Are You Stressed Out?

It's funny because we are always trying to persuade Grant to do his "Are you stressed out?" face, which he never does... so this is the best we can do on camera. Just to let you all know, I don't really think Grant is stressed out. In fact, he has a very cushy life. He doesn't have to work, pay bills, worry about anything more serious than stacking blocks and stabbing peas with a fork. He actually gets "Stressed Out" because he watches me. :) I do get stressed easily and after watching Grant mimic me, I realized that I have to be careful how I express myself.

I saw a very cute post on my BYU roomie's blog, which shows her little girl singing songs. Grant and I watched it a few times and he clapped and sang along. So I thought I would post Grant singing too. This boy loves to sing! He sings quite loudly: in the car, during church (not always during singing time), at the store, etc. :) Grant has started attending Nursery (Sunday School class for children 18 mos.-3 years) and they sing songs, which has greatly encouraged his singing at home! (BTW, his new word for Nursery is "Ni Ni"). So below is Grant and Chris singing "Pop Corn Popping on the Apricot Tree".

Doorknobs and Juggling Attempt

Life is a lot of fun with Grant around. He's so curious and so busy. The other day I was getting ready and didn't want Grant coming in (I had the hot curling iron on). Then I heard the door creak and he was standing beside me. AHHHH... now my baby is big enough to open doors and have free access to the house; which he has taken full advantage of. Sidenote: Does anyone know how to get crayon and pencil off the walls?

Grant does this trick "Are you stressed out?", but he only does it for us. So we did catch a very brief moment where Grant is "stressed out". Wish we could get the real thing on tape.

Lastly, I am a nerd because I will have a dream about doing something and then the next day, totally think that I can do it (one time I had a dream I was a ninja and then next day rolled my ankle). When I was in middle school I had a dream that I could juggle, so the next day I tried it out. Turns out it is way harder than it looks. But, two days ago I was watching some of our friend's kids and the older boy asked me if I could "do that thing that clowns do?" - he meant if I could juggle. I can't really juggle, but I'll keep practicing, but below is one of my attempts to juggle. (you can hear Grant grunting in the video).

Quirky Sampler

My good friend Erin tagged me! AHHhhhh... now I have to reveal 6 quirky things about myself. It's a good thing it is limited to just 6 because I think I am super quirky and could make a long list-Poor Chris:)

1.) I have to fold my towels a certain way. I can't really explain how, and I'm not going to make a video to post. But they look nice when they folded just the way I like them.

2.) I really like to be on time (not early or late). I usually drive to my destinations and because I arrive early, I usually wait in the car. Although, it is ironic because sometimes I am late because I waited in the car too long.

3.) I can't stand to eat at buffets; for one, the food is never very good. But for another, I am self conscience about how many times I get up to fill my plate.

4.)We have a Micro-suede couch and I have to brush my hand down the sides because I don't like the finger and bottom imprints that are left after sitting. I like it to look like carpet that has just been vacuumed.

5.) I am afraid of most everything. And even if Chris and I have been around each other (so I should remember who is home with me) I still jump up if he walks into a room when I don't see him at first. I could make a huge list of random stuff I'm scared of but that's for another quirky list.

6.) I still haven't switched to the cool white ankle socks that everyone wears with tennis shoes. Call me old fashioned, but I just love white socks that go all the way up to midcalf.

I tag: Kristen, Amanda, Chris, Rachel, and Sara.

Merry Christmas Little Sock Monkeys

We had a really nice Christmas vacation with my family (Farrow's in Albuquerque). We were lucky to get to NM this year due to all of the crazy winter weather. We were scheduled to fly from Champaign to Dallas to ABQ on Christmas Eve at 6:45am, but our flight was delayed about 7 hours. When we finally made it to Dallas we soon found that all of the remaining Dallas- Abq flights were full for the next 2 days. So we decided to rent a car and drive from Dallas to Abq. It was a long drive and we got to my parents house around 3am. Once we got to my parents' house we had a lot of fun!

Grant rolling out flour for sugar cookies.

ABQ Aquarium

Left to Right: Amanda and Aly; Grant and I; Olivia, Kim, and Nicholai

My parents are super troopers! They graciously hosted their four kids' families for a 3 week period. For Christmas, my mom bought all of the grandkids matching Sock Monkey jammies with stuffed Sock Monkeys! Too cute!

Here are my parents with all of their 6 grandchildren (all under 3 1/2 years old).

(Left to Right: Connor, Rowan, Grant, Nicholai, Aly, and Olivia)


We tried to bribe the kids with fruit snacks to sit still. Everyone did pretty good except Grant- he cried for every group picture- I think he likes to be the star of the show. :) As seen below.


My brother Scott's two cutie pies! Olivia and Nicholai

Another attempt at a group photo.
(Left to Right: Rowan, Aly, Nicholai, Olivia, Grant, and Connor)




Grant loved having all of his cousins around. It was a play group that never ended. He and Connor (my sister's little boy) followed each other all over the house. Connor was drinking his bottle on the floor so Grant had to follow suit.


Hope everyone had a wonder Christmas! Happy New Year!