Lil' Norton Clan

Christmas!!!

2010-12-26T20:54:00.000-05:00

Ain't Happening!

2010-04-25T22:52:00.002-04:00

Taking charge??? Ha! I really took that last post serious huh? To be quite honest I keep FORGETTING I have a blog! I actually don't think about it until I wanna get an update on my older sisters who live out of state (and seem to update their blogs religiously)... then I have to visit this little webspace covered in cobwebs. If only I could have the diligence that they have to keep this thing up. I guess I'm just not feeling any motivation to do so. So instead of making promises that I know are simply lies I'll go with this statement.... Blog updates more then likely AIN'T HAPPENING!

However for old times sake here's a little update (mostly for my sisters who may be the only ones checking this thing if at all).

1. Facebook is where you can find me just about once a day. Go there if you want to know what I'm up to.
2. If you want to see pictures, request it and keep requesting and nagging at me til I post or send them.
3. MOPS & My calling as Ward Activities Chairperson has taken over my life this month. So happy for April to be over soon!
4. Made over $350 selling some of my stuff at the M2M Sale... sad to let it go realizing no more babies for us but excited for the new stage of parenting that lies ahead (kinda excited... but mostly scared).
5. Bella had a Little Mermaid birthday party. Loves Disney Princess movies and walks around singing about princes all day. She also loves to cop a HUGE attitude and has me deathly afraid of the teenage years at only the age of 4. Yet she remains so dang cute. She's become a mommy cling on and likes to stick by my side as often as possible... even playing at the park. I secretly kinda like it. The idea of my little girl not wanting to leave my side because I'm sure one day she's going to be begging me to leave her side.
6. Isaac just started TBall and let me tell you that kid has quite a swing (and not with a t stand but with an actual pitch). I'm excited to see how far he'll go in this sport but will support him in any others he chooses. He loves to read and rushes through is work at school just so he can read with his teacher. He's still the pickiest eater alive... I'm almost certain of this. That kid is so dang smart though and I'm in awe of his amazing memory. I can tell him up to 10 things I need at the grocery store and he remembers them all! No need for pen and paper with Isaac around.
7. Doug got fired- Hallelujah! Obviously you know he didn't fire himself (as a business owner). But he was on a job from you know where... we never saw him (or I should say the kids) and it was horrible. Glad to have him home more... I'm in love. And I really don't care if you think that's corny.
8. We bought a 27 ft camping trailer... it is EXACTLY what we've been looking for, for the past 5 years! Super excited and have 4 camping trips booked for the summer as well as a trip to Palmyra with the Norton Clan.
9. I left Carter overnight for the first time EVER. Yay! What a peaceful night that was... but I LOVE my little baby and he'll always be my little baby and I'm not sure I'll ever be able to think differently about him.
10. I don't have anything for 10 but I hate uneven numbers so I still had to type it. (and yes I do realize I have 3 kids which is an odd number....)

So that's it for now. I may or may not be back on this thing anytime soon... we'll see! Enjoy what you get. However I do plan on wasting more time on Heritage Makers so you may see some of that to come.

Taking Charge...

2010-03-03T13:52:00.003-05:00

Well it has been a sad 4 months since my last post. I almost forgot about the blogging world... but I do hope to be better at my updates. One day (and hopefully soon) I'd like to turn this blog into a journal for my family as opposed to just a blog for my fellow bloggers to read and look at. But that takes commitment and that is something I am seriously lacking right now.

Just like I totally lack commitment in getting my laundry done. I hate it with a passion. It is the worst chore... I'd rather scrub toilets then do laundry. Pretty sad huh? Well, recently I let it go too far... I will wash and dry the laundry and even sort it into the appropriate owners piles. But when it comes to putting it away... I'm horrible. Don't believe me? Take a look.

The first photo is the boys room.... I've been meaning to transfer the clothes into this dresser that a friend gave us for free. And yet I don't ever make the time. So the dresser sits empty and clothes pile high. Then there's Bella's closet... she seems to always pull her clothes down to change into them 3 or 4 times a day that finally I gave up and started making clean piles on the floor. But enough is enough... this is hideous and I'm sick of digging for outfits. Time to take charge. Today, I'm going to put all of this away. In the right place and not just on the floor... Wish me luck!

Flying a Russian Fighter Plane

2009-10-13T00:18:00.004-04:00

Doug and I had the honor of going up in the air in this amazing fighter plane with our friend, the pilot Steve Morrey. The kids loved sitting in it before take off. Doug loved every minute of it... especially the spirals in mid air. He told Steve to go crazy with me (which Doug should've known better). I had so much fun... up until one last trick that got me sick. Just as we hit the runway to land... my lunch ended up all over the plane. I felt so bad, but Doug and I both had a blast!

Model Rockets

2009-10-13T00:00:00.004-04:00

Doug was in love with model rockets when he was a kid. For some reason once he hit his teenage years he found other interests... maybe wrestling, football, and girls??? But now he gets to relive his childhood as he introduces Isaac to the world of model rockets.Bella joined in too. They had fun putting together and launching this one... although it ended up landing in the lake and only was launched once. Hopefully another one will be built soon.

17 and half Norton Grandbabies...

2009-10-12T23:41:00.003-04:00

So this past summer we were able to have a little Norton Family Reunion. (Pictures of that will have to be put in slideshow for you later). Unfortunatley Doug's brother and sister (Bonnie & Kevin) couldn't make it... but it was a crazy, fun adventure with our ever growing family.

Jacob, Sam, Emma, Matthew, Jarod, Nathan, Jonathan, Grace, Joshua, Sommer, Brandon, Olivia, Emily, Isaac, Bella, Carter, Logan, and baby boy in Emily's tummy... makes 17 and a half. We tried ever so hard to capture a photo of all the grandbabies with their Meme and Papa. Here's what came out.

Hartwick Pines State Park

2009-10-12T23:30:00.002-04:00

In August we decided to be spontaneous and get away for the weekend... Doug had been wanting to go to Hartwick Pines for years now and I finally gave in. It was so beautiful to walk through the woods and the kids had a blast at all the little logging museums and visiting center. They even got to meet Smokey the Bear.

Our Little Carter Man

2009-10-12T23:20:00.003-04:00

Carter didn't start out loving bathtime... but he does now. He's so cute!!!

T-Ball

2009-10-12T22:57:00.003-04:00

Our summer was filled with T-ball games... Isaac had so much fun and cannot wait until next year.

Summer Fun

2009-10-12T22:12:00.003-04:00

Guess what??? I'm updating with photos!!! Yippee.... now I have over 2000 photos I have taken since May (the park pictures on here). So I'm going to pick and choose which to post. Starting with some fun ones from the summer...

The kids spent MUCH of their summer playing with their cousins Kennedy and Grace. They had fun one day making "Chalk Paintings" on the driveway. Messy, but fun and really pretty!

The Forgotten Blog....

2009-09-17T23:34:00.002-04:00

At least once a week I think to myself: I should update my blog. My sister Trina is often reminding me that I need to update as well and I keep making promises (and unfortunatley not following through with them). I'm not sure why either... it's not like my life is crazy hectic and busy. At first that was my excuse until I read my other sisters blog... about soccer... practices and games 7 days a week, 7 different teams for her 5 kids, 14 or more games a week.... AND she still finds time for the gym, AND time to update her blog. What the???

So... here I am, trying... if Tonia can do it, then so can I.

I have SO SO SO many pictures I could post on here from the entire summer (which has been how long its been... an entire summer). I may add some through a slide show, we shall see. In the mean time, this is my update (pictures to come at a later date)

Isaac is officially a Kindergardener. Although he could pass for 1st or 2nd grade with his height. He's a smart kid that could totally be in 1st grade right now... so far the papers that are coming home are looking JUST like E5. C'mon, he already knows his numbers, colors, and alphabet... teach my kid some math or to read! Guess I may have to do that end of it all at home. Anyhow... Isaac turns 6 this month. He has requested to have an Army party (mostly becuase of his awesome Uncle Eric who served many years in the army as a pilot). He tells everyone about that! I just bought him an army pilot costume and so far, he's been wanting to wear it everywhere. No sports this semester... too young for local football teams, and soccer... well he's still not old enough to play on the "teams" instead he would have to join Little Kickers again and just practice. Which he refuses to do because he wants the competition. We'll start back up with wrestling and baseball in the spring.

Bella just started her first year of preschool and LOVES it! She tells everyone that she is going to Isaac's preschool. She also loves to add "I go all by myself". Her favorite part is the painting... every day there is a painting project hanging up from Bella. Maybe a future artists on my hands. I was going to sign her up for dance but procrastinated way too long. Guess I'll wait til next year. In January she'll start swimming and gymnastics again. She spends most of days walking aroudn the house dancing and singing. She loves them both so much... especially the singing.

Carter will be one in November and I can hardly believe it. He's crawling around like crazy and pulling himself up on everything. Just the other day there was a tall toy in the middle of the living room so he pulled himself up on it and then proceeded to let go and stand there shaking his hands so excited that he was standing on his own... only to fall down on his bum. Soon enough my little guy will be walking. So sad! Carter is a mama's boy... LOVES HIS MAMA. Refuses bottles, but LOVES table food. Eats practically anything you put in front of him. Finally drinks from a sippee cup and on his own too. So that is a nice relief. He's a big baby... last check up (a few weeks back) he weighed in at 24 pounds and was (I think) 27 and half inches... althought that 27 sounds weird. Anyhow, he's my little snuggle baby and loves to snuggle me... I love it and savor it as much as I can.

Wow, this update could go on and on and on... for now, that's it. I'll try to add pictures soon. TRY being the main word.

2 Months???

2009-06-10T09:48:00.002-04:00

Holy Cow! I let 2 months go by before updating this blog... that's bad. So sorry to any of you who check in regularily. Blame it on facebook! I spend so much time on there that I don't take the time on the blog. But plan to do better...

So I am currently in the process of editing and placing over 700 photos on CDS from my camera. I know! Horrible right? I take WAY too many pictures, but have good intentions... I want to capture at least one great photo from each event. SO.... once I am done I will be sure to update on here with several pictures and posts.

In the mean time... today is Isaac's last day of school! Can't believe summer is already here. I am actually really excited though. I hope it doesn't fly by too fast.

Park Day on St. Patty's Day

2009-04-13T18:20:00.002-04:00

St. Patrick's day was almost a month ago... however I'm just now uploading pictures! Nice weather is VERY rare where we live so we HAVE to take advantage of it when it comes. It just so happened to arrive on St. Patrick's day... the kids where so psyched they didn't have to wear coats. This was one of our first trips back to the park since the fall. They were all full of smiles!

Carter spent most of his time chillin' in his carseat. Quite content so long as he could "sit up" and play with his toys.

Three Musketeers!

2009-04-13T17:56:00.002-04:00

The Norton sister in laws tend to have our babies in rounds (3's or 4's). Here is the most recent "round" of babies- Emily, Joshua, and Carter.

And here is another group of "Three Musketeers" getting into some mischief!

2009-04-13T17:43:00.002-04:00

I've been meaning to upload these pics for awhile now. Bella has hit the terrible twos a little late. She has been doing VERY stinky things... and has spent allot of time in the time out. This is the most recent "stinkiness"... Left her in the living room with Isaac to watch TV for maybe 10 minutes or so... and this is what I found. Orange dish soap... everywhere!

My guilt stricken daughter in time out...

For My Epileptic Niece, Sommer

2009-04-06T10:53:00.001-04:00

I have a 7 year old niece who was diagnosed with epilepsy roughly one year ago in May of 2008. She is one of the most severe and complicated cases in the USA. I know I will never truley understand what my brother and sister in law are going through and I will never understand or comprehend what little Sommer is going through. There is not much I am able to do but this website that Rachael started finally gave me the opportunity to help them in a small way.

Just a few weeks ago the kids did not have school so Rachael decided she would bring everyone up to my house for a play day. All was well until I recieved a phone call that morning from Rachael to inform me that Sommer had two drop seizures, one of which was on the stairwell. This has become a way of life for Rachael and Brian but for me it is still so hard to comprehend. I'm in shock every time I hear of a seizure (which come in so many forms). Sleep is very vital for Sommer. If she doesn't get the amount of sleep she is in need of then the siezures are more likely to occur, even on medication. Sommer is an amazing little girl that deserves to have her childhood back. Please take the time to view this website and if you are unable to contribute financially then please contribute with your prayers.

http://www.firstgiving.com/rachaelnorton

Diesel's in Heaven...

2009-03-16T08:45:00.002-04:00

Our bloodhound Diesel was hit and killed by a car late Saturday night. Just before Christmas we made the decision to move him to Doug's shop down the road. The drool and dog hair was getting to be allot with the new baby and other kiddos to take care of. He was also showing lots of aggression towards strangers. However, he was still a wonderful dog. He was so smart and always listened to us. He played with the kids so great and they loved him so much. At Dougs shop he had this amazing dog house that was just double insalated and about 8x4 feet with two rooms, along with LOTS of fenced in room to run and play. A great new home where we could still visit him and take him to the park for walks. In fact we had just visited him Saturday. We told the kids we'd come back on Sunday after church to take him for a walk at the park and they were so excited. However Sunday morning someone called the house to tell us they found him on the side of the road. I'll spare you the details, but I cried. I cried for my kids... I didn't want to see them cry. I continued to cry at church too because we hadn't told them yet. The thought of seeing Isaac cry just made me keep weeping. We finally told him after church when he asked if we were going to go get Diesel. At first he thought we were kidding and finally we saw him fighting back the tears. Once he saw tears in my eyes he decided to let go and started balling. We then talked about all the dogs we know that are in heaven with Diesel and it made him feel better. Diesel is up there playing with Earl, Maggie, Lance (Kristin & Brian's dogs), and Lovey (Meemee's dog). He was a lovable HUGE dog that we will really miss.

