December

This has been a great month. We started off with Adam's birthday (thanks for the dinner Jared and Chelsea....love Texas Roadhouse) and then we began the Christmas festivities. We were able to start and keep some great traditions going. I was able to cook my own Christmas Eve-Eve dinner. Then we had our first Christmas with just us four. It was so relaxing to have no time table for anything (except that Savvy got an ear infection on Christmas Eve aside, it was a great holiday). Then we traveled to Colorado Springs to help Adam's bro. move into his new mountain home/mansion (too bad I left my camera at home) and we arrived home safely just in time to snuggle up with my hubby on our couch while eating chocolate cake to celebrate our seven years of marriage together. My love for Adam grows more and more each day. It is so great being married to my best friend.

Christmas morning: It was a white-out Christmas....snow falling and swirling around that morning. Savvy was not sure what to think about the whole thing but she only lasted about 15 minutes until she was hungry for her morning bottle. (she is too cute), Charlotte then came out with surprised eyes....she couldn't believe all the pretty gifts and the attention of the cameras. We received a call from Grandpa Hughes right away and Charlotte had a long conversation with him, thanking him for the presents and then naming off all her others. :) It was so much fun being together as a family on this blessed day. I am glad we live in a country that lets us celebrate the birth of our Saviour and friend.

Six Months

Savvy turned 6 months just recently and I wanted to do a comparison with her sister at the same age. We were living in Nashville, TN when Charli was 6 months old. We had just moved there from Orlando. As you can see, Char was a little more plump than her sister. I am glad though because I kept that little green & pink outfit and I hope to use it again but we cannot until our weather turns here and that may be just in time to fit right on her. (she is still in 3 month clothing....so petite)

Tis The Season

Here are a few things we checked off our list this Christmas season. I took the girls Christmas shopping all by myself the other day (I went to Cheyenne, so this really was an accomplishment), we let Charlotte form and decorate her own gingerbread house from scratch, Savannah got better and better each day at sitting up (Hey Lisa, do you recognize that towel Savvy is sitting in) :) and we paid only $10 for a local Christmas tree while Adam got to test out his new snow shoes that day also. It has been a great holiday season.

Merry Merry

We are all "Merry" here......can't wait for our first Christmas at home. Savvy had her 6 month check-up yesterday and is up to the 40th percentile for weight and 50th for head size and length. We have begun to love our new pediatrician. (As far as the women's clinic side, I am glad I am not preggo right now, we just lost the best OB/GYN in town and appointments are very backed up....we will truly miss Dr. Keeler) Other news, I graduated and decided to take time off for a year or two before going back for a Master's so........I am a full time Mom starting next week. Yay! I cannot be more thrilled!!!!!! May your heart be full this Christmas season.

Gratitude List

Sharing moment: I was shocked the other day when I was asked to blurt out a "Gratitude List" on the spot and my mind went blank. I really hope this was due to the fact that my brain is on overload setting and not because I am so blind to the great blessings that surround me.

I have been thinking about my impromptu list ever since and I keep adding bullet points in my mind (some big items, some small).......so I thought I would share some of them on the blog so it goes into a journal format.

I am thankful for: (in no particular order)

* The knowledge I have gained through prayer and scripture study of the restored gospel on this earth today and that I have gained a testimony that it is true

*My husband who was able to take me to the temple and the two little girls that have blessed our family

*My extended family and friends and their welcomed friendships

*My health and my families health

*The fact that there is a temple in Denver that I am able to attend with my husband

*My calling in the Young Women

*The ability to get down on my knees and pray anytime

*My Saviour, Our Father in Heaven and the Holy Ghost

*Our home and our ward family

*This free country we live in and the troops that have helped maintain it

*The fact that Adam works outside all day in the snow and when he arrives home, he comments on how good it feels to take an extra long hot shower in order to get warm again. This made me tear up.

now some small things (but also still super important)

*The ability to sew (Not perfectly, but good enough to get by)....and that I have a sewing machine

*The internet and my phone so I can keep in touch with my family and friends since they are scattered about this country

*our camera and video camera, to capture some great moments for the kids that they might not remember or that they want to share with others in the future......so basically, technology

*To not be pregnant (LOL....sorry, I still hate that I am sick the whole time I am preggo)

*The crib my Mom and Ginger bought for Char that we are now using for Sav.

*Vitamins-(I have taken these all semester and have not once gotten sick....even when my kids bring germs home from their school)...I believe in supplements/vitamins

*My new hair color (practical and cute)

*The ability to be able to study music for the past three years. My voice and my knowledge of music has blossomed. (and for years I thought I had lost the ability to gain this dream)

*Deer burger....I actually cooked it the other night and did not GAG. Thanks for the free meat Grant.

