5,000 Calories

That's the universal daily minimum on Thanksgiving, right?

This year we were at Casa de Peterson, and had a lovely time. All my family was at my parents this year, so needless to say, the day was full of "loud". Two parents, six daughters, five husbands, one boyfriend, five grandkids, and three dogs. Lots of loud. And I wouldn't have had it any other way.

Dinner was a little delayed, and didn't begin until 6:30, so there was plenty of time to socialize and stuff ourselves on the relish tray and ham.

Obligatory picture on the way to The Ridge

Baby Flower hangin' with grumpa

Jon taught Sam some MMA moves, and he and Tadd decided he'll be a wrestler. I refuse.

My new book! The author even signed it for me!

P.S. the author is my mom!

Addie giving Sam lots of hugs and kisses. This seems to happen often. That's because they are besties.

And this seems to happen a lot too. Van, displaying his large mouth. My fave.

Check out his dapper self. All dressed up for Thanksgiving!

The little tyke and me

Mallory posing next to her well dressed table. She and Nick were hard at work for a few hours prior to dinner, and their work definitely paid off, it was beautiful!

Our place settings

We had a jolly ol' time this Thanksgiving, and especially enjoyed the large selection of desserts after dinner (pumpkin pie, pecan pie, chocolate pecan pie, apple pie, chocolate creme pie, lemon tart, cheesecake)!

I am so thankful for our families, and the entertainment they supply us with day after day.

Thankful {Thirty}

McDonalds chicken nuggets

My tall, handsome husband

My happy baby

Flat irons

My caring husband

My baby's smiles

Food

My mom's book

Online shopping

Crest Diet Coke

My hard working husband

My baby's tiny toes

Paint to spruce up furniture

Tithing

Generous family members

Jeggings

My housewife-husband

My boy's brown eyes (and the occasional crossed ones of my baby)

Thankful {Twenty-Nine}

Friends

I've been super blessed to have made incredible friends. Timeless friends.

They've been there for me through the good times and the tough times.

The last thing I expected was to make best friends with girls from hair school, since I considered it to be an extension of high school (and don't we all look back fondly on those days...ugh).

Needless to say, I was surprised to find myself among girls that lifted me up, made me practically pee my pants laughing, and left me with some of the best memories.

Fast forward a few years, and hello Nu Skin. Aside from providing me with a do-hardly-anything-for-a-more-than-decent-income, Nu Skin introduced me to a number of people who soon became some of my best friends. And oh my word, did we have some gooo-uuuu-d times.

More great friends were made at Jive Dance Studio, yes I'm an adult and take dance. So what?

You can't put an age on fun. And friends. Funny friends.

I'm also surrounded by great friends at my salon (most of whom I don't have digital evidence of, but I swear they're real).

See, so fortunate am I!

I'm way too lazy to make the following pictures into collages, so enjoy a marathon post.

Sil and I sampling Mary's clothing

Me, Sil, Jessie and TT awaiting our CPK hummus

Tianne and me as our dancing selves

Silly and me Cheesecaking it up

Me, Kris and Powla showering the bride (the one in the middle. She showers herself sometimes)

Me, Sil and MK celebrating Sil's 21st

Enjoying each other at Mary's mom's funeral. With the friends I have, it's possible to make light of a sad situation.

Celina and me being the most beautifulest

Mary, me, Tiana and Ali "Spooning Me"

Scottish and Kristen also spooning each other. What are the odds?

Mary, me, Jessie and Ali standing awkwardly against a wall

NickMal, Cel, Whit, me and Kristen farewelling someone, but I forget who.

Who Wore it Best Event, Nu Skin, Suite 100

Me and Kristen pretending to be all business like in Seattle. I wasn't old enough to rent a car.

Oy Vey, Bahamas!

Nice G's Jess

Celebrating Nashley's birthday Gloria's style

Ali caught the garter! And decided to marry me!

Steel Magnolias get together (minus Care Bear)

Farewell to Celina as she goes off to Africa (to meet her future husband, which of course we had no idea of at the time. Awesome)

The Cunninghams again. At a Nu Skin event. Again.

You challenge us to a Costco-cake-eating contest, and we'll take that challenge. We'll also each win $50.

