Hair Woes

I'm writing this post at an insane time of night because I need to purge. So here is the deal, it is 11:36 P.M. and I've been crying over Kelsey's hair unable to get my mind off it to fall asleep. For those of you that don't know, Kelsey had a bad hair cut while we were on vacation and got way too much length taken off--like 5 or 6 inches!! instead of 2. I won't go into the story because it is still too upsetting for me and if you ask I probably won't tell you the whole story and would probably not like to tell it at all. But the thing is is that it's been a month and I am still having issues with it. Can I just get over it? Man, it's just hair! It grows back right? And according to a website I just found, an average person's hair grows 6 inches in a year. That would repair the damage right?, but a year?!! Did I not say a while ago that I have this strange obession with hair. I wasn't kidding you. It's still long enough to pull back in a pony tail and do a french braid and all that fun stuff, but I can't get past the picture in my head of her beautiful long flowing blonde hair. Her hair was almost a sense of pride for me--I know it's weird. The funny thing is that she still looks as adorable as ever, I'm just having issues. Now that I am back home and everyone hasn't seen the "damage" I'm afraid someone is going to ask me, "Why did you cut her hair?" So if you see Kelsey and you feel the urge to say something about her hair, tell me it looks beautiful--I need some boosting. Well, I feel somewhat better now. Hopefully I don't regret this post later. But honestly, I need to get a grip! Of all things to be upset about! Maybe now I can go so sleep.

We're Home!!

We made it. I don't think there is really anything easy about flying home alone with two children, but we managed just fine. At the Salt Lake Airport there was a nice gentleman that I happened to sit down next to while waiting for my flight and as we were talking we realized we were both headed to the same destination. He was going on a church history tour and was meeting up with some family when we got to Burlington. He was very nice and helped me get on and off the planes and even watched my bags for me while me and the girls went to the lady's room. The first flight was a little over 4 hours. Two hours into the flight I really didn't know how I was going to manage. Mylee was crying and thrashing about, Kelsey was bugged by Mylee and cried and whined periodically as Mylee would kick her or pull her hair, take her toy, etc. Kelsey drank too much apple juice so Mylee and I got the pleasure of taking her to the bathroom near the end of this 2 hour period. The lady I sat next to was very nice and didn't seem too bugged by the two crazy kids by her. But then, there was peace!! Kelsey and Mylee both fell asleep. Even better, this Delta flight had TV screens and I got to watch the gymnastics beam final!! I was glad Shawn Johnson won gold. She earned it! Nastia had an awesome routine as well, very solid and nearly perfect.

Thank goodness they slept until we landed. I got some breakfast from Wendy's for me and the girls, took the girls to the bathroom, and boarded the plane to Burlington. I was a little bugged because we sat on the plane for 45 minutes until we took off. I don't know what that was about, but once we were in the air it took about 50 minutes to get to Burlington. Kelsey slept the whole time--thank goodness for that, she was grumpy!!--Mylee slept once we took off. When we arrived in Burlington Kelsey started to tell me her tummy hurt. I wasn't surprised because she wouldn't eat any of the breakfast I bought for her. I had some princess fruit snacks for her though and never once had she ever refused those, except this time. When she didn't take those, I knew something was wrong. We continued to walk to the baggage claim, not quite to the bathrooms, then she started throwing up. I couldn't run to the bathroom and leave Mylee and I didn't want Kelsey throwing up all over the airport floor, so i was completely flustered and at a loss as to what i should do. I was holding a blanket and grabbed Kelsey and had her throw up in the blanket over in a corner, leaving Mylee in the middle of the airport floor. Thank goodness a lady noticed what was happening and offered to take Mylee into the bathroom while Kelsey continued to throw up in the blanket. Kelsey then cried calling for her Daddy hunched over, holding her tummy until we ran into my friend Michelle. Boy was I glad to see her. When driving home Kelsey threw up again and continued to throw up about 5 or 6 times when we got home. Despite being sick, she was SO SO glad to be home. When she walked in the door she said, "MOM, my bike!" As we walked into the living room, "MOM, my pink chair! My toys!" When we got to her room, "MOM, my pink bed!!" Today I heard her scream for joy when she found her princess dress-up clothes.

I feel pretty caught up on my rest, but me and the girls are still on Utah time. They won't go to bed until 10 P.M. and we haven't been waking up until 9 A.M. Today I was headed out to go to the store to get some diapers, only to find out our car isn't working properly and our other car is in storage (we put the Jeep on storage with our insurance to save some money). So currently I am without a car. Me and the girls walked to the store to get diapers instead. It was a long and hot walk, but we all enjoyed it. So everything isn't perfect, but we are doing well and are so happy to be home! Yesterday I weeded our flower beds (well we don't actually have flowers, just dirt). The weeds had gone crazy while we have been gone. We are counting down until Blake gets home! We miss him!

Utah fun continued....

We have been in Utah for a long time!!! I miss everyone, but have had a great time visiting family and letting Kelsey get to know her Aunts and Uncles better as well as her cousins. This is a trip we will remember forever. Here are some of the highlights in no particular order. I wasn't about to try to get all the events in order.

