Live~Laugh~Love

Bedtime Woes

2012-01-23T15:08:00.001-07:00

So ya know how everyone says that once the baby is in his own room everyone sleeps better? Well that is a whole lot of lies!! We decided to bite the bullet a couple of nights ago and move Hayden to his own room. First off, our bedroom is huge again and it is very nice having that space just ours. However, since I love my sleep, I'd give that all up to sleep 8-10 hours straight again. The first night we tried this new arrangement, Hayden woke up at 1, 5 and then at 7. Not only did he wake up three times during a time period that he usually only wakes up once but those monitors suck! It was so loud and I swear it magnified all of Hayden's sound and movements... and it probably did because it was up a little too high... and that static noise, sigh.

On top of everything, Gus kept walking on me and wanting to sleep by me, something I do not appriciate. It was Todd who let Gus into our bed and ever since then, Gus thinks he owns the bed. I have told Todd that he needs to keep him away from me because it's Todd that likes to cuddle with him, not I. Not only did he invade my personal space (and so did Todd) he also wanted to play with his ball that we affectionately call his "crack". When I woke up at 7, I officially wanted all the boys to leave me for about 10 hours straight.

I know I shouldn't complain, I have been blessed with a babe that does sleep well. I must admit, I have been a lot nicer and patient these last few nights (I'm tellin ya, I used to be a monster when I had to wake up before 5), but I want my sleep back. He has been doing better, only waking up one more time then normal (although he might have woken up more last night but the monitor stopped working:) ... oops...). I feel the need to persevere. As much as I want my sleeping baby back and I did at once say that it was ok for him to sleep in our room till he is 18, I really don't want him in our room till he is 18. So the show must go on. Another night is coming and I feel like things will go better tonight, or at least I hope. He has been a very happy baby this last few days though, not that he is ever not that happy. I love how much he talks and how much he smilies these days; he is a great and fun baby. Ok, that was my little complaining session, I'm off to feed the little lad and then make some dinner, YIPPY!

The Rest of Us

2012-01-11T12:03:00.000-07:00

Todd- Todd is getting oh so close to finishing his training program. Soon he will be getting a promotion and he'll be a real Wal-Mart person. Today is Wednesday and I'm not a huge fan of Wednesdays because Todd has mutual and then after mutual he goes and plays basketball. I don't really like being ditched, but I know it's good for him to get out and do something he loves to do. Along with young mens he is helping out with this teacher appreciation thing our stake holds for the schools in the area. It isn't keeping him too busy but that is another thing on his plate. He also plays the organ in sacrament once a month, another great excuse to practice something he loves. On top of all that, he is going to start building us some side tables. A man in our ward builds furniture for fun and also to sell and is going to help/teach Todd how to build some much needed side tables. The side tables are the start of our bedroom redue. It'll be neat to have something he has built and they will probably be the nicest furniture we have. If this goes well, we will probably have a dresser made to match once we get some extra cash (or maybe sooner if our dresser falls apart, fingers crossed). So that's Todd's life.

Ashleigh- My life basically revolves around the babe. My current projects are figuring out what to do with our bedroom, figuring out how and where I want to put a photo wall and working on Hayden's baby books. I have completed one book of his birth and newborn pictures and am working on a book that will contain pictures of all of his "firsts." This book will take a year to complete but I thought I should start working on it so I don't get too behind. I've really enjoyed creating the books but I'll probably not be to good at scrap booking after the year mark, I'm realistic. Thanks to pinterest, I am also making a "Life" book for Hayden to keep all his important stuff throughout his life. I've started eating a tad healthier, smoothie most mornings (go me) and it now takes me three days to eat a thing of break and bake cookies:). Last night we made our way out to the Wal-Mart gym to workout. We had it all planned out; I'd go to my first Zumba class and Todd would run with Hayden on the indoor track. Once we got there our plans were demolished. Strollers weren't allowed on the track and I don't feel comfortable taking Hayden to the daycare yet, so I worked out for 20minutes and then Todd worked out for 20minutes... I'm so going to lose the remaining baby weight at this rate. Till I feel comfortable leaving Hayd at the daycare, Just Dance and some P90x will have to be my workout.

Gus- The other day at the grocery store, we bought Gus a new ball. Somehow through our two vacations in two months, we lost his ball. This ball was a huge mistake. He is obsessed with this dumb ball that is way squeaky. He needs to start going to fetching anonymous, he needs the 12 step system. Gus got a hair cut yesterday and he looks funny!! I have been a bit neglectful in combing Gus and he had a few too many mats. The groomer had to shave a lot more then we normally do. He looks like an old, naked dog. Luckily, it's hair and it will grow back, soon I hope.

3 Months!

2012-01-11T10:23:00.000-07:00

Hayden turned three months old yesterday and yes, I cried, haha. I love the stage of life he is in at the moment. He is so smily, so talkative and so funny. It's nice to have someone who will finally talk back to me during day, Gus doesn't. We think Hayden is around 11 maybe 12 pounds. He is still wearing 0-3 month clothes and a lot of them are still big on him. I told Todd the other day that we need to have a baby in the fall again and it has to be a boy so he can re-ware Hayd's clothes. I said I would never be like this and I know I sound a tad crazy but, I'm so excited for number two, haha, we already have his name picked out, yes we think it'll be a boy and yes that's what we want. Don't worry though, my fear of having two children, let alone two toddlers, out weighs my excitement to have the whole pregnancy, delivery and newborn stage again (plus the fact that people keep telling me my second child wont sleep because Hayden sleeps so well... and the night issue really is the hardest thing for me and he's a great sleeper. If my second child doesn't sleep well... it'll be scary). It's true that once a little time has passed and you realize how happy you are with a baby, you do forget all the things you didn't like about pregnancy or delivery or post delivery. If you were to ask me a few days after I had Hayden if I would do it all again, I'd probably say not for a long time but now I'd say, heck yes, bring it on. Anywho... Hayden is wonderful, we love him and we get so excited when he starts to do new things. He started sitting in his bumbo chair and he can't really decide if he likes it or not. He is also starting the process of rolling over without any couch help; he is getting really close. He is becoming more and more of a little man everyday, he loves being naked, passing manly gas and burping like a man. I keep telling him he needs to be a sweet little boy not a gross boy but we'll see if he listens. Here are some recent pics of Hayden Jack...

He's so modest

What the heck am I sitting in? Why do I have to support my own head?

He loves our temple picture with the big black frame, it always makes him smile

Still not enjoying tummy time

He is now bigger than Chuck (the giraffe)

Sleepy boy

Smily boy

Baby blue eyes!

A Utah Celebration

2012-01-03T19:54:00.000-07:00

After Christmas we made our way to Utah. Tons of food and carmel were ate and a good time was had by all. We played "Just Dance" and I dominated, we played our usual 'ladies against the gents' games and finally the ladies won, both games (it was a good week of games for me). We loved spending time with our fam and wish we could more. I didn't take much pictures of happenings but we did have a little photo shoot

Hayden met his Great-Grandpa Altom... 4 generations of Altom men

Korver Mark

Daxton John

Olivia Grace

Gage Wilson

Emery Cloe

And of course Hayden Jack

A Very Merry Christmas

2012-01-03T19:27:00.001-07:00

I am so happy we were able to come home for Christmas. Even though there were lights up, our house was decorated and we kept watching anything Christmas related on TV, it just didn't feel like Christmas until we landed in IF. Christmas Eve morning we went to breakfast with my friends Rachel and Kyle. It has become a tradition of ours and a very yummy one indeed. As we were leaving we thought about what it might be like in 5, 10 years when they're both married with children... very loud and we're going to need a big table... can't wait!! Todd made sugar cookies later that day and he ate and talked about them for a whole week. He was so impressed with cookies and made sure everyone knew... they were ok;). Pizza and games are our family's Christmas (side note... Hayden just rolled over from his back to his stomach... which is funny cuz he hates being on his stomach). My brother made the best pizza... So GOOD, BBQ chicken with peppers and artichoke hearts, YUM! We unwrapped presents, got into PJ's and played "Apples to Apples" (I hate that game!! I never win. I always think I have the best card but noooo, no one picks mine, stupid game). Rach came over so we could exchange gifts. She got us a movie and these...

They glow too:) I know what our Christmas card will be next year

Love this picture:)

Christmas Day!

We spent Christmas eating and visiting my family. It was a great day!

Bedroom Dreaming

2012-01-03T18:43:00.000-07:00

This is a post that really doesn't matter but I have been dreaming about re doing our bedroom and the process is slowly starting. First step is Todd will be making us some side tables... with help:). Afterward we will be making a head board, getting a white bedspread (I know I have previously said this was a no-no with a new baby boy, however, I don't care and I'll just wash it more), a new dresser (which is very needed. Our old one is falling into itself), new bedding and one day a new chair. Here are the fabrics we will be using...

Pillows! I am finally doing what I have been pinning on Pinterest forever, Grey, YELLOW & white

Head board... very excited!!!!

I love multiple Christmas'

2012-01-03T15:21:00.000-07:00

This is the beginning of a lot of posts...

Since we were flying home for the holiday season, we knew we could not take our presents that we bought for each other with us (why do airports have to charge so much money to take luggage, I mean we are already paying a lot of money to sit in a gross, probably head lice infested seat, that has no leg room and reclines a whole whopping inch... but that's another story). It was also another excuse to have two Christmas mornings. We had a nice relaxing Christmas morning and Hayden was totally into it, we had to hold him back from unwrapping his gift and he was so excited for this teething toy because ya know, he has teeth. But really it was a great morning. Todd got some shoes, "Planet Earth", cologne, "Cars 2" and a new car. That's right folks, Todd has a new car yet again. The only person I know to beat Todd in his car trading addiction is Chris Monson (our brother in-law). Todd traded in his Nissan Altima for a Toyota Camry. He says he is completely satisfied with this car but we shall see. I love it so I hope he keeps it. I received a bunch of clothes and a bunch of kitchen stuff! Hayden got some rattle socks, a teething toy and a jumper that I'm super excited to actually use (get a stronger neck Hayden!!!). And if you were wondering what Gus got, he got a bone (we didn't forget about him). Todd made some yummy crepes, I love that he makes breakfast. That day I made some red velvet cupcakes that looked like ornaments (pinterest) to take to our ward party that night. So, I like my food, especially my sweets and those dang children in the ward stole all my cupcakes before I could even sample one. I asked Todd if our children will steal my food, because that is not ok. In the words of Joey Tribianni "Ashleigh doesn't share food!!!" But other then not getting a cupcake, it was a good Christmas. Oh and we had the best ham I have ever tasted at the Christmas party and I don't like ham all that much... it was delish!

Terrible twos... two months!

2011-12-12T13:42:00.001-07:00

Hayden is now a two monther. The title might say "terrible" but terrible is never used to describe our little man. He did have a growth spurt last week which drove mom a little crazy especially when he decided to wake up at 2:30 am, mom and dad are spoiled most nights. Hayden had his two month appointment this morning and he is now a whopping 10lbs 4oz and is 22 3/4 in long. He is in the 20th percentile for his weight and 28ish for his height. He is on the smaller end of things but growing just find. We had to laugh this morning and thinking of how big Todd was at two months... add about 8ish pounds to little Hayden's weight. He got his shots and it was so sad! I couldn't even look and Todd had to hold him. The nurse said he would be a little sleepy and/or fussy and right now Hayden is kicking and talking to me. Hayden is talking a lot more, smiling a lot more and beginning to laugh. Todd was playing with Hayden last night while Hayd was in his swing and they were so cute, Hayden thought his daddy was so funny. I love having these little moments in life. After last weeks little growth spurt, Hayden is back to sleeping 6-8 hours straight at night. I am one grateful mommy that he is such a good baby and good sleeper although I probably just jinxed myself. He also just started yesterday playing with his tongue and lips, he makes the funniest faces and soundsWe are enjoying celebrating the Christmas season together and loving every minute (ok, most every minute) of being parents:).

Really liking tummy time...

Much better

Getting so big!

And just for fun!

Tis the season for UGLY sweaters

2011-12-12T12:04:00.001-07:00

Oh there is nothing like spending the Holiday season with good friends, eating good food and wearing ugly attire. We took our ugly sweaters very seriously this year. Todd and I got ours at good ole Goodwill and Hayden borrowed a little number from his uncle Z's wardrobe from the 70's, complete with blue and white saddle oxfords that were two, or maybe three sizes to big. My dates were two well dressed, nerdy, greasy boys... oh and a little hairball who also sported festive wear. We had a wonderful time spending the evening with our Walmart family!

The whole group

The MLPs

I was seriously offended we didn't win... I DID have the ugliest sweater but apparently it was suppose to be a Christmas sweater... dumb

My handsome boys

He was partied out! Nice comb over Trump

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Hayden's Acting Debut

2011-12-12T12:03:00.000-07:00

Awhile back we were asked to help out in our Stake Nativity by playing the roles of Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus. In my family, it is tradition to all get together and the cousins perform the Nativity. Since we have started the habit of being away through most of December, we don't get to participate. Although it wasn't family, we had fun doing it and I was happy Hayden was able to play Jesus. It went pretty well, we spent two hours doing the whole skit again and again. It was hard to act serious (we not very serious people) and I had to keep reminding Hayden it was "Silent Night" and "no crying he makes" but hopefully people were able to feel the Spirit, I sure did. And Saturday night... Todd shaved!!! Merry Christmas to me!

The whole crew

Now if you're thinking "Ash looks like she has brown hair." Well you'd be right. We put brown extensions in my hair... I shall be staying blonde

Cute little boy

A Blessing

2011-12-03T11:26:00.000-07:00

After a fun filled plane ride and a very busy Saturday, we were able to bless Hayden in Idaho Falls. Thanks to everyone who traveled and helped out to make it a great day. We enjoyed having our friends and family all together and have everyone finally meet our little Hayd. Todd got a lot of "pointers" from my mom and I. He didn't listen to us and gave a great blessing.

A Travelin Family

2011-11-30T19:25:00.001-07:00

The first time I ever flew I was 20. The first time my dog ever flew he was 5 months old. The first time my baby flew he was 6 weeks old, haha. We were so excited to fly home for the holidays and Hayden and Gus did so well. They both slept the entire time. We now, however, are one of "those people." Ya know, the people that always make things complicated and hit your head either with their diaper bag, dog or car seat. The people that you hope can keep that baby quiet, yeah we are them and we are quite the sight to see. But we did it and we were all quiet:)

1 Month

2011-11-10T18:54:00.000-07:00

1 Month News about Hayden: 8lbs 1.3oz, 21 and 3/4in long. Neck is getting strong. Gave his first gummy smile the other morning. Sleeps between 5-7 hours straight at night. Loves bath time. Fussy time is right before bed... he thinks he'll die if he is not fed for three hours straight. Talks up a storm in the morning. Still the cutest thing we have ever seen:)

What we have learned after a month: Don't wake up a baby at night. Wait a minute before fully removing the diaper. Not the best idea to have his changing area right by our bed. Not a good idea to have a white bedspread (which we don't have and probably wont get for awhile). Following the books word for word doesn't work. Never say never. Make sure bath water is warm and clean fast before the water gets dirty. Laundry day is every day. Smiles make 4am not seem so bad. Time goes by too fast so enjoy every single moment!

Hayden's first time at Church

In your face!

P.S. Miss Liv is two years old today, we love you Olivia!

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures

2011-11-08T14:56:00.000-07:00

Ever since we received our pictures from Erika Dotson, Todd has been checking the blog to see if I have updated it with pictures. My thought "umm have you not seen facebook, there's tons of pictures." I wont post tons of pictures again, just a few:).

Todd and I were so glad that we did birth pictures. At first we were a little weirded out about doing them. It isn't a glamorous time for anyone involved, especially me. But once we got them, we were so happy we did them. First off, it made us remember all the little things we have already forgotten, like the fact I had to wear oxygen for a bit or that Todd was hilarious during the pushing process. Second, Erika captured some of the most amazing moments and now we will forever have them.

Could this picture be anymore perfect? When we first got all the pictures we relived the amazing experience and I still get teary-eyed every time I see this picture. Todd was so happy and I am glad someone was there to capture it. There was also a lot of other pictures with Todd on his phone (surprise, surprise), him taking a picture of me pushing and sending it to Shelly and him watching the action down south. His face is hilarious in those pictures but legs in stirrups can be a little to much for people so we left those out (not that you see anything but ya know...). I love having pictures of the birth and having them in black and white doesn't make it so weird. If you ever want to see the whole thing, I'd show you, I have no shame anymore, haha (you see nothing, promise). And one day I can embarrass Hayden with them, it's great!

Hayden was so good during the newborn photo shoot. I think Erika was in and out in an hour because Hayden slept the whole time and was so easy to mold. The rest of us were dying of heat because we tried to make it as comfortable for Hayd as possible. The only issue we had was at the very end. We undressed Hayd to get a shot with Todd and Hayden peed all over Todd; very funny... that "thing" can shoot far!

Erika was only able to get one shot before the water gun started... glad the one pic was cute!

I just have the cutest boys at my house!

Hayden's First Halloween!

2011-11-03T15:18:00.000-06:00

Halloween is a wonderful holiday; great food, fun parties and a great time to play dress up. I do not like the scary stuff though; no haunted houses or scary movies for me. Ever since we found out I was pregnant and due in October, I kept hoping "Chuck" (aka Hayd) would make it to October so I could have Halloween themed birthday parties for him. My wish came true and I am already planning his first birthday (although I really do not want this year to go fast). This Halloween however, was his first and his first ever holiday. We didn't do much, which kinda made me sad but we still had fun. We were originally planning on dressing up as the characters of "UP." Todd is a dead ringer for Carl when he wears his big ugly glasses. Todd ruined our plans by growing his big red beard and he refuses to shave it for 6 weeks... if you get my drift... Oh and someone from the stake saw him and his beard and we are now playing the role of Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus in our stake's Christmas program (and the lady told him not to shave till then? She's crazy). I don't know about you but me thinks Joseph did not have a red beard and I'm pretty sure Mary did not have blonde hair but oh well. Todd came up with the idea that we would dress up as giant bananas and Hayden would be a monkey. We ended up not finding banana costumes which is good because it would have been a waste of money. Hayden made a very cute monkey though. We didn't do anything except carve pumpkins, but we are just getting rested up for the epic party next year:).

Hayden loves his fingers!

Isn't he the cutest monkey you have ever seen?

So we only had one candle... Todd had to create this pic, nice work

I'm pretty sure this is our first and only picture of all of us

This is usually what his hair looks like:)

In other news... Hayden now has baths instead of sponge baths. The first bath wasn't his favorite. I told Todd the temperature of the room needed to be 74ish degrees but he thought I said the water needed to be that temperature. Needless to say, Hayden's first bath was a tad cold. We have gotten better and he now really seems to like bath time. He seems to like the water which is good since he is going to be the next Michael Phelps.

I love these two!

Hayden really is a great baby. I think he finally has distinguished his days and nights a little bit and actually sleeps very well at night. He usually only wakes up twice and sometimes even once and sleeps till 10. I can't really complain but I'm still struggling with having interrupted sleep but Todd is being wonderful and usually helps get him to sleep. Hayden has no problems taking a bottle, he'll suck anything. This is very nice because Todd can take a feeding. Sometimes I feel like all I do is nurse, actually, pretty sure that's all I do, haha. This weekend we are getting out of Arkansas again and heading to Branson, MO to do some shopping for me! I'm a tad excited! I hope all goes well with that but things are going great for us here in Arkansas. Hope you all are doing wonderful!

A Baby Story

2011-10-27T19:06:00.001-06:00

This post might be coming a little late, but I have been waiting to get our pictures before I posted. Our photographer is crazy busy so we have yet to get our pictures but I thought it was about time to post about the new addition to our family. This will be long, as my posts tend to be, so take caution. I understand if no one reads it, but this is my journal. So here is Hayden's "A Baby Story" story.

