Talbot Family

Couldn't Help Myself

2009-10-31T21:12:00.001-07:00

I am sure you all have opinions about what kind of mother I am, but I just couldn't resist! The similarities are freaky.

Shabby Bands

2009-10-18T18:41:00.000-07:00

There is no question that I fall on the ADHD side of the spectrum. I have always had to be doing something with my hands as I just sat around watching television. In college it was cross stitching, and crocheting, when I taught Jr. High it was jewelry making, when Adessa was born it was bow making, and now it is "Shabby Bands." Shabby Band Designs is a line of accessories such as pins, clips, and headbands made out of combinations of fabrics and textures. I personally love accessories and the fact that you can buy a cheap and plain shirt, jacket, or sweater, and make it cute by interchanging different accessories. That is what the focus of Shabby Bands is; making something plain look different with any of our accessories. If you are at all interested you can check out our blog at http://www.shabbybanddesigns.blogspot.com/ which shows all of our products as well as dates and places of boutiques that we will be vendors at, OR http://www.shabbybands.etsy.com/, you can also email us at shabbybands@gmail.com We are going to be doing a boutique in Centerville on Tuesday Oct. 20th and in West Jordan on Saturday Oct. 24th the information and address is listed on the side bar of our blog. If you don't like accessories, then don't bother. At any rate, it has been super fun and I think that any of our products looks really cute on anyone from tiny tots to 79yr. old grannies :) Check it out, and I hope that if you are of the accessory persuasion I will see you at one of our boutiques. If you are interested in coming to a boutique but can't make it to one this week, we will also be having one in November in Bountiful, a great time to do a little Holiday shopping. Be Shabby!

It's a Birthday Tea

2009-09-18T15:06:00.001-07:00

All year long Adessa has been obsessed with having Tea Parties. Everywhere she goes she wants to have a tea party. When it came time to think of an idea for her 1st friend party, one could only go with the tea party theme. Knowing that she wanted a friend party this year, at Easter time I bought all of these great hats at the dollar store to embellish in the future for her party. The party was a lot of fun to plan and prepare for. I was able to find everything I needed at the DI. I found the tea cups, saucers, and enough tea pots for each pair of girls to share one. The teapots were awful so I went to the craft store and bought an acrylic paint that can be used on ceramics and fired in your oven. I painted over the hideous prancing deer and other nasty murals with a white and then turned them into lovely little floral pots. We had hot cocoa with mini marshmallows, colorful ribbon sandwiches, and of course floral decorated cupcakes with ice cream. I simplified with basic tea party games of button button, and pin the tea pot on the tea pot. The girls were darling. We were able to invite the girls in Adessa's primary class as well as the girls that will be in her school grade, plus her friend Leah from dance. At the end of the day, Addie had a fun time and I had a blast watching these darling little Muppet's prattle around the backyard for a couple hours acting the way girls do.

Soccer...to play or not to play, that is the question!

2009-09-18T14:39:00.000-07:00

There is no question that I love frou frou and that I am very "pink" and "sparkly", however, I also am quite athletic and can throw down a butch (not to be confused with another B word) attitude if necessary. For crying out loud, I ran the gamut of piano, violin, gymnastics, dance, softball, basketball, I could out run any boy at recess, and then come home and direct my siblings in plays for hours. I think as parents we all expect our children to resemble ourselves in various ways. Soooo, when placed in a situation where you have a child that looks just like your spouse and acts just like his mother.....things can get a wee bit frustrating. That is not to say that I don't love my hubby or his mom, they are both swell, but what happened to my mini me? I was looking for the Xena of the soccer field, the ruthless, cut throat, boy hating, demon. What I got was a forest sprite that flitted and sauntered around the soccer field yawning. Yawning? She is supposed to be anxiously engaged in the game and looking at her coach with intent and eagerness. Yawning? I love this child, but it is evident that I cannot have certain expectations as to her extracurricular activities or even for her school work. I will just have to embrace her love of arts and crafts, a love that I can relate to very well. If she decides she wants to become a dancer, or an athlete, I will support her. In the meantime, I am going to laugh about just how dainty and frou frou she definitely is out there on the field.

