Happy 2 Months!

Cami is officially two months today!! It has been a great 2 months, and I am very grateful to be her mother. She is a very good baby, and has only had a few problems. She had thrush about a month ago, and just recently her tear duct was plugged... Not so fun! This past week I took her into the Dr and she weighed 12 pounds 1 ounce and was 23 inches long. She is 90% for both her height and weight! She is getting really good at holding her head up and loves to smile, especially at Papa Maroney! Grant still loves her to death. It is very sweet to watch the both of them; I can tell that she wants to get up and go play with him! Happy 2 Months Cami, I love you!!

Missing food from Saturday

After we took family pictures on Saturday, Mark's extended family had their yearly Christmas party. The theme was Danish foods. We knew about a month in advance that we would need to take some thing. Mark had found a chicken ball recipe that he really wanted to make. So this past week I bought everything for him to make them, and for me to try a new recipe of caramel chocolate shortbread cookies. What I didn't pan on was Grant getting sick Friday night. The poor guy threw up on my 3 times, and like a good mom, I let him.

Saturday morning was busy and we had no time to cook, and ended up going to Costco for a meat tray and cookies. On Sunday, Mark & I cooked up our recipes and they actually turned out pretty awesome. I must say that I was impressed with the chicken balls, and we might even cook them again. I am attaching the pictures and recipes, for those daring to make them!!




Chicken Balls
Serves 24

1 cup chicken -- chopped, cooked
½ cup dill relish
½ cup thick White Sauce
1 egg
salt and pepper
¾ cup cracker crumbs
4 tablespoons parmesan cheese -- grated
fat for deep frying
Mix chicken and pickle and blend with white sauce. Add beaten egg. Season and make into small balls. Roll in crumbs and cheese and deep fry.

NOTE: Serve hot as garnish for cold smoked meats, cooked fowl/meat.

White Sauce
Makes 1 cup

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
1 cup milk
Cook 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Once thickened, cover pan, turn off heat, and let stand 10 minutes.

NOTE:This is thin white sauce. Double butter and flour for medium white sauce. Triple for thick white sauce.

Finished product. We got the recipe from http://www.mindspring.com/~cborgnaes/








Caramel Shortbread Squares
Ingredients
2/3 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup white sugar
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 1/4 cups milk chocolate chips

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
In a medium bowl, mix together 2/3 cup butter, white sugar, and flour until evenly crumbly. Press into a 9 inch square baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes. Let them cool down.

In a 2 quart saucepan, combine 1/2 cup butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Bring to a boil. Continue to boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and beat vigorously with a wooden spoon for about 3 minutes. Pour over baked crust (warm or cool). Cool until it begins to firm.

Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute, then stir and continue to heat and stir at 20 second intervals until chocolate is melted and smooth. Pour chocolate over the caramel layer and spread evenly to cover completely. Chill. Cut into 1 inch squares.

We got this recipe from: www.allrecipes.com

Family Pictures

This past Saturday, we took updated pictures of our family. Justine Miller took them, and boy is she talented!! I am not sure why, but my hair did NOT want to work that day. But she still did an amazing job!!!

Cami's Blessing

NOT the best family picture, but what a day! I am so grateful for Mark, and that he is a worthy priesthood holder. Yesterday, I watched him bless our little girl. He was so nervous, but I knew he would do a good job, and he did. I love that we are able to experience this together. I love Cami's sweet spirit, and that she is such a good baby. I love that Grant loves her to death, and is always wanting to be with her. This morning, I watched him lay with her on the floor. I usually have to work to get her to smile, but she gives them to him easily.

I want to thank both Mark's and my family for coming down to be with us.

1st Christmas Tree

Our first Christmas tree!! We bought one still alive, and intend on planting it after. Merry Christmas!!

Indoor Camping

How do you keep a 2 year old occupied??The start of the fort!!

Lovin' the new fort!!

Could this be any better???

Silence & a 2 year old

On Thanksgiving morning, Mark and I were trying to get ready to go to his parents. There had been quite a bit of silence out in the living room, and I went out to see why Grant as so quiet... He had gotten into my Lancome make-up!! Not to worry, he didn't touch my powder, just the freebies, which made it just a little easier to take.

Grant is to the point that he understands when he has done something wrong, and puts his head down (pretty sad to watch). My best friend Kim would always tell me about how her girls were always getting into her things, and I always use to ask her if she took pictures... With that, I grabbed my camera and shot some of his glam shots!!

Sleepless Night

I have had an extremely hard time sleeping this past week or so. Sadly my body does not know how to turn off right now. I am grateful for my mother in law, who has been so helpful with Grant. Ruth I hope you know how much I appreciate ALL that you do, thank you!!

