Hawaiian Christmas........nope!

So as most of you know it was suppose to be a Hawaiian Christmas for Jed & I. My whole family is over in Hawaii for Christmas this year----it's something we planned months ago once we found out my sister and her husband were moving there. So we all got our plane tickets, reserved a beach house and were set to go! Oh wait....just one small problem.....I got pregnant and got extreme anxiety and the thought of getting on an airplane was enough to throw me into a panic attack. Why you ask.....I don't know!!!!! It' not like I haven't flown to Hawaii or even further to Europe more than once in my life! So we had snow instead of sunshine again for Christmas this year. I'm glad my family still had a great time ---although I'm sure it would have been much more fun if we were there! HA! HA!
















Christmas Even we spent with the Walkers (Jed's mom's family) and had a grubbin meal and then headed back to the farm for our own little party. We always draw names among the siblings and then the grandkids draw names. Heidi and Ryan had our name and got us a fun game, a very cute ornament and these fun mini-skillet cookie makers which is the last picture on here---we used them one night and they were sooooooo good! Below is a very fun picture of Marie getting her new car on Christmas morning. She had NO CLUE!!!! Jed and I got to play Santa and deliver it to her that morning. Doesn't she look hot in her hot new car!!!!

































I think my favorite part of Christmas this year by far was going to Lesa and Brady's house on Christmas morning and watching their kids wake up and see what Santa brought them. There's just nothing like being with kids on Christmas morning. Once we decided we weren't going to Hawaii I told Jed the only thing that would make me feel better is if we got to be with the nephews and niece on Christmas morning. So thanks to Lesa and Brady for letting us crash their house that morning. Jed and Brady made us a grubbin breakfast too!!!!

And finally I can't believe I'm putting this hideous picture of myself where I look like a whale on here but oh well. I had to show a shot of these funny elf hats Maile sent us. It was so fun because Maile sent me a fun little gift to open every day before Christmas. It seemed like there were always kids at my house to open the gifts each day and they loved to open a present before Christmas and see what was inside. So thanks for the fun stuff Maile! Even though it wasn't a Hawaiian Christmas we still had a great time with family. Christmas day we headed over to Curtis and Shandy's for a grubbin dinner---as always!!! Who knows----maybe next year will be a Hawaiian Christmas!

Wheelers...the weekend babysitters!

So this weekend the Wheeler's came from Idaho to be my weekend babysitters! It was pretty much non-stop fun from the time they got here on Friday until they left on Sunday night. Most of you know Sarah, Karmen and I have been best friends for the past 15 years and there's never a dull moment when we get to see eachother. Katie (Sarah's daughter) said to me "gosh, whenever you and my mom get together you're laughing hysterically in like the first 5 minutes!" So above is a picture of the kids and I making gingerbread houses. I'll be honest and say the excitement lost it's zeal for me after I had only one side of the roof done so thankfully Carter took pitty on me and decorated the rest of mine. He said I won the prize for "best team work". Caleb said that was kind of like the "best hustler" or "good sportsmanship" award that they give to the lame kid at sports camp. Thanks jerk!
















Below is our fun view from our back deck. I'm not sure who was more excited on Saturday morning when there were deer out in the backyard----Carter or Sarah! Carter had to come and wake me up to let me know about the deer---and then he proceeded to tell me that I snore louder than anyone he knows. Of course I tried to blame it on my pregnancy but Sarah knew better from sharing a room with me in college!

BUH-BYE!!!!

The theme of this week for me is "BUH-BYE!" It all started on Sunday when Jed left for New York for work. As some of you know I've been blessed with wacked out hormones causing anxiety from being pregnant---got to love it! Let me just say that I think I suck at being pregnant. Anyway---because of the anxiety I don't like to be alone at night so I've had different "babysitters" all week! Cody stayed with me the first 3 nights, then Missy came and stayed one night and then Lesa and my nephews Kade and Carter came last night and Sarah and her family are coming for the weekend! So the picture above is of Kade babysitting me last night! So far Lesa wins for the best babysitter because she cleaned my house and made me french toast in the morning! Thanks to all my babysitters---it's been fun! And don't worry---I'm starting a sign up list for the future when Jed has to travel again.


