Celina and I are the spookiest of all zombies

Farewell to my Nu Skin days (at CPK)

Chelsea-face, my work wife.

Care Bear, Sil, Mary and me in Idaho

I la, la, love my friendlings.

Thankful {Twenty-Eight}

Prednisone

Modern day technology. Gosh, isn't it amazing? So glad I was born in this day and age

Benadryl

TV series

My amazing phone

Our built in ward friends, Celidam

A healthy baby

Tadd's job

Frozen pizza

Nail polish

Chewing gum

MAC and Bare Escentuals makeup

Thankful {Twenty-Seven}

Space heaters

Hot water

Car heaters

Fireplaces

Thankful {Twenty-Six}

Dry Shampoo, specifically this one

Donuts of any kind

Mid calf garmies

Vibrating toothbrush

Call me disgusting, but I'll do whatever it takes to extend the life of my washed hair. I prefer to wash it once a week, or rather have someone else wash it once a week, I just hate doing it. I might have gone 11 days one time, just maybe. My life changed when I tried dry shampoo three years ago. I could even bear my testimony about it. Sacrilig? Sure.

Donuts, donuts, donuts. I'd have them every day if I could. Did you know that Hostess Crumb Donettes are actually Hostess CRUNCH Donettes? I know, I was disappointed too.

Again, my life was changed when I caved and took my mother's advice and bought myself some mid calfies. Holy comfortable, batman. And while pregnant? I just purchased myself some in about 4 sizes bigger and that did the trick. Secret: I still wear those, super pretty.

I'm positive I don't brush thoroughly enough on my own, so my Pulsar toothbrush picks up my slack. And it feels like there's a party in my mouth every day. Bonus!

Thankful {Twenty-Five}

Our home

Tadd and I have a crush on old homes (that have been well kept), and I'd bet that we end up buying an older home one day and fixing it up.

I love the charm and character older homes often have, and their little quirks.

A few of our homes quirks:

The old icebox

It's carousel layout

Awesome built in shelving

Pull cord lights (we have four!)

Electricity installed after the home was built

No disposal (Ok, hate this)

The super low counter in the bathroom

I also love:

The tall baseboards and wide moldings

Our porch and little lightpost

The original hardwood floors

The tall ceilings

The carport

I really feel at home here, and it has our own personal touch all throughout the house. Although it wasn't in the best shape when we moved in, and we had to put in a lot of work (me, 9 months pregnant), I think that makes me like it more. And with the landlord paying for the paint and updates, I feel we couldn't have ended up in a better place.

Oh hey! Happy Thanksgiving!

Thankful {Twenty-Four}

Books

I love reading, and wish I made more time for it.

I hope to instill a love for reading in Samson as he grows up.

We read to him daily, and anticipate when one day he requests specific books before bedtime.

I'm enjoying starting up his little library, and have found a bunch of cute books that I'm excited for him to recognize one day.

(any specific favorites out there?)

My amazing husband who takes on the role of amazing dad many nights of the week.

Nights when I'm at the salon, Tadd does such a great job sticking to the routine I insisted we establish for el bebe.

First there is the bath, which Samson LOVES. He especially loves when we slide him up away from the faucet to add more hot water. Don't get too close, the kid will soak you with his vigorous splashing.

Then his aquaphor, diaper (duh), lotion and lavender. Next are the jimjams and sleep sack, then his reflux medication (poor little dude), and then his bottle. After a good burp he gets story time.

I love imagining Tadd at home holding our little guy and reading him a book or two. When I'm home and have done the feeding, burping and reading, Samson gets a little cuddle time with dad, then it's off to bed. I insisted on singing him the same song before bed every night, and because it's simple, sweet and easy to remember, we sing the Barney song (make fun all you want).

Tadd admitted the other night that sometimes when he puts Sam down he'll make up his own lyrics. You see, it's no wonder Sammy loves his daddy the most. The fun they have together far surpasses the fun he and I have together, and that's OK. It's worth it just to watch the two of them love each other.

So, yes. I am grateful for my husband who never complains about playing daddy at night, and makes the very most of it.

