Halloween

It's about time I posted pictures of Halloween. Dallin wasn't the happiest Mickey.

Spencer couldn't have been a happier Mario

and Allie was the cutest clown ever!!

Halloweenies!!!


All the time I spent sewing and worrying, it all turned out fun and we had a great weekend! Happy Halloween!!!

Allie's princess hair

Last Friday we took Daddy for a date to the movies. We decided to get all dolled up, and Allie wanted to be super beautiful. This is what we came up with:

Primary Program

Today we had the Primary presentation in Sacrament meeting. Being the piano player this year made me quite nervous. I have been just wanting to get it over with. Then today, we pulled it off, and it was really beautiful. There is something so special about hearing all those children's voices, and seeing my sweet children's faces, that really touched me today. I can't even think about the beautiful message of today without a tear in my eye. My favorite song this year was "I know that my Savior Loves Me." The chorus goes, "I know he lives! I will follow faithfully. My heart I give to him, I know that my Savior loves me." The children sang so beautifully. I could tell that they felt the presence of the Holy Ghost, and they felt the truth of what they were singing. God loves little children. I was so happy to see them feel his love.

A penny saved. . .

I am attempting to save some money by using coupons. Last night I did the best yet with 2 transactions at Albertsons.

3 boxes Cheerios
3 cans Grands biscuits
1 bag Chex mix
2 boxes Splits yogurt
3 boxes Yo + yogurt

All for about $8

1 box q-tips
1 tube crest toothpaste
1 kids body wash/shampoo
2 Yo baby yogurt packs

about $7

I think I mat be able to do this. It takes more thought, and more leg work, but I am finding that I can save some money. weird huh?

Our newest addition

This year I am so excited to be hosting Thanksgiving for my parents. It seems like such a "grown-up" thing to do. I absolutely LOVE my house and I am always looking for any reason to show it off. There was one flaw and that was the the lack of seating at my table. I did however find the PERFECT table for quite a steal on craigslist. I couldn't be happier with it, or the way it looks in my house. The funniest part was that I had a moment of insanity when I bought it, because I felt the need to fit it into my car. A table for 10 and 6 chairs. It was pretty impressive, and I was not going to go all the way back a second time. IT took some thinking, but Brandy and I got in. Then when I got home, Sam was asleep. I was so excited about it, but didn't want to disturb him. I decided to unload it and set it up to surprise him. It was quite the job, and I was quite proud of myself, and sore the next day. Here are some pictures.
Proof that it was all in my car, notice how great it looks in my kitchen,
and a few pics of the house that I so dearly love!!

My Baby is 7!!

How did this happen? you say? well, frankly I don't know. I also don't know what I could do without my Spencer Angel. He has changed my life, everything I do, and all of who I am for the last 7 years. I never think in terms of "me" it's always "us". He made me plural, and he is just growing up too fast!! We had a really fun Birthday, and our first ever party. Spencer decided that he didn't really want any theme, just a party with friends, balloons, games, and of course, cake. We played "Pin the mustache on the Spencer" and some tag games outside. Spencer had me make the coolest ever lobster cupcakes. We had so much fun! I am really glad to see my little boy growing up, and see the wonderful big boy he is turning out to be!!

It's time for a major update. . .

I have recently been informed that I have not been keeping up with my blog. I am afraid that it is true. In the last 6 weeks we haev started school, had general conference, a trip to Washington, simultaneous trip to Las Vegas, piano lessons (for me), Preschool, and a new hobby of couponing, all with a anxious boy who doesn't think it's fair for me to play with the buttons on the computer and not share. So these may be out of order, but here are a few of our latest happenings. Enjoy!!
P. S. This is a picture I took last week at a local park. I couldn't believe the beauty of the day. I love living here!

Allie's birthday

Here are some more pictures of Allie's birthday. She was so cute, and it was really fun. I love3 to make my kids feel special for the day. The cake was fun to make even though everything seemed to go wrong. Heather and Trevor were awesome to come and save me. Trevor did all the pink frosting. What a guy!!Yesterday Allie took her birthday money and bought a new doll with a "magic" bottle. Some toys never get old. What a fun day!!

Operation Dallin Sleep

We have achieved success for the third day of teaching Dallin to sleep. There has really been too much waking up at night for everyone's good. HE is now 9 months old, and I need some sleep! We have tried a few things but have decided to go cold turkey and let him cry it out. This seems harsh at first but after reading a book called "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child", it really seems kind. There is a difference between what a child wants and what they need. Sometimes this makes them cry, like when they want to run into the street, and you don't think they should. The book compared this to junk food. You don't let your child fill up on junk, because it is unhealthy. They also need to learn to sleep. Dallin has not been up to eat for 3 nights now. Things are looking up up up, and we hope to be on a regular schedule before school starts in 12 days. We could ALL use some uninterrupted sleep!

