rub-a-dub-dub

Londyn LOVES bath time! Until she was sitting up, toys were not of interest to her because she was too worried about the "water situation." But now, the more toys, the merrier! She has so much fun splashing, exploring the bubbles and chewing on her toys. It's all fun and games until we have to say Bye-Bye to the water.

love handles.

That's right, it's that time again... this is attempt #1234203953740860 to lose the baby-bulge. After a 60 lb. gain during pregnancy, I have made an extensive effort to lose the weight. With hard work, determination, 2 diet plans and lots of regular exercise, I lost 22 lbs in 4 months. Unfortunately, once the Winter hit... I started going downhill. Bad habits were creeping back into my lifestyle and I couldn't stay away from the fast food. That and the weather turned nasty, which put a damper on my exercise. All in all, it's no excuse. I have to get back the reigns and reel it in people! So, of course... what do I do? Turn to yet another diet plan! Honestly, a set diet plan is the only way for me to stay on track. Just "eating healthy" doesn't work for me. I don't trust myself with that much freedom.

Nutrisystem is the diet that we all see on tv, with the gorgeous Marie Osmond strutting her skinny stuff and workin' the infomercial runway. Of course, Marie Osmond is a deal breaker in itself, but after trying the food. Not bad. Not bad at all. Already, in 5 days- I have lost 5 lbs. Now, that's what I call results! So before I start really sounding like an informercial... offering you a gift with purchase and ridiculous shipping and handling... I am informing the blogger world that I am bound and determined to lose these few pounds! I only have 8 more pounds to shed before I'm back to my pre-preggers weight.

Now, I am not just doing Nutrisystem alone. I am walking every day and doing my Biggest Loser DVD that Andrew got me for Christmas. It's amazing how eating right and exercise really do make you feel better. Ugh... I'm starting to sound like those people I use to cringe at when speaking of healthy living. Eating healthy? Working out? Sorry to say peeps. It's the truth!

Dear McD's 10-piece Chicken Nuggets and French Fries Value Meal,

We are not good for each other.

I have a deep infatuation with you and you make me fat.

End of story. Good luck with all your endeavors.

Sincerely,

Mommy in Control

miracles.

This is both a sad and happy post.
It's kinda graphic.

If you are feeling fragile today,
do not continue reading.

I recently started reading the blog of a woman who is incredibly brave to share so much of her family and struggles on the internet for everyone to judge and add their two cents--we all know how that goes.

I admire her for sharing the story of her faith, of hope and of miracles. we can all learn from her horrific and wonderful experience.

she recently wrote the following:

Please do not try to sugar-coat things for me.

I am responsible. I am the Mommy.

I should have been more attentive.

I should never have walked away from that tub.

I hope to forgive myself one day... Right now that feels impossible.

"Mom! Mom! Bronson drowned in the tub! I think he's dead!"

He was floating on his back. White. Lips blue. Eyes rolled back. Gone.

Daynen had his arms under his shoulders and thighs, trying to lift him.

Our eyes met.

He looked tiny and helpless trying to keep his brother afloat.

Trying to heave him out.

"Mommy! I so saw-wee! I twy to get him out!"

There was too much water.

It was up past the jets. Running at full speed.

One of them had turned it back on.

before you start (or continue) bawling, please read the full story on her blog and see the below video of his recovery. Now, say a prayer. Hold your babies... and know that miracles are real.

lil' LJ

Londyn is getting to be quite the little lady these days! She is getting into everything, sassing us with her attitude and charming us with her adorable personality!

Movement.

She is as mobile as can be without actually crawling! Possible? Yes, indeed. Londyn scoots backwards, rotates in circles and rolls to get where she wants to go. Unfortunately, this doesn't last long when she remembers "oh wait, I have grown-ups to transport me at my every wail." To our dismay, the screaming gets old... and we buckle. Londyn craves the attention of anyone and everyone!

Babble.

Londie is also quite the chattie-pants! I love hearing her talking to herself in her crib after she wakes up. Too cute! It's fun to watch her form sounds together. The wheels are always turning with this one!

Appetite.

Is there anything this kid doesn't eat? I think not. Well, I take that back... she won't eat anything plain or in baby food form (the pureed stuff). But if it has a creamy pesto sauce, or maybe seasoned with rosemary and garlic, hand it over! Now don't get me wrong, the gourmet cuisine is fabulous... but nothing hits the spot like a delish all-American happy meal: chicken nuggets and french fries, baby! Yup, that's right. A girl after my own heart. She eats it all and doesn't hold back.

Recent Photos:

Nothin' but trouble.

Yesterday, Daddy was packing for drill and Londyn decided to help! Of course his flak jacket wasn't as fashionable as she would've preferred, but definitely fascinating and slobber-worthy.

Cousin Lovin'

Often times, my nieces come over and help with Londie. She loves the attention and new playmates. We are lucky to have so many babysitters close by!