Thankful {Twenty-Three}

*warning*

semi-inappropriate picture below

and by semi-inappropriate, I mean totally inappropriate

Humor, I'm thankful for humor

It makes my world go round. What would I do without humor?

Die of boredom, I suppose.

I love being entertained, which is really quite easy to do, and I like to entertain others, which often comes in the form of jackassery or sarcasm, and not always received well, unfortunately.

But hey, humor is humor right?

I almost can't believe I'm posting this.

Do you think the blogger-porn-police will cite me for it?

Even better, my MeganSister took this picture.

Knockin' Around in my Brain

If my ankles were smaller I might be into oxfords, or "bert shoes" as I used to call them.

I'v been thinking I need to continue my blog-every-day phase in December, and I believe I may make myself post something I like about winter/Christmas. I absolutely hate winter, and have a hard time getting into the holiday season because it takes place in the winter. BUT, I can't be a scrooge with a kid, so I'm going to force myself to recognize the things I like.

I really enjoy our home. Like really.

Watching FRIENDS in its entirety for about the seventh time. I begin quoting it in my head all day long by about the sixth season. Drives me a titch batty.

I have a goal not to personally wash my hair through the end of the year; I'll have one of the salon girls do it. That's really only five more times anyway. Unless I turn it into a New Years Resolution, which I'm seriously considering.

I am SO freaking excited that my amazing great-aunt Betty made Samson his very own Raggedy Andy. I have a Raggedy Ann, so now we're twinners!

I make a new Glee CD every week, you'd think it would just be easier to play it from my iPhone right? I like CDs, reminds me of simpler times (FRIENDS quote. Pathetic).

Samson is blowing a LOT of raspberries. Soaking his face and shirt, a lot. He thinks he's hilarious, which of course he is.

My post-baby-lady-lumps depress me. Why did no one warn me?

I have awesome clients. I was so entertained tonight with my two clients (mother-daughter), and might just ask Courtney to come entertain me everyday at the salon. Maybe she'll even tap dance?

Question of the day: should we sleep at our house Christmas Eve and then head down to my parents early Christmas day? Or just sleep there. What to do, what to do.

I think drinking anything but hot beverages from a mug is vile. The smell of the ceramic, the taste, all of it. So gross.

We are weird. I'm "kitty", Tadd is "puppy" and Sam is "cuppy".

Midcalf silk garmies are the way to go. Ladies, go try some. It's been years since I've started wearing these, and recently friends and family have caught on, and are hooked. Jump on board! If you must try Carinessa (and feel as if you are wearing two pairs of paints), so be it. Luckily they have an adorable lace band at the bottom. They slightly resemble leggings! Don't try to pull that off though, you'll look foolish.

Why is that "obv" and "totes" are the best words ever? Be even cooler and say "totes magotes".

...signing off. Time to watch a FRIENDS episode and hit the hay.

But not before leaving you with this little gem...

Feeling a little needy, Tadd thought Sam might enjoy his bath a little more with his beloved binki.

Thankful {Twenty-Two}

The gospel

Admittedly, I am not the most stalwart member of the church, but I'm trying. And it gives me comfort to know that trying really matters.

More On That Giraffe Hat

Beeeeecause it's so cute

Now I just need to find every excuse in the book for him to wear it.

Oh, I've got one. How about this damn winter?

It's snowing right now, and I couldn't be more mad.

And if you leave a hat-wearing-baby on a cuddlebag long enough, this will happen.

He didn't seem to mind.

Thankful {Twenty One}

Our carseat/stroller thingie

I promise I didn't list this just so I could post this adorable picture, I'm really in love with our carseat and stroller, and can't thank my parents enough for the generous gift.

Perfect size, compact enough, freaking adorable (don't you just love orange?),

snaps into base and stroller with ease,

and I was even able to unfold the stroller while holding Sam in my arms.

Is that genius, or what?

Blogging

Such a fantastic way to stalk people

Oh, and keep in touch with people

A washer and dryer

Is there anything more wonderful?

We don't have a dishwasher or a disposal, so I revel in the workings of our laundry appliances

Thankful {Twenty}

My incredibly handy husband

I'm telling you, I've not come across any project that he couldn't figure out how to do

And everything he does...he overdoes. And I get to reap the benefits of that little quirk of his

Oh, and his spray painting skills are top notch

Just a few of his many, many projects...

