These Are The Days

It's a GIRL!!

2008-07-18T15:07:00.002-06:00

I know that it has been awhile since my last post and most of you know already but for those of you who don't know yet we are having another girl!
We took the kids with us to the ultrasound so that they would be able to see the baby inside mommy's tummy! Cambree kept lifting up her shirt and saying, "my turn" and "babies my tummy" while poking her tummy! Still to this day she thinks she has a "babies" in her tummy! Ethan thought the whole experience was cool and loved being able to see the baby's bones and legs and arms and heartbeat. I'm not sure if he really saw what we were showing him but he kept saying he saw it. So when the tech showed that it was a girl we looked over at Ethan and asked if he was excited for another sister and he said yes. We thought this was good since he had been so adimate about having a brother. Later that day though I was talking to him and saying how happy I was that we were going to have a sister and that he was happy too. He seemed to not be understanding so I told him, you know that because we are having a sister that means you won't have a brother. He immediatly got upset and gave me a scoul and said "hey....no...but I want a brother mom." So we had to have a long talk about how great it was to be a big brother to two sisters and how much they will love him and what a great big help he would be.
And today I am happy to report that he is very excited to be having another baby sister! He asks all the time," mom... is it time for the baby to come out your tummy yet? I say,"no..not yet." Ethan rolls his eyes and sighs. Like he is the one that is inconvienced by the baby not being able to come out yet.
This pregnancy has been less complicated in some ways but more complicated at the same time. I went a lot longer without going into labor (@ 27 weeks). The other two were 23 weeks with Ethan and 20 weeks with Cambree. I started having contractions about 22 weeks and have been able to keep them under control until 27 weeks. So now I am the fab drugs to keep labor at bay and on a partial bedrest. We do though have an increase in other risks since I have malformed uterus and have had two previous c-sections like placenta abruption and placenta ecreta just to name a few. My doctor is watching me very carefully and we hope to be able to catch anything early! My doctor says I will never have a full term baby with my complications but we really work hard to keep them in as long as possible. So that is were we are today. We are a day away from being 29 weeks and just taking it a day at a time. Every week gained is a blessing!
So that's our baby update!
Soon I will post Cambree's and Ethan's birthdays!

Right or Left?

2008-05-07T15:37:00.017-06:00

So for awhile now I have been wondering something about Cambree! Is she left handed or right handed?? Ethan has always leaned to his right hand and has been his dominant hand since I can remember. Cambree on the other hand is still a big question mark???
I have been documenting her breakfast and lunches for the last little while and will share with you my observations. Know for those who can determine what she is, I would love to hear cuz I don't have a clue. Just when I think it's right she uses her left.
She just can't decide so she decides that she'll be both. I do know that Aunt Brandi and Aunt Dena will root for her to be a lefty like them!

Left??

Right??

Both using her spoon in her right hand and using her left hand to eat as well.

Left??

Right??

Now here she is holding the spoon with the left and eating with her right hand!

Left ??

Right??

And here she is trying to throw me off....but notice how she is using her left hand to pick her nose.
Cambree is just too funny!! She keeps me on my toes!

Chinese New Year!

2008-04-10T18:11:00.000-06:00

So I am bragging a bit on this post so bare with me and I am a little late on this post so sorry about that too. I am a counselor in the Primary over the scouting program and in Febuary we had a Chinese New Year Celebration for our Blue and Gold Banquet!
We decided that it would be really cool to do a dragon dance and of course I volunteered to get a little bit crafty and make the dragon head. I made it out of chicken wire and paper mache. Also i cut a hole in the bottom so that our cub master Scott could fit his noggin in there to lead our scouts in the dragon dance! A big thanks to Rebecca who is an amazing artist in our primary who came up with the design and helped me paint it!

Then each den created a segment of the dragon and we put them together. We put hula hoops underneath so that it would give the essence of a body and also give something the boys could hang onto and move up and down!

We had Chinese music playing and we popped bubble wrap into a micraphone to give the effect of fireworks! It really turned out great. We also had a fabulous ward member who is Chinese and helped us make yummy authentic Chinese food. It was a night to remember and the boys and the leaders had a blast.

Baby News!

2008-03-18T15:12:00.006-06:00

Alright so we have been hiding a secret for awhile but it is now time to tell. (Mostly cuz I'm getting fatter and I don't have many excuses but the obvious.)
We are expecting BABY #3! This ultrasound was at 9 weeks but I am aproxomatly 11 1/2 weeks along today! I have been really sick and not feeling well most days which hasn't been fun at all. But I guess I am grateful I can have babies at all with my condition! So although very sick, I am very happy and excited to be having another little rugrat!