1. Lagoon twice!
2. Hogle Zoo
3. Thanksgiving Point Dinosaur Mueseum
4. Clifton Family reunion up Payson Canyon
5. Salt Lake City Parade of Homes
6. Cousin Ammon's B-day Party
7. Kelsey got her hair cut. I still get butterflys in my stomach when I think about it. It got cut a lot shorter then I wanted! Oh well, it will grow back and of course she is still beautiful!
8. Numerous game nights with family--Bohnanza is my new favorite game
9. Fourth of July Parade in Provo
10. Alpine day fireworks show
11. Swimming
12. Playing with cousins and aunts and uncles and grandmas and grandmpas
13. Drive up Provo Canyon
14. Hummm, I'm sure there is more, but this post is already taking more time then I wanted it to.

Fun in Utah

We have been having a great time in Utah. Kelsey got to ride a horse and was in heaven! She LOVED it! We went to Lagoon with my Dad and sister and her kids. Kelsey again was in heaven. Mylee was great and enjoyed her spot in the stroller most of the time except for the train ride. Blake competed in a triathlon with his brother and did very well. I was so proud of him. He really didn't have a whole lot of time to train and with the altitude change it made it that much more difficult. But he did AWESOME! It was fun to watch him. Kelsey and I got the flu, but thankfully it only lasted 24 hours. I'm hoping Blake and Mylee don't get it.

Go Blake!

On Friday the 13th, Blake was invited to present at the Orthopaedic Research Day conference to present the findings on his research over the past three years. It was such an honor for him to be invited! He did and excellent job and got high reviews from many of the doctors that attended.
Here is a portion of his abstact. The paper is currently in the process of being published; yeah! Notice Blake's name in the title:

Geographic Mapping of Meniscus and Cartilage Lesions Associated with ACL Injuries: A Single Surgeon’s Findings at the Time of Reconstruction.

James R. Slauterbeck, Petteri Kousa, Blake C. Clifton, Shelly Naud, Timothy W. Tourville, Robert J. Johnson, Bruce D. Beynnon

Background: To determine the associations between patient sex, age and surgical delay with frequency and location of meniscus and articular cartilage lesions seen at the time of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) procedure.

I'll let Blake explain it to you in laman's terms.

50 Things About Me!

Many of my friends have done this on their blogs. I have LOVED reading them, so I thought I would give it a try. If you haven't done it, try it!