Built a beautiful frame for this mirror. Free mirror, might I add.

Helped me repair this KSL treasure

Transformed this D.I find since I got as far as sanding off the top.

What if he could make me Crest Diet Coke?

Found two wooden shelving units, and built a rolling pantry for our itty bitty kitchen.

Painstakingly sanded and repainted this shelf from black to white, removed the bottom back slat so it could sit flat against the wall.

Also, painted this chair (a baby shower gift), and of course it wouldn't have been complete without whiting out Sam's name, right? I never would've put the extra time in. But my husband? Absolutely.

This is only a small amount of the things he's built or fashioned around the house...(installed ceiling fans, removed sliding shower doors, installed laundry room storage, repositioned my closet rod, etc), and I love looking around our little casa and seeing that he has fiddled with just about everything to improve it.

I should rent him out. Interested?

Thankful {Nineteen}

Caffeine

I never could've gotten through a midnight HP showing without it

On that note:

There is no shame in REintroducing the web world to this spectacular video

Also grateful that Sam wakes up in the morning, eats and goes right back to bed.

Sometimes as long as an hour or two. HEAVEN.

Thankful {Eighteen}

My health
I'm so very grateful for good health.

And look how cute this is

Thankful {Seventeen}

Dollar Stores

I scored some majorly cute ornaments and holiday decor today, everything $1!

Although I haaate (yes, with three a's), those that prematurely decorate (give Thanksgiving it's dues!), I was temporarily tempted to pull out the tree and begin hanging up my new gold ornaments alongside the pink and purple ones from last year, and the year before.

You see, I enjoy adding to my tree every year, rather than having a completely decorated tree from year one. It's more fun this way.

But then I remembered my haaatred (yes, with three a's), and realized I'd be stupid to skip over Thanksgiving. Plus...(deep breath) I'm not the biggest Christmas fan, or rather Christmas season fan. I enjoy the reason behind Christmas, just not so much the jolly, jolly spirit we all apparently have to adopt. And really, I hate winter. With 200 a's.

Was this supposed to be a grateful post?

Oops.

I've Failed my Childhood

Lately I find myself mashing up (subconsciously influenced by Glee, maybe?) two childhood songs on accident when humming to Sam for his naptime song (mind you, I hum it about 3 times a day, and can't seem to keep to one tune).

And the following words are going through my head...for the whole.dang.day.

"You are my sunshine. This land is your land. From the magic mountains, to the pirate islands."

Whatthehell?

Thankful {Sixteen}

The power of prayer.

I struggled, and I mean struggled hard, with breastfeeding the first week and a half of Sam's life. While pregnant I had told myself that I would give nursing an honest try, and if it didn't work...it just didn't work.

Oddly enough, my milk came in one day, and left the next. I kid you not. The incessant pumping, nursing when I wasn't pumping, drinking plenty of fluids, talking with lactation consultants often...nothing worked.

We had to supplement with formula half the time, and luckily Sam had no problem taking a bottle, and I could rest easy knowing how much he was eating. And surprise, he was sleeping better after bottles.

I was surprised at how determined I became once Samson arrived. There was nothing I wanted more than to nurse him. I had convinced myself while pregnant that I wouldn't be a bad mother if I couldn't nurse, but I hadn't considered how I'd feel as a woman. I felt like such a failure. My body was supposed to do this. Why wasn't it working?

I don't remember the last time I prayed that hard and that often. I was, as it's said in church, "fervently praying". I needed comfort so badly, and although I was praying mostly for breastfeeding to work, I prayed and prayed to feel at ease with whatever path we chose.

When Tadd and I finally decided to solely bottle feed, the rush of calm that came over me was exactly what I needed. Heavenly Father had answered me, and instantly lifted a gloomy weight from my shoulders. The tears literally stopped that day, and I have felt so good and confident ever since.

Since that day, I have not regretted choosing to bottle feed. That's not to say that I don't still feel a twinge of jealousy when I hear of or see women breastfeeding, but this is what works for US. And Heavenly Father knew that. I just needed to trust in him that he knew the right method of feeding my munchkin. My prayers did help me better trust him, and I am so grateful for that. So very grateful.

