The Johnston's

2011-09-15T22:27:00.000-06:00

We went to my mom's house for dinner with friends and to ride horses. It was the best. Alyssa is my minnie me (including attitude) but she is so cute spaghetti face and all.

Andrew had just bent and pulled up Grandma's sprinkler for her garden. SHHHHH don't tell Grandpa. This face is also the one he usually makes when he's mad at his sister. He's so cute it's hard to get mad at him.

Abigail is so spunky. She loves saying cheese for the camera as long as she gets to view the pic right after.

Kiara wanted to ride the horses, glad she got my dad to put the waders on and push the horses into the corral. She is such a sweetheart.

Isaiah is so stinking cute. He wanted to ride again.

My best friend Nicole. The other 3 kids are hers. She is the greatest. Andrew call her mom and I know she is like a second mom to my kids.

Teagan and Kiara being silly waiting while grandpa got the horses ready.

Teagan is the same age as my girls. All my kids love this little boy

Andrew was scared of the horses, four wheelers, and lawn mower. He only wanted to mow the lawn with Grandpa or Grandma.

Nicole kissing the horses!

OUR FIRST GOLF EXPERIENCE

2010-09-19T11:13:00.001-06:00

Every month we get together with some of Nate's high school friends and their wives. We have all become great friends and Nate and I truly enjoy seeing everyone once a month. For those who are out of town we try and get together when they come into town. We have done/seen some crazy things over the last 10 years or so. During the summer we went golfing as a group of adults with no KIDS! Our friends found a baby sitter while we went out and golfed in Rigby/Ririe then we came back and had dinner. It was so much fun! It started raining/snowing on us towards the end. Thanks Adam & Heather for the pointers and the great experience.

Lutz Family Reunion 2010

2010-08-06T19:40:00.000-06:00

This was our first camping trip without my Grandpa. We always celebrated his birthday and his twin sister's birthday. Although things were a little different we still had fun. My cousin brought a very nice boat and we brought up 6 four wheelers. We went up on a Wednesday and came home Saturday. We played in the sun and since this is the only time of year I am outside in a swim suit I didn't put sunscreen on so I could "tan". Yeah, I fried. It's been 1 week and I'm peeling and underneath is nothing but red. At least the itch is starting to go away. The girls had a blast especially with Grandma Lutz who was always willing to take them to the potty. They had a fun time with their second cousin Madison who they went on bike rides with, scenic rides in a bike trailer, and on the boat. I was extremely surprised at how well it all went especially potty training Abigail while camping. She had only decided about 10 days prior she wanted to wear big girl underwear and off we were. Alyssa has her moments and while she did great out camping, being home is not as easy.

Yummy Recipes to Try

2010-08-05T19:23:00.002-06:00

We have begun to get a bountiful basket each week and I am now excited about the unique/things I haven't eaten before. One week we got butternut squash and I have never had this before. From what I read it is just like potatoes, but better for diabetics. Since Nate is diabetic I thought great I am craving funeral potatoes and we'll try it out. I went onto food network online to find a recipe. I found this one here and modified it. I used 2 butternut squashes and a head of cauliflower all diced up. I boiled the butternut squash first. I also used 16 oz of sour creme and half an onion. I also added garlic. It turned out great. Nate even liked it, which is rare when I experiment.

Another week we got limes and mangos. So I found this recipe and tweeked it. Here is the original I got again from the food network site. I used 2 fresh mangos, but instead of the yogurt I used mint chocolate chip ice-cream. It was wonderful. The girls didn't care for it, but Nate and I did.

Aunt Kris let the girls help her catch a fish.

2010-08-04T23:50:00.001-06:00

We went to our family reunion at the end of July to Island Park. No we don't stay in a cabin we camp 5 people in a tent was a little tight, but thank heavens my mom has a RV so we can at least stand up straight and store food. Kris (my sister) really wanted to go fishing and I really wanted to get away from camp and the girls just wanted to go and do anything so we put Andrew down for a nap with Grandma and we went fishing. Kris caught a fish and the girls got to help her reel it in.

We didn't take many toys up camping so the girls entertained themselves by finding big rocks and pretending they were their babies. We bathed, changed diapers, threw, and moved more times than a cat would her kittens.

A lot of catch up...

2010-06-10T17:43:00.002-06:00

I know it's been awhile but lately I've been going thru the phase of I don't want anyone to know anything and I have enough people in my bubble I don't need anyone else. I'm glad a trip to the temple and time has helped me move past that phase. The girls have been itching the last few months to go outside so I finally broke down and we played with sidewalk chalk, ate leaves, and have been making cookies almost weekly with dad. Alyssa loves to take1 bite out of a cookie then set it aside and go on to cookie #2. We have been working on potty training and we go from super excited to almost there to never mind I don't want to. We are currently in the I don't want to side. No it's not me who doesn't want to it's the MINI me (Alyssa). Abigail will only try to go for a "scooby scooby snack" aka fruit snack. I thank my mom everyday for the curse of "you will have one just like you!" Alyssa and Abigail have gotten so stubborn its insane.