We told Ethan that we were going to have another baby come to our house and he said, " a baby brother?!" and we said we didn't know for sure what it was going to be. He said, "I want a baby brother!" We asked him, "What if it is another baby sister? Would that be ok too." He thought for a moment and said, " Ok, but I want a brother!" Cambree doesn't know what's going on but just will be excited there is a "babys" in the house. She loves "babys"!

We are excited and thought it was time to share our excitement with everyone!

My Guy Todd!!

2008-02-14T12:54:00.010-07:00

I've been tagged about Todd - Just in time for Valentines Day! Love ya babe!
What is his name? Todd Barton
How long have you been married? My goodness it's been 6 1/2 years!
How long did you date? We met in Febuary of 2001 in his apartment! A guy friend of mine (Jared Pearson) moved into Todd's apartment and became roomates. I was interested from day one and kept flirting like mad with Todd hoping that he would ask me out. I would ask my friend if Todd said anything about me. And he would always tell me that Todd didn't say much at all and he didn't know if he liked me. At the same time Todd was asking Jared too if I liked him and if I seemed like I wanted to go out with him. Jared would say the same thing to Todd. I don't know. She hasn't said anything to me. So Todd was confused because I would flirt with him but then according to Jared I wasn't too interested. I was confused because I kept flirting and showing my interest but Todd aparently wasn't asking me out. So I, being the bold, blunt, and honest person that I am, planned a little scheme. I called over to their apartment knowing that Jared was in class at school and hoped Todd would be home. Todd answered the phone which was such a relief. I first asked if Jared was there even though I knew the answer. He said no he was the only one home. I proceeded to give him the sad sob story about how Jared was supposed to go with me to pick a friend up at the airport and he totally forgot and I need someone who knows how to get there cuz I was afraid I would get lost. Of course I knew Todd would come to the rescue. He is that kind of guy. He said he would be happy to tag along to help. So I picked him up and as we were driving to the airport I simply asked him when he was going to ask me out. He was shocked and a little taken a back but said he hadn't cuz Jared had told him that I wasn't interested and I said that that was ridiculous because that's all I could talk about and discovered that Jared didn't tell either of us the truth. (Turns out Jared didn't want us dating. hmmm...that's another story.) But none the less we talked the whole way there and he said now that he knew I would go out with him he would definatly ask me out soon. And that was the beginning of our love story. We dated for awhile. Todd proposed on July 20th 2001 and we were married on September 22, 2001
How old is he? 30
How old are you? 27
Who eats more sweets? We both eat more than we should. Todd's weakness is Reeses peanut butter cups. Mine is Skittles.

Who said I love you first? So we both kind of did at the same time. It first came to me when Todd was at my apartment hanging out and I got an overwhelming feeling that I was supposed to marry Todd. I being very afraid pushed this BIG thought right on out of my head. A few days later we were watching a movie at his apartment and I recieved the feeling again. Only this time it was so strong I couldn't help but start crying. We were not watching a chick flick so when Todd noticed I was trying to hide tears he knew something was up. He paused the movie and asked me what was wrong. I tried to brush it off like it was nothing. Todd kept prodding me to share with why the sudden tears. I told him that he would think I was crazy! He said he probably wouldn't because he had a feeling he knew what I was feeling. So I told him that I thought the Spirit was telling me that Todd was the one for me and to my surprise he said he was recieving the same strong feeling that I was the one for him. He then told me he loved me and I told him that I loved him as well. I don't think we ever finished that movie.

Who is taller? Todd

Who can sing better? We both can carry a tune but Todd has the better voice.

Who is smarter? Todd is definatly smarter!! Todd has this amazing eagerness to learn anything and everything!! He always has to figure everything out and wants to know how everything works from a car engine to a toaster. I think he is the smartest person I know!!

Who does the laundry? I do all laundry. Todd has done it once or twice.

Who does the dishes? I do most of them cuz I am home more but Todd does them often. He knows I hate the dishes and is happy to help out there! He knows it makes a happy wife when he does them.

Who pays the bills? I do mostly. I like to know where the money is going. Todd does too so he pays attention sometimes.

His guilty pleasure? Anything that moves and moves fast! Todd can't sit still and has to be on the move. He loves motorcycles, dirt bikes, fourwheelers, rock climbing, mountain biking, and video games. Anything outdoors!!

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I do now but I always like to mix it up now and then.

Who mows the lawn? Todd almost always. I do occasionally when I feel in the mood! I take care of the weeding and plants and stuff.

Besides you, who is his best friend? Todd has many, many friends!! He is such a likeable guy! There are too many to count!

Who cooks dinner? I do. But Todd helps out sometimes!! His masterpieces are grilled cheese and tomato soup, german pancakes, and he can make a nice yummy Sunday dinner with roast, real mashed potatos, and real homemade gravy. He makes really yummy gravy!!

