Just another day in the Bergstrom House!

Okay so Thursday for now is Brian's free day. I have been needing some out of the house time and to get away from Rexburg so today was the day. I headed out with Layla to get her some much needed summer clothes. It was a big day for her. She got to go with me to get hair supplies at the Cosmo Prof store. Then it was off to lunch at Fazoli's. After that we spent two hours at Kohl's shopping for dresses, capris, shorts, skirts and tops for her. I even took her into the dressing room to try on the dresses. While we were in there everyone around laughed as they listened to the following conversation we had.

"Layla why don't you try on your first dress and see how you like it while I try on a couple shirts."

"Okay mom you try to see if any of them fit you this time."

"So kiddo how is it coming, what do you think?"

"What the heck! There are four beautiful skinny skinny Layla's! See there is me and those!!"

"Do you like your dress?"

"Yeah it makes me look really pretty! I think I want this one. And I think I want all the clothes so I can look pretty. They make me look skinny but that is okay I'll get bigger!"

(Layla is modeling her new dresses for dad!)

It was the first time I realized that I no longer have a toddler but a little girl now! She is growing up way too fast. After that we headed out to get new shoes and stop finally at Walmart. While we climbed out of the car Layla asked where Grandma went. I was taken by surprise because I didn't think she knew Grandma worked in Idaho Falls. Silly me just blew her off. She looked me straight in the face and said in a stern tone, "THERE IS HER CAR WHERE IS SHE?" I looked next to us and she was right, there was Grandma's car. So we headed in side and called her to see where she was. After hanging out with Grandma and letting me finish up shopping we headed back home. I thought to myself this is the perfect day then I walked in the house.

The smell could have smacked you in the face it stunk so bad. All I could think of is NOT AGAIN. Brian explained that once again the house smells cause Isa decided to puke all over him for about 3 minutes straight. I felt so bad but was glad I missed it this time. He hadn't had the pleasure of being puked on yet so I am glad that we both know what it is like now. I wouldn't want him to left out would I!!!! Anyways everyone seems fine now. Isa is back to normal for now and Layla is high as a kite after a day of shopping. I guess this is just life and we will have to find times to laugh cause who knows what tomorrow will bring!

Gotta Love Girls!

Incase you can't tell I have very girly girls who love to show off. Today we had the cable guy come back to hookup our DVR and in two minutes layla was in the room in a play wedding dress, necklace, tiara and heels walking around looking for compliments. What can I say she is a miniture Marilee, for all that remember, I was the same at her age!

The Things Our Kids Do When We Aren't Looking

Saturday Night Brian has to work so it is just me and the girls. We played for a while and then ate some ravioli. They make a huge mess so I put them straight into the bathtub. It was then that I noticed that little Isa stunk. I mean she smelled like she had eaten something 3 weeks past it's expiration date. So I vigorously washed her and then rubbed her down with some Bath and Body Works lotion. I brushed her teeth and thought to myself "much better!" Then I kissed her and realized that totally didn't make a dent in the horrid aroma. So I moved on the fluoride toothpaste thinking a little swallowed is worth it to get rid of the foul breath. After two cycles on the sonicare I realized that this was a smell I thought must be an infection in her throat.

When Brian came home I explained the dilemma and instantly he said,"She must have shoved food up her nose and it rotted!" I was about to be sick but thought you know he might be right. Sunday morning comes around and we get the girls up to get ready for church. And Brian gets a big whiff of our foul smelling cutie. After pulling out a flashlight and tweezers he looked up her nose. To every one's shock we found BATTING from her blanket. Piece after piece Brian pulled out trying not to dry heave. And a handful later we are thinking the ER might be a good place to stop by. I felt bad because we had to drop Layla off at church so she wouldn't have to go and luckily that worked out great.