2010-04-10T18:44:00.002-06:00

A very nice friend pointed out that I had not posted pics from Easter of any of my other children so Alyssa must be the favorite right? No, I just didn't have time to convert them to jpeg images. So this is for you Tacie!

Abigail not to happy about stopping to take a picture.

Andrew found an egg and managed to keep it away from his sisters.

ICU take 2 and Happy Easter.

2010-04-04T18:25:00.013-06:00

My little brother was in a car accident Friday and thanks to good samaratins he is alive. They lifeflighted him to EIRMC and he is doing well. He's still in the ICU, but today he took about 75 steps. He is very tired and is having a hard time keeping food down. We don't know if it's the side effects of the medication, a brain injury, or a bruised stomach, or any of the multiple other things it could be. He has the best nurses and doctors anyone could ask for. We have been very blessed as a family to have such great support and love from our friends, family, and our Heavenly Father. Around 9 years ago my other brother had his leg amputated. We felt Gods love then as we do now. My baby brother is continually showing fast signs of improvement and still has his sense of humor. He is very tired and resting but will pull through with amazing colors. Happy Easter to all.

Alyssa was excited at how many eggs she found.

PS. Andrew finally crawled this morning. He is almost 9 months old.

ICU Anyone

2009-12-22T21:44:00.004-07:00

We had a very interesting past week to say the least. Nate was having a hard time breathing on Saturday evening and I was such a good wife when he started wigging out I told him if he would calm down and relax he may be able to breathe better and he really needs to wait until Urgent Care opens Sunday morning because I still haven't paid off Abigail's last emergency room visit (he insisted on) for hand, foot, and mouth! In my defense, he didn't seem that bad, he always gets a chest cold twice a year every year since I have known him. Anyway about 7 am on Sunday he called to see when urgent care opened and it wasn't until 10:00 am, he said he couldn't wait any longer I said I couldn't handle the whining anymore I was tired and "you know I can't take you with 3 little kids at home right?". He said yeah and he left for the ER. I got all 3 kids up and ready for church, left to go to church, and when I still hadn't heard from him I text him. I thought this would be a quick trip and by the time church was over he would be to. Boy was I wrong. He told me that after an hour of solid steroids and oxygen his airway was not opening so they were going to take him to the ICU FOR THE DAY. Now I was scared and felt bad about my comments all night. I finished out church with the kids, called the parents, got a babysitter for the kids, and met him at the ICU. Things were pretty bad, they wanted to put a tube down his throat and put him on a ventilator instead of the by pap machine, but Nate was stubborn and kept saying no. I then found out from the nurse (Doug) that Nate had passed out when he reached his truck and when he came to he called 911 and told the dispatch person he was going 60mph running red lights and headed to the ER. She of course told him to pull over and wait for an ambulance, Nate didn't agree. He told her what route he was going and if he passed out she could send the ambulance and trace his cell phone number. (And people think I'm stubborn huh?). All the nurses couldn't believe his call the the dispatch and when he was released to the 5th floor the nurses knew about his incident. The day in ICU turned into 3 days in ICU and 1 day in a regular room in the hospital and a bucket full of new pills and asthma meds later we are 1 wk released and doing well. They decided he had bronchitis with a chest infection (would have turned to pneumonia, but his airway closed so quickly no liquid could get in, and then for some odd reason he had an asthma attack. He hasn't had an asthma attack in 12 years. I appreciate all the great family and friends that called in with their support, came and visited Nate, and helped with the kids so I could spend some time with Nate. Events like this make you really take a deep look at what's important in life. Thank heavens he is doing better. It's nice to have an uncle who works at the hospital to keep a close eye on family members and make sure you know exactly what is going on. The staff was wonderful (even the evil night nurse)!! What's even better is we got it all in before the end of the year so between Nate and Andrew we have reached our deductible and our max out of pocket! This 4 day trip only cost me $320. Now we have a sleep apnea test tonight which should be free and hopefully the machine I'm assuming he needs will be covered and I'm ready to start a new deductible in a week. Man MEN are expensive!!!!

Merry Christmas to US!!!

2009-11-06T23:24:00.002-07:00

Nate and I have had this now a tradition about getting our big Christmas presents for each other in October; we have done this since we were first married. So to keep in the "tradition" I got for Christmas this year a new camera. YEAH I have wanted one for a long time and now I have a Nikon d5000. It is awesome I absolutely love it. It is so user friendly and can keep up with my kids. I have been really into couponing for the last 5 months and our house is overflowing so Nate also got me a can rotation system to make more room in the storage/bathroom/laundry room. Nate got a new sweatshirt, new boots for work, and a new knife set for the kitchen. I am especially proud of myself because I have our entire Christmas done (family/ext family) done by October 31. No standing outside in the freezing temps for me.