Thankful {Fifteen}

Modern medicine, for sooo many reasons.

Along that same line...IUDs.

Lawsy, lawsy...what would I do without that blessed Mirena?

Thankful {Fourteen}

The performing arts

Last night I had the pleasure of watching my littlest sister belt her guts out in song and dance to her heart's content as the lead in her school's play "Krazy For You".

Oh. My. Word. I swear that is not my sister. I'm not related to someone that can sing like that! She was incredible, and wow, so grown up! Absolutely fantastic!

I love dance concerts. I LOVE musicals. I'm a nerd like that. I'm so grateful for the entertainment they supply me with, and even more grateful that my little LolaSister could BE that entertainment tonight!

Love you sissy!

And don't I have the cutest dad?

Thankful {Thirteen}

That first date.

Seven years ago today I received a text from Tadd (who I, of course, had a crush on) asking

would I like to go with him to the premier of the LDS film Pride and Prejudice that night.

Would I!

Picked me up from work that night.

Oh my, was I attracted to him.

We discussed the weather on the way, both of us being nervous.

I learned he also wished the snow would stay up in the mountains.

Scerra theatre with friends of his,

sitting up on the balcony.

He was wearing Very Sexy for Him

He rubbed my back a few times during the film, maybe touched my leg a few times.

I think we held hands.

A little much for a first date, you say?

With the incessant flirting that had gone on over the last month at his house,

it was no surprise.

(did I tell you I met him through his lil' sis, Shaley, who was my BFF?)

Chili's next.

Listened to Howard Jones "HoJo" on the way.

Both ordered Cajun Chicken Pasta, his with no tomatoes.

He ate half of his, I ate all of mine.

Not surprising; I could give a fat guy a run for his money.

Gavin's house after dinner.

Tadd's best friend.

You'd know him from the newest Jazz bear commercial.

Purple shirt and funny as all get out.

Gavin's lair, the whole basement,

appropriately named The Pleasure Palace.

There was one rule.

You have to cuddle, and you have to like it.

Did I disobey the rule? Not even a little bit.

The ideal first date and the wonderful beginning of the end of our single lives.

I'm so grateful for November 13th.

Thankful {Twelve}

My quote-unquote-job.

I consider it to be more of a hobby, and I LOVE it.

It's exactly what I need to be doing in my life.

The perfect outlet for me.

Gives me the opportunity to stretch myself

creatively as much as I want.

I'm also so grateful for my clients.

I want a tee shirt, bumper sticker, whatever

that says "My Clients Are Better Than Yours", because they are.

I've so grateful to consider my clients my friends

(I bet all of you don't have 150+ friends, suckas).

I love it. Love it.

feel free to browse my hair blog (myhairoin.com), and encourage me to get back to posting.

Thankful {Eleven}

My daily Diet Coke run

Not only is the blessed nectar of the God's refreshing,

but a little jaunt to get out of the house for a bit

is always just what the doctor ordered

for both me and my offspring.

Thankful {Ten}

My nieces and nephews

Madi: an excellent baby sitter, whom the kids adore

Mazie: always good for a laugh

Kyra: a thoughtful sweetheart

Ellie: an entertaining goofball

Adrie: sometimes shy, and very caring

Andrew: sweet and mild with a silly side

Jack: wacky and always on the go

Ava: a sassy, silly chickie

Bree: a sparkly, natural performer

Griffin: sensitive and adores the babies

Crew: rowdy with his own agenda

Van: an endearing pest

Addison: a playful jabber mouth

Lyla: so sweet and cuddly

Violet: smiley and cheerful

I can't get over this picture. These two just freaking love each other.

I love seeing my nieces and nephews interact with their cousin, Sammy. They each have their own way of playing with him. It makes me anxious for when he really interacts with them!

In Other News

Our little buddy is five months old today!

17 lbs

And can finally hold onto his toes. That big belly sure causes problems with flexibility!

I'm loving his giggles, rolling (unless it's during naps and he can't roll back over, which really pisses him off), and studying of his hands and feet.