Aloha!

So we just returned from Hawaii!! We had been planning to go for my sister Kami's baby blessing for a while now. Actually, this trip was kind to make up for not going to Hawaii for Christmas like we were suppose to---remember, how I was CRAZY when I was pregnant and wouldn't get on the airplane---yeah, that was fun times---not really. Anyway, we headed off the morning after Cody's wedding---we were even lucky enough to be on the same flight as the newlyweds. ---it wasn't awkward or anything, really, it wasn't! Actually it was kind of nice because Meridith missed her kids so she held Cash for a good portion of the flight!

So the first night we stayed in the JW Ihilani hotel and then we moved over to the Marriott Koa Olina Beach Club so we wouldn't have to risk running into the newlyweds! We made a deal that we would send them a text each day letting them know what we were all doing for the day (my parents were there too) and they could call us if they wanted to hang out---otherwise they could have their "privacy" to do what they wanted! (Funny side story---after the newlyweds went home my parents moved back over to the JW Ihilani because my mom likes that hotel better---well, what do you know---they checked them into the very same room that Cody and Meridith checked out of----SICK!!!!!! My very proper mom said "oh my---I hope they sanitized everything in this room!)


We did manage to meet up with the happy couple for breakfast a few times. Meridith was feeding Cash some fruit---please take note of his happy face while eating the pineapple---yum. And then came the big test.......how would he feel about watermelon??? ............well by his face below and the watermelon spit back out on the napkin you can see-----he hated it!!! YES!----being a fellow watermelon hater I was so proud of my boy for spitting it out!!!!




So here's the fam-damily on Kai's blessing day. I can honestly say I actually enjoy going to church in Hawaii. That sounds like I hate church----I don't but I just actually look forward to going in Hawaii. Kami belongs to a Hawaiian ward that is off base and it was just full of the nicest people you've ever met. I think our family was the only white family there. The spirit is just so strong in their meetings and I just love how pure of heart the Hawaiian people are. Their love for Christ is overwhelming as well as their faith just amazes me. I was telling my mom how lucky Kami is to get to have such neat experiences living different places and experiencing the culture. Here's a picture of their chapel---isn't it just peaceful.

Here's a couple pictures of my cute boys. Cash loves to lay on the lovesac. And below is a picture of my hot husband trying to act like he didn't know I was taking his picture!

Below is some cool overlook that my dad took us to. I can't remember the name of it but he sang us some song and told us some story about the king of hawaii pushing some people over the cliff and then he became king and the conquer of the Island. My dad served his mission in Hawaii so he knows all the history and songs. Quite entertaining actually. (I've got the dumb song going through my head right now as I'm typing this...."king kamahamah, the conquer of the island....")

Oh look at the cute couple....and look below....what a cute kid they made! I have to be "that mom" for just a minute and brag about my kid. He seriously would wear these sunglasses or hats all the time in Hawaii and not even touch them. People would seriously point and crack up all the time. He's such a little flirt too.

And one final picture to show you what we did the majority of our time---we hung out in the pool. Cash could play in this little floatie for hours!!!! We pretty much had the best time ever. I didn't get pictures of all the other things we did like the dinner cruise, the PCC, the Lua but oh well. I told Jed we had to have a good time in Hawaii together to make up for our last trip to Hawaii----it was when we were dating and we broke up the day we got home because we had such a terrible time.....but we won't go there! Aloha!

The Orams

I know I'm a little late in posting the big wedding but figured I'd add a few random pictures that were the highlight of the day for me! First of all I love the picture above where Haylie is leaning into Cody......she cracks me up! Maile spent an hour curling Haylies hair and I was cracking up because you could tell that Haylie pretty much thought it was her big day!!

The above picture is probably my favorite picture of the day!!! Please take notice of the socks. The sad part is that I'm the one that put that diaper on Maddie----it's the latest in baby thongs!!! Below is a nice picture of 4 adults trying to get Maddie's dress on her.

And as you can see from below........success!......Maddie is finally dressed! I also love the picture of Bronson looking so dapper. He was all dressed with his shirt tucked in and tie straight and tucked in until right before he went down the aisle and then he decided he didn't really like that "tidy" look!



Here's just a couple fun pictures of the wedding. Doesn't it look awesome! Maile was of course running around like crazy trying to help with last minute details. She makes me tired just watching her. By the way---the punch was seriously grubbin! Meridith got it from Kneaders and I'm not kidding when I say it was the best punch ever!!! (too bad we shattered one of the punch jars that night when we were cleaning up.....oops! Is it terrible to say I was more upset about the spilled punch then the broken jar).