I thought that I would put down some of my thoughts about being a new mom, in hopes that it will wear me out and I'll sleep!! I am reminded about a friend I met about 8 years ago. I recall asking if they ever wanted children, and the response was always the same, "No, we have our dogs". After I became a mom, I had come into contact with them, and I expressed how wonderful it is to be a parent. Again, our conversation came around to that same question, and again I got the same answer. My heart sank as I thought about the love that they would be missing. It wasn't until Cami came along that I truly understood ALL the love that comes with having a child with a husband.

Mark has been my better half. We have not known each other for years on end, but he is my best friend. He is the love of my life, and the person I go to for everything. He was worth all the pain I went through to find him. Holding Cami and seeing this little being that we created together, is incomparable. At church yesterday, I whispered in Mark's ear, "She is both of us". And she is. She is a product of our love for one another.

Please don't get me wrong, I love Grant with every piece of my being. To me, he is all me... And strangely, he is all Mark too. I truly believe that Heavenly Father knew the things that would happen. He knew that Mark would be his daddy, and made him like him. I could not ask for a more perfect family, even if it is blended. But it is different having Mark around from day 1. I took this picture of Cami while she was in her swing. She often times sets her sights on one thing. However, that one thing isn't always visible to us. Mark and I wonder who she is looking at. I hope that is my Grandma and Grandpa Summers, or Grandpa Thude. I love it!!

Last week Megan had sent me a video of Marcus. I showed Grant the video and he began calling Marcus by name, without me saying it. Grant has a great memory!! But he kept crying, and wanting Marcus. Since we live 3 1/2 hours away, I knew it wasn't possible, so I called up Megan and asked to talk to Marcus. Grant talked on the phone for a good 20 minutes!! I am sure Megan had hung up by then, but he was so cute with the phone!! I love this little guy to death!

Enjoying the little moments

I can't say I've missed writing on this blog. I have been staying home with my babies for 5 weeks now. I love being with them. I love that my little guy loves his sister, and always is wanting to be around her (although that can be stressful!). She is finally getting better at holding her head up, and it makes it so much easier for Grant to hold her. If she is in the mood, she'll let him hold her for quite a long time. Being their mom has been the biggest blessing in my life!

There is more to this picture than a father with his daughter, who is dressed in blue... A week ago I was with Ruth and her mom, when Ruth pulled out this sailor outfit. Mark use to wear it!! It is so tiny and cute!! Yesterday we put her in it, and she barely fit in it. I love that my mother-in-law cared enough to give it to us!!

This is the only picture I have of Cami showing her socks. I love having a little girl. She is not sleeping like she use too, but she is still a very good baby. There is definitely a new spirit in our home, and I have no doubt it is because of her. For those who would like to come, we are blessing her December 6th. We are also going to be sealed on Jan. 23 at 11:15.

When did my 2 year old start getting so big?? I wanted to cry because yesterday at church he sat on my lap and cuddled for almost the entire hour!! I love Grant to death. He has been so good about all the different changes. He had a rough time with his teeth, but ever since he has been great. He is such a good little boy, and I'm glad he came to me!!

A little bit of Grant

Let me start off by saying, I have an amazing 2 year old. He has his moments, but I love him to death. I was worried how he would react to Cami, but he has done so good. I can't keep him out of her room, and away from her. I have noticed that some times Cami's eyes light up when Grant gives her a kiss. It is the sweetest thing... Remind me that in a year when they are always fighting.

The day after Halloween, my mom came down and picked us up to go to her house for the week. Grant LOVED being at Grandma and Grandpa Bingham's. Each day we made a goodies. The favorite for everyone was the brownies, which Grant did most by himself!!

On Wednesday Megan and Marcus came down to see us. How I miss watching them!! Just having them run through the house was a lot of fun. However, Grant decided to try and dent my parents wall corner... The corner got dented, and so did Grant's head. Surprisingly, he didn't cry for to long, but he got a pretty good bruise from it.

We also went to the park for a picnic. This is something that he use to do with Grandma Maroney, and I thought would keep it up. He did so good at my parents house. He was only cranky in the evenings... Then it dawned on me, he is cutting his last 4 teeth!! Thank you Mom and Dad for letting us come stay with you!!

Catching up with Cami

I told my cousin Alison that I would get some updated pictures of Cami up. It's just so hard taking pictures of a newborn, and I truly feel that they don't do her justice. I love having her here. She is a blessing to our family. It is amazing the bond that happens when you have a baby... And for the first time I've experience the bond between Mark and I strengthen by having her.

