Do you Etsy?

I decided I had to blog about my favorite website. I found Esty this Spring while doing a google search for something, I can't even remember what for now, but I found it on Etsy. Esty is a site that is made up of shops selling only things that are handmade. You can find everything from jewelry to maternity clothes and handbags to jam. No lie. The site itself is really cool. You can browse by category, how recently it was put on the site or even by a certain color. I have lost so many hours in my own little Etsy world. While you do have to be a member to buy or sell anything, there is no cost and once you have a profile you are able to select things you like as favorites. I love the favorites function because you can bookmark things you like, and remember them later. Also it is a great way to remember things you want to try to recreate. If you are a crafty person you can set up a Shop for free. The cost to sell things is minimal and really easy to list. If you have ever Ebay'd you will love Etsy, it is so much easier --no auctions! And it is a buyers paradise. if you love getting (and giving) unique things that not every one has, this is the place for you. So next time you are trying to think of the perfect gift for that girlfriend or Mom who "has it all" I would try Etsy. And if you are like me, you will check it out a few times a day (or week) to see what's new! (scroll to the bottomw of the page where photos of new items change every 6 seconds!) Enjoy!

What websites do you love? I always like to browse a new site! some of my favorite sellers can be found through my profile, so check it outif you need a place to start!

Another Fun Weekend...

I Love Fall. I love knowing that eventually it will stop being a million degrees outside and best of all it is time to start decorating for the holidays! Earlier this week I dug out the Fall stuff and had a good time trying to figure out what I could put low that couldn't be broken by the boys. Everything glass is up out of reach and I am quickly learning what it will take to keep my Christmas decor safe- baby gates, and lots of 'em. I also love that this is the start of the boutique season! Last fall I was busy having a baby so I missed most of them, but not this time! I have my first one this weekend in Queen Creek at Pecan Groves South, there will be a ton of cute stuff (My HeartBaby line included) so check it out, if you want directions leave a comment!


The farm where we get our pumpkins is even starting to set things up and it opens next week! I can't wait. Long sleeves here we come...So, this weekend was great. Blake & Addi were in town from San Fran and we always love getting together with the Robisons clan. Ashley just finished her mission and I am sure Patty is glad to have her home, since Gage came home and promptly headed to BYU. It was good to see the family and get updates about Beth's baby Zoie. FYI Addi, your belly looks even smaller in real life than it did on your blog, there is no way you only have 2 weeks left! But we can't wait to meet the newest member of your family! We had fun chatting with all the Robison's, messing up Patty's family room and swimming. Even the Burkinshaw's came over for some of the fun. Saturday we headed out to Phoenix for a pool party for a coworker of Rusty's. It was fun, their pool is brand spankin' new and had the best slide for Braden. We even got a little rainstorm, which cooled it off enough to be enjoyable outside. Sunday after church, my parents and my niece Yazzie came over to visit. Berk loves to climb right at her, throw toys at her and yell really loud in her direction. And she loves to look at the nearest person, cry and beg for rescue with her eyes! We got them both fed (she out ate him hands down) and into the bath. They were so cute, splashing and not sharing toys, it was great. Yaz has about a million times more hair than Berk, so washing it was a treat, she even has curls- it's a good thing she is related or I just might have to hate her parents for having such a cute kid!
Also, I have had a ton of friends and family join the blogging world! Most recently Beth G., Genny and Ani, so Welcome -Welcome we are so happy to be able to keep up on your lives!

Too Big, Too Fast!

My 'Baby' is going to be 11 months old tomorrow! He is getting so big! No really, I tried to put some shoes on him and everything is just too small. Even his crocs! So I pulled out the old shoes bin and finally found some that fit- Size 6! Huge, I know. Then, last night, as if to prove he is getting big he started waving bye-bye out of the blue. We had had Rusty's mom and Grandparents over for dinner and as then went to leave Berk just started waving at his Noni! It was so cute, and I am pretty sure he was dang proud of himself from the look on his face. Any who, so I did what any scrapbook/ blog obsessed mother would do, whipped out the camera and make him do it again and again. He started saying "yes" and "this" earlier this month, and now loves to point to what he wants and say "this this this." So this video clip is of him saying bye, and clapping (which he will do when ever he thinks he is funny, or if I say Yeah) He wouldn't ever say This on the video, but as he watched it back on my laptop he did. The second is one of him laughing, watch close, he laughs so hard he has to put his hands down for support... he is gonna be a good laugh -er. And his laugh is really low, he is just so different from Braden personality, voice, eating habits ect... See, he isn't all bad, totally worth the crappy sleep. Enjoy!