1. I love to write and would one day like to write a book.
2. I LOVE interior design and can’t wait until we get a house to decorate it. I love the deeper rich colors.
3. I am a perfectionist. I loved being a student because I was so good at it. I would go to insane measures to make sure I got an “A”. Good thing I have eternity to work on being a perfect wife and mom!
4. Anything to do with crafts, I am there! I love them!
5. I love the outdoors! From hiking, biking, camping, boating, skiing.
6. I love to exercise. It is not always the easiest thing for me to start, but I love how I feel after. One day I would love to join a gym and take some aerobics classes.
7. I love to dance! Lyrical and modern are my favorite. The movements are so uplifting and inspiring.
8. I’m very protective of my hair and my girls’ hair. I don’t think I have had a dramatic hair style change in 8 years. I’m afraid if I try something new, I’ll look ugly.
9. I have a demented toe. Yes, the set of toes on my left foot is different then the demented ones on my right. I try to avoid open toe shoes, but I’ve sort of come to the consensus that it doesn’t matter.
10. I love to organize parties and get-togethers, but hate taking charge at them. I’m just not good at it.
11. I LOVE chocolate. It has to be milk chocolate and not Hershey’s. I love symphony bars with toffee chips and any Cadbury brand. Brownies of course are another favorite.
12. I love to listen to all types of music. I’m a die hard American Idol fan too!
13. I hate video games and never intend on owning any type of video game device. Waste of time!
14. I’m extremely gullible! For this reason, I hate being teased, because I can never stand up for myself.
15. I don’t get jokes. If ever you tell a joke and I don’t laugh, don’t worry, I’m probably not laughing because I didn’t get it.
16. I love to be obedient. Granted, I am not perfect—not even close, but I love to choose the right.
17.I have a mole on my face that just won’t go away! I had it removed shortly after Kelsey was born and it grew back. What’s up with that! The doctor said it will get bigger and I grow older too. Oh no!!
18. I love children! They are so innocent and sweet and bring me so much joy. I want to have many more children, but won’t specify a number.
19. I think the internet and computers are some of the best inventions ever!
20. I love taking pictures and would love to learn more about photography! My poor camera got dropped so the batteries no longer stay in, so I have to tape the battery compartment up. So sad, maybe I’ll get a new one for Christmas, mine is a little out-dated anyways.
21. I am a worrier. I think up the most absurd scenarios! I drive myself bonkers sometimes.
22. Thank goodness Blake is good at math because I’m horrible at it! I do a really good job at tracking all of our expenses though. I know exactly where every penny goes and if I don’t know, it drives me crazy.
23. I love getting mail, both snail and email! I look forward to it every day!
24. I love getting compliments; it brightens my day and makes me feel good.
25. I love being a mom; nothing else could be more rewarding.
26. I love reading about successful people’s lives and try to learn from their good examples. One book I read recently for the second time is Russell M. Nelson’s book, “Father, Surgeon, Apostle”; I want to be like his wife Danzel. She was truly a remarkable woman.
27. I love getting new clothes and refuse to ever pay full price for them. Usually my rule is nothing over $10 for a shirt and nothing over $20 for pants. If I do pay more than that, it was just too cute to pass up or it was for a very special occasion.
28. I love getting a bargain! The other day I spent $29 on toothpaste, deodorant, and toothbrushes and saved $48! Sweet! One of my best deals ever though, was Kelsey’s bed set. Comforter, pillow sham, twin sheet set with pillowcase—all for just over $5.00! I was so proud of myself
29. I don’t remember the last time I paid to see a movie in the theater. In my opinion, it costs way too much. Blake and I wait until it comes out in video and then rent it from Redbox and pay only a $1.06. Now that’s a bargain, a date for a $1!
30. I like to try new recipes, especially healthy ones. I’m a little OC (obsessive compulsive) on calories and usually always know how many calories something has and will eat accordingly.
31. I love watching world news and being caught up on world events.
32. I would love to learn more about nutrition. I love eating things that I know are good for my body.
33. I’m not a shoe person. I never know what to buy and have a hard time visualizing what will look good with what. I usually just give up and get something really simple and practical—one pair of shoes for almost everything.
34. I much prefer email and blogging to talking on the phone. Really no offense. I always find myself at a loss of words with nothing to talk about and I hate silent moments. I like having time to articulate my thoughts on paper. I can’t always talk when people call either—Mylee is crying, I’m trying to get dinner on, etc. and I end up sounding insincere because of what's going on around me.
35. I act really weird in big groups. I find myself saying things that don’t make sense and I become fidgety and awkward. That is why I usually stay put at parties. Granted there are times I surprise myself and I am getting better. I hated dances in high school for this reason.
36. I LOVE long hot showers!
37. I am a people pleaser and will sometimes go to great lengths to make someone feel special. Time and money doesn’t allow all that I would like to do, but I find great joy in making someone else happy.
38. I can’t go without breakfast in the morning. I rotate between my favorite cereals, but right now Honey Nut Cheerios with a fresh sliced banana is my favorite. I go to bed looking forward to having my bowl of cheerios in the morning.
39. I love watching Funniest Home Videos. Nothing gets me laughing harder.
40. Nothing is more important to me then family!
41. I love to be organized! It makes me feel happy and accomplished.
42. I am not a pet person. I will never own a cat and if we do get a dog, it will stay outdoors. I can’t stand the hair, the smell, and the mess.
43. I’m not a huge dare devil. If it is potentially dangerous, I just won’t do it, at least not without a lot of probing.
44. I have a collection of sterling silver charms and love them.
45. I have a porcelain doll collection at home and would like to travel one day and get a doll from different countries I visit. Blake gave me one from Japan for a wedding gift.
46. I love the fact that I’m extremely girly, but yet will go mountain biking, skiing, play baseball, etc.
47. One day I would like to run a marathon.
48. I’m terrified of scuba diving and snorkeling. I’m afraid some sea creature is going to come and get me and that I won’t be able to breathe. Blake says I have to get over this before he will take me to Hawaii. Hummm, we’ll see about that.
49. I’m extremely indecisive and drive my self crazy because of it. I will only buy something if I know I can return it.
50. I usually never read forwards unless someone sends me one that never sends them. I guess I feel I don't have the time to read them. So sorry, if you send me a forward, it's more likely then not that I will not read it.

Well, now you know more about me then you probably wanted to know--hope you had fun reading though!

Beating the Heat

Vermont has finally decided to send us some summer weather this past week. I have forgotten how hot it gets here--90's with 80% humidity! We've been to the beach twice trying to get some relief and of course have fun!! Blake has had these past two weeks off and we have been trying to take advantage of him being home.

On a different note, do you ever feel like you are completely "losing it!"? Today was one of Kelsey's little friend's B-day parties. When the event was over I took Mylee to go pick up Kelsey. I went in and visited for a little bit and then left with Kelsey. I was helping her go down the stairs in her princess dress and shoes (it was a princess party) and my friend Miquelle comes to the door laughing saying, "Cami, do you want to take Mylee?" I had completely forgotten about her! Also in my conversations I have had a hard time saying anything coherent and what things I have said have been coming out all wrong making me regret that I spoke in the first place.

I'm thinking it's stress. From the obligations I feel I have to meet as a wife, mother, young women leader, visiting teacher, and the stresses that come from financing medical school and beyond have really been making me go loco! I think I need a vacation!! I can't wait to go see my family in July! I need to hear my mom say, "Everything is going to work out :)" I have to remember to count my blessings. When I do that, suddenly everything seems to be okay and I feel at peace. Hopefully I haven't been too frank in revealing this.