Thanks for the help today Kaylee!

meet the Swart family

A few weeks ago, we were able to get together with old and new friends, Johnathan, Jannene & Connor Swart. While this was an impromptu reunion between Andrew and Johnathon, this was my first time meeting these fabulous individuals. Andrew and Johnathon were part of the same singles ward in UT before Andrew left for Iraq. These two hadn't seen or heard much since then and thanks to the beauty of Facebook, they were able to get in touch.

The Swart's were up here from California for a wedding and gave us a few hours out of their busy trip to visit. Ironically, our babies are just a few days apart. Seeing them together was so fun, but only made me grateful that Londyn isn't a twin! I am fully satisfied with the overwhelming responsibility of one lil' bugger! Thank you Swart family for the fabulous company!

spring has sprung

new beginnings

This is a belated post, but last Wednesday our ward had our annual New Beginnings program. We had been planning for weeks to make this event a success! The Spirit was so strong at this meeting and I am so lucky to be a part of an organization where my testimony can grow.

The theme that we chose went hand-in-hand with this year's mutual theme, "Be Strong and of a Good Courage." Our theme was "The 2010 YW Opening Ceremonies." Since the Winter Olympics were just a few days away, it was perfect! We had some fabulous speakers and amazing refreshments! I love my calling!

weekend romance.

Since, Valentine's Day fell on Sunday this year, we decided celebrate on Saturday instead. Of course, the Mr. and I just couldn't wait to give our little goodies to each other, so we exchanged those on Friday night. Andrew had this beautifully wrapped package and a card that read "To my wonderful wife." The gift just magically appeared on the top of our cabinet last week... and I've been aching to find out what it is. So, when I finally got to open it, it was the most magical and romantic gift the husband could have possibly given me. Are you ready for this? A 24-pack of Diet Coke. Gold, I tell you. Gold.

Next, it was my turn. Since we are budget was tight (meaning... no budget at all) for this gift-giving holiday, I thought I would be my craftiness to the test and make Andrew a gift. With love, I made him a coupon book. There are 10 coupons total in this book, some include "You Win! In the argument of your choice"... "an entire morning of sleeping in"..."Uninterrupted TV - 1 hour... and more. It wasn't much, but I think he liked it! Also, on Friday I gave him an invitation to a Valentine's surprise on Saturday... with yours truly!

On Saturday, we dropped off the baby at Grandma Milne's and headed out to Vancouver. We went out to lunch at Ruby Tuesday (delish- by the way!) and then to the Cinetopia. For those who are not familiar, Cinetopia is like the first-class experience of seeing movies in theater. They have a posh restaurant with a 4 star chef and best of all, the "living room" experience. In the living room theater, you get reclining seats with comfy leg cushions and servers that take your order. They offer all menu items from the restaurant to be served to you while you're at your seat! Since we had already eaten lunch (because the menu is pretty pricey) we ordered 2 ice cream sundaes, which weren't anything fancy. But, they sure hit the spot! The best part of the day was spending 5 quality hours, just us two. Although, on the way home- I missed my baby. I was ready to return to reality. What a wonderful holiday we had together!

gotcha.

It was 24 years ago today that I flew the 13 hour flight from Seoul, South Korea to San Francisco, California and was placed in the home of 3 eager siblings and two parents who had no clue what they were getting themselves into.

Little did I know, at 3 months of age that I was receiving a beautiful gift that day. The gift of a bright future, filled with opportunity, love and most importantly- an eternal family in the Gospel.

Sometimes people ask... what was it like growing up and being adopted? Do you think about your "real" parents? Do you feel different? And so many more.

It is simple. I am the luckiest individual to have been given Faith in my Savior, Hope for a future and Love from a family. Being adopted is more than a way of growing up, it's a blessing that can never be taken away. It is the missing puzzle piece, that just fits. I know that my Heavenly Father sent me to my family here on earth because they are what I need and I am what they need.

Now that I am all grown up and raising my own family, it puts my adoption experience into a whole other perspective. It doesn't matter how a family is put together, as long as they are together.

I love my family and wouldn't have my life any other way.

***

We will be celebrating Gotcha Day traditionally at Fuddrucker's with the whole fam damily, as it was the first restaurant we all went to after I was adopted.

Have your cake...

and eat it too!

For Valentine's Week, I have been trying to do little things for Andrew to let him know how grateful I am for him. The things I've done haven't been anything extravagant... or obvious. I have been putting a little extra love into meals made when he gets home, not spending as much time on other things when I can focus on him and his day. This consciousness of my husband's happiness has truly made me reflect on how I can bring more love into our home. He is the reason I am the wife and mother that I am. I love my man! Happy Valentine's Week Husband!

our valentine.

Families Supporting Adoption: Temple Session

Come and join your FSA Board and fellow FSA members for a special Saturday evening at the Portland, Oregon temple!

Date: February 27, 2010

Time: 5:00 pm

Please meet in the chapel at 4:45pm so we can be

included in the same group.

Bring your friends and family! Make it a date night! Anyone who supports adoption and has a current temple recommend is welcome!

say hi

Our Poo-Doo Pants is so stinkin' cute! She is growing and learning every day! Check it out!