For some reason both Todd and I thought for sure we would be having this baby early. We kept hoping he would make it to October (mostly because I want to do Halloween themed birthday parties), but we just had this feeling he would make his appearance way ahead of time; we were a tad wrong. I started dilating near the end of September but remained the same for three weeks. I really wanted my mom's help at home with the baby so we made an induction date for Tuesday the 11th. By this time, we had a feeling that he would not be coming early or on his own; we basically had no idea what was going on. Our plans once again changed early Sunday morning. The night before was no different from any other night. We had gone shopping early that day and that night, went to Wal-Mart, I made dinner and we watched the BYU game (well, I fell asleep). I woke up around 2:30am with some really bad upper abdominal pain and upper back pain. I had experienced the same pain earlier that week, but a warm bath and a heating pad relieved the pain. About two hours later, I was feeling no relief and finally woke up Todd. I knew I wasn’t in labor but I also knew something was wrong. Todd called the Mayo Clinic and the nurse told us to get to the hospital as soon as possible. We were out of the house and to the hospital in nothing flat (I think Todd thoroughly enjoyed driving like a mad man). I swear we waited in the ER for forever and no one else was in there. The nurse took forever to come and get me and I was in so much pain and not very happy. When the nurse finally came, she kept asking how far apart my contractions were but I kept telling her these weren't contractions (it was a constant pain and totally in the wrong area). After she hooked me up to monitors and checked my dilation, she too, decided I was not in labor. Everything seemed fine, no labor and no high blood pressure, but I swear I was in pain. She then gave me vicodin, which I was scared to take, but I guess they wouldn't give me anything that would cause harm. As soon as the nurse left I told Todd I was going to get addicted like House on HOUSE (don't worry, I'm not). The pain left and I was happy and ready to leave but that was not going to happen. After two rounds of blood work, the on-call doctor came in and told me something to the effect that my liver was shutting down and my protein levels were low... I had developed preeclampsia. Todd and I really didn't understand what was going on and kept asking if we could go home because I was being induced tomorrow. The nurse told me I could have a seizure and that my doctor wanted me to be induced today (apparently I was severely preeclampsia but no one told me that till after the delivery). After the seizure talk, we decided it was best to stay at the hospital. I wasn't induced till 2:30pm on Sunday. The day was spent having my blood being drawn, eating some and watching TV. Contractions really didn't start till 9ish that night and they didn't get bad till after 10ish, but when they came, they came with force!! Labor, not so fun. Come 1am I was in a lot of pain and thought for sure that it was time to push... but alas, I had no change. I was a little distraught which didn't help with my pain management. I'm not so sure what happened after that but apparently I wanted no one to touch me, I wanted them to cut me open immediately and take the kid out and I might have taken our my anger on the bed. When the nurse came back to check on me, about an hour later, I did not want her to check me; I couldn't handle more bad news. Luckily I was to a three and she was going to order my epidural. The nurse had given me some other drug so by the time the wonderful epidural man came, I was a tad out of it. Epidurals are easy peasy, and that's saying a lot for someone who is scared of needles. The epidural kicked in not to long after that and I was one happy girl. We finally were able to sleep some. The next time I was checked, which was two hours later, I was 8. It didn't take long after that till I was a 10 and this little boy was ready to make his appearance. Pushing was easy peasy as well and we all kept making jokes and laughing. My delivery nurse was English and I loved having her cheer me on in her English accent; it was great! At 9:15am baby Altom made his appearance. My first statements were "I made a baby", "I did it!" Having a human come out of you is a very surreal experience. Todd's first was "He's so CUTE!" For those of you who are wondering, Todd did not cry, but he did get teary-eyed and had the biggest smile on his face. It was such an amazing experience and we couldn't believe this boy was actually here. He weighed 7lbs 9oz, was 20in long and had a lot of blond hair. At first the nurse said he was 9lbs 7oz, which we were all a little shocked about, but apparently she was dyslexic. It took us about an hour to finally decide that baby Altom would be named Hayden Jack.

His clothes were so big! We had to make a shopping trip for newborn clothes

We spent a full 3 and a half days in the hospital so I could be monitored and have more blood drawn. At one point, they told me to not get excited, weird directions to give a new mom. Our stay at the hospital was as nice as of a stay at the hospital could be. We loved on our sweet little Hayden and enjoyed having a few visitors. When the day came to finally leave, I was so happy but so scared at the same time. Being a mom is a very emotional experience but I am so happy to be the mom of this little boy.

Love my cute boys

This is what I do best with him

Todd is an amazing daddy. While he was home for a week I swear he did everything for Hayden and I. I think I only changed one diaper the first week of Hayden's life. It is so fun to see Todd interact with Hayden; he sure loves his little boy. Both my parents were able to come out and they very much enjoy being grandparents. They were very sad to leave, but the good news is we will be home in less then a month. A few days after my parents left, Todd's parents came. We have felt so much love from our families and friends and are very appreciative for everything that everyone has done.

Hayden, Gus (who is adapting well to the new change) and I, are now all alone and we are doing well. Hayden has slept great the last couple of nights and is a very calm baby, until he realizes he is hungry (he gets that from his mom). He is such a sweet little spirit and Todd and I feel very blessed that Heavenly Father trusted us enough to have him. We have a lot to still learn and a lot more memories to make and I can't wait (although I must admit I cried everyday for a week when it was 9:15am, and when his umbilical cord fell off yesterday, haha, weird, I know, but it's crazy how fast time is going and how fast he's growing).

He didn't like doing this

Shocked Hayden

Cute boy!

Little Moments

2011-09-27T16:17:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was Todd and I's third anniversary; I can't believe it has been three years. I wasn't going to write anything because I knew if I did, I'd get all sappy and crap and who really cares about reading sappy stuff, haha. But I have felt blessed beyond words these last couple of days and yesterday, I finally realized (or finally came to the realization again) what a marriage is all about. To celebrate our anniversary, my body decided to make me sick, what a nice gift. It seems that every time I get a flu shot, a few days later a wonderful cold hits me and this time was no different. The whole day I tried to convince my body that it was not sick because I did not want to be sick! Todd came home from work with a beautiful bouquet of yellow roses (I will always be a girl that loves to receive flowers, I don't care if they die) and balloons. He came through the door so happy and excited that I just couldn't be sick. I, however, was feeling worse at this time but I did not want to ruin our day. We didn't have anything grand planned but we did decided to go to Barnes and Nobles, buy ourselves some new journals and talk and relax with some hot chocolate. We never made it to the hot chocolate part because I was feeling so sick and so uncomfortable due to the wonderful person inside of me, that we went home. We got home and I felt so horrible about ruining our day, that I lost it. Here it was, our last anniversary with just us two and I'm sick. I am not going to lie, I'm a tad scared to death about being a mom. Not only am I scared to be responsible for another human being, but I have been so scared that this new little person would change Todd and I's relationship for the worse. It's crazy to me that I can be so baby hunger and so ready for this baby at one minute and so scared for the change the next minute. I have loved, loved these last three years with Todd, he truly is my best friend and I have been scared for that to change. Last night however, as he took care of me, told me he loved me, ran to the store to buy me a Milky Way and bubble bath and getting a bubble bath all ready for me, I realized that a marriage isn't built upon big, fun, wonderful things, but by all the amazing little things. He didn't have to take care of me and go out of his way to help make me feel better, he could have easily just watched the Cowboys game (which we did) and not worry about me, but he didn't because he loved me. The fact that his favorite day out of three years is a day where we were stressed, tired and worried shows a lot about the kind of person Todd is. I felt guiltily, almost, saying Disneyland or NYC when we he responded with a day that showed him we can get through anything. This all reminds me of "Up." The whole movie is about Carl trying to get his house to Paradise Falls because that was Ellie's ultimate, or what he thought was, her ultimate dream. He tries so hard to make that dream a reality and then at the end he is looking through her "Book of Adventures" and it is filled with pictures of the two of them doing simple, yet wonderful things together, like looking for shapes in the clouds. Ellie had accomplished her greatest adventure by being with Carl. In the end, it's not our Paradise Falls that make our marriages great, but it is stopping to care for the other person and taking time to cloud watch together, haha. Ok, this has gotten long and sappy but I just wanted to share my realization with everyone and to say that I am looking forward to the up all night adventures I will be having with Todd and watching each other grow as we raise this little boy. I am thankful for all the little moments in life that truly make life worth while and for a husband who is always there for me. I can't wait for our next adventure to begin... in about a weekish... WEIRD!

Happy 3rd Anniversary, Lady Ashleigh!

2011-09-25T20:18:00.007-06:00

So, a couple of minutes ago Ashleigh asked, "Are you going to write something sweet about me on our blog?" I'll give it my best shot. Since our Anniversary is falling on a Monday, we thought it would be best to go to dinner on Saturday night. We went to Fred's Hickory Inn for dinner this past Saturday. It was a nice joint with great food. Because I'm very bad at taking out my phone while we are on dates, I made a conscious effort to try and just soak in the alone time we had together. It was very enjoyable. With computers, iPhones, TV, and Gus, it seems like we don't always get the chance to just sit and talk without distraction. I tried to throw a curveball question at Ashleigh and I asked her what her favorite day was over the past three years. She mentioned Disneyland and our date in Central Park last year. Even though I had asked the question, I hadn't really thought about it myself. Ashleigh asked me what my favorite day was. After much thought, I was reminiscing about last year as we embarked on our adventure to New York City without having a place to live. To give some background to this time, I will tell it in technicolored detail...

A week before we moved out, our initial landlord called to let me know she had two friends who were going to live with us. Since we didn't want to have roommates, we declined despite not having a backup plan. So... on September 11, 2010 (creepy), we took the redeye flight to JFK Airport.

We rented a car and started to venture over to New Jersey to meet with a real estate agent who could find us a place. I think he duped us into getting a more expensive place than we initially wanted by showing us a dump that was "in our price range." So, we decided on a decent two-bedroom apartment in Jersey City.

But... we couldn't move in until Monday. Being poor college students who had taken an unpaid internship made it hard for us to pay $250 to stay in a hotel for one night. So... being the cheap person I am, I thought we should just sleep in our rental car.

Luckily, through wonderful contacts of family members, we were in touch with a couple who lived in New Jersey, the Ewing family. They called and invited us to their place for some pizza that night. While we were at the Ewings, we ended up meeting Elder and Sister Hibbert. The Hibberts were from Teton Valley, and knew the Wilson family very well. At dinner, the Hibberts asked where we planned on staying the night. After hearing that we planned on roughing it in the car, they invited us to their place to sleep on their hide-a-bed. Because that day had been such a tiring/stressful day, we were exhausted and slept better than ever.

The next day, Elder and Sister Hibbert asked if our apartment was furnished. We had planned on renting a bed and buying some cheap pots and pans and utensils from Walmart. The Hibberts were in charge of housing for all the missionaries in the area and told us we could take whatever we needed for our apartment. We went directly to a storage unit and picked out everything. It was a great blessing.

That was my favorite day.

Compared to Disneyland and Central Park, the 12th of September, 2010 doesn't seem all that fun. However, the reason why I love that time is because it sums up everything I want mine and Ashleigh's marriage to represent. The future is unknown, yet we are in it together and determined to stay together. Our association with the church has already immensely blessed our lives. Without the church, we would have had no place to stay that night and we would have had to spend a lot more money furnishing our apartment. The restored gospel and organization of the church asks much of all of us. We are asked to pay 10% of our income to the church. We are asked to serve at church. We are asked to serve outside of the church. After everything that is asked, it may appear that a lot is expected of the members of the church. But... the blessings that come from service far outweigh the effort we put in. And when we are individuals in need, the church organization is their to support all who serve.

To sum up, I know that Ashleigh and I can endure whatever challenges may come. I love Ashleigh with all my heart. If wonder if I would have told her on our wedding day that in three years she would be nine months pregnant, we would have a dog named Gus, and we would be living in the rural town of Centerton, Arkansas, if she would have said yes. I'm glad she did. I'm excited to start a family and to see the changes that will come in the next three years. Where will we be? Бурхан л мэднэ.

Happy Anniversary Ashleigh!

Baby, baby, baby

2011-09-14T14:37:00.002-06:00

Hello people. Since the due date of this little boy is creeping up, I wanted to take a poll on what everyone thinks about his birth weight and birthdate. To make the guess easier, here are a few facts... My actual due date is Oct 12 but the ultrasound has been putting me at Oct 9. I went to the doctor today (and I hope this isn't too much information but...) I am already 1 1/2 centimeters dilated. Last week the doctor said he was probably about 6 to 6 1/2 lbs. Ok go... I'm recording all of this for his baby book so if you can't comment because you don't have a blog or something, let me know on facebook or text me. We are getting very excited and very nervous. I keep hoping I can get everything done (even though there is not much left to do) and get some actual good sleep before he comes. This weekend I am having two more baby showers!!! Some gals in our ward are throwing me and my new friend Callie a joint baby shower and then Todd's MLP family is throwing us a baby shower as well. We are feeling very blest for all the love we are receiving. So just recap... please guess the weight and date and anything else you want to add in there (like if he'll have super red hair, no hair at all or blond). Hope everyone is having a great week!

Here is a sample of our maternity pictures by Erika Dotson!

P.S. Todd has a calling in the ward now... he is in the Young Mens... I believe he is a Teacher Quorum Advisor... maybe...

Labor Day and no labor

2011-09-06T09:58:00.000-06:00

We had a great weekend this past weekend. Todd had a wonderful time at the BYU game, especially during the 4th quarter and after BYU won. I was able to go to a movie and dinner with some gal pals which made the weekend very bearable for me.
As you can see, our blog has had yet another facelift. For some reason Todd felt the need to change it up so this latest facelift is all Todd. He has been trying really hard to put a timer thing up to track BYU games but hasn't quite figured out how to fit it into the margins... once again, no such thing for our baby that's on his way but yes to a timer for BYU football.
Labor Day was great and I did not go into labor. We slept in, went and picked up Todd's amazing hot, new suit, spent some time at Barnes and Nobles reading "Walter the Farting Dog", magazines and drinking some hot chocolate (oh it was in the 70's all day and this morning it was 58 when I took Gus outside), took Gus to a very full dog park and ended it all with a BBQ at friends house. It was a great day and somehow very exhausting. At the close of the BBQ we had an opportunity to play the dance game on the Kinect. I got killed the first dance. I like to think I am uncoordinated due to the huge mass in front of me but I fear I just may be uncoordinated. The other few dances I battled against Todd and I kicked his butt, barely, haha... it was a lot of fun! I'm thinking that might make a good game to put me into labor. I think I could get Todd to dance with me more if we had the Kinect... might need to be future purchase. Well that was our weekend, simple but a lot of fun.

Maternity Photo Shoot

2011-09-02T09:16:00.000-06:00

I searched for a long time for a photographer to do newborn pictures that didn't cost giving up my newborn. My search was over when I found a girl by the name of Erika Dotson. I loved her pictures; she has a very fun, vintage look. She is very well established in the wedding/engagement scene but she has just decided to get into the newborn niche and offered us an amazing deal. The deal included maternity (which I never wanted to do but now I'm glad we did), birth (which I never thought I wanted to do as well, but I'm so excited for those first moments he comes to be captured on camera) and of course newborn. Last night we did our maternity pictures and had a great time. If anyone knows me, I hate getting pictures by myself, I didn't even keep any bridal pictures (I'm NOT photogenic plus add on the fact that I've gained a fewish pounds) so I was a bit nervous. We did the pictures at the Fayetteville Library:), so not your typical maternity pictures and so fun. The best part is Todd was in most of them (side not, I got all teary eyed yesterday thinking that these are the last "family" pictures with just us two. I have loved these past three years with just us two). Erika was really fun to work with and we look forward to working with her more. I have no pictures of our maternity session but I did come across some great, GREAT maternity pictures...

*Due to the graphic nature, viewer discretion is advised*

http://www.weknowawesome.com/2011/01/18/14-best-of-the-worst-funny-pregnancy-photos/

Todd's favorite time of the year is upon us, college football. What has Todd been looking forward to this whole summer? For the weather to cool down? No. For family to visit? No. For the baby to come? Nope:) For the BYU and Ole Miss game? You better believe it! Todd is so very excited to be going to the BYU opening game tomorrow. Tomorrow, I am sure he will be like a little kid on Christmas morning. I decided not to go due to the fact I hate long drives, especially pregnant, I hate humidity and to be honest with you, the stress of the game would probably put me in labor (I get too worked up). It'll be a nice guy gateway for Todd but I keep teasing him that I am going into labor this weekend because he will be leaving. His response to my tease "oh you'll still be too early so they will just try and stop it anyways, I wont miss anything." Oh I love Todd:). I'll miss him but I'm glad he will have a great weekend; he deserves it for all his hard work.

I thought I'd give an update on Gus, Gus. Gus is doing pretty good these days. He is still terrified when people knock on the door but he slowly is getting used to his surroundings. We went to a dog park this last Sunday and he had such a great time. Gus is a perfect dog for us, he is lazy. Every morning I have to get him up out of bed; it really is like having a child. Todd and I like to believe that he knows and is excited for the baby to come. Gus will lick my belly and we are sure it is his way of communicating with the babe. He also loves the baby's room. Randomly throughout the day he will head into that room and just sit there. He totally is so excited that the baby is coming:), haha.

Well that's it for us Altom's. I really just wanted to share the maternity photos I found with you but thought I'd add a little more... as I seem to always do. Happy Football season and go BYU!

Take me out to the ball game...

2011-08-22T10:40:00.001-06:00

This past weekend we had a little vacation. It felt so nice to get out of AR and to see something new. I think this is my last vacation babyless which is rather odd. Todd and I went up to Kansas City and stayed with our friends the Gunter's. We had a great time with them and ate a lot of ice cream. Friday night however, was not a goodnight. A huge storm hit KC. It was so loud with the pounding rain and thunder and so bright with the lightening... and a random car kept honking. What with a dog for some reason sleeping on my head, heartburn, the storm outside and a snoring husband, it was not a goodnight's sleep. Saturday we went our for breakfast, took the pups (they have a dog too) to a dog park, ate some ice cream, ate some BBQ at a gas station (I believe it was called "Oklahoma Joe's") and went to a Royals and RedSox game. Todd and I were rooting for Boston but to our dismay and surprise, the Royals won. It was a fun evening, great weather, great company and there is just something about a baseball hitting a mitt. We had a great time with the Gunters and hope to play with them again.

I'm looking very large and in charge these days... not a fan (ain't Todd cute holding my purse?)

In other news... umm I got none. I'm 32 1/2 weeks and last weeks doctor's appointment went well. The doctor confirmed that I in fact am not having a small baby but we are looking at an 8 pounder (I'll take it). He kept saying I'm hiding the big baby well... I don't think I am anymore. I really like my doctor and I'm happy we found him. My next appointment isn't till 35 weeks and I must say I am scared for that appointment. After that appointment it's go time for whenever the baby decides to come and I must say he can come later rather than sooner. As excited as we are to meet this little boy, it's kind of scary to think I'll be a mom and in charge of a human being. I just hope my loving mommy instincts kick in because I'm not feeling very motherly these days (every little thing is kind of annoying me, I don't have much patience and I'm thinking that is needed with children). I am also stressing about everything but when Todd tells me to tell him all my stresses, it seems a tad ridiculous that I'm stressing at all. Oh and before I got pregnant and even up till a month ago, I wasn't worried about the whole birthing process but now as it gets close, I don't want to do it. I told Todd last night that I didn't want to do it and he said I didn't have to, the baby would just magically appear (I'm really liking that idea). I mean, it's got to be bad if a medicine was invented to be injected into your spine to numb your entire lower half. The doctor asked me if I had a birthing plan and I said "well it's going to happen real fast and I'm not going to feel a thing." He didn't say much except that he recommends the epidural and usually your first born takes a long time... come on doc, work with me here. I'm also nervous he'll come early and family wont be here to help... I don't know what I'm doing! My parents don't come in till the second week of October so he is just going to have to stay put till then... although staying put is uncomfortable. I thought I was uncomfortable a couple of weeks ago, that was sissy stuff. I constantly feel uncomfortable and constantly have the feeling to use the bathroom, apparently my bladder is a fun toy, and my ribs. I can't really bend over anymore and Todd has to assist me in putting on shoes and also getting up from most positions. I also have a constant need and desire to eat anything unhealthy and fattening, which after I eat all that stuff I'm depressed because I'm making my child unhealthy and gaining un-needed pounds... sigh, pregnancy, interesting ride. I have turned this into a huge complaining session so I should end with good things... we are so excited to meet this little boy and to cuddle him. I'm excited to see him for the first time and to finally know what he looks like. I just picture a little Todd jr and I couldn't ask for more. I have to admit one of the things I am looking forward to the most is seeing Todd see his son for the first time, he'll be such an amazing daddy (I'm also expecting some tears from Todd, it's the least he can do I think). Oh, oh, we are going to have a new nephew this week!! We are so happy and so sad we wont be there when Brian and Shelly welcome their new little person to the world. Speaking of family, ummm family, I know your all busy what with giving birth this week and raising children and jobs, but I miss my nieces and nephews and would love to see some pictures of them, work on that!! Ok, I'm done... man I need to learn to keep these things shorter...