This is at Indian Brook Reservoir where Blake has been swimming to train for his triathlon in July. It's so beautiful!

The Dentist and a New Milestone!

Kelsey went to the dentist for the first time on Wednesday! She was a little nervous at first and I had to sit in the chair with her in the beginning, but she warmed up when the dental hygenist showed her how the dentist chair moved up and down. She thought that was pretty cool! The hygenist counted her teeth and gave her a new toothbrush and some floss and then went and got the dentist. I couldn't resist taking pictures :). Doesn't she look so cute! She was such a big girl. Her teeth are healthy and strong.

Mylee officially started crawling yesterday. She is loving the freedom and I am loving a happier baby.
This is a picture taken today at playgroup with Kelsey and all her little girl friends. From left to right, Brooke (turned 3 in October), Georgie (turned 3 in July), Niah (turned 3 in January), Kelsey (turned 3 in Feb.), Addi (will be 3 in June), Rayka (turned 4 in November). They are all such sweet little friends and Kelsey is constantly asking to play with them. We all live right next door to each other except for Niah and she is only 3 or 4 minutes down the road.

Georgie, Brooke and Kelsey riding their bike to play group this morning and Shersti (left) and Miquelle (right) with their kids Jacob, Zack, Macie, and Addi in their strollers. Mylee and I are behind the camera. We had a fun morning.

It was 5 years and 1 day ago that....

Blake and I went on our first date! I had so much fun and knew that I had meant someone special. Before I get to our date, let me give you a little background. A few nights before I had gone out on a blind date with his roommate Matt who was my roommate’s soon-to-be fiancé’s brother and Matt was also Blake’s sister-in-law’s brother so there were lots of connections between Matt and Blake. To make a long story short, Blake and I hit it off pretty well and realized we had met a few months previous when two of my best friends from high school introduced us. That night, however, we were both going to different parties and we didn’t really say so much as hello to one another. But obviously there was something about him that caught my eye or I wouldn’t have remembered him on my date with Matt.

Again, skipping a lot of details, the next morning after mine and Matt’s date, I had a voice mail on my phone from Blake asking me if I wanted to go to the muddy puddy caves with him. I was very flattered that he would be so bold as to call me the next day for a date especially when his roommate had asked me out the night before. Blake did ask Matt’s permission. I called him back and let him know that I had other plans that night—another date—but would be happy to do it another time. I’m not sure if he asked me then or called me again later, but he did ask me out again to go jet skiing at Utah Lake on Memorial Day—two days later. I said yes, but was feeling a little shy about getting in a swimsuit for a first date with a guy I didn’t know very well, but was excited to go with someone that seemed so show some interest in me. I had so much fun on our date and went home with a new crush.

These are some of the things I remember most about our date. Before we got into the water, we were all lathering up with sunscreen and Blake offered to help put some on my back. A little surprised, I gave him my sunscreen and let him do it. Ahhh!! A had never had a guy do that before. Later Blake said it was no big deal, but to me it was. I liked how confident he was in asking me though. When going out on the water, we shared a Jet ski/wave runner and the other couple shared another. At first I was a little reluctant to put my arms around him too tight, but it didn’t take long to where I felt comfortable and enjoyed holding him tight. I remember him reaching down and touching my leg and commenting on how smooth they were—and you bet they were, I probably spent 30 minutes shaving for that date in the shower. We cruised around doing all sorts of tricks with the jet ski. We were laughing hysterically and having so much fun. At one point he even dumped me off. As the day drew on and we were cruising along on the water, Blake would turn his face to the side to talk to me and our cheeks would touch and I remember getting butterflies every time they touched. As our relationship progressed, Blake admitted to getting butterflies too. We said goodbye with a nice hug on my door step and again got butterflies and that was that!

Not wanting to be too forward, I texted him a day later saying how much fun I had and thanked him for the date hoping that he would ask me out again. He did and we were pretty much inseparable after about a week. I LOVE you Blake, you’re my eternal sweetheart and I can't imagine my life without you!!!

P.S. The picture above was taken soon after we were married in Moab, Utah while we were biking slick rock with some friends.

The Latest...

I can't believe this month is nearly half over! Blake has been working in Orthopedic Surgery this month and has been LOVING it. The other day he came home all excited about being able to help break a patient's hip and then replace it with a new one. The girls have been doing well other than the fact that they have been sick with colds, including Blake and me. We're hoping we will all start feeling better soon.

I've been running a lot and have been really enjoying it. Me and the girls wake up in the morning, have breakfast, and I take them out in my jogger and run. There is a bunch of us that either walk or run the same loop nearly every morning. It's fun to run into friends and exercise with them. I got out every morning hoping that I run into somebody to talk to and most often I do. I'm sure we're talked about in the neighborhood. At least one or two days in the week there are 5 or 6 of us walking together. We take up the whole road and have to watch for cars. Luckily the streets we walk on are not very busy. Well sorry this post is sort of random, but I thought I might give you all an update since it has been a while.