She is a good baby. I remember that Grant wanted to constantly eat, and never slept. Up to this point (I hope I'm not jinxing it) she has been a pretty good sleeper and eater! She has slept the past 3 nights in her crib, mainly because I couldn't sleep with all her little noises.

Grant loves his little sister!! It is awesome to see him love on her. He has only lashed out twice, and I really think it's because he was cutting 4 teeth! But he is always kissing her and wanting to be around her.

Cami is so funny. She has very feminine features, and seems to be more delicate than Grant was. The only thing that is NOT girly is her bowl movements!! She is loud and smells horrible!! It is pretty funny. I snapped this picture of her napping. She loves her hand up by her face, just like she did in the ultra sound pictures.

Halloween 2009

This year I decided that Grant needed to start "understanding" Halloween. Last year he was only 1, and sick, so I didn't do anything more than dress him up to take pictures. I started thinking about costumes early, and found a deal on ebay! I bought both Grant and Cami's costumes for next to nothing!! I was worried how Grant would look in the cowboy outfit, but he pulled it off... And was extremely cute (though he didn't know how to work his gun!).

Mark and I figured we would spend the night with his family. We had a great dinner, and then it was time to go trick or treating!! The pictures are not the best, but the give you an idea on how well protected Grant was. Mark and I laughed at his "gang". Papa Maroney, Aunt Shelby, Aunt Morgan, mom and dad all went with him.

Papa Maroney helped Grant trick or treat. Grant was so funny, and did things that only a two year old could get away with. People would give him a piece of candy, and he would stick his hand in the bowl for more... They thought it was cute, I was a little embarrassed... But hey, he's only 2!!

And of course here is the only picture I have of Cami. After a few houses, she went back to Grandma's to hang out there!! I had a lot of fun watching Grant this year, I can't believe how big he is getting!!

FHE - Halloween!!

Today Mark and Grant went into town to run around and I mentioned that I thought it would be fun to get a pumpkin to carve for family home evening. Mark was the best, and got one for us to carve!!!

I had mentioned that I thought it would be nice if his family came out to help. My family had been here this weekend, and thought it would be fun for them to do something with us. I enjoy spending time with both families. It was great that they were able to come and help Grant with the pumpkin.

This was the first time Grant has carved a pumpkin, and he thought it was SO cool. Him and daddy cut the top off, while Cami sat on the side line and watched.

Grant and me pulled out all the insides, and let me tell you, Grant LOVED THIS PART!!! Mainly because I didn't get after him for getting dirty. He was able to mess with all the goo, and I watched!!

Then Grandma and Grandpa Maroney, Aunt Shelby and Aunt Morgan came out and helped carve the rest of the pumpkin.

It was just fun to watch Grant with it. He did get a little restless, and left Grandpa Maroney to most of the carving, but he always came back wanting to know how the progress was going!

The pumpkin came out great!! We lit a candle for Grant to see the outcome. I'm very excited for Halloween this year! Grant is old enough to semi-understand what's going on. It was a fun night!! Thanks for coming out!!!!!

Introducing Cami Joanne Maroney

On Wednesday October 21, 2009 at 7:25, Cami Joanne Maroney joined our family!! What an experience that was. This time I had my husband there to enjoy the experience with, and I'm sure it was a new thing for him too!! But it was such a great time, I only wish Grant could have come into the hospital to meet his little sister :(, but he has been in love with her since we've been home, so I couldn't ask for anything more.

Mark is not asleep in this picture... He just happened to be blinking. But I love the picture any ways.

Cami weighed 7 pounds 7.5 ounces and was 19 3/4 inches long! Everyone thought she would be a good 8 pounder, but she surprised us!!

She survived her 1st night at home!! Like I said, Grant is so in love with her. He always wants to hold and kiss her. Every morning our family cuddles, and this is a tradition that we still try to do, even if we have a newborn!!

I feel really bad because I don't have any pictures with Grant and Cami. It is very hard to capture a busy 2 year old kissing his little sister!! Next post I will be sure to get something!! I just wanted to get some pictures on for a long distance sister-in-law, and to let her know I was thinking of her!!!

An adventure, waiting to happen

There is no way to describe what it is like to stand in the bottom of the Grand Canyon. For most people, they are onlookers, and only see the beauty of the Canyon from the top of the rims or in pictures. But for the selected few that want and desire to know what really lies within the walls, they take the journey and hike it. Being at the bottom, I have experienced a sense of humility, calmness, and surprisingly, fear.