The Big 3's

2011-08-03T08:59:00.002-06:00

This is going to be another boring post without pictures... I really need to start using my camera we spent so much money on... but really the only thing I see is my dog and my dog already has enough pictures of himself. So last week I had a doctor's appointment with my actual doctor. He was very nice, everything went well but then he measured me and said I was measuring small. It was no surprise to me because everyone keeps telling me I look small. Anywho, he wanted to set up an ultrasound to make sure everything was ok, but he said that I was measuring small probably because of my genetics. I was a 5lb 11oz baby and my brother was in 6's so (both not early at all) we both just assumed genetics. It was the first time I haven't really been worried about something the doctor said. My thoughts "yippy, my genetics has won over." Well yesterday we went to the ultrasound. First off, at 30 weeks, I couldn't tell what the heck we were looking at; poor kid is smashed. His heart is wonderful, my fluid was great and... according to the ultrasound, he weighs 3lbs 9oz. The ultrasound tech said "well he doesn't appear to look small at all"... well goody. I'm measuring at 32 weeks not 30... sigh... I just hope it means he comes early. So my dreams of having a 5, 6 pounder little man is out the window, probably 7 as well. Todd and I are guessing 8, mostly to make me feel better but I should go back to my previous thoughts and say he'll be 14lbs so anything will be better than 14. Todd and I made guesses last night about the baby. Todd thinks he'll come September 28 and weigh 8lbs 13oz and I guess October 2 and weigh 8lbs 2oz. I am super happy he is healthy and that is really all that matters (but I did tell him after the appointment he better be cute and be a good sleeper, it's the least he could do). Can't wait to meet our cute, chubby boy. Names are still Hayden Jack and Jack Sagers, both of us favoring one over the other (different ones).

Last night, driving home from the ultrasound, Todd was being all cute and saying how excited he is to have a baby with me, excited to meet him and he can't believe we were engaged three years ago today (August 2). He was trying to prove he remembered but then I stated, "Three years tomorrow actually." You were close Todd. But yes, three years ago today, Todd surprised me with a beautiful ring and a wonderful question. That was one of the best days of my life and I'm so glad he got my ring right, haha. This is a year of three's, three years of being engaged, three years of being married and our child will probably be a numerical unit of 3... 9 pounder, possibly 12 pounder... when in Arkansas. Love you Todd.

In other big news, we are coming home for Thanksgiving and Christmas! We fly into IF on Novermber 18 (the day after my 24 birthday... wowzers). We will be spending a couple days in IF but we will be in Utah for Thanksgiving day. We plan on blessing the baby on November 20 in IF, just fyi.

I got to brag about my husband real quick. Todd for his MLP is over pre-made foods (or something like that), basically tuna fish, spam, and salsa. The other day Todd took the initiative at the store to set up a new display for chips and salsa. He did this to see if sales would change and they did; they went up! He didn't have to do it, just wanted to try it and it worked. My cute, little Wal-Mart worker, so good at what he does.

Ok, I think that's it. Oh it's HOT here... looking to be about 109 today, I don't get out much. Ummm ok, the end.

What is going on in there?!

2011-07-20T11:09:00.001-06:00

I have realized that pregnancy is uncomfortable! Now I have had a very easy pregnancy (which Todd thinks means that we need to have a ton of kids...) and once I started filling this little guy move, it was a nice little flutter. But now he really is making his presence known and I wonder what the heck he is doing in there? I think he is having a party and he didn't even invite me. He currently is using my bladder as a trampoline, shooting himself into my rib cage and we think, he likes to play hide and seek by himself. He likes to hide in the corners of my body and not move for long periods of time till I guess he finds himself. This makes my sides very uncomfortable but it also makes it very easy for us to feel his head or bum or whatever it is. Last night he decided to start up a party just when we had decided to go to bed. He apparently wanted me to join the party because he was making it very hard to fall asleep. I do love feeling him and knowing he is ok but it makes me nervous because he is only going to get bigger and the space he fills isn't going to get much bigger ("itty bitty living space"). I also appreciate it when a jab wakes me in the middle of the night, because I don't wake up enough during the night to use the bathroom. The good thing is he seems to be very active which hopefully means he is doing wonderful and is growing how he should be. Oh, oh, and my belly button is now flat with my stomach; no more inny for me. I thought for sure I wouldn't ever get an outty because I thought my belly button was very deep, but sure enough I will be getting an outty here soon. Took the glucose test last week... first off, I don't drink things besides milk and water and I'm not a big fan of fruit so it wasn't to fun to drink and you have to do it in a time frame? What the heck? The whole time I just tried to get it down and keep it down so I wouldn't have to do it again. Then you have to go get your blood drawn... totally not a favorite thing of mine. That being said, it wasn't that bad, I'm just praying the results aren't bad because that three hour test scares me. I'm officially 7 months; I'm at the seventh inning stretch, go us.

Other then the wee one growing inside of me, things are going pretty good here. I got a calling last week in church, I'm the RS chorister, that's what I get for putting "kinda" on the sheet when asked "can you lead music." It's an easy calling so I'll take it. Todd is still waiting on one but he has been asked to teach the EQ lesson this week. We are getting friends and getting rid of bugs so things are looking up. Todd and I did babysit our friend's little girl Ainsley. She is very funny and very easy so we had a good time. Took her grocery shopping, gave her a bag of animal crackers and she was good to go; that girl can eat. Todd and I were pretty exhausted though, we have a lot to look forward too. Well that's it, this turned into a long blog and as Todd will say, it is boring cuz it has no pictures, oh well.

Apartment

2011-07-11T17:37:00.001-06:00

I couldn't get a video to upload so pictures is what ya get...

Living room

Dinning room... our yard is just to the right

Kitchen and Laundry room

Our bedroom and Gus

Office in our bedroom

Crib with all the gang. Baby has it's own wing, haha.

Baby room and bath are to the left when you come into the front door

Baby closet... it's getting pretty full

"Chuck" and I at 27ish weeks, I think I have a legit pregnant belly now...

people even ask when I'm due now... Success

4th of July!!

2011-07-06T11:34:00.000-06:00

Another 4th has come and gone. Todd had a nice three day weekend and last friday he actually got home around 3, so it was a nice, long but always not long enough weekend. Friday, Todd and I went to see "Transformers 3." We have been looking forward to that movie for a long time and we were not disappointed. As Todd said on Facebook, I did cry a couple times through the movie; I'm pregnant, but I can't really blame all my emotions on that, I'm really just a bawl baby. We enjoyed the movie and thought it was a lot better then the second movie. I also cried at the end because it's over. It's like reading a good book and finishing it, it's a sad moment. Saturday, we got our couch!!!! Our apartment looks a whole lot smaller (I don't know why the lawn chairs didn't make it feel small). I have wanted a couch with a chaise seat for awhile, that's what we got, but it does make living room configuration hard... oops. So now our coffee table is too big for the couch, the chair doesn't face the TV and ya walk in and bam, there's a couch... oh well... I like my couch, my chair, and my coffee table so it's all staying. The rest of the day was just spent doing some shopping. I think Todd likes Pier 1 as much as I do... just not the price, we had fun in that store. Sunday was of course church day and we went over to a friends house to celebrate his birthday (which is on the fourth... so cool). As many of you may know, I take the 4th very seriously and it is by far my favorite holiday. Growing up, the 4th was always a big deal in my family and for the last three 4th of Julys of our marriage, I have complained about not being home. Although I still wish I was home, we had a pretty good day. I think I soon will just have to start having my own parade and my own BBQ and water games. We had the missionaries over for breakfast. German Pancakes are now a tradition for our fourth, along with some French Toast... yum. It was nice to cook a meal for a small group of people and to not be so alone that morning. It rained here for most of the morning so Todd and I decided to watch a patriotic movie (The Patriot). After the movie the rain had cleared and we decided to make our way to downtown Bentonville to grab a bite to eat. We ate at a place called "The Station." That place has my stamp of approval for a good burger. Half way into our meal, Todd got a phone call from a family in our ward inviting us over for a BBQ. Even though we just had a hamburger, that fact that these very kind people thought of us on this day, made us feel very grateful, so an hour and a half after our first hamburger, we ate another one:). Both were very good but I think we are hamburgered out for a bit. We had a great time with their family and Gus loved playing with their boys and the boys loved Gus. We are very thankful for all the kindness people have shown us here. After the BBQ, we decided to go get some ice cream and make our way over to somewhere, to watch some fireworks. We ended up going to a Stake Center, letting off all the Idaho and Utah illegal fireworks (including the hot air balloons again) and watching others do the same. By the time the Bentonville firework started, we were hot and realized we couldn't really see them. We ended up driving around the park they get shot off from and finally parking in an alley and putting our heads out the sunroof... it worked, saw all the fireworks and still remained cool. As different as it was yet again this year, I realized this fourth how lucky I am to live in this wonderful country and that we get to actually have this day to celebrate. The best part of the day was I got to be with my best friend, my best dog, and my best "Chuck." I hope you all had a good 4th and Todd promised, promised we will be in Utah and Idaho next 4th, we've got it all planned out (we shall see... he has promised that for awhile now...).

Altom family updates

2011-06-30T10:39:00.000-06:00

Todd got upset that I haven't posted any pictures but I'm waiting till we have a couch. Since Todd wants pictures I've included some pictures and some home and people updates... (all the pictures are from my phone and apparently I can't take good pictures with my phone, sorry)

This is what our apartment looked like after the movers left... aren't the fly traps classy?

The apartment is coming together quite well these days. It actually came together very fast thanks to movers and Todd now having the same obsession that everything needs to get done now. It looks as homey as an apartment can look I think. We are still waiting on our couch that we purchased a month ago... it's taking awhile. Baby room and second bathroom are still a work in progress but by October they will be done. The crib is set up and all the baby clothes and baby gear are stored away in the closet. I can't wait to see the nursery come together but I think it's going to take some time and thinking. We have a bug problem; it is gross. We still have a fly problem but not nearly as bad as we did when we first moved here. We usually only have about three flies in our place. This morning I have already killed 4 bugs. Gus is a good bug finder, he just stares at them, sometimes eats them and spits them out but he is very good at finding them.

This is my pathetic puppy

So, I don't think Gus likes it here. Usually Gus spends his day on my lap shaking from the lawn mowers outside, barking at any small sound or in the back of my closet. Today I found him in the laundry room just sitting there. As soon as Todd comes home he is fine, but his days are so depressing. When we go for a walk, which is short to begin with cuz I can't stand the heat, he immediately wants to turn around and go back to the apartment. Not sure what to do with the poor pup, hopefully he grows out of it. But at night he is his fun little self.

Cute boy

Todd started his job June 20 and so far so good. Last week was a bunch of HR stuff but this week Todd started working in the store. Monday he started with the sports area, Tuesday he was in the bakery and frosted cupcakes and made a Wal-Mart cake; he is a very talented lad. Yesterday wasn't as fun for him. He mostly walked around the store and made sure the shelfs look pretty. Last night I was on a kick of women have it so hard in life and men have it so easy. He responded with "well men have to work and I had to walk around all day".... I felt so bad for him. You're right Todd, I'd rather be in labor (with an epidural of course cuz it's just a walk in the park once you have that...) then walk around all day... haha, love you Todd. I was having a not so good day yesterday, but Todd is amazing at making me feel better and making me laugh; I love that boy. Oh, I'll put this under Todd news, I think we own a car again. I haven't heard the for sure from Todd but we signed all the paperwork last night. Pretty much every night we have gone and looked at cars. I love my husband very, very much, however, he is funny when it comes to car searches. Originally we went into the car search looking basically for a cheap "junker" but in pretty good shape. We found one, drove it around and Todd explained "I just don't feel special in this car." It made me laugh so hard. He just couldn't bring himself to get a junker but I am glad we didn't. We now have a 2005 Nissan Altima (which sounds like Altom). It is a very nice car and we got a really good deal on it. We are paying less then we did on our corolla, even though our corolla was '07 and had lesser miles, this car is a lot nicer (not just the stock model) and bigger for our bigger family. I think Todd is happy with his new toy.

"Chuck" and I at 25ish weeks

Yeah, I know, I still don't look all that pregnant. Todd calls my belly a "beer belly." I have a very elongated belly instead of a cute little basketball, I wish I had that cute basketball belly but that just isn't the case. "Chuck" is doing just fine these days. I went to my new dr last week and "Chuck's" little heartbeat was very strong. I'm back to being nauseated in the morning. I thought it was medicine the dr had me start taking, but I discovered today, I just have morning sickness again. I'm feeling him move a lot these days, usually right at night. Apparently how my insides are positioned, I shouldn't get to feel him a lot but he still manages to let me know he is still there. I am getting so excited to meet this little guy, I start crying every time I think about it... thanks hormones. As of right now, our top names are Hayden Jack and Jack Sagers. We have decided that we do need to get a good look at the kid before we give him a name that will be stuck with him forever. I am loving baby shopping online and getting presents in the mail; it's so fun! Besides the baby, not much going on in my life. I watch a lot of TV and spend a lot of time online and in the baby's room. I'm hoping to get more of a life soon, but really the days go by fast and I love having Todd home in the late afternoon and evenings. Tomorrow he gets home at 3 and we get to spend Saturdays together; love it. I think we might make a weekend of "Transformers" and swimming.

That's about it in our little lives. Monday is my favorite day of the year, not sure what we will be doing but I hope you all have a most wonderful 4th of July!

Thank heavens for Baby Showers!

2011-06-21T14:03:00.001-06:00

Today I decided to tackle the baby's room. It wasn't an easy task seeing how all the baby stuff and random other stuff got thrown in our second room. Gus hated ever minute of it but I got it done and it looks very empty... well besides the closet. Once we found out we were having a baby, I made a huge checklist that would get us through at least the first three months. After making the list, Todd and I felt very overwhelmed at what we needed to buy for such a small person. Luckily after two baby showers and the generosity of others, most of the items are checked off and it is a great feeling. We don't have very many high ticketed items left and the ones we do, we have gift cards!!! It is such a comforting feeling to know we are pretty close to being ready for this little guy and we still have money in the bank!! So thank you all for all the love and support and the generosity you have shown our growing family.

Ar-Kansas

2011-06-20T14:12:00.002-06:00

First off, I bought baby bedding today!! That probably shouldn't be the first thing I mention, it doesn't show that I've been very productive. My options were either finish unpacking and cleaning, or buy baby bedding for a baby that doesn't come till October... I chose the later. It should arrive this week and hopefully it is as cute in person as it is online. Secondly, we are in Ar-Kansas. The plane ride here was fairly uneventful. We almost didn't get on the plane due to a weight limit problem but I guess we are meant to be here. The movers worked really heard to unpack and set up things, while I sat and checked off numbers. The one main guy was so nice and kept calling me "mom"... it was cute. Gus was pretty pathetic Friday, I felt real bad. He was scared of the moving men, he was scared of all the millions of flies in our apartment and the lack of air conditioning really got to him. By the time we were ready to go to the hotel and go to sleep, we were all pretty exhausted and hot. I should mention more on our fly issue... since the movers kept coming in and out, flies kept coming in and not going out. At first it was fun having Gus chase them and Todd and I running around destroying them, but we soon were out numbered. It was us three against a million flies that kept seeming to multiple more and more. Todd ran to the store to get fly paper thingys and we hung them all over our place; it was very classy. The next day we came back and luckily a lot of the flies were stuck on the paper. The fly population that remained was much more manageable. After we did some more work in a hot apartment we left for lunch but first stopped by the office to tell them our air conditioning sucked. They said they would have someone there to fix it within 30 minutes but Todd and I were not holding our breathe. While Gus got some much needed rest at the hotel, Todd and I went to Wal-Mart to buy groceries... that was not a fun bill to pay. Afterwards, we swung back to the hotel to pick up and Gus and headed to the apartment with no hope of the AC working. To our surprise it worked!!! Gus was very happy and even started to play in his new home. Yesterday we went to our new ward. Holy Moly... there is a lot of children! It was the nosiest sacrament I have ever been to. When the primary got up to sing for Father's Day more than half the congregation was on the stand thingy (what's that called?). I'm pretty sure if those kids wanted to take over church they could, the adults seemed to be very outnumbered. Besides all the children, the adults seem very nice and were very welcoming. It was weird to go to church and know we will be in that ward for at least a year; a first for us. Todd went off on his first day of work this morning. I'm pretty sure I was more nervous for him, which is usually how it goes. He looked very handsome today from what I could tell from my half opened eyes. I've been trying to do some random odd end things today and trying to make my poor pooch a little less depressed; it hasn't been just him and I in a long time. Hopefully we all can get used to this move soon and enjoy ourselves. Well I have two hours to make it look like I have been productive today so I better go. I'll post some pictures later of our apartment. Well, ta ta

Chuck's room

2011-05-16T18:48:00.001-06:00

First off... I rode a bike today for about 45 minutes, walked to and back from a park that was 4 blocks away and attempted to play soccer at work today (that makes my job sound so much fun and it was) and I am exhausted! I didn't think I would make it back to the building but somehow I did. My energy was completely gone and I found it hard to walk... either I'm really out of shape or pregnancy is making me really out of shape. It was cute though, because two guys I work with (meaning they are also employed) were very concerned for the safety of my baby and didn't want me to play goalie for fear of a ball hitting my stomach... I'll miss those two. Now my back hurts and my legs are so sore and I still have to get up tomorrow.

Second... This past weekend I had a girl's retreat with the Altom side of the family. We went to Park City and shopped till we dropped... literally. With three of us pregnant and one ready to go into active labor, we seriously dropped:). We had a great time though and I almost forgot how tired my feet and legs were with all the amazing shopping I was able to get done. I now have no money but I have clothes to get me through the summer. I'm going to miss hanging out with my family, I'll miss those girls.

Third... I've been day dreaming about Chuck's bedroom (I fear his name might actually be Chuck with how often we call him that). Since last summer I have wanted to do an orange and brown boy's room. What with the fact I am having a boy, I think I will do just that. Here is the bedding I found Feburaryish and totally fell in love with it...

I think we are going to do white furniture but I love the bedding. If we buy a house, I (by "I" I mean Todd) hope to paint the walls a dark chocolate brown with white trim and then have the white furniture to break up the darkness of the walls. If not, long brown curtains will do just fine. I also have a slight obsession with giraffes and elephants and want to add those to the room without going to crazy. When I graduated, my mom gave me a tall, fun looking giraffe statue that will fit perfectly in the room. I also want to put some framed decals above the crib (or have my mom paint her interpretations) of a giraffe and elephant. I found these this morning...

I also found this cute pillow that I need to find someone to make for me:)...

I'm also thinking of using circle, orange rugs to put on the floor just to add some more playfulness. The bedding has a little sage green in it, so to break up the orange, brown and white, I'll need to add some green somewhere here and there. A toy chest will do just fine in storing toys. I want to buy three picture ledges like the one below (except in white) to display my already large collection of children's books. I think it'll add a lot of color and fun without taking up any room.

I had nothing to do so I decided to post my thoughts. I'm sure no one else cares about my child's room, but I am so excited to get started with this project. I really think this is the first room I'll really finish when we move; who cares about the rest of the house? Sorry for the boring post...

What the Heck?

2011-05-13T11:10:00.000-06:00

What happened to my last blog post? It disappeared into thin air. Whatev... I for some reason don't want to do it again so I'll just wait a bit. A recap of the post was... Chuck=boy, ultrasound=boy kept moving and not cooperating, parents=very excited, pregnant belly=not growing fast, but I have this sneaking suspicion when it decides to poke out, it's going to be very huge. The End!

p.s. off to a fun filled sister's retreat and Todd comes home the 26 of May, 13 days left!!!

Wow, I tell you what, wow!

2011-04-18T21:31:00.001-06:00

I think it is about time I updated this blog. A lot has been happing in our little family. I’m sure this will turn into yet another long blog… maybe I should update a little more often…

Chuck (aka baby Altom)- From the last blog post, you might have guessed that Todd and I are expecting a little baby in October. We feel like it is truly a miracle and a blessing that this is happening to us. It has taken some time and some heartache but we couldn’t be more excited to add this little person to our family. Chuck (our Unidentified Fetal Object, UFO) is expected to arrive sometime around October 12. So far everything seems to be going good. We have heard and seen the heartbeat and Chuck always waves to us when we sneak a peak at him or her. I’m currently 15ish weeks and it has been a loooonnnggg 15ish weeks; time has not flown by. I have tried to control my excitement but now I can’t help looking at everything baby and planning everything baby. We can’t wait to find out what we are having (mostly me because I just have to buy things) and see this, hopefully, healthy and beautiful baby come October.

p.s. pregnancy is an interesting ride…

Chuck at 10 weeks

Graduation- Todd made it to graduation. It was so exciting to see him graduate and I couldn’t be prouder of him. It was so nice to have Mark and Debbie come up and have my family here to celebrate. We had a great time at all the long festivities ;) and had a very delicious lunch on Saturday. Here are some pictures of the weekend.

