This one goes out to the one I love...

I really can't believe that it was ten years ago today that Nate and I were married. Ten Years! It has flown by. It's such a cliche saying but how does time really fly so fast? Ten years ago, we were in a fog of la la haze...ready to face the world...but totally, unrealistically unprepared. Sometimes I wonder how we have made it this far. We were so young and naive. I guess true love does prevail. And here we are 3 1/2 kids later, our own home, liven the middle class life and I can not complain. I won't complain. At least not today. I am truly blessed to have this man in my life and not only for today but forever. How amazing is that! So this one goes out to the one I love. I love you more today than I did ten years ago and I can not wait to see what the next 10 plus forever years bring for us. Thanks for choosing me. Happy Anniversary babe. I love you!

PS... Don't you all just love looking back at your wedding photos? Such classics. Hello! Were we 12 or what. No wonder my parents were freaking out a bit.

Dear Pregnant Body

Dear Pregnant Body,
I give up...you win ok. I am tired of staring into my closet forever trying to decide what might look half decent on you. I am trying to make you look flattering, but you are making it extremely difficult. So today was it! Because of what you are doing ( at an alarming rate) I chose to wear maternity pants today. That's right..only 16 weeks into this pregnancy and already I am having to pull out the fat clothes.
I don't want you to feel too bad and these pants are much more comfy but seriously, why is your butt so big when the baby is in your belly? And it's only about 5 inches long at that. Those huge belly rolls should not be that big. People are looking at you and wondering why you are so chubby. So I am just telling you to watch it. The bike riding, walking and chasing 3 other kids, just isn't doing enough. So I would really appreciate it if you could slow the weight gain down. You have 24 more weeks to go and that's a long time.
I hope this is not to harsh. I mean you are a good body. You are healthy and you help me do everything. And we get to carry another baby. ..that's so exciting. I am happy you can walk, and run, and breathe, and carry the kids around. But I just might lose my mind if I end up having to be rolled into the delivery room.
Thanks again for all you do.

Sincerely, Ashley

Sophie Grace

I woke up at 5:00 this morning because we were sleeping with the window open and I heard an airplane so loud, I just knew it was going to hit our home. We were all going to be burned to death. I just knew it. The noise was so loud and as it got nearer, I just layed there. Snug in my bed waiting to die. What kind of mom reflexes do i have? None apparently. Well after it did not hit my house and we were still alive and I figured it was probably just the mosquito plane guy..spraying for those pesky suckers, I could not go back to sleep. Oh I wanted to and I tried but instead my thoughts drifted to blogging. What should I blog about next? How lame am I? I wasted precious moments of sleep to think about blogging? Wow I'm special. So my thoughts turned towards my darling little Sophie. She is almost 2 1/2 and I love this age. She talks so much and is just my favorite little 2 1/2 girl. Here are my top 10 favorite sayings-

1. I lu you much mom (I love you much mom)

2. I miss you much

3. I hungwee (I'm hungry-which always makes me so thankful that I have food to feed this child)

4. Conno in twuble? (Connor in trouble?)

5. I so pwoud you mom (I'm so proud of you mom...she says this because she now loves Nursery and will stay the whole time so I made a huge deal about how proud I was of her)

6. Ewee..time out? (Ellie, time out?) Shows you who the middle child is

7. Come ear, needjo hewp (Come here, I need your help)

8. I wan watch Dooa (I want to watch Dora)

9. Daddy Wookin? ( Daddy working?)

10. Go where? ( which means, where are we going?)

Hearing her cute, sweet voice makes it all the better. I love this crazy fun girl who keeps me on my toes and laughing every day

Good Things Utah

So my amazing friend Amber, invited me to a taping of Good Things Utah and so last night I got all the kids situated, left explicit instructions for Nate and headed up north. We went this morning and it ended up being a great day.