Baby Madilyn

2009-02-26T14:45:00.003-05:00

On February 7th, 2009 little Madilyn Rose Leonard entered the world.

Talia & I have been friends since Kindergarden. She is currently the longest friend I've ever had outside of family (and Megan... of course). She got married just over 3 years ago and has been dying to have a baby ever since, however her career was not yet stable enough to do so. I was ecstatic when I found out she was pregnant (and with me none the less). I'm hopeful that Carter and Madilyn will be the best of friends one day just as Talia and I once were as children.

The Big Brother

2009-02-26T14:37:00.002-05:00

Isaac is a great big brother... 90% of the time. However he LOVES to kiss Carter. You will not understand that sentence until you see him interact with Carter. Isaac loves to kiss Carter non stop... over and over and over... usually until Carter cries from being over stimulated or just plane scared. So usually we when Isaac is near Carter... there are tears. However I was able to capture a GREAT moment of the two of them smiling! A priceless moment.

Brotherly Love.... this is how it should be all the time.

Reverting Back 3 months Later...

2009-02-26T14:26:00.002-05:00

They say your older child may revert back to the ways of being a baby after you have a baby. Bella did fine... up until a few weeks ago. I found her in the middle of the day sleeping like this in Carters swing. If you look closely, she even had a binky in her hand. Who knows, she may have sucked on that until she fell asleep. Sometimes I do catch her stealing it from her baby brother. Silly little girl.

Worst Cold Ever...

2009-02-26T14:12:00.002-05:00

It all started on my birthday... Bella woke up really sick. A fever of 102 and very lathargic. Isaac caught it within a day or two, however his only lasted a few days. Little Bella however was sick for over a week. So many people were sick that week. So glad that is over and so glad the kids can't catch that strain every again.

TEXAS

2009-02-22T23:06:00.002-05:00

Arrived last Wednesday... didn't get to sleep until 2am (early Thursday morning). San Antonio = very beautiful. Visited Buckhorn Museum, Childrens Museum (awesome), Mi Tierra (amazing authentic Mexican Cuisine), Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch (feeding Zebras was so cool), Wonder World Park (caverns were BEAUTIFUL!), Matamoras (more yummy mexican cuisine), The Alamo, Louis Toussauds Wax Museum, Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum, Mirror Maze and Lazer Challenge, The River Walk (very beautiful).... and now visiting in Corpus Christi.

We've had a great time... kept very busy. The kids are having fun. The weather has been mildly great (high 60s), however we were hoping it would be warmer. Tomorrow will be in the 70s... yay! Tomorrow we will be visiting the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington along with Padre Islands. We'll be sad to head home this Tuesday. I have sooooo many picture to upload. I think I'll wait and make a slideshow and will be sure to post it when we get home.

IT'S WORKING!!!

2009-02-15T14:52:00.002-05:00

Yay!!! Weight Watchers is working for me! I'm very happy to report that this week I lost 3 pounds... most of which I'm sure was shed after Wednesday. By Wednesday I got my act together... quit eating junk, quit the unnecessary snacking, and decided to just stick to weight watchers. I've started to drink water whenever I feel the urge to eat. When that urge comes I also try to go and do something to keep busy before heading to the kitchen... like cleaning the bathrooms (which totally kills my appetite) or dejunking a room. This helps me focus elsewhere and therefore makes me forget that I wanted a "snack". If I want to taste something that is high in points then I make sure I eat a fruit of veggie before hand and drink water so that once I taste that YUMMY food I won't want as much becuase my tummy will be more full. Anyhow... all these things I'm figuring out but have really known all along will really help me continue with this journey. I'm determined... thank you especially to Courtney and Rachael who seem to be my cheerleaders! Texas will be hard... so much mexican food. But I'm going to make it through and plan to still report in next Sunday with a weight loss. Wish me luck!

PS. In case you didn't know we are leaving this dreadfully cold and depressing weather on Wednesday. We are so excited to go to San Antonio where we can finally wear t shirts and bask in the sunlight without worrying about frostbite! One week won't seem long enough, but we are SOOOO ready for a vacation and so are the kiddos.

Today I Cried....

2009-02-11T15:17:00.002-05:00

And then I worked out... Let me elaborate.

I've been dejunking my house the last few days. Today I was dejunking the master bedroom. All was going great until I reached my closet. I started to dejunk and organize the MANY clothes I have in there. As I stared at the clothes hanging up, the clothes on the shelves, and the clothes in a basket on the closet floor... it all just hit me and I cried. I have so many clothes and yet right now my wardrobe consists of 2 pairs of jeans and about 5 black shirts. That's it... that's all I'm comfortable wearing. I have so many CUTE clothes that I am dying to wear again. I don't want to get ready every day and look like a frump... a chunky frump... but I do and it's driving me nuts. And I'm just not willing to go out and buy a whole new colorful wardrobe in my current size.

So the tears... let me explain. Not only did I cry because I want to wear all those cute clothes again but I also cried because I'm so mad at myself. Why in the world do I feel it necessary to constantly eat. Snacking is all I want to do. I feel like I need to put a lock and chain on the cupboards and the refrigerator and give it to Doug to hide somewhere. I've had these horrible eating habits since I was little. I've also been extremely lazy since I was little as well. Why can I not control myself??? Even right now as I type I want so badly to go over to the kitchen and eat! I just ate a snack not too long ago... so sad. I'm just so mad at myself.

So as I was crying I decided to stop... right then and there as the kids were running around screaming and Carter was crying I decided to go down in the basement, put in the old Taebo video and work out. Wow was that embarassing... Just in the first 5 minutes of the STRETCHING (not the work out but the stretching) I was ready to give up. But I didn't... I pushed myself right along into the work out. Ouch, ouch, ouch... my throat hurts because I was counting so loud. I figured my voice would drown out the pain. This is pathetic huh? Anyhow, I stopped at one point and was looking down at the ground and Isaac shouted "keep going Mom!" I told him from now on he needs to remind me to work out. Not sure if he will remember that, but if he does then great! One more reminder. I always try to put off working out until Doug is home... but lately that is not until 7 or later. By the time we get the kids bathed and in bed, I'm beat and ready for bed. So now I guess I just need to force myself to work out during the day even when my household seems chaotic.

So even now, as I end this post... I still want to cry. It's okay to cry right? The skinny pictures of me help but at the same time they make it worse. Like constant reminders of how cute I once was... and then I cross a mirror in my house and am brought back to reality. It sucks, it really really sucks. I'm trying to hard to stay positive. I'm embarassed to even post any of this, but it also feels good to get it out there, let it all out. That old LDS saying is perfect for me right now... of course the real saying is talking about life and is supposed to be coming from the Savior, but I think it can work for me right now as well.

"I NEVER SAID IT WOULD BE EASY, I ONLY SAID IT WOULD BE WORTH IT."

One Pound At A Time

2009-02-09T10:18:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I weighed in yesterday... a loss of one pound. Better then a gain... but I know I can do even better. Just got to get control of the snacking and put some fitness into my schedule. I'm just plain old lazy. I'm staying positive though. The pic on my fridge really helps me... I want to be that cute sexy vibrant girl again. I'm only 26!

The chocolate was the killer this week. I just wanted chocolate. And not just a little bit, but allot. Today is the start of a new week. I can do this... I can lose 46 pounds!

Happy Birthday Bopper!!!

2009-02-04T06:51:00.014-05:00

Happy "26" Tenille Lynn

Thanks for allowing me to have full privilege to your blog, so I could post VERY CUTE pictures of you on your birthday. Happy Birthday baby sis. Hope you have a good one.

I'm In Love!

2009-02-03T19:53:00.003-05:00

Oh yes, I love my husband dearly... but right now I am so in love with my baby.

No matter what little face this kid gives me... my heart melts and I just want to snuggle him and hug him and kiss him. Can ya blame me???

TIRED

EXCITED

GOOFY

ANGRY

SAD

These pictures were captured while he sat next to me by the computer desk. He loves attention. The first few photos are how he looks so long as I keep talking to him and looking at him every once in awhile. The last two pictures are how he looks when I "ignore" him for more then 5 minutes. Too cute!

Carter in all his cuteness

2009-02-03T19:47:00.002-05:00

Doesn't this kid just melt your heart???

And this picture... I love it! Like a little gansta or something with that mouth and his head cocked to the side a bit.

Bella's Beauty Routine

2009-02-03T19:41:00.002-05:00

I just love this! Bella loves to play with her vanity set from Santa. I love the morning sun shining in on her as she gets ready for the day. Brushing her hair...

Putting on (fake) lipstick and yes even nail polish...

And looking ever so beautiful when she's done!

Bath Time for the Chunkers!

2009-02-03T19:32:00.002-05:00

I love giving baths to Carter... he is just so darn chunky and covered in rolls that I can't help but to smile. He never cries during bath time, but this was the first time he actually smiled at me while I gave him a bath. So cute!!!

Bella ALWAYS helps me give Carter a bath. She loves to sit right next to us. I usually let her help me put soap in his hair. She's such a good big sister and loves Carter so much.

Some Great Advice

2009-02-03T19:21:00.002-05:00

I have a wonderful and amazing sister in law who is always there to build me up, support me, and be such an amazing friend. When she read my blog about taking a "before" picture of my chubby self (and read that I was going to post it for myself as motivation)... she reminded me that it wasn't a very positive motivation. Basically the law of attraction. If I say "I will not be fat" then of course I'm left thinking that last word... fat. But if I say "I will be skinny again". Wow, what a difference. So anyhow, I took her advice and dug out this old photo of me. This is about a year and half before I got married (senior year of high school getting ready for Prom). Yes, I know... not very modest but this is extremely modest compared to some of my other senior year pictures. Anyhow, I posted this picture on my fridge at about 2pm today and it has already done me wonders! When I go to the fridge or cupboard for a snack I see the picture and change my mind. Thank you so much Rachael for your WONDERFUL advice! Love you lots!

No Loss- No Gain

2009-02-03T13:36:00.002-05:00

BUMMER! I did not lose any weight this past week. I know that's because it was a rough week and I ate lots of crap. But I'm also very happy that I did not gain anything either. I'm still sitting at 178.4 pounds. I need to kick my butt in gear because the last two days have not exactly been great either. I just keep snacking! It's horrible. Now, my new favorite snack are these Fiber One chocolate chip granola bars. They are only 2 points which is awesome... but addictive. I have yet to add the physical fitness into my schedule. I'm just too lazy and not setting the best priorities but I know I can do it. I will do it... this week will be a good one.

This Week Is A Battle

2009-01-30T09:03:00.003-05:00

Well I'm a few days early on the weight loss post... but I just had to get it out. I'm not doing so hot this week. My junk food cravings over powered me a few times this week. I even ate 10 piece nuggets and a small fry at McDonalds. And no... I did not stay within my alloted Weight Watchers points that day either. Yesterday I also chowed down on a little bag of mini oreo cookies (meant for Isaac's lunches). Now, I know all of this is okay with weight watchers so long as your doing the point system. Well, I wasn't... in my little head I was just saying "Screw it! I'm hungry for junk!" I was so fed up with myself by last night that I decided to take a picture of myself (a sister suggested this) in my sports bra and some little swim shorts (That sadly fit me perfect before Carter and last night I struggled immensley to get them up over my thighs and butt). Anyhow, there's no way in heck that I will post those photos... I'm way too embarrassed. However I plan to look at those now whenever I want that junk food so bad. I was so disgusted of myself when I looked at them... I'm still crossing my fingers that when I step on the scale Sunday morning it will be another loss and not a gain. I've got a few days to make up for my laziness I guess. Right now I'm eating a 1 point Weight Watchers Yogurt (that is actually really really good) and a 2 point Minute Maid Juice Box. That's my breakfast... I'm already feeling full. I may eat a banana to hold me over too. Today is a new day.

Potty Training My Runway Model

2009-01-26T08:39:00.002-05:00

Bella recently started this new pose when we ask her to say "Cheese" for the camera. One time I tried to imitate her and I put both my hands on my hips and said cheese. She quickly fixed me, "No Mom... like this... not both hands" and place one hand on her hip. As many of you know Bella has this horrible habit of climbing on our counters and walking around. The other day I was making dinner and she climbed up there and started walking back and forth like a runway. At each end she stopped to pose and said "cheese" with her hand on her hip. I laughed so hard... she is such a girl!

~

And on another note, Bella is finally wearing underwear! She will be 3 in April and Doug and I just had enough of the double diaper changing. Especially on Bella because she is so big. She was ready the last couple months, I was just too lazy to do it. She started the whole process straight to underwear last Wednesday. Wednesday had 4 accidents, Thursday had 2 accidents, Saturday had 2 accidents, and yesterday had no accidents. She's doing great! We're so proud of her. She's pretty dang proud of herself too. When she sits down to go pee and knows it's coming or hears it she grins from ear to ear. Such a big girl now!

Not Much But Better Then Nothing

2009-01-25T14:25:00.003-05:00

Just reporting in to my public readers.... I started Weight Watchers one week ago today. I started sticking to it about 4 days ago. As you can see with my weight loss ticker to the side... I've lost weight! Yippee!!! I stepped on the scale this morning and read 178.4... finally! So I've lost 3 pounds. Not much, but better then nothing. I'm praying for another good week and hopefully a bigger weight loss.

My Public Weight Loss Journey

2009-01-20T17:44:00.003-05:00

First I must start with sharing this poem that I read in my January MOPS newsletter. This is so me...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

T'was the month after Christmas, and all through the house,

nothing would fit me, not even a blouse;

The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I had to taste,

at the holiday parties has now gone to my waiste.