Stuck in a Rut?

If you are like us, every Friday night you sit in the car in the driveway trying to decide where to go out to eat. Our conversations usually starts like this, "Do we want to sit down or drive through?" or "What did you have for lunch this week?" Generally, we leave it up to Braden to decide. So, last night I decided to go to one of our newer favorite places, and we invited Rusty's parents and my parents to come along. We had great food, two very tired (one fell asleep) boys and a fabulous dessert. So I thought to myself, I should put together a list of places I like to go, because we a famous for introducing new places to our families. So here goes:

Favorite Sandwich places:

Jason's Deli

Port Of Sub

Picnic Company

Paradise Bakery

Favorite Mexican

Costa Vida

Nando's

Baja Fresh

Chipotle

El Charro

Favorite Pizza Places

Nello's

Barro's

Favorite Chinese

Pei Wei

PF Chang's

Favorite Eateries (variety of foods)

BJ's Brewhouse

Boston's

Sautee

Claim Jumper

Favorite Burger Places

In N Out

Red Robin

Just for Desserts

Coldstone Creamery

Golden Spoon

So in addition to "Curb Side" to go, almost every restaurant these days will let you place your order online and tons of places deliver. My favorite places to take the kids to eat include:

1. Jason's Deli, where they get free dum-dum's and there is a free soft serve machine (it helps to entice them to eat a good meal). Plus they feature an organic menu, which is a nice change.

2. Boston's, this place has a great kids menu and they even bring around a treasure chest with toys in it for the kids to pick from, oh, and their meal comes with a cookie.

3. BJ's, the menu for kids is good, but get them the pizza. It is so yummy- and there should be enough for you to get a bite too! And you have to {try} to save room for the dessert Pizooki's, they are ooey gooey goodness... If you feel a little crazy, try the pizooki platter.

4. Picnic Company, they have a kids PB&J and they even cut off the crust, plus the yummy homemade brownies, cookies and rice crispy treats.

5. In N Out, although they don't have a kids menu, the burgers aren't so big a kid couldn't eat one. Order it without the spread, or get a grilled cheese (yep they do that too) and don't forget to get some stickers and ask for a paper hat, it should buy you a few minutes of entertainment...

Now I know a lot of these yummy establishments are local only, but many of them (Boston's, Jason's Deli and BJ's) have locations in tons of other states! Try it, you'll like it! And finally, my last food hint... Check your local Chic-Fil-A's for their Monday night promotions. We visit the one at Power/Ray, and every Monday night they have a special where with every combo meal you buy, you get a kids meal free. And, as if that weren't good enough, they always have some sort of activity. We have been there for a balloon maker, the fire department came, bounce houses, free ice cream, trains on display.. oh, the list goes on and on. They usually have a calendar for the month and it's all free! So tonight, if you can't decide where to go, I hope I left you with some Food for Thought. Gee, I am funny...

If I have forgotten any places, and I am sure I have, leave a comment.

Where is your favorite place to go???

And Kelcie, this is what was left of our Pizooki Platter, where were you when we needed you!!!

Thanks for all the advice!

So, I just wanted to respond to all the great advice from everyone, here on the blog, those that called and everyone else. I found some sleep tracking sheets online and I am trying to track his sleep patterns. I have started NOT giving him a bottle once he initially goes down until after 5 am- which has seemed to be fine. I am wondering if he had a bug and that is why he was puking, but he just hasn't seemed his calm, mellow self lately. He has been fighting me on his early (around 9am) naps so the last 2 days I held him off till Noon and he slept for an hour then and napped again in the late afternoon for over 3 hours. I totally know the more he sleeps in the day the more he sleeps at night. Last night was great, he only got up once at about 3, unfortunately I was up till 1 thinking he was gonna get up at anytime...my bad.

