Team Tuttle

Just a thought...

2012-02-08T20:19:00.001-08:00

Life is not a race - but indeed a journey. Be honest. Work Hard. Be choosy. Say, "thank you", and "great job" to someone each day. Go to church, take time for prayer. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh. Let your handshake mean more than pen and paper. Love your life and what you've been given, it is not accidental. Search for your purpose and do it as best you can. Dreaming does matter. It allows you to become that which you aspire to be. Laugh often. Appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them. Some of the best things really are free. Do not worry, less wrinkles are more becoming. Forgive, it frees the soul. Take time for yourself. Plan for longevity. Recognize the special people you've been blessed to know. Live for today, enjoy the moment. -Bonnie Mohr

"Cut Ood"...

2011-12-22T20:44:00.001-08:00

What little boy doesn't love helping his Daddy? In our case, it is the love of cutting wood or as Asher says it "Cut ood". Asher got a chainsaw for his birthday and he has been outside helping Daddy get wood in the house. They also spent an evening in the garage sharpening their chains - you wouldn't want it to go dull in the process of cutting!

Not to worry - goggles are required, safety first! :)

Happy Birthday Asher!

2011-12-22T20:28:00.000-08:00

What does a two year olds Birthday Party look like?
We scream & attempt to get away in every picture...
We take meal time very serious... We sit patiently waiting to open presents... We're learning how to share... We ride toys that we probably shouldn't in the house - cause we're only 2 once... We have amazing home-made birthday cake from our Un-Cowl... We are extremely confused when everyone starts singing the same song...
How do they all know that words?! We love you Asher John and are so proud of the little boy you are becoming!
We are so blessed to have you in our family.

Waiting on Daddy...

2011-12-22T20:24:00.000-08:00

He knew Daddy should be home shortly... so he grab his stool & waited. He also decided that it was the evening of wearing two sets of pajama bottoms & his flannel shirt. I love this kid.

"Keen"...

2011-12-02T09:56:00.001-08:00

Last night Asher kept pointing at different items/toys and saying 'keen'. I wasn't excatly sure what the heck he was talking about. So, I got down on the floor with him and was trying to understand what he was trying to tell me. I asked him if he could show me what he wanted. At that moment he leaves the living room and I didn't think much of it as Damon and I were carrying on a conversation. Asher comes back moments later carrying the Clorox Wipes - points to his toys and says 'keen'. Ohhhh, 'clean'. The lesson learned:

1) My toddler thinks things are not clean around the house - this could be bad...
2) I'm going to need to move the Clorox wipes to a higher location (that way he can't be demanding that I clean things - oh, and he won't hurt himself trying to clean things :))
3) What the heck was I doing on the floor - it is a serious issue attempting to get back up! :)

I love that Asher is starting to use his words even more - every day I learn something new! :)

Oops, that was an...

2011-11-28T17:11:00.000-08:00

Nine - not an 8. Really just one number can make the difference.

Today I had a farmer call in asking questions about crops - I directed him to the MN Farmers Hotline (there is such a thing!). I gave him the number, happy to help. A few minutes later I get another call through and it's the same farmer.
Farmer: "I'm wondering if you could have given me the wrong number?"
Me: "Hmmm... well that's what my resource sheet says?"
Farmer: "Well, it was a 'are you lonely' number."
Me: "Bwwaaaaahhhh!"
Okay, I did not really laugh that hard in his ear; however, I certainly laughed that hard when I got off the phone! I gave him a '8' instead of a '9' and one digit made the difference. Not sure how funny he thought any of that was but I've been giggling to myself all day about it! :)

8 Month Attire...

2011-11-22T18:04:00.000-08:00

So, I've resorted to wearing my camo hunting jacket because it's about the only thing that fits - okay, kinda fits and is warm at this point. I've decided that if I wear camo - it helps hide the belly, you can hardly even see it! I also wore a dress today - yep, running out of options for outfits so a dress is part of my rotation. The best part is that it's black and I'm pretty sure it makes me look at least 5'5" and slimming. :) I'm afriad that yellow crocs might just be the next thing that I'll be forced into wearing on a daily basis for lack of anything else that fits! :) Oh the joys! :)

Making Muffins...

2011-11-21T04:39:00.001-08:00

The Helper...

2011-11-12T20:01:00.000-08:00

Damon was changing the oil on the truck and needed help - good thing Asher was around with a wrench in hand, he got the job done! :)

This morning we were outside 'doing wood' - piling, cutting, splitting, etc... I was piling up wood when Ash looks at me and says, "What doin'?" I say, "I'm piling wood." He says as he's nodding his head 'yes', "Oh, okay." Such a supervisor!

He also found himself a hammer. A hammer that he would use for a good hour as a 'splitter'. He sat on the ground with the same piece of wood: set it up, tap with hammer, it would fall over and he'd repeat the cycle. He was so proud of himself for helping out - I only wish I would have had my camera! :)

He's growing so fast and every day continues to pick up on the different things that we do every day. He likes to help with dishes, do recycling, sweep the floor and flush the toilet (this last one is so helpful!). All of which take extra time and energy on my half but I love that he is interested in 'helping'. It seems like every day he changes before our eyes - we're so blessed to have the opportunity to watch him grow!

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-04T17:48:00.000-07:00

First, I must say that Asher was not interested in dressing up for Halloween - so the fact that we don't just have one but multiple pictures of him in his costume is a miracle! We were able to enjoy a walk around the neighborhood and I think Ash really enjoyed trick-or-treating!

Step One: Have daddy get the dragon dressed so mama could at least get one picture before he throws himself down in a screaming temper tantrum...

Step Two: Hurry up and get him outside (his favorite place to be)
and he'll be golden for at least a few minutes... Step Three: The break down. Throw yourself onto the floor in
attempts to get the stupid dragon costume off! :) Besides spending the evening with my boys - I think my favorite part of the night was at Ron and Vicki's house. Asher was generously helping himself to the bowl of candy (as I was generously putting the handfuls back into the bowl) and I say to Asher, "What do we say when someone is nice and gives us something?" He looks at me and says, "More?".

Lessons Learned...

2011-11-04T17:39:00.000-07:00

This is not 'mother of the year award' material for all of you mothers out there - I know better but couldn't stop taking pictures of the sequence of events as they happened,
it's the artist in me! :)

Look what I found!

It's bringing him such joy - I mean, look at that smile!

Putting around your neck - definitely not a good idea. I'm pretty sure in between taking pictures I told him he should stop.

It's so stretchy and fun! How could this possibly be bad for me mama!?

I didn't get the last picture in this frame due to excessive crying ... but I think you probably get the idea of what happens next...

At Work...

2011-11-04T17:31:00.000-07:00

One of my co-workers started in August - so she hasn't ever known me, minus the belly. Today at work she says, "I'm kinda excited to know you in a year from now. I don't even know what you look like or who you are without being pregnant." I informed her that when I'm not pregnant I'm typically 5'10", skinny and have blonde hair - she won't even recognize me. :)

The Joys of Living In Town...

2011-08-24T19:48:00.000-07:00

Living in town isn't soo horrible... I mean, we have some neighbors that still like us after being here for 6 years and it's still relatively quiet for our location. Tonight I smile as one of the neighbor kids has just started learning how to play the trumpet. Yes, lets start at 9:30 at night - doesn't that seem like a great time to practice? They definitely need to tighten up those lips!

Do I Look Like I Need Help?

2011-08-16T11:39:00.000-07:00

Silly mommy - I'm a big boy, no help required.

Whew - what a Haul!

2011-05-30T17:39:00.000-07:00

It has been quite a while since I've been out on any blog sites - even my own! As every spring brings, the Tuttle Household is extremely busy getting back into the swing of work, daycare and trying to keep up with every day life. So here are some radom thoughts from the last week weeks in my world...

We were blessed with a new niece on May 2nd - Greta Sophia! I am so proud to say that she is doing well and was able to go home within a week of being welcomed into the world. She is such a strong little one and I cannot wait to meet her. She still has a journey ahead of her if you could keep her in your prayers.

The flowering crabs are finally in full bloom in the yard and they are beautiful! Wish they lasted longer than a few weeks.

A friend gave me some rhubarb and I just made some rhubard crisp with it - awesome! I think I might have to plant some so I can have my own rhubard every spring!

I got a new job. Start on June 6th. I'm excited for the change but also sad to be leaving Bloomers - I've really enjoyed my work and those I work with.

Asher continues to grow and change on a daily basis. He still can't jump and cracks us up with his continual attempts, some day he'll get the hang of it! His new favorite word is 'see?' instead of 'why?'... I guess those days are coming!

We have learned a vaulable lesson about toilet paper this last week - cheaper is not better. It's the type of mistake you only have to make once.

Why do animal noise children's books put animals like: mice, giraffes and penguines in them? Really? I love how you're are going through every noice and you come to those and pause... Yep, I don't know what noise a giraffe makes? I'm thinking they should stick with the animals that make noises people know... bark, meow, cheep... :)

With summer possibly just around the corner - we're excited to get out and do some camping. Can't wait for camp fires, friends, fishing and being outside! :)

I had a cousin pass away a few weeks back. Makes me sad, she was only 30. It makes me sad that she was only 30 but it also makes me more sad that I didn't know her. We grew apart, never talked, got together and I hate that. Good reminder that you need to put in the time and effort with relationships that are worth time and effort. She'll be greatly missed ...

Well, that's all the 'radom-ness' I have for one night... Babe is sleeping, I've got dishes to be done and some rhubarb crisp to eat. :)

Let There be MUSIC!

2011-04-19T20:45:00.000-07:00

So, besides my two boys, family, chocolate and sharing random thoughts - I've added another one of my more favorite things, that I love ooooo so much, to the blog - MUSIC!

Live for Now...

2011-04-18T21:46:00.000-07:00

"If you have one eye on yesterday and the other on tomorrow - today you'll be cockeyed." - Anonymous Here's to living in the moment, cherishing your friends and family, giving your all because you can - not because you have too, laughing out loud, snorting if it becomes necessary, giving your kids an extra squeeze before you leave, kissing your husband good morning, leaving the dishes, getting on the floor and playing cars, smiling because the blog won't allow you to space any of your thoughts, returning your shopping cart, eating donuts for breakfast, enjoying snow in April, praying for those around you and actually living your life for what it is and what you have - which is today.

