Bapples and Balls

Tyler's favorite food right now is fruit. And the best kind of fruit are the ones shaped like balls. He'll stand at the fridge until we open the door, then he will open the fruit drawer and grab an orange, apple or handful of grapes and say "ball, ball, ball, ball, ball..." until I clean, cut or peel the fruit. This morning he wanted to take his apple on a walk so I let him, he also wouldn't give it to me long enough to cut it so it was still in "ball" form. We got to the park and he insisted on holding it while he played. He'd curl it in his armpit while he moved from slide to stairs and I just shook my head thinking, "what kind of mom am I to just let him get his apple dirty and keep holding it?" After a minute, I got up and told him he had to throw it away because it was too dirty. We walked over to the trash can and though he wouldn't throw it in himself I knew it needed to be done. I threw it in and gave him a minute to wave goodbye to his beloved apple. We walked over to the drinking fountain to wash his hands and on the way back I asked him where he wanted to go. "Wanna go to the slide or the swings? Where do you want to go?" He replied in 3 short words: "get my bapple." As I laughed out of shock (he's never said 3 words together) and cuteness (he sure loves those bapples) we walked over to the trash and said a few more rounds of good-byes.

Yummy Yummy Anniversary Cake

So ever since I looked at our wedding pictures of us smashing cake in eachother's faces, I started craving wedding cake. I'm talkin mouth watering, willing to pay money for a delicious cake. After a long week, I decided Sunday would be the perfect day to just make one. I could bake while Tyler and Jeff played together. It was vanilla cake with banana pudding and raspberries. Pretty good I might say.

We have this Betty Crocker set (as seen on tv!) that is awesome for making filled cakes and ice cream cakes. If anyone is looking for a set of pans to do this, I'd recommend it. It also comes with instructions and ideas for making really yummy and beautiful cakes!

Happy Anniversary Us!

Because today is our anniversary, this week's friday five is a wedding tag I saw on someone else's blog. I thought it would be totally appropriate to talk about us today (even though we weren't tagged to do it!!)

1. When were you married? Friday, August 22, 2003 (5 Years Ago!)

2. Where did you get married? San Diego Temple

3. Who proposed and how? Jeff proposed to me on my birthday! He was in Northern California working and I was in Southern California working and living with my family. We hadn't seen eachother since April at school. He surprised me and flew down- my family told me to meet them at the park (for a bday dinner, I thought.) I couldn't find anybody at the park so I almost ruined the surprise when I went home. My mom told me to go back and sure enough, I heard his loud whistle! Instantly I knew it was him and he was here... I got out of my car (still on, keys in, door open) and ran after him- I was confused as to why he kept running AWAY from me. Finally under a light he stopped and proposed! Everything was perfect!

4. What was the favorite part of your wedding day? Being in the temple! I still remember the feeling while we were waiting in the celestial room to go to our sealing room. I hope I always remember what it felt like. It was white and clean and calm and perfect. That's how I felt. My other favorite thing was having all my friends and family together. We were so blessed to have so much of our loved ones there.

5. What would you change if you could? To not be stressed out during our engagement. We did all our planning over the phone and I remember so many times being so worried that Jeff wouldn't like what I picked out or needed to see the details. Ok, now I have learned men don't care about the details and to have more confidence in my own taste. He usually likes what I pick out- or pretends he doesn't just to be funny. Ha ha!

6. What were your colors? Plum, lavendar and sage green

7. Do you remember anything special from your ceremony? Any good advice? A comical moment?

Good advice: I remember Jeff's grandpa (Clark) had some good advice for us: Always focus on the other person. If he tries his hardest to make sure I'm happy, and I try my hardest to make him happy, we will both be happy!

and something to Jeff about when you take off your pants tonight, make sure she knows you'll be the one wearing them...or something like that...

Comical Moment: It was quite a windy day in San Diego that day, and as we were taking pictures, the photographers told Jeff to lift me up and hold me in his arms. Well, just as he lifted me up, a gust of wind came and my skirt flew over our heads! Luckily, I had a very puffy skirt, slip and inner linning so I didn't flash anyone, but we were stuck under the puff ball for a few seconds and couldn't stop laughing for awhile after that!

8. Were you clean or messy with your wedding cake? Oooh, this is a good question. I kept telling Jeff to "be nice, I have a pretty dress on" So he made sure to smash it in my face only and avoid the dress. Well, when it was my turn, I kept the cake on the spatula and shoved it in his face, resulting in cake and frosting all over me, my hair, my dress (what was I thinking picking a fight with a football player?) and I also cut his lip a little with the serated knife. Oops. We had fun though!