She has definitely got the look!

1st day of School

2009-09-18T14:30:00.000-07:00

I guess this means I am an old parent. Adessa officially started school with Miss Char on September 1st. Class is 3 days a week, Tues., Weds., and Thurs., for 2 1/2 hours. I did cry the first day, not because I am one of those separation anxiety parents, but because she seemed so happy. Nothing makes a parent happier than seeing their kids happy. I must confess that pre-school is a luxury I have come to believe I cannot live without. It is so nice to have time with just William without big sister stealing the spot light. Kisses to Miss Char for taking my 3 yr. old with her 4yr. old pre-school!

Big Girl!

Addie-tude

2009-08-09T08:57:00.001-07:00

While I was getting ready for a baby shower Saturday morning I over heard a conversation Adessa was having with her father that went like this: Addie: "dad, you are going to make me a piece of toast and bring it downstairs, Okay" John: "ummmm, aren't you forgetting something?" Addie: "Pleeeease." John: "Addie, sometimes you can be demanding and not use your manners." Addie: "and sometimes you can be ornery." A girl who speaks her mind with honesty. I couldn't refrain from chuckling, both of them were right. I can't wait for the venom she spews during her teenage years. I will have to be brushing up on my vocabulary so I can stand toe to toe with her.

Girls Camp 2009!

2009-07-11T16:22:00.001-07:00

Yep, I am the camp director. Need I say more? No seriously, I had a blast at Girls Camp and feel very blessed to have had the privilege of being with these choice daughters of God and to serve with such amazing women. Our theme this year was based on the "Sneetches and Other Stories" by Dr. Seuss. The stories have so many parallels to the gospel. We were able to have meaningful lessons, fun crafts, serious introspection, and belly aching laughter. I don't think I have laughed so hard in a VERY long time. My sister has mocked me for months about the amount of time that I have spent working on girls camp. It was all worth it! I would give as many hours as possible to help these young women be successful in the gospel as well as in their lives. The only draw back is the guilt I feel from having neglected my family in an effort to prepare for girls camp. Things are a lot more hectic with a 2 month old baby, some post-par tum anxiety, a very demanding 4yr. old DIVA, teaching summer dance (while feeling out of shape from the baby), and dealing with some difficulties in family situations. Sometimes you feel so extended that there is nothing left of you to give and you grow tired of putting on the happy face and pretending all is well. This would be me. However, as they say in the performing arts "The show must go on." I am most grateful for the wonderful women who have helped with camp and a very supportive husband who endures my quirkiness. Much thanks to the Young Women for their beautiful spirits, strong testimonies, and love for life.

Our beautiful girls.

Our Amazing Young Women!

Can you feel the love?

Our best smiles!

See y'all at Piuta next year!

Viking Fathers Day

2009-07-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, we did have a Viking Fathers Day. We had to eat everything with our hands and there were no napkins allowed. Imagine greasy Turkey Legs, potatoes, broccoli, bread, and fruit kabobs (finger licking good). Delicious! The fellers had to compete at pillaging and plundering winning prizes if they were the best. The funniest was when they had to give out their scariest Viking Roar, of course Tyler was amazing, and my darling John simply was not meant to Roar. I am not sure how he would have ever been a real Viking? Good thing he didn't have to be. Here is the photo gallery of the activities.

The winning Viking Yell

The best attempt Viking Yell

If he showed up at your home would you be scared to death?

Competing to be the manliest brother

We had a blast as always. Last year we had Pirate Fathers Day, but I am thinking that Viking Fathers Day may take the cake. I am certain that our Swedish heritage would have been proud.

