Walmart = Great & Spacious Building

Friday night, as I was pondering over everything, I had the thought to paint my table.  A couple nights earlier I made this board to hang my measuring cups up on, and I pulled out this dark gray (picked by Trevor).  As I was painting, I fell in love.  I have never been a gray  person, but something touched my heart when I started painting.   It almost became this weird obsession.  I told Trevor that I was going to paint the table gray and redo the chairs granny apple green.  He said it was ok...so Saturday I went to Wal-Mart and bought some spray paint and a pint of gray paint (I luckily found on clearance).

As I was waiting for my new paint color to finish shaking, I felt this warm wet sensation on my obliques.  I looked down and thought, "No....Ryker couldn't have just peed on me.  He has a diaper!"  So for a second longer I had this warm drizzle on me...nope, then it clicked.  A couple days earlier I thought I'd give the cheap diapers a chance.  They seemed to be doing well until that moment, standing in Wal-Mart that my white shirt became clear.  I didn't know what to do! I left the diaper bag in the car so I didn't have extra diapers, I didn't pack extra clothes cause I live in Rexburg where everything is a 5 minute drive, and my paint is almost done shaking.

So what do I do?  I just got over the fact that I have a puddle of pee on myself. *** Note to everybody...always make sure to use the sanitation wipes at the store because you never know who is using cheap diapers like myself.

I went to the always too long of a line at the checkout aisle and bought my spray paint.  I headed home and pulled my chairs out on the grass and starting painting, only to realize that I needed more spray paint.  Apparently spray paint doesn't go as far when you are spray circular objects.  UGH.  So I ran back to the store and stocked up on spray paint. I left Ryker at home with Trev.  I battled the crowd packed aisles and finally got up to the checkout aisle again, only to be asked for my ID.  What?! Apparently if you don't look 40 the cashiers who take their jobs too seriously will card you.  And heck yes I put up a fight.

First of all, I only brought my debit card.  I left my wallet in the diaper bag so the next time I go out I don't forget my wallet.  Second of all, I wasn't carded the first time because I had a baby on my hip.  The college kid who obviously thought Wal Mart was the best thing that ever happened to him, told me federal laws mumbo jumbo and I was like ??? Seriously?  What do you think I am going to do with spray paint?  I obviously still have no clue what people do with spray paint other than spray the paint! haha.  (Yes, I like to be that naive.)   So after a disgruntled argument I just stormed out of walmart and went home and got my son and my ID and went back to battle another long line.  How annoying right?

I handed my ID to the annoying checker and grabbed my paint and stormed out of Walmart again.  THEN guess what?  I ran out of spray paint again! So I hauled my butt back to Walmart, grabbed more paint, and never got carded! WHY? because apparently when you have a baby on your hip, you look 40!  Or people would gladly allow you to go huff some fumes because being a parent is hard work! I really don't know!

The best part, is there was a manager standing right there the first time I went in.  I argued with the same manager my second time around.  And the third time around she was standing there.  Never making sure that my ID was checked the 1st and 3rd time when I had Ryker with me.  UGH!

Are you bored of reading my blog yet?  I just needed to vent that Walmart and I have a love/hate relationship.  But since I live in Rexburg, population of 10,000...we get a half of walmart.  And since every other store around charges double their prices and closes at 5, I get to battle the great and spacious Walmart.

I still have to paint my table...but I am already in love with my granny apple green chairs!  I'll post some pics as soon as its done.

Also some great news.  I went to LuLu & Oliver boutique and showed them my ties.  She is going to start carrying my ties! Wahoo.  So is Mommy n'Me.  So if you want a tie for your little man, you can find them at these two stores...or of course you can just email me and get them through me! SO fun!

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Proud Mama

This post is long over due.  Ryker started walking awhile ago but it was mostly just a couple steps here and there.  Now he has figured out that its not so bad.  He usually picks a target and then walks to it but he is getting better at turning and balancing.  It is so fun!  We love watching him with his arms outstretched like he is on a constant balance beam.  I really can't describe the fulfillment I feel when I see him do something we taught him.  I know most parents can relate...but I think it is quite the blessing to watch these little babies grow up! Its sad sometimes when he doesn't want to snuggle with mommy and daddy.  I just hope we can teach him all the good things he needs to know!