The next "buh-bye" was on Wednesday and I was soooooo sad! Everyone knows my husband has this "hobby" of buying and selling cars. Well, he did it to me again---he sold my car right out from under me! I've quickly learned being married to him that EVERYTHING is for sale for the right price---even me on some days! He hasn't decided what my next car will be so in the mean time I'm driving a 1999 honda accord---dark green just like I use to have 5 years ago! I told Lani today that I've gone back to my Honda roots!

















And last but not least....."buh-bye" to the furniture that I bought 2 weeks ago while Jed was out of town! I'm sure you've heard the story of my mom and I going and buying a completely different set than Jed and I had picked out. I have to give Jed credit that he really did try to keep an open mind when he walked in the door and saw them but after about 4 days he couldn't get use to them so I sent them back and ordered the original set. It's all about choosing your battles--right?

Thanksgiving Week Update--a little late!

It's been a crazy couple of weeks to say the least! It all started the Saturday before Thanksgiving when Jed's sister Karlee got married. Thank goodness Karlee is a no-nonsense kind of chick so this wedding was quick and easy. The temple and the luncheon and it was done! Doesn't she look so pretty! Of course I had to post a nice pregnancy shot of my ever increasing belly.

















Here's a couple shots of the moving crew---which happened Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. Shandy pretty much worked circles around the whole group of guys!! She's tough like that. This Thanksgiving I was especially grateful for my family----they will never know how much I appreciate all they did for me! A special thanks to my Uncle Carl for packing up all my "stuff" and I mean "stuff!" My mom has been here all week helping me unpack and I must say--I had no idea how much stuff Jed and I had until we had to move!
































Here's a nice shot of Jed and our friend Jason pumping the turkeys full of who knows what before the deep fry them. It was cracking me up how serious they were about this whole process! Below is my favorite picture of last week. Jed's brother Brett and his cute girlfriend Trish camped out at RC Willey to get tv's for them and for us. They got there at about 5pm on Thanksgiving Day and stayed all night in the freezing cold! I still can't believe they did it. It was quite dangerous too---they almost got beat up my 2 big poly girls that showed up in the middle of the night and stood by the door in front of them but all the other people in line formed an alliance against them and scared them off!

Funny Elfs!

Maybe I'm just really tired today or something but I seriously thought this was so funny and I laugh so hard every time I watch it!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9523884105

Moving!

Yes, the rumors are true. We are moving! We are suppose to close on the house this week and will move over the next week. It's in Lindon just two miles away from our house now. I just barely convinced myself to start packing and I can honestly say I hate moving! Anyone who was around when Jed and I got married and moved into our current house with Jed will remember the many "discussions" we got into regarding my need to throw away everything and Jed's need to keep everything! Well, it started all over again the other night as I was packing up Jed's bathroom stuff and found bottles of shampoo, lotion and little soaps from hotels he has stayed at for the past couple of years!!! Oh and tylenol that expired in 1987!!! He told me he was going to get even by packing up my closet and cleaning it out---which lets be honest--has quite the range of sizes of clothes that I haven't been able to fit into "but if I just lose 15 pounds"! It's going to be an interesting week!

Halloween--- a little late

I know, I know, I'm a little late with this posting but better late than never right! One of my favorite things during the year is our ward's trunk or treat. I seriously love to sit on the back of our truck and have the little primary kids come around to get candy so I can see all of their cute outfits. Our ward totally gets into it and always has such a great turn out. This year I invited my nieces and nephew to come along and I was impressed when their mom and stepdad dressed up as well. The picture above is of my FAVORITE costume this year---any guess on who she is (and Lauren you can't guess seeing as you already know!) As soon as I asked if I could take her picture she started striking a pose. Lauren and I were laughing so hard I could hardly take her picture. Below is Josh as pooh bear, Nikki as a lunch lady, Hayli as Ugly Better, Chelsi as a dancer, Austin as a soccer player and Aaron as a pirate. They went home with quite the loot!


