Happy Happy Birthday Allie Dear!

The day Allie has been talking about for months has finally arrived! Our baby girl is 4!! She was so cute, this morning she came in to the bedroom and said, "I'm the birthday girl!!" She got her presents this morning so she could plat with them (and ride her new bike). We have a fun day of bike riding and cake decorating planned. I will post pictures later. I just wanted to post a happy birthday to my little girl who I am so proud of. She is growing and learning new things every day. What a joy she is to have in our family!

New recipes!

I tried 2 new recipes from the latest issue of "Family Fun"
The first was from an ad for pasta:

1 box mini penne cooked.
While it's cooking saute 1 cup onion, 1 cup carrots, and 1 cup peas.
Add Salt and pepper.
When pasta is done add a big ladle of starch water to sauce.
Drain pasta and mix into sauce. Saute a little more.
Just before serving top with a big handful of parmasean, and gently stir.
Get a fork, and dig in!
Everyone loved this, especially Dallin. IT was just right for his little fingers!

The next one was:
Frozen fruit bites

Ingredients

• 12 vanilla wafer cookies
• 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
• 1/2 cup Neufchatel cream cheese, softened

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Sliced kiwi, strawberries, or whole blueberries

Instructions

1. Place liners in a mini-cupcake pan. Put a wafer cookie, flat side up, in the bottom of each well.

2. In a medium-size bowl, whisk together the yogurt, cream cheese, lemon juice, and honey until smooth. Spoon 1 heaping tablespoon on top of each cookie, then top the mixture with the fruit.

3. Cover the pan with plastic wrap, then place it in the freezer until the fruit bites are firm, about 1 to 1-1/2 hours. Remove the tray from the freezer for 15 to 25 minutes before serving. Serves 12.

Garden time!!

Yeah for eating things that I grew!!

Paint glorious paint. . .

There is something so refreshing about new paint. I did these three last week, and they turned about so beautifully! I love everything about new paint. A splash of color, a clean slate, I even like the smell, ( a little weird). I have another chair for my office, and another stool for my kitchen. Fun Fun Fun!!

Baby Watermelons and magic

I am completely fascinated by my garden this year. I have to say that I have never had much luck with gardens and I was not expecting much this year. we moved and so I didn't plant any spring vegetables, and then about half the seeds I planted didn't come up. After deciding it was due to the lack of heat this spring, I replanted, and have been so happy to see my little plants grow. I have lots of tomatoes, tiny 1 inch cucumbers, a few zucchini, a few yellow squash, and today I noticed little pea-sized watermelons. The beans have little blossoms, and the corn, pumpkins and buttercup squash are growing very well. I am amazed at the little bit of life in my back yard. Every day I go out and check the progress of my little plants. The really amazing thing is that I can see something different, every day! This is why gardening is so fun!

We also just recently added a few members to our tank of fish. It was a little bit of a funny story. Brandy talked me into a pet bunny that she found on craigslist. We went to go and get it, which was no small task with 7 small children in tow. It was a cute little white rabbit with the biggest black eyes ever. We got home set up the cage, and sat down to talk to the bunny. Spencer and Allie almost immediately lost intrest. I don't think they even looked at it for 5 minutes. They didn't even name it before they were distracted into playing something else. After about an hour I decided that the bunny was a bad plan. My kids insisted that they really did care, but we then had a nice conversation about "actions speak louder than words". We took the bunny back, and went to find our fish some friends. We ended up with 3 tetras, and 2 African frogs. I think there is about the same amount of interest from the kids (who are willing to be interested for a few minutes when I point them out) but I find them completely mesmerizing. I find myself stopping to find all the fish, and frogs (who hide) every time I walk by. I can sit and stare at the tank for long stretches feeling the calming effects of something alive and beautiful and so very different from me. I believe fish are the pet for me. They are a little bit of magic!!

God Bless America!

I keep thinking that I need to have pictures to post in order to keep up on my blog, but I think that maybe isn;t the case. There is so much to say and thoughts that I don't want to forget. I have been thinming a lot lately about the state of our country, and how much I love being American. Yesterday there was a talk in church that really hit the idea home. The gentleman was talking aboput why he decided to join the armed forces. He read the story of Captain Moroni and the title of Liberty. He fought for his life, family, home, and God. HE was willing to risk everything, for those seemingly samll things. The speaker then related that to the decleration of Independance, and how through prayer, some of the same rights were declared. The man, who had served our country in war, then simply stated that there are some things worth fighting for. I am so lucky to be in a country that is worth fighting for. I just love the United States of America!