F-R-I-D-A-Y (Part 2)

2011-04-17T19:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, I've decided that F-R-I-D-A-Y means nothing when you've got to work on Saturday. Anyone else feel this? I mean, it just becomes another day - not one of which I feel like singing and dancing. Dang. It's going to be a l-o-n-g spring! :)

F-R-I-D-A-Y...

2011-04-11T19:57:00.000-07:00

I really - really - really like the word Friday. There is no other word that makes getting out of bed in the morning enjoyable - except for Saturday, that's a pretty fun word to say too.

Texting, Texting...

2011-04-11T19:50:00.000-07:00

One - Two - Three... is this thing on?? Today, Damon and I were texting back and forth regarding who was going to be working late and who would be available to pick up Asher from daycare. It reads something like this... D: "dont think i wil make it mite be close" D: "I wil b late" M: "Ok... I'lll be sure to pick jim up. thanks!" D: "Who is jim" M: "Ha! Him!" :) New phone, smaller buttons - might take some getting used too! If anything, it is providing me with some much needed laughter in the middle of my work days! :) This post doesn't believe in having any spacing, after attempting multiple times to do so, it doesn't work - so enjoy!

Puddle Time...

2011-04-04T17:41:00.000-07:00

One of Asher's first trips outside to play in the water! :)

Oh So Random...

2011-04-04T17:25:00.001-07:00

Damon did a craft show this last weekend. As we were sitting at the booth we over heard two older (in their 60's) women having a conversation as they walked by. All we heard was one older lady telling the other, "All I'm going to bring is clean underwear and knee pads." Huh.

Did I tell you that Asher now says 'Apple' - random, which is why it fits perfect with my post.

I made lasagna tonight - what it lacked in all the herbs and spices that you're suppose to add, it made up for it in cheese. Yum.

It is only two more weeks until Bloomers is 'officially' open - depending on the weather, wow, these last few weeks have flown by!

My house is still relatively clean - still clean to where if you stopped by, I wouldn't be embarrassed. Who am I and what I have I done with the 'old Manda'? - This includes my laundry for those of you who are dying to know about my commitment to staying clean. :)

This last weekend Asher got up before 7am both Saturday and Sunday - what the heck!? This fine Monday morning, I had to DRAG him outta his crib, kicking and screaming because he wanted to sleep in. I think it's time for us to give him his first lesson on weekends and sleeping in.

We might be flying to Wisconsin this weekend - very random, kinda excited. Hope Ash does okay on his first airplane ride. Ha, who am I kidding - I hope I do okay on my 3rd airplane ride! :)

My in-laws came over last Tuesday evening, ate supper, played games and watched Asher on Wednesday. It was super fun. We played sequence, with a capital 's', and Rog and I kicked BUTT! We took 6 outta 6 games - I'm looking forward to their next visit to see how lucky Rog and I get! :)

We're getting 'oh so close' to the end of wood burning season - which means we get to clean up the basement and keep it that way for few months, awesome.

I saw a chap stick at L&M this last weekend named, "Chicken Poop" - don't worry, on the back side of the tube it stated that there were not any actual ingredients of poo. Whew.

I delivered a planter to the clinic a few weeks back - a little something to celebrate the first day of spring for a lady who worked there from her sister. Such a fun idea. I realized after I had got back to Bloomers that my zipper was down. Classy.

I miss my nephew - I wish I could see him more. I wish we could go for walks at night, play at parks and read books together.

I'm excited for this summer. I can't wait to go on boat rides, camping, tubing, fishing and just playing outside with Asher - he really enjoys being outside, I can't wait to enjoy warm weather together.

I love Guacamole Chips. Love. Them.

Back to Daycare...

2011-03-22T19:35:00.000-07:00

Oh what a difference a year can make!
Asher 3 Months Old - first day of daycare 2010...

Asher - 14 Months Old - first day of daycare 2011

No more carrying me mama - I'm a big boy! I can walk, fall, eat snow, do stairs and take diggers on the ice all by myself! I cannot believe how fast the time has gone - it truly does seem like just yesterday he was a little guy... they grow way to fast.

Random Thoughts...

2011-03-22T19:00:00.000-07:00

Asher fell asleep on the living room floor two Saturdays ago. Granted he was super sick and was on medication - but I hope he can continue to find comfort where ever he is in our home and just lay down and snooze.
I sent Ash to daycare today with his pants on backwards. If he was wearing sweatpants, maybe this wouldn't have been such a huge 'I'm a DORK' moment! Instead he was wearing pants with pockets - yep, the daycare lady is going to think I'm crazy!
Work is busy. Busy is good. Good is a pay check.
It was a year ago today that Damon quit his job and Asher looked at us and gave us an actually smile and giggle for the first time. I didn't know what we were going to do but knew that it would all work out. Living proof today that what doesn't break a family will make you stronger.
I've kept my house clean for the last week and a half. Like, clean enough that if you were to stop by - I wouldn't be completely embarrassed of our potential to live like slobs.
This even includes my laundry. I'm pretty sure my sister would be highly impressed with my ability to 'keep up' - at least for the last week and 3 days. :)
I have some pretty amazing friends. Friends that care, call, ask, listen and most importantly are there for everything. I realize even more now how much I miss these amazing ladies when I am back on the clock at work and can't have play-dates or phone conversations with them whenever I want. You know who you are - know that you are loved.
We fed Ned beans just to see if they were really 'musical fruit'... they are.
I'm going to be an auntie again and am beyond excited. I'm also going to be an auntie to a little girl - even more exciting! I cannot wait to welcome this precious new-comer into the world in a matter of months. Please say a prayer for her journey.
A few weekends ago I spent my first few nights away from Asher. It's true what they say, you'll know when you're ready. Was it easy... nope. Was it neccessary... yep. Did I survive... yeppers and I'm alive to write about my experience. :)
Men who do drag make us 'average girls' look horrible. Some of those guys are seriously beautiful. Just sayin'...
There is nothing more sweet than picking up your babe from daycare and seeing him waiting. Seeing him standing at the sliding glass door with a big 'ole smile and waving at his mama. I think the only thing that tops that right now is the sweet words of 'mama' coming out of his mouth. Few and far between but I'll take it.
Real Conversation: I was inquiring how long I could expect a product (yard sign) to last with the different elements (wind, rain, snow, sun, etc..) I say, "And how long do these signs typically hold up?" and the sales lady - in her very foreign accent and as serious as can be says, "Until someone steals it."
Cyd a lady from work has a talent for phrasing... I over-heard her tell a boy during an interview today..."Now, the landscape crew gets to wear shirts without sleeves but as a shop boy that's not okay. You've got to have sleeves on your shirts because we don't need you putting your arm pit hair all up in our customers business.
My spell check doesn't appear to be wrkg snce I've left out some obvious letters and it isn't picking up on antyhing.... so enjoy the crazy spelling that I'll call Manda. :)

From the Mind of Cyd...

2011-03-04T04:49:00.001-08:00

(A lady I work with).

She always says things 'differently'.

Yesterday she asked me if we were going to be getting those 'walk around type phones'. I think for a minute and say, "You mean cordless?" ... she responds, "Ya, the walk around type."

Here's to another Spring at Bloomers. :)

Dish Soap It Is...

2011-03-02T19:12:00.000-08:00

I figured out why I'm fat... the shampoo I use in the shower runs down my body - it says, "For extra volume and body". I think I'm going to start using Dawn Dish Soap... "Dissolves fat that is otherwise difficult to remove." :)

Lessons Learned...

2011-02-24T08:55:00.000-08:00

I walked into the living room today to see Asher trying to get some toys out from under the couch. He can't quite get his little arms to reach... so he grabs both corners (from underneath) and attempts to pick up the couch. Huh.
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Graham crackers don't fit in ears - or at least not full graham crackers.
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Stunts are every where. The newest... Asher can stand in the front bucket (which is not very large) on the front of his little tykes bike. Crashes happen - he just gets back up and does it again.

Okay, they are not lessons learned - they are lessons ... and than you just keep right on doing what you do best ... being a little boy. :)

All in a Matter of Minutes...

2011-02-22T18:01:00.000-08:00

It was bath time at the Tuttle Household... The tp was invited... We took the diaper off and pee'd on the rug... And we finally made it into the bath...

The Face ...

2011-02-22T17:58:00.001-08:00

of someone who doesn't like carrots...

The Question of the Day...

2011-02-22T17:49:00.001-08:00

Where's the sippy cup?

On the Asher Front...

2011-02-22T17:08:00.000-08:00

Today Asher signaled me that he wanted "more" using sign-language - I was pretty excited about this new way of communicating.

Asher is starting to follow directions. This is super fun to watch him put two and two together. A few things he is able to do when asked... find his blankie, 'sit' (when we are taking a bath), put objects over the gate (he does this on command and on his own;)), put a ball in his tower, put a car on the ramp, bring ____ to _____ , hands up (when pushing in his tray), etc...

He is trying to jump and it is hilarious. He can't get off the ground but you can see that he believes he is getting some major air. Such a goof.

He's learned the technique of pushing objects over to the couch so he can climb up easier and faster.

Stairs are going to be an issues - as well as - anything that has wheels. If it moves, you can ride it.

He's starting to do things that could be classified as 'naughty'... as a matter of fact, they are naughty and yet we find ourselves unable to stop laughing. Not good. We are doing our best to stop behaviors before they start but when you have that smile and giggle to follow - not easy. So, last night when he was giving us the 'good 'ole dump truck' with his food at the table I had to look the other way. Thinking to myself, my parents had to of been so proud - I did that when I was WAY to old to know better!

He's starting to help with clothing. Okay, it's not like that. He isn't dressing himself. He's just randomly taking off his pants and handing them to you when you're doing the dishes.

Toilet paper is fascinating, flushing is amazing and throwing everything into the tub is the best!

He enjoys a good game of hide-n-seek as long as you hide in the same spots, loves being chased and has a few super tickle-ish spots on him!

He's starting to enjoy evening books. He'll sit for a few minutes and than he's off and running. Maybe some day we'll enjoy this activity together?