Todd at the new BYUI Center

Job/Moving- I was reading the second to last blog and it made me laugh. I mentioned that we thought we would know about Wal-Mart before Todd’s birthday, that so didn’t happen, haha. Todd finally got a call from Wal-Mart the day of his graduation. I was once again was so amazed and proud of my hubby. Out of 1000 people, he was 1 out of the 4 they selected (and he wasn’t black or a woman… inside joke). We had to hold our breath for quite sometime but it was very nice that Todd was able to go to his graduation saying he got the job. Todd also got another job offer, but this one was in Utah… and that’s where it got complicated. As much as I knew this Wal-Mart job was a great opportunity, I definitely was rooting for the SLC job. Living in Utah where family and friends were close and might I add, NOT HUMID, would be so wonderful. Even though we would both love to live in SLC, at the end of the day, we decided that Arkansas is where we need to be… :(… I’m still a little heartbroken even though I know this is best for our family. We will be moving to Bentonville, Arkansas sometime in the middle of June. We are always up for a new adventure and as long as we have each other (all four of us) we will be fine, we might melt away but we will do it together.

Gus’ Birthday- Yes, our baby boy is 1 or 7 or whateverJ. This past Saturday we held a little celebration in his honor. I made Gus, puppy approved cupcakes and he shared them with his uncle’s Otis and Suni (my parent’s dogs). We even went as far as to put the poor dogs in birthday hats. We had a great time; I think Gus kind of did. This sounds extremely cheesy, but Gus has brought so much happiness to our lives and we couldn’t picture our lives without him. He is our first-born… I’m even thinking of getting him a shirt that says, “I’m a big brother”…. Yeah, we are now crazy dog people.

Doesn't he just look so thrilled?

Virginia- Sadly, Todd has left for a month to once again sell alarm systems. We figured it would be cheaper and I could actually make money if I stayed here. He flew out yesterday and I already miss him like crazy. I don’t know if it is because I’m so in love him or my pregnancy hormones, but I am one big river of tears. We are both so glad this will be his last time selling and it is only for a month. I wish it was the middle of May though.

Sigh... I got exhausted writing this dang thing. Good job if you completed all of it. Well that is it for the Altom's in Idaho... soon to be the Altom's of Arkansas. Ok, I need to go take a nap now... or go to bed, Nighty, Night.

News

2011-03-26T15:36:00.002-06:00

Updates!

2011-03-04T10:02:00.001-07:00

Let's see... where to begin... Gus got a haircut yesterday:). He has had four haircuts during his short life and yesterdays was his best yet. The lady did exactly what we wanted with no shaved baboon bum and no shaved nose; he looks like his cute puppy self.

As most of you know, Todd is heading down to Arkansas for a final interview with Wal-Mart. He leaves on the 10th and we should hopefully know before his birthday if he gets the job. It's hard to believe that after a couple months waiting, we will find out if we will be in Arkansas in about two weeks; what a relief. If this job is not meant to be, we once again are back to the drawing board. Family and friends might be happy to hear that our other options are much closer to home, Utah, Colorado and California. I know Todd really wants this job but if we have to go to the other three, I wouldn't mind; closer to home and not humid!!!

About a week ago, maybe more, Todd won some tickets to "Disney on Ice" on the radio. His 31 minute drive to Rexburg has payed off. We get to go on March 12 and hopefully Todd is back by that evening but I'm going with or without him. But with that being said, Todd and I will be in Utah that weekend. It feels like forever since we made that trip from Idaho to Utah... more like 7ish months.

Todd is getting close to the end of the line with this whole college thing. I joked with him last night that it's not that big of deal, I already beat him to it. But it is a big deal and we couldn't be more excited to be getting done with this college thing (although I miss it). Todd has about a month and a week left, which hopefully this month goes fast because January and February have not. I'm sure Todd will miss the college scene, he really likes his teachers. Oh, can I just say, Rexburg has changed so much. Besides the whole new building, there's like stop lights and new apartments being built; it's crazy madness up there.

This blog is mostly about Todd, because I got nothing. Still working, still wishing I wasn't, haha. My job is pretty relaxed and everyone seems happy with me but I need a change of pace when it comes to work. I also have been fighting off a cold for the last week and a half and I think it is finally on the down slope. I've also gained weight, but I'm bound and determined to lose it. My client at work keeps telling me I eat to much and it's bound to catch up with me... it has:(. Oh well, working out will give me something to do.

Oh, the whole BYU basketball stuff has been big in our house this week. The game on Saturday was great, the game on Wednesday, not so great. It's weird because I asked Todd on Saturday if he thought the coaching staff would kick someone off the team at this point, for not following the honor code. He didn't know and said their is a difference in what people should do and what they actually do. As sad as it was to hear about a team member leaving, it is great to know that when push comes to shove, BYU holds strong to it's beliefs. The team may or may not have an amazing end to the season, but we believe all this publicity will do some good.

Well, that's all we got. Still living, still laughing and still loving.

Valentine's Celebrations

2011-02-18T10:47:00.002-07:00

Well hello there everyone. It has been a couple weeks so I thought I would update our blog. Todd just told me a funny story, so first off I'll share that. Apparently Todd has a lot of group work that he does in school and in one of his classes, his group usually does really good on school work but also goofs around a lot (surprising...). Well the other day another group asked how they did so well when all it really looks like they do is goof around. After that, a childhood fight started, "Our group is better than yours" and such. The group then said that their group could beat up Todd's group. Todd's group responded "Are you kidding, we have Todd, he is huge", "His arm is bigger than our necks." After Todd told me this, I started busting up. Nothing against my husband because he is strong, but they made him sound like a body builder. The other group then responded with "but he is so nice, he wouldn't hurt anyone." The conclusion of this argument was that Todd was a gentle giant, bhahahaha. Todd then proceeded to tell me that all the guys weigh like 150 lbs so to them, he is a gentle giant. Todd responded to all of this with "I'm just bigger than girls." I thought it was funny:).

This past weekend, Todd and I decided to celebrate Valentine's Day since Monday isn't a very romantic day. Todd and I went to a matinee and watched "Just Go With It." We thought it was hilarious... those kind of movies are perfect for us; humor that Todd likes and a cute love story that I like. We then went to Coldstone with a gift certificate I got for participating in an activity for Todd's school group. It was a cheap, perfect way to celebrate Valentine's Day. Todd then had to watch the BYU game and I went to the library to pick up "The Help." While I was there, this random old man came and talk to me for a good 5 minutes. I was a little creeped out by him but then I realized he was just a lonely man who missed his wife. I'm pretty sure we talked about everything under the sun from high school football to Egypt to heaven to the BYU game (can't seem to ever get away from BYU basketball).

On Valentine's Day morning, Todd made me heart-shaped blueberry pancakes. After that, VDay was all work and school and no play. At work, we break up the day by doing stuff in the actually building and by going out into the community. Around three, I was just getting back from taking a group out to community and I got bombarded by people when I walked in. Everyone wanted to show me something so I finally moved into the teacher's room and found these...

Pretty yellow roses:). The note that came with it said it was from my "secret admirer," Figured it was from Todd. Everyone kept telling me that my dad delivered them but they were from my husband. My dad helped a local florist deliver flowers on the biggest flower day of the year; I was bummed I missed him. Todd also got me "Life As We Know It" (which we watched that night... still want that house and Josh is cute!!) and I got him "Iron Man 2" (so romantic).

The rest of the week has gone pretty normal but we are pretty excited we have a three day weekend. Tonight we are meeting up to have dinner with Craig, Jac and Liv and Billy, Alesa and Eliza; it should be fun. Well that's it, we are still alive and trying to hurry and get through this semester.

Just a day, just an ordinary day

2011-01-19T19:39:00.001-07:00

The most exciting part of my day was hearing that I would have a new niece; Congratulations Craig, Jac and Olivia! That saddest part of my day was learning that I have lost my powers:(. For those who don't know, I tend to be able to guess when people are pregnant and what they are having. Little Lucy or Emery broke my 9 year streak; I thought they would have a boy... well actually I was really confused because originally I thought it would be a girl but then I changed to boy. So, I'm just a normal person now, not the baby whisperer... dang it.

I'm blogging today not because I really have anything to say but because I'm bored. Todd flew out this morning to Arkansas to go interview with Wal-Mart. He will be back Saturday evening and I can already tell this will be a long couple of days. He has his first interview tomorrow so please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. He got all nervous last night (it was cute) but I am sure he will do great. It is strange to think in a couple more months we will be somewhere else yet again. We are both very excited for this big change. We don't know where we will be but we are excited for an adventure that requires us to plant some roots. I'm sure we will get cabin fever after four months... it'll be strange not to be moving.

Other than Todd flying around the country and leaving me behind, our life is pretty ordinary... ordinarily boring. Tomorrow night, I get the pleasure of spending three hours renewing my CPR and first-aid training... yippy for me. I'll miss my shows which I am sadly addicted to (Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice... life just seems so much better and happier after watching those shows, they have way to much drama). This morning I went and got my blood drawn (which seems to have become part of my monthly routine) and it went so well (that's how exciting our life is... I blog about getting blood drawn). I hate needles and even though I have gotten my blood drawn a bagillion times (I exaggerated, I know), I'm scared every single time. Today I went and the lady was amazing!! I was seriously out of there in less then a minute with no pain. I told her she was amazing and that I wanted her to be the one poking me from now on. She just laughed at me but oh how she became my new favorite person.

As ordinary as we feel life has gotten, we are enjoying having a routine in our life and we are very optimistic that life will once again be crazy, just the way we like it. We hope all is well with all of you and the New Year is being good to you. Love ya!

Take Luck Todd!!! (if you read this before tomorrow which I doubt will happen)

p.s. Gus was dog of the month at Blue Buffalo, here is a link to his card and his story:

http://www.bluebufftradingcards.com/Index.aspx

... we have yet to receive any of the free stuff...

Hmmmm...

2011-01-06T19:58:00.001-07:00

Well hello. I feel like I should blog because I did it all the time and I haven't done it in like a week... haha. I really have nothing to blog about... We are in Idaho Falls as most of you know. Todd started school on Wednesday and it seems like this semester will be very busy for him. He seems to have a lot of homework but I guess that is what you can expect in your last semester. I think he is kind of excited to be back at school, ready to get it done and move on to something else. Everyday Todd is talking about a future job. I feel like he is a little stressed about finding a job but also very excited. I have no concerns about Todd finding a job; he is basically amazing, who wouldn't want the guy? But really, Todd is a very determined man and will find something he enjoys and that will support our family. I started working at The Learning Center this last Monday. I worked there after high school and before Todd and I got married. Now that I have a degree, I got a bit of a raise so that is neat. It's weird working again and getting ready everyday... I'm already sick of getting ready:).
So that's basically our life; Todd learns and I work:). Boring post...

A Christmas Story

2010-12-21T21:17:00.001-07:00

I found this on a friend's blog and decided to repost it... Very good story and very good tradition (completely made me cry while Todd laughed at how emotional I was getting, but he liked it too)! Todd, Gus:) and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!! Love you all!

“For the Man Who Hated Christmas”

by Nancy W. Gavin

It’s just a small, white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree. No name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the branches of our tree for the past ten years or so.It all began because my husband Mike hated Christmas--oh, not the true meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it--overspending... the frantic running around at the last minute to get a tie for Uncle Harry and the dusting powder for Grandma--the gifts given in desperation because you couldn't think ofanything else.Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts, sweaters, ties and so forth. I reached for something special just for Mike.

The inspiration came in an unusual way. Our son Kevin, who was 12 that year, was wrestling at the junior level at the school he attended; and shortlybefore Christmas, there was a non-league match against a team sponsored by an inner-city church. These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that shoestrings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp contrast to our boys in their spiffy blue and gold uniforms and sparkling new wrestling shoes. As the match began, I was alarmed to see that the other team was wrestling without headgear, a kind of light helmet designed to protect a wrestler’s ears. It was a luxury the ragtag team obviously could not afford. Well, we ended up walloping them. We took everyweight class. And as each of their boys got up from the mat, he swaggered around in his tatters with false bravado, a kind of street pride that couldn't acknowledge defeat.

Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, “I wish just one of them could have won,” he said. “They have a lot of potential, but losing like this could take the heart right out of them.” Mike loved kids - all kids - and he knew them, having coached little league football, baseball and lacrosse. That’s when the idea for his present came. That afternoon, I went to a local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling headgear and shoes and sent them anonymously to the inner-city church. On Christmas Eve, I placed the envelope on the tree, the note inside telling Mike what I had done and that this was his gift from me. His smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year and in succeeding years.

For each Christmas, I followed the tradition--one year sending a group of mentally handicapped youngsters to a hockey game, another year a check to a pair of elderly brothers whose home had burned to the ground the week before Christmas, and on and on.The envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always the last thing opened on Christmas morning and our children, ignoring their new toys, would stand with wide-eyed anticipation as their dad lifted the envelope from the tree to reveal its contents.As the children grew, the toys gave way to more practical presents, but the envelope never lost its allure.

The story doesn't end there.You see, we lost Mike last year due to dreaded cancer. When Christmas rolled around, I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree, and in the morning, it was joined by three more.Each of our children, unbeknown to the others, had placed an envelope on the tree for their dad. The tradition has grown and someday will expand even further with our grandchildren standing to take down the envelope. Mike’s spirit, like the Christmas spirit will always be with us.

The last of our adventures...

2010-12-16T09:20:00.002-07:00

I know I'm blogging again and this will probably turn into a long post but after today I probably will never blog again. So, enjoy:)

Yesterday I went into the city early to go to MoMA. I haven't been to a museum since Europe. I guess Europe wore me out when it comes to museums (or it could be the fact that Idaho doesn't really have all that great of museums...) but it was exciting to experience the arts again. I am a fan of Expressionism and Impressionism painting so I thought the MoMA would be my best fit. Here are some highlights of my trip... the good and the strange...

This guy was playing the piano IN the piano... he was good

Now I have never really understood Abstract and Pop art. This is a famous painting by Andy Warhol but I don't get it...

Umm yeah...this is by far my favorite piece in the museum... I call it wall on wall... I don't get it...

Hmmm let me stick this wheel in this chair.... by goodness, it's a masterpiece!!!

This is called "Big Red" and I love it... I don't know why but I think it is so pretty. To me it looks like a bunch of poppies.

"A Starry Night" by Van Gogh. This was so beautiful in person. It still remains one of my favorite paintings. And I love that it's big, not tiny like the "Mona Lisa"

This is a painting by Seurat. I like his work because he paints in a serious of little dots; it's pretty neat.

This thing is huge!!!! This is one of Monet's "Water Lilies." I would have to say that Monet is by far one of my favorite artists. I also enjoy a lot of stuff from Degas and Pissarro (he painted another one of my favorite paintings "Boulevard Montmartre at Night")

I thought this one was very cool. It's like the woman is walking through a very colorful waterfall... I think it's pretty.

The center one is called "Trafalgar Square" by Mondrian... it's famous, but Todd and I couldn't really pin point how we knew that....

I really made it only through two floors which is pretty good in two hours. I saw a lot of stuff that I liked and loved but a lot of stuff I was like "huh?" But I was glad I went. I can officially say, that I have seen all the paintings that I wanted to see in my lifetime (I mean the ones I have known about and loved... not that I want to stop seeing paintings).

Ok, so for the next part of the evening...

Todd met me at MoMA and we made our way to Rockefeller Center. We kind of got lost but in the end we were found. Here are some highlights of evening in the city...

This now concludes our New York Adventure!

Tonight we are actually going to JB's (Todd's boss) house for dinner and tomorrow is cleaning and packing day (oh so fun). We have seen everything we have wanted to see and we have done everything we have wanted to do; I suppose it's time to come home. Todd is very excited to come home and I of course have gotten attached to this place (not Jersey City) and will miss it. It has been so fun to go in the city whenever we have wanted and enjoy the city life. I'll miss Central Park and all the hustle and bustle of the greatest city in the world. We will not miss Jersey City, parking in Jersey City, parking tickets in Jersey City, traffic jams in Jersey City and paying twice as much for groceries in Jersey City. I will also enjoy not hearing sirens all the time and not having the streets smell like garbage. The only thing I will miss in Jersey City is the noon bells that ring pretty songs everyday:). The last thing I will miss is just having it be Todd and I (and Gus). Besides all the guests that have come to visit, this time has really just been Todd and I. We had no guy friends or gal friends to go hangout with, we just had each other. I have a feeling Todd and I will see less of each other this next semester because both of us will be so busy. I am thankful that I have been able to embark in this great adventure with my best friend and we have had the opportunity to grow together. I'm thankful that Todd is adventurous enough to take a job clear across the country and to work so hard for our family. This really has been an amazing couple of months and I will always be grateful that the Lord has watched over us here and allowed us to have this adventure.

We are excited to see all our family and friends and to spend the holidays at home!! I'm praying for a white Christmas, so hopefully Utah gets a lot of snow (after we get there). Thank you all for your love and support. We can't wait to see you all!!

And they lived happily ever after... THE END!

The Countdown Begins...

2010-12-15T10:01:00.003-07:00

WARNING... this blog post might be very long... not for the faint of heart!

It seems that time has gone fast and it is almost time for us to scat (I was going for a rhyme there... I'm not so sure it worked). Since we have been here, we have been working on our NYC list (mostly my NYC list but meh). A good portion of the list was completed in the first month we were here but some just had to wait till this wonderful holiday season. This past weekend my sister in-law Jenn and her sister Jamie came out. My brother told me he didn't get invited, but apparently he lies like my dad and he just didn't want to come... but we were glad Jamie came out. The two arrived Saturday night. So you might be wondering what we did on our last Saturday here out east, well we partied hard at Wal-Mart. Not so glamorous but we needed to get a few more things for our last week here and our journey home. You might be thinking to yourselves, that we probably had time for other stuff besides Wal-Mart... well you'd be mistaken. Going to Wal-Mart out here is a full day's adventure. I think it took us an hour and a half to get home from a place that takes about 20 minutes to get to. Anywho, back to the more exciting stuff. That Saturday night we all went to an Italian restaurant here in Jersey City and took Jenn and Jamie to the pier to get a good look at Manhattan. Sunday, Todd and I had to speak in Sacrament and teach in Primary so Jenn and Jamie ventured into the city themselves. Sunday is also the day I discovered a... COCKROACH!!!! For some reason I am deathly afraid of them and almost didn't want to come out here because I knew they would be here. I found it after I took a shower and I must say I handled it very well... I calmly called for Todd to come put it out of it's misery. I now am scared of finding one without Todd....eww. Our talks went well I suppose and we did Jeopardy for our last day in Primary (to review lessons of course). So there is this boy named Thurman and he is a boy after my own heart. He loves chocolate and the last Sunday he said "You should bring chocolate cake with chocolate frosting for your last Sunday... it's the least you could do." hahahaha gotta love a boy who loves his chocolate. Since it was the least I could do, I made chocolate cupcakes. We have very much enjoyed our time in Primary and will miss those kids!

We came home from church and finally did our "UP" picture with our chairs...

I think we did a pretty good job... haha. I have decided for our next family photo shoot I want the pictures vintage looking and with balloons... I can't wait!

Monday morning, everyone left Gus and I and headed into the city. I met up with them all at 1:00 pm and we headed to Central Park to do some ice skating. Monday was going to be the warmest day this week so we had to take advantage of it. Having the experience to ice skate in Central Park is kind of spendy but we had a great time. Todd had told me he was bad at ice skating... he lied... but I am bad at ice skating. It took me a minute to remember how to do it but I did pretty good... I am not as fast as Todd but I'm scared of speed (traumatic rollerblade accident caused my phobia). The ice was a little choppy but how many times can you say (especially if your from Idaho or Utah) you ice skated in Central Park?

Todd even had to show off by making a jump... he almost didn't make it though:)

After ice skating Todd left us and we headed down to Macy's. I only got us lost once, and not really lost, I just headed east instead of west. Macy's is huge!!!!! In hindsight we wish we would have gone to the MoMa (Museum of Modern Art) but oh well. Funny note, so I have been here for about 3 and a halfish months, I have walked by Macy's a handful of times and yet I have never seen the Empire State Building up close (only from skyviews). Low and behold, I looked up at Macy's and saw this...