Who drives? If we drive together, Todd is driving always!! I hate traffic and crazy drivers!

Who is more stubborn? There is no question it is me! Unfortuantly I can't help it!

Who kissed who first? Todd kissed me first but I didn't make it that hard either. It was our second date and we were going to a double feature at the drive in movies. Todd had piled lots of pillows and blankets and a futon mattress all in the back of his truck. When he picked me up I knew he wanted to kiss me. About halfway throught the first movie we pulled the blankets over our heads and Todd planted the most amazing kiss on me! It was heaven! I don't think we watched much movie after that.!! hee hee.

Who asked who out first? Todd asked me out first but with a little nudge from me as you probably read earlier. We went bowling and out to eat with some friends.

Who proposed? Todd did and definatly surprised me! It was July 20th, 2001. I was at a family reunion and he was supposed to be working. I was going to go back later that night after he was off work and go over to his parents house because it was his mom's birthday. He then was going to come up with me the next morning to my family reunion. So he called in the middle of the afternoon and said he had gotten off work early and really wanted to see me. So I told him to come to brigham city were I was. He persisted I came down there! So I did! He then said he wanted to go hiking. I was dressed in a white shirt and white backless shoes. I thought no way am I going hiking in this. He was so dead set on it which wasn't like him so reluctancly I agreed. Then we get up to this trail we had hiked many times and was a fairly easy hike. Then we came to this spot and he stopped and suggested we go off the trail and hike this huge steep hill. I said there is no way am I hiking this. I being the stubborn one as you read earlier kept putting my foot down, refusing to go up this hill. He pleaded that it would be worth it and that he would buy me new shoes if they got ruined. I finally agreed. So I complained under my breath the whole way up. It was so steep and I thought Todd was crazy for making me do this. But then we get to the top and I was silenced because he had found the most amazing view of the wasatch valley. Then he pulled out a blanket out of his back pack which I just noticed he had. He laid it out and then pulled out some subway sandwhiches, then some drinks. He even brought glasses and put ice in them . I thought what a great boyfriend I have! We ate and talked and I noticed he was being so weird today. He then said let's walk out to the edge and enjoy the view. So we did. Then he said he needed to go to the bathroom and said not to look. He went backwards towards were our blanket and stuff were and I thought how gross. But then he was back in a split second and thought how weird but still wasn't picking up on anything. He then expressed how much he loved me and wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. Then he started to shake and get choked up. He went on one knee and asked me to marry him. Although he had to get up for a second to get the box out of his pocket. I said yes! So he didn't go back to pee. He went to get the ring out of his backpack. Whew. We then went and announced it to his family. Celebrated his mom's birthday and then we went up to my family reunion that night and woke a few people up to tell the good news!! It was a very amazing day!

What is your favorite thing about him? Oh let me count the many ways! I love many, many, things about Todd! I love how much he loves me and his kids! He adores his kids and they adore him! As soon as they hear the garage door they run to the door and swing it open screaming, "daddy's home, daddy, daddy, daddy!!!!!" I love that he works hard for his family. I love that he is very patient with me which he has to be alot. Sorry babe! I appreciate that he loves me for the unique self that I am. I love that he is smart and educated. He is easy on the eyes too, and I like that! Especailly his eyes! Those big blue eyes! I love that he loves the gospel and knows alot about it. I love the example that he is to our children and to me and to others! He is a really great guy and I am very happy to be his wife! I love him dearly!!

Field Trip!

2008-02-07T13:01:00.000-07:00

So Ethan is in this little joy school preschool with some other neighborhood moms and loves it! He wakes up in the mornings and asks, "is today school at my friends house?" On the days that it's not he rolls his eyes and walks away disgusted and says"ok" with a big sigh. But when it's a yes he get's so excited and jumps up and down. He then wants to get himself ready "all by my self mom" and does a great job too. And very occassionally he'll come and say, "you can make me handsome mom", which means I have been privledged to actually do his hair cute.
Movie Theatre!!