When I got on the scales there arose such a number!

When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber),

I remembered the marvelous meals I'd prepared,

The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared;

The wine and the rum balls; the bread and the cheese,

and the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."

As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt,

and prepared once again to do battle with dirt,

I said to myself, as only I can,

"You can't spend a winter disguesed as a man!"

So, away with the last of the sour cream dip.

Get rid of the fruitcake, every cracker and chip.

Every last bit of food that I like must be banished,

'til all the additional ounces have vanished.

I won't have a cookie--not even a lick.

I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.

I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie,

I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.

I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore,

But isn't that what January is for?

Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.

Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Oh how true that poem is for me... even down to the "husband's old shirt" part. I want to be cute again! I want to wear my pre pregnancy clothes again. Better yet I'd love to wear my pre marriage clothes again (but I'll settle for the first one).

I've never been good at losing weight, working out, staying fit, and eating right. I've always given up and never followed through. I'm embarrassed now that I've let myself go so much. For some people, my weight may be perfect for them... but knowing what I once was and what I am now... well, I just know I can do better, look better, be healthier, and get back to the shape that makes me happy inside and out. I know, I know... I just had a baby! However, that baby was born over 9 weeks ago. Time to kick my butt into gear. I figured the best way for me to do this (for the 3rd time) was to make it public here on the blog. Yes, embarrassing... but at this point I'm willing to try anything.

So here's my weight history:

Pre Marriage: 119 pounds

Pre Isaac: 122 pounds

Gained 47 pounds with pregnacy

Pre Bella: 147 pounds

Gained 56 pounds with pregnancy

Did Weight Watchers and lost 19 extra pounds

Pre Carter: 152 pounds

Gained 48 pounds with pregnancy

Current Weight: 181 pounds

SHORT TERM GOAL: 150 pounds

LONG TERM GOAL: 130 pounds

~~~

My weakness is junk food. Chocolates, candies, chips, pie, cake, brownies, fast food, etc. I'm a bored snacker... meaning I just snack and snack and snack when I'm bored and not on healthy food. So this weight is never going to come off unless I do something about it. Wish me luck on this journey... I hope that I can blog with positive, but I'm sure there will be negative moments along the way as well. The past is what the past is... and tomorrow is a new day!

97th Percentile

2009-01-20T16:02:00.002-05:00

Carter had his 2 month check up with the doctor yesterday. I wasn't surprised to find out he is in the 97th percentile for his weight. Isaac was the same way... I think there even was a time when Isaac was off the charts. Big boys just run in the family (especially the Norton side). It's so sad that they grow up so fast... but especially when babies like mine get big so fast. Carter can only wear a few of his 3-6 month outfits but for the most part is moving onto 6-9 months. He loves to stare at me and smile. I love it! He just makes me so happy.

Weight: 15 pounds 5 ounces

Height: 24 and half inches (95th percentile)

Our Little Girly Girl

2009-01-09T11:22:00.004-05:00

As many of you know, our little Bella is the ultimate girly girl. So much that if I even try to put her dinner on a blue kids plate she says "no, blue is for boys." Well, you'd think that with her being such a girly girl she would have had her nails painted a long time ago... nope, just never thought of it. The other day she was rifling through our junk drawer and found some bright pink nail polish (which my sister Tonia sent to me for Bella when she was a newborn). Bella was so excited so I helped paint her fingers and toes. This is the biggest smile we have every captured in a photo... maybe even her biggest most real smile that we have ever seen. At least we know what makes her happy.

So 2 and half years later... Thank you Aunt Tonia!

Continuing with the story of our girly girl... after eating breakfast and sending Isaac off to school I told Bella to go upstairs and get dressed (something new we've been trying... letting her pick her clothes). Well this is how she came downstairs, boots and all. I couldn't stop laughing. I'm just glad that she is only 2 dressing like this and not 16.

Tummy Time

2009-01-09T11:12:00.002-05:00

Out of all the positions we put Carter in (the vibrating chair, the swing, his back, and his tummy) I think tummy time is by far is favorite. He does so well with his head too and has begun the kicking of his legs and trying to get his knees up.

Isaac's First Tournament

2009-01-09T11:01:00.002-05:00

Isaac participated in his very first wrestling tournament on January 3rd. He competed against other little 5 and 6 year olds and ended up taking home the 3rd place medal. We are so proud of our little guy! I was so nervous that he would cry if he got pinned or his arm got twisted but not a single tear was shed. He actually LOVED every minute of it. Even when he was matched up against someone he knew and lost, Isaac was still glowing. He did really well and we cannot wait to watch him at his next tournament. My pictures are kinda lame... I knew my dad was there taking tons of photos with his really nice camera so I only captured a few on mine from way up in the Mez. I have yet to download my dad's pictures. I'll post a slideshow of those sometime this weekend.

Ice Skating New Years Day

2009-01-08T10:14:00.008-05:00

Carter loves to smile and of course it melts my heart every time. You can tell from the photo that my face next to the camera and not behind it. New Years Eve the older kids spent the night at my parents so this picture was taken when it was just me and Carter at home getting ready to go ice skating (Doug went shooting with family). It was so nice to have a little bonding time with him.

For New Years Day we went ice skating with Grandma, Aunt Kristin & Trina and all their kids. Bella was so excited to put the ice skates on. Just another cool pair of shoes to her. She was excited alright... that is until a little later....

This was Isaac's first time ice skating

Our local ice skating rink offers these little walker things for the kids to use to balance on. Isaac tried it a few times without, but ultimatley decided it was best to use the walker. Even with the walker he fell down on his bum a few times as you can see below... however, he still LOVED ice skating and wants to go back really bad.

Bella on the other hand... hated it. She was so excited up until the minute I put her down on the ice. Her feet started to slide and she started to scream and cry. My sister Kristin even tried to help her use the walker but she wanted nothing to do with it. The picture below is us half way around the ice (I carried her) then put her down for a picture... she just screamed. When I ask her if she wants to go ice skating she always says "NO!". Maybe one day when she's older she'll change her mind.

My mom was sweet enough to come along and help watch Carter so I could participate with the older kids on the ice. Carter did so well the entire time and just stayed all snuggled up to his Grandma.

Christmas Day With The Mapley's

2009-01-08T09:51:00.004-05:00

It's tradition to head over to my parents on Christmas Day. This year we (or I should say my sister Kristin) did something special for them. This past July was the first time in 5 years that we had the whole family all together. My sister decided to put together a published book (blurb.com) with everyone photos from those 9 days, along with quotes from everyone. My parents loved this gift, especially my mom... who as you can tell was in tears most the time.

Gracie & Carter

Isaac and Bella were excited to get a new sled from the Anderson Family

Can't you tell how much Doug loves me??? (Yes, that's his new knife in his hand)

Isaac LOVES his Uncle Brian & Uncle James

Christmas Morning

2009-01-08T09:34:00.005-05:00

Isaac had fun sorting the presents this year (finally knowing how to read everyone's names)

Isaac was so excited to get his very own laptop computer to play games on

Bella was just as excited about her Barbie computer

I almost didn't get Carter anything this year because he is so little and we already have all the big baby items. But I decided that wouldn't be fair to him looking back at pictures one day of his first Christmas... here we are after opening a "tummy time" (which actually has come in very handy latley).

This was one of Bella's favorite gifts. She wouldn't even put it down for the photo. For the first few days after Christmas she would sit at our kitchen counter in the barstool putting on her "make up" and doing her nails.

Christmas Eve With The Norton's

2009-01-07T14:00:00.006-05:00

Every Christmas Eve we celebrate with the Norton Family. This year we celebrated at Rachael's house. I always manage to capture lots of photos of the kids but never the adults. Here's a sister in law photo below of AnnMarie, myself, and Rachael. Unfortunatley the other girls (Amy, Emily, and Bonnie) were unable to make it home this year.

I also had to add this photo of Doug's mom. There's a story behind this one. Christmas Eve was just going to be a day of appetizers and snacks, but I complained on behalf of my husband (who was not present when the decision was made) saying that he would be so disappointed there wasn't a big yummy Christmas feast. I of course offered to help with much of the meals... but Doug's sweet mom took on the task of preparing an amazingly yummy mexican style dinner. She went all out, above and beyond what I had expected. Everyone was soooo thankful for all of the hardwork she put into the meal. Everyone loves Meme's cooking! Thank you!!!

Every year Papa Norton reads the nativity story out of the scriptures while the grandkids act it out. This year Bella and Isaac got to portray Mary and Joseph while our little Carter took on the role of baby Jesus.

And then came the gifts... Isaac was psyched to get more cars as well as a rug he can drive them around on. He LOVES his little vehicles.

Bella was glowing when she discovered her baby doll (that talks!) and dress up shoes.

This was one of the first times that Carter smiled at his daddy. Doug was so happy and as you can tell, Carter was happy that his daddy was holding him.

Santa Took Them All...

2009-01-07T09:05:00.002-05:00

I have so many blogs and pictures to post from the crazy last few weeks. First I thought I'd start off by sharing our little story about Santa and the binkies (pacifiers for those of you who don't use the term binky). Bella has been a binky addict for 2 and half years now... stuck to her like glue. So we decided to get rid of it the same way we got rid of it with Isaac (however he was 3). We told Bella that Santa needed to take all of her binkies to other babies who weren't big like her and he'd leave her presents in place of her binkies. She was totally cool with this plan, but we still worried about the outcome.

Christmas Eve she fell asleep on the way home with the binky in her mouth. I carried her up to bed and once I laid her down she woke up a little bit so I asked her for her binky so I could leave it for Santa. She handed it to me and went to sleep. That night she only woke up once asking for it and we just reminded her the Santa was bringing presents. The next morning she was so excited to see all the presents.

She only asked for it a few times after that and we continued to explain that Santa took them to babies. She never through any tantrums and never cried... we got lucky. She occassionally takes Carter's binky and hides in a corner to suck on it but that will pass (Isaac did the same with Bella). A funny moment though- The other night she woke up about an hour after going to bed just screaming so I kinda laid down with her in bed (with Carter in my arms in between us). I told her to snuggle me and Carter and go back to sleep. She grabbed his hand (usually she does this and kisses it) so I assumed that's what was going to happen. Instead she picked it up and was trying to put it in her mouth like a binky. She finally stopped herself and looked at his hand, realizing what it was, put it down and went to sleep. So cute! I couldn't stop laughing...

Anyhow... Santa took them all and she's doing great! Yippee!!!

Gotta Love Winter...

2008-12-19T21:57:00.004-05:00

Well, this is winter where we live. We all knew this type of snow storm was coming. The kids woke up this morning, looked out the window, and were completley mesmerized by all the snow they saw. I think the pile on our patio table shows it the best. The snow was still coming down when I took this photo too so it was even worse by the time it stopped.

Knowing we couldn't travel very far we decided to head over to our neighbors house across the street to have a play date. The kids had so much fun, especially when the decided to play dress up.

The above photo is of Bella & Griffen (both 2 and half years old)

Here is Max (as a Ninja) and Isaac (as a SWAT officer) both 5 years old

Well I managed to drive over to the neighbors house safely and even drive home safely... however once I got into my own driveway I got stuck! And of course within feet of pulling into the garage. I kept backing up and trying to go forward and it just wasn't working with all the ice on the driveway under the snow. So finally I said forget it! I parked the car and headed inside with the kids. Within a few hours Doug came home and plowed the driveway with his excavator and then pulled the car into the garage with the excavator too.
Gotta love winter right??? Not me!

Wrestling Practice

2008-12-19T21:39:00.002-05:00

Well I finally made it out to one of Isaac's wrestling practices. It was great to watch him... finally realizing how much he really does love it. I'm gradually learning the wrestling terms; such as crossface, double leg, single leg, drive, etc. Doug keeps reminding me that one day I will be one of the moms sitting in the stands who just can't contain herself screaming at the top of my lungs. I guess if Isaac can learn to love wrestling, then so can I. I'm just really excited that him and Doug have a passion for the same thing. It's fun to watch them at night in the living room practicing moves too!

Little Bella had fun watching Isaac as well. She made a friend that night too (another little girl her age). Maybe future mat rats?

Here is Isaac getting some advice from his coach while he tries to take down his wrestling buddy Joey.

As for this picture below... don't ask. I don't know... other then maybe that wrestlers need to be flexible. Good job little guy doing a twist!

Norton Babies

2008-12-19T21:24:00.003-05:00

Here is the most recent round of Norton Babies. I love these photos!

Emily (7 wks), Joshua (15 wks), Carter (3 wks)

For some reason, Carter always looked mad. I love the difference in skin tones too! You can tell my little guy has sensitive skin with it being so red.

This above picture is great! Shows a little personality in each baby... especially little Emily!

And I couldn't help but to include this picture below of Joshua. He is such a chunky baby and I LOVE his cheeks. Every time I look at him and hold him my heart melts! He's so cute!

Cousins = Friends 4 Life

2008-12-19T21:06:00.002-05:00

For any of my readers that really know me, also know that the Norton girls tend to have our children in rounds. When I married into the family 3 of the sister in laws were already expecting... within a month of our marriage I found out I was expecting Isaac as well. What is so great about "the pregnancy rounds" is that our kids always have a friend... their cousins.

Brandon, Nathan, and Isaac (all age 5) are all best buddies and LOVE playing together. They all get so excited when they see eachother. These pictures are perfect. They are crazy boys who are usually wild and hyper and goofy when they get together. There was one more cousin, Emma, in this "round" but she lives out west. We miss you Emma! As do the boys!!!

2008-12-18T20:17:00.003-05:00

My sister made this slide and I thought it was so cute! So she sent it over to my blog. After we had the gingerbread day at Grandma's my mom decided to send all the supplies out west to my sister's family in Utah. So here is a slide show of all 13 of the "Mapley grandkids" and their awesome houses!

Gingerbread Houses & Cookies

2008-12-08T22:07:00.009-05:00

Last year a fun tradition was started of the grandkids heading to grandma and grandpa's to bake cookies. This year "Grandma" decided to do gingerbread houses too. The kids had so much fun making them. Every gingerbread house was uniquely different. Grandma supplied plenty of decorations (which of course many also got eaten). After decorating their gingerbread houses the kids also put together several different cookies, baked them, and decorated them as well. It was a busy yet fun filled day at Grandma and Grandpa's house!

It's so fun to watch Bella this year in all the traditions. She's older now and much more involved in everything. She also pretty dang independent; wanting to do it all on her own and in her own little way. She had lots of fun putting candy all over her house.

Here's a quick picture of all the grandkids (minus the 5 in Utah... we miss you!)

Isaac loaded his house up with lots of decorations. His very first choice (before anyone was even allowed to pick up anything) was the santa coming out of the red chimney.

Here is Isaac's finished product. I forgot to get one of Bella's. Whoops!

And now aren't you all so very amazed at the beautiful gingerbread house that Carter put together!?! He's my little prodigy... so proud. Of course I couldn't leave him out of the fun, so I put this one together for him.

3 Weeks & Holding Head High

2008-12-08T21:55:00.005-05:00

This is our little man Carter at 3 weeks. He has really sensitive skin, so he is usually pretty red and sometimes has raised rash on his skin. Poor little guy, but he's still absolutley adorable!!! Check out how good he can hold his head up. He has been holding his head up since birth. His favorite way to be held is on our chest facing us, so he can hold his head up by himself and look around. It's so cute!

Bath Time!

2008-12-08T21:47:00.002-05:00

This was Carter's first full fledge bath. He was 2 weeks old... sad I know, but I promise I have bathed him plenty since this day! The little guy hardly made a peep the entire time I bathed him. My sister Kristin was there to witness! His hair is so blonde, but I'm starting to question if maybe it will be strawberry blonde like his cousin Emma... I swear I see some red!

I love this picture below. I think he is so chunky for a 2 week old! Look at the rolls forming on his legs already. I have a feeling he'll be chunky like Isaac was.

~ Crazy Eights ~

2008-12-08T11:03:00.002-05:00

I was tagged by Sierra with Crazy Eights

RULES
1. Post Rules to your blog
2. Answer the six "8" items
3. Tag 8 other people

8 FAVORITE SHOWS: 1) Criminal Minds 2) CSI 3) CSI: New York 4) Cold Case 5) NCIS 6) Law & Order: SVU 7) Law & Order: Criminal Intent 8) America's Next Top Model

8 THINGS I DID YESTERDAY: 1) Curled my hair 2) Attended Church 3) Listened to Doug giving Carter a blessing 4) Visited with family during a luncheon after church 5) Changed Poopy diapers 6) Nursed a newborn several times 7) Attended a birthday celebration for Doug's dad 8) Took photos of the newest Norton babies

8 THINGS I LOOK FORWARD TO: 1) Christmas time with Family 2) Playing card games and board games during the holiday 3) The Summer! 4) A trip to St. George in March 5) Getting SKINNY! 6) Fitting into my wardrobe 7) Not being sick 8) Things calming down

8 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS: 1) Olive Garden 2) Italia Gardens 3) Big Boy 4) The Farmhouse 5) Bob Evans 6) Lucky's Steakhouse 7) Isola's Bistro 8) Mancino's

8 THINGS ON MY WISHLIST: 1) A girly hoodie sweatshirt 2) A fossil watch 3) A complete set of bedroom furniture 4) Gift card to IKEA 5) A trip to a warm climate area during the yucky winter months of Michigan 6) A membership to a place the delivers healthy meals to your doorstep so you can lose weight 7) My upstairs fully painted in the colors I have chosen 8) A Maid Service

8 PEOPLE TO TAG: 1) Trina 2) Kristin 3) Tonia 4) Mom 5) Courtney M. 6) Jenny R. 7) Holly D. 8) Cecilia

My Snow Babies

2008-11-29T11:50:00.002-05:00

Thanskgiving Eve was with the Norton Family and of course I forgot to take any photos. We still had a great time visiting with family and introducing our little Carter to some family members who had still yet to meet him. Then on Thanksgiving we spent the day at my parents along with my sister Trina and her kids. I have several photos to post but these three were my favorite. After eating a yummy meal the kids decided to go outside and play in the snow.