9. Where did you go on your honeymoon? A few of my parents' close family friends all pitched in for a cruise for us! My parents made arrangements for us to stay in the Queen Mary boat/hotel (interesting place) the night before we left for our Long Beach- Ensanada Mexico Cruise! It was awesome. We enjoyed the nice meals, romantic atmosphere, games and entertainment, jacuzzi on top of the ship, snorkeling in Catalina and shopping and walking around in Mexico. I'm embarrased to say we never took any pictures!! Too busy having a blast, I guess.

10. What's your favorite thing about being married? Knowing that I have an eternal companion and friend forever. I never have to wonder if he will be there for me, I can always count on him. He has been a part of the happiest years of my life and I couldn't imagine my life without him. My mom always tells us that we are "a good team" and we are! I think we balance each other out in ways we've always needed someone to. I'm so lucky to have him and I love that we have a special day to celebrate it!

After much suspense...

I'm finally getting around to posting about the sex of our little baby... Here are the pictures to show you how we told my family last week:

My mom noticed Tyler's shirt while they were in the car to pick us up from the airport. We were on the sidewalk and they were pulling up to the curb. I could see her smile and point and tell my dad to look!

She picked him up and hugged us and we talked for a minute. Then my dad saw the back of his shirt and laughed...

Of course, we can't just pop a joke like that and expect you to believe us, so here's the proof...

We can't wait to add another boy to the excitement of our family! I feel so relieved that I don't have to buy another set of clothing, bedding, toys and blankets. Tyler is going to love having a little brother that he can play with!

Friday Five

Things I really enjoyed this week:
1. Watching the Olympics: Go USA! We've recorded all the sessions so we could watch in the evenings without commercials. I've really enjoyed gymnastics and swimming. Jeff's really excited for track and field. How exciting it is to root on our country and watch them succeed.
2. Getting ourselves organized: After we got home from Park City I decided it was time for some spring cleaning...Remember those 8 loads of laundry I did before I left...Finally put those away along with many other things that needed to be done.
3. The cooler weather: Hurricane whatever helped us get some cooler weather. So nice. Tyler and I took walks this week, played in the yard and at the park again. I'm getting excited for the falltime so we can enjoy this more often.
4. Tyler, my little "helper": As I've been unpacking and cleaning, Tyler never ceases to be my little shadow. He'll close doors, turn on and off lights (with my help), unroll toilet paper & put it in the toilet (yes, so helpful), and even turn on and off the vacuum (and then run real quick in the other direction!) It's fun to have him around all day, even if it does slow me down a little!
5. Resting and reading: I'm getting over a cold so I'm taking every opportunity to go lie down when I can. When I'm not catching Z's I'm catching up on my Twilight reading. I'm enjoying the last book slowly but surely. I can't wait to compare opinions and talk about the outcome with friends when I finish it.

Park City Five

I know there are a lot of pictures in this post, but I picked the very best 20 out of 453! Yes, we can easily take over 450 in one week! What a fun time we had:

1. Tommy's Birthday Bash
dorky T-shirts and Pirate Party-so fun!



When Katie broke the pinata, Tyler rushed in to get candy. But he only picked up two things: a sucker for each hand. We helped him out and stuffed his pockets.



2. Fun at the Lake:
Jeff enjoyed wakeboarding



Tyler loved swimming



Kirsti & Sydni with the boys- don't worry, we went slow!


Jeff & Jake on the tube


We all enjoyed watching them flip!


3. Family Pictures
Tommy, Melonie, Lily & Isaac


Kirsti, Jeff & Tyler


Katie


My studly Dad


Mom & Dad


4. Alpine Slides
We took the ski lifts to the top of the mountain and rode sleds down- Tyler loved it!! He clapped half way down and even screamed out of excitement during the bumps in the track!


Me and my cutie


My other cutie


On the tractor with "Umpa"


5. We even got to see Jeff's family while we were there!
The boys in the hot tub


Grandma & Grandpa


Aunt Kaylynn helping Tyler across the wall


It was so nice to see both of our families this week. It's hard to live far away but this week was very refreshing. We love our families so much and miss them everyday. This filled us up for awhile, now we need to start planning our next visits!

