Happy New Year

We went to Kari's annual New Year's Eve party and it was great fun. All the kids (except the new babies) even made it until midnight. Amazing! However, that doesn't mean they were happy when we got home. I couldn't wait to get them in bed.

The New Year's party is always a good time with yummy food and a fun puzzle.

It's been a tradition as long as I can remember that we start and finish a puzzle before midnight. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! Who are we to break tradition.

A Little Girl, a Baby Doll and Mommy's Make-Up

Elizabeth's Blessing

Elizabeth was blessed at church this morning. I was so nervous that she would cry the whole time, but she didn't make a peep. Corey always gives my children really beautiful blessings. I am so grateful for my husband and his worthiness to bless our children. I don't think we take advantage of preisthood blessings nearly enough. Anyway, here are some things I remember from Ellie's blessing:
Ellie was blessed with a kind heart, desire to serve, to look to her siblings as righteous examples, to study the scriptures, to follow her mom and Aunt's (Alisha) for examples of missionary service.

Favorite Christmas 2008 Moments

Isabella looking at the tree on Christmas Eve.

Ethan discovering Santa Clause brought him the Nintendo DS he has been asking for for 2 years.

Izzy's reaction when she realizes this present is a baby doll. She doesn't have many of those, so she was thrilled.

I love this picture because Izzy loves Ashlee and Topher, but she isn't showing it here.
That little girl wears her emotions on her sleeve.
You never have to guess what she is feeling.

It's rare that Corey and I get a photo together. I love this one for it's imperfections: It's off center, we look heavier and older, but we are still so happy.

My all time favorite picture of Christmas 2008:

Ethan is crying because I accidentally "popped his arm" trying to help him get onto the Lazy Boy.
Elizabeth is crying because I am not holding her.
And Izzy is trying to shove a battery up her nose.
I was just trying to take a stinkin' "Night Before Christmas" picture.
I gave up trying to get them happy and in frustration snapped the picture.
Corey laughed. I laughed. And not to delete it. This is real life!
Oh, the memories.

Ethan finds out about Baby Wickern

Alisha, Corey's sister, and Adam are expecting their first baby! Alisha sent a post card with the baby's first ultrasound picture on it to let everyone know. I hung it on my fridge and waited for Ethan to see it. I couldn't stand it anymore so I just showed it to him. This picture is his genuine reaction when I told him the picture is Alisha & Adam's baby that will be born in July. He was so excited! I don't think he understands that Adam & Alisha live in Rexburg so we won't really get to see the little Wickern addition much, but it's still exciting as heck!! Adam & Alisha are going to be the perfect parents!

Successful Potty Training? You tell me!

This is Isabella wearing the seat of her little potty. Apparently it's a great hat! I had just given her a bath and was helping Ethan wash his hair when I turn around and see Izzy running down the hall wearing only this toilet seat. What a hysterical site to see!!
Izzy will sit on the potty every time I change her bum, but she has yet to do any "business" on it. My goal is to go full force after the new year. For now, I am just getting her used to the idea of wearing panties and using the potty. Oh, the joys of potty training. Ethan was trained pretty early, so here's hoping Izzy follows in his footsteps. We shall see. Either way, it makes a great hat.

A Rare Happy Moment

My Beautiful Baby

Elizabeth: 3 Months Old

This is a rare non-colic moment.

A Sweet Moment

Seriously, does it get anymore precious than this! I was busily crafting away at the kitchen table when I heard Ethan whisper loudly, "Mom, look." Without looking up I did the typical mom thing, "Ok. One second." He again whispered loud, "Hurry, mom. Look!" I sighed a heavy sigh and looked and this lovely scene was before me. Ethan wanted me to see that he was reading to his sister. This precious site called out to my inner photographer. I hustled to find my camera and capture this rare moment of Izzy calmly laying on Ethan and him actually enjoying her company. Then I remembered something my mom used to say to me and my siblings, "You will be each others best friends one day." She was correct! My best friends are my siblings and I look forward to seeing them weekly, if I can. When Izzy and Ethan are older and fighting and not really being able to stand each other, I will pull out this photo and say, "You will be each others best friends one day; just like you used to be." They will most likely respond like my siblings and I would: roll their eyes and continue to think that their school chums will always be their only best friends. And they will be wrong...very wrong.
I tend to joke and whine about the troubles a toddler and baby can be, but then Heavenly Father grants me moments like this and it's all worth it. My children are blessed to have each other and it's times like this that makes me think they are starting to understand that a little.