Of course I didn't take little Carter out in the snow, but this is a photo upon our arrival at Grandma and Grandpa's when he was still bundled up in his snow gear. Thought it was cute!

I'll be sure to post more Thanksgiving photos tomorrow.

Some Advice Please...

2008-11-25T16:40:00.003-05:00

Hello fellow bloggers

As you all know we have a new little one in our home. We are in love with him of course. He's already beginning to get little rolls on his legs. He holds his head up great when he's awake and loves to look around. He hardly ever cries and when he does it's more like a whimper. However today I did get to hear him really exercise his lungs when strapped in his carseat... he's not a fan of being strapped in. I don't blame him.

~ ~ ~

He LOVES to nurse and because of this love of his, my milk came in by day 4 (with my others it took over a week). My others also loved their binkies (which both of them had by day 2 of their lives). However Carter has no desire to suck on a binky whatsoever. Occassionally we can get him to take it if we hold it in his mouth long enough, but it doesn't stay in his mouth long after we let go. The only one he has somewhat tolerated is a latex MAM. I've tried several others and he just spits at them, chews on them, or cries. Now I'm most definetly not opposed to the "no binkies"... however it's causing as slight problem for me at night time.

~ ~ ~

With my older two I co slept. However down the road... well not so good having a 2 year old and 5 year old still wanting in your bed. Anyhow, I decided I did not want to co sleep with Carter for that very reason... it's almost impossible to get my kids out. So we've been attempting the whole bassinette ordeal. First few nights not so bad... but the last couple of nights have been a little more rough. We swaddle him and I nurse him to sleep... lay him in his bassinette and within minutes he's fussing (and sometimes crying). I nurse him back to sleep again and within minutes he's fussing again. I feel like I am non stop nursing and it would just be nice if he would take a binky because then I think he would actually stay in his bassinette. I'm really not sure what to do now. The last few nights he has ended up in our bed by morning and I really really really don't want to make this a habit. I am just so exhausted and frustrated at night that I give in.

~ ~ ~

So I would absolutley LOVE any and all advice that you may have for getting him to sleep in his bassinette without fussing. I'd even settle for him sleeping at least an hour! But without a binky... I'm just not seeing this happening.

A Deer for Carter

2008-11-22T18:52:00.005-05:00

For those of you who are "anti-hunters" just ignore this post. But if you've ever eaten a cheeseburger then no complaining about these pictures- someone had to kill that cow too. Anyhow, Doug's plan of Carter arriving on opening day did not go as planned but ever since the birth Doug has wanted to shoot a deer in Carters honor. (I know... kinda sick but at the same time, kinda sweet). Well tonight was Doug's lucky night!

With the help of doe urine (yes, store bought)... Doug was able to lure in this 7 point buck.

In honor of our newborn son Carter.

Last year we were able to put Bella on top of the deer Doug got but this year Bella wouldn't go near it unless Doug was right by her side. And no, that gun is not loaded...

One day Isaac hopes to claim a buck just like his Dad.

Adjusting To Three

2008-11-21T10:24:00.002-05:00

First off, I had to add this photo above. Carter was the talk of the hospital in this little outfit. We have a little tradition of Doug picking out and purchasing the homecoming outfits of our children. With Carter being born so close to opening day of gun season, Doug couldn't resist this little camo outfit from Cabela's. Everyone at the hospital called him a little hunter.

And then there were three...

Bedtimes have been interesting. Before Carter arrived Doug would put Isaac to bed in his room, I'd put Bella to bed in her room... no problems. However now there is a third little person who needs attention during that hour of the night. We're still trying to figure out a good routine.

~ ~ ~

I have yet to go to the store with all three. That will be quite interesting. However I did go to the store with the younger two and have since decided that I will do my very best to avoid trips with all three.

~ ~ ~

Getting Isaac on the bus while keeping everyone happy... not an easy task. Especially now that the temperature outside is so cold! I have to bundle everyone up; I'm not quite trusting to leave Bella and Carter indoors together...

~ ~ ~

It's only been a week... I know we have many more adjustments to come. For those of you who already have 3 or more children... I think you are amazing!

Vampires & Newborns

2008-11-21T10:13:00.002-05:00

What a sight it must have been for those who did not know us personally. Last night, well early this morning at 12:05am, I attended the opening of the Twilight movie with my mother in law and 2 sister in laws. Also in tow was Joshua (12 weeks), Emily (4 weeks), and Carter (1 week). I'm pretty dang sure they were the only newborns at the theater. Quite the site really... wish I would've had a camera. The majority of movie goers last night were teenagers too. I hadn't realized the book was such a hit with the teens.

~ ~ ~

Well I must say that I wasn't in love with the movie, but I wasn't disappointed either. It was simply a good movie. I wish it had been longer so they could've added more details from the book. I think the casting was perfect in all of the characters. Can't wait for second movie... Carter will probably stay home with dad for that one.

Home At Last

2008-11-17T08:50:00.002-05:00

We're finally home! Thank you to my wonderful family members for posting all the great pictures and slides (you can view slideshows on their blogs- which I'll try to post on here). It is so awesome to finally have Carter out of my belly and in our arms! He's a great baby and very content.

Friday morning I went in for my regular check up to discover that on the doctors charts they have been considering my due date November 14th the entire time. Which makes his arrival all the more crazy. That morning (after a long debated friendly argument with my doctor) he convinced me to get my membranes stripped saying I'd probably go into labor within 1-2 days. Well, one hour later I was at my sisters to pick up my kids and the contractions started right up. They stayed 3-5 minutes apart and so my sister requested I stick around before heading home. After about an hour of that she started calling people, including my other sister Trina who came to get my kids. I knew Doug was on a job that really needed to be finished so I didn't want to call him or go into the hospital. Finally Kristin and Trina convinced me I really was in labor and I called Doug. Kristin drove me to the hospital where we were met by Doug and my parents.

The contractions continued to be every 2-4 minutes apart... hardly any pain at all. I was moved into a laboring room and still felt as though I wasn't really in labor. Amidst texting family of our hospital news I jokingly sent a text to my sister in law Rachael telling her he already arrived and was 10lbs 3oz. She believed me yet once she realized it wasn't true she sent back a text that said "May painful contractions be upon you..." And just as though she was using some type of witchcraft, my contractions literally changed night and day and I was in tears because they were so painful! This happened within minutes of her text at 5:30. That's when labor flew right along... I asked for an epidural by 6pm but they were so insanely busy I didn't recieve it until 7:20pm.

The epidural worked on the pain of the contractions but I still felt every single ounce of pressure from Carters head... that pain was insane. However that lasted less then an hour... after 15 minutes of pushing out he came. He weighed in at 9 pounds 6.8 ounces (so they rounded up) and 21 and half inches. His head measured at 14.4 inches... much smaller then Bella's!

I feel as though I have been glowing ever since that last push that got him out. It feels WONDERFUL to no longer be pregnant and finally see the beautiful product of all that pain I endured. He is amazing and sleeps great compared to my last two. I will be sure to post more pictures as the week goes on. Thank you so much for all of the support I have recieved from everyone. And to those of you who are still pregnant- best of luck on your journey. I'll be thinking about you and praying for you!

Baby Norton

2008-11-15T14:54:00.009-05:00

Carter Douglas Norton
November 14, 2008
8:18 pm
9lbs 7oz
21 1/2 inches

Guest Post by Trina
Mom and Baby will be home on Sunday.

Due Date Shmue Date....

2008-11-13T09:08:00.002-05:00

Well, I said I wouldn't do it.... and yet I did. Long before this child in my womb was ever created I promised myself that I would never "go by my due date" again. After Bella's late arrival (by 5 days) I had decided that next time I was pregnant I would bump the "due date" a whole week. Somewhere in the excitement of finding out I was pregnant with this little guy, I must have forgotten about that promise I made myself. Now I'm wishing I would have remembered.

Here I sit at my computer... it is the 13th day of November. The day my doctor says the baby is "due". Guess what? Still no baby! I think we need to throw due dates out the window. From now on we should only have "due months". Wow, when are you due??? Oh sometime in November. Yes, that is what I should've been saying this whole time. Maybe next time I'll learn- that is, if there is a next time.

Carter will arrive when he's good and ready. This I am quite sure. Doug still claims he'll be good and ready on the 15th (Opening Day of Hunting). Doug's theory (which he wrote in detail on our calendar): Doug will go hunting in the backyard early in the morning. He'll shoot a giant deer (hopefully a buck), gut it, then hang it. Once all is done and he's cleaned up my labor will start, we'll head into the hospital and Carter will arrive around 5pm. Funny thing is I'll never hear the end of it if Doug ends up being right. Only time will tell...

For the Twilight Fans

2008-11-13T08:53:00.004-05:00

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

Thank you Trina for finding this quiz! This is for all the other Twilight Fans out there- which female are you? This is what it said about me being Esme (not sure if I agree completley but I'd rather be Esme then Rosalie!)

"You are thoughtful and care very deeply for your family. A loving home is of great importance to you and you always try to make people feel welcome. Although you have a great capacity to love, you also have a great capacity to hurt, so at times you can be sensitive. You're firm when you need to be, but people trust your judgment and appreciate the kind way you always handle things"

Still Waiting...

2008-11-11T08:48:00.003-05:00

This little cartoon is perfect! First off- my silly computer takes FOREVER to download anything. So comparing this pregnancy to downloading is absolutley perfect. It feels neverending! Secondly- my sweet children are constantly asking when Carter will be here. For so long I told them that he would come after Halloween. Well, it is after Halloween now and they want to know where the heck their little brother is. I'm sure you can tell by the tone of this blog that I'm growing very impatient. Horrible I know, considering my due date is still another 2 days away (13th).

It's amazing that Bella was 5 days late. It didn't even phase me that she was late! But with this one, I feel like he's a month overdue! I think much of those feelings have to do with the fact that I've been dealing with such difficult pelvic and pubic bone pain the past month. My body has just felt very ready to have him out. Of course I'd like him to come at his own time so that I may have better chances of an easy labor & delivery... but to top of the physical strain I'm starting to add emotional strain.

So I sat here yesterday, contemplating... why is this pregnancy so hard to endure and Bella's was not. I suppose the fact that I'm taking care of two children now instead of just one has a little to do with it. My energy level is not the same. I realize too the way I'm carrying this one has made walking, moving, sleeping, etc. all the more difficult. My belly is straight out in front and extremely LOW. But I think the biggest reason this has been so difficult to endure is simply the fact that I'm not first to go! What I mean by that is, when Bella arrived I had sister inlaws pregnant with me- but due after me (along with several friends). I was the first to welcome my little one during that time. With this one, my sister in laws have already given birth and even a friend that was due after me has already given birth!

Well I suppose I am just rambling now. I just wanted to let everyone know that Carter feels the need to keep on "downloading". Please say a little prayer for me- not necessarily that he will come soon, but that I will be able to gain a little more patience for his arrival. He can't stay in there forever right???

Trick or Treat!!!

2008-11-07T13:31:00.002-05:00

This year we took the kids to Grandma and Grandpa's to trick or treat. We ate yummy appetizers before heading out. The kids all surprisingly lasted a very long time. Everyone had a great time. Especially once they saw the candy the received!

Meemee's Halloween Party

2008-11-07T13:06:00.001-05:00

Every year Doug's mom "Meemee" throws a halloween party for all the grandkids. Everyone brings some yummy appetizers and a carved pumpkin. After we chow down the kids then parade around their costumes to the music "Monster Mash". After the parade we light all the pumpkins and see whose pumpkin stays lit the longest. During this time Meemee (or another adult) will tell a Halloween story or sing song. This year Jarod & Nathan's big pumpkin won. After the pumpking contest the kids have the opportunity to "Trick or Treat" for non candy items from all the aunts and uncles who strategically place themselves around the house (or in years past- in the yard). Everyone goes away happy and excited. This really is a fun tradition that we all look forward to every year. Thank you Meemee!!!

From Soccer Star to Little Wrestler...

2008-11-06T19:14:00.005-05:00

Last Spring we were able to watch some of Isaac's cousins play in their soccer games and ever since Isaac has been dying to play as well. This past September he was finally old enough to start on a "learning team". No actual games but he still loved it. So far, he says he'd like to play again next year. Now the funny thing is- the entire soccer season, Doug kept on saying one thing to Isaac: "Soccer is cool, but wrestling and football are cooler." Obviously you now know which sports my dear husband favors. I suppose I should explain that wrestling was not only a sport in the Norton family growing up, it was a way of life. Doug and 4 of his brothers competed in wrestling during high school and they were all good... extremely good. Even to this day when we have family get togethers you can find these fully grown men pulling wrestling moves on eachother in the middle of the living room floor. One of his brothers is even a head high school wrestling coach (which of course is a dream of Doug's as well). So now that you know the "importance" of wrestling to Doug and the Norton family I can continue with the story...

Last week as I went through Isaac's papers that came home from school I discovered a flyer for a local wrestling club (for kids ages 5-14). I didn't even know that one existed in our area (guess I didn't care to know). But as soon as I saw the flyer and realized Isaac was old enough to participate I sent a text to Doug. Doug has been waiting for this day. He has asked several times in the past year if Isaac was old enough for wrestling yet. Well of course once Doug learned about the local club he made the decision to sign him up. Yesterday he took Isaac and registered him, along with purchasing his very first pair of wrestling shoes (above photo). Doug came home to tell me that the season will last until March and they will even have tournaments in the spring. Yes, my little 5 year old could be competing in wrestling tournaments... I'm sure you can imagine the glow on my husbands face. He's pretty hopeful that Isaac will form a passion for wrestling. In all honesty I think Isaac will love it. I'm just really glad that Isaac and Doug finally have something that they'll be able to do together.

I couldn't help but include a few photos of Doug in his glory days. These aren't the best pictures because I took pictures of pictures with my camera (no scanner). Doug is the one in red and white in the one below... beating the other guy of course!

Halloween

2008-11-06T16:15:00.005-05:00

Finally! I have been trying for a week to upload halloween pictures. I really really need a new computer/internet. Anyhow- there are so many others I was hoping to post but due to a lack of time, these are the shots I was able to upload.

Isaac decided to be Batman this year. He actually made this decision back in the beginning of September when we saw the costume in the toy section. He had a blast trick or treating. This was the first year that he didn't want to hitch a ride in the wagon. He trecked the whole way with the rest of the cousins.

Doug unfortunatley did not dress up this year. Party pooper... he did however dress up like a geek at his mom's halloween party. I'll have to post that photo another day. I had a single shot of Bella that I kept trying to post but no matter what size I made it, it just wouldn't upload. This is probably the last year that I had a choice in her costume, so I chose Dorothy from Wizard of Oz. A friend of mine had given me the blue dress (not even meant as a Dorothy costume) and then I found the red shoes at Target. Cheapest halloween costume ever!

I must admit, the shoes really did make the outfit and Bella still loves to wear them everywhere.

This is a sad, sad, sad photo. Oh so big... and I can now see that in the last few weeks my face has started to get chunky (something I was hoping to avoid all together). Such is life I suppose. Anyhow- as you can see I decided to be a pumpkin. When out trick or treating I recieved a few crazy comments. First was passing the neighbors house (my parents neighbor), they called out "Tenille, is that real???" Ha! Funny! And then shortly after that I had a woman stare at my stomach ask when I was due and after I said two weeks, she replied with "wow, you just look miserable!" Oh my goodness, that is just something you do not tell someone who is in their last month of a pregnancy. Overall we had a great halloween. We have so many other "halloween" pictures from the holiday that I will hopefully make into a slideshow and post on here another day.

Last Chance Guesses???

2008-11-02T08:48:00.003-05:00

Well I am 38 weeks and 3 days pregnant and Carter has not yet chosen to come out of my womb. I never did post all the guesses that came in about a month ago so I thought I would post them here now. I suppose the newcomers have an advantage now, so if you posted before and would like to "reguess" feel free to leave it in the comment section and I'll change it in his baby book. I'll include a few updates as well:

