A Life of Firsts

I know everything Tatum experiences this year will be her first, but here are some pictures of the really cute firsts so far...

Tatum's first pop.( pop is bad, I know...she just likes the bottle)

First Build-A-Bear.(thanks Sarah & Kids, she loves it, it's so soft!)

First time folding socks.

First boyfriend. Not really, she's not aloud to date ever! This is Ty, he loves to hold Tatum and kiss her hands.

Just some cute pics I had to post. Tatum napping with dad and being babysat by dance videos. ( She loves them and I can take a shower)

Happy Valentines Day!!

This is Tatum in her Valentines outfit from grandma Heather. (thanks grandma!) I took the pictures with my camera so they are not the greatest but she is still the cutest!!

Jared had to work last night and tonight so he is sleeping and Tatum and I are just hanging out today. I have class so today is pretty much just another day with lots more chocolate! Yum! I hope you all have a great day filled with lots of "I love you"!

4 Months Old!!

Tatum is getting so big, not only in days but also in size! Here is an update of Tatum Marie at 4 Months.

(this is her with cousin Calvin)

*She smiles tons! She will smile at anyone who smiles at her and she loves her dad and aunt Sarah to make her laugh. ( which is a little grunt and a couple of Ha's)

*She never lets her legs touch the ground when she is on her back and is always trying to sit up. abs of steel!

*she weighs 17 pounds!!

*She's rolling over!! YEA! She rolls from her back to her stomach, we're so proud!

*She loves to talk and play with her keys at grandma's house.

My Word of the Year

I've been reading some blogs about choosing a word for the year. I liked my cousin Kristy's idea about using Stretch, Laurie's word Focus it's a really good way to sum up all the things I would need to do to improve myself this year.

So I've been thinking, and lately I've had trouble sleeping because during the day I am focused on Tatum and church callings and dance and house work and fiances and the list goes on. I just don't seem to have time in the day to concentrate on all those things that it seems to carry on into the night. Like right now, it's 12:03 a.m. and I'm blogging. So after much thought I've decided that my word is Balance. I need to balance being a mom, wife and teacher, so that I can get some sleep! ( but who really gets enough sleep?)

My sign is also a Libra so I thought it would be fitting.

I hope that this word will help me stay on Life's Balance Beam so that I don't fall off and go crazy or something. I'm going to stay centered and enjoy each activity and job at the appropriate times. I think that I'm also going to use the word idea in my studio. I think if the girls pick one word that they can use to improve their dancing it might keep them centered and focused. It would also be fun to put on shirts or leo's or something. So thanks for the idea, I hope I can balance my life and get some sleep!!

3 Years of Bliss!

Yesterday was our 3 Year Anniversary. We have been Married for 3 short years, it's gone by so fast!

3 years ago, we had snow like we do now. It snowed so much, I got my winter wonder land for my wedding! Loved it!

We have been going to Bed and Breakfast's around Utah, but with Tatum this year we didn't plan anything. Jared and I both had to work. Well, I married the most amazing man ever! He is always surprising me. He showed up at the studio with a dozen yellow roses, my favorite, and stole me away for dinner! My assistant ran class and I was able to have a quick, but sweet dinner with my prince charming. He really does make me feel like his princess! I'm so lucky!

Thanks Spencer for the great photos!

The New Year

Well, it's a new year and time for Resolutions...or procrastination.

Resolution #1: No procrastinating!


Resolution#2: Make my bed every day. ( I got a new bed set for Christmas and I have done this one everyday since I put it on the bed! GO ME!)


Resolution #3: Fit into my yellow tutu for the recital in May


Resolution#4: Visit teach every month!


Resolution#5: Save more money!

I can do this stuff, I know I can!

Christmas and New Years was a blast, Here are some pics for you to enjoy!!

Christmas Limo Lights Tour, The limo was awesome!

Christmas Eve Pajamas...Grandma Heather bought Tatum two, good thing because...