I believe that his vocabulary is growing (Damon is more skeptical)... "itty et own" translation: Kitty Get Down ... ya, that's about the only thing he puts together - I guess he hears it quite a bit. :)

His vocabulary does include: Dada (all the time), ed (Ned), itty (Kitty), mama (see how far down this is on the list? It is very few and far between - but it has been said!) ... I guess that's about it.

Today I was explaining to Asher "No, you cannot touch this"... he reaches out and grabs my Nose... I said, "No." He grabs my nose... a little more work to do with these two words. :)

Following that last one... he can find my nose, ears and lips. :)

He thinks it's funny when the kitty 'nibbles' on him. Good - at least he doesn't freak out about the cat. He entices the kitty into 'nibbling' on him - not good.

He doesn't play with toys - he just relocates them around the house.

Ah, yes... I love this child. He is going to be a handful - ha, who am I kidding - he already is but I wouldn't want it any other way! :)

The Law Report...

2011-02-17T14:04:00.000-08:00

Why there are some things I just don't want to know... An adult female and a juvenile female were cited for theft at 2:01 pm after they were caught shoplifting at a business on 29th Street Southeast in Grand Rapids. One was caught with hair coloring valued at $8.52 and the other was caught with two small bottles of "male endurance formula" valued at $5.32.

That was a mean thing to do... A resident on Monte Avenue in LaPrairie reported someone listed her home for rent on Craigslist. It wasn't for rent.

Random Thoughts....

2011-02-16T18:13:00.000-08:00

Our favorite Uncle Airwick and brotha turns 36 today! Wowsers, where does the time go? I'm not going to say that I remember him when he was just a little tike - ha! I hardly remember when I was a little tike; however, if he's 36 that means that I'm pushing closer to that '30' mark... yikes. We better slow down this yearly birthday stuff...
Asher giggles a lot now. He'll be in his car seat, cruisin' along and something will just make him laugh. He brings a smile to my face every time. I love that kid.
"The real test in life is not in keeping out of the rough, but in getting out after you are in." This was one of the fortunes tonight at Chinese. Our tradition is to add 'in bed' after every fortune because 1) it just makes us laugh and 2) they typically sound better that way. This fortune though really makes me think... it made me put the paper in my pocket to remember it later. So, here I am sharing this with you... do with it as you wish.
Okay... one more. "The ultimate test of a relationship is to disagree but to hold hands." Again, this one doesn't seem as funny when you put 'in bed' behind it - rather it really made me think for some reason. Yep, relationships are not always a walk in the park but the ability to hold hands through it all - okay, and still actually like each other when the storm has pass. ;)
I removed ice from my roof today. I found this to be rather fun. Don't worry, Asher was with Uncle Airwick - not on the roof with me. What type of parent do you take me for? ;)
I love warm weather. I only filled the stove twice today - twice. That's a miracle and it also means that I was able to sleep through the evening without having to get up to stoke the stove. I like that.
I had a Margarita with a friend today - we needed it. I love my friend.
Damon was in the ER last night, for those of you who know D, this is not a surprising. The best part of this story is that he is out of town working nights. I get the call at 2am, from D to let me know. It goes down like this: I believe that my alarm (of which I do not have set) is going off - so I'm randomly pushing buttons on my phone, I push buttons and of course the phone is answered, I go back to sleep because the noise has stopped (this is a normal reaction right!?) and from my phone I hear my husband saying, "Hello? Manda? Heeelllllo? Manda, pick up."... He's so understanding. To make a long random thought short - coal, eye, torn 'something or another', pirate patch, heal time: 24-48 hours...

Silence has taken over the house - Asher is giving the baby monitor a break in action. Which reminds me... Damon says that Asher will be 10 and I'll still have a baby monitor in his room... husbands, so silly. :)

The Law Report...

2011-02-15T20:25:00.000-08:00

Okay, I threw away the paper before I was able to copy this report word for word; however, it is too good to pass up!

Should have thought this one through... a gentleman drove to the Grand Rapids Police Department on Monday to report a crime in progress. The problem was - he'd been drinking, couldn't remember what the crime was and DROVE to the police station. Hmmm... he was arrested for drunk driving.

I heard this one on the radio...

A male in St. Louise County was sentenced to 6 years/6 months in prison for burning down an auto body shop (of which he worked at). You see, he didn't intentionally burn down his place of employment, he was stealing loot out of the cars and couldn't see. So he used a lighter to provide the light which in return started a car on fire.... seriously!? That's quality help...

1 Year Pictures....

2011-02-15T18:43:00.001-08:00

Better late than never...

Random Thoughts From a Wednesday...

2011-02-08T10:19:00.001-08:00

Oh, wait it's Tuesday...

Asher smells like Tuna and I can't figure out why?
I was reading in a magazine (one of my mama's) that you can get a shower cap for your butt. Okay, it wasn't exactly that but it looked similar and the title was "Stop embarrassing leaks"... bwaaaah. So, it's like a shower cap but instead of not letting an outside subsatance in - you're attempting to keep inside substance in. Same difference. I wonder if you sound like plastic bag when you walk?
Same magazine... "Padded Underwear"... really? I mean, seriously? I don't know of too many people who are interested in making their butts appear larger? I'm always attempting to make mine look smaller... interesting.
Oh, one more from the magazine... pressure point rings that help you lose weight. Really? I'll take 10... that should do me - no more treadmill for this Chicky. I'm just going to wear a fashionable ring and watch the pounds fall off. Whew, I wish I would have known how easy this was going to be!
Ned runs in his sleep - rather annoying.
Asher is teething .... again. I wish I could just get him a set of false teeth and call it good. This teething is ridiculous! They have to hurt so bad - I wish I could make it all stop ... for the sake of us sleeping at night and his comfort. :)
The last time I polled my viewers (two of you to be exact) as to which you run out of first: shampoo or conditioner. So, from that post and a few others that I've talked with we have... Shampoo: 2 Conditioner: 4 ... not the landslide I was looking for but none-the-less it proves my point. Conditioner is more popular than shampoo AND the two shampoo 'over users' are over the age of 50. What we have to look forward to in our older years - over usage of shampoo. Interesting.
We went to a water park this last weekend - I love the lazy river. My favorite part about it would be the 'lazy' part. Kickin' back, floating around, bumping into people you don't know and pretending like you weren't playing bumper boats... ya, it was a great weekend of being lazy. :)
I wanna be a Billionaire ... (new song on the ipod - love it)
My computer is being stupid and I can't figure out what the issue is besides that it doesn't agree with my itunes. Kinda sucks. It's like my computer ate my itunes and has acid reflex from it because every once in a while my computer just burps and shuts off. And my itunes is non-existent... double suck.
Morning nap was necessary; hoping that afternoon nap will follow. I love my babe but MAN is he crabby! Point, grunt and scream - what is the deal-ie-o!?

Enough random thoughts for one day... nap time is in session and I gotta get some stuff done! :)

Midnights...

2011-02-03T12:27:00.000-08:00

Damon works 4 days of day shifts - has 4 days off - than 4 days of night shifts and 4 days off. Not super confusing but it certainly messes with his internal clock. He's always trying to catch up on sleep or trying to get used to the idea of staying up all night.

So today, he got home after his night shift and had to watch baby for an hour or two. When I got home he was in a hurry to get out the door and drop off some paper work he had scheduled to do in the a.m.

He walks in the door, after his errand, takes off his shoes and realizes he is only wearing one sock. Interesting.

Random Thoughts from a Tuesday...

2011-02-02T10:45:00.001-08:00

Oh, wait - it's Wednesday.

I really love Guacamole Chips - like made a special trip to another store to find a bag - love them.
It's fun to watch Asher on slippery floors and socks without traction.
Nap time sounds like a good idea today.
There was a super cute older man walking into Target at the same time as me today. I can't help but say 'Good Morning' because he is just so dang cute. I couldn't help but add in there 'Good Morning Sir - Can I open the door for you?'... it was fun to make an old man laugh that hard. He says, 'Well isn't that sweet of you to open a door for an old man." Bwaaah. I crack me up.
Only weeks left before I head back to work - dislike button.
I dropped Asher off at 'work' this morning because I had an appointment I needed to attend without him. I realize that just 12 months ago I was inconsolable about the thought of leaving my baby at daycare. I cried when I dropped him off but knew it was the best thing for the both of us. This year, I think Asher is going to be the one crying while I leave him. Pretty sure there will still be tears from mommy - only because I'm the biggest baby of them all when it comes to my babe.
I bought a funny birthday card for my brother today - the only thing I can think of is: I hope I haven't purchased this same card for him in the past. I know I did that one year and it was kinda embarrassing. Anyone else have that problem? Which card did you give to whom and how the heck do you keep that straight?
Realized as I was shopping with my mama that she uses more shampoo than she does conditioner - I was shocked. I was under the impression that everyone used more conditioner in their hair than shampoo. So the question is - do you run out of shampoo or condition first OR are you one of those 'use them equally' type of girls? I really would love to know!
I haven't taken Asher's 1 year pictures yet... ya, might wanna get on that.
I learned today that 'rolling boil' means to stir without losing the boil- interesting. Did I mention that I learned this after I put the noodles in. Stupid. However, I'm always so happy my brother has all the answer to lives questions. He's like google on speed dial. Love it.

And the baby monitor has finally stopped talking to itself - I'm gonna go and take a nap. For some odd reason I was up at 3:30am ... for what you ask? I have not a clue and I could not get back to sleep. Double stupid. Nap time is in session. :)

YMCA Basketball

2011-02-01T09:28:00.000-08:00

For the month of January I was able to help out with youth (ages 5-7) basketball. The kiddos are super fun and excited about learning to play. Ok, for the most part all of them are super fun and excited.
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Me: To child on first day of practice - "So and so, I'm so glad that you decided to play basketball, you are doing an awesome job with your dribbling!"

So and So Child: "Ya, the only reason I'm here is because my mom thinks I need to be more involved. I don't even like basketball."
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Envision: There are two teams of 10, which equals 20 kids (ages 5-7 :)), two coaches, only 10 playing at a time and ten sitting on the sidelines at a time. We are playing a 'game' which really means that we are running the kids back and forth up the court and reminding them to DRIBBLE!