At 37 weeks I was 1cm and 30% effaced. On Friday the 17th of October I had regular contractions 5 minutes apart for 2 hours. Since then nothing has been too regular, but I continue to have at least one contraction an hour if not more. I've only had about 5 "painful" contractions in the last week. The baby has dropped a little bit. The pelvic pain has intensified. I'm no longer asking to be checked because I believe that only gives false hope. I also will not have my membranes stripped or anything of that sort unless I am a week over my due date. So with that said- here are the old guesses:

Theresa: Nov. 1st @ 8:36pm NOPE!

Jenny R: Nov. 2nd NOPE!

Jenny H: Nov. 3rd @ 5:30am - 8lbs 14oz 20 1/2 in. NOPE!

Kristin: Nov. 4th @ 11am - 9lbs 15oz 20in NOPE!

Trina: Nov. 7th @ 4:30pm - 9lbs 2oz 20 1/2 in. NOPE!

Talia: Nov. 10th @ 7:30pm - 8lbs 6oz 20 1/2 in.

Analisa: Nov. 12th @ 4:25pm - 8lbs 3oz 19 in.

Tonia: Nov. 16th @ 3:23pm - 9lbs 3oz 22 in.

Mom & Dad N. : Nov. 22nd - 8lbs 8oz 20 in.

Cecilia: Nov. 26th @8pm - 9lbs 5oz 20 in.

IF YOU HAVEN'T GUESSED YET- PLEASE GUESS NOW AND POST IT UNDER THE COMMENTS! THANK YOU!!!

Pumpkin Carving

2008-10-30T20:46:00.004-04:00

Last Monday we decided to carve pumpkins for FHE. Both the kids were really excited and kept asking all day when it would be time. Doug helped them for the most part but somehow I managed to be the one in the photos.

Bella was excited up until I told her to put her hand inside and pull out the guts. She looked inside and then looked at me like I was crazy. Eventually she started to pull them out but kept this disgusted look on her face like she couldn't believe what she was doing. As you can see by the above photo I was trying to act as excited as possible to keep her digging.

Once all the guts were out and we were done carving, she was pretty dang proud of her pumpkin. She kept saying it was scary!

Now, Isaac on the other hand loved the feeling of the pumpkin guts. He was all smiles the entire time. After he was finished he helped his Dad draw a scary face to carve.

Doug helped Isaac with is scary pumpkin, but also took the time to carve the middle goofy one for little unborn Carter. After carving we set them in front of the fire place, lit some candles and turned the lights off. This was the first year that we didn't use those fancy stencils to carve pumpkins (you know with the haunted houses or flying witches). Turned out to be lots of fun letting the kids use their own imaginations (mixed with mom and dads of course).

I need this invention!

2008-10-29T08:20:00.002-04:00

Oh how I wish this invention truley existed! To top off all of the insane pain I've been experiencing from the tail end of this pregnancy... Heavenly Father has decided to give me a nasty head cold as well. I'm sure there is a reason for this trial... but right now I cannot see it and am just plain miserable. I feel like my head is about to burst right along with my tummy. I know- This too shall pass...

A War Between Sisters...

2008-10-28T18:41:00.002-04:00

Okay, so those of you who do not know my sisters or check their blogs- there is a war going on. Not too long ago my eldest sister Tonia (the one in the yellow shirt) snuck into my sister Trina's blog and posted her age for all to see. Trina promised to get Tonia back one day. Well Friday night Trina & my other sister Kristin attended a church Halloween party dressed up as 80's chicks. After Trina posted these pictures on her blog I posted a comment explaining that they "did Tonia proud". Tonia was the only one I remember dressing even slightly with 80's style. Well Tonia thought that was funny and said that she dressed "much, much cooler" then them. In retaliation to that comment, Trina posted the above picture of Tonia (in yellow) on her blog and is now taking votes. Who looks "much, much cooler"- Tonia or Trina & Kristin? So please take a little time to visit Trina's blog and cast your vote! Thanks!!!

Trina's blog: http://andersongaggle.blogspot.com/

Goose Hunting

2008-10-28T14:45:00.002-04:00

Dougs grandparents were able to come to Michigan from Arizona for a 5 day visit. We don't get to see them very often so it was really nice to spend a little time with them. Doug, his brothers, and his dad all decided to take Grandpa George out on a "man adventure". George is an avid hunter... even more so then Doug; so Doug found a place for them to go goose hunting. Although this adventure began for Doug at 2am in the morning (and they got rained on quite a bit), he had a great time and said he's glad he was able to learn more about it. Check out this little video that Doug's brother Jerry put together of their trip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFffFbEbjDQ

Have You Ever???

2008-10-25T08:49:00.002-04:00

Have you done any of these?...
Just copy and paste this to your blog and highlight or Bold the ones that you HAVE done.

1. Started your own blog 2. Slept under the stars 3. Played in a band 4. Visited Hawaii 5. Watched a meteor shower 6. Given more than you can afford to charity 7. Been to Disneyland/world 8. Climbed a mountain 9. Held a praying mantis 10. Sang a solo 11. Bungee jumped 12. Visited Paris 13. Watched a lightning storm at sea 14. Taught yourself an art from scratch 15. Adopted a child 16. Had food poisoning 17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty. 18. Grown your own vegetables 19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France 20. Slept on an overnight train (it wasn't overnight, but a really long one in Germany) 21. Had a pillow fight 22. Hitch hiked 23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill 24. Built a snow fort 25. Held a lamb 26. Gone skinny dipping 27. Run a Marathon 28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice 29. Seen a total eclipse 30. Watched a sunrise or sunset 31. Hit a home run . 32. Been on a cruise 33. Seen Niagara Falls in person 34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors 35. Seen an Amish community 36. Taught yourself a new language 37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied 38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person 39. Gone rock climbing (yes real rock climbing outdoors on a cliff in Idaho) 40. Seen Michelangelo’s David 41. Sung karaoke . 42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt 43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant 44. Visited Africa 45. Walked on a beach by moonlight 46. Been transported in an ambulance 47. Had your portrait painted 48. Gone deep sea fishing 49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person 50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris 51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling 52. Kissed in the rain 53. Played in the mud 54. Gone to a drive-in theater 55. Been in a movie 56. Visited the Great Wall of China 57. Started a business . 58. Taken a martial arts class 59. Visited Russia 60. Served at a soup kitchen 61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies 62. Gone whale watching 63. Got flowers for no reason 64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma 65. Gone sky diving 66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp 67. Bounced a check . 68. Flown in a helicopter 69. Saved a favorite childhood toy 70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial 71. Eaten Caviar 72. Pieced a quilt. 73. Stood in Times Square 74. Toured the Everglades 75. Been fired from a job . 76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London 77. Broken a bone 78. Been on a speeding motorcycle 79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person 80. Published a book 81. Visited the Vatican 82. Bought a brand new car 83. Walked in Jerusalem 84. Had your picture in the newspaper 85. Read the entire Bible 86. Visited the White House . 87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating 88. Had chickenpox 89. Saved someone’s life 90. Sat on a jury 91. Met someone famous 92. Joined a book club 93. Lost a loved one 94. Had a baby 95. Seen the Alamo in person 96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake 97. Been involved in a law suit 98. Owned a cell phone 99. Been stung by a bee

Another Neice!

2008-10-23T08:25:00.003-04:00

Monday the 20th at 11:50pm my newest neice made her debut. Emily Grace weighed 6 pounds 12 ounces and was 19 and half inches long. She's so tiny and beautiful! I went to the hospital on Tuesday afternoon to visit her and Rachael & Brian (also to take several pictures for Rachael). When I held her my heart melted. It made me so anxious to meet my little Carter! Rachael and I have been on this journey together neck and neck. I found out I was pregnant just days after she did, we were both horribly sick at the same time and put on Zofran, we found out the gender of our babies on the same day, and shared some maternity belly portraits together as well. Rachael was due 2 weeks ahead of me, so I knew her little one would more then likely arrive before mine. I guess now it is really becoming real for me that my turn is just around the corner. Exciting!

Back to Reality

2008-10-16T08:04:00.002-04:00

Well I am extremely happy to report that exactly 2 weeks after buying the first Twilight book- I finished them all!!! Late last night the best feeling was to read that final page of Breaking Dawn which simply read "The End". Although I thoroughly enjoyed reading every single book I am so psyched to get focused and jump back into reality. I'm only due in 4 weeks!!!

So yesterday I went out and purchased some new bedding for our master bedroom. Doug promised that once the room was painted he would purchase a complete new set of bedroom furniture. I'm crossing my fingers that this entire project will be complete by the time little Carter makes his debut into this world. Doug asked for no more brown (our upstairs has lots of it, including our old bedding). So I decided to really step out of my comfort zone and buy some bedding that I normally wouldn't consider. Now that it's on the bed I am so happy with it and can't wait to get started on the rest of the bedroom. We plan on buying dark chocolate furniture. Here is the bedding that I purchased (it's actually the same exactly colors as the paint on my living room wall!)

So seeing as how I was finally hitting the "nesting" mode yesterday, we decided to set up the crib and bassinette as well. Washing all of Carters bedding and clothing. Now I need to pack! I have done this twice now but of course am always wanting to know what worked best for everyone else. So if you could; before I begin this packing journey- tell me what items you wish you would have brought to the hospital or what items you absolutley loved having. Thanks!

In Our Arms???

2008-10-08T09:25:00.005-04:00

Oh, isn't this photo so sweet? The title of this post is "In Our Arms".

The question for all of you is...

When will we be holding little Carter in our arms?

Estimated Due Date: November 13th

It's so fun to hear and record everyone's guesses on the arrival of our little ones. I'll have to go back and check to see who was the closest with Isaac & Bella and post that another day. Today, however I'd like to start reading what you think. I will be 35 weeks tomorrow and a "full term" pregnancy is technically at 37 weeks. So this little guy could arrive anytime between October 23rd and November 27th. (Oh yes- big gap I know, but he very well could be two weeks late. I want him to come on his own time and will not ask to be induced until that date). For your guesses I'd like to know the following: Date of arrival, time of arrival, weight, and length. To assist you in your guessing I suppose I should remind you of my last two children.

ISAAC

Isaac was due October 27th. I was at the hospital in labor with him twice (32 weeks & 34 weeks), both times the labor was stopped with tributaline. Back in the hospital again at 35 weeks and 4 days with consistent strong contractions. He arrived the next day (Sunday) at 9:15pm weighing 7 pounds 11 ounces and was 19 and half inches. (May I remind you that the on call doctor did not attempt to up my tributaline but instead broke my water!)

BELLA

Bella was due on April 4th. I didnt' set foot in the hospital with her until the wee morning hours of April 9th (Sunday). She was born 6 hours later at 8:14am weighing 8 pounds 14 ounces and was 20 inches long.

So there you have it- one child was a month early and the other was almost a week late!

I'm clueless on this one's arrival. The contractions come and go but nothing consistent.

Okay- so here's where your conscience comes into the picture. I want you to make your guess before clicking on the comments to see everyone elses. Write yours down and then go and post it under the comments. Don't change it once you see the others!

So click on the comments and post your guess or email it to me

Remember: Date, Time, Weight, Length

Thanks!!!

It Happened...

2008-10-08T08:55:00.002-04:00

Well.... it happened. I fell into the trap and am officially in love with the Twilight Series. I once was one of those people who laughed and made fun of the crazy "vampire" lovers and yet now I have become one. The majority of the girls on my Norton side have been raving about this series the past few months. When I found out that our "Norton Girls Night" in November would be to see the new movie "Twilight" I figured I better at least read the first book so I wasn't lost. So I purchased the paperback at Target for $8 last Thursday at about 2pm. I finished it the next day at 10pm!!! I couldn't put the thing down- it was insane. I wanted to read the 2nd one right away but knew I could patient and hold out... that is until late Friday night I discovered the "preview chapter" for the next book. After I read that I was doomed- Saturday afternoon I was at Walmart purchasing New Moon. I paced myself better with that one though- just recently finishing it yesterday. Now I'm trying to be patient and wait for my mother in law to bring me the 3rd and 4th books on Thursday. This is the first day in a week that I haven't read the Twilight Series! Sad huh? Well I must say looking at the picture for the new movie has me ecstatic to watch it. Little Carter better come out long before the movie or wait until after it arrives because I have every intention of sitting in the theater on opening night!!!

Go ahead and laugh all you haters- but pick up the book once and I promise you'll fall in too!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ISAAC!!!

2008-09-28T08:35:00.002-04:00

It's hard to believe our little boy was born 5 years ago today!

Isaac arrived a month before my due date on Sunday the 28th at 9:15pm. After 29 hours of labor we were able to welcome our little boy into the world, weighing 7 pounds 11 ounces... amazing for a 35 week gestation! However his poor little lungs were underdeveloped and he was whisked off by ambulance to another hospital better equipped to treat NICU babies. Isaac spent the first 6 days of his life in an incubator with an oxygen hood. Because of his large size he was known as the "Giant" of the NICU. It was only natural for us to worry that as a premie he would struggle in life and possibly even be the "small little guy". Isaac surprised us though by becoming one of the biggest and strongest kids of his age group. He is also extremely intelligent and loves to learn. We are so proud of the boy he has turned out to be. We love you so much Isaac!!!

Thank Goodness for Sisters!

2008-09-24T12:34:00.002-04:00

I had every intention to create this post several days ago. I have procrastinated due to the fact I was hoping to upload pictures, but my computer is just too slow. I just wanted to share with all my readers how greatful I am for my sisters (and my sweet brother of course too). However, last week I recieved some "unexpected" visitors on my doorstep. There stood two of my sisters, Kristin & Trina. They were together at Kristin's house figuring out computer stuff when they read my blog- that was the day I posted the very negative blog titled "Be Positive". I opened my door and Kristin proudly announced "We're here to clean!". I was shocked in all honesty. I reminded them that on the post I specifically said I wanted no one's pity or offers of assistance. They just stood their laughing and smiling and kept being persistent that they were going to clean my house. Of course I was very greatful for their extremely generous offer but to be honest- I was extremely embarrassed that my two older sisters were about to clean my disgustingly dirty house. I felt awkward the majority of the time that they were scrubbing bathrooms, walls, and floors... but when they were finished I couldn't help but to feel such a sense of relief and gratitude. Ever since that day I have had a different attitude about being a housewife. I've been able to keep up on my chores and surprisingly keeping a good attitude about it too. They gave me the little boost that I so badly was in need of. So to Kristin & Trina: I don't think you guys will ever understand how much your act of service really meant to me. I feel very blessed to call you my sisters!

THANK YOU!!!

She said What???

2008-09-19T19:32:00.007-04:00

Yes she is only 2 and half

Yet her most recent phrases consist of:

"Poopy Head!"

"Na na na na na na BATMAN!"

"I hate you Mom"

"I Farted"

"You go sit in Time Out NOW!"

"Whatever"

(Big brother is most definetly wearing off on her)

The Belly

2008-09-19T19:32:00.004-04:00

So here it is... my 32 week belly. After I took these pictures I kept staring at them and for the first time thought "I'm small!". I sure don't feel small, but in comparison to my other pregnancies... I'm small. Then Doug graciously reminded me that I still have another 8 weeks to go. Of course those last 8 weeks are when I pack on the pounds too- so we'll see what I say then.

I decided to be daring and take a skin belly shot for you all. Surprisingly you cannot see my many stretchmarks. My belly is actually covered in them, so I'm kinda liking this picture allot. Do I look low to you? Because I definetly feel low... well he feels low I should say.

Happy News!

2008-09-17T10:27:00.002-04:00

After my negative post from yesterday, I am incredibly happy to report that the work situation with Doug has taken a change for the better. Woohoo!! Last night (just after publishing that ever so negative post) Doug came home and announced that he will no longer be doing that job 2 hours away. Another company was able to take on the job for the same price allowing my sweet hubby to find local jobs until this baby comes. He made my day with that announcement! Now we just need all your prayers that he is capable of getting local jobs to keep the company financially supported... I guess some gratitude actually does pay off!

Be Postive! Be Positive! Be Positive!

2008-09-16T17:47:00.003-04:00

Today is a very negative day. I can't even begin to type the amount of negativity that has entered my little brain today. I suppose I'm just hitting a rut... and I really do know that "this too shall pass."