Here's just a random picture of two cute things I made at our Fabulous Friday for Relief Society. So cute huh! I can't show the other things I made seeing as I'm giving them for Christmas gifts but I just had to show off the cute things our ward did. Seriously the cutest homemaking stuff ever!

Pumpkins and Snowmen!!!

So this weekend was another fun weekend with my nieces and nephew. Cody picked them up on Saturday and took them to lunch and played video game with them and then they came to our house to spend the night. Jed and I had been out all day and by the time the kids came I had a raging migraine .......so I went to bed for a while and Jed took the kids to get pumpkins! By the time I woke up a few hours later they were having a grand ole time! I'm not sure who had more fun----Jed or the kids! I think they used every knife I had in my kitchen---or at least Jed did. Please feel free to drive by and see his excellent work on our doorstep.































Sunday morning we woke up to several inches of snow!! I always love the first snowfall of the year .....but then once it sinks in that I'm in for the long haul of winter I get sick to my stomach! At least the kids enjoyed it. Chelsi set out for the back yard and Austin and Jed set out for the front yard to have a little snowman making competition. By the time I got out to the front yard to take a picture I see Jed and Austin lobbing snowballs over the house. Before I even had a chance to ask them what they were doing I see Chelsi come running from the back of the house with a disgusted look on her face and she said to Jed "just what do you think you're doing?????" BUSTED!!! Yes, he and Austin were trying to peg her with snowballs! Needless to say she didn't think it was as funny as they did. I posted this last picture for my mom cause she wanted to see a picture of my nice huge stomach!---I swear, I'm not having twins even though it looks like it!

It's for sure a boy!!!!

So I had to post this ultra-sound picture because I thought it was so freakin hilarious--I hope it doesn't offend anyone and if it's does...oh well, I guess you'll have to get over it. Hee! Hee! The view is like he's sitting on the camera with his leg to the left of the picture and then the arrow is pointing to his "unit". Megan the ultra-sound girl was like "whoa! I've got to take a picture of that!" Jed and I were laughing so hard! Of course Jed's comment was "that's my boy!" The picture below is the profile. It was amazing to see all his little parts and watch him just hanging out in there--he always seems to have his little arm behind his head just chilling. Let's hope he's that kick -back when he gets here!

Me and my bro!

So I just had to post this cute picture of Cody and I. We were at Curtis and Shandy's on Sunday laying on one of my Aunt Pat's famous levi quilts and watching Carson open his birthday gifts. Everyone knows that when Jed is out of town Cody watches out for me and is my partner in crime. We've always been close siblings but even more so over the past year. But watch out---when we tag team we can make fun of and tease someone like nobody's business---just ask my poor mom and Jed!

Conference Weekend Traditions

I love General Conference Weekend in the fall and the traditions that come with it. The tradition is that Jed and I always take a drive in the canyon. I was complaining that we hadn't been to see the changing leaves yet and I was just sure they would all be gone! Much to my surprise they were still so pretty---it's so crazy to me that this beautiful scenery is just 5 minutes from our house! When we got to the top of Squaw Peak it was totally snowing so of course we had to take a picture of the first snow! Jed was all excited to see the snow because it means that snowmobiling season is just right around the corner! So my next favorite tradition is Sunday morning breakfast with the "gang". Lani hosted this year and as you can see from the picture below we always lack for food---right! We were trying to figure out this morning how many years we've been doing this and I seriously think we're going on like 10 years. I forgot to bring my camera last night to another favorite tradition......dinner and shopping with the girls while the men are at their preisthood session of conference. We headed up to the Texas Roadhouse in Sandy for dinner and then did a little shoe shopping at the Southtowne Mall. I brought my friend Pat Johnson from my ward this year and the girls all loved her so I'm thinking she'll probably be a regular for our girls night outings.