Me: I'm attempting to put everyone back in their 'positions' after coming down the court from previously being on offense. I'm trying to explain to 5 kids (ages 5-7 :)) that they are no longer trying to shoot the ball but rather get the ball back - hence, they are on defense. I'm also trying to get the other teams players lined up to be on offense because the other coach is on the other end of the court explaining how to pass the ball in and get it down the court.

So and So Child: (This is a different 'so and so child' from the previous 'so and so child' in the last story) "Coach"

Me: "Yes, 'so and so' - no... you're on defense - oh, pay atttention when they're passing."

So and So Child: "The other kids won't let me hold the mascot (which is a stuffed animal that was suppose to bring team spirit but has rather become a pain in my butt.)

Me: "Hey, guys (yelling to side-line as I'm attempting to keep from getting hit in the head by a 'shot' ball) you need to take turns holding the stuffed animal - pleae let 'so and so' have a turn.

Minutes have passed...

So and So Child: "Coach"

Me: "Yes?" - "No, you can't run outta bounds with the ball, Remember you always have to dribble, Oh, we need to stand up so we can be ready for the ball."

So and So Child: Holding two fingers up his nose holes... "Someone over there is farting and it stinks real bad - I can hardly breathe."
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I love basketball but more than that I love that we, as insane adults, are trying to teach 5 YEAR OLDS how to play basketball when they are much more interested in sitting on the floor, throwing the mascot and farting in public. :)

Lessons Directly From The Man

2011-01-30T12:13:00.000-08:00

We've been trying to help Asher use his words. Every time he points at something we say... "Use your words, do you want your blankie/sippy cup/toy?"

So, today in church... words came spilling out of the mouth of our babe. It was point and in our most loud church voice possible - 'Neee, Nuh, Uh, Uh, Uh".

I love how God brings lessons full circle. We've wanted him to speak... just didn't say 'when' or 'how loud' those words should come. Now its learning onto learning a quiet voice... ha!

Dang Squirrels

2011-01-23T06:31:00.001-08:00

I hear it has been a hard winter for the squirrels.

They've been stockpiling nuts.

Three of my neighbors have gone missing.

Drain Already...

2011-01-22T07:56:00.001-08:00

A few weeks back the kitchen sink wouldn't drain. I would drain one side and it would fill up the other - it was awesome. I always feel blessed that such instances occur when D is home; otherwise, I would find myself doing dishes in the bathroom sink or eating off paper plates.

So, D calls his dad, gets a game plan and decides that we need to tear apart the whole drainage system. This is not exactly an easy project, since we've had to do it one other time, we were not looking forward to doing so at 7 o'clock at night!

Wait. Hold the Boat. Uncle Airwick to the rescue!

He, Uncle Airwick, suggests we just take a plunger to the sink and our drainage problems would be solved - at least for the evening. After a very short discussion - it was decided that if it worked it would be a much easier solution!

I was selected to be the lucky plunger of the sink. Being vertically challenged - I grab a stool or a chair or something very sturdy to stand on because I'm going to give that sink heck! Damon takes his position under the sink, to be honest - I'm not exactly sure why? But none-the-less this story would not be half as funny if he had not been laying under the sink observing the process.

We fill the sink up with water and I take position.

Me: "Are you ready?"
Damon: "Yep, give it a try."

I really put my body into it, I mean - I used my knees and a small jump to get that plunger to do it's job.... and "Whooosh!" the plunger came down and all the water came out the other drain! It went straight up, hit the ceiling and came down on Damon who had his mouth open (I think to remind me to put something in the other drain prior to plunging :)) and we were soaked. Probably not the most brilliant move on my part but seriously has to be one of the most funny things I have accidentally done to Damon in a long time!

The sink, it drained... just need a little help and muscle from the lady in the house.

Mommy's Helper

2011-01-22T07:35:00.000-08:00

When in the laundry room I always talk through the process of putting the clothes in the washer, into the dryer, shutting the door/lid, adding detergent, etc... Today I was pulling clothes out of the dryer and folding - I looked down to find Ash putting daddy's dirty socks and boxers into the dryer. Very helpful. Not having to wash them first saved me a whole lot of time and energy - why didn't I think of that!? :)
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Ash also likes to help out in the wood room. Note to readers: baby is always being watched closely when allowed to fill the stove. HA! Okay, anyways... Ash likes to help 'fill the furnace'. When you go into the wood room to grab a piece he always has to grab one too. We walk over to the stove, of which he realizes is a big 'NO', and he hands you the pieces he's managed to carry over.
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And lastly, how does one effectively pick up all the toys when a 1 year old is helping. You don't.

The End.

Just In Case...

2011-01-07T11:46:00.000-08:00

I love kiddos. I really do. I love their innocents. This was a conversation I had last night at Basketball with a 5 year old.

Said 5 year old takes a digger on the gym floor and instantly becomes dramatic about the situation.

Me: "Hey, good digger! Are you okay buddy?"
5 Year Old: "I don't know... I already scrapped my knee once this week."
Me: "Oh man, it looks like you got it in the same spot again!"
5 Year Old: "Ya, it pretty much hurts."
Me: "Do you think you can stand up and walk on it?"
5 Year Old: *Slowly climbing to his feet* "I think so, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to need a band-aid ... just in case it starts to bleed."

And even though I knew that it by no means was his knee going to start bleeding - we went and got a band-aid and said 5 year old was as good as new! As an adult I sometimes wish situations were that easy... that we could simply apply a band-aid and everything would be as good as new! :)

Out with the Old -

2011-01-01T07:47:00.000-08:00

In with the New!

I love new beginnings. Maybe that's why I enjoy the start of each day, Mondays (if I'm not heading out the door to work) and the beginning of a new year. It brings hope. It brings hope that you can make a different choice or a choose a different path with a fresh start.

Thoughts from 2010:

love knows no bounds. babies grow fast. family is forever. true friends are always there. things that are important aren't things. jobs are not a dime a dozen but opportunities to change are. our dog eats way to many birds in our yard. when the going gets tough - we get innovative. wood heat is awesome. sleep is optional. teething sucks. photography is more than a job - it's a passion. living apart is rough. listening is important. communication is key. being together after being apart has its challenges. when every thing falls apart - faith and a lot of chocolate are a great team. babies don't mind where or who they throw up on. loading your drawers has true meaning now. christmas isn't about how many presents but the love. forgive and forget takes time. being true to you is priority. parenting is a joy. sometimes changing your path is the key to self-love. honesty is the best policy. music is important. daycare = opportunities and flu bugs. flu bugs don't care if they are recycled for weeks in a household. big pumpkins are fun. electronics are better than toys. 'dada' is our super hero. emergency room visits happen. multiple times. let people know how you feel. and lastly.... take each day to be thankful and know that if you're not so much liking today - a brighter tomorrow is only a few hours away.

Here's to a new year filled with new lessons to be learned! May your new year give you the opportunity to learn from your yesterdays and make you better for your tomorrows!

Now How Do I Get Out?

2010-12-29T18:44:00.000-08:00

The New Hang Out...

2010-12-29T18:42:00.000-08:00

Asher's new favorite place to 'hang out'... who needs toys when you have mommy's pots & pans?

Curious? Naw...

2010-12-29T17:41:00.000-08:00

I've decided that the only difference between Asher crawling and walking is the level that his little arms can now reach. It's not all the lower shelf items anymore - we've moved on to bigger, better and more ishy items! :)

Taylor & Gage...

2010-12-29T17:22:00.000-08:00

Some random conversations from the over-night with these two kiddos at our house...

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Damon: "Gage, do you wanna go logging with me today?"

Gage: "I don't even know how to do laundry."

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Asher: (standing at the top of the stairs yelling) "Dadadadadadaaaa"

Gage: "I'm pretty sure that Asher is yelling at you (to Damon) - yep, I think he's saying 'Dada' and that's you."

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Gage: "I think that my bed time is 29 o'clock."

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Taylor: (after sitting on the floor playing with her Barbies for a while) "My gluteus maximus is really starting to hurt."

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We're downstairs getting ready to watch a movie prior to bed time and the baby monitor is on. Asher was being kinda crabby and the monitor was screaming.

Gage: (as he picks up the monitor) "Is this thing on? - Can he hear me?"

Me: "Nope, that's not how it works"

Gage: (holding the monitor to his mouth) "Asher, it's Gage, could you please be quiet for a few minutes we're trying to watch a movie."

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We're on the sledding hill when Gage starts 'crying'...

Me: "Gage, what's the matter."

Gage: No response - just continuing 'crying'...

Me: "Okay, well when you're done fake crying - Taylor and I will be at the top of the hill waiting for you."
Gage: "I'm not fake crying."

Me: "Okay, than whats wrong/hurt/broken/making you upset?"

Gage: "I'm hurt, it's my heart."

Me: "Your heart?"

Gage: "Yes, Taylor broke it when she took away my sled."
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My Sweet Baby Boy...

2010-12-17T20:37:00.000-08:00

This week you turned one. One full year that daddy and I have had the previleage of being your parents. There is not a day that goes by that you have not filled us with joy! This year has been a year of so many new things for all of us. You have gone from being just a baby unable to do anything for yourself to a big boy who gets into everything!

Your favorite things to play with are socks, your blankie, anything that is Ned's and Kit Kat. Ned has not taken a liking to you yet but that cat is in love with your company. You'll go into your room, shut your door and wait for the kitty paw to come after you through the crack between the floor and the door. You love this game - it makes you giggle. You also like to bull-doze the kitty when she isn't looking - she's declawed so mommy and daddy are not overly worried about her attacking you but you certainly get a lot of 'batting' at.

Some would say that you are a serious little boy but you have them fooled. You and daddy give the same looks but under that stare is such a goofy layer! You two are two peas in a pod - you love your daddy so much!

You've taught daddy and I so many lessons this year: sleep is not necessary, getting teeth is horrible, watching you get shots is more difficult than getting them ourselves, we need to be quicker at changing diapers and getting pooped on and thrown up on is only part of the package deal that we, oddly enough, are not grossed out by anymore. It makes me laugh to think about one of the first times daddy changed your diaper and you peed all over him. You've opened our eyes to a whole new world and we thank God for you and this amazing learning curve every day!