Some other funny stories.  Trevor was giving Ryker a bath and I was talking with someone at the door.  All of a sudden Ryker started screaming and I just heard Trev yell..."LICIA???"  So I ran in the bathroom to find the tub drained, Ryker screaming at the edge of the tub and Trevor just standing in the hallway.  I look in the tub and Ryker is reaching for me to get him...He had done his duty in the tub and instead of cleaning it out, Trev left the dirty duty for me to deal with.  Haha. It was gross but what can ya do?  A couple of days later I was giving Ryker a bath and low and behold the thought came, "Ryker hasn't pooped today." (The thoughts that go through a mom's head right?)  Not even a second later Ryker gets this worried look and starts screaming.  I whip his little body out and put him on the toilet and not even a second later we hear "PLOP"  I know...sorry graphic. But it was a day to record that Ryker used the big boy potty!  Maybe potty training will be in the near future! (haha...yeah right! I can only hope it'd be that easy!)

I think somewhere in between those days, I was getting the water ready for Ryker's bath.  I usually just let him sit on my lap while the water fills up.  But something was different this time.  My legs got really warm and wet...yes...Ryker had peed my pants!  I stood up laughing pretty hard but unfortunately didn't get a picture because I don't know why.  But I think that is the first time I can say someone else peed my pants!

Oh the joys of motherhood!  Speaking of that...wow!  I never thought I would have the barefoot, food crusted kid at the store.  That was TOTALLY me today!  We bought some sandals for Ryk but I have misplaced one of them.  I walked into Broulim's today and I had my hair in a bun and looked like I just woke up.  And you know the fabulous thing? I had a baby on my hip who was food crusty face, I got some looks of sympathy from other moms that were like, "I've been there!" haha.  How wonderful it is to be a mom! I really don't care somedays and thats just fine with me!

Ryker has just grown so much since we've moved here. It is insane!!

I also wanted to show you this super cute diaper bag I am making for my friend who just had a baby.  Sorry its not a surprise Malorie! haha.

Blue sucker...I was stoked that he actually stuck out his tongue when I asked! Haha.

Diaper Bag!

I don't think these pictures do justice.  Hopefully it is as cute as I think it is!

This is one of my new fav pics!  These are our  3D glasses. haha..so cute!

I also just finished reading Heaven is for Real.  I would recommend if you are looking for an easy read.  It was inspirational even though there are some parts that I am still a little unsure of.  It is about a little boy who went to "Heaven" and had quite the story to tell regarding it.  It makes me think of heaven in a way I guess I didn't really imagine.  I am just grateful for the Plan of Salvation because we know what to look forward to as most people I don't think give much thought to.  It was a cool little book.

I know there was more I wanted to say, but I just can't remember now that I am sitting down and typing!  Hopefully you enjoy the videos and don't mind our messy apartment.  Ha. It is never clean though so who I am I kidding! :)

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Oh HAPPY day!

I just needed to tell you that I bought a Silhouette SD!!! WAHOO! Thanks Amazon for giving me a FABULOUS deal! Trevor let me order it for mother's day.  I got it on Saturday and I have NEVER been so excited over a gift! Well besides Ryker and getting married and all the obvious things.  I knew it was coming on Saturday so I waited and waited for the FedEx truck to pull in.  I watched the truck stop at the wrong building, walk up a few flights of stairs and then got up the courage to show my excitement.  I ran out to meet the FedEx lady as she asked...Are you #39?  I said "YES!!! And I am SOOO excited!"  She laughed and we parted ways.  I ran inside, and literally ripped the box open and pulled everything out.  My boxes were scattered through our living room and Trevor walked in half hour later to see the massacre.  Luckily Ryker was asleep so I could really savor the moment.  When Trev saw me he just looked at me and said, "Well, Happy Mother's Day?" haha. I couldn't stand to wait.  I couldn't wait. So there were no pictures because I was by myself, acting like a child on Christmas morning.  I made my Mother's Day cards on it even though I was still trying to figure it out! Ha.

So this means I can make ALL the vinyl sayings and decor I have been dreaming about!! Girls night anyone?