Cute Pics.

2009-11-06T23:13:00.005-07:00

Alyssa in aunt Kris shoes.

Abigail in Great Grandpa's boots.

Sorry it has been so long. I have had many problems with my Internet and I hate complaining but enough was enough. I got great advice from my dad and so far all is ten times faster and better. My mom had a birthday a few months ago and while we were eating/playing the girls decided to play dress up. They are fascinated with shoes and decided to put on cowboy boots and dress shoes. They are so cute. When the girls were about a month old we put them in stockings and so we decided to put Andrew in Great Grandpa's boot. He is almost 4 months old now and we just started adding some cereal at night. I can't believe how time has flown by.

Wow what a few weeks!

2009-09-27T22:31:00.003-06:00

Well Abigail decided to put a bead up her nose, thank heavens it came out quite easily. Then within about a week she decided to put a rock up her nose at day care. When I got the call I was worried that one of the girls were sick and today was just not a good day to leave work, so when I was told she had a rock up her nose I busted out laughing, loud enough Abigail heard me thru the phone and she started giggling. I was thinking this would be like a 1 hr max trip to urgent care and back to daycare/work I would go. Boy was I wrong. First I attempted to take care of the rock myself; one bloody nose and making it much worse we were at urgent care, Andrew, me, and Abigail. They said I had to go to the emergency room they could not help me, back in the car we go, now Abigail hates shoes and socks so I had a diaper bag, car seat carrier with baby, and was carrying Abigail (after twins shouldn't be too hard right!) Off to the emergency room we go. I was not happy because now I knew it would be a long day and I hadn't even gotten the bill from Andrew's birth and here we are back in the hospital. I called Nate bawling because I just couldn't handle anymore, Andrew was fussy/hungry, Abigail was running around like a wild women and even put Nate's keys up her other nostril when he got there to help me. The PA strapped Abigail to this board to hold her still so they could get the rock out (it was up there a bit), after MANY failed attempts they called the Dr in. He was able to get it out, but Abigail was screaming and it fell in her mouth and she started to choke so the DR and PA flipped her over to try and get it out and Abigail decided to swallow it!!!!!! Well, the rock as out, but now we had to have an X-Ray to make sure it wasn't in her lungs/airway (mind you she was screaming at the top of her lungs) but protocol is better safe than sorry. All I heard was my bill going up again and my wait getting longer and longer! Her airway was clear and they think they saw it in her stomach so now we had to go home and feed her lots of fiber to help her pass the rock. Lots of fiber = lots of diarrhea for me x 2. The girls have to have what each other has and Abigail is the harder of the two to give diarrhea too. Yeah for me the rock passed the next morning just in time for her to find a pepper corn and put that up her nose the same day. Guess we didn't learn our lesson.

3 kids , 3 times the stress, 3 times the fun ??? YOU BET!!!

2009-08-19T21:06:00.003-06:00

Wow, I can't believe Andrew is already 5 wks old. I went back to work when he was 3 weeks old and he has been such a good baby. I get to take him with me to work for 2 months and so far he eats and sleeps for most of the day, is up in the afternoon and early evening and since he was about 1 week old has been sleeping for about 6 hrs at a time at night. If I could be guaranteed to have more babies just like him I would have another 1 or 2 quickly. Now, that being said, it is not fun when all 3 kids are sick on top of Nate and I also not feeling well. Thank heavens for Grandma!!!! It went around our house at least twice and may be starting a third time. The girls are getting much less jealous of the baby and are back to being jealous of each other. We still have to have 2 of just about everything and even then that's sometimes not enough for them. The girls have learned their first "naughty" word. "Shut up!" Thanks to their uncle Tell for that one. They say it so cute though it's very hard not to laugh at them. My mom says I'm going to have to nip it in the butt very soon or it won't be quite so funny, she's right like always, but i definitely have to work on not smiling when they say it in a valley girl tone. It's so nice to have a wonderful family who is always willing to help even when the kids are monsters and very whiney!!!!!!! I know hard to imagine my kids whiney haha. I didn't think it could be too much harder going from twins to three kids, boy was I wrong. There have been many more nights where I have just bawled than I ever did with the girls. I have to keep telling myself that Heavenly Father doesn't give us more than we can handle and we need to lean on our families when we are cracking. I will definately owe my family a million IOU's by the time they have kids. I'm so looking forward to repaying all those that have helped me.

Andrew Nathan Johnston

2009-07-16T22:21:00.004-06:00

After 26 hours of labor Andrew Nathan Johnston came into this world. He weighes 7 lbs. 13 oz. and is 22 inches long. Family is glad he is here and his BIG SISTER'S love him dearly!

Almost Done!!!!!

