Grave Sight

I borrowed this from the library because the author of this series wrote the "Sookie Stackhouse" series (my fav. books of all time!) And I was very disappointed. I also checked out the 2nd book in this series and didn't even open it.
Bummer.
I guess I will just have to wait for the 11th Sookie Stackhouse book to be wowed by Charlaine again.. and yes, we are on a first name basis.

3. Mockingjay

Last but not least, those of you who did not like this book are CRAZY! I looooooved it. I thought it was a great ending to the series. I didn't see how it could end any other way. The first part was pretty slow, but the ending was fast paced and exciting! I'm so sad that the series is over, but I really enjoyed the book. Oh, and if you haven't read the first 2 in a while you might want to reread them. I wish someone had told me that. But, the book really doesn't go over bit by bit what happened in the first 2 and if you haven't read them in over a year (like me!) you might get confused at some parts. But yeah, Like I said, this series is just so great. They are one of my favorite series of all times. The books are SO powerful & you can really relate to the characters.

WARNING: MAJOR "MOCKINGJAY" SPOILER IN COMMENT SECTION AND BELOW!

I loved that Katniss ended up with Peeta. I didn't think that Gale could've taken care of Katniss the same way Peeta could. When I read the part where Peeta was brainwashed by the capitol I was seriously crushed. I love Peeta and always have!! He's my hero. I am so sad the book is over. I was sad that Prim died.. SO SAD. I thought Katniss was going to go crazy like Peeta had and then the book was just going to end there. But, I think we all knew that someone important in the book was going to have to die, right? But the end of the book made it all worth it. Great job Suzanne Collins!

If you've read Mockingjay post a comment. I want to hear your opinions!

Cheese!

I HATE buying cheese. Hate it, Hate it, Hate it! It's too expensive for me. Why? Isn't it just orange mold? Anyways, I almost always use coupons when going to the grocery store. But my friend just posted a very helpful couponing blog (Here's her post: http://bkjohnfamily.blogspot.com/2010/10/couponing.html) and on a coupon site she listed guess what I found..
A coupon for ANY brand cheese. So now I can go buy the cheap Western Family cheese, and get it for a dollar less.. and so can you because I'm going to give you the link. I'm so excited I'm probably going to make a trip to the store just for my cheese. But hurry and use it because it expires at the end of the month I think.

Here's the link to clip it:

http://www.utahdealdiva.com/2010/10/wahoo-save-1-on-any-brand-cheese.html

Pumpkin Cupcakes

Can you tell I love pumpkin?

I love fall & everything to do with it. The food, the leaves, Thanksgiving, the

(Thank goodness!) cool weather, Halloween and the food!

Here is a fun recipe for pumpkin cupcakes with

maple butter cream frosting.

Can you say "Yummy!"?

Pumpkin Cupcakes

1 1/2 C. Flour

1 Tsp. Ground Cinnamon

3/4 tsp. Baking Powder

3/4 tsp. baking soda

1/2 Tsp. Ground Allspice

1/2 Tsp. Ground Nutmeg

1/4 Tsp. Salt

1 1/2 C. Sugar

1/2 C. Veg. Oil

2 Eggs

1 C. Canned pumpkin puree

(Not pumpkin pie filling)

2 TBS. Cream Sherry

1. Mix flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, nutmet and salt.

2. Then mix sugar, oil, eggs in a different bowl until they are smooth. Add pumpkin & sherry, beating well. Add mixture #1 then beat again until smooth.

3. Scoop batter into muffin pan (be sure to use muffin paperliners). Bake for 22-27 mins @ 350*. Let cool for 10 minutes.

Maple Butter Cream Frosting

2 C. Powder Sugar

3/4 C. unsalted butter

2 TBS Pure maple syrup

1/2 Tsp. Maple flavored extract

& a pinch of salt

Baby Pictures

I was determined to look for pictures of Summer
that looked like me when I was a baby..
I found one!
At least I think we look alike in these pics.


This is a newborn of Summer.

This is a newborn of me.