Pictures of summer

I took some pictures today and they were so cute I thought I'd post a few

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Meridian Dairy Days :(

Yesterday I decided that I was going to do something fun. I racked my brain thinking of fun things to do with the kids. I had heard advertisements for "Meridian Dairy Days", sounding like fun and all kinds of excitement. There were booths, and food, and free kids games, and a carnival, then a night parade. All in celebration of Meridian having once been the dairy capital of Idaho. How fun! I loaded the kids into the car, suncreened and hatted, with water and snacks and stroller in tow. We drove all the way out to downtown Meridian, and. . .IT WAS THE LAMEST THING EVER!! There were only about 15 booths selling all kids of "eclectic" things from cell phone covers, to baby jewelry to odd shoes. There were a few advertising booths calling for you to buy a new home, or sign up for life insurance. The kids activities consisted of coloring a page with crayons, and there were NO COWS. I was all ready fro cheese and milk, and at least some ice cream, but there was none to be had. :( We had to drive clear across town to find a sonic so that we could have an ice cream cone. Meridian Dairy Days was a major disappointment. Thumbs down. :(

Time out

Today I just about lost it with my kids. I am now having a time out. I think I should give myself one of those more often, except that it might give me an excuse to snap at them more often. I don't need that !

small things

"And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.” (D&C 64:33)

This has been on my mind lately, and I thought I would take a few minutes to put some words down. Yesterday Allie and I decided that we would have a tea party for lunch. All it takes is a cookie cutter to make a shape sandwich, and voila! Tea party. small thing. I also stopped to rent Spencer a video game he has been talking about. I am now the best mom, EVER. small thing. I tend to give myself guilt because I don't, or can't do the big things. I don't take my kids on wild vacations, and I don't buy them every cool new toy, and we don't have a water park in our backyard. I do my best, and I do the small things. I guess the small things will add up, and that is what my kids will remember, I was there. big thing.

The Best Nest

This is a book that we read often. IT is a silly story about a pair of birds that are trying to find a good home. I have been thinking about a certain part of the story For the last week or so, and I thought I would share it. The birds sing this little song:

"I love my house. I love my nest. In all the world my nest is best!"

This is how I feel about my new home. I think I could spend half the day skipping through the house singing:
"I love my house, I love my nest. In all the world my nest is best!!"

Allie-oop!

I have been thinking about my sweet little girl, and I haven't posted about her much lately. She says the funniest things. Yesterday she poked her head out of the bathroom and said, "nobody look at me. I'm doin' somethin'!" This sounding suspicious, Sam ran in to find a whole box of kleenex pulled out onto the floor. Honestly I was so happy that was all it was! Yesterday she looked at me and said, "What up G Mom?" I laughed my head off. Sam has a new name too. "He isn't dad, I call him Daddy-O!" She has picked up a couple habits that I am not a fan of, like spitting and calling people "dummy", but mostly she is the sweetest thing. I love having her in my family!!

The other day she was in the bathtub, and singing to herself. I listened for a moment to hear what she was singing, and I was so happy. She was making up a little song about Wanting to go to the beautiful temple, and that Jesus was her friend. It was such a wonderful testimony to me that children are close to our Heavenly Father. Thanks Allie for reminding me!

Enough Said

Proud sister

I just thought anyone who may read this blog would like to see how Rachel's article looked in the church news. She is so awesome!!!

Famous sister!

This is an article about my sister. She is AWESOME!! We are so proud of her! This was a nice article written about her in a newspaper published by our church. She was also in an article with a picture in the New York Times. I think this makes me famous by association!!


http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/59073/Latter-day-Saint-singer-wins-at-Metropolitan-Opera-National-Council-Auditions.html

singing in the bathtub!

Today I gave Dallin a bath in the "big tub" for the first time. The last time he had a bath, I thought, "this tub is too small!" HE thought it was just the greatest thing!!I took a video because he was being so cute. Here he is!

To blog or not to blog, that is the question. . .

I think that everyone but Sam is tired of hearing about my house. Even he told me that if he weren't moving there too, he would tell me to shut up. Unfortunately it is all I can think about. We went to check out the new ward today, and we are totally stoked! The ward was great, we will have lots of LDS neighbors, and the leaders are already thinking of callings for us. Apparently the relief society has been praying for a piano player. Spencer and Allie loved their primary classes, there is a play group once a week, and even lots of babies. It's kind of sad, but, I am TOTALLY checked out. I don't think the next 27 days can come fast enough! (who's counting) So for now anyone who is out there in cyber-land, I am moving ant there is nothing else in my brain for the time being!

Plants vs. Zombies

We have a new video that we are all addicted to. Even Sam. It is the silliest thing, and so fun! For a project for school, Spencer had to pick a project, and he opted to make a commercial. It was so cute that I thought I would post it here. Yeah Spencer!