First off let me say how ghetto the whole stage is. I'm mean it's nice just super small and we get comfy bleachers to sit on. The ladies seem nice...p.s. they are like all size zeros. And I decided I could never do a show where I had to pretend to like all their Roberts crafty items made of glitter and beads, but they do a good job. So when it was over they had a couple of cakes that they had featured left and I got this one. Well actually the producer guy called on Amber but I told her the answer.. which was "what is the name of Utah's first lady?" Mary Kay Hunstman for all of you who didn't know. So I ate a piece a minute ago and it is super good. The place is call "Nothing Bundt Cake" catchy eh? So all in all, we had a fun time, sat by some crazy ladies who were like "Hey Regan...Over here Angie...cute shoes Necia..it's my birthday"..on and on. Goll you get around a semi famous-ish person and people are just plain weird, and had a great outing that was much needed by your truly. Thanks Amber for keeping me sort of fun.

PS...To Amber..you are amazingly clean and organized. Kudos to you. Seriously everyone this girl has baskets for everything...the remotes, blankets, Ryans junk, granola bars, everything. I want to be like you when I grow up. Love you!

Calling all creative Minds

So don't ask how I got roped into helping and when I say helping, I mean Co-Director with our annual, ever so lovely Miss Richfield Pageant. First of all I never was in a pagaent nor do i know the slightest thing about them. So here is why I need your help. I need to come up with a great theme and some music to go with it. Any ideas? Well put on your thinking caps and give me ideas..anything would be great. Please i am begging you.

Monday, Monday

So I have a love/hate relationship with Mondays. I like a new start to the week but it's also my cleaning day. Here is how a typical Monday goes for me.

Wake up and get Connor off to school by 8:00
Come home, eat breakfast, throw in a load of laundry, do any leftover dishes.
8:30 - wake up Ellie...get her fed and ready for dance
9:00 - take Ellie to dance
come home and jump in the shower, change laundry
9:30 get Nate a lunch and off to work
10:00 go pick up my niece, take her to dance and pick up Ellie
Come home and this is my cleaning list
* change all the sheets on the beds
* vacuum and mop
* clean both bathrooms
* dust (every other week..I hate dusting)
Do the rest of the laundry between all these things (Mondays are my big laundry day..doing about 7 loads or so and then usually 4 more sometime during the week)
12:00 take Ellie to school
come home fix lunch for Sophie and me and finish cleaning
3:00 pick up kids from school
After that the kids either want to play with friends, Connor has had baseball practice. Then it's Dinner and home night. Baths and finally bed. Whew!


It's the same every week and some days I can get it done in a few hours. Other times it might take me all day. It makes for a slightly hectic day but I always love the feel of nice, clean, vacuumed home. And my house isn't that big which makes it easier. Not many people can vacuum their whole house without unplugging the vacuum. I can...it's kind of nice.

Sometimes I can't believe how crazy busy our lives get and I know, but don't want to admit that it will probably always be this busy. And of course I could simplify and not wash and change my sheets every week but I'm sort of weird that way. Who doesn't love fresh, clean sheets? So when Mondays come around and if you happen to be in the neighborhood, you can stop by and see a clean house. Any other day of the week and it's any body's guess.

Do you know what I think

Here's the thing...I'm not one to complain. I'm tough, I suck it up and usually deal with whatever. But here's the thing. Can my husband be pregnant for just one day??? One day, that's all I'm asking. Not even the whole 24 hours. I'd take a measly 8. Men! They just don't get it. And I'm not complaining about the pregnancy although I keep waiting to feel better. I've never been this sick for this long but I'm dealing. All I want is some understanding. I really don't even think Nate gets that I'm pregnant or maybe it's a man thing and he just doesn't know what to say or do. Hello..we've been married 10 years. I just need a "how you feeling today?" "let me put the laundry away" or "why don't you go rest" ...I'd take just about anything here.

Take for example, last night. Sophie wakes up in the middle of the night bawling cause she is "firsty" I ask Nate to go get her a drink. His response almost made me hit him. "Sophie go to sleep, I'm tired" Oh I was livid...she's crying and my excuse is that I'm prego and don't sleep that great. I give him another chance. He doesn't budge. So I am over dramatic (to make sure he gets how mad i am) ...throw the covers clear off and stomp downstairs. Come back, give Sophie her drink and proceed to loudly tell Nate that now he can get up early with Connor, fix him breakfast and a lunch and get him to school. Oh I was fuming. Then I just lay there so mad and he's off in la la land. Do I sound justified here or just crazy pregnant? Oh well I felt justified at the time.