SEE!
Although Summer is Scott's little clone now..
she did look like me for at least 2 weeks of her life : )

Yummy Fall Breakfast

Here's the recipes you guys have asked for.
(and i'm posting this as I'm making my own pumpkin pancakes!)
WARNING:

They are the most delicious pancakes EVER!
I would double both recipes if you are serving more than 4 people.

Buttermilk Syrup:
In large saucepan:
1 cube butter
1 C. Buttermilk
1 TBS. Corn Syrup
2 C. Sugar
*Boil stirring 1-2 Mins.
Then, put on low heat and add 1 tsp
of vanilla & 1 tsp. baking soda

My Moms Pumpkin Pancakes
(actually, they are the internets, but my mom used to always make them!)
1 C. Flour
1. TBS. Sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 eggs. SEPARATED
1 C. milk
1/2 C. cooked or canned pumpkin
2 tBS. Veg. oil
*Combine dry ingredients into bowl. In another bowl whisk the egg yolks, milk, pumpkin and oil. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. In mixing bowl beat the egg whites until soft peaks form into batter.

And WAAA LAAAA! You're done!
Enjoy!

Halloween

Welcome to my home..

I just love Halloween.. don't you?

I don't have a lot, but I thought I'd share some of my new decorations with you guys. Most of it is from Tai Pan.. gotta love that store!.. and my mom. My mom is queen decorator. She has the most decked out house for every holiday.. you should see it at Christmas! I'm so not the decorator that she is.. but I hope to be one day! : )

Halloween is my favorite holiday for decorating.

What's yours?

Baby Olympics

Let me set the mood:

1. Today, Summer had a horrible breakfast because I had to hurry to a Dr. appointment this morning. She had her "baba" and a couple bites of a banana.
2. When I get home I make her some scrambled eggs. Summer see's the eggs and points at her high chair.. (she wants to get in it to eat.)
3. I tell her the eggs are really hot and I pop them in the freezer to cool off. I go into the front room to clean up some toys, leaving a hungry Summer in the kitchen by herself.

Here's the kicker:

4. I have a feeling that I need to check on Summer. (Don't you just love those "feelings"). I come into the kitchen and Summer has pulled the chair from underneath the table, climbed onto the chair and then INTO HER HIGH CHAIR. She was hungry and just wasn't going to wait!

I think Summer is training for the baby olympics..

Lately, Summer will get bored while I am getting ready for the day and climb on top of the toilet seat, onto the toilet lid and then onto the counter and think she is so funny.

The other day I was outside spray painting some stuff and I look at the window and Summer has climbed up the very top of the couch and onto the window. (Scott was watching her.)

Dad

My sweet dad has been having pains in his head after a bad accident last Winter. He found out a while ago that it is called Trigeminal Neuralgia.. also known as the "Suicide Disease" because it's so painful.

Here's what it is: episodes of intense facial pain that last from a few seconds to several minutes or hours. The episodes of intense pain may occur paroxysmally. To describe the pain sensation, patients may describe a trigger area on the face so sensitive that touching or even air currents can trigger an episode. It affects lifestyle as it can be triggered by common activities such as eating, talking, shaving and brushing teeth. The attacks are said by those affected to feel like stabbing electric shocks, burning, pressing, crushing, exploding or shooting pain that becomes intractable.

Just reading that makes me tear up to think that my dad is going through so much pain. I feel so sorry for him & would do anything to take his pain away. My dad is such a sweet, caring and loving person.. he doesn't deserve to have to go through this. But I hope it's a way that Heavenly Father is testing his faith.

Anyways, I'm writing this because my dad has been on my mind a lot lately. He has to have brain surgery on October 6th. I feel like it's just looming ahead, though I know that he's going to be alright. I know that some of you know my dad and most of you don't but, if you want to save a spot for him in your prayers I would just love it.

Kitchenaid

Okay, I know I'm posting about the most random stuff. And you guys are probably sick of seeing that I have a new post like EVERY DAY. But I have decided I LOVE blogging. I love trying to figure out cute new stuff for it and telling everyone new things.

Anyways.. my post of the day.. drumroll.....