"Liken the Scriptures"

Last night Ethan woke up at 3 am refusing to go back to sleep because of a nightmare. Therefore, he was up all night. Izzy has a killer cold and 102 degree fever. Corey jammed his finger in a basketball game yesterday and has been on some serious painkillers. Due to all these unfortunate events, I missed church once again! I missed last week because Elizabeth and I were up all night. Believe it or not she has been a gem the last two days (thank heavens for the Levson prescription). After watching all I could of the Disney Channel, I asked Ethan to choose one of the Liken The Scripture movies. They are all wonderful!! He chose the one about David and Goliath. I LOVE that one! I admittedly sing along with the movie and enjoy myself.
Funny story about this one. Goliath is played by Thurl Bailey who is a commentator at the Jazz games. We took Ethan to a Jazz game and afterward we went to see them film the post game show. Ethan saw Thurl Bailey and whispered, "GOLIATH." We were fortunate that he got to meet Thurl Bailey and get his autograph. Now every time we attend a Jazz game, Ethan looks for "Goliath."
Anyway, all these movies are fabulous. I want to eventually have them all. As of now I own, about 5 of them. I really appreciate how they make the scriptures come alive for Ethan (and myself).

Mary, Mother of the Savior

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year. Reading about the Savior's birth in Luke 2 is absolutely inspiring to me as a mother. My favorite scripture of the event is Luke 2:19:

"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart."

As the shepherds were proclaiming the birth of the Lord, Mary was pondering her sacred feelings as a new mom. I never appreciated the feelings of Mary before I had my own child. Think of all the things that she must have been feeling and holding so close to her heart. She was the mother of the Savior! As overwhelming as it must have seemed, just as with any mother, I am sure unimaginable peace and love filled her heart as she looked upon her newborn baby. Knowing of Jesus' divine potential, she had a daunting task. I would love to meet her and talk with her about motherhood. She would be a great wealth of knowledge, I am sure! Truly she is "blessed...among women."

Family Picture Time

Elizabeth (3 Months)
This is her blessing dress.

Isabella (20 Months)

Ethan (6 Years)

Our Family
Nov. 2008

Thank you to my Jenny-friend for being such a fabulous photographer. I highly recommend her for all you Wasatch Front dwellers. She is a fabulous person and a wonderful photographer.

My three kids!

I was snapping pictures of the three kids together and finally got one that I love! It took about 10 tries and they all finally smiled...if you can call what Elizabeth is doing a smile. :)
Ethan is such a big help. He is my runner. I can ask him to get me a diaper, wipes, my phone, the remote, etc. and he does it without complaint. He is such a sweet and easy little guy. E is definitely my low maintenance child. I love that he is so sensitive and in tune to others emotions, too. When I am having a tough moment with the girls he walks up and hugs me and strokes my hair. He is truly a gem!
Izzy is what I would label my high maintenance, curious child. She is seriously into EVERYTHING! She is a very head-strung and determined little girl. Izzy doesn't easily give up, that's for sure. Her favorite word is "NO" & "Mommy." I am hoping to potty train her by the end of the year. Her slightly defiant attitude may hinder that though.
Elizabeth is finally becoming more enjoyable! She is eating better and keeps most of it down. She is taking an antacid for her reflux which not only helps her feel better, but she is sleeping better too. I am really enjoying this motherhood thing, as exhausting as it is!

Ethan Discovers Movies on his Camera

I was putting Ethan's pictures on the computer from his memory card and saw this video. I didn't even know he made this. There are literally 50 of Ethan's "movies" on my computer. I laughed hysterically watching everyone. This is certainly the one I laughed the hardest at. Enjoy!!

My Personality...According to QuizMeme.com

BLUE

You give your love and friendship unconditionally. You enjoy long, thoughtful conversations rich in philosophy and spirituality. You are very loyal and intuitive.

Find out your color at QuizMeme.com!

The Holy War...again!

Ya know, I didn't got to either BYU or U of U, but I just love the energy of this deep rivalry. These two teams HATE each other. I love to watch the game, too. I don't really cheer for either team, I just like to watch a good EXTREMELY competitive game. I have to admit last year I loved watching BYU upset Utah at the last minute. I am so excited for Saturday's game.