Recently his little preschool group went on some field trips. The first day was Tuesday were we went to the movie theatre which they were amazed by! The got to go in the back room and saw their big kitchen were they keep all their movie theatre snacks. They even played a little guessing game called "what's in my bucket?" They guessed everything from popcorn seeds to butter to even icecream and were pleasantly surprised when it ended up being a pickle bucket! They then got to go behind the snack counter and learned how they make the popcorn. How it starts out as a seed and with some seasoning and hot oil it pops the seed and we get popped corn. Then they got to watch it pop in the big popcorn kettle. They were very interested in this as you can see on the following picture.
Then of course they got to taste the popcorn that came out and wondered what wasn't right. They guessed right away that we had to put butter on it. They also were trying to be so careful getting the popcorn off the little scooper and then the lady that was giving the tour told them that behind the counter it was ok to spill popcorn and that was the only place they could spill popcorn and walk on it and crunch it. So of course they then intentionaly spilled popcorn on the floor and crunched it beneath their shoes. They thought this was the best fun ever making a mess that was ok to do. They then got to go upstairs and see how they play the movies. She explained the different sizes of film reels and they thought that was neat. But even more cool is that they got to look out the little window that they play the movie through. They all got to take a guess how many seats were in the theatre. Ethan got his little finger out and started counting" 1..2..3..4..5..6...7! There's 7 mom!" He was a little off by a couple hundred but close enough! They then went down and found a seat in the movie theatre. There waiting for them each was a bag of popcorn and a cup of sprite! Oh boy was this exciting! They then watched three short cartoon stories. They all laughed together and ate their popcorn while watching the funny cartoons. At the end they got little film strips and a Harry Potter card. It was a fun day!

Great Harvest & Krispy Kreme!!

First stop, Great harvest...

On Thursday we got to visit two places! The first one was Great Harvest Bread Co. were they went in and got to learn about ingredients and how they mix their ingredients in big giant mixing bowls. They thought it was cool to look into one and see the bottom. They then got to taste and guess what each ingredient was that made bread. They didn't particullary care for the salt taste. They all guessed it was sugar and gave their fingers a good lick and dipped in to get a big taste of salt, not sugar as they anticipated. The looks on their faces were priceless. Some of the little girls (Aevrie and Alyssa) even got tears in their eyes! It was funny. They got to immediatly dip their fingers into honey which they like much better and even went in for a second dip to try to get the salt taste out of their mouths. Then they were free to feel how all the ingredients felt like and had fun getting their little paws dirty. Ethan managed to get stuff all over him. But he learned something and had fun. What's a mom to do? They got to also look in the "big, big, BIG oven!"

Ethan was amazed at this big oven. They ended the tour by giving all the kids cookies which of course they loved. They all had dirty mouths but we had to pack up so as to be to our next destination on time.

Onward to Krispy Kreme......

To start out they all got dubbed honerary donut professionals and recieved their Krispy Kreme hats! Cambree came along on this day and loved riding along with Ethan and his friends. Ethan didn't mind either. He actually was so focused on everything that I think he forgot his sister and mom were there. Cambree loved her hat! She kept putting her hands up to touch it and saying, "prepree!" Which translates to pretty for those who don't speak Cambree's unique language! Ethan thought his hat was cool! They all had their little faces pressed against the window watching the donuts as the went into the oil and then flipped over. Ethen would point and say,"Here they go agian! Wooooooo!" And then look around to make sure everyone saw it too. If you look closely at the one picture you can see his facial expression in the reflection of the window and you can see his little excited face lit up and amazed! Everyone especially loved when they went under the frosting machine. At the end they all sat down and got to eat a fresh off the line Krispy Kreme donut! Everyone had there's gone within a split second which was no surprise with a bunch of 3 and 4 year olds. They then got balloons to take home. We had a great day full of fun and yummy treats!

I am glad I got to go along and see Ethan learning about different things and experiencing new things! I love to see him so excited about things. I'm glad I have the oppurtunity to be a mom and be home with them so I can go along on these adventures and see the joy and the excitement first hand!

Tag!! It's about time!

2008-02-04T19:04:00.000-07:00

Ok so I have been really bad at this. I have had several friends and family that have tagged me going back awhile and so I thought I better get going on this. So her goes......ENJOY!

Things I was doing 10 years ago:
Oh I don't even want to go back to ten years ago. I don't know if I can remember that far back. I guess I'll give it a shot.
--Hanging out with friends in good ol' Sugar!(Much love to you all. For I'm afraid of what might have been)
--Probably being the biggest nerd on the planet only in my head I was way cool.
--I used to ride my bike like 3 miles to my friend Ali Bergs house and we would make Pinoche(a fudge like candy.)
-- Going up to Island Park to Heather or Lori's cabins and having some sweet girl talk! Such fun!

Foods I enjoy
-- Skittles (more specifically, the purple bag!)
-- Mexican Food (especially chips and salsa!
-- Fruit
-- Cookie Dough Icecream!
-- Italian Food!

Foods I can't stand
-- Tomatoes
-- Sushi or anything that looks or smells like it is still alive!
-- Seafood

Some of my bad habits:
-- I can be quite the sassy gal! (That's right I admit it.)
-- On top of being sassy I am very stubborn.
-- I am not very organized. I have things scattered everywhere. (although this is something that I am currently working to improve on.)