My mother's day was great.  We had some yummy french toast and Ryker ate it! Then we went to one of our new wards (we are still unsure where we are going) that started at 11.  Remember when 11 was the BEST time ever? Thats when I didn't have a kid whose nap time was in the middle of Sacrament! OH MY WORD! Ryker needed a nap BADLY. We attempted Sunday School in hopes he would fall asleep but we didn't last 2 minutes in there.  Poor newlyweds! It was quiet and peaceful until we walked in.  The other ward we can go to starts at 1 but HELLO? Thats in the middle of naptime! So we are going inactive! haha. JK but really. We are going to see if we can go to a 9 oclock church because that time works! Is that so bad? Don't tell me if it is b/c I won't listen.

Then I got to take a yummy nap! A whole hour! Jealous? Then we went back down to IF town and had dinner with Trev's mom and dessert with my mom.  I can't say how grateful I am to have such incredible women in my life who have set a bar for my to reach!  My sister in law, Crystal, is one of the craftiest people I know. You know that kind that puts your two hour project to shame with a twist of a ribbon! She made a photobook of our family vacation.  It was SOO cute! We went to Bear Lake last year and had a BLAST boating and tubing and burning.  I just lost my thought as to what I wanted to say.

HMM...(pause to re-think my thoughts) Oh yes!  She had a picture of me in a swimming suit! Thats right! I think I found the picture I need to tatoo to my arm.  If I ever needed an incentive to run, this picture would do it!  YUCK! So two things...1. I need to run b/c someday I am going to run a marathon and 2...I need a new swimsuit! ha.  Has anyone seen any cute ones? Please direct me!

I just want to say how fun it is to read others blogs! I don't know how many of you have read my BFF's blog, but she FINALLY announced shes prego. I am good at keeping secrets but DANG! This one killed me! So shout out to the new mommy to be...Megsters! I am so excited!!!

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Our life has changed!

Its true.  I don't know if you remember in my last post how I stated how I was eager see what was coming our way this month? Well are ya'll ready for this?

I started a new job doing some merchandising in stores...really part time. THE WEEK AFTER I started I saw a job post for apartment managing couples in Rexburg.  I applied and we got an interview scheduled for like two weeks out.  I got kinda bummed because I read some reviews and I just felt uneasy...So I called on the second one and basically had it offered to us. I was SOO excited and almost took it. Then Trevor reminded me to pray and not to rush into things because I tend to do that! We had our phone interview with the first place and then she scheduled an onsite interview with us a week later.  The next day we had another interview with the job I almost took and all the sudden I just got this peaceful warning, if thats possible, that I would be miserable.  So when they offered us the job we told them no. I felt bad but I still had some high hopes for the other place.  A week later came and we had our onsite interview, but then we had to wait a week to find out if we got it. PAUSE** We really wanted to move back up to Rexburg just for the sake of not having Trevor have to commute an hour everyday! It was expensive on gas and he was gone ALL day and then would come home and have to do homework! UNPAUSE** So Monday came, the day we'd find out if we got it.  We didn't get called.  I seriously was SO stressed all day.  I couldn't stop thinking about moving. Then I figured that we didn't get it and it wasn't meant to be. After all there were only 100+ applicants. Someone probably needed it more than us...right?

WRONG! Nope, I guess Heavenly Father knew what we needed. We ended up getting a call later in the evening and got offered the job! WAHOO! So I started the next day to train in the office.  All I can concentrate on...for  reals...is how I was going to re-organize the office! It is interesting how people do things differently. I know I just have to have everything organized and pretty much in order to make my brain function. (And that is really only when I am working...my house and husband would say differently!)  My last office I had to redo everything. Anyway, the next day I came to train and the girl said, "Oh we are moving today" WHAAT? ok. cool? She ended up staying one extra day to make sure I grasped the basics, but then she was gone.  We moved in the following Monday and we are just getting our lives organized! YIKES! I was eager to move but I hate moving! UGH!

Then Trevor finally decided that it was time to sell the honda.  Man those are like hotcakes being served at breakfast! We had a lot of calls and people trying to top others. But we found a good home for it and now we are back to a one car family.  We just didn't have a need to have two. Extra insurance and gas was stupid.  And we live a whole half a mile away from campus so its not like its an impossible walk!

We have just seen the Lords hand in our lives and what a blessing it is to be here closer to campus w/o rent! Really? I don't know how we could be any more blessed!  I know prayer works...even if it is a year and a half later! It works! I know there were many lessons that I learned and I gained a greater appreciation for my mother in law!  I have such an incredible mother in law! She is the most charitable, giving person I have ever met! She taught me some great techniques on cooking and I know I was blessed to get to know her even better!  We love you Connie!!!