Friday Five

Five things I did this week that I really needed to do:
1. Catch up on laundry: wow has it been piling up! This week I did about 8 loads in 2 days! That is a lot for me. I did 3 darks, 2 whites, 2 Tylers, 1 pink/purple/red, and 1 towels. Boy did that need to be done!
2. Spend a day with Jeff: Yesterday our sonogram was out in Dallas, so we had a good 2 hours to talk. Car drives are my favorite way to catch up with him because I have his full attention! We gave our final guesses on the way there and made plans on the way back. He even took me to Pei Wei (yummy asian) and ordered 2 appetizers, 2 meals, and 2 drinks! Thats huge for my husband. Usually its "we share a drink and only order what we'll eat." So it was a special day and I enjoyed every second of it!
3. Take Tyler to play with friends: I have been gypping Tyler out on playgroup lately cuz I've either been sick or had a meeting or appointment at the same time (I need to schedule my time better) but today we got to McDonald's to play with Ashli and her boys. I enjoyed catching up with her, and the boys enjoyed playing and eating. (I guess I enjoyed the eating too)
4. Treat myself to ice cream: Tonight Tyler and I went to Baskin Robbins to spend the last of my coupons from my bday. We shared a cup of cookie dough and when I let him down to walk around while I finished my last bites, he spotted the bananas. He grabbed my hand and pulled me over to them and I was sure we weren't going home without one. Luckily the grocery store is next store, so I took him over to get one. He got distracted by the balls (peaches) in the front, but after I assured him I have some at home, we got to the bananas. He ate the whole thing before I got home! I think he actually enjoyed that more than the ice cream!!
5. Hair and makeup: Yup, I haven't done that for awhile (besides Sundays). I'm finally feeling good enough to get dressed in the mornings, do my hair and put on makeup. This week was another feel good week and I am thankful for everyday that I don't get sick. I love babies and I don't mind being pregnant once I get over the sickness. I really don't care that I get fat and eat a lot. I kinda enjoy that part.

What the heck are we having?

Thanks a lot to all of you who voted and I am being sarcastic because look at the results: half boys and half girls does not help me decide what I'm having! No just kidding. Pretty much everyday it has changed, but I decided right before we went in what I wanted, not that it ever makes any difference since the gender was decided a long time ago. All I can say is that we have a healthy baby! And I mean that's all I'm gonna tell you today. SORRY. I am meeting my family in Park City this weekend and I want to bring them the news in person. So I will post it on Sunday or whenever we get back. We did look for webbed toes though, and I can assure you this child is not a mutant. Sonograms are the best and I love the feeling you get when you remember what is going to come from this: a brand new baby! I can't wait to hold another newborn in my arms.

wanna waste some time?

34 As a 1930s wife, I am Poor Take the test!

So I saw this on someone else's blog and I thought it would be fun to do (since I am sitting here at the computer avoiding cleaning, packing & dishes) Which that alone obviously means I am a poor housewife. Luckily since the 30's things have changed: its ok to cook in pjs, open husband's personal mail?, wear red nail polish and squeeze the toothpaste from the top. These are the kinds of questions they ask. So if you are also avoiding housework, take the test!! See what kind of a housewife you'd be in the 1930's and then laugh, cuz who cares?

http://www.magatsu.net/maritaltest/

finally some pictures

Sorry I've been bad! I haven't taken a picture for a long time. Tyler's getting bigger and is becoming so active (we call it crack baby in my family!) He runs around the house yelling "yadagadagadaga" I'm pretty sure he'll be talking in english sentences soon. A couple things he'll do on demand: fold his arms, give us a hug, touch his nose, spin in circles (and then he doesn't stop until he falls over) and dance! I seriously wish I had a video camera cuz I laugh at him all day. Here are some cute pictures we took today:

When I hear "kirsti, get the camera quick!" I know something fun is going on. Today I ran outside to see that Jeff put the hose on low so Tyler could take a drink. Not only was he drinking the water, but he would make the funniest humming noises as water was going in his mouth, up his nose and down his shirt.

Here you can see water overflowing in his cheeks, nose and even in his eyes!

Here is the little guy folding his arms for the prayer (He's already messy because he was too "excited" and couldn't wait until we were ready to eat.)

I just may be the only mom who lets her kid just pig out on his own. I just don't have the patience to sit and feed him and he can't quite handle a fork yet. And of course, I could be clean and give him noodles only, but what's the fun in that? He would just take a handful and chow down. After dinner, Daddy and Tyler headed back outside for some more hose fun. (Moms give baths, Dads hose you down!!)

This Week's Friday Five

Things I am especially thankful for this week...