I am entering the last 8 weeks of this pregnancy and sadly I feel "misery" set in about 2 weeks ago. I feel like that purple girl from the original Charlie & The Chocolate Factory... and my dear sweet belly still has so much growing yet to do! My legs keep cramping up, my siatic nerve shocks me every now and again, oh and have I mentioned restless leg syndrome? My back is aching every second of the day (and yes I'm seeing a chiropractor regularly), my mind is going... what's the word... "bye bye", I'm constantly tired and fatigued, I can literally feel my pelvic bone beginning to shift which is the most horrible pain right now. If I sit too long then I get up and walk like I'm 100 years old and yet if I stand too long then I feel like I'm going to collapse to the floor. I have no energy... none whatsoever... not even on a good day. Whatever happened to that final "nesting phase"???

To make matters worse, Doug has recently started a job that is 2 hours away... a very big and financially important job mind you. His foreman recently quit which means Doug will need to be there almost every day helping out his employees. This job is supposed to end roughly around the exact time that Carter is due... however progress has been very slow on the job and I'm now worried that his late nights will continue longer then the next 2 months.

Although school has started for Isaac, his energy level has remained quite high... especially on his days off. He still continues to enjoy making his little sister cry... but she's not so innocent- she cries even when he brushes up against her; little stink. Isaac craves constant attention and entertainment, which I am really struggling to offer in my current state of woe.

Bella... oh sweet Bella... is taking on so many aspects of Isaac's "wild" personality. She has begun to bounce of the walls (sometimes literally). Her desired place of rest is in my arms which is not quite so easy with a giant belly in the way.

Being a housewife: over on my sidebar it says under "About Me" that I love what I do. Oh boy, I must have typed that little tid bit at a high point of this pregnancy. I stare at my laundry in disgust along with the dishes in the sink. The floors covered in dog hair, bloodhound drool, crumbs, dirt, and who knows what just makes me cringe. The unmade beds... well those just stay unmade lately. The bathrooms; the 4 bathrooms- yea I'm not going there... just let me say 2 males in the house make me want to stay away from those areas. Overall I just don't want to think about anything that deals with being a housewife. Sad huh?

Okay- so whats the point of me posting all my negativity? I guess simply to get it out... I'm not looking for anyone's pity or even for offers of assistance. I got myself where I am and I can get myself out of this rut. Sometimes it's just nice to wallow in my own self pity... but what I know I need to remember is "Count your blessings... name them one by one." I know that if I can focus on the positive a little more then the negative things just won't seem as important. I just need to keep telling myself to BE POSITIVE. And I promise you- I will do my best.

I have SO many things to be grateful for... even relating to the things that are currently bringing me down.

1. This pregnancy is a blessing. After having 2 miscarriages, I feel so blessed that my Heavenly Father has given me this opportunity to carry another baby. I am a woman who can concieve and carry a child in my own womb.

2. My husband HAS a job. A stable job. A job that is able to support us financially in all aspects. A job that allows him to come home in the evening and on the weekends.

3. My son is healthy. He does not have any severe illness or diseases. He has all of his limbs and all of his senses. He has energy that so many sick children lack. He is amazingly intelligent.

4. My daughter is all of the above as well. She is also still a little child who adores me... she's far from being that teenager who wants nothing to do with her mother. She is a daughter- something I never really thought I'd have marrying a man with 6 brothers.

5. I HAVE a home. An extremely nice home. I have the finances to buy clothing that we need and even desire. I have warmth in the winter and AC in the summer.

Now I challenge each of you to think of 5 things that you are grateful for and either post them under my comments or in your own blog. Thanks for reading yet another insanely long post!

"I'm Still A Guy"

2008-09-11T13:59:00.007-04:00

I hardly ever take the time to listen to the radio, usually because my kids take over the DVD player in the Van. But today while Isaac was away at school Bella fell asleep and I decided to tune into a country station (the only type of music I care for lately). Thats when I heard a song that made me smile. I couldn't stop smiling until the song was over because every word of it reminded me of my husband Doug. This song describes my husband 100% and to be honest it's why I fell in love with him over 6 years ago. In Brad Paisley's live you tube video (posted at the end) he claims this is a song for "Real Men".... and that is what I love most about my husband. He is the definition of a "Real Man".

"I'm Still A Guy" by Brad Paisley

When you see a deer you see Bambi,and I see antlers up on the wall.

When you see a lake you think picnics,and I see a largemouth up under that log.You're probably thinkin that you're gonna change me.In some ways well maybe you might. Scrub me down,dress me up,oh but no matter what, remember I'm still a guy.

When you see a pricless French painting,I see a drunk naked girl.

You think that riding a wild bull sounds crazy,and I'd like to give it a whirl.

Well love makes a man do some things he ain't proud of and in weak moment I might,walk your sissy dog,hold your purse at the mall, but remember I'm still a guy.

I'll pour out my heart,hold your hand in the car,write a love song that makes you cry. Then turn right around knock some jerk to the ground 'cause he caught the feel as you walk by. I can hear you now talkin to your friends,sayin,"Yeah girls he's come a long way from draggin his knuckles and carryin aclub and buildin a fire in a cave." But when you say a back rub means only a back rub and you swat my hand when I try. Well, at the end of the day all I can say is,"Honey,I'm still a guy."

I'll pour out my heart,hold your hand in the car,write a love song that makes you cry. Then turn right around knock some jerk to the ground 'cause he caught the feel as you walk by.

These days there's dudes gettin facials,manicured,waxed,and botuxed.With deep spray-on tans and creamy lotiony hands,you can't grip a tackle box. Yeah,with all of these men line in up to get neutured.It's hip now to be feminized. I don't highlight my hair. I've still got apair.Yeah,honey I'm still a guy. Oh,my eyebrows ain't plucked there's a gun in my truck. Oh,thank God,I'm still a guy.

(YOU TUBE VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbk1DQIvjCw)

Scarred by Movies

2008-09-07T17:42:00.005-04:00

Thank you so much for all of you who replied back to my "cry of help" regarding Isaac and his bedtime terror. I'm so greatful to know that when I need advice- you will be there for me. We still intend to use every bit of advice that was given, however we think we have finally figured out why our son is unable to sleep through the night. After a long drawn out tearful conversation with my mom she posed the obvious question "What happened or was going on a month ago when this all began?"

So- that is what I did. To be honest, Doug came up with this conclusion several weeks ago and I just must not have been listening. Roughly a month ago we allowed Isaac to watch the movie Zathura in his room by himself before bed. Now he has seen this movie several times, both with us and without us- but always during the day and never in his room. Zathura is not meant to be a scarey movie for kids but considering the situation during his viewing- it was. Zathura is about two boys who play a game that spin their home into outerspace where they encounter alien creatures who like to eat humans (sounds much worse then what it is). The movie ends happily of course, but we believe that story line haunts him at night before bed.

What makes this situation even worse is the fact that we allowed him to watch another similar movie within a week of that. The 2nd movie is Spiderwick Chronicles. Yet another movie that he has watched with us and never been frightened from. However we feel that the mix of both movies with some frightening images and content for a 5 year old- have scarred our little guy. I of course feel horrible as a parent for making such decisions. We no longer will allow him to watch those movies and are doing much better about screening all other shows.

So now we are taking baby steps to getting him adjusted back to normal. He fell asleep on his own and slept in his own bed for 2 years. We know he will be able to do it again one day. He's already making progress. We have decided to use a reward chart as well which he's excited about. So once again, thank you all for your great advice. I'll be sure to keep you posted on his progress!

Isaac's Big Day

2008-09-05T13:03:00.003-04:00

Isaac was able to finally start what he calls "Big Kid School" on Wednesday. He was so excited that he woke up at 6:30am asking if it was time to get on the bus.

Of course little Bella wanted to be in the pictures as well. She seemed just as excited as Isaac. In fact when we were heading outside at the end of the day to get Isaac off of the bus she kept saying "My turn now". Poor little girl has quite a ways to go before she's heading off to big kid school.

Now you tell me, does he look like he's only 4? So many people ask me if he is 6. He's a big kid for his age. Yesterday we figured out he is 47 inches tall and weighs 55 pounds. This continues to make me question if we should have put him in Kindergarden... his preschool teachers seemed to think he would have done wonderful. Hopefully we made the right decision doing Early Fives.

Isaac loves his new teacher, Mrs. Christian. He said that she is super nice and never mean. (I have yet to remind him that he's only been in school for 2 days... so we'll see.)

When I asked Isaac what his favorite part about school was, he replied "Riding the bus to and from school." As you can tell by his giant grin he LOVES the bus. I had the camera all ready when he was waiting for the bus but he ran so quickly when the doors opened I didn't get any good pictures. Luckily I drove to the school and was able to arrive before the buses to capture this shot.

Tears of Frustration & Sleep Deprivation

2008-09-05T07:15:00.000-04:00

Where do I start? I'm just not quite sure... I believe my tear ducts will be completely dried up by the time I have this baby. For the last month now I have spent many nights crying (typically around 4:30am). I no longer know what to do and am hopeful that some of you may be able to give me your advice.

Isaac has been waking up at least twice a night wanting to come into our room to sleep or wanting Doug or myself to sleep with him in his room. Many nights he claims he's scared and so we of course talk calmly to him, explaining that things are okay and there's nothing to be afraid of. We snuggle him, give him hugs and kisses, leave the bathroom light on, and make sure he has his teddy bear "Sammy". This all usually occurs around 12:30am. Then roughly 2 hours later he wakes up again and comes to our bedroom door. This time we tell him to go back to bed that everything is okay- he cries and does not stop crying. Not only does he cry but he screams at the top of his lungs. Finally we get up and take him back into his room, get him in bed- this is when he claims that something hurts (his head, his eyes, his knee, his foot, his neck, his back... occasionally he will go through all these things in one night). Eventually he falls back asleep only to wake up again at about 4:30am. This is where I lose it. I'm exhausted. This pregnancy is so physically draining on me and I desperatly need sleep to survive during the day. It's rare for Doug to get up with Isaac at night (unless I'm drowning in tears) because he gets up early for work. (And he really needs his sleep considering he operates heavy machinery and drives long hours).

So 4:30am rolls around and the crying and screaming begins again. This time I'm no longer able to be the nice mom. (Which of course I know doesn't help). So I try a little love and logic, giving him choices. "Would you like to go to sleep in your bed with the bathroom light on or sleep in your bed with the light off?" OR "Would you like to sleep with a warm blanket or be cold at night?". Let me tell you- Love and Logic just does not work with this kid. So then I result in threatening to take things away (teddy bear, pillow, blanket, favorite toys for the week)... and then I actually do take those things away. Think it works? Nope! He continues to get up several times every night crying, screaming, wanting to sleep in our room (and not only in our room on the floor but in our room in our bed).

I suppose I should also explain to you that little Bella sleeps in our room. However she sleeps in her toddler bed next to me (our goal is to get her into her room... another task I'm so not looking forward to!) So when all of this is happening with Isaac- well you can only guess, Bella wakes up crying. So not only am I dealing with one child who will not sleep- but it is almost always two!

Last night was the cake topper- I couldn't stop the tears from flowing. I was furious, exhausted, frustrated, and just a mess. We took the advice of a few family members and chose to lock our door after he came in the 2nd time (this being 4:30am). We don't actually have a lock though so Doug pushed our dresser up against the door. Supposedly, according to these family members- he'd probably go back into his bed and cry himself to sleep, or fall asleep by the door crying... something of that sort. Yea- that is so not what happened. From 4:30am until 6:ooam (the time Doug left for work) Isaac chose to stand outside our bedroom door screaming, crying, beating the door with his fists, then talking calmly, back to crying and screaming (telling us to wake up, get out of bed), even attempting to scream out Bella's name a few times to get her up so I would come and yell at him (thus getting me out of bed- his ultimate goal). For the first 45 minutes or so we would keep telling him to go to bed that we were all trying to sleep. Then the last 30 minutes we just ignored him. This resulted in him throwing the laundry basket down the stairs and chucking his big fan at our bedroom door over and over until finally it was time for Doug to get up anyhow. I sent him to his room for the next 30 minutes, Doug headed off to work, and then I had him clean up the mess he made in the hallway.

So now here I sit at the computer- it is 7:30am and we have all been up since 4:30am (even little Bella). Isaac has lost his favorite toys to play with (basically his only toys he ever plays with) and has lost snack priveledges as well. However I know that when this evening rolls around- I will more then likely be laying in my bed covered in tears because it will all happen again just as it has every night for the past month.

I truley love Isaac with all of my heart. There are many many moments in our lives that he brings laughter into the room. He's one of the smartest 5 year olds I've ever known. He's adorable and full of sooooo much energy. He has the most amazing imagination and has the craziest stories to tell. I wouldn't trade him for the world- but this night time thing... well, it's killing me. I need to find a way to get some sleep before this baby comes or I'm afraid I'll experience Post Partum Depression all over again. So please send your advice my way! I'll try just about anything at this point. Thank you for taking the time to read this incredibly long post!!!

Blog Hopper

2008-08-28T23:15:00.000-04:00

I think I am officially a Blog Hopper... if that can even be classified as a word or title. I love to click on the blogs of my friends and family and then click on the blogs of their friends and family. Then of course clicking on comments you see even more blogs. It has been my way of finding people that I have lost contact with. I love seeing the pictures and reading the words of people I haven't seen in 6, 8, or even 10 years.

So I must apologize if your family name appears under our "Friends & Family" list and you did not wish it so. Please please please let me know if you have problems with me adding your family to my blog. I just like having your link close at hand so I can check up on you and your family every once in awhile. If you know me currently or knew me or my husband at some point in your past then feel free to add us to your blog as well!

Am I the only blog hopper??? Please tell me there are more of my kind....

One Week til School Starts!

2008-08-27T08:41:00.000-04:00

Isaac's first day will be next Wednesday. He is so excited (as am I!). Last night we were able to go to his school orientation and meet his teacher, Mrs. Christian. Isaac's really excited because she seems super nice. She's young too so I think she'll be able to handle all his energy pretty well. There are only 15 kids in Isaac's class which is a change from the 24 kids in his preschool class. Hopefully that means more one on one time with the teacher. As all the kids sat in their little chairs last night listening to their teacher, Doug and I looked around and laughed as we noticed Isaac was the giant of the classroom. There were even a few kids that actually looked half the size of Isaac. It made me question if we made the right decision putting him in E5 instead of Kindergarden. But Doug reminded me that he'll more then likely never get bullied because he's so much bigger and he'll more then likley be ahead of the class. So I guess we will see how the school year goes.

Isaac is especially excited that he gets to ride the bus to school. He was able to meet his bus driver last night and sit on the bus as well. He was amazed at how big the bus was (much bigger then the ones he has ridden on before). Of course I'm nervous as a mom sending my first kid off to school on a bus- but it's reassuring knowing the school is right around the corner and he won't be on the bus very long. Only 7 days to go....

23!!!

2008-08-21T22:04:00.000-04:00

Today my sister in law AnnMarie gave birth to her 5th child, a little boy! I was able to be there for the entire birth and it was the most beautiful experience ever. I have gained so much new respect for AnnMarie- she was amazing. Pumped with Pitocin the last few hours, no epidural, no taring, and calm as a woman at a spa up until she hit 10cm. Little Joshua Lee Norton was born at 4:51pm weighing 9 pounds 2 ounces and was 21 inches long. He has a beautiful head of dark hair too. Watching AnnMarie has made me both excited and nervous for November to roll around... it's getting so close!