Gosh, now that I have had time to think about it, this list could go on and on and on. But I will stop and save the rest for my daughters journals and my on going thoughts through out this next year. I really hope I can keep a more thankful heart the whole year and not just during this season.

Happy Veterans Day

Take time out of your day to honor and remember those who served and especially those lost in battle. Today I will remember my grandfather Edmund P. Ingram. He passed away October 22, 2007 and he served in the Navy. I will also honor my father. Colonel Kevin P. Hughes who served two terms in Iraq so far. He is a wonderful grandfather to my girls and he has always been a stand up Marine. Lastly, I will remember a schoolmate of mine, Mark Daily. He was killed in Iraq from a car bomb. I am so proud of those who serve our country so we can live free.

The Artist

For a long time I have felt like Adam and I have nothing in common but quoting movies lines and being silly. After years I have finally realized that while I am an artist with my music, Adam is an artist with his hands (in a modern sense). He loves to create. He has created numerous things through out his life. I thought I would post his latest art work/creation. It is a nice piece of wood made into a kitchen utensil. It is for rice (my plastic one melted) and it will come in very handy. Plus, it is super cute don't you think? I feel like he could design and create his own line at Crate & Barrel or something. Way to go hubby!

Boo

We, like every family, are so busy that we could have easily skipped over this weekends festivities and still been swamped. But we are grateful for traditions and holidays. They create memories and provide that bonding time families need together. We carved pumpkins, baked the seeds, participated in numerous Halloween parties (trunk-or-treat, preschool party, Wal Mart, etc.) and we tried not to freeze over in the process. We also pressed and dried some of Janna's roses that she left from her birthday celebration (thanks Janna) and hung them up in our dining room for decor. Adam called it a "grandma" decoration. :) But we kept it simple and sweet and it was mostly about the time we spent together doing the craft. Adam is a wonderful husband and person, but those of you who know him, know that he has no sentimentality when it comes to decor. (Super opposite from me) I am not sure where this stems from but I suppose he's too manly to admit he has a sentimental bone with interior design. When all is said and done, I know deep down he appreciates all our decor. It makes our home come alive.

So for now, he will have to live with the roses. Marriage is not about thinking alike it is about thinking together. (I don't fully appreciate his tools/bolts/nuts/screws all over the house....but we give and take) :)

Raber Visit and Snow is Here

My eldest sister Janna drove through the other day with her hubby George. It was so great to have them visit. They had never been to Laramie before so we tried to show them a good time. :) This was the first time they had traveled with none of their children in a very long time so they were in high spirits for the change of pace. We are glad the big fall snow storm waited and came the day after they left. Phew!

Girlie-Q's

Savannah is very full of smiles lately. She lights up for any face and enjoys being held by others besides her parents......thank goodness...(Charlotte wasn't very friendly yet at this age).

Char is getting really good at writing her letters. She saw this grid on one of my friends blogs and asked that I make her one. What a great idea that was.

Our favorite holiday, Halloween is upon us! We are carving pumpkins tonight and all of our decor has been out for a while. Seen here is Charli in her bed with her special Halloween pillow case that Grandma Erickson made for her. (She asked that I get a picture) Also, Char loves to take pictures of her hair because I have started to toy with the idea of cutting her hair for "Locks of Love" but she wants a lot of pictures of it before we go ahead and make the final decision. That is what the top photo is for.

These girls are truly the loves of our lives. Thank goodness for their sweet spirits!

That's What Friends Are For

I love helping my friends and receiving some help in return on occasion. My VERY generous and talented friend made this Maya wrap for me. Savvy loves to just hang out in there. It is very helpful when she is in the "I just want to be held" mood and I have dishes, laundry, etc. to do. Thanks Tamra!!!! Aren't friends amazing?

Ultrasound

Madeline Carol Smith.......we can't wait to meet you!

I cannot believe my baby sister is having a baby.

4 Months & 4 Years

Our little one had her four month check up today. She is teeny-tiny. Only 12 lbs. 1 ounce.....15th percentile. Wow....Char had doubled her birth weight at two months and Sav hasn't even done that in four. One difference is that Savvy hasn't switched to formula yet. Maybe that has something to do with it...who knows? But it is funny to see her still fit into newborn and 0-3 month clothing. :) As for little Lotte, she is still smack dab in the 50th percentile as always. I guess that explains why she has always fit into the clothes that say the appropriate age for her.