2009-07-01T10:19:00.002-06:00

I am finally past the 37 week mark and I'm ready to be done. My feet are starting to swell towards the end of the day and I can never get enough sleep. On top of all this, I've decided to do something stupid/crazy and take the girls up to Island Park for my family reunion. Nate has to work so it will be just us with my family. Thank heavens there will be lots of helpers, but no air conditioning, sleeping in a tent, and all those misquotes, boy am I nuts. I saw the doctor and everything looks great; I even lost 2 lbs in the last 2 weeks; I'm sure I'll find them in the next week though. You would think being this close to the end that I would have my bags backed, an outfit picked out for Andrew, and all the newborn stuff out of storage ready to go. Well, I don't. I'm going to have to pack my bag today and an outfit for Andrew just in case he decides to join the family reunion, but I'm not to excited to start the unloading of storage or cluttering the house of more baby stuff. I barely got it put away when we found out we were pregnant again. We will need to do it soon though because we have another family reunion next week and then some friends are coming into town as well and we want to be able to spend some time with them. Life is definitely getting crazy around here. Happy Fourth to everyone and we'll keep you posted on when Andrew finally listens to his mother and comes into this world.

First day of Nursery!!!

2009-05-24T22:57:00.002-06:00

Wow, I can't believe my babies are 18 months old. We actually made it early to church by 10 minutes. We were able to snag a back row seat (easy exit for screamers), which we ended up not ever leaving once during Sacrament. The girls were so good today it was amazing. Nate and I had both planned on being in Nursery all day, but the girls warmed up quite quickly. Abigail loved playing with a ball and bubbles. Alyssa warmed up as soon as she saw Abigail playing. We were there for maybe 5 minutes. It turned out quite nice because all during Sunday School and Relief Society I had contractions about every 4 minutes. They started hurting pretty bad towards the end. Don't worry, I know I'm only 32 weeks and they are not doing anything more than driving me crazy. Even with the girls I didn't feel the early contractions this bad, they were more in my lower back, which I accounted to the fact I was measuring 10cm larger than a normal single pregnancy. Thank heavens they went away after some water and a nap after church. The girls didn't have any major breakdowns in Nursery and they stayed there the whole time. Abigail was so excited that she got to color (only her second time) that she was waving her paper all around. I was excited to hang our first piece of art on the fridge. It makes me a little sad to see my babies grow up, but I'll have another baby soon. The girls are so cute, Abigail will tell you Hi, while Alyssa says Bye, See Ya. What a wonderful Sunday!!!!

Abigail helps clean the yard

2009-05-24T22:20:00.002-06:00

Abigail and Alyssa wanted to go outside and play so we decided to sweep up grass clippings while they were playing. Nate made a big pile and was raking the lawn when Abigail decided to grab the big push broom and help daddy. She kept going up and down the sidewalk. She is such a good helper. Alyssa decided she could do it too. The girls are getting so independent, Abigail ran 3 houses down the block to go play with a ball and Nate had to go get her. She so loves bouncy balls, while Alyssa is terrified of them.

Remodling here we come

2009-05-17T03:04:00.003-06:00

We finally have had enough of carpet in our living/dining room combo. So, we decided to lay laminate flooring through out the entire upstairs. It was suppossed to be a somewhat simple of a job right. Not our luck. There were 10 times more staples, nales, and misc stuff than we ever imagined. Plus, we found some water damaged under the dining room window so we had to cut out sheetrock to see if i was from the old windows ( we replaced all the upstairs windows last summer) or a current water problem. Thank heavens there is no more water damage, just a hole in my wall. The hole has been filled with insulation and covered with sheetrock, now my poor husband has to find the time to retexture the walls and I have to pick out paint colors. Did I also mention we still have 3 more rooms to redo the floors in and this baby is coming in less than 8 weeks. UGH!!!

Easter 2009

2009-05-17T01:20:00.011-06:00

Nate and I had so much fun this Easter with the girls. We colored eggs and the Easter Bunny even came. The girls were not too helpful with the coloring of eggs, but they did like to bang them on the table, they made great deviled eggs on Easter morning. Abigail and Alyssa were so cute Easter morning. Alyssa went straight for the toys and Abigail had an egg opened and all the candy stuffed in her mouth and was on her second egg by the time I had gotten Alyssa up and out of bed. The girls had gotten new tri-cycles and dresses, but their favorite part (for Alyssa) was the Spanish/English maracas they got. She head bobs to the music. The girls also got their first dollies. I lasted over a year mom. They are finally wanting to play with dolls. Our tom boy Abigail is turning into quite a little girly girl. She likes purses and dollies, while Alyssa likes to play with blankets, nice cheap entertainment. Their legs are a little too short to pedal their tricycles, but they do like to scoot around in them.

It's a ??????