Places I have lived
-- I lived in five different towns before I was five.
-- Rupert, Idaho (good times, not really....I lived on a boy's ranch 20 something miles outside of town where my dad worked and we lived on sight.)
-- Sugar City, Idaho (moved here the beginning of Jr. High and had some great friends!!)
-- Ogden, Utah( oh the good ol single college days! And were I met my hubby.)
-- And you all know where I live now so come on by and see us!

Jobs I’ve had
-- Workin Spud Harvest in the "dog house" picking dirt clods, weeds, rotten spuds, and an occasional field mouse off the conveyer. ( Your all jealous of this one I know, except for those fellow Idahoans who are reading this and also had this fun job.)
-- Kiddie Kandids! (I loved this job but after three years I burnt out)
-- Convergys (Totally sucked! Please avoid this career path if at all possible.)
-- I currently work as a home and family specialist! Hee hee. ( My duties...Everything!)

Things people probably don’t know about me
-- Even though I was raised in Idaho almost all my life, I was born in Utah.
-- Some of you know this and find it amusing so I will include it. I used to walk my pig every day as a child.
-- I have never broken a bone or been in the hospital besides having my two kids.
-- I have a fear of taking pills and public speaking.
-- I have a Twin! A twin cousin that is! My cousin Micaela and I were born on the same day, same hospital, same room, and so on. She is eight hours older than I. We really think we are quite awesome having this twinner cousin bond! Love ya Micaela!

I tag everyone and anyone who wants to!

Remembering a great prophet!

2008-01-29T12:57:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to take a moment and remember what a great prophet we have had in our lives and boy will he be missed!! Although I am very saddened about him passing from this earth, I am overjoyed that he is with our Father in Heaven and also with his eternal companion Marjorie Hinkley. I will surely miss his sense of humor and his witty personality. I am so proud to have been in his presence a few times and one of those times was in a cane's length away from him. What love he had for Latter day Saints and others all around the world. What a great legacy he leaves behind and how many lives he has touched is endless!
I love so many things Pres. Hinkley has said over the years but I think that this one has helped a lot of people including myself.

“This is my prayer for all of us—'Lord, increase our faith.' Increase our faith to bridge the chasms of uncertainty and doubt. . . . Grant us faith to look beyond the problems of the moment to the miracles of the future. . . . Give us faith to do what is right and let the consequence follow.” ( “Lord, Increase Our Faith,” Ensign, Nov. 1987, 52–53.)

I especially love the part about granting us faith to look beyond the problems of the moment and look to the miracles of the future. Such a strong but simple statement. How that statement from our prophet has gotten me past such hard times in my life and will continue to stay with me for times to come.

Another thing he said that I love but can't remember the exact quote but he said, " You don't look like much, but your all the Lord has."
This is what I loved so much. His humor! Such wit! I enjoyed it immensely.

I am grateful that we had such an amazing prophet and I will miss him dearly!

Found Happiness!

2008-01-05T21:49:00.000-07:00

Ok so I stole this idea from my friend Camie's blog. Thanks Camie! You are so very creative! Every once in awhile she posts and names things she finds happiness in that day or moment in time. I think it is great so here is my........

FOUND HAPPINESS
01-My kids waking up in the morning, crawling in bed with me, and we have a chill' morning full of snuggles, kisses, and cartoons.
02-Cambree's constant hugs and kisses. I love em!
03-Ethan saying "You r sooo pretty mommy" (could you just melt)
04-My new found love for the Indigo Girls.
05-Snow! Yes I love the snow. If it's going to be cold...there better be snow!(I don't even mind shoveling it.)
06-A new year! I love to welcome in a new year. A time for new goals and moments to look forward to

Going Sledding!!

2007-12-30T18:18:00.000-07:00

While we were in Idaho we went sledding with Aunt Brandi and Kayden, and Brandi's in laws who have become great friends, Mike and Karen, Heather and Cliff and their two kids Taylor and Hailey. We had so much fun!! Cambree loved it at first. She giggled as we went down. But after awhile she got cold and just wanted to be held. Ethan absolutely loved sledding and didn't want to leave. He still asks me every day if we can go sledding again. Kayden liked it at first too but after awhile he would scream for his daddy all the way down the hill. Then when he was off the tube he would run around and play with the other kids. He was quite fun to watch. And such a stickler with his smiles! It was fun to see Mike and Karen and Heather and Cliff! All the kids played together and had lot's of fun!! Thanks for letting us come! Afterward Karen had hot chocolate and donuts that were so yummy! Thanks Karen!
We had a blast and we can't wait to go sledding again! Especially Ethan!!

Rexbug Temple Open House!

