Daddy's Little Mini-Me

Chris was getting the crib ready for Ella and of course Hannah was by his side. I kept trying to get her away, so he could just work, but she informed me that she could help daddy. She kept telling him "I can help." So, she grabbed some tools and mimic'd her dad. It was pretty cute.

As if she wasn't daddy's little girl before, this last week of them being together non-stop has made it even more true. I could hear Chris singing to his ipod and then hear Hannah singing, repeating what he was saying. It was so cute. Daddy's little Mini-Me.

Where's Baby?

There is a baby in there somewhere! Hannah loves to give hugs to Ella and when she does, Ella disappears in all that hair. Let's call it "hair love".

Mommy Realization

So, although I am nervous about being a mom of two (any advice from all you mommies of two or more would be greatly appreciated) I did realize something of great importance today. I think that I actually might be a better mom of two than I was at one (at least in one aspect). I am so aware of making sure Hannah doesn't feel neglected or replaced that I am more attentive to her needs and playing with her.

Now when she asks to play a game or read or blow bubbles I think to myself "you go and do it, so she knows you love her and the baby hasn't taken all my attention" whereas before I would play with her but sometimes I would say "just one second Hannah, let me finish this" or "play with yourself and I will join you in a minute".

I might be showing my faults as a mom, but it came to me today that being a mom of two children might be increasing my willingness to try and be even a better mom than before. Just something that I learned today, thought I would share.

The New Williams Clan

We are so excited to have Ella home. I thought I would quickly post some pics while Chris has Hannah and Ella is a sleep. I am overwhelmed by the thought of being a mother of 2, but thrilled at the same time. As stated, she gave 2 weeks early (which I loved not having to be pregnant those 2 last weeks). She was breech and so had to come by c-section (which means that will probably be the only way I ever give birth.) She looks a lot like her sister did, but still is her own person. She has the blackest eyes right now, that remind me of an "alien" (a few cute alien, I might add). I am doing better than I thought I would and feel good. Chris has been the best husband ever and I am so thankful for all that he has been doing! So, for now that is it. Loves to all!

And then there were 4...

We welcomed our little girl, Ella Jane Williams, on February 17, 2007 at 9:56 p.m. She decided to come 2 weeks early and we are thrilled to have her here with us. She was born 6 lbs 13 ounces and 19.25 inches long. Everyone is doing well. More to come...

Safety Man

Can't help but love the guy :-) This is Chris ready to paint Hannah's room. Not a stitch of him exposed, but somehow he still got paint in his eye. Go figure. He has been working hard this weekend and I think it might actually get done this weekend. We will see, it always takes longer than you think.

My Manifesto for Creating

Well, Ali Edwards asked her readers to create a personal mission statement about why they create/scrapbook. Since, Chris is busy painting the room, I thought I would sit down and think about mine. Something do to and be creative. Here are two thoughts.

The first one is an equation that sums up my creativity in a nutshell.

The second is my list of how I create.

1. Learn as you go... for someone that is such a huge planner, this is quite contrary to my nature. I tend to have to have everything figured out before I do anything, but when it comes to learning... I figure you can learn as you go... I personally learn more that way.

2. Make it up.... I can't tell you how many times I haven't known how to make or do something and for fear of messing it up, I procrastinate. But 9 out of 10 times I just dive in and make it up, it turns out better than I expected. For instance, I have this wooden shelf thing that needed a new canvas cover. Did I have a pattern or really even know how to sew... NOT AT ALL. But I just dove it and the darn thing looks great! Cuter than if I went and bought it.

3. Organization. Like I said, I am all about organization and planning. A place for everyting and everything in its place. For me, it encourages creativity and happiness. Some people may call it an "illness" (my husband) and some people call it a "talent" (me).

4. Do as Others Do. I have come to realize that I get my best ideas from others. At times I feel bad that I look to others so much for inspiration and ideas. But I have come to realize as a mom, I can only do so much and my brain can only create so much on its own. I need help and luckily there are others more talented than me that I can learn and be inspired from.

5. Follow Thru. I am notorious for starting a project and having great ideas, but not finishing or taking forever to finish. Or having an idea and that is it. I like to finish projects, it makes me feel good, but sometimes just the creative process is enough and the productive process takes a back seat. So, I have to work on following through with more ideas.