So here's to you our quirky, 6 toothed, blankie draggin', milk drinkin',

head brusin', pointin' & laughin' little boy...

Happy 1 Year New Asher John!

We love you so much and look forward to watching you grow
this next year and all the lessons you will teach us along the way!

Much Love, Daddy & Mommy

One Year New...

2010-12-12T18:12:00.001-08:00

Today we celebrated Asher's 1st Birthday! I can hardly believe that our baby will be turning 1 on Tuesday - a full year of being blessed with the adventure of being parents.
Here are some highlights from his party.

The decorations...

The Cake... The Birthday boy... The presents... The Cake - again... The bath after the cake (with our new toy)... Trying on our new shoes from Grandma Kathy... And most importantly - all the friends & family that love Asher and took
time out of their day to celebrate him...

The Perfect Christmas Tree

2010-12-12T17:59:00.000-08:00

We found the perfect Christmas Tree this year... in the attic.
No shedding of needles and it looks perfect every time. Love it.

Tuttle Transporters

2010-12-07T20:25:00.000-08:00

You've got something to move - I've gotta truck.

Last night I made arrangements with my brother (not sure why it was with Erik rather than my parents?) to go and pick up my parents new freezer.

I'm not exactly sure what to expect for size... I wondering if I should be bringing the enclosed trailer with me on this transport. As it turns out, I back up and one guy pops it into the back of my truck. As I'm standing there looking at this cute little freezer I ask, "Do you suppose it will ride like that the whole way?"... the skinny salesman says, "Well how far do you got to go?" I tell him my destination and he says, "Ya, it's pretty light - probably not."

Great.

I drive home, find some straps and do the best I know how with what I have. I wedge the freezer up against the tailgate and strap it in. I've watched this done 100 times - you'd think I'd be a pro... I'm not.

So, off I go. Not 100% certain that I've correctly stabilized the freezer but content that I've done what I could to prevent it from falling out the back of the truck.

As my eyes are glued to my rear view mirror I can't help but think, "Does a freezer give you warning when it is going to fall out the back of the truck?"... I'm talking to Meg on the phone and we've decided that it probably won't scream on the way out and I'll just have to keep an eye on it.

My phone beeps - it's my hubbie, I take the call. I ask him, "Will I know if the freezer is going to fall out of the back of the truck?"... he asks me a few questions and says, "Ya, you'll know." ... Really? "Ok, what will happen?" he replies, "You'll hear the tailgate fall off .. anytime you wedge something up against our tailgate and apply pressure - it has a tendency to pop open."

Dang. I didn't think of that. Fortunately I did not lose the freezer and all is grand with the goods that needed to be frozen at the Johnson household tonight. Because given how warm it has been around here (0 degrees) we wouldn't want anything to thaw out due to lack of it being in a freezer!

So, the moral of my story is this... if you have something that needs to be moved, I'm more than willing - I just can't guarantee that I won't be paranoid of losing it between point A and B AND this transporter doesn't move very fast with her eyes focused on her rear-view mirror. :)

To Church We Go

2010-12-05T12:29:00.000-08:00

Lil' man and I went to our first church service today. I'll have to admit I was a little nervous but it went really well. It was nice to be back in church and even more special to be bringing my little boy to God's house. I know that we haven't been to church in a long time but I also know that church is where I want Asher to be familiar and comfortable.

We only had one 'talking' moment and that happened during prayer. Getting up and walking around a little - helped. Than we came back, sat down and I brought out the cow ... "Mooo".... "Mooo"... Note to self: Bring an animal that he isn't familiar with!

One more 'Asher' story... once I brought the cow out of the bag he starts saying "Moo, moo, mooooooo" then... he turns the cow upside down and starts playing with its tits! Instantly I'm thinking, "Why in the world does this cow have tit"? I turn the cow over - he flips it back and starts milking it. I'm so glad God has a sense of humor. :)

We look forward to going back to church and starting this new chapter with our babe!

Ode To November

2010-11-30T19:49:00.000-08:00

When lay off season starts - I always wish it wouldn't go soooo fast! I can't believe that November is already in the books and Christmas is just around the corner. I can't help but look at November and wonder, "What the heck did I do?"... And than I remember...

I went hunting with my brother for the first time...

We had multiple sleep-overs and opportunities for quality
time with Papa Willie & Grandma Kathy...

Taylor & Gage came and played...

Asher went down the slide for the first time...

We spent Thanksgiving with all of our family...We're learning to share and play with others...We went to our first Beaver Hockey game with Papa Rog & Grandma Deb...

We've spent lotsa time with our favorite Uncle Airwick - dancing & jammin' out to his iphone...

Asher is even learning how to walk - he does very well and it won't be long
before he is off and running without Grandma's walker!

And most importantly, I've spent my November just being a mommy. Taking some time to breathe and enjoy what a blessing we've been given. To wake up in the morning and have breakfast together, play, snuggle, read and do all those mommy things I miss so much during my work season. November was a great month - I'm excited to start December!

The Pudding Aisle Strikes Again

2010-11-24T18:45:00.000-08:00

Remember when I said that I could stand in front of the pudding aisle forever and never find the vanilla? This evening I sent Damon to the store to pick up some needed ingredients for a traditional Thanksgiving dessert - he brings home sugar-free/fat-free pudding.

Me: "What is this?"

Damon: "What do you mean - it's pudding."

Me: "No, this is sugar-free/fat-free, no nummy flavor pudding."

Damon: "The pudding aisle is crazy - it was a disaster, we should be lucky I found sugar-free/fat-free and don't even get me started on the cool whip section!"

Me: "I can't make a dessert - with the main ingredient being pudding - with sugar-free/fat-free pudding"

Damon: "Well, I figured we're trying to eat healthier and I thought you'd be okay with my executive decision."

:) :) :) :) Isn't he thoughtful? :) :) :) :)

So, the pudding aisle has done it again. It is totally against my baking religion to make a wonderful dessert - so deserving of all the calories it can get with sugar-free/fat-free pudding. I guess we'll have to see if there is any place open tomorrow for the pudding desperately needed for this traditional Johnson dish.

"How I'm Suppose To Breathe With No Air?"

2010-11-22T17:56:00.000-08:00

Jordan Sparks song "No Air" couldn't have been timed more perfectly today as I took on the treadmill. I've decided to turn a new leaf and get back on track (at least for the time being). So while Lil' man was taking his naps today, I hit the treadmill ... walking. Yeah, not running - or at least not today but that is soon to come.

I cranked up the speed, added some incline and before long I'm dying. You see, we have a wood stove down stairs that pumps heat right into our family room and I was doing laundry - so the dryer was also running. It's a sauna without the water and steam.

I've been trying to decide all day whether or not I was 'hoofing' it or 'huffing' it... Hoofing makes me sound like a barn animal where as huffing makes me sound like I've been doing drugs. I guess barn animal it is.

So I was hoofing it, taking hills (incline) as fast as my short legs would allow. I think to myself, "I sure wish I had a fan"... Lucky for me, the treadmill has one built in - I had a brain fart for a minute. I turn the small fan on and have instant relief.

Just than 'No Air' comes on. I giggle to myself.

And than it happened...

Ned farts. Not only is he laying in front of the treadmill but my 'instant relief' fan has picked up the fart and is now blowing it in my face. Nice. Now, I really can't breathe because Ned farts are lethal - they are clear the room, make you gag farts and he just blew one in my face. He's such a jerk.

Just for the record, I made it - all 3.6 miles...

My Mama

2010-11-21T18:57:00.000-08:00

I spent the night at my parents last night. They have a Wii - it's hilarious!

My mom and I attempted to play golf, baseball and tennis. I thought I might pee my pants. To watch mom try to hit the baseball was priceless. Than we tried tennis and I've not laughed so hard in a long while. The ball would pass and she would swing, swingswingswingswingswing! Yep, ya totally missed it.

Than we boxed. We also turned on the fan and got a full body workout. I don't believe either one of us knew what we were doing but we had a great time 'knocking' each other out.

Thanks for the laughs mama! Love you! :)

Last Friday Night

2010-11-21T18:16:00.000-08:00

I was so excited to call it an early evening! By 11:30pm, I'd crawled into bed and snuggled in for a hopeful 'sleep through the evening' kinda night.

Instantly, I hear weird noises coming from the baby monitor. It sounds like someone or something is in Asher's room. I listen closer... *meow*.

Dang cat. She likes to sleep on the rocking chair and I often times don't see her when I shut the door. Out of bed I crawl, down the stairs I go and I crack open Asher's door. All I see is a paw darting out at me from under the door - a game. First, she knows how to meow into the child monitor and now she thinks we should play. The moment I try to grab her, she runs and hides - so the game we play. I'm down on all fours, moving my fingers in attempts to get her attention - it works. She pounces my hand and games over. I win.

Back to bed I go - until 2am.

Crying coming from the monitor - dang, we were doing so good at sleeping through the evening! Out of bed I crawl, down the stairs I go and make a warm bottle of water for the babe. I walk into his room and go to grab him out of his crib. Stuck. Huh? What is going on here? Crap. Babies foot is stuck in between the rungs in his crib. Mind you at 2am, I'm sleep walking and as confused as ever! He is definitely wedged. I'm trying to hold him up with one hand, super easy because he's so tiny, and finagle his little foot with the other. A whole lot of crying, snuggling and warm water later - he's back in his crib. Note to myself: buy bumpers for crib.

As I walked out of Asher's room, I realize it feels kinda chilly. Looking at the fridge I realize it is only 14 degrees outside and 65 inside ... brrrrr! Down to the furnace, fill'er up and crank the dampener... we'll be warm in no time.

Back to bed I go - until 4am.

At this point, I'm totally confused as I stumble down the stairs and into Asher's room. I start to rock him because I'm not exactly sure what he needs. I find, he needs a good laugh, duh. And as if that isn't bad enough at 4 in the morning - the cat figured she'd provide the entertainment. She comes into the room, jumps up on his night stand and starts playing with her shadow on the wall from the glow of the baby monitor. Awesome, because Asher finds this hilarious. He is giggling and giggling and giggling. She jumps down and makes her way to tub next to the rocking chair - just out of reach of Ash. He grabs her tail, she bats at him and he giggles and giggles. I'm trying to refrain from being nauseated - I just need some sleep.