I ended the day at Curtis and Shandy's for "cousins dinner"--we get together the 2nd Sunday of every month. You'll have to check out Carrie's blog for pictures since we celebrated Carson's birthday. Jed didn't get to join us since he is headed to Las Vegas....which is another interesting story.....everyone be on watch to see if I make it to Vegas this week like I'm supposed to. The plan was for me to fly down to join him on Wednesday so we could "celebrate" our anniversary but ever since I got pregnant I've become EXTREMELY claustrophobic and the mere thought of getting on a plane makes me panic---and I'm not kidding! So if anyone is headed to Vegas this week and wants to give me a ride just let me know! HA! HA!

Tagged

So I usually hate being "tagged" or those dumb e-mails that go around where you have to tell all about yourself but I actually liked this one because it's not just about me. So I guess thanks to Carrie for "tagging" me.

My husband: Jed Lynn Baadsgaard

How long have you been together? Well, that's kind of a trick question.....we've been married 3 years but have been together on and off for 6 years!

How old is he? 33.....yip, one year younger than me!

Who eats more? He does. He loves to have a midnight meal--usually my leftovers from some restaurant.

Who said "I love you" first? I hate to say it but I did and it was terrible timing---I think we broke up the same night! But then again let's be honest---don't most of my stories revolve around some break-up we had.

Who is taller? He is--unless I have on my 3 inch heels and then I THINK I'm as tall as him but I'm really not.

Who sings better? Me! Not that I'm a good singer but I love to sing all the time and it pretty much drives him crazy but what's even worse is when my sisters or mom are in town and we are all singing dumb songs and it about drives him to drink!

Who is smarter? I like to think I'm smarter at some things but I'm usually not.

Whose temper is worse? Jed usually but if you push me too far----watch out!

Who does the laundry? That would be me and the dry-cleaner!

Who does the dishes? I do usually but since I've been prego I've been able to convince Jed to do the dishes more regularly but he doesn't "do" pots and pans because I won't let him put them in the dishwasher----I know, I know, a little habit I got from my mother.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Well, I did until just recently. We switched sides because Jed felt bad that I had to walk all the way around the bed like 10 times a night to go to the bathroom!

Who pays the bills? Jed does unless he's out of town at the end of the month and then he makes me do it which I hate because it takes forever and I'm worried I'm going to mess something up---that makes it sound like we have a ton of bills--I guess I should explain that "paying the bills" includes his business and rental bills.

Who mows the lawn? That would be Jed because he worries that I'll wreck the lawnmower---he hides the key from me!

Who cooks dinner? ME!

Who drives? Jed--I hate to drive!

Who is more stubborn? Jed for the most part but sometimes I can wear him down!

Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Jed always. But I'm getting better---kind of.

Whose parents do you see the most? Jed's for sure....lucky for me I have good in-laws and I really like them!

Who kissed who first? Jed kissed me....another funny story for another time.

Who asked who out? He took me to dinner to say thanks for a favor I did for him although at the time he would have never admitted it was a date.

Who propsed? He did....and I just sat and stared at him because I was in such shock....so he had to ask me again....and I still just stared but eventually said "sure."

Who is more sensitive? I am when it comes to him but everything else..he is.

Who has more friends? Me! I've been very BLESSED my entire life to have great friends!

Who has more siblings? He does! He has 4 sisters and 3 brothers!

Who wears the pants in the family? I often say that Jed wears the pants in the family.....and I tell him exactly which ones to put on!!

It's a BOY!!!!

So we had an ultra-sound today and found our we're having a boy!!!---Jed is still grinning ear to ear! Needless to say he was just a LITTLE bit excited when she said "oh yeah---it's for sure a boy!" I promptly headed to baby gap to buy his first little outfit only to be a little disappointed that the girl section was way bigger and had way cuter stuff (although I did still force myself to buy a few things!) When I got home there was a fun gift bag on my porch from Amy and Jen with the CUTEST stuff inside which is the picture above! It gave me new hope that there is cute boy stuff out there. The best part is that I want to do a cowboy/farm themed nursery and Amy and Jen didn't even know that but they bought the perfect stuff! I attempted to put one of the ultra-sound pictures on here but I couldn't get it to work and let's be honest.....ultra-sound pictures just look like a blob of stuff or some freaky alien thing so I'll spare you all for now.