Tatum had a blow out within the hour and had to wear the other pj's. (thanks grandma Heather!)

Tatum and Daddy sledding at the cabin. She loved the Snowmobile!

Marcus's sweet snow goggles...I love the ears!

Ali and Madison Sledding, The kids were Die Hard this year when it came to sledding, they only quit when we made them come in to eat!

Mom making won tons.

Fondue, Won Ton Extravaganza!

The cutest little love bug! She just turned 3 month on the 4th!

Christmas Shopping Extravagaza!

My Parents and I went to Provo to do our Christmas shopping. Crazy packed stores and high prices. This little boy made it all worth it. He was 5 or 6 and playing Christmas songs. He wasn't like this gifted kid (maybe in guts) he just played like a well practiced kid with talent would. He was so cute! He had to have made a ton of money because tons of people, even me, were pouring in the change and cash into the box. I loved listening to him, he played religious and commercial Christmas songs. With this and my parents good spirits this shopping experience was great! We had fun and spent lots of money on people we love. I love the Holidays!!

We finally blessed Tatum on Saturday. I say finally because we were suppose to bless her on fast Sunday but she got RSV and was in the hospital for three days. (expensive!) So we had to wait. Thanks to the family on both sides because it turned out really great! Everyone helped set up and take care of food, so it was pretty easy for me. Jared on the other had was just a little stressed. He doesn't like speaking if public...in fact he hates it. He was pretty nervous but did an amazing job! During the opening prayer Tatum got this strained look on her face, I just knew it was gas! Oh, no she was going to be one of those babies that cry through the whole blessing. (sorry if Any one's did) When Jared picked her up she calmed right down and my grandpa said that she just sat there, looked at every one's eyes and smiled. I defiantly think the veil is thin for children. I'm so proud of both Jared and Tatum and fell in love with everyone all over again! I am so grateful for a wonderful man that is worthy to hold the priesthood. It's so comforting to know that I can count on him to perform these ordinances. I'm so blessed.

Elisa has all the pics of the blessing so sorry I'll post 'em later

Life lessons

So, I get this email from one of my dancer's mom. She writes to me telling me that her 5 yr old puts up a fight to go to dancing and she doesn't know what to do. She wants to pull her out but is concerned about having to pay for the costume I just ordered.

The thing is the dancer is completely fine, I had no idea there was a problem, she laughs, works hard and is really talented. She seems to enjoy class when she is there. I am strongly against quiting something in the middle of the year or season. I believe that if you let them quit something they have started your teaching them that they don't have to be responsible, dependable or work hard. Commitment is important to me and I don't think a 5 yr old should be calling the shots with her tantrums. I know it's tiring to fight with them but really, whose the boss? One of the reason's I feel so strongly about this is because once they perform, it's a different story. They want the performance without the hard work, and dancing is work and fun. I'm a new mom and haven't' had to experience these things with my kids yet, but I hope I can have enough energy to not give in, isn't it easier in the end? Not only do I want to teach my students how to dance but also how to be good people and quiting is something that will prevent them from great experiences when they are adults. What do you think, and how do I go about confronting the mom without offending her?

Cousins

Over Thanksgiving we went to Grand Junction to get the cousin's pictures taken at Sears. This is pretty much what happened...

Calvin was hungry so Jared's brother was feeding him gram crackers on the side.

Ellah was distracted by Calvin and Hadlee and would not smile.

Tatum just hung out (literally)

Maybe when there are like 20 we'll get descent pictures.

"Good Times"

Tinydancer

So, I keep telling myself that Tatum can be whatever she wants to be whether it's a jock or hunter, whatever. But I love putting her in Ballet and dance gear! Is she doomed or destined to be a dancer? I want her to choose but when your in the environment can you choose for yourself? I think my mom did a great job in exposing us to different things when we were young. I took piano lessons, played volleyball, basketball, baseball, swimming, I sang and read and cooked and sewed. But dance took over, I was and still are consumed by it. So is my little Tatum going to be a dancer and if she isn't will I be hurt? I think only a little. My goal is to expose her to everything until she decides for herself. I hope I can achieve it!