6. Share Talent. I tend to keep my talents hidden under a bushel. I need to share my talents with other more. First of all, to give to others and to let others know what I can do that is different and unique. Everyone loves to be acknowledged for the things that make them different. So, everyone no matter what your talent - share it with others.

Rules to Live By

I came across this website where this guy created these great "rules" to live by. So, I thought what a great idea .... I will re-create them and print them out as 5X7 photos , frame them and put them on Hannah's wall. So, when things settle down and I have more time to devote to the "details" of Hannah's room, I will get frames and hang them up over her bed. What a fun way to help her learn about the basics of life.

Days Late but feeling better

Well, after being sick for the last 11 days and feeling my worst on valentine's day... the day came and went. Not much fanfare in our household, which is too bad.

Although, I realized what a big holiday it is (not realizing, since I don't have kids in school). At Hannah's dance class everyone had valentine treats to pass out (except us.. didn't even cross my mind). Then several of Hannah's friends came by and gave her valentine's too. (thanks Firpo's and Serenity).

I managed to make Chris' one of his favorite meals, but that was about all I could muster up for the day. We discussed it being a low-key day as far as gifts go, so Chris didn't get anything (since I couldn't get out to get him anything) and he brought me home a ton of magazines and chocolates. I love them, the magazines will come in handy while I am recovering in the hospital. I just can't look at them for a couple of weeks (that is the hard part).

Other than that, that was our holiday. We will do much better next year!

Big Sister Story Board

Thought I would make a story board with these photos. Enjoy!

What is a Big Sister?

Well, Hannah is learning. My friend Sheryl bought Hannah these books about being a big sister. We have been reading them every day. I think it is sinking in... she talks about being a big sister, so hopefully this will help her adjust to the big day.

Too Beautiful

So, these are the flowers that they had at my shower. Aren't they so beautiful!!! I didn't even play with the coloring at all. This is what they really look like in real life. I get a little feeling of "happiness" each time I see them. Thanks Jen for the flowers, I love them!

Running Song

Since, many of you are putting together music for running songs, here is another one to add to the mix. It is called Flathead by The Fratellis. Apple is using it on their new ipod commercials. Just thought I would share... it just made it into my latest mix. Check it out

Pregnancy Memory Card

Here is my memory card for Ella's pregnancy. I have to be just as good at keeping her memories as I have been with Hannah, so here we go.

Love Pirate's Booty

I rediscovered an old time favorite. I totally forgot about this stuff, but it is so good. Pirate's Booty White Cheddar Cheese Rice Puffs. I had some today after probably 3 years. It was so good. If you haven't tried it... go and get some.

Our Wall Collage

After a year of wanting to put a collage of pictures on the wall, I have finally done it. I was nervous about getting them up on the wall in the right place, but decided to just do it. And I love the way it turned out. The middle picture I am keeping blank for now, it will be a picture of Hannah and Ella when she comes. But I am relieved it worked out and I love having pictures of our family showcased on our wall... It makes me so happy to look at each day.

My Attempt

I am constantly looking at other photo blogs and admiring their photography. I wonder how they capture moments without capturing faces. They crop and manipulate their photos to look so good and actually tell a story. I think it is hard for me to take photos or crop them so there are no faces. I love it when others do it, but I don't know if it is for me. But here is my attempt to do the same. This is a cropped photo of the ones below. I don't know that I capture the story the same, I guess it just takes practice and finding my own point of view.

Pics for the Fam

Well, not much going on with us, but I took some pics of Hannah so that I could have something for the family to look at. I hope you enjoy. As you can tell, she is wearing mommy's shoes and loving it.

Easy, Cute and Cheap

I need to take pictures of Hannah, so that the site will be interesting for my family, but until then I wanted to share these fun little cards that Flickr sells. They are called Moo cards. I love the idea, but couldn't really figure out how I would use them... but it came to me today. I am going to use them for Ella's baby announcements. You might wonder how? Well, you will have to wait, but I am excited I think they will work and will be easy, cute and cheap... I love when that happens. Well, just wanted to share this fun little item.