Tonight there is a sense of humility in my life. I moved to Sierra Vista ten months ago, knowing that I would be marrying the man of my dreams, and taking on new challenges. How grateful I am to have had the opportunity for growth these past few months. In the Ensign last month, there was an article about women and their roles. I have been blessed with a man who honours me, and allows me to grow in area's that I desire. He has never held me back, or discouraged me. He is with me, always, holding my hand, and allowing me to dream. I believe that it was through my past experiences in life, that I have been able to cherish and appreciate my husband. He is the one that I want to spend the rest of my life and all eternity with.

I am humble to be the mother to a wonderful son, Grant. Wow. For two years, I have watched this little spirit grow and learn. Tonight as I read to him before bed, I noticed he was saying something. Much to my surprise he was counting!! Milestones. I have been given this time with him. To love him. To teach him. To do anything and everything I can for him. He is healthy. He is happy. He is smart. He is lovable. I realize that there are those who do not have this opportunity, and I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for giving this to me. There is nothing more I could ever possible ask for.

There is a sense of calmness here. My house is a mess. The dishes are not done. There are clothes to be folded on the couch. The wall in the living room is still not done. The bathroom is still not done. But for some odd reason, I am calm. Maybe it is because I know that the night before I go to the hospital, I will be to wound up to sleep, and will end up mad cleaning my house. Maybe it's because I know that I'm 8 1/2 months pregnant, and I'm tired. Maybe it is because Cami's room is finally all moved around, and now looks like a bedroom, and not a storage room. Maybe it is because I can do without the stress right now. Whatever the reason, I am grateful for the calm before the storm.

Fear. As you stand at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, you get this sick feeling in the pit of your stomach. You know that you just spent hours getting to the bottom, and it'll take you longer to get out, and that's IF you can climb out! You start to doubt yourself, and almost begin to panic. I have experienced this 5 times!! I have always had a wonderful mentor, my dad. He always stresses that hiking out is all a mental game. Every time, my dad is 100% correct.

I have 13 more days left of this pregnancy. Fear. This part of the pregnancy leaves me with a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. Do I really have to give birth? Can I please undue this? What if something goes wrong? What if she is not ok? I am at the bottom knowing the only way to go is up. And in less than two weeks, I'll be sitting in a hospital room with my husband and brand new baby, thinking, my dad is always right... This part of the adventure is 100% mental.

Cami's photo shoot!

Good luck trying to figure out this ultra-sound picture!! She is like her daddy already, and is camera shy!! But this is a picture of her face, but she has her arm in front of her nose. She did this the last time. The ultra sound tech said that she had fluid in her kidney's and her stomach, which meant everything was working! We could see all four chambers of her heart, and that she was practicing her breating (actually pretty neat!!). Then out of no where the tech said, "Wow, she has a lot of hair!!" She pointed it out, because I had no idea what she was looking at!! She also weighs 5 pounds and 12 ounces. She gave us a date of October 31... Not to far off of what we were thinking, but not like it matters, she's coming October 21!

Today we have 22 more days until she will be here. Going yesterday was SO hard!! Mark and I both walked out stunned... Almost a surreal feeling. It was hard seeing her, and knowing that we are SO close!! BUT we're almost there!!

Here's to a great weekend!!

Last night, as I was trying to get comfortable enough to sleep, I let my mind wander about my life. How truly blessed I am to have such a wonderful husband, and awesome little boy!! My life is complete in ways I never could have dreamed it would be. I know my Heavenly Father has had a hand in everything that I've been through, and continue to do.

This past week, I decided that I really wanted to start canning. My little sister, Megan, had gotten into it a year or so ago, and just recently my cousin, Alison, has started to do it. So I thought, what they heck?? I printed out directions, some recipes, got a few tips from my mother in law and away I went! My first run did NOT turn out good at all... They didn't seal!! Better luck next time!!

Mark also ventured out too. He got a free rooster off Craig's list and he "wacked" it, plucked it and then cooked it!! He's such a stud!!

This morning Grant wanted to be just like his dad. And so Mark put shaving cream on him, and gave him my veet razor (it doesn't have a blade). Mark then proceeded to show Grant how to shave. It was so cute, and I'm so lucky to have married such a great man, who makes a great father!!

I have such a great little family. I have Mark who is such a great help and does everything he can to make me happy. He does so much for Grant, Cami and me. I have a little boy, who is some times not happy and doesn't listen, but he is happy almost all of the time, and he is healthy. Which is something I take for granted some times. I have another one on the way, who I am so excited to raise and be her mommy. I don't think I could be any happier. I'm so in love with them!!!