Montreal Temple

On Saturday we went to the Montreal Temple with some friends and switched watching eachother's kids while we both did a session. It was wonderful!! The session was so beautiful! At this temple there are obviously a lot of French speakers, being that it is in Montreal, but that day we got to hear the session in English for the first time at this temple. After our session, we watched our friends kids so they could do a session. We went outside to have a picnic and enjoy the sun. It was a beautiful day. Before we went outside, we let the girls watch a movie about the Book of Mormon. As they were sitting on the couch in the waiting room sort of watching the movie, Kelsey turned and looked at Addi, her friend, and said, "Addi, I love Jesus, do you love Jesus?" Addi then responded that she did. There was also another lady in the waiting room, so Kelsey looked over at her and asked her the same thing. She smiled and nodded her head yes. So sweet!

Bad Hair Day!

The weather has been so beautiful lately! This whole past week has been near 80 degrees. So unusual for this time of year, but hey we will take it! Because of that my girls have been filthy at the end of the day from playing outside, especially Kelsey. So we have switched our routine from having morning baths to nighttime baths. Doing their hair is always a bit more of a challenge in the morning, especially when Kelsey gets breakfast food in hers. Mylee's had quite the due this morning. Check it out!

Going on with the bath theme. The other night Kelsey got out of her bath and didn't want to get dressed. This is a common problem. Instead of struggling with her, I told her to come get me when she was ready to get dressed and I would help her. In this past this has worked like a charm. I went downstairs and did dinner dishes and after a while I called up to Kelsey to see if she was ready yet. I didn't get any answer. I tried a few more times and still no answer. Afraid that she might be into trouble, I ran upstairs and this is what I found. She was so tired! Playing outside all day does a number on her. Sweet little girl.

"Mom, the Prophet!"

Today when we were walking from the parking lot into our church building Kelsey saw an older man wearing a suit and holding a brief case. Excitedly she shouted, "Mom, the prophet!" Her happy exclamation was an answer to my prayer. Let me explain: last week during General Conference I felt so uplifted by Elder Ballard's talk on Mothers. In it he said:

"There are moments of great joy and incredible fulfillment, but there are also moments of a sense of inadequacy, monotony, and frustration. Mothers may feel they receive little or no appreciation for the choice they have made. Sometimes even husbands seem to have no idea of the demands upon their wives."

He then counsels that we need to "recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction" Today I had a joyful moment! There are times I often feel inadequate in my roles as a mother. I feel there is so much I need to teach my girls and I have such high hopes and aspirations for them. When Kelsey thought she saw the prophet today, I felt Heavenly Father was sending me a message that what I had been doing in trying to teach Kelsey the gospel, in particular about our new prophet President Monson, was working and that I was doing a good job.

There are so many times I feel so inadequate and that I am not doing enough, Kelsey's joyful exclamation brought me comfort and then today as I have been studying, I felt an added peace when I came across a talk given by President Erying in the October 2007 conference entitled, "Rise up to your call." His talk is counsel to those who have callings in the church, but I am relating what he said in this instance to my calling as a mother. He said:

"If I only think of my own performance, my sadness deepens. But when I remember that the Lord promised that His power would go with me, I begin to look for evidence of what He has done in the lives of the people I am to serve. I pray to see with spiritual eyes the effects of His power."

Kelsey was evidence for me of his power today when she saw the "prophet". It was also evidenced when Blake called from the hospital to talk to us during his dinner break. Kelsey and I had just sat down to read scriptures, when Blake called. I talked to him a while, then Kelsey wanted to talk to him. I heard Blake ask her if she was going to bed then Kelsey responded, "No, have to read scriptures first." Pure evidence that the Lord is magnifying my abilities as a mother and that He is with me in my mothering. President Erying concludes:

"You can have the utmost assurance that your power will be multiplied many times by the Lord. All He asks is that you give your best effort and your whole heart. Do it cheerfully and with the prayer of faith The Father and His Beloved Son will send the Holy Ghost as your companion to guide you. Your efforts will be magnified in the lives of the people you serve. And when you look back on what may now seem trying times of service and sacrifice, the sacrifice will have become a blessing, and you will know that you have seen the arm of God lifting those you served for Him, and lifting you."

AMAZING! I LOVE THE GOSPEL!

M Russell Ballard, "Daughter's of God," April 2008 General Conference
http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-851-37,00.html

Henry B. Eyring, “Rise to Your Call,” October 2002 General Conference
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/EmailArticleProcess?action=update&cmlId=217658&locale=0&emId=593568239

Latest Events

Finally we have been getting some spring weather. It has been so wonderful! This week inparticular has been wonderful because Blake has been home during the day. He is working in the Emergency Department right now and is on the 2 P.M to 11 P.M. shift. We don't get him at night, but it has been a great change to have him a part of our daily morning and afternoon routine. Above, Kelsey and I made princess crowns and then had a picnic with Daddy outside. Kelsey loved it except for the flies. She had a panic attack everytime one landed on her. Humm...we're going to have to work on that one.