That's right folks, the Empire State Building has been above me the whole time... I don't know how I didn't realize this... it's like a block away from Macy's. The Empire State Building was our next destination and Todd met up with us again. The wait was only 15 minutes and it technically wasn't a wait, it just took us 15 minutes to get through everything and head up (it was awesome). The views from the top were amazing but man, oh man was it cold. We had to go back inside to warm up to brave the chill again.

Todd, Jenn and Jamie

The Chrysler Building and other buildings

Jenn and Jamie

It was a tad windy...

South Manhattan, area where the Twin Towers used to be

Cold but happy photo!

After the fun filled day, we headed back to Jersey City to pick up Gus and went out for dinner. Tuesday, I didn't come into the city till around 3:30 pm. I have to mention this because it has only happened to me once... I hit both trains right on... walked down the stairs at Grove ST... Boom, the 33rd train... walked down the stairs at 33rd St, Boom the "M", I made it into the city in about 35 minutes... new record for me! Todd and I met up with the girls by the Gershwin Theater and headed to dinner. We ate at the"Stardust" which is a 50's styled restaurant and the waiters and waitresses sing. The food was pretty good, our waiter sucked and the entertainment was pretty good, but it still ain't got nothin on Rupes!

After dinner we headed to the Gershwin Theater to watch "Wicked." Todd and I were so excited to watch it again. The show was even more amazing the second time. I kept getting chills and cried more:). We were very thankful to Jenn for taking us again. Jenn and Jamie both loved it as well. I still want to play Glinda... sigh...

That ended our time with Jenn and Jamie. We had a great time with them and are thankful for everything they did for us (you guys can come visit us and stay at our place anytime you want!!).

Well I best be getting ready... I'm going into the city to go to MoMa (Todd doesn't want to go). The MoMa has "A Starry Night" by Vincent Van Gogh and it is one of my favorite paintings; I'm excited to go, even if it is by myself. I'll meet up with Todd after he is done with work to go to Rockefeller Center. We have three full days left here (including today) and it is crazy how time has flown by. After today my list will be complete so I guess it's ok if we come home:).

The Christmas Spectacular!!

2010-12-09T09:16:00.002-07:00

Last night, Todd and I had the opportunity to go the "Radio City Music Hall: Christmas Spectacular!" The title is already making a big claim on the show, luckily it lived up to it. I met up with Todd at Sony and we went to dinner to a place called "Burger Heaven" (it ain't got nottin on Rupe's). Monday night Todd and I watched "Home Alone 2: Lost in NY" and it made me really want to go check out the lights at the Plaza so we headed over there. I was so paranoid that our battery would die, mostly because the whole night it had a picture of a battery with a slash through it... I don't think that's good... so I really didn't get that good of pictures but it was magical. I have this thing with Christmas lights:), I'm sure a lot of people do, but I absolutely love them. Our house one day will be covered with Christmas lights. I find them magical and for some reason they make me believe in the unbelievable. The lights in NYC are great... but I believe they could do more, after all NYC is known for it's Christmas, live up to it. We also stopped at Schwarz (again) but mostly to get warm and pick up Liv's Christmas gift. Todd is really excited about the gift, I tried to talk him into something else but he didn't listen, sorry Liv. Ok, so I love Christmas and Christmas lights and Christmas trees, and I live in NY... I have yet to see the Tree at Rockefeller Center. Todd didn't want to go and it's killing me not to see. We were a block away and we still didn't go... I haven't even been to Rockefeller Center. Todd assures me we will go before we leave but it looks questionable to me.

Radio City is an amazing place. It is definitely old glam Hollywood (well I should say old glam NYC) and I love it. Everything looks how it did when it was built in the 30's. The coolest part about this place is the bathroom... well actually the toilet:). In the lady's lounge the toilet's have an automatic toilet seat cover and you just push a green button and it will change to a new one... it was pretty cool, Todd was jealous that men's lounge didn't have one.

The show was amazing! The second Act was shot in 3D which was fun to watch. I love the magic of Christmas and this show celebrated it wonderfully. I still would like to be a Rockette but something tells me I should've started working on those kicks awhile ago. Those girls have precision, they were always in sync; it was amazing! I told Todd we had to go to this every year now, he said no way because he thought the show was only in NYC. We shall see how these traveling shows are next year and see if it will become an Altom Christmas tradition. We kept saying afterwards how we can't wait to take kids to this, I mean we found it magical, can't imagine a 4 year olds reaction to it (ahh makes me happy thinking about it).

It's Santa... we were a lot closer than this picture gives us credit

I never got these girls kicking... and they kick a lot

This was one of my favorite Acts... it was the Nutcracker... giant and alive teddy bears... need I say more?

The Live Nativity! Very pretty and real camels (watch out, they spit)!! This is how the show ended; perfect ending to a magical night!

Favorite Cartoons?!

2010-12-03T21:10:00.002-07:00

Once again, I have began to reminisce about my childhood and the fact that TV isn't what it used to be. The new facebook challenge has made me realize that they don't make cartoons like they once did. As most of you know, I am a huge Disney fan, but the new Disney shows are lame!!! I think back to the days when I would wake up to watch a show, or come home from school and watch my favorite shows with some cookies and a glass of milk. I even remember the amazing Saturday morning shows, and alas, the shows now stink (although I did get into this cartoon over the summer about the American Revolution, educational yet fun). I really think Todd and I wont have cable. Our kids will just watch Disney movies and if I ever get my hands on good ole shows, those too. So I'm making a list of my top favorites and you all should take a moment to reminisce about your favorites from the past. Here's mine:
-Mickey Mouse Club (the morning show... right after the lady did Disney aerobics... anyone remember that lady... haha)
-The Gummi Bears (Gummi Beary, Gummi Beary Juice)
-DuckTales (woo-ooo)
-My Little Pony Tails
-Talespin
-Chip and Dale Rescue Rangers
-Snorks
-Smurfs (reliving this one through the IPhone App)
-Busy, Busy Town
-Carebears
-The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
-Rugrats (I learned in college that you shouldn't name a preschool or daycare this... just fyi... Jersey City didn't get the memo)
-Saved by the Bell
-Kim Possible (call me, beep me, if you want to reach, when you want to page me it's ok...)

I keep thinking of more shows...
-Wings
-Home Improvement
-Boy Meets World
-Clarrisa Explains it All

I find myself singing all the theme songs as I type. What shows helped shape your childhood?

An Altom Thanksgiving

2010-11-29T09:07:00.002-07:00

Usually Thanksgiving means a lot of food and a lot of family. This year Thanksgiving consisted of a lot of food and just our little family. It was a tad different not being with family this Thanksgiving, but Todd and I enjoyed just being with each other. The beginning of the week, I got sick with the flu (sympathy pain for Gus). On Tuesday Gus and and I just slept and I'm sure we looked pretty pathetic what with Gus wearing his "cone of shame" and me stuffing tissues up my nose. I was worried that I wouldn't be good enough to go to the Macy's Day Parade, but fate was on my side and I felt good enough to go. Since this may be our only chance to go to the parade, we had to take advantage of it. We left our apartment around 6am, got some hot chocolate at Dunkin donuts and braved the subway system. We met a nice family from... Michigan... yep that's it. They asked us for any tips but we told them this was our first year doing this too. We gave them our two cents and I guess they trusted us enough so they stuck with us for a bit. Our way of getting to the parade worked very well, it wasn't crowded at all. Even though the parade is a lot more entertaining by Macy's, it's also more crazy and very long, so we decided to watch the parade from where it started, making our wait only 1 and half hours instead of 3+. We somehow lost our Michigan friends (imagine that) so hopefully they got a good spot and enjoyed it. Now, I'm not bitter at all, but I'm just letting it be known that if Todd would have listened to me, we would have had great spots (third row) but Todd thought for sure we could find an even better spot. We ran around trying to find that "better spot" and by the time we realized that it didn't exist, all the good spots I suggested were gone... not bitter though:). The spot we finally picked wasn't to bad though. We were further back but we had a cop car in front of us. That meant that there was no one in front of us really making our view hard and it provided heat. The parade was a lot of fun; the balloons were huge!! I started getting more sick during the parade and we even considered leaving early (and Todd was falling asleep standing up) but I really wanted to see Santa (I know, I'm like five years old). Finally we saw Santa's float and Santa himself, we took a picture and booked it out of there. We wanted to miss crowds so we ran like a hundred blocks (not really but when your sick and out of shape, it sure feels like a hundred blocks). We made it back home by 11:30am... not bad. As fun as it was to go to the parade in person, I think Todd and I would agree that sitting in your pjs, eating a yummy breakfast and watching the parade from the comfort of your couch is just as good! I'm glad we did it, now we don't need to worry about doing it again:).

Todd patiently waiting for the parade to start (oh we played Heart's online and in one game, Todd shot for the moon and I did it twice:), yeah that's right, I won!)

Me staying warm by the cop car (don't mind the no make up and big bags)

Us at the Parade... scary picture of me but it's the only one with both of us (why do guys always look good even if they get up way early?)

The pictures are a little grainy, not sure why (although we did just use our IPhones)

SANTA!!! I KNOW HIM!!

Since we had no family this year, I had to do the whole Thanksgiving meal. It wasn't to bad but we kept running out of bowls to make stuff in and I wanted to make sure everything was done at the same time, but that was hard with limited space and supplies. In the end though, Todd and I had a very yummy Thanksgiving meal. We were very thankful to be eating such a good and big meal, thankful to be together and to have this opportunity to be out east. It seems we have been stressing a lot about things and it is always nice to have a day to really remember how truly blessed and lucky we are. Gus also got a turkey meal and with all this tryptophan in our system we all crashed. We all slept for a good two and a half hours... Gus even slept longer.

Our beautiful table setting... spent a lot of money and time on this one;)

This is pumpkin cream pie. So for Todd and I's first Thanksgiving together, I wanted to make him a pumpkin pie (along with making it for my family). I spent forever one evening make pie and cookies. I had never made a pie before (well one that requires cooking) so I didn't really know what I was doing. Well, to put it kindly, my pie sucked! Todd was kind of a sport about it... kind of. The outside was burnt and the inside wasn't cooked. Since then, when I say I want to try again at making a pumpkin pie, Todd always suggest just buying one instead. When Mark and Debbie were out here, the boys brought home a pumpkin cream pie; Todd loved it and proclaimed "Ashleigh, I think I could trust you with making this pie." Ah gee thanks Todd. This Thanksgiving I made this pie and a chocolate cream pie for me. I think I pulled the pumpkin pie off... although Todd hasn't gobbled it down like the last pumpkin cream pie he had but he said it was amazing. My chocolate cream pie was wonderful though and it's all gone:).

Friday Todd and I went and saw "Tangled", very cute and fun movie. We also did a little bit of Christmas shopping but we aren't a black friday kind of family. Saturday we watched "The Game" and put up our Christmas tree and watched it snow:)

Saturday night I got sick again... goody and I am still sick now. Tomorrow is the "Lighting of the Tree at Rockefeller." We had always planned on going but as it gets closer and I'm sick, it doesn't sound fun to stand outside for 8hours with a dog just so we can get a good spot. If we don't go, I think we will at least see if we can walk by it as it is lit but everything I read online says that area is crazy, crazy busy that day. We shall see how determined I feel tomorrow and see if I can fight off this cold. Well it seems that I have made this post super long so I guess I shall end for now. We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and we are very thankful for all of you in our life!

Ashleigh's 23rd Birthday

2010-11-22T11:21:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's right world, I am 23 years old... and almost a week. It's strange to be at this age, it came so fast. Anywho, my 23rd birthday was basically amazing. The night before my birthday, Brian and Shelly were still here, so we went to my favorite restaurant for dinner... TGI Fridays:). My meal was amazing as usually and I think everyone else was pleased with theirs... but who really cares, it was my birthday;). Brian and Shelly also treated me to another Carlo's Bakery cupcake... YUM! The day of my birthday Todd and I went to the Statue of Liberty. Now if you remember awhile back, I posted about our first attempt at visiting Lady Liberty; it didn't go so well, but it did prepare us for this trip. We bought tickets for the crown in September and we knew exactly where to go this time. We thought it wouldn't be very busy, and it probably wasn't at all busy compared to other days, but we did have the pleasure of being there with a bunch of school field trip kids (pretty darn cool school trip). We first stopped at Ellis Island. I found a lot of "Daltons" and a lot of "Girards" (my mom's maiden name... funny story... so my great grandpa hated dotting the "i" in his last name so he change the spelling to "Gerard"... kinda made family history difficult but totally something my family would do). I don't know if any of them are related to me, but I'll just pretend because it makes Ellis Island cooler. The Statue of Liberty was a lot neater than I thought it would be. We, however, were not informed of the fact that we had to climb the dang thing... this is a modern marvel... elevators? It wasn't as bad as I make it out to be, I just don't like to move if I don't have to:). We got to the point where the staircase was a spiral and very small... it kind of made me sick but that too, didn't last long. The crown is very small, not a lot of people can fit in it but it has some great views. I forgot to mention that the day we went had wind advisories the whole day. It was sooooo windy. Now I'm from Idaho and I lived in Rexburg so I know wind, but man oh man it was windy... I seriously thought at some points we would fly away. This wind made the statue very wabally but the park ranger kept reminding us that the statue is very safe. I don't know if many people know, but I love history. I love learning about things from the past and stories behind everything. We spent a good 20 minutes up there asking the park ranger questions about everything; it was a fun history lesson. After the crown we went to the observation decks... holy cow... WINDY!!! The observation decks aren't very big so we shared this wonderful experience with cursing teenagers who thought they were going to die. We might have spent a longer time out there but I was kinda scared I would lose our camera. We made our way out of the statue and took some pictures at the bottom. I lost our camera lens cover!! It was completely on the camera and then all the sudden it dropped and started rolling away. I chased it like a mad woman but I guess the cover wanted to be with the ocean... dang it.

That evening Todd took me to see "The Lion King." There were two shows I wanted to see while we were here, "Wicked" and "The Lion King." I am so happy that we were not disappointed with either show. "The Lion King" was amazing!!!! The costumes were incredible and so were the set designs. The audience kept cheering just for the costumes and the set... we also cheered for the acting but, wow... it was such a pleasure to watch. I'm also a sucker for anything Disney and "The Lion King" has always been one of my favorite movies so that helped. We also had amazing seats. We were on the balcony, second row so nothing was in our viewing way and I think it allowed us to see everything much better and closer up. After the show we went back to our apartment and had chocolate cake; a perfect ending to a perfect day! Thanks for all of your birthday wishes and love. Thanks Todd for being my bestest best friend and sharing the day with me!!

An Altom Extravaganza!

2010-11-22T10:48:00.003-07:00

It's very funny to say that I am behind on blogging... a whole week behind, can you believe it... me, behind... ya'd think I'd have something better to do but alas, nope, I've just been to lazy to blog. First off, a special shout out to Gus, who sadly is getting/is neutered. Poor guy, he didn't even know what was coming. If fills so lonely without him. I hope he recovers fast so he is back to his weird, happy self.

This last, last weekend, Brian and Shelly came out. We had a great time with them and I hope they had a good time here. We did a lot of the same stuff that we have already done (but don't mind doing at all again) but we also went to two new places... Carlo's Bakery and Max Brenner. We went to Carlo's right when it opened to try and avoid lines, and it worked. I just got a cupcake but it was yummy. The day before my birthday we went to Max Brenner. If you have never heard of it, it is a chocolate dessert factory... OHHHHH SO GOOD!!! I got a warm, fudge filled cake (same concepts and Molten Chocolate Cake at Chilies, but so much better). Not only did I get the cake but it came with ice cream, a small chocolate shake and a cup of hot chocolate fudge. Yes, I was in heaven, and yes it was amazing. Well that's all the new things we did with Brian and Shelly but here are some other things we did:

Central Park

Serendipity (it was all decked out in Christmas decor)

Second attempt at the picture... better but not perfect...as we were leaving I saw some couple dressed up like the picture... copiers... better copiers...

M&M World and the Disney Store in Times Square... this is really the only picture we got of all of us... well kinda, just pretend Todd is the green M&M

Thanks for coming Brian and Shelly! We had a great time, love ya both!!

A Dixon Weekend

2010-11-09T09:28:00.005-07:00

This past weekend we had the opportunity to play with Eric and Jentry Dixon. They arrived early Friday morning but with a quick nap they were ready to go... non stop... for the whole weekend. The first day we headed to lower Manhattan area where we went to the 9/11 Memorial and rode the Staten Island Ferry.

After that we were cold and hungry so we headed to Little Italy where we had a very yummy lunch. The rest of the afternoon was spent shopping. So before we moved out here, I of course did my research and found there was a great little pizza place called "Grimaldi's." Apparently it is great because so many people told us to go there and we finally got the opportunity to go. It's in Brooklyn, close to the bridge (which we walked a second time). There was a line, like everyone says there usually is, but we got in after a 15 min wait. Todd then proceeded to break a plate... sigh, can't take that kid anywhere. Now I'm more of a thicker crust kind of gal but this pizza was delicious and the atmosphere was wonderful. If you have ever seen "Return to Me" it has the same fill (minus the Irish part) but a lot more cramped, but wonderful music is blaring and people are having a good time.

View from Brooklyn bridge

The only picture we got of all four of us... the middle guy owns Grimaldi's, at least I think

The next day was so fun. To sum it up it was 5th avenue and Central Park (what more do I need). One of the first places we went to was "Tiffany & Co." We couldn't afford anything on the first floor, but we did see the Tiffany Diamond... Amazing.

My hand compared to the diamond. Only two people have ever worn it, Audrey Hepburn and some other person

We already had what was on the second floor (engagement rings... to bad) and we didn't want anything on the fourth floor (home goods... it's hard to buy stuff for a home when you don't have it), so that left us with the third floor. The third floor was suppose to be the cheaper floor, and it was, but still a little out of my price rang... unless I wanted a charm but I've never been into charms. I of course found a bunch of things I wanted but we (I mean Todd) wasn't willing to pay $600 for a bracelet that I could probably get at "Main Street Diamonds" (Todd's old job) for probably a 1/4 of the price... but I wanted a box!!! Oh well. If diamonds are a girl's best friend, then toys are my second best friend. We then went to FAO Schwarz, I'm pretty sure it was our third or forth time there. I love that store... I need a kid then Todd would let me get all that stuff. We played on the "Big" piano and I dreamed of kid's rooms and playrooms.

So if you people don't know, Central Park is by far my favorite place in NYC. I could go there all the time and be completely content. Eric and Jen did a bike tour of the park and Todd and I went to a dog run to let Gus play. Dog people have this bond, when you see another person with a dog, you instantly become friends. Gus played and we talked for a whole hour with complete strangers. It's kind of funny, you always learn the dog's name and all about the dog but never the owner. But people are starting to think we actually live here... which we do but you know what I mean. Once we met back up with the Dixons', we went and rode the Carousal in Central Park (I think Carousals are magically).

After the park we did more shopping (more just browsing I should say on our part). We then headed to Time Square to find a place to eat. We had a great time all weekend but I have to say that dinner that night was hilarious; we had such a good time.

I wanted to reenact the picture on the left... I should've looked at it before we took the picture, good thing I have another month and a half to get it right...

Eric and Jentry... CUTE couple!

And Gus was with us the whole weekend:)

After Saturday our adventures ended with the Dixons' due to church and Todd's work, but we had a wonderful time with them. They left us Monday and Gus misses Jen:). We were glad we were able to spend some time with them and we hope to make this getting together a yearly thing. Next weekend Brian and Shelly come in... stay tuned.

p.s. Todd and I are now primary teachers to the older kids... Primary is hilarious, I miss kids, so it has been wonderful to be with them once a week. Favorite things that have happened: sunbeam talking to the pregnant music lady "You haven't popped out that baby yet?"and Little boy saying the closing prayer the Sunday after the ward Halloween party "thank you that we could all wear cool customs and look scary, amen." Gotta love kids!

Happenings...