Also in the news: My sister is having a girl!!!! Yay. She and Savannah will only be 8 months apart. That will be super fun. I hope to make it out to Mississippi for the delivery, etc. She is due two days after my birthday....March 7th.

Fall Happenings

Fall is here (or an early peak of winter) so that means time for Halloween costume prepping, pumpkin pie and candy! We had a fun Family Home Evening this week decorating pumpkins. Charlotte drew her own face on her very own pumpkin (which gave us a giggle) and Savvy's wee little pumpkin was decorated by her Daddy. I can't wait to buy a BIG pumpkin and roast the seeds.

Another happening this week was little Vannah's first haircut. She did well. These pictures of her doing some tummy-time show the long hairs that were around her ears and some long strays on top. I used the #4 clipper on those little guys and now she looks much better. The shot of her in the bathtub is to show the results....she enjoyed the outcome as you can see.

Hope you are all having a Happy Fall.

Another Fabulous Performance Opportunity!

So this dream I had of going back to school and getting back into music and singing and performing just gets better and better. I was selected to be in the Vocal Jazz Ensemble again this year and we worked our tails off in order to be ready for the happenings this week. Not only did we put on another Vocal Jazz workshop for the High Schools in the Wyoming, Nebraska and Colorado areas, but we performed with an amazing group called the New York Voices. If you like jazz you MUST look them up on their website or on www.darmonmeader.com (he is one of the members who does all their arranging.) We did a Beatles tune by ourselves where I had a solo vocal part. I LOVE this song because my sister and I used to listen to it off my parents vinyl collection....it's "In My Life" (from the Rubber Soul album) and we sang "I Could Write A Book" and "The World Keeps You Waiting" with the New York Voices. They gave us master classes on blending, tone color, scatting, improvisation, etc. Most students pay hundreds of dollars for an opportunity to work with a professional group like this.....but UW just received HUGE grants for these types of events and I am so thrilled to be a part of it.

I wish I could post a video but it is against copyright laws. Bummer. Anyway, I am so glad I am involved in music again. It just fills my soul and makes me so happy. Whether it be classical, jazz, opera, contemporary, etc. it just inspires me. I hope my girls learn to love music also and that I keep them culturally enriched through out their lives with this kind of exposure. If any of you have played an instrument, sang with a choir, danced a recital or just supported the arts etc......GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!

House Fire

The surreal text came on Tuesday afternoon. "The Newcastle house is burning to the ground" I could not believe it but I made the phone call and received the dreadful news. It was real. The house caught fire and what the Erickson family (that I married into almost 8 years ago) raised all their children in, was going down in flames. The fire department even ran out of water! Yikes. We are just SUPER grateful that everyone made it out O.K. and that it did not start a forest fire. I am also glad we live close so we can offer some help. (Adam will most likely be spending any free moments up there for a while) My in-laws have had such a great attitude about the whole thing and I am really proud of them. It cannot be an easy thing to go through (because it is even affecting us so much) but I know we will all get through it together.

Warning: Girly and Mushy Entry

It has happened. It is the 4th week of school now and I finally gave into my real feelings today. I have tried my hardest to always be brave, strong and steadfast in my decision to go back to school. It has taken a lot on my part and I have needed a lot of help from the Lord (as in anything in our lives...but this one seems to need His hand a lot more than other times in my life). This morning as I left the girls at school I started to cry. I was surprised at what a release it was. I have wanted to cry for a while now but I don't let myself do it very often....I am a "get out there and do it" person, therefore I go through the actions without letting myself feel down ever. But I have to say that it felt good to give into my real feelings and be sad that I have to be away from them each day. I have voiced this before but never felt it. This is such a sacrifice, but I know it is the right thing to do. I am grateful to know this through prayer and the Lord's guidance. Also, I am grateful for a supportive husband and that we are on the same page with our preparation for the future. Wow....feels good just to write these thoughts out (which I suspected)....hopefully it helps my family and friends understand me a little better.

Weekend Fun

We have good times during the week but Friday night through Sunday night is the most we see of Daddy and therefore it is the BEST time of the week! This weekend was full of a fun night swimming at the rec. center, college football, cleaning (my favorite thing to do), and friends from out of town. I snapped a few shots of the girls on Charlotte's "made" bed (the "made" part rarely happens). Vanny Fanny's smile just makes me melt. She is a tiny little ball of fun. Char is turning 4 in two weeks and I cannot believe how much she has changed. She is such a good big sister.

Say Cheese!