Izzy's Face

Look how beautiful my Izzy B is. This is what she normally looks like. Big brown eyes. Tiny little nose. Thin rosy lips. Well, that is what she looks like unless she grabs the PB & honey crust of her brothers sandwich. She looks like the 2nd photo when that happens. Look at those lips!!! I looked over to see if she was eating her pasta and I see these huge growths on her lips. I was freaking out. Benadryl in hand, I grabbed her out of her highchair and squirted what I hope was the right amount for a 20 months old. Hives kept appearing and her lips kept getting bigger. She never whined or complained. She did lick her lips an awful lot. That must feel weird. It has been close to an hour and a half later and the lip growths are significantly smaller, but still visible. She gave me quite a scare

Reflections from the Birthday Girl!

This is what a 31 year old looks like. Well, a 31 year old with my genetic make up. November 10, 2008 was my 31st birthday! I am not one easily freaked out over age. I figure it's a lot more fun to embrace the years than to be embarrassed by them.
It seems, birthdays are always a time of reflection; yesterday was no exception for me. Am I doing what I dreamed of doing when I was younger? What have I yet to accomplish? Am I happy? Ya know, all the typical questions of evaluation. Then I read and listened to a conference address called "Come What May and Love it" by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (an apostle for the LDS church). So what did I learn on my 31st birthday? No matter what is happening in life (good, bad or uneventful), love it.

My goals for the coming year:
- Be optomistic
- Enjoy life's little set backs
- Serve others more
Here's to another year. Bring it on!

History Made!

Love him or hate him, you have to acknowledge the fact that we witnessed history in the making yesterday: America's 1st black president!
With all history making events you always here this question: Where were you when...? So, where was I when I found out Barack Obama was to be 44th President of the United States of America? Lady Fitness! I was walking out of a yoga class and glanced up at a T.V. to see Katie Couric inform her viewers (as limited as they may be...yuck) that Barack Obama had obtained the needed 270 Electoral Votes needed for the nations highest office. The ladies around me reacted differently from each other. Some smiled and others sighed. Here's my big sigh of relief: *sigh*. Not because Obama is president, as I am not a fan of the democrat platform, but because this two year presidential race is over. What a marathon!
Here's to change and history in the making.

Emmalee is here!

My sister had her baby this morning! Emmalee Jo is 7 lbs 13 oz and has the chunkiest little cheeks ever. Couldn't you just kiss those cheeks right off? Emmalee also has a ton of hair! She had a bow in her spiked up hair when I went to see her. She is just beautiful! I love her!

I am a Super-Mom...

...and I am this hot too (with a little wider hips.) :) ---->
Today I was able to accomplish it all...okay not all of "it" but quite a bit of "it". I did one load of laundry, clean up a pukey kids twice (he's not even mine), changed a diaper with a marble in it (yep, she swallowed a marble) and kept them all fed, happy, and somewhat clean. On top of that chaos, I was able to eat breakfast, cut out some vinyl words for the wall, take a shower, and get my son to school in a wrinkle-free shirt. My hair is actually done, my armpits smell "shower clean," my bed is made, and my teeth are brushed!
There are some days I feel I am really cut out for this "mommy thing."

Hi! My name is Becky and I LOVE High School Musical!

Well, now you know! I am a High School Musical lover!
I am counting the hours until 7:30 pm. At that time Ethan and I will be in our seats with a large popcorn and a pack of Red Vines anxiously awaiting the final chapter of the HSM saga to begin. Yipeeee!

**UPDATE**
Wow! We had so much fun! The movie was fantastic. I highly recommend seeing it on opening night surrounded by jr. high and high school age teenage girls. They were "wahoo"-ing and dancing and clapping the whole time. It was a blast! Ethan sat mesmerized through the whole thing. I will definitely go again while it's on the big screen. And by the end of the night I will have the soundtrack on my iPod.
The only negative (if there is one) is that you say a little more skin than the previous movies.
Other than that, the choreography was sensational!

Their Only Little for so Long...Thank Heavens!