Christmas Day in January

Today is the day I have been waiting for.... we brought home our new minivan.... a 2007 Honday Odyssey EX-L. It is beautiful and so luxurious after driving around my 10 year old Honda civic. The last month of pregnancy will be that much easier, now that I don't have to get in and out of the small, low Civic. The Minivan has all the luxuries a mom could ever want... and a child for that matter (with the DVD system) Thank you, Thank you Chris!

January '07 Memory Card

It isn't the end of the month yet, but since we aren't going to Disneyland anymore, I figure we can close this month's memory card. I have revamped my memory cards for the new year. Hope you enjoy! (click on image to read).

Great reading for Insomniacs

So, it is midnight and another night of not sleeping, so I went online and found this site (from my sister) that has some of the most interesting facts. Things you have heard about, but might not really know much about. So, if you can't sleep or have time to read.... check it out. Neatorama

Whimsical & Unique

During my daily EBAY fix, I came across the adorable baby blankets. Cocoa Bean Boutique Oh, my gosh. The fabric choices are so great, it would be hard to choose just one. I probably spent an hour looking at all the cute blankets/fabrics. Now, I am trying to decide if I should just buy one or make one myself. It is super easy to make, but I am working on another sewing project right now and I think when I am done with it, I won't want to sew for awhile.

New Must Have

Well, I haven't ever thought about investing in something like this, until I realized, how much I would use something like this. It is the Skip Hop Pronto! diaper kit. It seems like a luxury, but when you think of changing diapers for the next 10 years, always having to have wipes and a diaper with you (just in case) and carrying them with you everywhere... this doesn't seem that "luxury" anymore. I figure I am always carrying a bag of wipes, a diaper or two and have given up the pad because I have too much (but wished I hadn't when I step into a public bathroom), so this little products keeps it all packed up in a nice little package. So, I am hunting a NEW one out on ebay... wish me luck.

A Love of Reading

I took some photos of Hannah reading. She brings about 10-15 books onto the bed and works her way through all of them. Reading and making up stories from what she sees on the page. Although some of the books she has memorized, so it is like she is reading them. It is pretty fun to listen to her and watch her get so much enjoyment from books.

He Fell Fast Asleep

Yesterday, the three of us weren't feel 100%, so it was a very low-key evening. I was busy in the other room and walked into the bedroom and found this scene. Hannah reading to her sleeping father. It was so cute. She was probably reading to him for about 30 mins. She is starting to love our bed and reading in it all on her own. Two very good things - if you ask me.

Cute Idea

I came across this cute idea and thought I would share. It is a good way to use old shirts and make something practical and fun. I think I might try it, if I can find old shirts that would for a girls room or maybe a Christmas present for a nephew this year. Check it out.. Shirt Pocket Quilt

Where to Lay her Head?

We need help with yet another hannah bedroom decision. Which bed do you like the best? let me know! Click on the image to make it bigger.

The great search

After looking at several (and I mean several) diaper bags, I think I have found a winner. We have to wait for it to arrive to declare victory, but I think this is the one. It is cute, roomy, a messenger bag and stoller bag all in one. It is the Lexie Barnes Superstar diaper bag. We will soon see if it is truly a "superstar".

Tiny Dancer

Well, I didn't take my camera to the dance class - maybe in a few more weeks. But we did take pictures at home. Here is Hannah in her cute little ballerina outfit. She loves tap the best, but tolerates the ballet. As you can see, she is loving this stuff!

Feeling Good about Food Storage

For a long time, I have been feeling that I need to start our food storage, but of course keep putting it off (for reasons I am sure you can relate too). Well, finally I feel good about FOOD STORAGE. Our Costco (and hopefully all others) have this great 5 gallon emergency food storage kit. It has over 250 meals where you just add water. It is fortified with nutrients and lasts up to 10 years. I don't know if we will ever be in a situation where we will need something like this, but at least I feel like I have done my part and am prepared just in case. So, if you have been feeling guilty like me, this is a great way to feel better about food storage... see if your Costco has it :-) Oh, it goes for $110 but they had a smaller option which was cheaper.