I decide to just put Asher back in his crib, seeing as though, he wasn't wedged but just needing a good laugh. As I walk out of his room, I remember to check the temperature before I head back up to bed. The fridge says that the outside temp is 15 and the house is still 65... maybe we should have done some insulating this last summer?

Asher continued to talk for another 1/2 hour before he gave up and went back to sleep. It's times like these that I wish I could throw the monitor out the window... :)

If being a mom has taught me anything it is this: the moment you believe you'll eat, sleep, shower or sit quietly by yourself for 2 seconds - your baby has other plans. I've decided to try reverse psychology - I hate sleep and I hope I don't get any tonight. :)

They Say It Gets Worse

2010-11-21T17:57:00.000-08:00

Really? Once little man is off and walking - it'll get worse. He is already into everything and when I tell him to stop doing whatever he's doing he crawls, climbs, chews, eats, swallows, sticks his hand in the toilet - even faster! Which brings me to his huge accomplishment of today - steps taken without holding onto anything! Yay! It also brings to an example of the craziness I'm already dealing with on a daily basis....

We finish up our evening bottle (which by the way, Operation 'Sleep Through Night', is going really well, odd.) Anyways. We're done with the bottle and he wants down. I can hear his grunts from behind the chair which can only mean one thing... time for a poo.

I let this go on for a few minutes and decide it is time to battle the diaper change. I'm not sure why changing diapers and putting on clothing is soooo dramatic but it is - every time. There is typically a lot of twisting, turning, screaming and escaping to be done.

I give him a toy to play with. Diaper is off ... ewwww. Yes, we have poo and a lot of it. Wipe, wipe, wipe... at least a 4 wipe wiper and than I hear it... *grunt*...

We have more poo... and this time no diaper to catch it. I did however put him down on a changing mat this time and thank God it was catching most of the problem. "Let'er buck" was about the only thing I could think. Then...

The twisting, turning, screaming and escaping happens. Shoot! He's maneuvered himself out of my grasp and has crawled over to a tub where he is standing, butt naked, smiling at me. Okay, first things first, I try to get some wipes to clean off the changing mat because I'm obviously going to need some place to lay the poo boy. As I'm trying to wipe off the mat I hear *splat*...

Asher falls. On his butt. On my floor. And now we have poo splattering. Awesome. As I'm attempting to pick him up he throws his leg into the mess and simple diaper change has gone horrible wrong.

I move the poo'ed up changing mat, lay the poo'ed up boy down and get him wiped, diapered and pajama's put back on. A miracle.

I grab a wipe to swipe the floor before letting him go - as I'm zigging - he's zagging. I go to the left to clean poo - he grabs to the right where the changing mat and dirty diaper have been left unattended.

And that my friends was just one diaper, one changing and only one child! I can hardly wait for the adventures of him walking - never a dull moment in this household! :)

What is a Calorie?

2010-11-19T18:33:00.000-08:00

Calories are those little bastards that get inside your closet at night sew your clothes tighter.

(My house is infested with those little buggers!)

The Bothma's

2010-11-19T17:50:00.000-08:00

The Bothma's: Eric, Tanja (yes, a little weird considering those are my siblings names), Aubrie (22 months) & Brody (4 months). They are our friends. Yes, we have friends.

Today, after lil' man got up from his nap - I got a call from Tanja wanting to know if we'd like to come over and play. How fun is that! A play date. (I love being laid off!) ... (Just in case anyone was wondering, I was doing something very productive when Tanja called... I was cleaning the garbage can and it looks very pretty now that it's all done.) I pack us up... diapers, bottle, formula, pajamas and a can of hot chocolate with whip topping (good conversation always warrants a good cup of hot chocolate) ... the whole nine yards. I mean who knows how long we're going to be staying! When I walked in, Tanja must have thought I was going to be there for a while with all the baggage.

It was nice. We played (okay, the kiddos played), we laughed, Asher deflated one of Aubrie's blow up balls (with his teeth, awesome.) we talked, we baked cookies, Asher tore the heater off the wall (with his hands, double awesome.) and it was nice. It's fun talking with another mommy about ... I don't know, 'mommy things'. I love getting another mommy's opinion on raising kids and getting ideas of how they do things. I'm new at this - I'm a beginner and its nice to have someone else who is in the same boat as myself!
To all of my other friends who are not mommy's or who are mommy's and are not the Bothma's - I love you just as equally but maybe even more if you call me over for a play date! :) I make excellent company - honest. :)

The Joys of Grocery Shopping

2010-11-18T14:08:00.000-08:00

Maybe you enjoy this weekly task but I dread it. I really do. Today as I was going up and down the isles, checking my list, back-tracking, substituting, back-tracking and finally standing in line at the check out, I learned a few things about my shopping experiences:

1) They never have the Gatorade that Damon likes. Never. Okay, than again, I can never remember what type he likes but am always assured that if I saw the name, I would be able to identify that it is the one he likes. Unfortunately, it is never on the shelf, therefore difficult for me to identify.

Side note: Is there really a difference between Arctic Blue, Blue Rush and Blue Frost - or whatever the ridiculous names are. Damon seems to think so and this wifey always gets the picking wrong. Maybe if they had more to choose from - I'd get it right. :)

B) I can stare at the pudding section for hours and still cannot find vanilla.

C) Why are the ripe bananas in the cereal isle? You would think they would put the green bananas there... You know, as a "You should have picked these up two isles back... now you have to settle or turn back!" I always seem to pick up green bananas (where they should be - forgetting about the treasured cereal isle) than I put my green bananas on the rack and take a perfectly ripe set. Now that I think about it, all the bananas in the cereal isle should be green from everyone switching them. No big deal, I suppose if you don't mind green bananas.

4) I love when you are excited to try a new recipe; however, I hate when it comes to finding the FREAKING ingredients! This is nightmare when you're not used to looking for a specific product. You'd think it would be easy to find with all those big signs labeling everything! Here's how it went down today at CUB and Wal-Mart.

I figured finding the 'fancy' ham was going to be the a piece of cake. I mean how many places can this fancy ham - needed for a recipe from my sista - be hiding? I check the meat coolers, um... nope. Okay, the ham section - no. Oh, how about the breakfast meats... nopers. Back and forth - forth and back... I cannot find this stupid ham. I made this pattern at CUB and Wal-Mart before I decided to give up.

Here's the kicker - you say, "Why wouldn't you just ask someone for help?" ... Because all I can remember is that the dang ham is called the 'fancy ham' and maybe it starts with a 'R' or no, make that a 'T'.. wait, I think it is a 'P'. I get home to find it was a 'P' pronounced Proscuitto. Really. Duh - how could have that slipped my mind?

And lastly, regardless of my attempts to write out a thorough list it never fails... I get home and think, "I forgot the ...."

Don't put that...

2010-11-17T17:59:00.000-08:00

in your mouth.

These are the words that I hear myself saying every day multiple times. It is mainly Ned's toys: the tennis ball, the pull toy, the pink rubber teddy bear (don't ask)... Yes, all of Ned's toys are so fascinating that we must put them in our mouth! Asher doesn't even bother to use his hands when he picks up Ned's toys - he uses his mouth/teeth (learned behavior from Ned himself).

This week I've decided - it could be worse, right? He could be playing with poo or knives - it's just toys and hey it hasn't affected Ned, I mean - he's perfectly normal...

Operation: Sleep Through Night

2010-11-16T10:10:00.000-08:00

I've finally decided enough is enough. Is it necessary that Asher wakes up every evening - like clock work - at 12am to have a bottle? Have you seen the child? He isn't starving; however, a few nights ago he was not only starving but also dying, he's how it all panned out...

I made up my mind. Sunday night was going to be the night, the night that Asher would definitely not think to highly of his milk supplier, yep... night time feedings were going to be coming to a halt.

He awakes, starts to grumble and I turn on music from the baby monitor - maybe he just needs a little soothing to go back to sleep. Nope, the grumbling turns into a little louder "How can she not hear me - is this thing on?" cry.

Thinking I'm going to be 'oh so tricky' I put warm water in a bottle and prepare for the battle that lies ahead. I get Asher out of his crib, snuggle in with blankets and the rocking chair and hand him the bottle. He's content, odd. I was definitely thinking this was going to be a lot harder! Hold the boat mommy - oh, yep... he's realizing that what he's sucking on is not milk. Eyes wide open, staring at mommy thinking "Has she gone mad? This isn't the warm milk that I'm so fond of drinking!" ... and the screaming begins.

We have a full fledged baby tantrum. First we have stiff legs - than we have the crappie flop... he's pulling out every trick in the book but I'm determined or stupid. For the screaming tantrum went on for an hour and a half!

I'd rock him, he'd calm down - I'd put him in his crib and he'd remember why he was up in the first place and we'd start over again.

The good news: Last night Asher drank his bottle to the last drop, fell fast asleep and didn't wake up until this morning. Could it be that easy? I doubt it...

I'm not decided yet as to whether or not I"m doing the right thing. Everyone has a different opinion about this and I'd love to hear it. My point of view is this: he's eating extremely well during they day, drinks multiple ounces prior to going to bed, he isn't teething or sick AND he's almost 1 *insert tear here*... it's time for him and mommy to sleep through the night - right?

Spiders

2010-11-15T20:57:00.001-08:00

Lets face it - I hate spiders. I really do.

Just tonight as I was filling the furnace, I was thinking to myself.. "Self, why do you hate spiders?" It goes back to my childhood...

I had a sibling, we won't name any names to keep from said party from being ratted out on my blog, who use to pretend that spiders were crawling on me. He/she would make this a very dramatic situation... "Oh my gosh, Manda - there's a spider... oh, oh no - it's moving up your back. Manda, oh no - yep, it's going in your hair." At this point, I'm pretty sure because I fell for it EVERY time, I was doing the scream, run around in circles, stop - drop - and roll because as I said earlier, I hate spiders.

Which brings me back to this evening. I'm filling the furnace when I look down and see none else but a spider scittering (that's definitely a word) up the wall. I instantly get shivers, the sweats and the shakes (okay, it probably wasn't that bad) but you get the picture of how much I dislike spiders and than it hit me...