Isa on the other hand spent 30 minutes with a huge stretched out nostril and suctions trying to get the last of the batting out of her little nose. And finally we got it all. Now don't ask me why, how or where she got the idea that of all things to do while she sleeps shoving handfuls of batting up her nose was a good idea. But luckily she is feeling herself and back to smelling nice. So my words or wisdom are : IF YOUR KID SMELLS AND A BATH DOESN'T WORK, CHECK THE NOSE!!!!

Okay so I want to get photo-shop or something like it. So I am playing around with a few programs. So bare with me as I post pictures because i am trying all the settings out to see what i like. Anyways this is me with my girls eating a great lunch where they actually ate more pizza then me!

Perfect Hair

Isa is definitely a little version of her older sister but one thing that is different is that she has perfect hair. This is her in the bathtub. We always first wash their hair and then let them play. Right before I pulled her out of the tub this is how her hair dried. I am totally jealous. She has that one in a million hair that with just a little mouse turns into PERFECT curls. And of course is just thick enough and she just enough hair that it is totally manageable. We are now officially terrified of having teenage girls.

Day at the Park

The weather was finally nice enough to go outside and enjoy sometime at the Park. The girls are all grown up now and can go through the playground without any assistance. And both little rugrats are swinging on big kid swings. This means a lot less work or Mom and Dad. I love to watch how much they change in just one year. It is amazing the things they learn in such a short time. They may be a total handful but they sure are cute when they are happy!

Pant Giveaway!

Okay so as most of you know I am FINALLY loosing weight after having two kids and getting HUGE! I have pants now in tons of sizes that are too big for me. They are cute and I wish them to have a good home with someone who can love them as I did. So if you think you might like to have a new pair then by all means come shopping over at my house. And I also have a really cute pink dress I wish I could tailor but really don't know how and am afraid I would mess it up. It is a 12 from the brand Apt 9 at Kohl's so if you want that too please take it. Anyways just thought that I would share!

P.S. Julianne thank you thank you for those pants you were taking to DI. I finally got the guts to try them on and about cried when I looked in the mirror to see that they FIT! Nothing beats getting new pants in my silly stay-at-home mom world!

Almost warm

It is almost warm here in Rexburg on a good day. The girls went out a couple day ago to ride bikes around and try to get out some energy. Layla is in a pretending stage where everything she plays with is really something else in her mind. The basket she is wearing she explained was her bike helmet so she can be safe. I love the funny things they do. It is just like they said at conference. You have to notice the good, happy and meaningful times while you struggle through the everyday work. I am glad to hear that someone understood that really a lot of times that is how it is. Sometimes it is those little moments each day. But for me I find lately it is those little moments a couple times a week where i really think, "This is why I love being a mom!" Anyways hope the warm weather is coming and stays cause I am sick of being inside!

Dinner is always an event!

I don't know how dinner is at your house but to actually sit down and eat as a family is quite an event. Their is always food being stolen from others plates. Mostly Layla stealing my spinach. I really am not kidding. She for some reason is the most healthy eater. give her the choice between beef or veggies she will choose veggies 19 out of 20 times! Anyways. Isa is getting a lot more vocal these days. HOWEVER unless you spend a lot of time with her you won't understand a single word she says. So if you watch the video and think to yourself what the heck.... don't feel bad we do that all the time and we are her parents! Most of time we try to get through dinner as quick as possible to avoid any fighting. But the other night the girls were really cute so we thought we would steal a few pictures and videos of our night!

The truth!!!!

Okay so like most mothers I love my children, think they are the best around, totally stand by the fact that they are the cutest kids on earth and wish for everyone to see them just as I do; little angels. I will stand by this statement ALMOST all the time. But lately I realized that my children have a side I wish I could erase!

If you want read on for a few highlights that I like to call... what is really going on behind the walls and doors!

ISA ---Somewhere behind this beautiful face and shy little demeanor is a bold, demanding, touchy, dramatic kid!