Insanely Inexpensive

2009-06-16T15:49:00.001-07:00

All this for under $30.00

I was complaining to my SIL about not being able to get the paper I wanted at Wal-Mart for Girls Camp (we are modge podging clipboards) when she told me about this place called "Lasting Impressions." Sadly, the owners are going out of business and selling things for super cheap. I felt guilty when I left because I got so much for so little. Here is what I got: 9 sets of fifteen count half sheets for $1.00 a set, 5 reams of 12X12 paper for $2.00 a ream, 6 scrappy tabs sticker sheets for $1.00 a sheet, 6 rub on saying sheets for $1.00 a piece, 5 packs of 5.5 yards ribbon for $1.50 a pack, 24 cute envelopes for 5 cents a piece. If you are interested in shopping there they are open until 6:00 p.m. I don't have the exact address but if you are heading west on Center St. in N. Salt Lake you will turn right onto 700W. and just keep going until you see a warehouse to the left with a yellow banner with red print on it. This stuff is perfect for card making, YW's, faith in god, they had all sorts of photo books, buttons, cards, I could go on and on, it is crazy how much they have and how cheap it is. If you take a friend you get a free ream of paper. You can't go wrong. Check it out!

Crafty

2009-06-13T09:46:00.000-07:00

My cute friend Maricela made the coolest car seat canopy for our friend Becky's baby shower. I had heard about these, but hadn't ever seen one before. It was amazing! I am all about keeping out the rain, snow, and sun, Hello....we live in Utah. She was kind enough to get me a copy of the instructions so that I could make one for my sister who lives in Liverpool NY. Believe it or not, Liverpool actually gets more rain and snow than UT, and even less sun. A perfect gift for crazy weather. Since I had my moms sewing machine (I had to make curtains for girls camp) I decided to make some more receiving blankets for Will and a car seat cover for little sister. Hope you like it. I had to accessorize with flowers because I had to shorten the straps after I had sewn them on and just couldn't make them look right. Easy project that makes hauling the babes around much easier than grabbing a handful of blanket.

Six Weeks

2009-06-12T13:22:00.000-07:00

The little man is Six weeks old. Will still spends his time eating and sleeping. I am o.k. with that.

Hair

2009-06-10T22:24:00.000-07:00

Seriously? Who has hair like this?

Favorite Rose Pictures From This Week!

2009-06-06T12:07:00.000-07:00

The lighting was fabulous and the rain simply added and extra element of beauty to the flowers. I was going crazy over all of the gorgeous roses in the neighborhood. People probably thought that I was a creepy voyeur as I crept around their yards camera in hand, but I simply could not resist photographing the roses. Some of these may be yours and some may not. Enjoy!

EXCLUSIVE - New Moon Official Trailer

2009-06-05T14:11:00.001-07:00

I might have to switch to team Jacob!

Trampoline girl

2009-06-05T11:42:00.001-07:00

She really was born to be a dancer or a gymnast. It will be interesting to see what she decides she wants to do. I think this is the most frustrating part of parenting, you see the gifts and talents your kids have and then have to sit back and watch to see if they will develop them. Her passion in life might be studying insects and I will have to say: perfect turnout, flexibility, fabulous leg muscles, but she loves insects. Whatever.

Overcast

2009-06-04T14:43:00.000-07:00

I love overcast weather for 2 reasons: 1st- it makes running after 8 months of lying around in agonizing pain and discomfort from pregnancy actually do-able (despite the post baby gelatinous belly brain), 2nd- it is great lighting for taking pictures. I love taking pictures of my rose garden and pretty much anything random and interesting I see. If you have a camera step outside and photograph something while it is cloudy today. You can even photograph something after taking a run, just not a picture of me running! Aaagh... I keep telling myself that it took 7.5 months to put it on and it takes the same amount of time to get it off. Yuck.