2009-04-01T22:13:00.002-06:00

Ok, so we've known for a month now what the sex of the baby is and I've wanted to do something really cute picture wise, but come on, it's been a month and it's not anywhere close to being a top priority, so sorry no cute pictures to say we are having a BOY! Yes, finally a boy. I think Heavenly Father knew I could not handle any more estrogen. The twins are great but what a handful. This pregnancy has been a bit harder than the girls. This baby has way too much room and I feel everything. The girls were so cramped because I did not get as big as most so they were nice and content (as one can be with a companion). Maybe that's why they are so wound up. This baby loves the quiet time from about 4-8 pm each night, which would be great except I'm in class 4 nights a week and anytime the professor talks I get kicked/punched/elbowed/ etc.. The other nice thing the doctor told us at our last visit was the baby is in the 87th percentile for how far along I am. I asked if they could have gotten my due date wrong and he assured me no, it's just a big baby boy. We haven't decided on any names and probably won't until its closer and school gets out so you'll have to wait and see what we choose.

Happy Valentine's Day.

2009-02-15T19:48:00.005-07:00

I let the girls feed themselves ravioles and good thing it was already bath night because boy did they need it. Alyssa insisted on using her forehead, nose, and face to clean her tray. Abigail used her hands to smear it everywhere including her face. At least none made it on the floor!!!
They almost ate as much as they do with mac and cheese.

Abigail was not to thrilled with her picture taken
in the bath tub. She absolutely loves the water and loves to swim. She waits until Alyssa is out and then she goes from one end to the other. Abigail has learned to turn on the cold water and this is her getting caught by mommy.

Alyssa was having fun for once playing with her toys in the bath tub. She likes taking them and filling them up with water and drinking them. She is very nice as her sister crawls all over the top of her going from one side to the other. She loves to throw her toys over the side making quite a mess.

Alyssa has also learned to store food between her high chair and the dinning room chair. She put the remaining of her dinner there I guess saving it for later.

Alyssa and Abigail holding hands on their own after breakfast. They giggled each time one would grab the other's fingers. Poptarts make kids happy, as long as there is sugar on top!!!!!!

I am very blessed to have such wonderful kids.

Shoe fetish this early? AHAHAHAH

2009-02-02T15:46:00.002-07:00

Alyssa would be content to have no toys and only shoes. She is getting really good about matching up shoes for everyone in the family. We have a little chest by our front door where we put our shoes (since they never make it to the closet) and she knows how to open and close the chest, put and take out all the shoes, and who gets what shoe. She will bring me Nate's shoe and say dada. The was even following me around on Sunday with my high heels. If she could pick up my feet and put them on me I think she would try. I tried getting a cute picture of her in a shoe dilemma, where she was trying to figure out how to put on Abigail's shoes (which are too small for Alyssa), but the kid knows every time I try to get the camera she drops everything and wants to touch the lens. I'll have to be more sneaky.

Girls will be monster's????

2009-01-24T12:45:00.005-07:00

Ok, so this week I have been told about every other day that one of my girls had to go in the corner for time out. I thought it was for beating up one of the other kids (since they have beat up both a 4 and 5 year old in less than 4 days.) Well, I was wrong, my children have decided to climb on little chairs and tables and try to fall off. They wouldn't listen to the adults so they got put in time out. They are both so tiny still it's hard to believe they can be such monsters. We have even had to put them in a corner in church. They are quite cute when only one is the corner the other comes near to wait patiently for her sister to finish her time. The other day Alyssa was in the corner and after she was done I sent them both off to play (aka destroy the living room) and Abigail must have been feeling a little left out so she put her self in the corner. I just started to chuckle and told her what a good job she had done. Abigail's been put in there so many times she now keeps her body standing up and in the corner and only occasionally moves her head to see if you are still there. Alyssa on the other hand, tries to use all the dead wait she has to sit down and won't keep still. What a fun age? Can't wait to see what crazy things happen tomorrow.

Christmas 2008

2009-01-24T12:39:00.003-07:00

We had an awesome Christmas this year. Instead of waiting until the last minute as usual for me I had everything done before Thanksgiving. I had stopped into Denny's to give Nate a plate full of goodies from his family Christmas party and they had a Santa there so we got a picture. Abigail was so full of chocolate I think she was in a trance and Alyssa was ready for bed. Alyssa is just like her mom huh? The cutest thing on Christmas morning was at my parent's house, the girls were opening gifts from grandma and grandpa. Abigail's first gift was a pink monster truck . A great compromise between my mom, my sister, and I. She opened that present and would not open anything else. She absolutely loved it. We kept taking it away and trying to get her to open another gift and she would have a fit. Yes, I did get 2 just like me. I sure hope this next baby is more like his/her dad. My house can't handle anymore drama.