My sister sent me this cartoon at 4:42 am (she is pregnant and can't sleep...:( ). She knows this cartoon is a perfect depiction of me and motherhood. I love it!
I am not your typical mom, I guess. People will tell me, "Enjoy these little ones because they grow up so fast." To which I respond, "Thank Heavens!" Being a mother doesn't come easy to me at all. I love my children and I love being home with them, but I truly struggle with the balancing act of laundry, homework, hubby time, dishes, newborn needs, potty training, ME time, my hobbies, school projects, getting a shower, etc. It seems that motherhood comes naturally to many women; I am one who has to work at it. Don't get me wrong, I don't think I am a horrible mom. I actually think I do a dang good job, but I end each day purely exhausted and a little overwhelmed thinking I will just wake up in a couple of hours and do it all again. So, I just pray for strength, patience and inspiration everyday as I try to raise these precious little people to reach their full potential as the children of God I know they are.
Mine is an awesome responsibility! I wouldn't trade it for anything...most of the time.

My Little Man

Ethan made a "Halloween Person" from my Halloween scrapbook paper.
He is so imaginative!

I bought Ethan and Izzy toothbrushes that suction to the counter top.
Ethan found another place for them.
He is so funny!

They don't come any cuter than him.
I love you Ethan!

Elizabeth's Halloween Outfit

My mom bought this adorable outfit for Elizabeth when she was born. It looked HUGE for her then. It's amazing what a difference a month (almost) makes for a baby's growth. This outfit is 0-3 months and still a bit big, but I just love it! Thanks mom!

A Sweet Reunion

Friday was my mission reunion. I absolutely love seeing President & Sister Clarke. Truly, I think my Mission President is apostolic...is that okay to say? He is one of the greatest most loving men I know. He is just a wonderful man who changed my life. I enjoy President so much because he is very approachable despite the fact he can see into your soul when he looks at you. I feel like he knows my every thought and deed when I make eye contact with him.
The wonderful thing about my reunions is that President and Sister Clarke treat them like a zone conference. We recite the Standard of Truth, D&C 4 and our mission scripture Alma 53:20. Sister Clarke will speak to us and then President will take the rest of the meeting and advise and enlighten us. I leave the chapel feeling inspired and blessed.
This time President spent alot of time talking about the 1979 article be President Joseph F. Smith, In The Presence of the Divine. It is a must read article! But to hear further enlightenment on the subject by President Clarke and again yesterday by Elder Jeffrey Holland at General Conference, just gave me a greater witness of the truthfulness of the doctrine. I have a lot to study this coming week on the Presence of the Divine.
I am so blessed for having served a mission. There isn't a day that goes by where I don't think of things I learned, people I met, or experiences I had during those 18 months of my life. I am so grateful for the choice I made to serve. My life has been richly blessed because of it: My faith and testimony in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is solid. It was an amazing time in my life!

LDS General Conference

Presidents Thomas S. Monson & Henry B. Eyring
@ the Conference Center (SLC, UT)

I love General Conference. I feel recharged and abled to conquer the next 6 months (until the next conference). Today President Monson announced 5 new temples to be built: Rome, Italy; Calgary, Canada; Cordoba, Argentina; Philadelphia and in the greater Kansas City, Mo. area. How exciting to see the church growing so quickly and all over the world. My favorite talk was President Uchtdorf on HOPE. Amazing and inspiring. I also loved Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's address on angels among us. That address echoed the words of my Mission President's talk yesterday at my mission reunion. More later...

Soothing My Colicky Baby

I have another colicky baby! Are you kidding? What on Earth am I supposed to learn from having 3 colicky babies? PATIENCE! PATIENCE! PATIENCE! And I finally learned the best way to soothe my hurting baby: a rice sock.

Last night my Aunt Penny and her daughter were nice enough to watch my girls so that Corey and I could attend my Mission Reunion. It was a wonderful night...for me. My Aunt probably had a different feeling about the night. Ellie B (Elizabeth) was in so much pain and crying most of the night with stomach pains. Penny took great care of her and was so patient with the whole situation. When I got home I just wanted Penny to stay all night and soothe my little one. She stayed until well after midnight holding Ellie and comforting me. Penny was a great blessing for me last night. Before she left, she told me to put a warm towel under Ellie's belly because she had heard that helped with colic. So I found this old rice sock Corey had made for me a while ago. Corey heated it up and we laid Ellie over the top of it and she instantly went limp and slept very well. We also laid it upon her belly while she lay in my lap and she seemed to like that as well. I think not only the warmth of the sock, but the weight of it felt good to her. That pressure on the belly really helps her. I am so glad to have found this "cure" to her colic. Doesn't she look so peaceful?