Yesterday, we had pictures taken of the girls. Kelsey for her 3 year and Mylee for her 6 month. They were so adorable! I got some good ones of them. Days before I had been preparing what they were going to wear, here are some pictures of my trial outfits and poses. I know, I'm a little obessive! I chose the red poka dot dress with Mylee in the red jumper. I made Kelsey a pretty white and red bow to go in her hair and made Mylee a little skirt, but didn't end up using it for pictures. It will be cute for church though.

So this is funny. It was after the girls bedtime, Mylee was sleeping and Kelsey was trying to. Blake called from the hospital on his dinner break to talk then Kelsey came down stairs crying because she said she had an ouchy and needed a bandaid. In an effort to get her back to bed so I could talk to my husband in peace, I went upstairs to find her a bandaid even though she wasn't bleeding and didn't need one. Much to my dismay I couldn't find one. When I told Kelsey this, she threw a huge fit. I then proceeded to look harder, I finally found a wierd shaped one. It was a bandaid though and Kelsey was satisfied. She took the bandaid from me and put it on herself. My moments of frustration quickly turned into a memorable, precious and hilarious moment. Look at this picture and you will see why. I was cracking up on the phone with Blake.

One last thing, is this baby not the cutest thing you have ever seen! She's such a doll!

Mystery Shop Disaster

Blake graciously watched the girls for me while I did some errands yesterday. It was so wonderful to move in and out of stores so quickly! One of my errands was doing a mystery shop at Bed, Bath and Beyond. I have done this shop numerous times before and usually do it because they not only pay me, but reimburse me for an item up to $8. I usually can always use some new kitchen gadget. Well, I had quite the experience yesterday. As part of the mystery shop, I have to browse through all the departments and note the names of all the employees I pass by and whether or not they greeted me. I also have to ask an employee where an item is and see what they do. For this particular shop, I had to ask about air purifiers and judge them on their selling abilities and so forth. As I was pursing the store, I saw a lady that had helped me during a previous shop I had done there. During that shop I had to pretend I was engaged and had to start a wedding registry. I remember being frazled as she asked more and more detailed questions about my presumed wedding. Well, she took one look at me yesterday and I know she recognized me. She must have caught on last shop that I was a mystery shopper. As I walked away and went into another department, my suspicions were confirmed as I saw her scurry by, whispering to every employee she passed. I knew exactly what she was doing. When I walked by the employees she had already talked to they were overly attentive to me. Employees starting coming out from everywhere and all of them were overly excited to help and assist me. I felt like a gold fish in a glass bowl. Everyone was looking at me! I would have left, but needed the money, so I proceeded with the shop. I had to make a return and a purchase as part of my requirement. When I got in line to do my return and make my purchase an employee immediately picked me out of a line of people and took me over to an empty register to do my return and make my purchase. I couldn’t get out of there faster! I felt like saying, "Yeah you figured me out." But I was afraid that I might not get paid if I said something. All that and I only got $8 bucks and I ended up buying fruit snacks because I couldn't find something under $8 to buy that I needed. I’m not going to do that shop again unless they offer me big bucks!

6 Months Old!

Today was Mylee's 6 month check up. She looks great! She still is up in the charts, weighing in at 18 lbs. 14 oz. and is 26 3/4 inches long. Her second tooth also popped through on Monday. I some how got her to do a huge open mouth smile to show them off. You will have to enlarge the picture to see them.
Mylee also got her first taste of rice cereal today. She wasn't too excited about it. Oh well, we'll keep trying. Here is a video of our attempt. Kelsey was thrilled about feeding her baby sister. Notice in the video how she was mimicking how Mylee was to eat. She had her mouth wide open and was saying, "Ahhh". Adorable!

This is also a precious moment. I was doing chores around the house yesterday and left Mylee on the floor to play with some toys. When I came back to check on her, this is what I found.

A New Tooth and the Easter Bunny!

We have had a pretty eventful weekend. Mylee's bottom right tooth finally cut through. Yeah, a happy baby again! A very special guest also dropped by some yummy Easter treats! He brought my favorite: Cadberry cream and chocolate eggs. He also knew that Blake couldn't let Easter pass by with out robin eggs, and jelly beans, so he brought those especially for him. Kelsey was thrilled about getting any sort of candy. She was particularly thrilled about her marshmellow chocolate bunny and her new toothbrush and watermellon-flavored toothpaste. The robins eggs weren't too bad either; in the above picture, she has a mouth full of them.

We celebrated Easter Sunday by going to church of course and having a yummy feast. We had a honey glazed ham, cheesy potatoes (funeral potatoes), fruit salad, and the favorite--homemade orange rolls. Delicious! How grateful I am for the Savior. I know that He Lives and I love Him.

This is a few days before her first tooth came in. See the drool and her wet clothes. She was talking to Blake in this picture saying, "Da da da da." It was so precious.

Sunday Naps

On Sunday Blake and I were particularly tired and wanted to take a nap. We are used to a 9:00 P.M. bedtime, but had stayed up late the night before to watch a movie. Mylee was cooperative, but Kelsey was convinced she was not tired. Her new saying lately is , "But mom, I woke up last morning." It's her way of telling us she is not tired. Blake claimed the lazy chair and I took the couch and we tried to relax with a three year-old running loose in our house--dangerous!