Thank Heavens For Mothers

2008-12-12T23:11:00.003-07:00

Ok, so I'm not exactly the best mom in the world, big surprise right. The girls have been sick lately and I don't appreciate them getting sick during an inconvenient time for me. Don't they know who's running the show? Oh yeah, they are. My mom is the best in the whole world. She has helped me out more than anyone. She slept on my couch for a week after the girls were born so I could get some sleep. We each took a baby and she was awesome at letting me have Alyssa who slept longer and was not so needy. Abigail was so tiny and was up so much more during the night than Alyssa. It took it's toll on both of us, but she made sure I got a nap during the day. The help hasn't stopped once. She offered to watch the girls so Nate and I could go to the temple once a month, watch them on our date nights when we go to BYU-Idaho events, and watches them when they are sick. She will take them in the afternoon after work, so I can go back to work and try to get some sanity. She is such an awesome example to me. She is so laid back that when I hit my "moments" she is the one who says who cares let the girls destroy my antiques they are not hurting anyone. When the girls bang everything on her nice hardwood floors and I fret about them dinging them, she says the dog has nails and that doesn't bother me, who cares let them play. She is always encouraging me. I love her to death.

Baby #3 due July 19, 2008

2008-12-12T23:03:00.002-07:00

We went for our ultrasound and found out that there is only 1 baby and we are due July19th. I explained to the doctor that I know what to do with 2 babies I'm not sure what to do with 1 though. He looked a bit puzzled, but most people who only have twins may know how I'm feeling. I've gotten pretty good at juggling the girls, but am a little weary some days about this new addition. I have been extremely grateful I am not always in the bathroom sick like I was with the girls (although that was a good diet plan). I am nauseous all day every day. I sure hope it stops soon. I have had some weird cravings. Since I am eating all the time (I feel like) I've decided that if I have a craving for 1 week and still want it then I can have it. Unfortunately those items tend to do the most damage on my system. I'm sure Nate is getting back to the hormonal slides that come with me being pregnant. I think I know what I should have learned with the girls, patience. It seem when I'm pregnant I have none! My poor girls, maybe this time I"ll learn.

New Addition to our Family

2008-11-16T19:45:00.003-07:00

We are going to be big Sisters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nate and I found out on Friday that we are expecting a new baby. This is not a fertility baby either. I went to the doctor a few months ago and he verified that I should not be able to get pregnant on my own, so when we are ready we could start the fertility process again. We had decided to wait until the girls were almost 2 to start trying and by the time they were 3 we would hopefully have another set of twins (boys hope, hope). Well, god had other plans. I had been sick for the last week, but we both thought it was just the flu. I had been joking around with Nate whenever we went to the stores and passed the baby/maternity sections, just to get a rise out of him. It didn't work, but I still tried. On Friday I decided to just take a test on a whim. When it turned out positive I had to check the directions, the expiration date, and jump in and out of the tub at least 3 times before it sunk in. I tried to call Nate, but his cell phone was dead. I went to the doctors office that afternoon and they confirmed it was true. Since I am a bit irregular we aren't sure exactly how far along I am. We'll get an ultrasound just before Thanksgiving to help determine how many (ha ha) and how far along. Yes, I know I'm done for, I'll have at least 3 kids under the age of two, no hair, and no sanity. What an awesome life and experience!!!! The girls will be turning 1 in 1week and we are very excited to say that both girls are now walking. Abigail is sure footed, while Alyssa just started on Saturday to finally take 5 steps on her own. They are great joys and royal pains all in 2 packages. Wish us well, we may need it.

Our trip to Omaha, Nebraska, Nauvoo, and Missouri

2008-10-26T20:17:00.005-06:00

In front of Omaha, Nebraska Temple

In front of Nauvoo, Illinois Temple

In the rain in Nauvoo, Illinois

Our creative play pen. Daddy was putting car seats in the car. I was trying to arrange luggage.

We decided to go and visit my sister in law Steph. We had so much fun. We also decided to make a quick trip to Nauvoo, Carthage, and Independence while we were over that way. This was the first time we have flown with the girls. They did pretty well. I am such a genius, not planned of course, we had a lay over in Denver, Co. all but 1 of our flights were during the girls nap times. The flight were about 1.5 hrs a piece and the girls generally sleep about 1 hr twice a day. A little benadryl first thing in the morning on our first flight helped too. I never thought we would make it on this trip. I had gotten off work early on Friday and we still didn't get out of town until after 5. Alyssa, (my minnie me, attitude and all) screamed, blood curdling, for 4 hours straight. Even after being hoarse and seeming to almost settle down she would start up again louder than the last time. I tried to get my mom to let me ship her back via ups; she said no. When we finally made it in Omaha we were so excited to try out the gps. We found it quite helpful until we were headed 7 hrs away on a dirt road almost hitting a deer, and would have gotten stuck in a mud hole in the middle of night somewhere past Des Moines, IA. We haven't quite learned our traveling do and don'ts in life so we decided to hit Nauvoo, Carthage, and Independence in 2 days. We left on Tuesday night and got back to Omaha Thursday evening. We did find it absolutely gorgeous ( rain storms and all ). Abigail and Alyssa became quite the duo, they would chase the cat and then take turns as to who was going to be frightened of the dog each day. Alyssa was quite the escape artist as well. We had baby gates up all over the house for the dog and the babies. While the ladies were out shopping Nate and Ethan (our nephew) were watching the girls and Alyssa would ever so slyly move the gate just enough to sneak out. We decided to let the girls sleep on the floor on a blanket instead of lugging around a play pen everywhere. We were very pleasantly woken up each morning with them hitting the air bed to wake us up. Abigail has mastered walking and is now trying to run. Alyssa has finally started to walk, but only if she can hold onto your finger. We were quite spoiled by Steph, she made us Thanksgiving Dinner, showed me how to make bread, and showed us the best cookie recipes. Nauvoo had such a calm and peaceful feeling, we were sad to have to go home, but glad we got to see family.