Two Weeks Old and Three Ounces Heavier

Elizabeth is now two weeks old and is just a tiny peanut! She is only 3 ounces over her birth weight. She had a well baby visit yesterday and the doctor isn't concerned because she is at least gaining weight. We had to switch her to a 'low birth weight' formula that will give her 22 extra calories. It's hard on her tummy, but she is doing well.
I really enjoy Elizabeth. She is an easy baby. I could hold her all day because she is just this little ball that curls up on my chest. My other kids were really colicky and hard to handle as newborns. Elizabeth isn't like that at all (knock on wood). She is awake alot more and stares at everything around her. She seems perfectly content to lay on the floor or in her bouncer and take in her surroundings. She is a joy!
Having 3 kids isn't as tough as I had heard. It definitely takes more organizing and juggling, but nothing super hard. Izzy needs alot more attention than usual, but she will get used to this new addition to our family and be just fine. For now I just give her the extra attention she needs and she seems to be happy. Ethan is adjusting really good. Because he is so laid back and goes with the flow it's easy to neglect his mommy time. I have to consciously remember to play a game with him or read with him because he won't let me know that is what he wants to do. He is very aware of the changes Elizabeth has brought to our household, but he adores her so I guess it's okay that she screws things up for a little bit. :) She is only weeks old and yet I can't imagine our family without her. What a special new addition to our Vandenberg clan.

I WILL HAVE ORDER!

Junk DrawerVanity Drawer/Jewelry

Underneath Vanity

Man, I have been on this huge ORGANIZING kick. I think it's my way of staying busy to avoid the baby blues. To quote Shelby from Steel Magnolias, "I feel the need to make things as simple as possible." Thank heaven for "Tupperware" storage bins. Now I have to tackle my husbands vanity, the linen closet, and the office (soon to be nursery). I should have took before pictures. You would die at how organized this is for me. A house of order is truly a house of God. It's amazing at how peaceful my home feels to me now. From now on I WILL HAVE ORDER!

Not the "Baby" anymore...

Well, she is certainly not the baby anymore. Look at that big girl. Since Elizabeth came along Izzy has seemed more like a big girl than a baby to me. Even though she still needs me to change her diaper and get her dressed in the morning, she isn't the baby of our family any longer. Izzy doesn't care though. She still rules the roost and struts around her like she can do whatever she'd like...because she can. She is actually a pretty easy little girl as long as I keep the bathroom doors shut, breakables on high shelves and Elizabeth in a whole other room. :) When she can actually turn the door knobs is when I need to worry. Izzy can reach them now, but isn't quite sure how to get the door to open.
Izzy is a total daddy's girl! He walks in the door at the end of the day and she says, "Hi" and runs to him. Lately she wants Daddy all the time. No worries here; I'm not complaining. My hands are full as it is. She has discovered coloring and can sit for at least an hour at the bar just scribbling on the same piece of paper. I don't remember Ethan liking to color until he was like 3 or 4 years. Izzy especially likes to color if Ethan is coloring. She is certain she can do whatever he can do. It's amazing to me how different Ethan and Izzy are, but how much they like to be with each other. Izzy's personality is very independent and head strung. She knows what she wants and wants it now. While Ethan is very laid back and easy going. He is very imaginative and sensitive and is her personal body guard. She is very lucky to have him. They play really cute together despite the occasional teasing by Ethan and screaming by Izzy. Ethan sure enjoys her company now that she is older and can play with him more. I have to admit I enjoy her company a lot more now that she is more self entertaining. :) That's my BIG girl...they grow so fast, huh?

Here she is!!

Elizabeth Rae is here!
6 lbs 6 oz. 19 1/2 inches
4 weeks early!


For the details head to my mom's blog.

Ahhhhh, she is into EVERYTHING!

Izzy is 17 months now and into everything! I am so not used to this type of thing. Ethan was a gem of a toddler and never got into the cupboards and stuff. I am getting plenty of exercise chasing after this little girl. Izzy is very spunky and dramatic, but she is also tons of fun to watch grow. She is a little explorer and is learning new words and expressions all the time. Ethan adores her but is also easily annoyed with her when he wants to be alone. Izzy doesn't know what to do with herself while E is at school. She lights up when he comes home. Hopefully, he is always her hero.