I am pretty sure he is going through a growth spurt and that may be causing his discomfort, so I am giving him Motrin in the night if I think he really needs it, as well as the Hylands Teething Tablets- which are FABULOUS. I also got a smaller fan in his room that makes a bit more noise than his ceiling fan and that seems to especially help when he is napping and his loud big brother is home. I also started giving his post bath massage with the night time lavendar lotion, instead of regular lotion, and that really seems to help relax him.

Sorry I was a whiny Mom in the last blog, but like the title said, I was really, really tired! Basically, I have realized I need to rework MY attitude about his sleeping, and suck it up and try to let him cry it out. I totally don't guarantee I will succeed--- so if any of you CIO Mom's wanna volunteer to stay at my house for a few nights and do the hard part for me, I am up for takers!
I think I am also going to take him in to the pediatrician and see if she has any other advice. I have heard of something called "Startlers" which is similar to night terrors, which not so shockingly, Braden suffers from (who says babies don't remember things...) I have also read alot about sleep patterns and this is the jist of what I learned...that in normal sleep, a child cycles between light sleep and deep sleep. Each light sleep stage is a time when the child is more likely to wake up. Infants go through a complete sleep cycle about every 50-60 minutes, so they are in light sleep and could wake up many times each night! So basically, he could just be getting 'stuck' between cycles -whew! Who knows! Why kids don't come with a personalized owner's manual is beyond me!
But I really wanted to say thanks to everyone who was willing to listen to me grip and help with my cranky boy!

I'm really, really tired...

All right all you Supermom's out there in the blogging world, I need your help. Berkley, joy of joys, is giving me fits. He has never been a 'good' sleeper by any means, but the last month or so has been out of control. He is waking up in the night so many times, I don't even try to keep track. About middle of July he was finally only waking up once about 4 am for a bottle. Then all of a sudden he started waking at 2 am too. Now in the last month it is nearly every 45 minutes. Honestly. I am at my wits end. I am beyond tired. I need help. See, I am willing to admit it, I am not the perfect has it all together Mom. But I haven't had at least 6 hours of consecutive sleep since Rusty & I went to Miami, and that was in April! So, first I will tell you our routine and then what I have tried.

• 7pm - Dinner (1 or 2 size 2 baby foods)
• 730 pm -Bath and baby massage
• 8 pm-Bottle and to bed

And then it starts... usually about an hour or two (if I am lucky) after he is first put down I will hear him crying. Generally, he has not been able to find his paci and with my help after we find one (of the 6 or so floating around in there), he nods back off. Then about 45 minutes later. I always try giving him the paci first, then pat his back and if he still isn't settled down I will pick him up. It only takes a minute or two and he is out cold again. For a while at least. I have gotten into the (very bad) habit of staying up until 12:30 or 1 am because I know if I go to bed earlier than that I will make several trips down the hall. Here are the things I have tried...

• Putting a humidifier in his room
• Turning a fan on in his room
• Nightlight on/ Nightlight off
• Motrin before bed
• Benedryl before bed (no change)
• Bottles during the night
• Sleeping in my bed (still wakes often)
• Letting him 'cry it out'- which each time no matter the duration (1 min or 5) results in puking and a REALLY enjoyable clean up for me
• Maybe he hot, turning down the A/C
• Maybe he is cold, covering with a blanket
• Checking and rechecking for ear infections- and no he's fine
• Turning off the monitor, to no avail- he is just down the hall and has Very good lungs

I am honestly not a fan of the "cry it out" method. One, because I was "trained" not to let Braden cry it out as a baby because of his heart. I knew exactly what it did to his blood pressure and oxygenation rate. As a result, I really hate imagining even a totally healthy baby doing that. Plus the pathetic look on their face as he rattles his crib like a little angry monkey- it kills me. I think to myself, I went through so much with Braden (who by the way still wakes up in the night, but does at least finally fall asleep with out our help) and worked so hard to get Berk that I just have a soft spot for them crying. You all know the Mommy Guilt I am taking about. Even his daily naps are affected. He used to take three naps and has gone to two, which is normal. But now sometimes he will wake up several times during the naps in the morning. He is also waking up about an hour earlier than usual -at 6:30am and I am SOOO not a morning person. So, short of getting on Supernanny (which I have downloaded the form to apply-- twice) I need some new ideas. Is this just one of those phases? Are there any good books I can try? Will he out grow it? Is it a growth spurt, we are prone to leg aches in this family. Should I take him to the pediatrician? Would she laugh if I asked for a kid dose of Ambien? Does he even really need bottles in the night because I swear he is starving. or is it all my fault? I rock him to sleep, and I am trying to do it for shorter and shorter time and get him in his bed drowsy, just like all the books say...but that doesn't happen overnight.