This is what Charlotte enjoys doing to her sister lately. It makes Savannah smile every time. :)

The other picture posted here is one of my favorites because Sav looks like she is in a workout video from the 80's with that headband on. It makes me hear the song......."You gotta get physical.......physical" And the irony is, she was moving her legs like she was riding a bicycle (my babies LOVE to do this for hours on end).

A New Cousin For The Girly-Q's

My baby sister Jamie and her husband are expecting their first child in late Feb. next year. Charlotte will be so happy to get another cousin and it is such great timing too since this baby and Savvy will only be about 8 months apart. It's too bad they live all the way down in Mississippi....but we are thrilled to get this news and wish them the best! Hopefully she will scan a picture of her ultrasound so we can post that with the results on the gender soon. :)

Also, school is in full swing again. I met with my professors and we decided on a quicker track for my education....instead of finishing a Bachelor of Music I will get a bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music, (finishing in December) and start the master's program in the spring. Adam and I were really excited to get this news because it means that they have funding for me and it means I can get done faster. The outcome all depends on how well the girls do at Basic Beginning's though. Charlotte is of course thrilled to be back in pre-school, but if Savannah has any problems I will put my education on hold. Anyway, that is the plan for now. So far it is going great. It is only day four, but that is still a good sign. They are just there in the mornings, so it a nice change of scenery for us all. Leaving Savannah has gone a lot smoother than I anticipated. (thank goodness) It still is the hardest thing to leave your own child....especially when they are so young but she is very doing well adjusting to this new schedule and loves her care takers. It really is a comfort to see things fall into place.

I better get back to my homework actually.....every moment this baby is sleeping is just barely enough each day for me to finish my to-do list for my classes. I am back to having no down time at all...it is so great!

Baby Girl Blessing

I love baby blessings. They are so sweet and special. I am so happy that Adam holds the priesthood for many reasons and this being one of them. Thank you to all who attended.

Precious Girls

And life is now running me over rather than passing me by. :) Two weeks ago I took Savannah to the doctor for her 1 month weigh in. I did it while Charlotte was at preschool and also ran some other errands to Wal mart etc. Well....I thought I had accomplished much and was proud that I could then take it easy the rest of the day. Well....planning does no good for a mother some days. When I picked up Char, she had a major rash all over her body (mostly where her clothes touched...but it was spreading too) If you look closely you can see it on her arm in this picture of her near the swing. 

    She said her back itched...so I called and made an appointment with her doctor for the afternoon just incase (it was a Friday). Before I even got to the office her doctor called to talk to me about Savannah's recent trip to the Ft. Collins hospital for an ultrasound. She had some concerns about Savvy's hips popping....the results were normal (thank goodness) and she was just calling to explain it to me. I told her...."well, I will be in there in about 15 minutes for my other daughter so we can chat then." We had a laugh and proceeded with that. Of course I then had to visit Wal Mart's pharmacy after the doctor prescribed an allergy medication. So if you are counting...that is two trips to Wal Mart and the Pediatricians office in one day. This must be the norm for a mother with multiple children (and I   only have 2). 

    As long as my girls are healthy I am good to go....so no complaints here. By the way, I believe the allergic reaction was to our new fabric softener because I had just switched to using it. It smells so good and I am so bummed I cannot use it anymore.....if anyone wants a huge bottle of Ultra Downy Simple Pleasures you are free to come grab it. :)

    I also have to say how sad I am that this was our last visit with our doctor Kathryn DeHart....she moved last week and I am so sorry to hear that. I really enjoyed her.....she was there for Savannah's birth, she took care of Charlotte's burns a few years back and has been such a wonderful pediatrician to my girls and the community. I guess we will be seeing Paula (the RN) more often (which is fine cause I love her too) and meeting a new doctor in the future. 

The Hughes Gene

  It has only been 6 weeks but it looks like this little kiddo has a bit of the Hughes gene in her. Maybe it is just the crooked smile in the second picture here, but I think I see it in the eyes too. Even with dark hair and eyes she looks a little like Janna's kids and my Dad put together. Now if she could just have freckles when she grows up. :) Some other news to report......Savvy loves her baths now...(it is nice that she is no longer screaming bloody murder during them). Hooray for the small things!

       Also, the other day my friend came over to cut our hair one last time. She gave Charlotte her first haircut a bit ago...but this visit she gave her a trendy little trim in the front of some side bangs. They look great! I am really going to miss Alicia....she is my favorite little character and fabulous at hair too! 

      These girls are really keeping me busy!!!!! Thank goodness my Mom and Grandma are coming for Savvy's blessing which takes place next weekend. Sherman Hill ward...come join us!