Abigail is almost walking

2008-09-28T20:11:00.003-06:00

For about the last week Abigail has been holding onto everything in site and walking. She would only crawl if she had to. The other day she was standing in the middle of the room and took about 4-5 steps towards her uncle Dave. We were so excited we started clapping while she got the biggest grin on her face. We tried to get her to continue walking, but she only does is about 1 time a night and then she finds it funny to face plant into whatever is in front of her. Hopefully she'll catch on quick. Alyssa has no interest in even standing up, unless she wants food from your plate, so she will take a bit longer it seems.

Our first tooth....times 2

2008-09-17T22:21:00.002-06:00

Abigail cut her first tooth about 2 weeks ago. Alyssa had all the symptoms of cutting a tooth, but never did. We were so involved with Alyssa we hadn't noticed Abigail's tooth, until Sunday at church when she bit me. I was so excited that we told everyone around us. Then, yesterday Alyssa chomped down on my finger as well. We've been checking everyday wondering when the fits would be over. Finally, she had her own tooth as well. Abigail cut her bottom right and Alyssa's was the bottom left. They are growing up so fast. As soon as we can get them to hold still long enough to get a decent picture we'll post one.

Shannon goes back to school

2008-09-14T00:41:00.002-06:00

Well, I decided it was time to go back to school. So I am taking 1 math class at ISU. I like to do things slowly. While I've been enjoying math, Nate has been cleaning up our yard. We had our 60 ft plus pine tree taken down this year and he has ripped out the ancient lilac bush from the corner of the fence. This week we are going to tackle the perimeter of the fence. We are going to lay new dirt, rocks and try and grow grass with 2 dogs, 2 kids, and one crazy schedule.

A Precious Moment...

2008-09-14T00:34:00.003-06:00

The girls are getting so fast at crawling that they follow me around like little puppies. After bathes one night I stopped in to get pj's for them, them stopped in the kitchen to make bottles, and was headed for the front room for our nighttime routine. The girls followed me. As soon as they saw the bottles Alyssa started crying. I told them to come here and finished walking to the living room. Well, Alyssa had a bit of a tantrum and started burying her head in the carpet giving herself a carpet burn on her forehead. Abigail just started crawling towards me. When Alyssa started whaling, Abigail stopped crawling, sat up, looked back at her sister and went to go get her. She waited until Alyssa started crawling, (with her head still to the floor) and when Alyssa caught up to her Abigail would go forward a little bit farther. She would wait each time until her sister caught up before moving on. It was the cutest sisterly moment it made me laugh.
Nate and I enjoy picking the girls up from the daycare each day. They are always so happy to see us. The other morning I waved goodbye and Alyssa had the funniest look on her face. She watched me all the way out the door with the longing for you look. What a beautiful blessing children are. We can't wait for the next set.

We are Standing all by Ourselves

2008-09-14T00:30:00.002-06:00

While playing in their new found toys both girls decided to stand up on their own and showed their mom and dad that they are big girls now. Boy how time flies. They lasted quite awhile until falling over. If Abigail has something to hold onto she will walk anywhere. Alyssa on the other hand likes doing spread eagles and then whining until someone saves her.

Cute Faces of our Babies

2008-09-14T00:12:00.003-06:00

We learned how to crawl and pull ourselves up onto everything. Look mom, we can both play now. Good thing we are learning to share and play nicely together.

Alyssa with a cute grin.

We are playing in boxes and loving it.

Abigail getting extra fiber.

Tyrel heads back out on mission

2008-09-14T00:04:00.003-06:00

My brother Tyrel has gotten the all clear from the doctor's on his leg and is going back to WA to finish out his mission. We are very blessed to have had him here for a little while so he could see the girls and get in on a few big extended family get togethers. We wish him the best as he finishes what the lord would have him do.

Exciting few days ahead

2008-08-20T21:26:00.001-06:00

My cousin Derek is coming home from him mission in japan tomorrow. We are so excited to finally get to see him. His little brother, Devin, has gotten his call to go to Forth Worth, TX and leaves about the same time my brother does. We'll have pictures tomorrow. Hope you have a safe and short flight home Derek.