Well our life still has a bunch of curves being thrown our way and I am really eager to live them!  I just needed to post before I forgot all the things I wanted to say!

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Camping in April!!

=Yesterday got us so excited to go camping! It was warm (for Idaho weather) and beautiful! Trevor and I took Ryker on a walk last night at 9 oclock.  I know...kinda late for a walk. But it was quiet, and really peaceful. And Ryk loved the moon and sky.  He watched the moon the whole time. We sound weird huh? haha. My favorite part of the summer is not only the warm weather and fun summer activities, but the star gazing! I love LOVE love star gazing! We got to talking about how excited we are to go camping, so we decided to pitch our tent in the backyard and give it a go.  I really wanted to back out and just go to bed, but Trev talked me into it! And I'm glad we did! We popped popcorn, and brought out lots and lots of blankets, and put Diary of a Wimpy Kid in the laptop and snuggled up as a family. It was a lot of fun.  It made me crave a HOBO dinner over the fire or some yummy toasted starbusts...but I guess we'll have to wait til summer. We brought a space heater out with us to help keep the tent toasty, but by 1:30am we migrated back in the house to our warm beds! It got really cold...well my face was pretty cold and since I was snuggling Ryk I think my cold face kept his tossing.

  Anyway, it was a lot of fun! It brought back the fun memories of sleep overs and "stayin up late." 

Camping in the backyard

Trevor also finished up the semester with fabulous grades! He has had all week off and I LOVE IT! It is so nice to have an extra set of hands! He is such a great dad and I know Ryk is going to miss him! I just can't toss Ryk around like Trev can! I am going to miss him when he goes back to school too! 

Also....KLCE is doing the Second Chance Prom April 30th. I am SO excited! I talked Trevor into going and I am really excited. I haven't been to a dance since high school! I think this town needs a lot more entertaining events and I am just glad they have one thing, once a year! Anyone want to go? I think I am more excited to look for a dress and go on a fun date with the hubs than I am to dance! Which says a lot! :)

We also have a lot to be thankful for this month! We headed down to Utah to go to my mission reunions! I got to see some old comps and friends and of course the Pres and wife. It was great! Then we stayed with Megs and had some yummy PF Changs for dinner...cinnamon rolls for breakfast and watched Saturday session of conference. We also got to go see some friends in SLC and their cute new duplex! Amy just had their second baby, Ben. He is SOOO adorable! Ryk got to play with Grant and it was fun to see how much Grant has learned! Amy and Jeff have some of the cutest little boys ever!!! I wish I had taken some pics but you all will just have to take my word! Then we stayed with our friends Saturday night an had a yummy bbq. My friend Malorie is full term prego and she was absolutely adorable! I even turned into the weird lady who had to rub her belly! haha. Thanks Marj for letting me! ha. We had fun playing at their house and Ryk had fun chasing Murry dog around. Sorry Cancholas for the torture! We headed home and tried to listen to conference but there was some spanish music channel in the background so it was really hard to focus on the talks.  We have seen the Lords hands in our life tremendously over the last couple of weeks and just to have great friends  is one of our greatest blessings!  

I am eager to see what this month brings and I seriously can't wait for summer! I also sold my jogger and got this beautiful new jogger! I love it! And I think Ryk likes it better too. I am ready for some steady warm weather! 

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The Ant Bully

I can tell that spring is coming because ants start showing up uninvited in the kitchen! Luckily, it is just on the floor around the baseboards, but still, a little disturbing to know that I'm not the only one eating our food! So today I found a bigger trail of them and I swiped them up and set out some cornmeal for them to munch on. (I've heard cornmeal is the trick!?!) Which is great so Ryk won't get harmed or we won't have any dangerous chemicals in free range.  But I really felt like after I was done that I was going to get zapped by ants and named The Ant Bully! haha. I don't know how many of you have seen the movie, but I thought it was cute! (not as cute as pixar but still cute) Especially because its an animated kids movie. I had never heard of it until Trev put it on our Netflix, but it made me think twice about killing those little ants.  Honestly, I'm not the kind to go torture any living thing, but sometimes, when they cross the line, (Ahem, the kitchen line), or start gathering in large crowds on sidewalks...then I have to take matters into my own hands. Which I did. So just to forewarn you, if I don't blog, its probably because I got carried away by ants. :)