Of course I have to finish this entry with a picture of the cutest baby in the world!!!! He was just chilling drinking his bottle. I was tempted to put some of the yummy punch in his bottle because I felt bad that he couldn't partake of it's goodness! And finally a picture that I stole off Cariann's blog of the happy little Baadsgaard family. Cash was especially happy chewing on Jed's tie for some reason! Congrats again to the happy couple! It was a fun day and we're all super happy that Cody found the girl of his dreams and a girl that his sisters finally approve of!!

Wedding + Family = 2 -week long party

So it's pretty much been an on-going party at the Baadsgaard household for the past two weeks. Cody gets married on Saturday so we had a little bachelorette/shower for Meridith at the Cheesecake Factory last night----any excuse to go to dinner with the girls!!! We all had a fun time and ate WAY too much! I'm so sorry I didn't get some pictures of Meridiths "presents" to post but then again I'm not sure they were big enough to get a picture of!

And now for a few pictures of Cash......I love the picture above because you can see Canon being all mischevious in the background. Below is a nice shot of Cash's first tooth.......what?..you can't see it????.....that's because the little stinker kept putting his tounge in the way!!! He's been quite the Mr. Crankypants with that tooth coming in. I couldn't resist posting the last picture of him asleep and his chubby cheeks! Have you ever heard that 2nd grade story/joke about the little boy named Chubby.....this picture reminds me of that. Cash has pretty much been spoiled by his Aunt Maile for the past week! Well, I'm sure I'll have plenty of pictures to post after the wedding on Saturday! It's sure been fun having our house full of family! Party on Wayne...Party on Garth!

Grandpa Oram is 90!!

So we just got back from a fun weekend in Idaho celebrating my grandpa's 90th birthday!! We gathered together at the church for a "family party" at noon and then had a big shin dig with the "townsfolk" later that night. The reason we had the family party at the church is because my grandparents have 5 children, 20 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great- grandchildren!!!!! (there were only a few that weren't able to make the party). I just sat there thinking "freak--at the rate I'm going I'll feel lucky to have a two kids and maybe a couple grand-kids before I die!" Above is a sweet picture of Hayli talking to my grandpa---she LOVES old people---unlike me when I was her age---old people scared me.... and then it didn't help when I got into young womens and we had to go to the nursing home and paint the old ladies fingernails......creepy!!!! Below is a picture of Cody hugging grandpa. I'm not afraid to admit that my Grandpa Oram is the best grandpa is the entire world....seriously, he is!

Each family tooks turns singing some of my grandpa's favorite songs....my grandpa is always singing some dumb song. I swear he knows more songs than anyone I know. The other thing my grandpa is famous for is giving all of his grandkids nicknames. Mine happens to be "Dutch". At the party I told the story of being at my first day of kindergarten and being in total fear that my grandpa was going to walk into the classroom and tell everyone my name was not Nalani, but it was Dutch! He had told me several weeks before school started that he was going to do that so i pretty much spent the entire first day of school looking at the classroom door. Although he didn't come to school that day he did come to almost every ballgame I played in and endured every dance and piano recital I was in. He was a serious trooper and was so supportive of everything his grandkids did. He wrote all of his grandkids letters on their missions and continues to write all of us a weekly e-mail and always ends it with "pray hard and sing loud in church."

Above is a picture of the centerpiece that was on the tables. The "E" stands for Ellis and the cars are because he ran a car delearship in town for years......one story that my Uncle Kent told is of my grandpa walking over to help a lady one day on the lot as she was looking at a brand new Buick---she had bent over to look inside the car and tooted......when she realized my grandpa was behind her she tried to cover it up by quickly asking him how much the car was.....he answered "well, if just looking at it makes you fart, you're going to poop when you hear the price!"

Of course I had to take a picture of the food table.....every good party has nut cups!!!!! Maile and I were making fun of it and we got busted by my cousin Kathy.....of course little did we know that she was the one who put the nut cups together----good thing she just laughed along with us! Needless to say it was a very fun weekend. I loved being together with all my family and am so grateful to have my grandparents still around and in pretty good health really! Party on Grandpa!!

And of couse I'll end with a cute picture of Cash!

Lake Powell

So this past week we was my first time ever to Lake Powell and it was AWESOME!!!! We seriously had so much fun---I think it was one of the best vacations I've ever been on. It was kind of a last minute thing....our friends Jason and Angie invited us to go with Jason's family --they have a sweet houseboat and a freakin awesome new boat so we ditched work and headed to Powell for 4 days!!! Above is a pictue of all the kids on the tube as we're about to take off---the youngest is little Charly and she's only 2 1/2 and she LOVED riding on the tube!! The craziest part is I left Cash with my sister-in-law Lesa ----the first night I was a little emotional about it (yes, once again being "that mom" and having to convince myself that it was ok to leave my baby to spend some time with my husband) but don't worry----I put on a brave face, drank a few Dr. Peppers, added some serious boat time, had a good uninterupted nap and reading time which helped resolve all guilt and loneliness I was having. Oh how I had missed a good nap!!!!
After getting home from Powell I realized I hadn't taken any pictures of myself---so rude! I promise I really did go. Above is a picture of the kids doing some serious cliff jumping---I mean look at those cliffs---they're at least 6 feet high! OK, I don't know what I'm making fun of---I wouldn't even jump!--I'm such a wuss in my old age. Below is a picture of Jed and a few of the gang hiking this weird crack in the wall.