A little chuckle

"When the first baby laughed for the first time, the laugh broke into a thousand pieces and they all went skipping about, and that was the beginning of fairies." --J.M. Barrie

Today I was able to coax a little chuckle out of Dallin. He seems to want to laugh just about as much as I want him to. I feel like I post the most about him lately, and I guess that is because he is the one that is changing the most. He is such a sweet spirit and I am so happy to have him in our little family!

To change the subject, tonight we signed the official counter-offer, so the deal is done. We got our house. I can't wait to move in and get going with this new adventure!

One more time on a completely different note. . .
Today I had a chance encounter with a friend from church that I haven't spoken to in ages. Just over a year and a half ago her husband was killed in a tragic accident. She hasn't been to church much since then. It was so nice to see her, and have a few minutes to catch up. She looked good, and was seeming to get things done, but I could tell that she was very sad. She mentioned more than once that just getting up and dressed was hard, and that she is still deep in mourning. It really made me think about my life, and most especially about Sam. I have wondered what I would do if something were to happen to him. Logically I guess that I would move to be closer to my parents, and try to pick up my life and take care of my children. Honestly though, I think I would be a mess. I don't know how I would ever recover from losing my partner and friend. He is such a great man! It makes me want to tell him more how great he is, and stop letting myself get worked up over things that don't matter. At the end of the day, I have the best prize. I have him.

There is beauty all around

I have had the craziest 3 weeks of my life. I have really had the craziest 6 months culminating with the last 3 weeks. In the last 3 weeks, we decided to sell our house, put as much as we absolutely could into storage, cleaned our house to where it was cleaner than it has ever been while we were living here, put the sign out, sold it, looked at LOTS of houses, and yesterday we made an offer on a beautiful home. whew!! Our Realtor says that Sam must truly be a hopeless romantic. Some girls get chocolates or flowers, lucky ones get jewelry, but me, I get a house! If we can keep the stars aligned, the sellers will take our offer, and we can sign on both our current house, and the new one, on the same day, March 30. That is in the middle of spring break, and the end of the quarter at school. We can put Spencer in his new school with enough time to make some friends before summer. The house is just around the corner from the elementary school, in a nice neighborhood. I couldn't be more excited. We have to hear back about our offer by Tuesday evening. I am antsy already, and it is only Sunday! This is the link to the listing of the house we want. I wish I could get my head to stop thinking about window treatments and paint colors. We don't even know if we've got it yet!

http://kenterickson.listingbook.com/?node=17-0-email_listings,1061717505.431da67a&mlno=98422683

Wonder of wonders

I have been so busy getting things ready to put the house up officially for sale. I thought that once it was, I would have some time to tell about it, and post some pictures. The sign went out last Thursday, and even then we were still finishing up projects. Friday at 10:00 am we decided that we just needed to quit or we were going to go crazy. We left to spend the weekend with Rachel and Rasmus at Grandma Willis' house. The house showed twice over the weekend, but we were a little disappointed because we got back to discover that Bella had missed the litter box for the first time ever, and our immaculately clean house didn't smell as sweet as we had left it. Monday evening we had a realtor call and want us out right in the middle of our Dinner. Sam and I both were frusterated (all 3 kids pooped their pants before we could leave the house). We were both wondering if the next few months of this would really be worth it. Needless to say it was not a joyous outing. We got home and put the kids to bed and collapsed on the couch in exhaustion. What were we thinking?!?!? Then the phone rang. The Realtor that had shown our house that night wanted to apologize for staying so long, but they just loved the house!! Today we had a offer, and we are signed into a contract!! In this horrible, miserable market, we managed to sell our house for full price, after only 4 days!!! I guess it was the pay off of a lot of work and listening to what the experts had to say. Now I get to start shopping. What do I really want? I am so thrilled!!!

It's Just a House. . .or is it??

We have decided that it is time to move on. We are feeling cramped in our house with the addition of baby number 3. There is a LOT of promise to be able to afford a MUCH larger home if we move across town. We are so excited at the prospect of something new, new friends, new (to us) house, new ward, etc. We have spent the last week packing all we can, cleaning and painting. The house is actually not feeling so cramped, but only because there is hardly anything left. We are really down to the bare essentials. A few toys, a few books, a few clothes, and the big furniture. My beloved red walls have been painted brown, and everything has been moved to look as neutral as possible, so that hopefully the house will sell for what we want, and somewhat quickly. It feels so strange, like I am living in a museum. Yesterday I realized that I am having a little apprehension about the whole thing, which is really strange being that I was the one to push for it in the first place. I am sad to see all my things gone, and the home that I have been working on building for the last 5 years, is looking strange to me. I think the thing that is bothering me is that this is the first place that has really felt like "my home". The first place Sam and I really felt like we owned. I am so excited, but a little nervous. The unknown is always a little scary! Here is Dallin and I painting. He is such a good helper!!