2010-10-28T14:26:00.004-06:00

Monday we had the opportunity to go to "The Late Show with David Letterman." I registered us online and Todd got a call and was told we got some tickets (he had to answer a question correctly). The tickets are always free but a lot of the time people just go early that day to try and get tickets; our way was easier. The tickets that we got were awesome! There was only a small handful of us that got them and we got front and center (we also were able to use the bathroom). We had a pretty good time, met some very nice people and laughed (even when we didn't think something was funny, or in my case, didn't get it). I got all stressed out because they kept giving us all these rules on how to act, what to say, what not to say... it was all so stressful. The guests were Michael J Fox and Shawn White (whose a twig without his snow gear). Loved Michael, funny and a very strong person. Hopefully we get on tv... dvr us for friday nights show:)

Wednesday was our annual carving pumpkin night. This years theme was "Faces" (although I didn't realize that until we were done). Todd did that one guy from "The Office" and I did a traditional jack-o-lantern face and a dog face pumpkin. This year wasn't our best year but I still think they turned out pretty good. I did a simple face because I thought I would be carving the dog face but the small pumpkin was rock hard, so I drew on the face instead (it kind of looks like Gus, when he has a haircut). We had a good time! I just want to inform everyone that next year (if I am by any of you) we will be hosting a Halloween Party. My mom always hosted one when I was growing up so I have decided to continue the tradition. All in attendance must dress up, bring a pumpkin to carve, bring good food, dance, bob for apples and play other games. So next Halloween, my house, be there. But until then, the Altoms in New Jersey wish you all a very spooky and fun Halloween! BOO!

Happy Halloween!!!

All of New England in 1 day... sigh...

2010-10-25T09:59:00.000-06:00

Yes, that's right all, Todd and I drove through all of New England in one day (not every inch of New England but all the of the states). It was a lot of driving but it was crazy how we did it all. The New England states are so skinny, which helped. We went through New Jersey (of course), New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The highways were lined with bright orange, red, yellow and green trees; it was beautiful. Apparently in New Hampshire there is a law that billboards are not allowed on the freeway so it doesn't detract from the pretty trues (we didn't get to see this because it was dark the whole time we were driving through New Hampshire).

Our first destination was Rhode Island. Does anyone remember a show called "Providence" that was on a long time ago? I don't remember what it was about but I can picture the brown, curly haired girl (from CSI:NY) walking along a bridge, drinking coffee and talking on her phone. I remember watching that show and thinking Providence was such a beautiful place and I wanted to visit there. Saturday we had the opportunity to go there. It was beautiful and everyone was very friendly. I could picture me in a town like that; still big city but very much old town charm.

I'm pretty sure it took us 45 minutes to drive through Rhode Island... that state got gipped on size but not on beauty. Oh, oh, can I just say that the policemen there dress so cute. They are all fancy and stuff and wear leather brown, knee high boots. I kept wanting to get pulled over so I could complement them on their attire.

Our next destination was Boston. Yet another place I could picture us living! So pretty!! I kept telling Todd to get into Harvard:). I wish we would have been able to stay longer but the clock was tickin. We drove along the harbor (there was something going on around there because there was tons of people!), went to Harvard, eat at the best pizza and sub shop in Boston (that's what the sign said anyways... I wanted to run in there and congratulate them, ya know, like on "ELF") and went to Fenway Park (go Red Sox... next year...)

Harvard Business School

Next was Salem... BOO! It took forever to get into the city, ya'd think they would devise a better route. Because Salem is basically Halloween Town, USA there was a bunch of stuff going on. Every weekend in the month of October they have a festival and a festival means yummy food (and people all dressed up)!! We walked around and saw the sites of the Salem Witch trials, eat, and headed out. We thought this would be a fun place to bring kids. In one of the parks they had a big screen that was showing "The Addams Family" (I thought that was neat and I wanted to stay and watch).

We then drove to Maine... basically to say we were once there (for 10min)... But I'm sure Maine is very beautiful and I could picture us living there...

We then drove through New Hampshire... no proof... to dark...

We finally landed in Bennington, VT. It was too dark for me to judge it's beauty and whether or not I could live there. We spent the night there... very tacky and old decorations (and TV) but it did have a king size bed!!! The next morning we arose and left our humble abode. We eat at a restaurant called "Full Bellies." The service was very fast and the food was cheap and tasty! Bennington reminded us of Driggs; cute and charming but couldn't really live there full time. Don't worry, we bought some Vermont Maple Syrup... not for everyone of course, just us... it's spendy! :)

We then headed home to ugly New Jersey... not the Garden State but the Garbage State... sorry for the people that like NJ, I just have not found a very pretty place so far...

That concludes our New England Adventure... the end!

Pumpkin Pickin'

2010-10-18T12:32:00.001-06:00

I love the fall! I love the fall here! This past weekend we took a rode trip to a near by farm to find some good ole pumpkins.

Todd launched some pumpkins

We took a hayride

We took our own family pictures (we used a tripod, we looked funny and Todd made us wear plaid)

We went through a corn maze

And then we left and went to the Brooklyn Bridge

This is a plaque on the bridge. At the very bottom it reads, "Back of every great work we can find the self-sacrificing devotion of a woman." I thought it was a great quote!

We wanted to take cool pictures at sunset, but sunset was an hour away so I took a picture of Todd and called it good... he's so cute

That concluded our fall day... we did go home and make pizza and then our fall day was concluded!

Gus will be famous!

2010-10-15T13:44:00.003-06:00

As probably most of you know, Todd and I are obsessed with our dog. Gus is practically our child so I guess it's a good thing we love him (wait until we have actual human kids... we will be even crazier). We pretty much think Gus is the cutest dog ever, and a lot of people agree with us. Every time we go out we always get "Oh look at that cute puppy," "How old is he?," "What's his name?," "What breed is he? I want one!" If Todd didn't have me, Gus would be quite the chick magnet. Even having me, Todd gets stopped all the time by girls wanting to know about Gus. Basically, we are pretty proud of our little pooch.
When we first decided to get Gus, I did some research and decided we would feed him BLUE Buffalo. Todd didn't want our dog to eat just any kind of dog food so I found the best. Every time we get a new bag of food, there is always this card with a picture of a dog and the dog's bio. I thought Gus needed to be put in dog food so I looked online and made a mock up "Trading Card" (that's what BLUE calls them) about Gus. I didn't really think much of it except that people can go to the BLUE website and look at "Trading Cards" and see Gus. However, today I got an email from a marketing guy from BLUE and they want to actually use Gus's pictures as advertisement online and his picture will actually go in bags; I knew my dog was cute. The best part about it is we get free dog food for a year (which is awesome because having the best does not mean the cheapest)! So Gus's picture will be sold throughout the land, we will probably have the paparazzi surrounding us shortly and Steven Spielberg will probably call and want to use Gus in the movies... ok, I'm going a little overboard but Todd wanted me to share the news:) Yippy for free dog food!!! See Todd, I may have not made money but I saved money!! I knew Gus would come in handy someday... now it they would just pay to have him neutered...

If you want to see what Gus's trading card looks like, click on the link:

bluebufftradingcards.com

The Sweetest Place on Earth

2010-10-12T13:53:00.000-06:00

Hershey, PA! One day back in August (while at church), I discovered that Hershey, PA was only a couple of hours from where we would be living. We had to go and yesterday (Todd had the day off because it was Columbus Day) we went. We had a great time! It is about 2 hours and 45 min away but it enabled us to see a lot of Pennsylvania. I want to live there; or really anywhere in New England (technically PA isn't part of New England but meh, details...). Besides falling in love with the fall scenery, here is what we did:

We arrived

Went to "Hershey's Chocolate World"

Went on a free tour of the chocolate lab

Graduated with our Master's in Chocolate Tasting

Went on the free tour again (there are singing cows...who could resist?)

Went to "Cafe Zooka" to sample some Chocolate Shots

Didn't drink all of the shots...they were very thick and bitter and weird

Strolled down "Chocolate Ave"

And left... (we took this picture all by ourselves)

We had a wonderful day and we are very thankful we have the opportunity to be doing all these amazing things... together!

a simple. wonderful

2010-10-06T13:20:00.000-06:00

Okie dokie...I'm blogging yet again but you might notice that my blog has had a facelift. My wonderful and talented sister-inlaw has decided to go into the blog business. Because I am home all day and can hop on the computer basically every 5 minutes, I found out she was giving away free blog layout designs for the first five people who committed. I, of course was number one (no one else stood a chance). I told her I was thinking yellows and greys and that I wanted it fresh and happy; she delivered! So if you are in need of a personal blog facelift or your business could use one, visit Jacquelinne Altom at:

http://asimplewonderful.blogspot.com/

Thanks sis!

TAG!

2010-10-05T20:33:00.000-06:00

So a blog tag thing was started...I'm not sure by who but I was tagged by my friend Stacie. And since I love blogging so much these days, I will continue the game. The deal is, I answer 8 questions, then I tag 8 different people and they answer 8 new questions. Look at the bottom of the blog to see if you have been tagged...happy blogging!

1. What is your favorite commercial on TV right now? Or recent favorite?

hmmm...I can't even come up with one...it's been so long since I watched a commercial

2.What do you and your significant other argue about most often?

Who is right...we are both right all the time...but really, I am always right

3. If you were the lunch lady at school, what would you make to gross the kids out? My lunch lady made PB&J ;) pizza to get you started with ideas...

I hated those PB&) pizzas that Stacie mentioned but I also knew a lot of kids that actually liked them. I would have to make...hmmm...something from Mongolia, like horse head:)

4. What clique would you say that you belonged to in high school?

Oh geez...I don't know if I was in a clique...ummm the clique that was mostly made up with boys and few girls...the cool kids on the block of course;)

5. Open up your picture file on your computer. Count across or down 7 pictures, and you are not allowed to skip! Post it for us to see with a caption explaining if you would like.

Todd and I skipped school one morning to go to Mesa Falls with some friends! I had short hair!!

6. What is your worst experience as an employee?

Hmmm well...I used to work at a place called TLC. I love, love, love that place and loved the people I dealt with there but I did have a responsibility of changing bigger people's bums. One day I had to deal with a really, really gross diaper!! It took forever for me to do and I ended up smelling like poop (and maybe a little womanly stuff...)the whole day...or it could be the day I had to put someone in a head lock cuz a computer was about to get thrown at me...or when I worked with people who never listened to me and didn't really know what they were doing

7. What item can you never walk by in the grocery store without being seriously tempted to buy it?CHOCOLATE!

8. The most awkward thing to happen to you last week was...

I gots nothing...BORING!

Ok...my questions...

1) Go to your picture folder...go to your forth picture folder and choose the 3rd picture (no skipping), post and explain

2) What is your most embarrassing dating moment?

3) What is your favorite song and explain why?

4) What is the worst name you heard someone give a baby?

5) Where is your favorite place?

6) Funniest thing you have ever been asked?

7) Look to your left...what do see?

8) Post your favorite recipe as of right now...

My lucky 8 people are...Amanda, Mindy, Hannah, Alycia, Shelly, Jac, Morgan and Stephanie

A "Wicked" weekend!

2010-10-04T11:00:00.000-06:00

This weekend we had the pleasure of having Mark and Debbie come visit. They had a rough plane ride but showed up at our place around noon on Friday. Todd was at work but both his parents and I wanted to go see where he worked, so we headed into the city during the late afternoon. I was so proud that I got us there and didn't get lost!! We had to check in at this security place and have Todd paged (although the security guy didn't know who Todd Altom was...hey, maybe someday hun). Todd has a very nice cubical but needs to be decorated. Todd's boss, who we call JB, was very nice and it seemed like he really liked Todd (but who wouldn't?). After that, I got my early birthday present; it is a camera...it is beautiful!! It really is for the both of us because Todd will probably take more pictures with it than I will, so I'm thinking I need other stuff for my birthday...

I had heard that Serendipity is a really fun and good restaurant to eat at, so Todd and I had made reservations for all of us to go eat there. It is decorated very interesting but fun. The menus are HUGE (see pic below).

The food was pretty good; I liked what I got a lot but, Debbie's had bugs....GROSS! She handled it very nicely, I would've demanded they cover the entire bill, but she just switched dishes. Serendipity is known for their frozen hot chocolate. Todd and I tried it; it was huge and pretty good. Mark and Debbie got a gigantic Sundae...go big or go home!

Saturday was "Wicked" day! It was so good; we all loved it!

Us inside the theater...we had great seats!

Debbie and I don't like this picture but it does show off our t-shirts we got and Todd's cup:)

Later that night...really later...8:00pm...the boys went to the Priesthood Session of Conference. Debbie and I read and played games on our IPhone/ITouch...oh and Debbie brushed Gus (this is worth mentioning because she really doesn't like dogs but she is warming up to Gus me thinks)! Todd's new favorite pie is Pumpkin Cream, that was discovered while we had dessert once the boys got home.

The next day was conference and we listened to it all, went for a walk in Jersey City and played card games (it was a very good night of cards for me...sorry hun). Monday morning we went to this wonderful restaurant for breakfast called "Brownstone Pancake Factory" so good. Gus and I are all alone now, hence the blogging. But it was so fun to have Mark and Debbie here for the weekend; we wished they could've stayed longer. Thank you Mark and Debbie for everything!! We have such an amazing family and we love you all!

p.s. I might not be able to make it into broadway while I'm here...apparently you have to be really good...hmmm...but I would've made a good Glinda (Galinda), minus the whole singing good thing...oh well

Ashleigh’s First thoughts

2010-09-25T21:50:00.000-06:00

First impressions of Todd: He is cute, awkward acting but cute! He has such blue eyes!!! Did this guy seriously just hit me?

First thoughts every time I walked into our class: I hope I look ok… quick, fluff the hair

First thought of our first date (what Todd counts as our first date): This is awkward…. This isn’t a date right?....

First time I texted him and he texted back: Did he just say I was the girl of his dreams? :)

First walk: Did this guy seriously just tell me to go on a mission… I guess he doesn’t like me

First time he told me he didn’t like me: See friends… I told you he didn’t like me… :(

First time he held my hand: Oh crap!

First kiss: A tad out of practice… I can fix that…

First time he brought me a card and a flower to cheer me up: Oh… he is too cute!

First time he made me chocolate cake: He’s a keeper!

First time he met my family: He fits in so well… He can almost out talk them

First time I met his family: Gosh… I should just marry him because of his family

First “I love you”: I knew it… and I love you too

First long goodbye: I don’t know what I’ll do without him

First time I knew with certainty that I had to marry him: Paris boat ride, wishing he was with me holding my hand

First time seeing him after the long goodbye time: Oh how I miss him and love him… he is a good kisser, I almost forgot

First time we made plans for our wedding: Wow… Am I this old already… wow… he is perfect though

First thought when I saw him the day he proposed: What is he doing here? Oh my gosh, oh my gosh

First time we went through the temple together: This man is perfect for me, I am glad he will be mine forever… he is so cute in white

First time I saw him the day we got married: I can’t believe this is happening; I am so lucky and so happy

First kiss as husband and wife: We’re married… why is everyone laughing?

With only two years of marriage under our belt, there continues to be a lot of “firsts”; first apartment, first car, first marriage fight, first holiday’s, first real hard struggle as a family, first dog and so on and so on. Through all those firsts there is no one else I would want by my side than Todd. If anyone knows our story, you’ll recall that it wasn’t an easy beginning. I remember writing in my journal that there was this guy that wouldn’t ever go away (partly because I played games… my bad) and then he turned into the guy that I never wanted to go away. I put him through a lot when we first met but I knew there was something special about him. Todd is the perfect man for me and he has stuck by me through thick and thin. He is my best friend, the best kisser and the best person I could ever have the opportunity to be with. After two years of marriage we have cried (yes, I have seen Todd cry on occasion… I know, a miracle), we have fought, we have laughed a lot, and I love him more now, then I ever thought was possible two years ago today. Thanks for being the guy that wouldn’t go away. These past two years have been the best two years of my life (hey we made it a mission’s length, nice work) and I look forward to our other firsts in our journey through eternity. Love you Todd Sagers Altom, glad you picked me!

White Trash Tour

2010-09-24T14:19:00.000-06:00

So I know I've blogged A LOT but really I have nothing else to do... I need a new book and I got a headache from catching up on all my tv shows... so I'm blogging!

I decided I would give everyone a tour of our white trash apartment. The apartment itself is nice but since Todd and I will only be here about three months, we don't care to invest anything into the place. I told Todd this morning we were white trash and he took offense, but really, I find it very entertaining... so, here is the white trash tour.... (at least we are clean white trash)...

Exhibit A-Todd brought me home a pretty yellow flower... our vase? Well a plastic water bottle of course... see Z&J, we reuse and recycle:)

Exhibit B- Yes, our bed is basically in the kitchen AND it doesn't have a bedskirt (a pet peeve of mine)

Exhibit C- Now I should be worried about showing off our dirty laundry, but hey, I'm white trash (so really this should be Exhibit C and D). Our hampers are Target and Wal-Mart grocery bags... reusing and recycling yet again

Exhibit E- You may be wondering what our beautiful window covers are... well to duplicate our beautiful work, accidentally purchase two $3 fitted twin sheets in any color you wish (we chose orange to go with the orange theme of the house)

Exhibit F- Now these I actually love!! They don't match, they are old and not very comfortable but they are "His & Her's Chairs." I love them! They remind me of "UP" (don't worry, a picture will soon follow). I actually love the shapes and if the flowered one was cleaned up, I think it would be really cute! What really Exhibit F is trying to show is the wonderful cardboard on the floor. We were worried about scratching the floor, so I woke up one morning to find this little trick done by Todd. All I could say when I saw it was "Smart idea Todd, that'll work," and I went on my merry way. I know think cardboard is a great idea...

To top it all off, all of our decor is basically Gus's stuff. But hey, it works.

That now concludes the white trash tour... please, don't judge...

Kids in NYC

2010-09-24T07:47:00.000-06:00

I received a wonderful text message on Tuesday, informing me that Todd had the day off on Wednesday… doesn’t his job just sound so rough;)? But who am I to talk. Anywho, we were very excited to have another day together. Once again we decided to head to the city. Everytime we go there both Todd and I say “Let’s live here!” We really do love being there and everything about it (well except the cost). We first took the subway to the World Trade Center. Neither Todd nor I had seen that area before. It is very much under construction over there. During the subway ride, I kept thinking what it would have been like to be in that subway that day; could they hear it? Did it shut the subway down immediately? And what would it have been like to come out of the tunnel? At church some of the ladies talked about what it was like that day and they are absolutely right, if you weren’t there, you don’t really know what it was like. It was an interesting feeling to see that area but it gives one hope when you see new buildings being constructed.

I got my first glimpse of the New York Statue of Liberty while we were in that area (I say the NY because I’ve already seen two others in France…well three if you include the one in Las Vegas). The area we were in had all the Wall St and financial people having lunch… at that moment I wondered what it would be like to be rich?

I convinced Todd that we should go to my favorite place again… Central Park. We just wanted to roam around some more and I wanted to get a good look at “The Mall.” Todd and I had lunch at a restaurant that is by the sheep meadow thing (it’s the big grassy area that you see all the time in movies. They call it the sheep something because in the olden days sheep grazed that area. Now there is just a ton of people sun bathing).

We then had ice cream at the Bethesda Fountain (that’s the fountain where the guy in “The Wedding Planner” is going to get married and where Giselle finishes singing “That’s how you know”).

We then walked “The Mall” (also in a bunch of movies, “When Harry Met Sally”, “Maid in Manhattan” and “Big Daddy”… I’m just giving movie triviaJ).

I entitled this blog “Kid’s in NYC” because that is basically what Todd and I are. Our next adventure was FAO Schwarz; that place is magical! I wanted to buy everything but Todd said “No.” I even found a onesie (not that I need it anytime soon) that said “Give my mommy chocolate and everything will be ok” or something to that effect… perfect? I think so. They also had M&M onesies… very cute… oh and also an elephant dress. I also wanted to buy all the stuffed animals… but Todd is a meany. Our main purpose of going there was to play on the “Big” piano (now I don’t know if it is called the “Big” piano because of the movie or because of the fact it’s big) anywho, we went there because of the movie. The guy that works at that area has the best job ever. He just watches people, teaches people and occasionally plays on the piano. Todd and this guy did “Heart and Soul” and “Chopsticks” (that one was funny because they basically had to go into the splits to get some of the notes).

Although Todd had already played the song, I had to, so I made him do it again with me. I kept messing up but finally we got it and we did it “Big” style. We had a little audience as well and at the end we received a standing ovation (granted everyone was already standing).

After that I was pooped and ready to go home, haha (I should go there everyday so I can lose weight). Oh, Todd now thinks my favorite store, Banana Republic, is now reasonably priced and fairly cheap… yeah, yeah that’s right, woot, woot! We ventured into this one store Todd’s boss shops at (something Goodman) and not only were we very under dressed but very under supplied with money. A shirt was almost one month’s rent for us… bargain? I think not! What’s it made out of? Gold… diamonds? It better be handmade with gold tread. After we discovered we are to poor to live in Manhattan we went back to Jersey City, made hamburgers and fries and watched “What Happens in Vegas.”