I mean I really appreciate all of his hard work in providing for the family and I try to let him know that. He works really hard every day...but hey my job is no picnic either. I make sure I get his fav ice cream, do his laundry, make his lunches, reheat his dinner every night when he gets home at 10:00, and make sure we get some good lovin :) And all I really want is a kiss and a thanks. Maybe just a smidge of sympathy..that wouldn't hurt. Ahhh boys..the old cliche...can't live with 'em and I know I couldn't live without him. So I guess I'll keep him. And seeing as how I'm pretty darn close to perfect (LOL) I know he has no complaints about me. Isn't life grand!

And I just reread this lovely post and I'm pretty sure I'm close to crazy. Also you have to know how much I love this man. I mean we are in this forever. I don't mean to dis on him because he does help me a lot. Which I don't give him as much credit as he deserves..but wait where's my credit? Am I negating this entire post? Bottom line is, I am having a bad day, I love my husband most all of the time and I'm crazy, pregnant. The end.

"Producing like Bunnies"

That's right..the title of this post is "producing like bunnies" thanks to my brother Robbie who always has great, lame comments. So over this Easter weekend, we announced to our family that we are expecting a baby this October. That's right kids..it's number 4 for us. Anyways the comment from Robbie was that it was so fitting for us to announce it over Easter since we we were "producing like bunnies." Gotta love the single guy. So needless to say we are excited and I know things will just get more crazy but that's life right and I wouldn't have it any other way. These kids of mine bring me more purpose and love than I could ever imagine. So twelve weeks down and about a billion to go..not to mention all of the lovely weight gain. Ah the fun of it. So I guess now all I need is a floating baby countdown.

Frenu-WHAT

This morning bright and early, Nate and I headed to the hospital with Sophie for a Frenulectomy of the upper lip. Sounds so weird right? Your frenulum connects your upper lip to your gums and hers was attached to the very top of her front teeth. Some kids with a problematic one have a hard time eating or talking..not her so we never noticed it until a couple of weeks ago. So we made an appointment with the DR. and two weeks later, here we are. She was a trooper and did great. the whole procedure lasted a total of 15 minutes. So we are just chilling today but she is doing great and I think we'll make it to the volleyball Easter hunt. So a frenulectomy..kind of fun to say...we'll just chalk it up to another experience of parenthood and excitement in our lives. Wow we live on the edge...Sorry no pics this time..I know you all wanted to see it.

The SHE-Mullet

I know what your thinking. What is that? Is that her hair? Is that a mullet? And the answer is yes. My daughter has a mullet. Well a

she-mullet as we fondly refer to it. That's just how her hair has grown and when the few back hairs got long enough to put into a ponytail and pigtails, I just didn't think about cutting it..until my mother saw it after she got out of the tub one day and said to me in a very motherly, nice, non-offensive tone, "Oh honey I really think you need to cut that off." Wow that was a really bad run-on sentance..anyways, so then I got really worried about it...like I was a crazy-non-cutting hair, can't -see-the- obvious kind of mother. And she wasn't the first person to suggest whacking the back off. So I got brave today and decided to give it a go. I have to admit, I was kind of sad..no more ponytail. But hopefully this will help her hair grow better. It's such a struggle when your kids' hair grows crazy...what to do, what to do? well I hope I can figure out something to do with it. I'll let you all know in the morning. And PS, I saved the hair just for Uncle Bobby's sake. LOL (inside joke, he saves everything..hair, umbilical cord fall-offs, teeth, the list goes on...:)

Happy Birthday to ME!