My newest theory is this, in the preexistence I must not have been paying attention when we were choosing characteristics for our kids. Did I think, "Oh, I don't want my kids to sleep - I would miss them just too much". Or, did I just plain forget to check the box that grants you babies who sleep through the night by 6 weeks and are a piece o' cake? And I definitely shouldn't have opted into the Automatic Baby Wakeruper, that is triggered by my head hitting the pillow. Dang, I was probably not even paying attention, must have been multi-tasking or something. So, for all of you who call me in the morning, afternoon or evening and ask, "Did I wake you?" The awnser is always "No, my kids did that and that is why I sound like this." I am so lucky to have a very understanding husband who gets my need for sleep. I get to sleep in every weekend morning and generally get a nap those days too. Even last night at 1am he came down the hall, took Berk from me and told me to get some sleep. Thanks Rusty, those 3 hours were a life saver, and I hope you didn't fall asleep at work.

Hopefully soon (with all ya'lls help) I can hang this sign on my front door, instead of the first one...

This week wasn't all bad however, even with no sleep, a broken hot water heater and a dishwasher on the fritz, I got to sub in my friend Marci's Bunco group last night. Where I not only met some new friends, but I rolled 2 Bunco's-- watch out girls in my regular group, I am already warmed up for Thursday!

Oldies but Goodies...

I got on a mailing list of several magazines/ catalogues lately. And, while most of them I dump in the recycle right away, one actually caught my eye. This is the best toy catalogue I have seen, "Back to Basics Toys." It has some of the latest and greatest toys, crafts & furniture etc, but the best part is the classic toys. Everything you remember from when we were kids like Tinker Toys and Lincoln Logs are for sale in this catalogue. The list is endless- remember the Snoopy Snow cone maker? Or the original Slinky Dog (not just the newer one from Toy Story) and my personal favorite from the entire thing... The Chatter Telephone. Berk played with this, and a ton of toys that were his Noni's or Rusty's, at the cabin recently and loved it so much I really think I want to get him a new one to play with at home. And yes, Fisher Price sells an updated version, but this one reminds me of being a kid. How sad, by the way, that I had to explain to my 14 yr old brother in law how to use a rotary phone -kids these days... I tell ya. So I thought I would pass along these two toys sites

Really, I know sometimes it is hard to find that 'great' gift to take to a birthday party. The last one Braden was invited to, the kid got 10 different Spiderman toys, seriously. So, why not reintroduce the old to the new kids in town? I have such strong memories of playing Lincoln Logs and Tinker Toys at my Grandpa's house growing up. And just a few years ago, on our way to Utah, we stopped at this rundown gas station where I found a Hoppy & chalk. (For those who don't know, I will try not to think less of you for it) A hoppy taw is what you use to play hopscotch, it's the thing you throw. My brothers and sister all had such a good time drawing the hopscotch and playing -just like when we were kids. So when I got this in the mail, I starting thinking and the more I thought about it the more I knew I had to tell all the bloggers out there about it. What were some of your favorite toys or games when you were a kid?

Play Things Past is another great toy store for classics. If anyone finds the original Little People, like we had growing up (Alison- your Mom's collection rocks- keeping everything is good sometimes, right?) let me know. I would love to have the farm that Moo'd when you opened the door, and the dog that was black & white...memories.

Speaking of all things old, Happy Anniversary to my parents- 41 years! thanks for being such great examples to all of us!

Spoiled rotten...