At the moment Gus and I are home, bored. Waiting once again for the Comcast guy to come. You ask what I do all day, well… I clean a lot (just reorganized my shelves for no reason), read and write this blog (hence why our blog is now huge). But that’s the latest…

p.s. We finally have a real bed!!!!

Park Day=a wonderful day!!!

2010-09-24T07:36:00.000-06:00

For some reason, the things that I want to see the most here in this big city are things that are related to movies… and most of those things have to do with parks. I love parks. I don’t know why but I could spend hours and days at a park. The two places I really, really wanted to visit were of course Central Park and Riverside Park. One of my favorite movies is “You’ve Got Mail.” The whole movie is based in the west side of town by Riverside Dr. and Riverside Park. At the very end of the movie, Meg Ryan’s character (Kathleen Kelly) is waiting at Riverside Park for her online romance man to show up. Much to her surprise and excitement, her online romance guy, the man she loves, is Tom Hank’s character (Joe Fox). I fell in love with that park in the movie and I had to go there. If Todd and I ever live long-term in NYC, I pick the west side as our place of residence. It is beautiful over there. It’s still the big city but calmer and a lot more trees and flowers. Riverside Park is very beautiful but I can imagine that it is even prettier in the spring/summer (which is when the movie takes place). I stood right were the characters stood.

Todd wasn’t all that into it but I was glad we got to go.

I convinced Todd to walk all the way from Riverside Park to Central Park… it really isn’t that bad. We saw the Museum of Natural History, ate some more hot dogs and walked around the outside of the park.

As we were walking a man stopped us and asked if we wanted to do a bike tour of the park (I can’t remember what it’s called but we just sit while a guy pulls us on his bike). Todd wasn’t all that into it at first (due to the cost) but my excitement and the lowering of price changed his mind. I told the guy we wanted a really exciting and funny driver; he just took us to the very first driver, haha. My first thought was “wow, this guy is smaller than me, poor thing has to pull us?” and Todd’s was “hmmm he is Asian…where is he from?” Todd asked the guy where he was from and guess what? He was from Mongolia… and the rest is history.

The tour was a lot of fun! In case you didn’t know… that park is rather large and this was a much easier way of seeing the whole thing. I told Todd many times that I wanted to go back to certain places, but I don’t know how we would’ve walked the entire thing so I am glad we did the bike thing (I think we might rent our own bikes next week which should be fun).

Central Park is amazing; it is so beautiful, I wanted to stay there. Every place I saw I thought of a movie (mostly “Enchanted”) and I wanted to burst into song (I occasionally twirled around but refrained from the singing). We also saw the FRIENDS fountain, which is really called Cherry Hill Fountain, but the fountain in the opening scene in FRIENDS is based on this fountain (I also refrained from jumping into it but Todd said maybe next time).

We had a great time and Todd enjoyed speaking Mongolian. After the park we stopped at a cupcake shop…YUM!! We then ventured over to see the temple. On the way there we stopped at a post office and Burberry…haha so expensive!! Cute clothes and even cuter kids clothes. Todd found a scarf there for a mere $250…bargain? I think so! The temple is crazy…all the sudden you see the Angel Moroni. We just really looked at it but we are hoping to go do a session (once we can get new temple recommends). On the way home, Todd got us lost, I got us found (thanks to the previous day when I got lost) and we made it home safe and sound. The night ended with “You’ve Got Mail.” It was a wonderful day. Todd and I love NYC!

ALMOST Statue of Liberty Adventure

2010-09-23T18:57:00.000-06:00

Thursday, Todd informed me that he would be getting off early from work the next day. We decided it would be fun to go to the Statue of Liberty. We kind of just assumed it would be an easy thing to do, but it turned out to be a tad more difficult. We should’ve known things weren’t going our way when Todd didn’t get off all that early and our internet still wasn’t working (something with the wiring of an old building…blah blah blah). I should also mention that we wanted to go to the Crown but apparently you have to plan months in advance for that and we just decided that day to go…so…we didn’t plan well. Anywho, Todd got home, we left, just intending to go and look at Lady Liberty. The train dropped us off at a station and from there we had no idea where to go. I had read online that there was a shuttle services from this station to the ferry but when we got there, we discovered that after the summer the shuttle is only available on weekends. We looked at a map and it was really only a mile to the ferry so we started walking. I knew we needed to buy tickets before we got to the ferry but we didn’t know where to get them. A third of the way down to the ferry, we decided to go to this science center and I looked online, and sure enough we could buy tickets there. We got to the science center and it was closed (the only day this month). It was determined that the Statue of Liberty was a no go that day. We then had to walk back to the station we got dropped off at but ended up taking a strange route and going in a huge circle. We took the bus back to our house but ended up getting dropped off a good two miles away from our place. We didn’t really mind it because we needed to find a store to get a few things for a dessert. Little did we know that our area of town really isn’t part of the United States. In our two-mile journey we visited Mexico, China, India and Vietnam. None of the many countries we visited had chocolate chips or oatmeal. We got back to our place, picked up Gus and continued walking to other countries. Finally we came to a little market that sold American Food!!! It was a very happy moment. A day that was suppose to be filled with site seeing, easy shopping and minimal walking, ended up being a day filled with traveling the world, hard shopping and a lot of walking. But in the end we had fun and that’s all that really matters.

Day 5

2010-09-23T18:53:00.001-06:00

So I am done giving moment-by-moment details, I just thought I’d show everyone how crazy the first two days were (and to keep for my own personal record). I probably will lose track of days too, so I will need to get creative on post titles.

Todd started his job on Tuesday and absolutely loves it! His boss apparently is way cool and he loves doing Sony projects. I think his favorite thing is finding out about things before the rest of the world does; he likes secrets. He normally works from 10-5ish but this week they haven’t been having him go in till 2. I think he has his commute down so it usually takes him 40 minutes to get from here to there. Todd is a city boy and loves being here. As for me, I’ve done really nothing. I unpacked us and that’s about it…well until today.

Thursday was my first outing to the big city and I love the big city!! Todd and I first went to the FRIENDS building in Greenwich Village. That area is beautiful!! I kept telling Todd I wanted to live there, especially the actual FRIENDS building.

Afterwards we took a Taxi (Gus and mine’s first) to canal street/china town.

It’s like Mexico only with Chinese people and in the USA, haha. I wanted to get a purse and the second purse shop we came to had Burberry purses. Since Todd loves Burberry I decided a purse would be fun for me. I got a very cute one and a wallet. We brought the guy down $30 dollars…not bad. We spent all the cash we had so we then made our way to Central Park. We got lost kind of but it allowed me to see more of the city. Central Park is awesome! We ate our hot dogs, listened to jazz music, met some other dog lovers and I watched a kickball game (I really want to join that league). Todd left me at 1:30 and I thought I would be able to entertain myself for 4 hours so I decided to hang around. I soon (after an hour) got tired of walking and got cold. I decided to head home but unfortunately between my phone, and a misguided direction from Todd, I got lost. I kept making circles and then I’d get some success and end up lost again. I somehow made it to Madison Square Garden, saw some more sights and eventually got on the right train. So I’ve done the whole metro thing in London and Paris and NYC is WAY more confusing!!!! First off, in those other cities there are maps everywhere and you figure out the main lines and you’re golden. Here, however, they expect you to know where you’re going. So in the end, I only got home an hour before Todd and spent the four hours lost, walking and instead of cold, hot. Luckily, I made it home minutes before it started raining cats and dogs. Even with getting lost, I love it here and so does Todd. Gus enjoys city life too; he loves all the smells, the other dogs and chasing pigeons (it takes awhile to get anywhere if he is walking). But the Altom family is safe and having fun and we will keep everyone updated on our little adventures.

New York Adventure: Day 2

2010-09-23T14:30:00.000-06:00

8:00 am- Woke up to a wonderful smelling breakfast!!!
8:30 am- Got ready

9:30 am- I guess I should mention the Lord is amazing. Although this New York adventure has been crazy thus far, He has put wonderful people in our way to help us (Claire, Joe and Elder and Sister Hibbert). The Hibbert’s main responsibility as missionaries is to do the moving for the Elders and Sisters. They help with transfers and getting them all set up. Because of this, they said we could use some of the mission’s furniture that was in storage. So at this time we drove to the storage unit and got a bunch of kitchen supplies. We will also be getting to dressers and two chairs here shortly. This definitely took a lot of pressure off Todd and I. This adventure has not been cheap so a little savings has been wonderful. Thank you!!!

10:00 am- Said good-bye to the Hibbert’s and made our way back to Jersey City

10:45 am- Walked to Chase to get the deposit. Gus is very popular here

11:00 am- Someone asked me for directions…hahahaha. I told her I’d heard of the street before but that was it

11:15 am- Got the keys to our apartment. It felt like we had never rented an apartment before

11:30 am- Moved all our stuff into the apartment.

12:30 pm- Went to Rent-A-Center, didn’t rent anything…

1:00 pm- Went to Target, realized we would spend more money here than at Wal-Mart, and they didn’t have everything we need so we drove to Kearny to go to Wal-Mart

1:15 pm- Had troubles with my insurance…sigh

1:30 pm- Shopped till two carts were too full…still need to go back to Target because this Wal-Mart doesn’t have produce…sigh

3:00 pm- Made it back to our apartment and cleaned

5:30 pm- Headed back to Wal-Mart to return some shower curtains (the master bath has a tub but it was too dirty and has a huge window that people can see in so we decided to save $25 on two shower curtains and a curtain rod).

6:00 pm- Went to Claire and Joe’s house to get their air mattress… Thanks again!!

6:15 pm- Filled up the rental car with gas and headed to Newark Airport to return the car by 7:00pm

6:20 pm- Realtor called and said landlord wasn’t happy about the dog…. pretty much thought we were getting kicked out

6:30 pm- Hit traffic and tons of rain

6:54 pm- Made it to the car rental place with six minutes to spare

7:05 pm- Rode the Newark train to the other end of the airport

7:25 pm- Realized we got off at the wrong spot and got back on and went in reverse

7:40 pm- Got out of the Newark Airport and waited for a bus

7:40 pm- Got on the bus and almost died because the bus driver started moving before I was holding onto something

8:15 pm- Got dropped off at Newark Penn Station to catch the Path Train to get to Jersey City. Got a little confused but finally got on the right train

8:40 pm- Walked from the Grove Station to our apartment

8:50 pm- Realtor called and said we won’t be getting kicked out of the apartment, we just need to pay a deposit for the dog…dang dog

9:00 pm- Todd steamed his shirt and we made up our bed

9:15 pm- Ashleigh realized Gus’s shampoo leaked and got all over Gus’s things and some of her stuff…spent 20 minutes washing things out

9:45 pm- Made some tuna fish sandwiches for dinner

10:15 pm- Got all stressed about finances…this adventure is expensive!!!

11:00 pm- Watched two episodes of FRIENDS

12:00 am- Went to sleep!

New York Adventure: Day 1

2010-09-23T14:12:00.000-06:00

5:3o am (3:30 am Utah/Idaho time)- Arrived at JFK after a decent red eye flight... very little sleep however, due to the rather large and snoring man by Todd and the whimpering Gus next to Ashleigh.
6:00 am- Paid for a cart to carry our luggage. Took Gus to the "Pet Relief Area"... watched four dogs come and "Go" and left after Gus did nothing.
6:30 am- Boarded the AirTrain (after Ashleigh finally asked for directions)to go and get a rental car.
6:45 am- Gus finally relieved himself and we headed to NYC in the rental car.
7:00 am- Missed an exit and had to back track.
7:15 am- Ashleigh saw the NYC skyline for the fist time.
7:30 am- Found an H&M store (three stories high) and Banana Republic... oh and Broadway all close together... what more do I need?
7:45 am- Paid $5 for a toll we didn't need to pay for because our rental car had a fast pass inside.
8:00 am- Found a possible apartment in Union City. Fairly nice apartment building but the city... well... everything was in Spanish, which would be fine if I had learned anything from my three years of Spanish class.
8:30 am- Ate McDonald's for breakfast and took a nap inside the car.
10:45 am- Woke up feeling not very refreshed. Drove to Jersey City to look at another possible apartment. Looked ok from the outside.
11:30 am- Decided to go for a walk in a park, got cold, went back into the car and took fell asleep.
1:00 pm- Ate lunch at Pizza Hut and drove to the realtor's office. Saw a woman come out of a tattoo place with skin tight gold pants... "Gus, I have a feeling we're not in Idaho anymore. We must be over the rainbow."
2:15 pm- Met the realtor at the Jersey City apartment along with two other men. Waited 15minutes till we got the right key... went up... didn't look to awful... went into the bathroom... EWWWWWWW... I love cleaning but there is no way I would touch that bathroom. Todd and I decided we couldn't do it.
3:00 pm- Got depressed that we still didn't have a place to live... Realtor said if we didn't like that apartment, we wouldn't like the one in Union City (scary thoughts).
3:15 pm- Went back to the realtor's office (side note... the realtor's office was called "American Homes." Now this was ironic because everyone there was from the middles east or egypt), met with a different realtor, Sam, who was the biggest salesman ever (big not as in fat)
3:30 pm- Sam took us to a different apartment that was sooooo nice; although the hall is a little scary and smells like cat pee. We were sold and went back to the office to fill out paperwork.
4:15 pm- Drove around to find a Chase Bank/ATM to get a deposit. Bank and ATM were closed... no deposit... no place to sleep.
4:30 pm- Decided to fill out paperwork; we would move in on Monday. Todd ended up taking the day of so Ashleigh wouldn't have to move and go shopping all by herself (thanks honey).
5:30 pm- Decided to keep the rental car for another day, decided we would sleep in it.
5:45 pm- Drove to Kearny (the place we were originally going to live) to meet up with our helpful friends Claire and Joe.
6:30 pm- Arrived just in time. Met Claire and Joe and Brother and Sister Hibbert. We had a great time, visited, felt like real people, and ate pizza... again... but it was GOOD!
7:15 pm- Got asked where we were staying the night... said maybe our car... Elder and Sister Hibbert said we could stay with them!!
8:00 pm- Thanked Claire and Joe for everything and headed to Lake something something to sleep.
8:30 pm- Arrived and got ready for bed.
10:00 pm- Fell asleep on the best hide-a-way bed ever! Sweet Dreams!!
p.s. it rained the entire day!

Because I Have Been Given Much...

2010-09-05T13:12:00.000-06:00

Today I woke up not in the best of moods. The thought occurred to me that this last month I haven’t been in the best of moods...sorry. I wasn’t trilled to go to church but like a good girl I went and I am so glad I did. Fast and Testimony meetings are the best. It is a wonderful time to hear of others testimonies and to reflect on your own. I tried to remember the last time I bore my testimony and I couldn’t remember…I knew it was in Rexburg and that was about it. I didn’t get/take the opportunity to bare mine but I thought very hard at where my testimony stood. Many thoughts were going through my head like how I know this gospel is true; I know the scriptures are true, I do know it! But then as it usually happens with me I thought about pray and thought, “Does it really work for me?” As with everyone else, my life has not been all sunny and happy, it fact it has been very difficult. Many times I have knelt in prayer asking for help, for blessings and guidance and while I know the Lord has helped me and guided me I seem to think of all the prayers that haven’t been answered. I sometimes seem to dwell on the negative things in my life and forget about all the many blessings I have been given. This past month I have felt like I was being punished for something or I’m just not good enough to receive blessings and I’ve struggled, I guess, in the knowing that Heavenly Father and Jesus love me.

All these thoughts were going through my head then towards the end of the meeting a young boy; about 11 got up to bare his testimony. He was scared to death, he kept shaking and under his breath he even said, “I’m so nervous”. He went on to say he was a foster child and has been through a bunch of foster homes and is now living with a family in my parent’s ward. He talked about how when he was 6 years old he was staying with an LDS family. At that young of age he could tell something was special in that family and loved to go to church. His testimony was short and hard to understand through his nervousness but he knew the gospel made his life better. This young boy started me on a different wave of thoughts; I began to count my blessings. The closing song was “Because I Have Been Given Much.”

My senior year in high school I had the opportunity to be a Seminary President. One of the girls in my class lost her father during the school year and it was my responsibility to do something for her. I didn’t really know exactly what to do because at that point I had never lost someone in my life. The only thing I could think of was to get a card, have the whole class sign it and take that card along with some flowers to her. The weeks past and finally she returned to school. My seminary teacher decided one day, instead of having a lesson that we were going to share our favorite hymns and sing them. Towards the end, the girl who lost her father volunteered her favorite song, “Because I Have Been Given Much.” She told us she loved this song because it was her dad’s favorite song. She began to cry and the whole class began to cry. She continued saying that her father could always find the joy in things and always thought he was truly blessed. The girl then said that she too was very blessed; she had the gospel, a family that loved her, and a wonderful father who she will be with again someday.

I remembered that story and thought to myself I am indeed truly blessed. I have the gospel in my life; I was raised and taught by parents and family members that truly love me. I have wonderful friends who build me up and keep me laughing. I have an old family and a new family who teach me through their words and actions how I should be. I have my health (even though it has gone down since I got married…I’m allergic to marriage), I have an education and I’m not in too much debt because of it:). I have had the opportunity to travel the world and see this beautiful place that God has created. I have a husband who is a way better person than me and who has faith that is unwavering. He never lets the woes of the world get him down. He has such a faith and knowledge of the Lord’s plan that he knows for a fact that everything will be ok, in fact his most used line is “every little thing is going to be alright.” I hope one day I can have that much faith but I am thankful he pulls me along and keeps me going. I have a Heavenly Father and a Savoir who do love me and do watch over me. Someone suffered for me so that I could repent and return to be with Him and my Heavenly Father. They are with me through everything and I need to not forget that. I may not know why things happen or what will happen in my life but the Lord does and I need to follow Him and put full trust in Him. I am indeed blessed and I am thankful for all of my blessings and the opportunity the Lord gives me to grow. Happy Fast Sunday!:)

Winding Down of Summer

2010-08-16T12:08:00.000-06:00

Wow...so much craziness has happened since the last time I did a post. I'm thinking Todd should just post all the time:). Anywho, it has been a crazy month and a half and Todd and I are ready for the summer to be over. That is probably a weird comment to hear (I guess read) for some of you but summer's just aren't what they used to be. Todd has about two or three more weeks of selling. The summer didn't happen how we thought it would. It has been a pretty good selling summer but not nearly as good as we had originally hoped, but what can you do? As most of you know, we moved from Indianapolis to Memphis (but really Olive Branch Mississippi). Our apartment and the apartment complex in Mississippi was so much better then in Indianapolis! Jac and I both said we could've stayed. Oh and Craig, Jac, Liv, Todd and I (oh and Gus), all lived together for two weeks. It was actually very nice, although we kind of got lazy; Jac and I didn't have to walk or drive to see each other so we really didn't go anywhere (plus it was super hot and humid so we didn't really enjoy being outside). At the beginning of August, Todd took a much needed day off and we were able to have a summer day. We went out to lunch, to a movie, traveled to downtown Memphis and of course topped it off with Baskin Robins ice-cream. Jac and I came home early for Alycia's bridal shower and wedding and are staying here. So not only do I miss my hubby but I miss my gal pals! Todd is dying in the heat in Memphis and I am doing as much stuff as possible to keep myself busy and make the time go by faster. This summer has had its ups and has had its downs, but one thing I have learned from this summer is that no matter what, as long as I have Todd in my life, I have a very blessed life and a happy one. Todd is my very best friend and I don't know what I would do without him. He lets me cry when I need to cry but can always make me smile (which sometimes makes me mad, haha) and makes everything that is wrong in the world better. I love that boy with all my heart and I am so lucky he loves me! Anywho...I also miss that boy very much and hope the summer goes by fast, fast, fast. As soon as Todd comes home we are off to NYC! We leave September 11 (at night) and arrive in NYC on September 12. Todd is very excited for his internship and we are ecstatic to live in NYC for a bit. Apartment search is still going...but we might have a hopeful but it will be in New Jersey. The commute for Todd will be an hour on the bus and with walking, I feel bad for him but it's in our price range so what can ya do? We will have to get a bus pass because I plan to live it up NYC. Keep your fingers crossed that we find a place. Oh, The Places We Go...well thats us in a nutshell. We will keep everyone updated on our little adventure. Love you all and hope all is well! LIVE-LAUGH-LOVE

A Tribute to Lady Ashleigh

2010-08-04T01:05:00.000-06:00

For those of you who have seen the movie "Australia" with Nicole Kidman should remember a few things about the movie. 1) It was the longest movie out of the history of movies, just when you think it's going to end, the second half of the movie begins. 2) Nicole Kidman's character is referred to as "Lady Ashley." So because of this, the nickname of choice for my dear lover, is Lady Ashleigh.