Below is a nice picture of Jed and Jason tubing together because yip, once again---I was a wimp and wouldn't tube. All I wanted to do is ride on the boat and soak up the rays!!!! We seriously had such a fun time just taking rides in the boat, eating, playing games and watching movies. Thanks again to our hosts for inviting us and showing us such a great time and for not making fun of me for calling and checking on Cash at least once a day when we went to the marina for ice cream!!!!

All Dressed Up and Nowhere to Go!!!

So tonight we had a devistating event.....we were suppose to be going to the Spanish Fork Rodeo with Jed's family and then at the last minute found out we didn't have tickets!!!! I'm not sure where the mix-up happened but I do know that I had one very devistated little boy (or rather mom because she wouldn't be able to show off Cash and all his cowboy gear). You see, my favorite Aunt Marti who lives in Montana sent Cash his first cowboy hat, Carhart overalls, and John Deer Cowboy boots months ago and I've been waiting for the perfect opportunity for him to make his first "cowboy" apperance!!! Well, I couldn't let the night be a total loss----I dressed him up anyway to take a few pictures. Jed of course was making fun of me the whole time saying things like "you think Cash is just your dress up doll!" I confess...I do love to dress him up! Don't worry---when Cash started to pout about not being able to go to the rodeo I quoted the great Layne Frost (who incidentaly was played by Luke Dreamy Perry in my favorite movie... 8 seconds) and I said "Cash....Cowboy Up!!!"

I'm THAT mom!!

So I was talking to Maile on the phone today and I told her that I've officially turned into THAT mom-----you know, the kind who's life revolves around their kids nap schedule----I swore it would never happen but let me explain the situation.......Jed was out of town...I had to teach our primary class by myself and Cash is teething and was being fussy (I know, excuses...excuses!) so I set him down for a minute to play while I gathered up the rest of the stuff for primary and finished getting ready-----the next thing I know he's asleep!!!!! So this is when I turned into THAT mom-----I just couldn't do it.....I couldn't wake him up to go to church so I simply let him sleep and I skipped Sacramnet Meeting and as luck would have it my dad came over just in time for me to go to primary and I left him home with good ole' grandpa! I'm sure this is just the beginning of many things I'll do that I swore I never would! If you really want me to be honest I'll let you know that I think all moms shouldn't have to go to church for the first 5 years of their children's lifes! I honestly don't even know how people do it with more than one kid!!!!

Here's just a couple random shots I've taken over the past month of my little munchkin. I don't mean to brag but the little dude seriously gets cuter every day!!---Yip I'm also turning into THAT mom that all they do is brag and post pictures of their kids.....lame!!

A few new recipes to share!

I've recently tried some new recipes and thought I'd share the ones that got the best reviews by my pannel of experts (mostly Jed and myself). I've found all of them on my favorite recipe blogs. So give them a try!

Crash Potatoes

-Boil either red potatoes or regular small potatoes cut in half (skins still on) in salt water until fork tender.
-Drizzle Olive Oil on a cookie sheet and place the potatoes a few inches apart on the pan. Take a potatoes masher and mash down on the potatoe just until it cracks.---don't mash the crap out of it.
-Drizzle more olive oil over the potatoes, sprink salt (I like kosher salt the best), pepper and whatever other seasoning you'd like (garlic salt, rosemary, onion salt)----be generous in the salt especially.
-Bake in over at 450 degrees for about 25 minutes.

Cinnabun Cake

3 cups flour

¼ teaspoon salt

1 cup sugar

4 teaspoons baking powder

1 ½ cups milk

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

4 T. butter, melted

2 sticks butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar

2 T. flour

1 T. cinnamon

2/3 cups nuts, optional

2 cups powdered sugar

5 T. milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

In an electric or stand mixer mix the flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, milk, eggs and vanilla. Once combined well, slowly stir in melted butter. Pour batter into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, mix the 2 sticks of softened butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and nuts until well combined. Drop evenly over cake batter by the tablespoonfuls and use a knife to marble/swirl through the cake.Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out nearly clean from center.Place powdered sugar, milk and vanilla in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth. Drizzle over warm cake. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Blueberry Sour Cream Pancakes

2 c. all-purpose flour

¼ c. sugar

4 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt2 eggs

1 ½ c. milk

1 c. (8-oz) sour cream

1/3 c. butter, melted

1 c. fresh or frozen blueberries (I actually used fresh raspberries instead of blueberries)

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl. In another bowl, beat the eggs. Add milk, sour cream, and butter; mix well. Stir into dry ingredients just until blended. Fold in the blueberries. Pour batter by ¼ cupfuls onto a greased hot griddle; flip when golden on bottom. Cook until the second side is golden brown.