If I don't kill the spider taking off up the wall, he's heading right for my bedroom two flights up and I'm sure he'll haunt me at a later date. And I kill him. With my bare fingers. Yep, right there in the basement I take my finger and I smoosh the poor innocent spider. With my FINGERS! Only because there truly was a lack of anything else to grab at that very moment and man those suckers are fast!

It was right there that I realized my own strenght. Letting something that horribly roam my house meant that at a different time, a time when I'm probably sleeping and don't even know it he'd come back to get me... so, there you have it, I over came a childhood fear this very evening.

Have I forgiven the sibling that made me freaked out about spiders in the first place? Definitely, I think I've probably got my payback in over time. :)

Stupid Deer vs. Bad Shot

2010-11-13T19:44:00.000-08:00

As the snow falls around me, I'm snuggled into my stand. The stand that my loving husband recently fixed. This time I find myself sitting on the bench rather than on the floor - definitely a step up; however, tonight as I sit, there is no block from the fluffy white snow coming down. I find my bright orange being covered with white.

I've only been sitting for 20 minutes - reading my book, minding my own when I hear it.... I look up to see (what I think at the time) is a small doe. She stands about 50 yards away. I can feel my heart start to thump in my chest - a deer, finally!

I watch as it gracefully walks out of my view. It's always fun to see something and back to my book I go... until about 2 seconds later.

I hear crunching coming towards me... louder, louder and wah-laa - spiker (term used to describe a deer with just two horns. You see it sounds funny to call it a two horner.) The only thing this hunter can think is 'Dang it!'. The spiker has placed himself about 10 feet from my stand - broadside. I can't move. Nope, he's looking right at me... 'Don't make eye contact, don't make eye contact'... Why you ask? I'm not sure but I figure I should probably keep to holding still, not making eye contact and pretending as though I'm not really sitting in BRIGHT orange just 10 feet from this creature.

If only had a big stick or maybe a rock... I could just bonk him or sling shot a rock at his head... would have been smart to be prepared for this moment. You know, the moment where something actually walks into shooting range (10 feet).

He continues on and I do get the opportunity to at least get my gun up ... and that's it. So, I sit hoping to see something else and this time holding my gun. *Note to readers, this isn't a bad idea when you're hunting, you know - having your gun handy enough to shoot something*

Low and behold he circles around. Yep, this is where 'stupid deer' vs. 'bad shot' come into play. He walks into a 50-70 yard range and it's now or never... *Boom*....

Gun jams. I'm playing with it. 'Stupid Deer' continues to walk towards the field like nothing. How can he not be stunned? At least act scared? Nope, nothing... he makes his way out of my sight as quickly as he made his way into my sight - the first, second and third time.

I'm sure it's the gun...

One more hunting thought... every year I bundle up in my 'lucky' clothes as I tag them. As I was walking out of the woods tonight I couldn't help but think about what type of luck those deer have! I think maybe a change of wardrobe is in store for me... the bright orange is here to stay but maybe the sweatshirt from 7th grade and the socks that I wear every year need to go. Superstitious... naw. :)

For the 100th Time

2010-11-12T18:45:00.001-08:00

I've started this post, if not once, 100 times in the last year. I feel so blessed and I don't know where to begin. I feel like my words and thoughts are a messed up buzz in my head and every time I start to put it into words - it isn't as clear and precise as I want to be - so bare with me.

I am blessed with such a beautiful baby boy. A beautiful baby boy that I look at every day and cannot imagine my life without. I cannot imagine that Damon and I went 10 years as a couple without this amazing life blessing us every day. I'm so thankful that God brought us Asher... and with that I also realize that Asher is not only ours but he is a child of God. This thought makes me smile - God placed this baby in our lives and he has a perfect plan for his future. This is comforting to know that any mistakes that I make along the way are all a part of the plan ... this thought also brings tears to my eyes. As I read "The Big Picture" ...

Maybe I'm a 'control' freak, maybe I like to be 'in the know'... I hate that Asher's life, in a non-human sense, is not in my hands. I have no control over God's plan for his life. As Leslie had no control over her baby Gretta's life. Leslie would have never let that baby girl out her sight had she known God's plan. She would have sat and played for weeks if that would have kept her in her arms just for one more minute. I hate the pain that this mother is going through and now that I'm a mother, cannot imagine...

Gretta's story is always in the back of my mind. I realize that I cannot walk through life fearful of God's plan but Gretta's story always makes me think twice before leaving Asher in a room or looking away for two seconds - this is a curse and a blessing. The Big Picture is real. Leslie's words are real. God's plan for all of our lives is real.

Have you seen his...

2010-11-12T18:07:00.000-08:00

Shoes. I'm constantly looking for the lil' guys shoes. It is one of his favorite things to tote around. I've found them in his toy box, the fridge, under the couch and even snuggled in his crib with him during nap time. Yes, we have other toys but they are far more boring than the shoes that go every where with this little boy. Other favorite 'toys' on the top of his list include: socks, anything that is Ned's and tupperware. Makes you wonder why we spend money on 'real' toys.:)

Papa Willie...

2010-11-12T17:55:00.000-08:00

With deer season in full swing... the Grandparents have been in full babysitting mode or as Grandma Kathy refers to it 'quality time with her grandchildren'. This last week the family made a trip up to Deer River to sit but not Papa Willie and Lil' man. With chores needing to be done, the little guy was ready for his adventures with his Papa - outside.

I'm not really sure how much work was to be done because both parties were having such a good time driving 5 feet, doing 5 minutes of work and driving another 5 feet. The little guy thought this was awesome... not only was he spending time with his Papa but he also was 1) outside and 2) breaking 'riding in the car' rules - to not be buckled in was so freeing... as a matter of fact, I think Papa even let him take the wheel for a while, ha! Thank you parents for helping us out and watching the babe while we take some time in the stands - although we have no deer to show, the time spent in our stands has been enjoyable!

Where's Waldo?

2010-11-12T17:51:00.000-08:00

In this case... where's Kit Kat?

It's in the Air....

2010-11-06T09:08:00.000-07:00

Who can sleep? So anxious to get up and get out in the deer stand - the excitement buzzes in my head as the hands on the clock slowly click by. The alarm clock sounds while the sun not showing through yet and I'm up. I've got my hot water warming for my thermos and my hand warmers being taken out of their packets awaiting to warm my hands in just a matter of minutes. I bundle up, all my lucky clothes - long socks, 7th grade sweat shirt and long johns, plenty warm for the adventure I'm looking to encounter.

All of my orange clothing smells of basement. Being packed away for a year awaiting their moment to shine in the woods. I grab my trusty gun, flash light and thermos - I'm ready for the morning hike to my stand.

The crisp morning air hits my face as I step out of the house. My breath straight-pipes out of my mouth as the dark surrounds me. My flash light shines as a life line to my feet as we make our way into the woods. The walk is still, except for the crunching of leaves and sticks beneath my boots. Arriving at the bottom of my stand I start the trek up the stairs to my comfy fort in the woods.

I made it. I snuggle in - collar up, hat down - with only my eyes available to witness the movement around me. I sit and wait as the world awakes around me. The fog slowly lifts off the pond, the sun slowly starts to warm up the ground around me and the chick-a-dee's become alive with their chatter. Life is good.

Isn't that a great story! It sounds almost perfect... here's my reality.

At very last minute, I decide that I'll pack up me and lil' man and we'll spend the night at the parents. Great idea IF you can sleep at your parent's house. As I'm laying on the couch, I remember that I can't. The furnace and parents make funny noises... so, I am watching the clock keep moving forward yet I'm still not asleep. I may have fallen asleep for a few minutes and like clock work - Lil' man is in desperate need of a bottle. At last I look at my watch it's 3:30 - awesome. It's 4:30 and Johnson's up... It's 6:30 and my alarm clock sounds... Snooze. Snooze. Snooze. Did you know that after snoozing so many times, it shuts off? Oops.

Johnson gets home from his 5am coffee with the guys a little after 7...
Johnson: "So, you gonna go hunting?"
Me: "Oh, ya... I was just getting out of bed." duh.

So, I drag my sleep deprived body off the couch, get dressed in half the clothes that I brought because it's suppose to be beautiful out and I go. At this point, the sun is already up and there is definitely no need for the flash light - so I for go looking for where I put that last night when I packed.

*crunch, crunch, crunch* This is a normal sound of a hunter heading to their stand; however, there is nothing normal about this hunting story. So, I'm crunching through the woods to find that I can't locate my stand. Awesome. I know it was here last year. Oh, look - there it is. Whew. Let the deer slaying commerce. As I make the 10 step, sitting maybe 10 feet off the ground (b/c my loving husband made me a 'pregnancy' stand last year - as to make sure I wouldn't hurt myself if I was to fall) ... I realize there has been some 'stand damage' through out the last year. Damon told me that I shouldn't worry and it appeared as though a 'wind block' had blown down but it should be fine. I get to the top, I realize that it was not a 'wind block' but my seat. Awesome. What the hey - it's not like I'm taking this very serious.... so I pull myself up and there I sit. Orange legs hanging over my floor and resting on the ladder. At this point I realize that when I sit on the floor, I can't see over the boards. Double Awesome. I also realize that I don't have anything to sit on and instantly realize that the 75 degree weather I was dreaming about when I left the house was just that - a dream. Within minutes, I'm already cold and wondering - "Why do I do this?"

It was at that moment that I'm sitting in my stand that I realize love this sport. This year, I'm not as prepared as usual and apparently I'm not as excited as years past since me and snooze button were best buds - but I love this sport. There is no other time during my year that I take time to 'take time'. I was still out early enough to watch the sun start to warm the woods around me. As the trees creek, disagreeing to the cold weather and the birds start awaking around me - it becomes more clear to me than ever why I do this. I don't do this for the trophy buck (however, if my efforts were rewarded with that said buck, I wouldn't be complaining)... I do this because I love the opportunity to sit that close to God and listen. I had multiple chick-a-dees land less than 1 foot from my face, I had a visiting chipmunk and a crow with the funniest noises I've heard in a long time. God did not bless me with a 'dead eye' instead he blessed with the lesson of being humble with 'scope eye'. God did not bless me with a mansion to sit in his playground - he blessed with a ladder and a 10 foot view. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to quietly sit in God's presence. So, big deer or not... God has taught me a lot through my deer hunting years and life truly is good.