2007-12-30T17:33:00.000-07:00

Todd and I, while in Idaho, got to go see the new Rexburg Temple!! It was an amazing experience! I grew up in Sugar City which is right outside of Rexburg so to see a temple be built in Rexburg is a great blessing. My dad watched the kids so Todd and I could go and enjoy the experience without chasing kids and making sure they don't touch anything. Thanks dad it was great!

To feel the spirit there and to be there with my eternal companion was so amazing. We stood in the celestial room for a moment and to sit there holding hands with Todd I had the opportunity to reflect on my many blessings! My husband of course is my biggest blessing! He is a wonderful man and a loving husband and father. I am glad we are together forever. My children are my other blessings! They both are miracles to be here and I am blessed to have them in my life. I am glad they are sealed to their dad and I and that we can be a together forever family! I am blessed to have this gospel in our lives.

The new Rexburg temple was beautiful and I am grateful I got to go through it. I hope to visit many more times to come!

Idaho Trip!

2007-12-30T14:52:00.000-07:00

So after Christmas we decided to make a trip up to Idaho to see my family up there! We went up on Friday afternoon. Of course Ethan sees all the snow and wants to immediatly get his snow gear out. So first thing after arriving there we got Ethan and Cambree in their snow gear and outside we went. Of course being the budget mother that I am got there snow gear a size bigger so that it would last a couple of years, so they both looked like little marshmallows like Ralph's brother on a "Christmas Story".
It was hilarious to watch Cambree walk around and try to climb the steps. Cambree was quite leary about the whole rolling in the snow thing. She kept walking back and forth on the plowed driveway and then stick her love in the snow bank every little while and got real excited that snow was on her glove. Ethan had no fear, as usual, and jumped right into the snow. He was everwhere. He especially loved picking up a big handful of snow and throwing it up in the air. Todd helped Ethan, Micah, and Chelsea make a snow fort. Ethan would throw little snow balls at Micah and then Micah would pretend it hit him and would fall to the ground in 'pretend' agony. Ethan would laugh with glee thinkin he was all clever and all. Even Grandpa Scott came out and threw a couple snow balls. Ethan squealed with delight when he would get so close to hitting Grandpa with a snow ball. Ethan even turned on his mom. He tried to hit me with a couple of snow balls so I had to hand my camera off to show him who was boss. Unfortunatly I did not have any snow gear on and Ethan beat his mom! I'll get him next time. Everyone had so much fun!
After we went inside we had of course more presents to open!! The kids had fun opening there presents and McKadee loved helping Cambree open hers. (Although I think Cambree wasn't to sure about McKadee helping her.)
Cambree loved having McKadee to play with although neither of them were too fond of sharing. But what one year old is? They had with fun with their dollies and pushed them around in strollers everywhere. Ethan was Micah's little shadow all weekend! Thanks Micah for being Ethan's little buddy! He is still talking about all the fun he had with his friend Micah or sometimes "Mikee" as Ethan pronounces it sometimes.
We went over and played a little WII at Brandi and Jared's. Brandi challenged me to some boxing and I couldn't turn down a challenge. I am still sore from kickin butt at boxing!! Ok...so maybe there was a little more of kickin MY butt but still quite a fun workout. Todd and Jared jammed out with little Guitar Hero! Ethan enjoed going over to Aunt Brandi's house. He of course got spoiled with candy canes and gummy worms. He still has two of them that he is still carrying around the house and putting them in special places so that Cambree doesn't get em. I guess he is saving them for some special reason. Thanks Aunt Brandi for the yummy treats!
We had a lot of fun playing in the snow, going sledding, shopping, visiting the new Rexburg Temple, and going out to eat with Dad & Tami, Brandi & Jared, and little Kayden! Thanks everyone for letting us come and visit! Thanks to Shelby for giving up her room for us to stay in. We hope to see everyone again soon.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-27T12:37:00.000-07:00

We had a geat Christmas!! The kids were spoiled of course but hey it's Christmas!
It started a little early on Saturday with a cousin and brother sister gift exchange with the barton family. It was great fun for all the little cousins open there presetns and play together. We then went to the Buaerle Family Christmas Party which was fun as usual. Good food too!
Of course you probably already read about our eventful Christmas Eve! (if not see below). After Ethan was done tramatizing his mother and we got back from the ER, we went to Mark and Vickies for a nice Christmas Eve Dinner! Which was so nice since it was kinda a rough day. Thansk Mark and Vickie!

We woke up very early and Ethan wanted to go see if Santa came. When he walked out and saw Santa had left him a new two wheeled big boy bike he couldn't contain himself! Cambree was also equally pleased about her new wheels too. They will have fun riding around together! Ethan and Cambree had a blast opening up the rest of their presents together! Ethan always keeping on eye on what Cambree got and Cambree would immediatly grab whatever it was she had unwrapped and held it close to her so that Ethan couldn't get it. It was so funny!