As Layla's shadow she is learning all sorts of new words and phrases that I HOPE she doesn't really understand. She told me time and time again over the last week the following after about every 5th thing I asked her to do. And remember she is only 21 months. "NO NEBER NEBER NEBER!!!" I don't know why but just saying no isn't enough anymore she has to let me know that not only is she not going to listen but she NEVER will listen.

She is also the most physical child when she is mad. This sweet little bugger had done the arch the back in furry since she was like 4 months old. Except now she does it while standing. So in case I didn't know she was mad at me with the things she says, she feels it is necessary to either stiffen her whole body in anger and then preceded to fall with great momentum, or she goes completely limp and falls to the ground. Either way she gets hurt a lot. And the best part is that 95% of the things i correct her for are things that are going to hurt her. Why do I even bother?!?

Last, but definitely not the least annoying, is the amount she must have Layla be a part of her life. Now I love that they are best friends and that she wants to be just like her, but really, there are somethings you don't have to copy. Today was a new day, a good day, we were starting fresh and ready to start the week with a bright outlook UNTIL NAP TIME!!!!! Isa has learned by listening to Layla that the way to get out of a nap is by yelling for an unending amount of time. Followed by quick reminders, told as loud as you can of course, while banging on the door that "I AM NO NAP I NO GO NIGH NIGH!!!! NO NIGH NIGH!!! NO NAP!!!!" Thank you so much for that tidbit of information because the fact that she screamed bloody murder for 2 hours and 20 minutes made me think maybe just maybe you might!!! And of course this was all because she realized that Layla wasn't taking a nap in the bed next to her.

LAYLA--- she really is the best big sister outside of our home and perfectly listens to everyone but the mother who stays at home all day with her.

I don't know where she got picked it up from but she has decided that the name I gave her is not the one she wanted. So as she told the doctors when asked but her full name is, she has changed it to "GOOD GUY LAYLA!" Now this good guy thing gets tacked on to everything that pertains to her. The following conversation is a wonderful illustration of her obsession.

ME: "Layla you did a really good job dressing up barbie she looks beautiful. You are getting to be such a big girl."

Layla: "NO I AM NOT A BIG GIRL! I AM JUST GOOD GUY LAYLA!"

WHY WHY WHY can I not give my kid a compliment without messing it up by not remembering that she is nothing more than GOOD GUY LAYLA!

Someone forgot to tell Layla that these puppy dog eyes do not get you out of the punishment that you were warned time and time again was coming. To go along with the good guy thing let me tell you my recent struggle! Layla somehow woke up about a week ago 26 years old. She respects me, loves me, helps me out around the house and takes care of Isa a good 80 % of the time. But if I dare correct her then I best remember that she is older than me and who the heck am I to tell her what to do. I somehow did not get the memo that she is now the mother! Stupid me! Anyways now after a 24 hour power struggle with this sweetheart I called my mom and begged for help. She told me exactly what my Aunt Michele told her many years ago.

"You need to react quicker so that you aren't mad when you finally crack down on the bad behavior. You need to tell them to stop and if they do it again punish them. YOU TALK TOO MUCH!" After going home and talking with Brian I realized that this is exactly what I am doing wrong. I do try to let her do the right thing. She of course listens for about 3 minutes TOPS and then returns to doing whatever it was that was getting her in trouble. So after thinking about it I realized that she hates to go to her room and stop whatever she is doing. So that is the punishment for everything. I ask once, THAT'S IT! It works wonders because I am finished putting her in the room before I even think about getting upset for her not listening.

Anyways to finish my rambling story. I am not only getting up two steps before I hear, "NO I'LL BE A GOOD GUY I'LL BE A GOOD GUY!!!" I used to think, oh great I am glad you get the picture, but no no I did not give her the credit she deserves. She was just feeding me what I wanted to hear. She really just thought, this is going to get me out of a punishment.

NOW TO THE COMBO PACK!!!!