I love kids...

2010-11-04T19:14:00.001-07:00

Tonight I got to spend the afternoon/evening with Taylor & Gage - two kids that I absolutely LOVE to spend time with. We had a great time and good conversation...

Talking to Gage tonight...

Me: "So, do you have any girlfriends in school?"
Gage, with a serious facial expression, "Well, I did but than she let me go."
.................................
Gage: "What the..... "
..................................
Me: "Hey Taylor what does it mean to observe something?"
Taylor: "Isn't that when you have to take medicine?"
...............................
Me: "You know that there is another meaning for the word 'fat/phat'"
Taylor: "Doesn't that mean that you're big?"
Me: "Well, it can also mean that you or something is really cool."
Me: "For example, you might say going down that slide at the park was 'phat' - meaning really cool"
Gage, upon his dad walking into the room "Dad, you are so 'phat' :)"
...............................

Who says they don't listen? :)

Halloween at The Tuttle's...

2010-10-31T20:26:00.002-07:00

We didn't do much but it was a fun family day. We carved our extra large pumpkin,

walked around to the neighbors houses and called it good. We only have a few tears when asked Asher to stand in the pumpkin (at first) but than it turned out to be kinda fun. :)

Asher at 10 Months...

2010-10-31T20:24:00.000-07:00

Asher at 8 Months...

2010-10-31T20:21:00.001-07:00

Whew... It's Been A While!

2010-10-31T20:20:00.000-07:00

Let the blogging world continue... Mama Bear is close to being laid off and 'keeping all fingers crossed' that life will slow down a little - or just enough to catch up on the blog. :)

6 Months New...

2010-07-27T22:11:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure there are words to explain just how much I love being a mommy... yep, I love this job. Here is my baby... getting bigger by the day and learning new things every time I turn around. He is now the proud owner of 1 tooth, he can push himself backwards and is constantly jabbering (some would say he takes after his mommy :)) ...
Here are some of my favorites!

Camping, Camping, Camping!

2010-07-07T20:50:00.000-07:00

We've been on a few camping trips this summer and lovin' every minute of it! We could not ask for anything more than spending time with our family and friends in the outdoors! :)

Oh, He Makes Us Smile...

2010-07-07T20:40:00.000-07:00

A Day At The Farm...

2010-06-13T19:26:00.000-07:00

Daddy and Asher getting ready to head to the field...Llamas... yep, friendly - want you to pet me llamas! This one really liked us... and kept following Julie around... He really likes Ryan... :) Baby taking a nap during the process of sorting and giving shots! :)

Asher's View....

2010-06-13T19:20:00.000-07:00

What does my baby see from his view? We tried to capture his angle ...

Happy Birthday Grandma Debbie!

2010-06-13T19:15:00.000-07:00

We had the opportunity to celebrate our Grandma Debbie's birthday with her last Wednesday! Hope you had a wonderful day! We love you! :) Seems like kinda a large knife eh? :) Guess who was sporting these wool sockies with his shorts... it's an Anderson thing! :)

My Flowers...

2010-06-13T19:09:00.000-07:00

Dog For Sale...

2010-06-08T20:08:00.000-07:00

Very obedient, great listener, enjoys camping and the great outdoors!

He will even clean the griddle for you when you're not looking! :)

Anyone bring Tookies? :)

2010-06-08T19:52:00.000-07:00

So, Team Tuttle went on our second camping trip last weekend - just the three of us and it was great! We truly didn't do a whole lot (which is definitely the point of camping) but man it was relaxing and fun. Here are a few highlights...

We went out 'fishing'... Damon and I are always optimistic! With a dog who likes to chase lures and a kid who doesn't enjoy his life vest... we casted twice, lost a lure on the boat motor and called it a day! Hey, a bad day of fishing is still 100% better than good day at work. :) Who shut off the lights? Sporting his new hat from Uncle Airwick!

Spending some time with daddy-o on the couch! :)

Summer Vacation...

2010-06-07T20:47:00.000-07:00

I was driving down the Airport Road in town when I see two girls holding signs along side of the road. I immediately pull over - not even sure what they are selling - but am hopeful to find lemonade and cookies! No roadside goodies for me... instead I find the girls are having a book sale... yep, getting rid of all those books that are just laying around the house. What better way to start your first day of summer break than with a book sale?

Here's to...

2010-06-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

~ Never having enough ways to thank everyone who have been so wonderful to me... ~ Taking each moment I've given with those I love and cherishing them...~ Knowing that life isn't always beautiful... but it is worth the ride.... ~ Looking at my baby boy every day with wonder... ~ My hubby who will never be able to comprehend the love I have for him... ~ Beautiful weather ... rain and shine... ~ Compassion... ~ Starting each day with a smile... ~ Seeing the good in people - even if I have to squint... ~ My sister ... always my life line on the other end of the phone... ~ Taking time to listen... ~ Leaving the dishes... ~ Being positive... ~ My parents... never giving up and always encouraging me ~ Piles of never ending laundry... ~ Taking time for myself... ~ My wonderful in-laws: what would have I done with out you this spring? ~ Enjoying chocolate ... ~ Meg... my other life line... ~ A job I truly enjoy... ~ Passion... ~ My big brotha... for always reminding me the importance of being yourself... ~ An evening on the lake... ~ Goodwill shopping... ~ Love... ~ Diversity... ~ Living life with no regrets... ~ My health... ~ Road trips... ~ Being adventurous... ~Mud puddles... ~ Patience... ~ Trust... ~ Roller coaster rides... ~ Feeling beyond blessed for each and every day God has granted me...

I feel as though there are difficult times twirling in our community and cannot help but be affected. Healthy people getting sick, young people dying and traumatic events affecting those I love and care about. I can only hope that each and every day I can take time out to remember the "Here's to List" of my life... My prayer: to live each day with no regrets and not let a day pass without letting those around me know how much they are loved!

Memorial Weekend...

2010-06-01T20:43:00.001-07:00

Team Tuttle made it out for an evening of camping... it was extremely relaxing and left us wishing for more than just one day! Here were a few of the highlights... Dog For Sale: Listens extremely well and would never do
anything you had specifically told him not too! Nap time with Papa Willie... Much needed time with my better half! Such a cute baby! Red nose from his summer cold and hair with too much sunscreen in it! :)

In a nut shell... we ate, laughed, ate some more, enjoyed the sunshine, had a snack and left looking forward to our next family outing with Grandma and Papa! :)

The Saucer...

2010-05-16T21:19:00.000-07:00

Cheese...

2010-04-18T19:57:00.000-07:00

In true fashion - Asher has his hands in his mouth all the time... his pictures were no different! I love that I was able to capture him true to his age during these shots! :)

Instructions Not Included...

2010-04-18T19:51:00.000-07:00

The poor child doesn't have a chance when it comes to pictures... we took 4 month
pictures all day last Sunday - yeah!

'The Hat'...

2010-04-12T21:38:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of Asher's 4 month pictures... I just love the hat!

The Blog of Firsts...

2010-04-12T20:30:00.000-07:00

There's the first time I sat in my highchair - I'm such a big boy! There's the first time I went for a Rhino Ride with my daddy & cousin Anthony...

There's the first time I sat with my Papa Willie - he's pretty cool!
And... the first time I met mama's best friend from Kindergarten - I like her and hope we'll get to visit with each other more often! (hint, hint! :))

Easter...

2010-04-12T20:21:00.000-07:00

We had a fun time celebrating Easter with the Johnson side of the family this year. Damon's family was going to be out of town so we had a supper on Friday night with the whole family and brunch on Sunday before Ton, Mark and A
had to leave to go home. It was a great weekend!

This is only the beginning of FUN masks, head bands, hats and crazy things that Team Tuttle will be posing with! I can hardly wait!

Grandma with her two grandboys... Little A and Big A... :)

Aren't they too cute... I love that everyone had a chance to try on the fun glasses! Great buy Grandman Kathy! :)

As the World Turns...

2010-03-19T20:29:00.000-07:00

Well the Tuttle's are back to work or as I like to say 'back to reality' - I think it's safe to say that we have enjoyed this last winter together as a family more than all past winters combined! To fill you in on Tuttle happenings... I started work two weeks ago *tear* while Damon and Asher started work this last Monday *sob*. It has not been easy dropping Asher off at daycare; however, I know it has to be done and it helps to know that he is in great hands.

Asher's first day of daycare... yep, I'm a nerd - I had to have a picture of the occasion!

On top of having his first week of daycare under his belt... just last week he discovered that he has two hands and they can touch and just yesterday he reached out and played with the dangling teddies on his swing! It is so much fun watching all these little milestones and has been some what reassuring to me that I will get my 'firsts' with Asher... only because my daycare lady is a saint and doesn't fill me in on these details she knows are so important to this mama!

Um, yeah... I found a banana outfit at Goodwill and it looks really funny on Chester! :)

Lovin' my time with my Uncle Air-Wick! Asher is so lucky to have such an awesome Uncle! During those extremely warm days - we were able to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather! This is Asher's first stroller ride/walk with Grandma Deb, Luther, Sadie and Me! I look forward to many, many more of these fun adventures with baby this summer! So even though I really wanted my 'stay-at-home-days' with Asher to never end... they did and I have discovered that I'm stronger than I thought. I've made it through a whole week of daycare with very few tears and an even deeper love for the time spent with my baby. I can't wait for 5 o'clock to roll around and the precious time in the evenings with my family to begin.

Mr. Talkative...

2010-03-19T18:05:00.000-07:00

You'll have to ignore the annoying 'mommy' voice! He was also saying 'hello' to his Auntie Tonja but we didn't quite catch that on the video - so, its 'hello' to our favorite tall lady from Moorhead!We love and miss you guys and can't wait till we can get together again! :)

What I think about Mondays...

2010-03-14T20:07:00.000-07:00

The Babe...

2010-03-14T19:59:00.000-07:00

Manda's Shots...

2010-03-05T17:05:00.001-08:00

I love to capture life through pictures... simply put - I have a photgraphy blog' that I've started. So, check it out at: http://www.mandashotsmn.blogspot.com/