SOLD!!!!!

I am happy to report that we FINALLY sold our house in Saratoga Springs!!!! I thought the day would never come! Even though I thought it was a great house and I loved it..... I did not want to move all the way out there to live in it so I'm so glad it sold when it did. I also thought I would post this picture to show off Jed's awesome landscape architecture! Seriously, isn't he great! Now the big debate between Jed and I begins on how to re-invest the money from this house. I'm voting a new house (not necessarily meaning brand new---just a different house) for us to live in either in Lindon or North Orem but of course he has his eye out for another rental property so stayed tuned as to who will win this battle!

Keith Urban

Everyone knows I've been a concert junkee for many years now but in the past year I've decided to limit my concerts to my few favorite (ok, let's be honest---Jed has put me on a "concert budget"). So there's a few people that if they come to town I must see. The list includes: Kenney Chesney, Keith Urban, Rascall Flatts, Janet Jackson and Tim McGraw (alone-not with Faith) and I would seriously consider Aerosmith because they put on such a good show! So Tuesday night I went to the Keith Urban concert with the regulars (Jeanette, Missy, and Amy). Let's just say my man did not disappoint!!!! We had 7th row seats (thanks to Jeanette of course) and I have to admit something else here---I'm a big of a concert snob---if I don't have excellent seats then I won't go! It's funny because as I was sitting there in the Delta Center I was thinking about what the very first concert I went to was. I need to ask Karmen because I can't remember if it was Garth Brooks in Seattle in 1991 or Depeche Mode in SLC in 1991??? Anyway, Keith played for over two hours and by the end he was all sweaty and worn out----and so was I from just looking at him! I'm telling you---I love my husband and all but oh my Keith Urban is one FINE looking man and when he starts jamming on his guitar I go weak in the knees!!!

Relaxing Weekend!

I just returned from dropping Jed off at the airport and as I was driving home I was thinking about what a fun and relaxing weekend we just had. I have to admit I was quite sad dropping Jed off because he'll be gone for 10 days this time! I've been so spoiled because he hasnt' had to travel for the past month and I was just getting used to having his around and now he has to leave again! I know, I know, poor me. So back to the weekend. Friday we just hung out spending "quality time" together....meaning I agreed to do whatever Jed wanted so we took a tractor back to his Uncle, checked the water at the farm, and then he took me to dinner at Bajios. It was actually pretty fun. Saturday we went to breakfast with Cody and Missy and then helped Cody move to his new house and get all settled in. I swear Cody and Jed can "piddle" (as I like to call it) the day away! They don't consider their "projects" piddling in the least and often get a little bothered when I call it that. I swear Cody and Jed couldn't be more like my dad and Uncle Carl if they tried!! SCARY!!!! Sunday after church we headed out to the farm for Sunday dinner. There was a little rain storm and as we were all sitting out on the back deck the awesome rainbow above appeared! Jed tried to convince the nieces and nephews that there REALLY is a pot of Gold at the end.....whatever!





















Sunday night we went and picked up my nieces Hayli and Chelsi and my nephew Austin. They are my older brother Jason's kids.........yes, I know many of you didn't know or forgot that I have an older brother but I do. (Gosh, just cause most of you, including Jed has never met him doesn't mean he doesn't exist!) The kids just moved to Spanish Fork with their mom and stepdad from Texas and I'm so excited they're here! So of course they all brought their swimsuits to sit in the hottub. Austin went and put his suit on and came walking into the kitchen and I about choked on my water when I saw his stomach! Apparently his Aunt Brooke thought it would be funny to draw "fred" around his bellybutton----I have to admit---it made me laugh pretty hard! Below is a picture of the kids in the hot tub with Chelsi in the front "striking a pose". Every time she sees a camera she has to "strike a pose". I'm telling you she is freakin hilarious! She never stops talking, she talks like a valleygirl, and she's always got some story or advice to tell........some people say she's a "mini Nalani".....and I'm totally ok with that.
