After hearing the fridge open too many times and chairs moving in the kitchen, I made the rule that she had to stay in the livingroom and read books or play with her toys were I could see her. This still was not flying with Blake, so he told her to go upstairs and lay down in her pink bed. She resisted this for a while and continued to play and I fell asleep. A huge no, no when you have a 3-year-old loose! After laying down for I don't know how long, maybe 30 minutes or so, I woke up in a panic because Kelsey was no where to be found. I went up stairs and found her in her bed in her jammy dress that she had pulled out of the laundry sleeping. My heart just melted. She was trying so hard to be obedient.

After letting her sleep for a while I went and got her out of bed so she would go to sleep that night and had her lay with her daddy on the lazy chair. Notice how her night gown is inside out :)

Easter Egg Hunt

On Saturday our housing unit had an easter egg hunt for the children. Kelsey had so much fun! Yes, believe it or not, it is spring time here in Vermont. You would never know it with our freezing temperatures and snow, but we had fun on our egg hunt any how.
When the children had finished searching for eggs, prizes were awarded to the kids with the most pink, blue, green, yellow, and purple eggs. And then a big prize was awarded to the kid who collected the most eggs. Kelsey didn't win any prizes for having the most eggs of one color, but won for having collected the most eggs in her age group:)! Above she is raising her hand as our community aids were calling out who had the most eggs. She collected 9 eggs. Blake is laughing in the picture because Kelsey was so faithful in holding her hand up and had absolutely no expression.
This was Kelsey's prize, a PINK chocolate carebear. She immediately wanted to eat it, but was told to wait until later. On our walk home in the stroller, Kelsey ate the whole bear! Well, she did wait until later...


This is Mylee and her friend Macie hanging out at the easter egg hunt. Macie is only three weeks older.

Ice Storm Aftermath

So we had a pretty big ice storm Saturday night. On the way home from the hospital, Blake said there was ice tummbling off people's cars and shattering all over the road. Good thing they all missed him. Everything was covered in ice; our cars, trees, sidewalks, and scariest--the roads. I feel blessed we had a nice warm house to stay in during it--except for the fact that Blake had to drive home in it. We're thankful he made it home safely. Kelsey, Mylee and I decided to go for a stroll the Monday after the storm to check out the damage and enjoy the SUN! Yeah, we like the sun and have been missing it. I pushed my baby in my stroller and Kelsey wanted to push her baby in her stroller. Hence the pictures. Mylee loved the ride. She cooed and talked almost the whole time.

Smiley Mylee

So I am in the kitchen A LOT! When I am there, this is where Mylee is most often booted. This day she didn't seem to mind. Look at those gummers!

Kelsey's one-liners

Parents: Kelsey how many do you want?
Kelsey: I want 5!! (She always wants 5 of everything, it doesn't matter what. Even when i put more than 5 on her plate she says, "No, 5 mom, 5!")

Parents: Kelsey do you need to go to the bathroom?
Kelsey: No, just doing a potty dance.

Kelsey: I'll be right back "k".

Parents: Kelsey it is time to go.
Kelsey: One minute "k".

Parents: Kelsey let me help you.
Kelsey: I can do it by myself! (this response is becomming all too common!)

Activity: Eating dinner
Kelsey: Delicious!

Kelsey: That's awesome!

Parents: Kelsey why don't you go get your pajamas.
Kelsey: My jammy dress?!

Parents: Kelsey did you wash your hands?
Kelsey: Yep, germ cleaner, see! (hand sanitizer)

Kelsey: What's that noise (to almost everything)

Kelsey: Oh! (her response usually when we answer her questions)

Parents: Kelsey can you do...
Kelsey: Sure, Mom, sure (I wish she said this everytime, the only problem is that this statement is usually not followed by an action)

Parents: Kelsey what do you want for breakfast?
Kelsey: EGGS! (usually doesn't want them when I fix them)

Kelsey: Mommy, I want to help me (hasn't quite figured out her pronouns yet)

Kelsey: Mommy, what's her name ("her" is used for both boys and girls, again we need to work on the pronouns)

Kelsey: Mommy, look what I made!

Kelsey: Mommy, watch me! (usually does some sort of twirl or dance move)

Parents: Kelsey do you want....
Kelsey: I don't want it. (or)
Kelsey: No thank you (this is also the response we often get when we ask her to do some sort of chore like clean up her toys--boy these kids are smart!)

Mom is crying or noticaby sad:
Kelsey: Mom, it's okay (as she sits on my lap, looks straight into my face and strokes my head)

Cami: Kelsey where is....
Kelsey: It's in the livingbedroom (most commonly known as the livingroom or family room)

Cami or Blake: Kelsey we shouldn't be doing that.
Kelsey: Sorry!
Parents: Kelsey put it away please.
Kelsey: Sorry!
Parents: Please put it away, don't let me ask you again.
Kelsey: Sorry! (eventually, she does put whatever it is away)

When saying goodbye on the telephone
Kelsey: love you, see you tomorrow!