Memorial Day

2009-06-02T12:56:00.001-07:00

Memorial day was celebrated at the Gucci's house with tinfoil dinners and banana boats. Gucci, Addie, and I visited grandpa Bliss' grave. I miss him. Grandpa was a radical but he loved his family more than anything. I can't remember seeing my grandpa without a Pepsi in hand. Grandpa and I watched the history channel for hours and chewed the fat for even longer, he hated all my boyfriends, and thought that I was virtual perfection (totally misguided). I loved him. I always felt important, smart, and special when I was with him. I minored in history and thought about him after every test I took. I know that he would be proud of me. Can't wait to see him again and chew the fat a little longer.

One of These Things is Not Like the Others...

2009-05-26T20:36:00.000-07:00

I know that he is going to kill me when he is older, but I just couldn't resist!

Swaddle Bath

2009-05-14T14:14:00.001-07:00

The NICU is a wonderful place, however, the minute you enter is the minute you want to leave. As a first time parent with Adessa the NICU taught me a couple of important things. First: the 3 hr. schedule, Second: the swaddle, and 3rd: The swaddle bath. I wish every parent knew about the swaddle bath because it is a great way to soothe and relax a fussy infant and also a way for your baby to stay warm and secure while bathing. John and I swaddle bathed Adessa until she was able to sit in the tub on her own. Round 2 has proven to be the same, William loves the tub when he has a swaddle bath. Sooo, I am sharing with you how to swaddle bath your child.

1. Strip them naked and wrap them in a fleece blanket, or flannel blanket, or even a baby towel.

2. I love the bath slings that you put in your little tub, you can get them at Wal-Mart for $6.00, place the sling in the tub and fill with water.

3. Place your child on the sling and pour the warm water over his/her body while swaddled in the towel (the towel or blanket will be covered in warm water)

4. Peel back one side of the blanket and wash it with soap.

5. Cover that part of the body back up with the blanket and pour the warm water over the blanket.

6. Peel back the other side of the blanket and wash it with soap.

7. Cover the exposed part of the body with the wet blanket and pour the warm water over the blanket again.

8. Wash the head last. Babies have little fat and don't want to be cold. When finished washing the hair quickly remove the baby from the blanket and transfer it into its towel and swaddle in the towel.

This method of infant bathing can make a stressful bath time relaxing for both parent and baby and will actually help the baby calm down and sleep well. Give it a try and let me know what you think. I swear by it.

p.s. I always use the lavender bath soap in the water.

Welcome Home Will!

2009-05-08T20:16:00.000-07:00

He's a whopping 4pds. 4oz., but we are together as a family! It feels so good to be together.

I know you are looking at this picture and thinking, he doesn't look that small. This is because he is a perfect miniature of a normal size baby. When you see him in person, you will laugh. I told him that he will have to learn to run fast, because if it comes to blows he's a goner.
Big sister was so very excited and wanted to celebrate his homecoming. We went all out with the blue. She was thrilled when she recieved a big sister gift from her brother.

All is well.

William John Talbot

2009-05-07T07:12:00.000-07:00

William John Talbot

Born: April 28th at 12:45 p.m.

Weight: 4pds. 1oz.

Length: 17 1/2 inches

William is doing great! We will most likely be bringing him home on Friday, which will help make our schedule more normal. I have been trekking to the hospital 3 times a day to do feedings and other cares. Addie is a little misplaced always being unloaded at somebodies house, but I think she will be happy when he gets home and she can actually see him face to face. He is up to 4pds. 2oz. now and will come home weighing less than 4 1/2 pds. This totally freaks me out as Adessa was 5pds. when we brought her home. He is very feisty though so we should be fine. Thanks for all the love, support, and well wishes, they have been very much appreciated during this stressful time.

How now Brown Cow...