I have been rapidly sewing (for the first time I might add) a quilt for Cambree! I think she likes it which I am glad because I didn't realize how much work goes into making a quilt! I have been cutting and sewing and learning how a sewing machine works. I had a few hiccups but overall I don't think I did too bad. Now that I have my part done, soon we'll have Grandma Barton quilt it for her! (I'll post finished product pics when it's all the way done.) We have also started to redecorate the kids rooms so finished product pics will come later of that as well.

After opening presents we went over to Grandma & Grandpa Barton's house for Vickies most amazing (my most favorite thing) egg sufle!!!I love this stuff! And on top of that theres O.j. Cinimon rolls, orange rolls, and hot chocolate!!This breakfast is heaven on earth! Thanks Vickie!!!I don't know if it could be Christmas without it!
Then of course there were more presents to open and play with.
It was a fun day and it was a joy to see my kids so elated with the spirit of Christmas!! Thank you everyone for the fabulous gifts this year and we hope everyone enjoyed your Christmas and we hope the new year treats you well!

Ooops...Didn't get my Christmas Cards Out!

2007-12-26T22:19:00.000-07:00

Ok...so we have had the most eventful and busy Christmas season and I realized that with all the preperations and the shopping and the eventful Christmas Eve (see post below) I didn't get my Christmas cards printed and sent out. So I apoligize to our family and friends for being a great big slacker! Here is a sample of what it looked like.
So a little late but never the less we hope everyone had a great Christmas and we hope the new year brings many great things!!

Christmas Eve Adventure!!

2007-12-26T18:08:00.000-07:00

So for all you who know my son Ethan, you know that he is a very curious active little boy!!

Ethan wanted to come with mommy to run some last minute Christmas errands so off we went to the mall. We had finished getting everything I needed when I remembered I had a coupon for Mervyns. So I decided while I'm here I might as well see if there is anything worth picking up. Ethan and I were going down the escalator as I held his hand all the way down. (You see it's a rule to hold our hand while going on the escalator to aviod such accidents!!) So we get to the bottom and he let's go of my hand and we get walking and I look down and Ethan is not next to me so I look back maybe 5 paces and there is Ethan at the bottom of the escalator but something is NOT right. Almost a split second later I hear him screaming and it registers that he is stuck in the escalator. He had stayed at the escalator to "see where it goes Mom" and had followed his hand along the black rubber part and got to the end and it sure enough sucked his hand right in. Unfortunatly the escalator did not shut off and I started panacking and calling out for help. A good samaritan came over and pushed the emergancy shut off and then all sorts of shoppers came over to try and pull his hand out but it was stuck! Meanwhile Ethan is screaming, "It hurts!!!....get me out!!! Mommy get me out!!" And I am full on panacking and screaming and hysterically crying, "Someone help get him out!!!...Call 911!!!So a lady that had been shopping calls 911 and tells them there was a little boy with his hand stuck in the escalator. She than called Todd and told him what was happening and told him he might want to get here fast. The policemen came first and they tried to help and then the firemen and paramedics came to give it a try. They ended up having to take apart a small portion of the escalator to try to get his hand out. Finally after about a 1/2 hour his hand was free. They sent us to the ER to make sure that he didn't have any broken bones. Ethan very much enjoyed taking x-rays and seeing his bones!! The x-ray tech even gave him a copy that he could take home and Ethan thought that was extra cool. So good news is he has no broken bones!! Thank goodness. He had some minor lacerations and 1st & 2nd degree burns on his fingers. Overall he will heal up nicely and already his fingers are looking better. A very emotional and overwhelming day that's for sure!!

And here is the kicker! My coupon to Mervyns had expired! Go figure! And as a cherry on top....Todd's dad was driving Todd to the mall to be there with us and got rear ended by some kid and got his bumper smashed. Sorry Mark! It always has to happen to the nice guy that's trying to drive his son to the mall where his grandson is stuck in the escalator! : )

Getting Ready for Christmas!

2007-12-01T20:16:00.000-07:00

So this was a two part series!! We started by bringing all the Christmas boxes upstairs. Ethan so graciously helped unpack all the contents of one box while mom and dad started to unpack the tree. Ethan was so excited about putting a tree inside our house that he got distracted and started helping organize all the color coded branches. Then he helped me string the lights up. He was the official "plugger inner"!! Then being exhausted from all that I sat down and started t watch a show on TV and next thing I know, I look over and Ethan is unpacking the stockings and was putting on his hands and feet. I asked what he was doing and he replied so matter of factly, "Puttin these on mom."