Raspberry Cream Cheese Muffins

2 rounded cups of frozen or fresh raspberries

3-4 Tablespoons sugar1 stick softened butter

8 oz softened cream cheese

1 Cup sugar

1 Tablespoon orange zest (one time I didn't have orange zest so I used a little coconut extract)

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 c. all purpose flour

¾ c. whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/3 c. 2% milk (or cream)

Preheat oven to 350°. Place raspberries and sugar in a large bowl. Stir to combine so that berries are coated in sugar. Set aside.In a stand or electric mixer cream the butter, cream cheese, sugar and orange zest until well combined. Slowly beat in the eggs and vanilla until combined.Combine the flour, wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a separate bowl. With mixer on low, add half the flour, then half milk, then remaining flour, then remaining milk until just combined.Spray muffin tin with cooking spray and fill with muffin batter, about ¾ full. Press 4 berries into tops of each unbaked muffin. Bake for 23-28 minutes or until golden brown on top and cooked through. Remove and let cool.

Cash's first photo shoot

So I finally went and got Cash's pictures taken in his blessing outfit. I waited awhile so his little outfit would fit him just a little better. I just went to Kiddie Kandids in the mall but I thought they did a pretty good job. The pictures are actually way cuter in person----I had to take pictures of the actual pictures to post here because I don't have a scanner at work. My sister Kami actually made his little outfit---didn't she do such an incredible job! I joke that she has more talent in her little finger than Maile and I do combined!

7 Peaks Summer

Let me begin by saying that I know the above picture is a very unflattering and horrible picture of me but what we won't do for a blog update!---especially one of 7 peaks!! Jed about died when I told him I bought a season pass yet again this year because he thought for sure once I had a baby I would grow up and not want to go "hang out like a 16-year old at 7 peaks anymore"----boy was he wrong! I love it!! To me summer = 7peaks! Of course I don't get the tan like I use to----or at least not a very even tan because when you have a baby wearing 50+ sunblock that is sitting on your lap you tend to get a little blotchy. So here's to another great summer at 7 peaks.....the best place in Provo (minus there dumb a-- little high school punk employees!)



Here's Cash totally crying because it's time to go home. Is it horrible that whenever he starts crying I totally start laughing because I think the little face he makes is so hilarious! He's been known to just bust into that cry for no reason --especially if something startles him----stinkin hilarious!

Back to Work!!!

The day I've been dreading for 3 months finally came this past Monday......the day I had to go back to work! I told Jed I didn't want to go back and he told me that I spend way too much money to stay home.......so rude...but so true!---ouch! So Jed watched Cash on Mon, Tues, and Wed and I have to say that he did such an awesome job! I'm not even kidding, he is the best dad ever. He took such good care of Cash, kept the house clean and even managed to plant the garden---dang! It's so nice that he can watch him the days that he's no traveling. Jen watched him Thurs and today and I just got an e-mail a few minutes ago from her with these pictures. It's so nice having her watch him.....she treats him just like her own and takes such awesome care of him which makes it so much easier for me to go to work. My sister-in-law Lesa will be back next week to watch Cash 3 days a week but it's so nice to have Jen as my back-up.


I was thrown right into work by my boss this week. On Wednesday we had our bi-annual Marriott Inspection and he informed me on Tuesday that I would be running the inspection!!! I was a little nervous seeing as I haven't been here for the past 3 1/2 months so I had no idea where we were as far as the preperation. This should make all of you who stay in Marriotts feel very good about staying in Marriotts.......every 6 months we go through an inspection......we usually don't know when they are coming and the inspection lasts all day. The inspector randomly chooses rooms from the hotel and inspects them.....you can fail you inspection if they find anything like a hair in the bed or on the bedding anywhere, they take a black light to the entire bathroom to check the cleanliness. They take a damp wash cloth and rub in on the carpet to see if there is any dirt. They check for dust and dirt everywhere---I'm talking even on the top of door jams going into any area of the hotel. They even take out the baby cribs we have and black light them to check for any stains. They grill our employees on the Marriott Standards and I had to answer all the General Manager questions and provide all documentation showing all our action and emergency plans. Needless to say it's intense!!!! We ended up scoring a 91%!!!!!! I was pretty proud of our staff! It's nice to be back to work but nothing beats seeing my little boy and seeing him smile the minute I walk in the door----that's the good stuff!!!!