Finally! Good television again

After a very long 6 months or so, 24 is back on television. I have to say this seasons line-up of tv shows has been more than disappointing. Which is probably OK, because it keeps me from watching more tv than I should. But thank heavens for 24. I love this show and it is as good as usual. My only concern is that it is becoming too formulaic (is that how you spell that?). It seems like it is the same premise and formula they use ever season, but at least it is well done, so I will keep watching it. Can't wait to watch the rest of the season premiere tonight....a nice break each monday night.

Color Schemers

I need help. So, I am trying to figure out the colors of Hannah's room. I want it to be right, because she will have it for awhile and once we paint the walls, we are stuck with that wall color. So, I need your opinion. Can you rank, the color schemes you like for Hannah's new room (rank 1 - 5). I have found the different pieces (comforters, sheets, etc) and have created a color scheme around each piece. So, let me know what you think! thanks so much (click on the images to enlarge them).

Wall of Fame

After a year of wanting to do this, I think I am finallly going to put up a collage of photos on our wall. We have a great frame store that is having a buy one get one free, so it is making it very affordable. So, here is a collage of the pictures I think I am going to put on the wall (plus two more when Ella comes). I thought I would share and see what you think about the pictures. Enjoy and (Click on the image to make it bigger).

Inspired Creativity

I was inspired by Ali Edwards Calendar I posted a few days ago. I thought I have the perfect idea for a calendar theme and it would be fun to design one and let my creative juices flow. So, I have... and this is what I came up with. It is a calendar of President Hinckley's 9 Be's (from Way to Be) and of course 3 other BEs I included that I thought were inspirational. Each month has a quote from him or another person about that month's BE. I made it the size of a CD case, so they can be printed and then cut and put into a CD case for presentation and put on a desk.

I could work on this forever changing the colors, fonts and design, but I think this is simple, yet fun. So, there you go.

Dancing Machine

Hannah had her first dance class this morning and oh, how cute. All the little girls in their cute little leaotards and skirts. I didn't bring my camera, so I don't have pictures to post (what was I thinking), but you can imagine the image. Hannah did pretty well. She loved to hear her tap shoes tap on the wooden floor for the first time. She kept looking at her shoes. She followed instructions for the most part. She loved the parts where there was hopping, skipping and stomping (her new word for the day). The ballet parts where she had to sit on the floor and keep her legs in one position was a little challenging for her active body. But I think she did pretty well.

The cutes part was when the teacher sprinkled fairy dust on their heads (glitter) as they started the ballet portion of the class. And Hannah's favorite part was the stamps she got on her hands at the end of class.

Faith is like a Seed

i was in charge of introducing this year's theme in primary. So, I put together this little handout to remind the kids that their faith is like a seed that can turn into a big flower if they nurture it and take care of it. I thought I would share. Hopefully the children better understand what faith in their Savior means and how they can help it grow. (Click on the image to enlarge it and see the handout better).

Next Generation Candyland

Well, Candyland has changed only slightly, but still as fun as ever for the little ones. Hannah received Dora Candyland for Christmas and it is a game that both she and her dad love to play (almost daily). It is perfect for her. She practices counting, colors and directions. It is really quite a fun game for our smart little 2 1/2 year old. And she jumps up and down and cheers when Dora make it to the fiesta!

What's the Word?

So, I found this new blog that I love. This women captures what I believe having a creative life is all about. She has such interesting ideas and stuff. Ali Edwards. One of her ideas is to come up with a word each New Year. That word would be your mantra for the year and remind you of how you want to live your life. So my word for the year 2007 is ENJOY!

Why you might ask? Well, with a 2 1/2 year old that is challenging my patience in every way with her "terrible two-ness" and another one on the way in 2 months, I have to remind myself that I need to enjoy the moments in life.

Enjoy my daughter
Enjoy my belly
Enjoy drinking more water
Enjoy my body pillow
Enjoy my husband's help
Enjoy the guilt-free appetite (kinda)
Enjoy the little things

I need to remember not to get caught up in the difficult things. I feel like I am discipling all the time and Hannah and I aren't friends anymore. But yesterday we laughed in the store and had fun tickling each other and it reminded me that I need to have more of the moments and enjoy everything about being a mom (even to a 2 year old). So, that is my word.... ENJOY EVERYTHING MORE!

I love Design

I came across this great newsletter and this great designer. I found a calendar she made and thought I would post it, because well, I love it! You can see the whole thing here Life Art Calendar 2007