So i am following in Amber's footsteps and wishing myself a Happy Birthday. I am 29 today and am ok with that. I've decided that as long as I don't feel as old as I am then things are good, i used to feel about 24..now I feel about 26. Truly I feel like I just graduated high school. I can't believe that was 11 years ago. 11 years ago!! That's like forever. Anyways I'm planning on lunch with my mom and sis and then dinner with Nate, a few games of Ticket to Ride, watch 24 and then maybe Nate will get lucky (wink..wink) I know what you are all thinking..Wow don't live too wildly. I'll try to keep the partying to a minimum. So Happy Birthday to me. I expect birthday wishes from all of you :)

Enough Faith???

Now I am not writing this for pity or sorrow or money..that is unless you are Bill Gates and have some to spare, No I am simply writing to vent and share. Lately, Nate hasn't had any work. This recession is finally hitting us. And I have to admit, I am shocked. It's like one of those things where you never think crazy things will happen to you but here we are, struggling with very little work. And now I am questioning if I have enough faith or not. I think I do..but do I really? How are we going to pay our bills and all that garbage? We pay our tithing religiously so I know things will work out. it's just becomes a matter of when. It just gets a bit scary and I get this inkling of doubt. So back on my knees I go and pray for strength and humility and a way to figure this one out. Trials right? It could very well be worse..and I know that. The one thing I get frustrated with myself with is our lack of savings. We have a great food storage but not a financial one. It's simply hard to save when you use all you make. But no excuses right? I have a new vow that when things get better..because they will. Savings will become a new priority. I despise that money..such a material item is such an important thing to have...at least some anyways. I always say to myself that if this is our trial in life (that is.. being financially challenged), then it's not so bad. Life could always be so much worse. I have so many blessings..an amazing husband, three beautiful children, our health and the gospel. What more could I ask for? But a trial is a trial and it's still hard. But I will learn and grow and pray that I have faith enough.

I've got a ticket to ride...

So we are board game kind of people and a couple of years ago, my sister gave us this game called Ticket to Ride. We are in love with it. And the last few months or so, we have kind of become obsessed with it..playing every Sunday and as much as we can in between. It is so addicting..now in the last two years I have won only 5 times which is depressing..and even more depressing that I am keeping track. What can i say I'm a competitive person and I like to win. The best part is, is that we found this 1910 expansion pack..which changes things up and I am loving it. So if you like games or need a gift for someone who does, I highly recommend this one although it's pretty pricey. But totally worth it. My eight year old even plays with us. I also gave it to my brother for Christmas and now his friends call every night to see if they can come over for a "Train" tourney. In love with this game. Does this mean I am old, lame and boring???

So Daddy's Girl

There is just something special about the love Sophie has for her dad.

She is a total daddy's girl. Nate was gone over the weekend, and the first thing she would ask for every morning was her daddy. And she has Nate wrapped around her little finger. He loves that she adores him and he is an amazing father..to all our kids. I love the love they share..so tender.

Ice Skating

So last Monday, the kids were out for Presidents day and Nate had the week off..so we went up North to try our hand at ice skating. The kids were really excited and I have to admit I'm not too shabby. I have been a few times before..I mean no triple luxes and junk but I can go forward, backward and turn a circle. I consider that good..anywho..Nate and I took turns holding Sophie who loved..LOVED it.

And the kids used those cool helper things or the wall (notice Ellie). They caught on so quick and Connor was not afraid to fall and ended up soaking wet. Ellie proclaims that she is much better than Connor cause he fell "like 9 times and I didn't fall once." Nate caught on too..and just as he was showing me how he could turn, he biffed it so hard. I laughed. Poor thing..he had a bruised tail bone for a few days. Ha! I am better than him at one thing. All in all it was a fun outing.

First Tag...