Nothing is better then when your children finally decide to gang up on you! Tonight is a perfect example. All week long they haven't napped, making them little hellions! Today, as I stated before, was no different. Layla couldn't nap after listening to 2 and a half hours of screaming. I was lucky that she even laid down for a while quietly. Anyways we had a wonderful night playing and singing. Finally we ended the night with hide and seek. About a minute before the game ended Layla got out our carpet powder and went to town shaking it; after being warned 2 times today to not touch it. This of course was way too good of an opportunity because MOM IS HIDING!!!! Anyways i thought, hey we will just head up to stairs and get ready for bed no punishment. NO NO NO she knew she was wrong and went straight into the yelling that she is sorry and don't tell me no mom stuff. So on we went to our room. I came in no less than a minute later with Isa and low and behold she peed her pants to stick it to me!

I kept me cool and put them in pj's, read books, said prayers and tucked them in. I headed down stairs to answer the phone and chatted with my best friend for a few minutes. Then after hearing them move around for a while i went in to check on them. And to my surprise a tornado had hit their room. EVERY ARTICLE OF CLOTHING was all over the floor; followed with all the stuffed animals which were reached by stacking pillows and blankets off both beds. And Layla was standing on the bed with a huge smile while Isa sat in a box. I would have laughed but Layla spoke for them saying "We aren't going to bed Mom. We don't have to. We are playing!" And at that moment all the wonderful patience I had flew out the window. I got them to pick up for about 20 seconds before they were throwing clothes at my face laughing and running around.

Seeing that time out in the room was obviously out of the question, I put Layla in the hall and Isa on a spare bed. And I picked up the room for ten minutes. Then, when i tried to change poopy pants they ran around yelling "I don't have to I'll be a good guy!" That was it and I spanked them both and sent them to bed. I am not proud that I totally lost it right there at the end but I have to say I tried SO HARD AND ALMOST MADE IT! Tomorrow is a new day, right. Wish me luck with the two most wonderful and horrible children all balled up in one perfect package. I realize why we learn all the lessons of life we need to while staying at home and taking care of our children.

For all of you that think oh my kids never will be like that GOOD LUCK and I hope you are right! For those of you laughing because you have done it too, HOW DID YOU DO IT????

Daddy's Little Isa

I just thought that I would post a picture from our weekend watching conference. Layla actually took a really good nap so we spent some time just with Isa. And she totally loves having Daddy all to herself!

Finished Product!!!!

Okay so I was totally sick of getting a bad haircut and not being satisfied with my color that I took it into my own hands for the first time in a LONG TIME! Anyways I did the color about a week or two ago and really like it. It isn't as drastic as it was before just a little more normal. And after fighting with my split ends I cut my own hair just like I like it. A nice layered cut with ONLY 90 degree layers. None of those horrible triangular layers that seem to be everywhere in Rexburg. And in my personal opinion unless you have a stack they are a no-no.

I was scared that I would have to take off a lot of length in the back to even out the cut the way I wish it would have been the first time but it actually wasn't too bad. With a little help from Brian I even shortened the length about 2 inches to really help even it all out and grow out nice healthy hair. Anyways here is how it came out. Pretty great isn't it! I know I shouldn't be so boastful but it is my one talent and a mom has got to get self esteem from something other then cleaning the house right?

Divas in action

Today the girls were bugging me all morning to have their best friend come over and play. So we cleaned up and got out the play dough. When Addie came over they went straight upstairs and to my surprise they never wanted to come down. They went straight for the dress up clothes and became princesses. They also came up with a new game I like to call "Swiper". They run around saying "swiper no swiping" every time Isa tries to take a toy that they are either playing with or thought about playing with. For those of you who don't watch Dora there is a fox that is always trying to take the things they are using or need. They eventually just yelled it at her every once in a while not the whole time. Poor little Isa is the smallest and still referred to as 'Baby Isa' and treated like a little kid though I think she is almost as big. Plus she really has enough personality to make up for her lack in size.