Chelsi below "striking a pose" again while I take their picture. I think it's a toss up for the kids as to if they love Uncle Cody or Uncle Jed more! The last picture is of this morning. I of course had to do the girls hair and make-up before we could go shopping. Hayli isn't much of a shopper but Chelsi.......she could shop all day and was obsessed with getting an Abercrombie shirt because she heard some girls at school talking about that brand----lucky for me I found her an Abercrombie shirt at TJ Maxx!!!! The best part is that Jed tagged along with us on the shopping spree---what a guy! We ended the day with a late lunch at Pizza Factory where they thought it was the coolest thing in the world that they could order WHATEVER they wanted! I then had to take them home so I could run Jed to the airport. It was a good weekend.

Cody's BBQ....at our house!

So Cody calls me the other day and said "I think we should have a bbq on Saturday because the "gang" hasn't had a get together in a while." So I said "yeah, that does sound like fun" and he said "ok great! We'll have it at your house!" Sucker!!! I of course complained because I haven't had a ton of energy lately and even though I love a good party I always hate the fact that you have to clean BEFORE everyone comes over and then you have to clean AFTER everyone leaves! So how did I solve that problem....I told Cody he had to come help me clean before the party! So here's some of us in the backyard---Jed was busy grilling on the bbq. I was thinking last night how funny it is the original "gang" of about 10 friends that started about 10 years ago and turned into almost 25 just in the last 4 years with marriages and kids added to the bunch!

















I had to wake Payton up for the picture below to show off the cute outfit she was wearing.......yes, I bought it for her! Isn't she so stinkin cute! I just thought it was so thoughtful of her to wear my outfit to my party to make me know she likes it. That Payton is just a real sweet girl like that!






















I love the picture of Chase below. Can you say "wide eyes". I'm thinking we should have entered Chase in Rylee's staring contest she as having with all of us---he would have won for sure! And of course I had to include the last picture of Missy and her new "friend". We were laughing last night that he's been in the "gang" for a few weeks now so he is now "blog-worthy" and can be posted on our blogs! His name is Joel and we think he's a keeper.

Oram Family Reunion

So I had a major tragedy this week---I lost my camera! But no need to worry---I found it tonight so I can now update my blog.....so stop sending me hate mail! So this past weekend we took a little roadtrip up to ole homestead of Blackfoot, Idaho. Maile and Nate drove down from Portland, Kami flew in from Cali. and my parents drove down from Seattle. We pretty much did what we Orams do best.....ate and chatted for two days! All of my dad's siblings were there and only a few cousins were missing. The purpose of the reunion was to celebrate my grandpa's 89th birthday! Cody was our photographer and he took the picture above of just my siblings and then below is my dad (front row-first guy on the left) and all of his siblings.
















Like I said....you can see below...us chatting and eating! Please take note of my Uncle Kent's bald spot......now you know where Cody get's his!!! (they're both going to kill me when they read that---truth hurts!) I feel I need to share a little story about this weekend........my grandpa Oram had me come sit next to him and he took my hand and in his best old man whisper (you know how old people think they're whispering when really it's louder than most people's real voice) anyway, he said to me "now Dutchie (yes, that's my nickname), I want you to never forget that you are one of my FAVORITE grandchildren." and I quickly corrected him and said "no grandpa....I am THE favorite!" Of course all my aunts were listening and they all started laughing and my Aunt Kay said "some things never change with you!" I guess I should give you a little background and tell you that I really did think I was the favorite until about 5 years ago when I realized he told every grandchild they were the favorite! I'm to the point now that I've decided the only way we will really know who is the favorite is when my grandpa dies and his funeral plans are revealed and we see which grandchild he put down to speak at his funeral. Morbid I know, and even more pathetic that I've spent time thinking about it!
















Here's a cute picture of my niece Chelsi! This ball was the hit of the reunion with the kids. Go figure.