 On a different note...Ryker took his first steps yesterday. Yes, Megan, you saw his first pivot, but he really took two and three WHOLE steps without holding me or Trevor! :) We were pretty excited! It is so cute to see Little Man wobbling and balancing and then FINALLY take those steps! But I know now that along with those steps comes some pains, for me and for Ryk. For instance, sometimes Ryk acts like he is going to walk and then bails last minute. Hence the cute little gash that is on his forehead! Poor guy! Sorry!!!
AND!!! Since I had my prayer answered for ATLEAST one day to be sunny and warm this week, I decided I should take my opportunity I was given and go RUNNING!! Oh heaven....It was AAAmazing! I had to bundle Ryker up pretty good though! And YES, those are socks on his hands! I forgot his gloves and when I came in to find them, I couldn't. So socks it was! He stayed awake the whole run and I think he had a lot of fun just being outside. He didn't make a fuss.(atleast not loud enough that I could hear over my music.)    And P.S., I'm selling this jogger cause I just inherited my sisters....WAHOO! I'm in love with it! So if you are interested in a jogger, let me know. I put it up on craigslist...so let me know!



Well I am off. I'm gonna have some Dinner with the parentals since Trev is at the GRAND CANYON for his geology class. What a class! So thats me for the next three days...husband-less. I hate it! But obviously it was not an opportunity to pass up! Adios!

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Ryk's first Haircut!!!

Yes...you read it right! Ryker got a haircut! It makes him look SOOO grown up! It made me so sad at first because we cut off his long blonde locks, but now I love it! He is definately turning into a toddler! YIKES! It is so fun though because I can see how he is learning things and remembering them. He figured out the other day how to play peekaboo with his shirt. SOO funny! I looked over and his head was in his shirt! haha. And the GREATEST thing yet is that recently he just falls asleep on the floor if hes tired! He loves his blankie and I can hand it to him when he gets fussy and he just snuggles up with it and passes out! I love it! I am just so excited for the summer so we can go out and play in the grass or let him tryout a swing, or go swimming outside! I just seriously can't wait! So come on SPRING!!! 

Before. I know he looks thrilled! But this is "his seat" that he crawls up to watch VeggieTales. He sat here for almost an hour one day!

Getting Ready! He had no idea what was going on!

I had to give him my phone so he'd hold somewhat still. 

After! TaDa... doesn't he look like he can hardly wait to grow up? haha.

Ryk with his blankie...asleep on the floor. LOVE IT!

His shirt makes a great hiding spot!

Little man...his smile makes my heart melt! What a little stink!

And I made this!

Yeah, I had to throw this in there too. I made this handy little thing out of diaper boxes. You can find the Tutorial here. (you might have to scroll through half the page) A thrify crafter Nike (Neekah) was a guest at U-Create...one of my fav craft blogs.  Nike is amazing at being thrifty, which is a reason why I love her blog! But I must've done something wrong because I can't get this dang thing to stay on the wall. I am going to have to put my thinking cap on. I'll show you a pic (maybe) once it is ALL the way done!

Also I have a couple of other things that I want to throw out to you! One...I think it would be fun to start a craft night...once a month or something have a girls craft night. I know a couple of my friends do this already...but if anyone out there would like to be a part of it let me know! ALSO...my mom sells food storage for Thrive/Shelf Reliance. They just came out with FREEZE DRIED yogurt, ice cream and of course have had a lot of other freeze dried fruits and veggies. But Ryker LOVES the yogurt. It is a great snack for everyone. I have bought the stuff at WalMart, but the freeze dried food from Shelf Reliance is soooo much better! My mom, blessed soul, thought to bring some as a snack for Ryk on our day out...and it was SO yummy! Shelf Reliance has a TON of food varieties and options. You can check out her website HERE.

Anyway, I'd like to have a party to show you all some great stuff you can get to store away, or eat now! 25 years shelf life...which is AMAZING! So if you are interested shoot me an email! Don't be shy about it either. I know there are some of you readers out there that are anonymous blog stalkers...like me! But for real...I'd love to have you over to craft and eat with me! Even if we were sorta friends long ago! It'll be fun! And if you are out of state, but still are interested in some yummy snacks or fun crafts, shoot me an email anyway and we'll make it work! (AliciaAtkinson@live.com)

Thanks for reading the long post. I look forward to hearing from you!!!

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