Now for some more everyday humor. Brian thought that he would teach the girls a new song. What song you ask? Well what he likes to call my favorite and special song... Row row row your boat. The girls keep coming up to me smiling shyly singing either the whole song (if you are Layla) or just the Merrily Merrily Merrily part (if you are Isa). It is cute and defiantly brightens my day.

Outgrowth bye-bye!

Okay so I haven't colored my own hair is years. I mean I have let other try their best to do their magic on my hair but I haven't tried to do it myself. And tonight since I have no kids, no friends, and no husband to keep me busy I am taking my hair into my own hands. Now this is something that I really am not very comfortable with since the risks of messing up when I can only see 1/10 of my own hair is great I can't stand the outgrowth of black. So wish me luck as I attempt to make myself beautiful this evening. And if the next time you see me I have all one color hair just know I tried. I promise I am much better at coloring others hair then my own.

I'm a big kid now!

So little Isa continues to follow her big sister around wanting to do very thing she does. She follows the good, the sweet and the naughty examples she sees. I love it when they both are in a good mood and play together laughing and smiling. I really don't mind even when they yell and tell me to go away but continue to play well together. But what really makes me have to sigh is when they both roll their eyes at me when I ask them to come over for simple things like to put clothes on. I know that kids like to get naked and run around the house but the girls have now developed a name for themselves when they do it. The run around patting themselves calling each other "naked good guy!" So today Layla like usual (thank goodness) hopped on the potty all by herself and did her business. Next thing I know Isa is trying hard to get her shirt off after already succeeding in getting off the pants and the diaper. She apparently thinks she needs to potty naked i guess. Anyways after about 10 minutes of sitting there with Layla couching her on what to do she runs out to get on a diaper. No more than two second later she is running around in Layla's panties. Layla was so proud of her she gave her a big hug and told her she was a big girl now. When I tried to take a picture of our little grown up Isa she was very shy and suddenly aware that she was barely covered. But clothes or no clothes she is totally a doll. So here is our little shadow all ready to get potty trained if I am ready to take on the challenge. Wish me luck training a 21 month old while still watching a 3 year old and a dog. I guess we will just make it a family event every hour!

Quotes

Here are a few of the quotes that really stood out to me as either things I haven't thought about in a while or really mean a lot to me or those I love. I thought they might mean something to one or more of you so I thought I would share.

Elder Henry B Eyring- All of us have felt something of both union and separation. Sometimes in families and perhaps in other settings we have glimpsed life when one person put the interests of another above his or her own, in love and with sacrifice. And all of us know something of the sadness and loneliness of being separate and alone. We don't need to be told which we should choose. We know. But we need hope that we can experience unity in this life and qualify to have it forever in the world to come. And we need to know how that great blessing will come so that we can know what we must do.

Where people have that Spirit with them, we may expect harmony. The Spirit puts the testimony of truth in our hearts, which unifies those who share that testimony. The Spirit of God never generates contention. It never generates the feelings of distinctions between people which lead to strife. It leads to personal peace and a feeling of union with others. It unifies souls. A unified family, a unified Church, and a world at peace depend on unified souls.

President Spencer W Kimball- One comes to realize very soon after marriage that the spouse has weaknesses not previously revealed or discovered. The virtues which were constantly magnified during courtship now grow so small and insignificant during courtship now grow to sizable proportions. The hour has come for understanding hearts, for self-appraisal, and for good common sense, reasoning, and planning. The habits of years now show themselves; the spouse may be stingy or prodigal, lazy or industrious, devout or irreligious; he may be kind and cooperative or petulant and cross, demanding or giving, egotistical or self-effacing. The in-law problem comes closer into focus, and the relationships of the spouse to them is again magnified.

The success of [the marriage] depends upon the two individuals- not upon one, but upon two.