Tyson's going to???

2008-08-19T20:13:00.004-06:00

My brother, Tyson, is going to the Philippines on his mission.

While daddy's away

2008-08-16T05:49:00.002-06:00

Coustin Cathrine came over while her dad, Dave, and Nate when to excerise. We were playing with the girls. Both can now crawl, but Alyssa only does it when she thinks no one is paying attention. Abigail wanted something to beat that made noise and Alyssa's diaper was it. She crawled on top of Alyssa and started spanking her and then trying to kiss it better. She will put anything in her mouth. Alyssa was quite patient with her naughty sister, but enough was enough and she started wailing. Thank heavens they are only 8.5 months old and should grow out of it.

Good bye, camping is over

2008-08-16T05:47:00.002-06:00

Cousin Trevor and Alyssa waving good bye as we get ready to head home.

I want some too

2008-08-16T05:17:00.002-06:00

At dinner we were drinking pop and the girls were trying to get some. Abigail thinks if she smiles she will get her way while Alyssa tries reaching for it.

We had given Abigail one first, and Alyssa was trying her hardest to get over to Abigail's pop.

We then gave Alyssa one and all was well. Abigail like playing the drums on the pop. Alyssa was trying to figure out the top of the pop. Kids are so fun as they learn something new.

Cousin Courtney, Uncle Tell, Abigail and Alyssa. We were bored one afternoon so we tried to get the girls to keep hats on. No wonder it took many multiple pictures before we got one that they kept them on. I don't know what I was thinking. They don't like things on their heads. They were pulling bows off at 2 weeks old. Alyssa has enough hair to put up in a pony tail. It lasted 1 week and now when I pick them up at day care she has it pulled halfway out. One day they will girly girls.

We learn fast, do as I'm doing, don't let mommy see!

2008-08-16T05:04:00.005-06:00

Look girls Aunt Kris sticking her tongue out at you. This was hilarious becuase the girls love their tongues, and anything they can get in their mouths

Abigail has her tongue out too. She is a quick one, she sees the camera come out and and waits till the last minute and then as you snap she stops and acts so innocent. You can barely see it.

Alyssa stuck hers out immediately back at aunt Kristine. What a quick learner.

Camping 2008

2008-08-16T04:51:00.005-06:00

We bought this double jogging stroller at a garage sale and thought it would be great out camping and four diggin at grandma's house. Nate played for an hour with the girls pushing them away and they would roll back to him giggling.

My cousin Travis and his wife Melissa had a little girl, Madison, 3 months after I had the girls. I am so excited that they will be able to have a cousins their age to play with. Since Alyssa can sit up really well we put the other two sitting. They are about the same size. Poor little Abby, she should catch up eventually.

Brenda's son, Kevin thought Alyssa was his baby. If we tried to hand him Abigail he would shake his head no and point at Alyssa. Two year olds are so smart. I think I'll be in troube in no time flat.

Bath time Pictures

2008-08-16T04:44:00.004-06:00

Alyssa

Abigail

Lutz family reunion 2008

2008-08-16T04:32:00.004-06:00

Every year my mom's side of the family goes camping. It used to be to Birch Creek when we were younger, but for the last 10 or so years we have been going up to Island Park, ID. Normally, I only take a day or two off work and enjoy the floating down Box Canyon as many times as we can fit into a day. However, last year I was almost 5 months pregnant with my twin girls and there was no floating happening for me. (Not to forget, the year before I fell off the tube and almost drowned. I did have a life vest on, but that didn't stop me from banging my body, especially my head on the bottom of the river). This year Nate and I decided that we would take the whole trip off and tent it with the girls. We did get smart for once and decide to leave our 2 dogs at home this year. We had so much fun and tenting it went 10 times better than I ever could have imagined. We slept both girls in one play pen. They got used to no room to twist and turn as they do in their own cribs at home.

Tyrel with Abigail and Alyssa

2008-08-16T04:28:00.001-06:00

He has his hands full.

Surprise, Tyrel is home

2008-08-16T04:19:00.004-06:00

My brother had his leg amputated when he was in his early teens and he has been on his mission in Everett, Wa for over a year when his stump became infected. They couldn't get it healed in the mission, so they sent him home until he gets healed. He was hoping to only be home for 1 week, it now looks like it may be 1 month or so. I was 1 month pregnant with the girls when he went in to the MTC and he wouldn't have normally been able to meet the girls until they were 18 months old. We are very lucky he has been able to spend some time with his nieces. It been great fun for me to have a babysitter any time of day.

2008-07-10T22:55:00.001-06:00

Milestone
Abigail is now crawling!!! Yeah, one mobile and we are patiently waiting for Alyssa to catch up with her sister. Abigail started on Saturday morning and crawled all over our king size bed, chasing her bottle. Towards the end she was quite frustrated with her parents.