Are you wondering what the 23 means? Well, little Joshua is my 23rd nephew/niece. Amazing huh? There are 10 on the Mapley side: Tyler, Bailey, Chase, Brinley, Brooklyn, Ethan, Tatum, Chloe, Kennedy, and Grace. 13 on the Norton side: Jacob, Sam, Emma, Matthew, Jarod, Nathan, Jonathan, Grace, "Joshua", Sommer, Brandon, Olivia, and Logan. One more niece will be joining the Norton side sometime in October... the babies just keep on coming!

A Personal Battle

2008-08-18T13:25:00.000-04:00

Since childhood I have consistently carried with me a bad habit: unhealthy eating. I have always favored junk food, candy, fast food, and desserts over the healthier choices such as fruits, vegetables, and baked meats. During my childhood and youth this problem did not phase me because I had an amazing metabolism that worked so quickly. I could eat whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted and still mantain a very small physique (and that was also without much physical fitness).

When Doug and I married in December of 2002 I weighed roughly 120lbs, wore size 2 pants, and size small shirts. However something happened once I got pregnant with my son. My metabolism slowed down (I'm sure both due to age and pregnancy). I gained 47 pounds during that pregnancy (and my son was born a month early). I only lost about 15 of that before getting pregnant with my second child, Bella. During her pregnancy I really let myself go. I took on the attitude of many pregnant woman... "I'm pregnant- I'll eat whatever I want and lots of it!". This unwise decision led to the pregnancy weight gain of 56 pounds- most of that weight went straight to my butt and my thighs (I have millions of stretch marks to prove the quick growth of those areas).

After her birth I realized I was no longer a 19 year old with an amazing metabolism. It finally hit me that I had to eat healthy in order to maintain a healthy physique (or at least the physique I was so used to). So I joined Weight Watchers. I did so well at first- and shed so much weight. But of course I had my moments: gorging on weight watchers candies and ice cream treats. Eventually when I hit my "goal" (which was not my ultimate goal but merely a realistic goal) I started to stray from the plan and picked up my bad habits all over again.

Fortunatley I did not pack on the pounds like I did while pregnant. However I remain much "thicker" then I'd like to be and of course what's most important to me now- how unhealthy my insides are. I want to be a healthy eater. I want to be toned and in shape- not necessarily a little twig that weighs nothing but simply healthy. Of course I'd also love to look similar to what I did on my wedding day as well. I think that's only normal though- everyone wants to look like they did at their thinnest adulthood weight. My current weight may seem perfect to some but for me I know what I was and what I can be and therefore that is what I desire.

I'm entering my 7th month of this pregnancy and I've gained roughly 20 pounds to date. Not so bad considering my past pregnancy weight gains. But it's the last two months of my pregnancies that I lose it and the pounds rack up. So I've decided to take on a challenge from my older sister Tonia. Although she may disagree she is the epitomy of health. She goes to the gym several times a week, watches what she eats, participates in plenty of physical activity and looks amazing! With that said I figured she would be the perfect coach for me to get back to where I'd like to be.

The challenge begins September 1st and along with this challenge I intend to also include healthy eating and phsyical fitness (even after the baby is born). Ready for the challenge: I will be giving up fried foods, soda pop, and the most heartbreaking one... chocolate- all of these for an entire YEAR. Some of you think I'm crazy, and maybe I am. I'm sure I'll have my moments but I've got to start somewhere right? I need to take control of myself and my body- I'm only 25 but some days I feel like I'm over 50. So wish me luck on this crazy endeavor. I'll be sure to post concerning my "personal battle". I feel as though the "real fight" will begin in January after I hit the 6 week post partum mark and can start kicking butt in the gym. In the mean time I figured I better get the good habits started now before those crazy unhealthy holidays arrive!

Tag Your It!

2008-08-18T09:24:00.000-04:00

I am: Tenille
I know: my family will be together forever
I want: a long tropical relaxing vacation!
I have: the most beautiful family
I wish: I could jump to November
I hate: the fact that I'm addicted to junk food and love to snack... horrible horrible habit
I miss: Grandpa Mapley- his silly comments always brought laughter into the room
I fear: losing my children or husband
I feel: exhausted, drained, tired, huge, and so very ready for school to start for Isaac
I hear: my kids playing
I smell: a very unclean house- should've cleaned before blogging!
I crave: oh a little bit of everything- a ranch salad from Big Boy with eggs, cheese, & ham
I search: for ways of making my family life a little better, a little more stable, a little more organized
I wonder: what this new little baby will look like, will he have the same hyper personalities as my first two or will he be my quiet reserved child (like Doug was as a kid... hiding in cupboards)
I regret: being mean to my hubby when he didn't deserve it
I love: Doug, Isaac, Bella, and little unborn Carter
I care: about everyone else's happiness- sometimes forgetting about my own
I always: watch way too much tv- just to unwind during my day
I am not: fulfilling my role as wife and mother to the best of my abilities. I know I can do so much better and intend to start doing so
I believe: children follow or examples and not our words
I dance: ummmm never! I'm a horrible dancer and to be quite honest don't enjoy it the slightest bit
I sing: usually only during church (sacrament meeting hymns). I do miss singing solos and duets... I need to do that more often.
I fight: with myself. My emotions are controlling me way too much with this pregnancy
I write: on paper? it's rare and I need to do it more often. I used to be great about journaling
I lose: the fight to refrain from eating junk food
I win: during almost every argument between Doug and I. He gives in way to easily and just knows he's better off to let me win (or let me think I win)
I never: eat seafood- gag me!
I listen: -yeah this one has me stumped.... sorry
I am scared: of someone trying to snatch away my beautiful kids
I need: more time to sleep, Bella out of our bed so I can sleep, Isaac to sleep through the night again without getting "scared" or "hot" or "cold", my kids to sleep in past 7.... and on and on and on....
I am happy about: where my life has ended up. I am so very blessed to be surrounded by family both immediate and extended, to have the gospel and be actively involved in the Gospel, to have a husband who loves me unconditionally, and to have 2 and half children who are absolutley amazing. I am blessed

I TAG: Tonia, Trina, & Kristin!

Lapeer Days Festival

2008-08-16T16:55:00.000-04:00

This weekend Trina & I took the kids to the Lapeer Days Festival. Something that was an annual family event during our childhood. The kids had lots of fun, especially Isaac. This was totally Isaac's environment. He loves the loud music, the hyped up atmosphere and crazy rides. The kids were able to get their faces painted by Wowie the Clown. Isaac chose a scarey monster face (after I finally convinced him not to go with a red devil face).

Bella (with my assistance) chose something extra girly- a butterfly!

We were also able to stop in and visit with Grandma and Grandpa who were working at the EMS station. The kids had fun with Andy the Ambulance and Sparky the Firehouse Dog (for those pictures you can view the Anderson Family Blog or the Mapley Family Blog).

Right now Isaac wants to be a police man when he grows up (along with a super hero and a dad). He also would like to have a police man birthday party next month. We were excited to capture this cute photo with a local law enforcement member.

Bella was excited that she could ride so many rides. Here she enjoyed the merry go round with Aunt Trina and Chloe.

Isaac on the otherhand prefers rides that go fast and are crazy. As you can see Tatum wasn't enjoying the ride near as much as Isaac. He kept smiling, laughing, and screaming with joy. He was in heaven!

Isaac & Bella rode on a little truck ride with Tatum and Chloe. Slow ride- but still fun

This was Bella's first time on a horse. At first she wasn't so sure and didn't want to get on. Once I had her pet the horse and talk to it she was okay and loved the ride so much she refused to get off at the end. Her horses name was Peanut.

Isaac was able to ride the biggest horse there. His horse was named Ginger. Overall we had a great time and look forward to going back again next year. If you'd like to see more pictures (my computer is too slow to upload lots) then you can view them at Trina's blog (Anderson Family) or the Mapley Family blog. Enjoy!

Canada Trip & Family Beach Day Slides

2008-08-16T16:49:00.000-04:00

Well I finally uploaded some more pictures (thanks to the use of Trina's computer!). All though it was hard for me to narrow them down so I just put a few slides on the side (couldn't get them to post here). The first one is of our Canada trip from July. My oldest sister Tonia was able to bring her family home for the summer (for the first time in 5 years). During that time we were able to go to Canada with them and visit Niagara Falls. We had lots of fun site seeing and spending time with family.

The second slide is of a recent day at the beach (which ended up including over half the Mapley Family). I had too much fun taking pictures and chose not to get in the water. Trina tried that plan but James managed to get her in anyhow. Everyone had lots of fun that day, especially the kids. I feel so blessed to be so close to family. I know there are many families who do not have the connection that we do and that is so sad to me. Tonia we miss you and your family!

Bitter Sweet

2008-08-13T15:41:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday, as I sat in sacrament meeting tears rolled down my cheeks. After almost 2 years in the young women's organization (1 year and 3 months of that as yw president)- I was released. For those of my blog readers who are not LDS (Mormon): I am no longer running the female youth group at my church. As many of you know I put my heart and soul into that calling. I loved working with the youth with every inch of my being. I bonded with each and every girl and built great relationships with each of them. I had so much fun being their leader. I have this horrible habit of putting 110% into my callings. With young womens I did that and more.

I never really had a functioning presidency and that was always difficult on each of us that served the young women. However this past summer was rough. My sister in law and dearest friend Rachael was released as my 1st counselor because of family issues she needed to tend to at home (sweet 7 year old daughter diagnosed severe epileptic). Once I lost her, I felt as though I lost my rock and backbone. So roughly a month ago I asked to be released this fall before I have the baby. However I was surprised a week ago Sunday to learn they would be releasing me a few months before I had expected. I was saddened, shocked, and just unsure what to think.

However, now that I no longer have that responsibility on my shoulders I am finally beginning to realize why I was released so soon. My little family has sadly been neglected the last few years and they need me so much. Each day that passes the bitterness of the release leaves and the sweetness enters in. I'm excited to reorganize my home life instead of organizing the young women's program! I have yet to recieve my next calling and I'm learning to enjoy that fact that right now, I can be 100% ... no I mean 110% devoted to my family.

Roughly 3 Months To Go!

2008-08-11T18:01:00.000-04:00

It's 10 weeks since the last belly shot was posted. Here I am at 26 weeks. Surprisingly I don't feel "big" like I did with my other two. But of course I have roughly 14 weeks yet to go and that's when the pounds pack on and the belly takes a similar shape of a giant beach ball. Carter is a wiggle worm. He loves to kick and stretch in ways that sometimes make me cringe from the slight pain it causes. Yesterday Isaac was able to feel him kick for the first time. Isaac had his hands on my belly during sacrament and little Carter decided it was time to kick... Isaac's face lit up, he was so excited and happy. I don't think this whole pregnancy thing is as real for Bella. Sometimes she looks at my belly button and says "baby coming out"... yes that means my belly button has begun to poke. I'm sad to report that I'm already feeling uncomfortable. That has to be impossible considering I still have a long 3 months ahead of me! We're all so excited to meet little Carter though and for the time being I'll enjoy the fact I only have 2 kids to take care of right now.

I Wanna Go Home!

2008-07-06T19:03:00.000-04:00

Once again there are no photos to this post (sorry to the photo lovers!). I am using Doug's laptop which is about 10 times faster then our home computer- just don't have the photos I want to use uploaded to his computer. I have to share a cute little moment with those of you who were not with us on the 4th of July. This year we had a fun laid back Independence Day holiday with the Mapley side. We decided to watch the fireworks front and center at the high school they are annually lit from. We managed to get front row parking spots and seats by being "extremely" early. We were so close we could actually watch the people lighting the fireworks from the ground with flares. It was pretty cool and I think everyone we went with enjoyed the evening... other then one little girl.

That would happen to be Bella. For the 3 hours prior to the fireworks she had a blast. She ran around with the other kids, played on Grandma's lap, ate ice cream and other snacks and just seemed to enjoy the moment. That is until the first boom took place (this was still daylight and was simply a dud). Our little Bella freaked out.... started crying and ran to the nearest lap. She calmed down pretty quickly after that and was okay again. However, when the real show started the real tears appeared. Poor little Bella clung to me with every muscle she had. Her lip pouted, her eyes dripped with tears, and she kept calling out these cute yet sad phrases:

"I wanna go home!"

"I'm ready for bed."

"I need my binkie."

Finally I gave in and popped her binkie her mouth (yes, I know... she is way too old for that). But it soothed her and she sat quietly in my lap (head half burried in my chest) for the last 15-20 minutes of the show. When all was said and done and we were waiting in the car to pull out of the parking lot Isaac asked her a question which I failed to hear. But I did catch her reply "Fireworks were going to get me." "Fireworks were scary." "Fireworks were going to get my head." I just don't remember her being as freaked out last year... she does not like any loud noises though. She cries when the lawn mower starts, the weed wipper, Dougs loud tools, and thunder. So it was bound to happen.

On a good note... she woke up the morning of the 5th and told me "Fireworks were pretty!" Lots of pictures to post from that holiday. I'll aim to get those posted sometime this week- but don't hold me to it! Hope everyone had a great holiday!

Away from the Blogging world

2008-06-27T13:44:00.000-04:00

Hello Blog readers- it's been awhile since my last post. Things have been crazy lately. Our internet was down for a few days and before that we went on a little vacation with the kids to Kings Island in Ohio. We had a blast and the kids just loved every bit of it (except of course the 5 hour drive). I'll be sure to post pictures soon of that little trip. For now words will have to do.

I officially hit the half way mark and am now 20 weeks pregnant! Carter is doing great. He loves to wiggle and squirm so much at night time. Maybe because that is the time of day I seem to eat my sweet treats or junk food... I lied- I eat that all day. My tummy continues to grow and clothes are finally looking "pregnant cute". I've been so exhausted and lazy in the last few weeks. All I want to do is SLEEP... which is absolutley impossible with a 4 year old and 2 year old. The nesting phase has barily started to set in. I've been working on landscaping and soon hope to work on the home decor of our upper level.

There's not really much else to update on. I feel like there is a giant pregnancy club right now though. The list just continues to grow: AnnMarie (32 weeks), Rachael (22 weeks), Myself (20 weeks), Emily C. (20 weeks), Talia (7 weeks), and now another great friend Elissa joins the club. Congratulations to all the fellow prego's out there!

It's a BOY!!!

2008-06-14T09:50:00.000-04:00

The baby is a boy! Little Carter Douglas will be his name. The ultrasound put his growth about 2 days ahead of the the original due date (13th) and they are now considering the due date to be the 11th. However- our little Bella was 5 days late so I definetly will not be holding my breath when the 11th rolls around. We are most definetly excited to be welcoming another son into our family. Isaac is psyched that he finally will have a little brother. He says that he is going to teach him how to be a power ranger and show him how to wrestle with dad. Bella isn't really phased by the news- she just knows there's still a little baby in my tummy.

The ultrasound was quite interesting. I was so sad that I had to crank my head to attempt to see the screen. We had quite an oddball for an ultrasound tech. She barily said a word which made the ultrasound seem to last forever. At one point I heard her say something under her breath. "What was that?" I asked. She replied "It looks like a boy." Kinda lost the excitement the way it came out... but of course we are ecstatic about another son. Doug then stated "I told you so... should've listened to me all along." Then ultrasound tech "Well don't hold me to it, I'm only pretty sure." She then went on to say how the umbilical cord was right by the pelvis area so what she saw could have been that. She spent what seemed like another 20 minutes trying to shake my belly to get him to move. He just stayed in a squatting position and every once in ahile would lift his arms or turn his head but that was it. So she told us to ask our doctor if we needed another ultrasound. Then she printed out the photos and thankfully that moment she mumbled boy under her breath she had clicked a photo. So we have a great photo of our little guy baring all is male parts.

For those of you who don't know I also have 2 sister in laws pregnant. The first is AnnMarie and she is due this August with a son (that makes 4 boys and 1 girl for them). The other is Rachael who is only due 2 weeks before me. She was able to get her ultrasound the same day in the morning and discovered they will be welcoming another daughter (that will make 3 girls and one boy). All this exciting baby news in the Norton Family... now the question is will anyone on the Mapley side join in on the fun? Tonia- I think you are all that is left....