2009-04-17T08:18:00.000-07:00

Mmm, if you are a yogurt eater, you haven't had yogurt until you have tasted "Brown Cow" cream top maple yogurt. My sister-in-law kept telling me "You have to try this yogurt", I kept brushing her off. It was only my loss. I was at Smith's Marketplace strolling through the organic section when I saw the lovely little cups of heaven sitting there. I decided to get a few and see if they were everything she had said they would be. They were and then some. The yogurt is all natural, no growth hormones, 7grams of fat and 170 calories. Some of you are freaking out about the fats and calories, but I am a huge supporter of natural fats that come from yogurts, milks, cheeses, and butters. When too much is extracted from natural foods all we are left feeling when we are finished eating is hungry for more. When I taught Jr. High I noticed that girls seemed to develop way before they had in my day. I attribute this to the growth hormones that are in so many of our dairy and meat products. There have been studies done that prove this theory, but I won't go there, because today I am merely pitching this delectable yogurt. If you go to their website you can print off coupons for the yogurt. Give it a try, I swear that you will love it.

"The Jersey cow milk used in our Cream Top yogurt is naturally higher in protein, calcium, and butterfat, so we never need to add stabilizers or thickening agents. Although indulgently rich and creamy, it’s also very nutritious, which is why so many yogurt lovers have made Brown Cow Cream Top their “yogurt of choice!” Put it at the top of your grocery list. "

Our Easter

2009-04-13T08:17:00.000-07:00

Every Easter John and I have Grandma Great over for Easter dinner. Grandma comes with us to church and then we feast. This year we have the later church meeting so she wasn't present for the Easter basket opening and the search for the eggs. However, Adessa had just as much fun. The Easter bunny hid the eggs Addie and John had dyed the night before all through the front yard. Addie found her Easter basket, we had sticky buns for breakfast, and then guzzied up for Easter services. After our meetings which were wonderful as always, we came home and had a yummy dinner. We deviated from the customary Easter ham and John grilled bacon wrapped shrimp and steaks. We bagged the funeral potatoes and went for au gratin, we had yummy salad, homemade rolls, and a carrot cake that I made from scratch (shock, horror). We had a nice time as a family with Grandma Great, my dad, and Sheldon and were able to have some religious discussion (which does not happen often in my family). I love Easter! I love the spring time, it is a time to start afresh and better yourself. As everything in the world awakens, I find myself awakening also as to how to be a better person. Working on it!

Obviously her mothers child. Already interested in the fancy shoes. The basket was almost too heavy for her to hold.

She is my nature child.

Sneaking up on the eggs. Sometimes I look at this child and seriously wonder just how John and I could have created such a beautiful being. I know I sound like such a mom, which I am, but honestly she is gorgeous.

Happy Easter!

Lydia Grace

2009-04-11T12:52:00.001-07:00

Presenting.....Lydia Grace Ipson! My new niece, and the newest addition to the Ipson tribe. We think she looks like her brother, but grandma thinks she looks like her mom. Baby is well, mom is well, all is well. My sister and I could not possibly be more different. She gets pregnant easily, she loves being pregnant, gains 20pds., and has fabulous deliveries. Hmmmm. I seriously think that the mailman was hanging around when she was born, we could not have spawned from the same seed. Can't wait to see my new niece in August when we bless the babies together. Until then, I will have to give virtual squishes.

Wicked!

2009-04-08T13:03:00.001-07:00

I have always loved the theatre, especially musicals. I don't think I ever knew what "real" love was until I sat on the 6th row in some theatre on Broadway and saw "Les Miserables" for the first time. It helped that our Marius was the most gorgeous thing I had ever seen, the music is the best of all musical theatre, and our friend Laront's girlfriend was in the show which meant that I got to go back stage, and meet my Marius. This was before I was married of course. Too bad he was engaged to a girl performing in "Miss Saigon." Darn those theatre folk. At any rate, tonight John and I are heading to "Wicked." The first time I saw "Wicked" was on Broadway and Joey McIntyre was starring as Fiyero, he was great, but the show itself was enchanting. The music is contagious, fun, and catchy. The dancing is superb and the costuming great. The show is about how the Wicked Witch of the West became wicked. I will give my review as to whether or not it can compare to the first time I saw the show performed. Woo hoo! I am hoping that John loves it as much as I do.