Tis the Season....to be SICK!

This weekend was just a little crazy. Thanksgiving was loads of fun and I even made a good green bead casserole. But Tatum got sick on Sunday night. She had a cough on Saturday and by Sunday afternoon she refused to eat and just moaned. I decided to take her to the emergency room when she started making the same noises that Dianna's little sister made when she had the croup on Anne of Green Gables. It breaks my heart to think about it. We found out that Tatum had RSV. They Kept her for two nights to monitor her. She wasn't very bad but RSV is so scary in infants that we had to make sure it didn't get worse. We kept her under a humidifier and she had an IV with an antibiotic and some pedialite to keep her hydrated. Her poor arm was pretty much in a splint so that she wouldn't be able to rip the IV out. I have a picture on Jared's phone that I'll try to get on here. I have no idea how she got it or how I could have prevented it. I keep thinking of all the things I might have done better but the only thing I could have done is put her in a bubble. Everyone is sick sometime during the winter and there is nothing I can do. I probable gave it to her. No matter how much we wash our hands and sanitize it still isn't enough. She does need to get some illness to build up her immune system but it's just tough to watch. She is so much better now, smiling and happy. I hope that she can make it through the winter with only mild illnesses.

Sarah

(This is the only picture of sarah I have on this computer)

Happy Late Birthday Sarah!!

Yesterday was Sarah's birthday, and as usually I'm full of good intentions. I meant to blog about her, I meant to give her a present and I meant to call her first thing in the morning...at least she got the e-card I sent her last week. I wish I could blame it on the pregnancy but, I can't.

So anyways, my favorite sister that is 3 years older had her birthday!! Here are some things that I love about her.

*Sarah can make me laugh so hard I cry. She is sarcastic and can make almost anything funny...By the way, "here's your cake Sarah, blow it out!"

* She Is the hardest working person I know, last year she had 3 jobs and took care of her 2 kids.

*She is a great mom and is so involved with her kids activities, she now teaches twice a month with Marcus's play school group.

* Growing up she was always there for me when I was going through hard choices and she never judged me, I will always go to her for advice.

* She loves my little girl and I know will always take good care of her

* She plays the piano so beautifully, I love Sunday's at my mom's and listing to her practice. It's so calming and brings the spirit into the home.

I love you Sarah!!

Halloweenies!

This was Tatum's first Halloween and it went great! She was a Denver Bronco Cheerleader. I didn't want to buy a costume and she had the outfit from grandma Heather for all the games and so I thought it would be a good time to be a cheerleader. We had pumpkin stew that Sarah and Elisa made, with spider bread. Then we went to Great grandma and papa Tatton's house. Then we hung out at my mom's house while the other cousins went trick-or-treating. They were all so cute! Jared had to work so that was a bummer. I love Halloween but I didn't have enough energy this year to get all dressed up or anything. Next year I will.

I love Hand-me-down clothes!

So, I love that all my sisters and sister-in-law have girls and they have good tastes in clothes. Today I put Tatum in an outfit that use to be Clair's, Tatum is 2 weeks old and I wonder how many months Clair was when she wore it. (let me know Kelly) I think it's so cute, plus it's Gymboree and I didn't spend a dime! Thanks again Kelly!! So here are some pictures of the cutest 'lil luv bug and a darling outfit, my favorite part of it is the puppy faces on the socks!

Amanda made Tatum a bunch of cute head bands. So even if she doesn't ever have hair I can still doll her up a bit.

Here are some pictures of family holding Tatum

This is Great-Papa Fred and Great-Grandma Rea ( Jared's grandparents)

This is Shark Boy, I think he might eat her! ( Marcus in one of Halloween costumes)

Grandma, she loves to tickle her and wake her up!

Papa, he on the other hand can have any baby, kid or anyone asleep in no time, he's so calming and makes you instantly relax.