1. Body pillow: Last time we went to Costco, Jeff got me this super fluffy and soft body pillow. I don't think he knew it would start replacing him in bed, but I often wake up to "scoot over, I have no room." Sorry buddy. I think that's the deal from now on. I'm getting bigger and we just added pretty much another person to the mix. (the pillow)
2. Dinner: I didn't make it to mutual this week cuz I've been sick again. But our YW president brought over a pan of enchiladas, peas, canteloupe and even ice cream sandwiches (I ate all 3 ice cream sandwiches). Oh how nice it was to need food and not have to make it. I'm thankful for all the people who have been helping me get through this hard pregnancy.
3. My sweet husband: Yesterday he said, "thanks for being pregnant hunny, I know its hard" so even though I can't keep the house clean, dont give him enough room in bed, demand him to get me food "now", eat all the dessert, and act like a hormonal monster, he still loves and appreciates me.
4. Tyler: I hope my next baby has the same sweet and fun personality he does. I love when he grabs my hand to show me something, turns his head and smiles, and waves bye-bye when I put him in bed. All the little things he does all day long makes me so thankful for my family!
5. One week away: Next sunday we leave for our summer trip! We are headed to Park City to meet my family for a week on the lake (and to celebrate a couple bdays!) We are gonna party, relax and have some fun!

Friday Five

I saw someone do this every week, I think I'll try to do it...

1. Doughnuts:

One morning Jeff woke me up at 9:30! and we went to 'Got Donut' to treat ourselves to breakfast. We bought punch drinks and sat around and sampled each one. Tyler ate his "Lily style"--only the frosting and sprinkles!

2. Target Runs:

It's been so hot lately that if we want to get out of the house, we shop. I LOVE target's dollar section and always find the cutest accessories and gifts!

3. Feeling Good:
This week I finally feel normal again! I'm not a slave to hunger every hour and I finally stopped throwing up! It's good to feel good. I've been chasing Tyler around the house (for fun) and have the energy I need to do fun things.

4. Hose Fights:

Another way we cope with the heat. Tyler loves going outside so I take him out any chance I can...to check the mail, to water the plants...When I turn the hose on, he runs to it, grabs it and hoses me down! I scream and he laughs. Lately, I've been watering the plants with my swim suit on!

5. White Chocolate Chips: I couldn't find any candy in the house, but I did find a bag of Nestle white chocolate chips for baking. I usually save those just for baking, but I've just been snacking on them all week. The bag goes with me in whatever room I'm in and is oh so yummy. Am I pregnant or something?

Kirstikoo and the Diaperdoo

Recently I developed my own pattern for a diapers & wipes bag, something I've been trying to find ever since I started toting around a child and diapers. I created what I call the Diaperdoo Diaper Clutch. I have had so many friends tell me that they want one, so I've created a blog to display information and the fabrics I use. Melonie helped me design the blog and create a logo for Kirstikoo which I think turned out great! Sewing is a great way for me to work creatively and I just love the finished product! Take a look and tell a friend. Also, check out the etsy store: there's a link on the right side. This site is great!! Anyone can sell their handmade items and there's really cool stuff on there. One person sells jewelry pendants she makes from old scrabble tiles :) and you can pretty much find anything you want or get great ideas on gifts you can make for other people. Anyway, check out my blog and let me know what you think!
http://www.kirstikoo.blogspot.com/

My baby has a heart beat!

...and I got to hear it! One of the most peaceful sounds in the world!
Today was my first doctors appointment, and it went pretty well. Though I had to give blood (which I hate to do). I think I'm kinda possessive of my blood, cuz as she's taking it, I asked her what we were testing for. She replies: blood type (coulda told ya), HIV (dont need), STDs (dont need), hepatitis (dont need-thanks mom, I got the shots!)... the list goes on and I'm thinking, I just wasted like 6 ounces of blood!
Oh well, luckily it didn't hurt too bad and after today's visit I know the baby is alive and well :)
We will find out on the 31st if its a boy or girl and I just can't decide, so help me out and VOTE!

Fireworks and Girls Camp

This week has been exciting and fun! Thursday-Friday I went to our Stake's Girls camp as a Beehive leader. It was in Oklahoma at a state park and was awesome. I kept telling the girls how lucky they are to get cabins when we usually pitched tents and peed outside (okay, we had bathrooms but still!) By the time I got home Fri afternoon, I was exhausted! I don't have that young body anymore, I remember staying up til 3 everynight and now I do it once and feel like I got hit by a bus. It was great though, we played some fun Rook games and had a great testimony meeting.
On Saturday night, the city of Allen had their big 4th celebration. We let Tyler stay up and went to the park to see the fireworks: He loved them! He'd stand up and clap or point and even screamed for joy in between the big ones. I've always loved fireworks but there was something special about watching with our little family that made it so satisfying. Earlier in the day, we took him to the Fairview festival and he got to see and touch farm animals and go down a big blowup slide!