So every Christmas and Birthday I usually supply Rusty with a very detailed list of things I would like or need, complete with links to online sites or store names next to an item (I am a little OCD, I swear). And every time he manages to get me things that are more than I asked for and always wanted. He especially loves to surprise me with one big gift, like my sewing machine a few years ago or a table & chairs for Bunco. He is the best. This year was no exception, my boys spoiled me rotten. Some times it pays to be the Princess in the house. That's right, being shipped to my door is the new Video IPod nano! I am so excited! I have never had an IPod and my Mp3 player is several years old and dying from lots of use over the last few years. I am so happy! This was definitely NOT on my list and I was totally surprised! I also got new Nikes for the gym, and from the boys a Pilates ball, mat and other accessories. I got a new Rice cooker/ Steamer as well and I am actually very excited about that one. Hmm, reading that all back I am sensing a theme...maybe someone wants me to work our more...hmmm... This morning Rusty let me sleep in and got the boys breakfast. After picking Braden up from school we went to Cracker's & Co for lunch and Rusty was able to leave work and meet us there. The girls from work brought me by the prettiest flowers and chatted for a minute. This afternoon both boys were good and I even got them to nap at the same time (I love preschool- Braden is spent when he gets home). Tonight after dinner with just Rusty (thanks Mom) I had a few friends and my family over for cake & ice cream. Thanks to everyone who came, it was a rowdy house, but fun. Thanks for all the great cards and gifts! I can't wait to get it all put to good use! Here are just a few fun picts from tonight... (flowers from the office, my cake, 'Unka T' & Bden, Making a wish, Heather & niece Grace, Bden loves the frosting, Olivia Burkinshaw, Me & Meghan, Me & Heather)
Thanks for all the well wishes on my Birthday! I feel so loved! Even my Bishop and State Farm agent called! (Random?!?) It was a really, really great day! Almost good enough to make getting older worth it.

Happy Birthday Caryn!!!

I just wanted to take a moment and publicly wish my amazing wife a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! She does more for me than I could every ask for and is a wonderful mother and wife! I couldn't do it without you! Thanks for all you do!!!!! Hope your birthday is relaxing, amazing, fun, and wonderful! Its all about you today!!!

Happiest Day of the Year...

Really, today tops Christmas in my book.
FIRST DAY OF PRESCHOOL!
Hurray! Braden is in his 3rd year of preschool (thanks to being an October Bday and missing the cut off). He loves his school so much that I drive him out to Mesa 4 times a week. Only about 7 of his 30 classmates from last year are back so he is excited to meet new friends and be the big kid at school. As is tradition he picked a GAP shirt to wear. The first day of his first year we got him a new outfit from Gap and he thought that he should wear it every time he went to school, so we dubbed it his uniform. Now three years later, (first orange, then green and now blue) the only time he wears a Gap logo shirt is usually to school. What a funny kid. We were sad to hear that three of his four teachers have moved, retired or started their own program, but Miss Christine is still there and we love her! Yeah for Montessori Learning Center in Mesa, and yeah for 12 hours of Braden busy time!

And the weekend is just beginning!

Friday night I had a chance to get together with Alison, Kendee and Brooke. We had such a good time. Ok, maybe a little too much, but that incident will stay between us and the Mesa PD. Anyway, we were dumb and didn't take any pictures...at least of us chatting...Just like the good old days girls. I had so much fun gabbin' with you guys and we will plan a longer girls weekend soon! I am so glad I finally got to meet Emery and Paige! They are cute, and congrats to Kendee & Steve on baby #2, and I am glad you are so "Not a Trooper!" Anytime we have an excuse to get together and head to Nielsen's Frozen Custard is a good time! Who knew Midnight would seem so late to us? We are just getting old! Glad I could take one for the team and stay local to keep you all caught up!

Saturday, Rusty was planning on going to the cabin to break in the new quad and at the last minute I decided to go too. It was fun, relaxing and most of all, COOLER! It poured rain on us and dropped to about 70 degrees! Nice! I love every chance we have to get up to Pine. The boys love the attic playroom and all the old toys. I love that when they play with them I remember using toys just like them! Gotta love great-grandma's attic! Braden was so sad after dinner when we headed back down the mountain, he really wanted to spend one night, but I hadn't brought clothes, so he couldn't.

Sunday was a regular church day, only both boys were terrors! 'Nough said. We are sad that Jill and baby Jaci are headed back home to Utah, but we are sure Bill is glad to have his girls back! No fair that Provo gets my Kelcie and my Jill. Hope you two girls have fun together! Tomorrow we will have a BBQ and swim, so I am sure there will be pictures on Becknews.com later! Hope everyone has a fun and safe Labor Day!