In a marriage commenced and based upon reasonable standards as already mentioned, there are not combinations of power which can destroy it except the power within either or both of the spouses themselves; and they must assume the responsibility generally. Other people and agencies may influence for good or bad. Financial, social, political, and other situations may seem to have a bearing; but the marriage depends first and always on the two spouses who can always make their marriage successful and happy if they are determined, unselfish, and righteous.

There is nobody who should argue with the Lord. he made the earth; He made the people. He knows the conditions. he set the program, and we are not intelligent enough or smart enough to be able to argue him out of these important things. He knows what is right and true. We ask you to think of these things. Be sure that your marriage is right. Be sure that your life is right. Be sure that your part of the marriage is carried forward properly.

"getting to know you... getting to know all about you"

1. What time did you get up this morning? 8:15
2. Diamonds or Pearls? Diamonds
3. What two things do you always have with you? phone and baby wipes
4. What is your favorite TV show? Lost, we are totally hooked!
5. What do you usually have for breakfast? 1/2 a grapefruit
6. What is your favorite book? Mere Christianity
7. What is your middle name? Michele
8. What food do you dislike? Sushi
9. What is your favorite CD? Ben Folds Five
10. What type of car do you drive? Corolla
11.Favorite sandwich? Chicken Salad
12. What characteristic do you despise? Liars
13. Favorite item of clothing? Jeans
14. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Fiji
15. What color is your bathroom? white walls with red accents
16. Favorite brand of clothing? Simply Verna
17. Where would you retire to? Midwest
18. What was your most recent memorable birthday? 21st
19. Do you make friends easily? Friends no not really but aquentences... I'm actually really shyAnyone who wants fill out and tell us just a little more about you... it's fun!
20. Favorite saying? "The day you stop trying is the day you loose but until then you are just somewhere on the journey!"
21. Are you a morning person or a night person? Night
22. Pets? Mini Poodle Sophie
23. What did you want to be when you were little? A princess... that is why I just laugh at my girls they are totally just like me!
24. How are you today? Happy and surprisingly well rested!
25. What is your favorite candy? Hot Tamales
26. What is your favorite flower? Violet Roses
27. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? April 3rd
28.What church do you attend? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
29. What are you listening to right now? Layla singing along with Enchanted
30. What was the last thing you ate? Bowl of salad
31. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? carmel
32. How is the weather right now? apparently 50 but feels like 30
33. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My husband
34. Favorite restaurant? Manny's in KC MO
35. Hair color? Brown with a splash of blond
36. Sibling(S)? 3 - 1 sister, 2 brothers
37. What was your favorite toy as a child? Barbies but only to dress them up and make them a pretty house... then I was done playing!
38. Summer or winter? Summer
39. Hugs or kisses? Kisses
40. Chocolate or Vanilla? Swirl
41. When was the last time you cried? two weeks ago?
42. What is under your bed? random stuff that has no place!
43. Favorite smell? Clean Laundry washed with apple mango tango
44. What are you afraid of? spiders and the dark
45. Plain, butter or salted popcorn? butter
46. How many keys on your key ring? 3
47. How many years at your current job? 3 years as of November!
48. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
49. How many towns have you lived in? 3
50. Who do you tag... anyone who wants to let us know a little more about them!

Easter Sunday

We didn't really do too much to celebrate today and of course I didn't get pictures of the girls in their church dresses. We were in a mad rush to get out the door on time today and then after church I snuck out to go to my best friend's baby blessing. He seriously is such a cute little boy, ahh one day, on far off day maybe we will have a little fella too! I am definately not in any hurry but it sure would be nice to have another man in the house! Anways here are some pictures from our lazy Sunday!

My little photographers!!!

The girls thought it would be fun to take turns taking pictures of everyone. I think they did a really good job for their first time don't you think!?!

Play Group Egg Hunt!

For play group my friend Ashley was kind enough to let us go to her parents gymnastic studio to have an Easter egg hunt and play. The girls just love to go there and play in the big foam pit. They were go cute and well behaved which was wonderful! Here are a few highlights from their day!