Parents: Kelsey will you please go....(this command is usually, "Kelsey will you please go to the bathroom?")
Kelsey: Can't I'm busy right now (humm, I wonder where she learned that from, opps!)

Kelsey: Mom, come wipe my bottom
Cami: I can't right now, you can do it, you're a big girl!
Kelsey: Feeding Mylee mom?

Blast From The Past

So I have been tagged....

What television show or movie did you want to be in when you were little? Full House

Which character or star? I don’t know? Probably Kelly in "Save the Bell" because I thought she was pretty.

Most embarrassing moment your friends will never let die? I was in college at BYU-Idaho doing baptisms for the dead at the Idaho Falls Temple with my ward. To get to the font in that temple you have to climb a pretty big flight of marble stairs. I made it up just fine and did baptisms, which was great in itself, but it was even better because the guy I had a crush on was doing the baptisms that day. I stepped out of the font soaking wet, which is always a little embarrassing because your clothes stick right to you from being wet. I tried to quickly cover myself with the towel the temple worker handed me and then preceded to walk down the stairs to get to the dressing room. As soon as I took my first step I slipped and slid the whole way down—OUCH! Everything and everyone stopped, looked at me and said, “Are you okay?” I was so embarrassed! I had bruises for a while. The temple worker felt really bad.

Your proudest moment or accomplishment? Can’t think of one specifically, but these top the list: graduating high school with a 4.0, getting an academic scholarship to college, graduating college, getting married to an awesome and wonderful man in the temple, and having Mylee naturally.

What adult did you have a crush on when you were little? I’m with Miquelle: Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise.

What habit or personality trait do you have of your mother or father that you swore you would never do? I really don’t know. My parents were pretty good to me.

What did you want to change your name to when you were little? I didn’t, I liked my name.

Who was your first kiss? Dave, at age 20! Yeah, boys scared me for a while.

What are 3 adjectives that someone from high school or middle school would use to describe you? Quiet, shy, nice—hum…Miquelle, Natalie and I have something going here.

What hairstyle, clothes, or other accessories did you rock back in the day when it was cool? I had the big fluffy bangs, wore headbands on my forehead—was that even cool? I wore the jeans with the patch on the fly—it started with a “G”, I can’t remember the name.

What job did those long and annoying surveys in school say you would be good at? Nurse

And what did you try and make the test result outcome be? Anything that I was interested in at the time. In high school, it was nursing and teaching.

Favorite memories of hanging out with your best friends? Playing house with my aunt Diana (3 months older than me) at her house in Farmington, New Mexico. We would make tree houses and play restaurant in her bedroom using her bedroom window as the drive through. We would use my grandma’s old checks to pay for our food. One time we had a customer come in that ate and ate and kept getter fatter and fatter until he filled the whole room and we were being squished against the walls. Weird!

What's the most trouble you have ever got in with your parents? I don’t know? My sister and I would fight and argue a lot and we would always get scolded about that.

What was your 5 year plan when you had to write it out in high school? Go to BYU on an academic scholarship, graduate college with a masters degree, get married in the temple, have kids.

And last but not least...What is your 5 year plan now? Get through medical school and then residency! This surgery schedule is the pitts! Have more kids.

Now I tag: Megan, Diana, Niki C., and Nicole G.

I Did It!

Well, I finally did it! After thinking about it for months and convincing myself that I did not have time for a blog, I finally gave in with the rational that it will help me keep up on my journal and let my friends and family know more about what happens to us on a day-to-day basis. Enjoy! I am still learning how to blog, so there may be lots of changes as I learn more.

Kelsey's 3rd Birthday

Kelsey had a wonderful 3rd birthday. it started Saturday February 23rd with a Cinderella Ball and a few friends closest to her age. Kelsey loved it! All the girls came dressed up in their princess dresses. Kelsey even convinced her mom to put a little bit of mascara and lipstick on her. We served homemade pizza bites with carrots and olives, made beautiful princesses crowns to get ready for the "ball", played duck duck goose, head shoulders knees and toes, and follow the leader. They of course made their own fun as well. The cutest was when they danced around the living room, holding out their beautiful dresses. The birthday afternoon ended with a pink rice krispie cake and lots of smiling faces. Each friend got to take home a pink rice krispie star wand. While we were waiting for the moms to come, each of the girls had fun pointing their wands at each other and saying, "bibidy, bobidy, boo!"

Sunday we had a double-stacked round rainbow chip cake topped with its own princess crown and wand. We had to chase off Blake while Kelsey and I were putting the frosting on so he wouldn't eat it all. In Blake's world, cake is much better when it's still batter and frosting is best eaten out of the jar. Same goes for cookie dough. To get back to our birthday story, Kelsey was all smiles when we sang her happy birthday that evening. She got some dress-up clothes for her baby and best of all, a new pink princess dress with a crown, wand, and a bracelet. That night she went to bed with all her princess things except her dress because mom wouldn't allow it--what a mean mom! It was a perfect end to a perfect day.