Look at what I'm getting!:

Scott and I recently got some extra "gift" money.. more extra money than we've had since we've been married.. (THANKS MOM & DAD!) And I'm trying super hard to remind myself that we have lots of bills. But, it's much more fun to go shopping than to pay bills. : )

Anyways.. I am splurging on this Kitchenaid Mixer. I have been needing/wanting one for SO LONG. And this one matches my kitchen. Instead of buying a new one for $300 I found this one on KSL for almost half the price!

Baby Blabbering...

Today, I was asked by 2 different people in my ward if I was new.. umm no. I've been living here since April. I don't want this to turn around and bite me in the butt by revealing who.. but the one was my relief society president! I guess I'm a huge baby.. but this seriously hurt my feelings.. and I'm a super huge baby.. so I guess that's why I'm blogging about it. It's no secret that Scott and I have had a hard time going to church in the past and I don't pretend that I'm the perfect church wife. I try though! Since Marchish I've got Summer and I (Scott works Sundays) to church every week.
So anyways.. that's me in a nutshell being a big, fat, whiny baby.

"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"

My awesome dad reccomended this book to me and let me just say..... Ohhhh my goodnesssss! This is the best book I think I have ever read!!! It was so amazing. The plot was exciting and the end leaves a pretty fun cliffhanger.
I am so not exaggerating when I say I'm giving this book a:

9.8 out of 10!

It's a good thing there are 2 others in the series. I don't think I can wait for my holds at the library.. I might have to make a stop at Target!

This book is written by a Swedish author that unfortunately passed away after he wrote the 3rd book. From what i've looked up this book is HUGE in Europe.. I think it's Americas present equivalent of Twilight.. although it's NOTHING like Twilight. I couldn't put this book down and when I did I just sat up for hours thinking about what would happen next and then have to pick it back up again. The book is kind of dark and a little racy (spelling?!) at times though.

Brief summary: Swedish journalist is working on a crime investigation that happened 40 years ago and expert computer hacker (Girl with the dragon tattoo) is hired to help him solve a case that nobody else could.

And guess what! It's a movie (they still speak Swedish in it, but what are subtitles for?) at Redbox (In Europe it got a rating of A- so it must be good.. you know how critics are..) and I'm going to pick it up on the way home from work for movie night with my hubby tonight! : )

Vintage Cupcake Photoshoot & New Project

So, my cute friend informed me there was a cupcake shop on 24th st. in Ogden. Yippe! Who can pass up yummy gourmet cupcakes?! We made a family trip up there. We ate at the Bistro on 25th.. yummm. And then went over to Vintage Cupcake for dessert. What a cute place! It's a good thing I brought my camera! Scott was so embarrassed of my photo shoot with Summer he decided to wait outside.. Silly boys. : )

(Haha, my favorite picture is this first one. Summy was so cute looking at all the pretty cupcakes!)




Oh.. and here is my next project..

The Binky Fairy

The day we took away her binky, cold turkey, we've been dreading it for a month. Oh man, it was just as bad, possibly worse, than we thought it would be.
The "binky fairy" came while Summer was napping. When Summer came downstairs she saw all her binkys (nipples cut off!) and a new present in the middle of the floor. She must have known something was off because the second she saw it she started balling. She went for the present before the binkys (yay!).. it took her about 10 minutes to get close to them though.
Summer is just SUCH a binky girl. We should've done this earlier. Anyways, after she played with her little pony for a few minutes, we told her that her binkys were going "bye bye" and she even helped me throw them away. I took Summer and the box of binkys out to the dumpster and threw them in. I said "Summer, say bye bye binkys" by then she started crying and in the most dramatically way possible she yelled "BYEEEEEE!" It was a disaster.
My thought was : Make a big deal out of no more binkys, that way she can get it through her head easier that she can't have them anymore. (We went cold turkey this time. Last month we tried just giving her binkys at nap and bed times, it was too tempting for me to pop it in her mouth!) Last night she put up a fight going to sleep. She cried for bout a hour in her crib! : ( "Beeee Beee Beee!" (Binky) And this morning was even worse. She cried for almost 4 hours straight because she didn't wake up with a binky in her crib. : / Hopefully tonight will be better!