Valentine Tag

What is your husband’s name? Nathan Knight Belnap
*How long have you been married? 10 years in May
*How long did you date? Well lets see...I started dating him at the ripe ol' age of 15 and I was 19 when I got married..barely. And he only broke up with me twice during that time. He was so lame :)
*How old is he? 30
*Who eats more sweets? I totally do like by a million
* Who said I love you first? I did by accident. I was leaving his house and I said so casually, "k bye love you" then I was mortified that it had come out and I tried to back pedal..stuttering and all embarrassed..and the worst part was that he didn't say it back. Aghhhh!
* Who is taller? Nate
*Who is smarter? I like to think we are both smart at different stuff
* Who sings the best? Nate does..he has a great voice
*Who sleeps on the right side? Me and it doesn't matter where we are..we have sides. I thought everyone did until I heard my sister-in-law say she and her husband switch sides every so often. Now that's freaky!
*Who mows the lawn? I do
*Who cooks dinner? That would be me too.
*Who drives? Well Nate drives more than me..I mean he works for UPS for hecks sake. But when its us, I'd say its 50/50
*Who is first to admit they are wrong? Not me..but I am getting better
*Who kissed who first? Another long and embarrassing story..short version, Nate kissed me..next day he broke up with me. Not a good ego builder.
*Who asked who out first? Well our first "official" date was his prom 1996. I had just turned 16 like a week before.

Happy Valentines to all the lovers out there!!!

Have your cake & eat it too????

So last night, Connor had his first Blue & Gold Banquet for scouts and the boys were asked to make a cake with their dads..no help from mom. Here's how it went down-

1. First Nate couldn't find the location of the 9x13 pan...it hasn't changed location in the almost 4 years we have lived here.

2. Nate cracks the egg..and somehow the skin under the shell was still in tack and he couldn't figure out what the heck happened. Connor cracked his like a pro!

3. He cuts the butter at the 1/3 mark but proceeds to put the other part of the butter in the mixing bowl

4. Puts 1/2 cup water instead of 1 cup..the reason the first cake didn't quite make it.

5. Mom steps in..goes to the store for another cake mix, makes the second one (Nate's convinced it's ok since he technically did the first one), cleans up both rounds of dishes..but

Nate did cut the football shape, frosted it (with minor help from me) and Connor drew the lines on. all in all, it turned out ok and edible. Connor won the most "kicken" award. What an adventure and one more reason I tell God to never let me die first :) Love you Babe!

Resolution Update

Ok so it's only been a month this year and I am doing pretty good with my resolutions. I am working out about 4-5 times a week but I have to say, nothing is HaPPENING!! Hello...so i finally had to admit to myself it's because I eat like crap. What can I say, candy is lovely. So I was talking to my neighbor and she had picked up this "Biggest Loser" book and it told you how many calories a day you should eat a day to lose weight, based on your weight. I almost pooped my pants when I read how many I could eat. I was thinking about 1400 calories..oh no..I get 1050 calories a day. That is like eating two bites and your done. I tried it the other day and seriously..it's impossible unless you get full on water and air. By dinner I was over by about 300 calories. So I have decided counting calories is for the crazy birds! I'd rather be a chubby girl than live through that. It takes over all you think about. I am trying just moderation. Whatever! I am putting my skinny, hot, body image out to the universe and it will happen :) As far as my other goals go, Nate and I went to the temple last month. We have already improved over last year..yeah! We are slightly better at scripture study and doing good with family prayer. I am in the works of starting a business. So things are good. With that said, it is only the second month of the year so we'll see what the other 10 bring.

Random

So i was just taking a minute to check out everyones blogs and updates and i just started thinking how we all just have our own little lives and things we do and family we love and isn't it weird how we just are in our own little worlds? That we are all doing pretty much the same thing all over the world? Random thought i know but kind of comforting to think about. I love my little world and love to see all of you in yours. Keep on a bloggin`

New Year Resolutions

Well another year has come and gone and I have many new resolutions..I am hoping if i blog about them, they will mean more and I'll have more accountability..so here is my list.

1. Lose weight..this somehow makes my list every year. 10 more lbs. to go. Then it will be baby time again..no I'm not announcing

2. Temple attendance..I am sure we are the worst couple ever

3. More consistent family prayer and scripture study

4. Start my own company, make millions so Nate can quit his job and we can actually see our dad every once in a while. pretty lofty eh?

5. Stay healthy and happy...keep exercising and I might try and cut out like one piece of candy a day..easier said than done, especially for us Christensens.

So there you have it. Now it's all published and official. We'll see how i do. Happy New Year