He then decided that it would be a

great hat too!! What an imagination this kid has.

Then he had to try and fit on dad's noggin'!

And then mom had to take a turn too!!

He thought is was so cool.

We then went to bed cuz we were tired. (Now I know why us kids had to beg my parents to put up Christmas stuff..it's a lot of tiring work) It's fun work though!

So the next day Ethan and Cambree started to unpack all the Christmas ornaments and thought this was great fun!

Cambree loved reaching down into the box and pulling out a new ornament. She then would get so mad that Ethan was getting them too. She then got very ticked and tried to gather as many ornaments as she could and sat down and tried to make sure Ethan didn't get any of her ornaments. It was classic!

Then mom being the peace-

maker created a system that made everyone happy. I helped Cambree put the little hanger on the ornament and she would hand it to Ethan and he would put it on the tree.

It worked out but in the end all the ornaments were all on the bottom half of the tree so I helped Ethan put them more evenly around the tree.

We ended up having a great time putting up all our Christmas stuff (with a few minor hiccops) but we have some great memories none the less!

Black Friday Madness!!

2007-11-28T20:19:00.000-07:00

Yes! I was one of the crazy moms shopping at the butt crack of dawn!! 3:30am I awoke to go shopping with my sister-in-laws Annie and Jenny! Oh boy it was crazy but it was fun and we got some killer deals!!
By the time we got out of the first store
we had filled the trunk of the car and
notice it's still dark outside!

I even got wounded!! This picture was taken almost a week later and has lessened in color. I'd like to say I had a cool story to back me up but alas I was just a big klutz!!!

By the end of the day the sun rose, I was hidden in the backseat burried with sacks

and sacks of fun Christmas gifts for family and friends. It was tiring but oh what an adventure!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-24T19:14:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving does give you the chance to stop and think about your many blessings in life!! My blessings are bountiful!! My fabulous loving husband who I love and adore and I am thankful that he puts up with me. My two adorable little huligans who provide me with so much joy and happiness! I have such love in my life....my cup runneth over!!! I am thankful for all our family and friends that are in our lives and provide such love and support!
We had Thanksgiving at Todd's parent's house and boy was it yummy!! Thanks everyone for helping out and making such a yummy spread!! We had a great time and Ethan and Cambree enjoyedplaying with their cousins all day!!

Ethan and his cousin Caleb were
the only ones big enough to sit at
the official "kid table" and they
loved it and had so much fun
sitting in their little chairs at the
little table!

Cambree takes after her big brother
and takes every chance to shove as
much food in as fast as possible!! She
especially loved Grandma Vickie's
homade rolls as you can tell in this
picture.

We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving too!!

Happy Halloween!!

2007-11-02T10:27:00.000-06:00

We had a fun Halloween this year!

Ethan dressed up as a monkey, more specifically "Monkey George" or Curious George as you would know him. He loves that cartoon and was very excited to dress up like him. And we all know that this costume fits Ethan to a tee since birth he has been a little curious monkey. He loves the whole idea of walking around and saying Trick R Treat and getting candy. When we were all done he said, "Mommy, I want to go trick or treating again. I want my treats basket to get bigger and bigger."

Cambree dressed up as a little bumble bee and was adorable. There was supposed to be a little hat that she was supposed to wear but kept pulling it off and refused to wear it. So the creative mother (wink wink) made her two pony tails stick straight up for little bee antennas. Todd said she then looked like a Satan bee, but I thought she looked adorable! Of course Cambree didn't understand the whole trick or treating thing, but she does understand when Ethan get's a treat, she better get a treat too!

We hope you all had a fun safe Halloween too!

Family Pics

2007-10-29T16:02:00.000-06:00

So we just recently went to this little place with little rock waterfalls and got some family pics taken! The kids had fun throwing the falling fall leaves into the water and watching it go down the waterfall! We had fun and as you can see we got a few good shots in!
This is proof they really love each other!!

Cambree

Ethan

Our family!

My Adorable Kids!

2007-10-26T17:35:00.000-06:00

Ethan & Cambree

cheesin' it!

Cambree

Ethan

2007-10-26T14:42:00.000-06:00

The Barton Bunch have finally started a blog to document our family. Right now we are doing great!!
Todd loves his job at Zions in their Network Operations department. Christy is happy staying home with our two adorable kids and doing a bit of Photography on the side! Ethan is as active as a 3 year old can get and is getting so much smarter by the day which is good and bad at the same time! He is going to preschool and always wanting to play with his friends! Cambree is growing up so quick and has finally (at 17 months old) mastered walking! She loves her dollys and loves to give them hugs and kisses! She loves when daddy comes home from work and loves to play with her big brother!
We hope all is well with everyone and hope you enjoy our family blog!