Funny comment, Gus is actually snoring as I am typing this. It almost sounds like a growl, but it's totally a snore.

So for all of you who read this, this post is a tribute for the love of my life, Ashleigh Paige.

Almost three years ago, I completed my mission to Mongolia and embarked upon a new adventure in my life by going to BYU-Idaho. After the first day of school I went with a friend and Craig (although Craig is also considered a friend) to Ashleigh's apartment. We had heard about some girls that were making cookies and had the Wii. I had never played the Wii so I was totally down for whatever, plus I needed to get out of my post-mission awkwardness, so I figured this couldn't hurt. That was the day I met Ashleigh. I'm so glad I went to her apartment.

Two years ago, August 3rd, 2008, I proposed to Ashleigh. Ashleigh doesn't think I care or remember that date, but I do. And I care very much. Let's take a walk together down memory lane to the time when Todd lived in Oklahoma and Ashleigh had recently returned from Europe.

Ashleigh and I had been dating for 6 months or so. I can still remember getting dropped off at the SLC airport after spending a fabulous 4th of July together. I had been so unsure about whether or not we should get married. But after saying goodbye at the airport, the ole saying came to mind, "You don't know what you've got till it's gone." I knew then that I needed to marry Ashleigh, and FAST. Haha.

So, the next day I started calling around for ring prices. Luckily Ashleigh had given me a website with a picture of the exact ring she needed. So I eventually contacted Rocky Mountain Diamonds and sent them the picture. That was easy. I remember Ashleigh being so stressed out wondering if we were really going to get engaged or married, and I had already bought the ring. The time frame was the middle of July. I had kind of told Ashleigh that I wouldn't be able to make it home until the end of August, and we'll just get engaged then. After she believed that, I called her dad while I was working and did the awkward conversation over the phone, with a dog barking in the background. I still remember him saying that Ashleigh is the love of his life, other than his wife. He knew that I would be the man that could take her to the temple, which was obviously a goal of both of ours. After that chat, I arranged with her parents a nice little plan on how I could surprise Ash with a proposal. Ashleigh continued to be stressed due to the fact that no engagement would happen till the end of the summer. On August 2nd, I flew home from Oklahoma without Ashleigh knowing. After church on Sunday I drove up to Idaho Falls. I had told Ashleigh's parents to take her on a walk around the green belt on a nice Sunday afternoon. I remember pulling off the exit in Idaho Falls and getting a text from Ashleigh saying that she missed me. Then she asked, why couldn't I just fly home now! Haha, little did she know what was about to happen. So 4:45 comes and I'm waiting nervously in the Red Lion hotel lobby and looking out the window. My hands started to sweat so I washed them for a bit in cold cold water. That helps btw. Then all of the sudden I see Jack, Sue, and Ashleigh walking up the sidewalk around the greenbelt. BOOM BOOM! My heart was beating so fast. So I snuck up behind her and surprised her by taking her by the arm. She was so shocked and asked... "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE???" She was so shocked. So I took her a little farther to a nice scenic overlook where you can see the falls and the temple in the background. I was nervous as heck. I told her that I loved her and that it would be a privilege to spend eternity with her. I knelt down and asked the love of my life to marry me. She said, "Of course." Then I showed her the ring, and she screamed "YES!!!!"

It makes me smile to look back on that little adventure. Our two year anniversary is coming up in September. Some people call their mission the best two years. Although I loved my mission and think about it all the time, I can honestly say that the past two years-ish spent with Ashleigh have been the best two years of my life. I love you Ashleigh!

Last weeks funny moment....brought to you by Ashleigh

2010-07-05T13:37:00.001-06:00

Ok...so I know you all are dying to hear about my amazing 4th of July but I thought I would share with you a story...before I forget because I will...so here goes...
Once upon a time there was a beautiful girl (added detail) who lived in a far away land called Indianapolis. Now this beautiful girl may have had her looks but she wasn't too smart in the head (hey you can't have everything). This girl and her prince charming decided to expand their family and purchase a dog. Now this dog was very cute, but since you can't have everything, he too was lacking in the smarts category. One day while the lovely maiden and her handsome prince were getting ready, they noticed their dog had what looked to be a bunch of dirt. Since dirt has no place in a palace, the prince washed the dog. Although the girl may not be so smart, she does have intuition which has saved her life countless of times and saved her life and home once again. Using her IPhone the girl looked up "fleas" and discovered that this "dirt" might actually be fleas. The prince agreed with the girl once he saw the "dirt" move. The palace was in chaos...dirt and especially FLEAS are not welcomed guests in the palace. While the prince went off to work to make some money so the couple could afford the palace, the girl ran around like crazy and in a frantic manner all day to relieve her house and her dog of fleas. After running around like mad to a place far, far away and to the land known as Wal-Mart, the girl needed to get quarters to wash her royal bedding. She went inside the money palace (aka bank) came out, got in her car, and waited in a line for about 5 minutes, waiting to get out of the parking lot and get on the road. There were cars piling up behind her and some even turned around to find a better route but the girl (who is not so smart) continued to wait. Finally realizing that the stupid driver in front of her was being dumb and not moving, the girl decided to go around the van. As she drove past the van she decided to look inside and give the dumb driver a dirty look. As she went to do this, she soon realized that no one was in the van and she had been sitting behind a parked car the whole time. Although the day was crazy, the girl took time to laugh at herself and realized, yes she may not be so smart, but really, her stupidity has a way of making her day...sometimes. The story ends with the dog and house being rid of fleas and the girl and her prince laughing about the van incident. And luckily...they all lived happily ever after. THE END

Our little family...

2010-06-25T20:12:00.000-06:00

Gus really doesn't have blue eyes but I guess the flash made his black eyes blue:)

Gus Gus Altom

2010-06-18T17:37:00.000-06:00

Hello all! In case some of you were unaware, Todd and I have a new addition to our family. Gus Gus Altom was born April 18 and came to our home on June 13. He looks just like his parents....meaning us, strawberry blond hair...we just knew he was meant for us when we saw him:). So I guess I'll share the story of Gus. Sunday the 6, Todd and I decided we were going to get a dog. I had been looking at apartments for New York and most places allowed dogs, so I was given the go ahead to start the search. At first the only dog we could agree on was a Golden Retriever, and while one day we will probably have one of those dogs, we thought apartment life would be no good for a big dog. On Monday I just started looking on the internet for pups and saw Gus's picture (formally known as T-bear...lame). I immediately called the lady, asked if he was still available (which he was because she had just posted it), made an appointment to go see him and then called Todd. Todd was a little nervous about my rash decision but then I emailed him a picture of Gus, and he fell in love. Gus originally comes from a home where you can tell the people care more about their dogs then they do about their home or themselves. He had about 15 dog friends so he probably is a little bored with just Todd and I. After we saw him, we put a down payment on him and said we would pick him up that weekend. Going puppy shopping was so much fun. I don't have a baby but puppy shopping I'm sure is the next best thing. I found him all these cute toys, a great crate and researched to find the best dog food...this dog will be spoiled. This past Sunday as an office we went to a place called "King's Island." It was an amusement park and a water park. We had a great time and finally got some sun. Afterwards, with Craig, Jac and Liv, we went and picked up Gus. His former owners looked a little sad to be letting him go but I think they knew he would be taken care of. We love, love Gus. Potty training is going pretty well, not to many accidents inside and he gets caught while making those accidents so that's good. Night time was great the first night, horrible the second night and is going pretty well now. Todd is a great dog father! I'm not so worried about the night time situation when we finally have a baby, because Todd is so good with Gus. He takes all the early morning duties which is wonderful!! Gus's personality is starting to shine through. He is very funny, very cuddly, loves me the best (of course) and is scared of everything. He is scared of doors, his leash, sudden movements, his shadow, baby Olivia at first, big dogs and cars. He loves to eat; he has become my vacuum which isn't good because I feel like we will be making an emergency trip to the vet soon. He loves being outside and hopping around in the grass and chasing his tail. We are very happy he is part of our family and I am happy I have a little buddy during the day. Gus will become a world traveler soon. As some of you probably now, Todd's internship is more of a for sure thing. He still has to do an interview but we are pretty sure we will be in NYC this fall. We are so excited for that adventure. Every time we see NYC we get all excited and talk about what we will do there. I have already started planning my birthday, Thanksgiving and Christmas (I'm leaving it up to Todd to plan something for our second anniversary...weird). We will keep you posted on the NYC thing but it's lookin good:). That's the latest happenings in our life. Hope all is well with you all and to all the dad's and future daddy's....Have a wonderful Father's Day!!! To my dad...you're the best dad anyone could have:) and to my future children's dad...they will be so lucky to have you as a father. You're amazing and I look forward to the day you can hold and play with one of our kids (and get up with them in the morning). Love you all!!!

My boys! (they both love the computer)

Summer Lovin...

2010-06-01T10:47:00.000-06:00

Well howdy! So once again there is not much to blog about but I decided to put up some pictures and a video or two :)

Life in Indy is going well. The sun has decided to show up, well at least some days, and we are enjoying the pool life. Last, last Saturday, the girls had a shopping day. Since my favorite store is Banana Republic and since I still have graduation money (thank you all, you wonderful and generous people...I have been meaning for about a month and a half to send "Thank You" cards but I keep forgetting...surprising, seeings how wonderful I did with wedding "Thank You" cards, hahahaha...but seriously THANK YOU. I felt so loved when I graduated, and I always do), anywho...I decided to drop a few dollars at BR. All I got was a skirt and a top and when I went to pay for it...they declined my card!!! It seriously felt like a scene from "Confessions of a Shopaholic." I was so embarrassed and everyone kept looking at me. It was a horrible feeling but as any true Shopaholic would do, I tried to figure out a way to get the clothes. So, I should mention that we do have money, I could have afforded the clothes but I ordered a new card (two weeks before) because my old card said "Ashleigh Dalton" and I like to look like I'm married to Todd...anywho...the bank deactivated that card but I still hadn't received the new card, it was irritating. But in the end I got my clothes:)

Yesterday...it was a nice day but around 4:30 it started raining cats and dogs!! Luckily, I had just got done paying for groceries and had to wait in walmart for awhile till it calmed down. The rain disappeared while I was driving from walmart to our apartment and then cats and dogs started falling again just as I pulled into the parking lot. Once again, I just waited out the rain, this time in my car, but it never did...so I braved the weather, got out of my car, dropped Todd's bottle of pickles, got drenched but made it to our apartment safely. Things were not going all that well but then...Todd came home early!!!! It was wonderful because it does not happen very often! We went to BD's Mongolian Grill and watched a movie (love being with my hubby). Well that's really the only interesting stuff. We are enjoying our time and we have already made it through a month!!! Below are some happenings...

We spent an afternoon in Indy

The boys decided to shave their heads

heads only a mother could love:)

A rainy week in Indy

2010-05-21T13:08:00.000-06:00

Well hello!! So there is not much to report on but I thought I would report anyways:) Last week Todd had his best week ever! He sold 14 beating his last year's of 13. It was a very happy week in our home needless to say. This week has not been as amazing as last week, but Todd is very persistent and very determined, and even if a day is hard, he can still smile and make me laugh. (that is a very long run-on sentence). Jared Young, the regional manager came into town and Todd and him get along very well. Last night Jared took the managers out and invited Todd. Since Todd has two recruits, Jared thinks of him as a manager...kind of. He still is trying to persuade Todd to manage next summer...we will see...but a manager's pay scale wouldn't be bad. We had a free lunch today at Buffalo Wild Wings and it was very nice. Work on my part has it's ups and downs. I was ready to throw in the bag a couple of days ago, but I got my emotions in check and the following day I got a lot done. I'm hoping to get this licensing out of the way by next week and then this job will be easy breezy (beautiful covergirl). I've enjoyed having Jac and Olivia's company...I'm totally Liv's favorite...face it everyone:) We are hoping to get out in the sun tomorrow and start getting tan, but this week has been a gloomy one so we shall see how tomorrow goes. Jac bought Liv the cutest swimsuit today so hopefully she gets to sport it in the next couple of days. Well I guess that is it. We have been having a great time out here, miss friends and family back at home but so far this summer is going great. We send you all our love!
p.s. I'll try to remember all the funny things that happen so our blog isn't so boring:)

Happy Mother's Day!!

2010-05-08T11:37:00.000-06:00

This is super, super long…sorry…

I have always wanted sisters. As much fun as it was to be pushed off the roof and experience other many wonderful things only a big brother can do, I wanted some sisters. Luckily my brother found someone that was amazing not only for him but for the rest of our family. Jen has been in my life for so many years and has taught me so much. She taught me patience, a desire to work hard and kindness. I can honestly say that Jen was probably the person that gave me the desire to want to go to college and get a degree. When I first met her she was working hard on all of her degrees and always showed a love for learning and school. She was one of my biggest supporters in going to college and keeping me going. Jen is one of the hardest workers I know and has one of the kindest hearts I know. I usually will tell others that Jen is always trying to save the world and she really is. Her desire to go out and help and serve others has given me the desire to go out and want to save the world. I honestly believe Jen is the knot that holds our family together. No matter what, she doesn’t give up on any of us and loves us all.

I married into a family with a lot of boys but luckily I got four new sisters. These women are amazing and three out of four of them our amazing mothers (although Aylcia will be an exceptional mom when her time comes). Alycia has taught me to live life to the fullest; her love for life is contagious and honestly we all should have a dance party everyday. Mandy; I may not know her all that well but she is an amazing mom. She loves her kids with all her heart and those cute little boys love their mom. I look forward to many opportunities to learn and make memories with Mandy. Jacqueline; she cracks me up. I love Jac’s passion for things. I feel Jac always puts 110% into everything she does. She is a kind, talented and fun person. From the very beginning Shelly welcomed me into the family with open arms. She was my first friend in the Altom family and continues to be one of my best friends. She is always willing to listen to me vent, and to just talk about anything and is a great shopping buddy. She has two of the cutest boys ever and is a great mom. Little miss Liv, well she is just so cute. When I see her, I see love and hope. Children show the greatest love and when I look at cute little babies I see our Heavenly Father’s love for all of us. I believe I have the best mother-in-law, and I am very lucky and happy to have Debbie in my life. Debbie is amazing, and I am always touched by her kindness, generosity and love for her family (and I can sit by her watching a not-so-good movie but she can laugh with me and it doesn’t feel too awkward). Todd use to say, and finally I told him he was correct, but he used to say that his family won me over and made me want to marry him, and it’s true. I am excited to make so many new memories with these lovely ladies…we will have tons of fun…haha!

Rachel and Britnee, oh the three amigas! We have always had so much fun together and if I ever want to have a good time and act like a junior high girl, I call them. I am so lucky that I can say my best friends now, have been my best friends for years! They are both so different and so funny and I am blessed to have them in my life. I also have had the opportunity to have fantastic roommates and friends in college. Amanda…well she is the greatest person to ever roam the earth….well except for Jesus but she is a close second;). Amanda got me through a lot and made me laugh all along the way. Ilse; I thought she was too pretty to be nice but she is one of the nicest people I have ever met. Todd and I love hanging out with her and Wes and we look forward to many more adventures with them. Mindy, Mindy (my intern buddy)…she is hilarious, strong and she makes everything she is involved with fun. She too, will be a great mother…very shortly.

So growing up I was able to say that my best friends were my cousins. Megan, Casady, Courtney, Aubrie and Hanah; we have had so many adventures together and they all are so amazing. My family is so incredible. They love unconditionally and laugh all the way through life. I will always remember dancing with them; they are the best dance buddies I have ever had. I have two of the greatest aunts anyone could ever ask for. My aunt Lori has been through so much but she is so strong and keeps her sense of humor all along the way. Still to this day, one of my favorite things to do, is to go over to the Graves’ house and play a game or just listen to my aunt Lori and uncle Randy talk. I knew when I was very young that I wanted my house to be filled with as much love and laughter (and smell as good) as my aunt Lori’s house. My aunt Deb is totally my second mom; she tied my baby bows and was able to tie my bows the day I got married. She was always there for me with love and the greatest kindness anyone could ever have. I am very proud to be her munchkin. My Grandma Gerard…well this amazing family had to come from somewhere and it definitely came from her. She is a hard worker and loves her family with every fiber of her being. I love her stories, her example, her love and the chocolate she always has at her house. Grandma’s cakes are still the best cakes….well only if they are chocolate with chocolate frosting.

I guess the final woman in my life is probably the most exceptional. We have had our ups and our downs but I know my mom is my biggest cheerleader. She still thinks I can do anything, even when I don’t have faith in myself. She taught me how to love, laugh and to spend a little more time picking daisies. She is the best cook I know…and through my studies of children, I have a learned that my mom did most everything right, I mean I did turn out pretty perfect…just kidding…but my mom would still say, even through all my mood swings and imperfections, that I am pretty perfect, and only a mom could say that. I love her and I am grateful for her love for me, and her perseverance to just keep swimming. :)

There are so many amazing women in my life and even though some of them are not mothers, they each have had an influence on me. I have become the woman I am today because of them and each of their examples inspire me to become as amazing as each of them are. I hope all you women out there know you are loved and that each of you have so much influence not only on me but everyone you interact with. Happy Mother’s Day!

Indy!!!

2010-05-06T13:38:00.000-06:00

Well hello everyone...this will be a short entry but I'll update again soon. So we made it to Indy safe and sound...all of us! Can I just say I was not all that excited to move far away and then when we arrived it was late so all I experienced was our apartment. From facebook you have probably realized that the apartment was some one's ash trey and litter box. I was even more not excited to be here. That night we went to sleep and I hardly slept but when I woke up I decided to have a better attitude about it all. I decided I would clean the whole place from top to bottom and hopefully that would make the place look and smell better. This place also had no microwave, the stove didn't work and it was dirty. I later found out that APX had reserved another apartment so I went, along with Erica, to see this apartment. When we got there, this apartment was heaven!!! It still isn't the best (A/C doesn't work, fridge was broken, and tub was clogged), but it looked clean and most of all it did not smell!!!! I was now in heaven and willing to make this little adventure a good one. Erica and I spent the afternoon moving all the stuff that Todd had moved the day before. I didn't want him to have to move again, so us buff girls took care of it. It didn't take us too long and I got quite the little workout. Todd is so excited to be staying at the place too (mostly because his wife is now happy). Since then our stay in Indy has gotten better and we have been having a good time. Our fridge now works and supposedly the A/C will work after today but I am not holding my breathe. We had a good Sunday with family and friends and good food (chicken roll-ups and pumpkin chocolate chip cookies). Todd has sold threeish...really twoish...but hopefully one he sold on Saturday will go in this upcoming Saturday. Work is going ok...I don't really know what I am doing with the licensing but I think I'm getting it done...I think. I have Jac and Olivia to keep me company while at work which is nice. The days go really fast which is wonderful because I don't feel like Todd is gone all day. Well I am off to run some errends and do laundry, I'll post more interesting stuff later:) I hope all is well with all of you and until we meet again...ciao

V-I-C-T-O-R-Y

2010-04-22T10:19:00.000-06:00

Hello! So it is a rainy day here in Idaho and I have nothing to do so I am updating our blog (even though not much has happened). We have enjoyed our little summer break this last two weeks. Todd has spent everyday at the library studying for his GMAT and he is so excited to take it tomorrow. I have gone to a baby shower, cut Britnee's hair, read two books, and watched a lot of tv:). We both have eat a lot of food (ICE CREAM) and exercised very little...more like not at all. As a result Todd and I have gained some weight...we were both doing so good in March, I was down to around 120 and Todd was down to around 200....yeah not so much anymore. Todd kept telling me we hadn't gained weight but then we weighed ourselves last night...oops. Oh well, May is another month (we've given up on April). But we have enjoyed all the food:). We also have tried to visit people, but we need to still visit others. Last night we hung out with my cousin Cas and her husband Jonathan. We went bowling and had a great time (and had her delicious homemade cupcakes afterwards). There was no one else in the bowling alley and the guy was so nice he gave us a discount:). So I am weak and I need a small ball and the smallest ball they had was a size 10, to big for me:). Todd asked for a smaller ball and the guy didn't think my fingers would fit in a smaller ball...I proved him wrong. We played two games....the first one, Todd and I were neck and neck. Todd had got a 102 and it was time to try and beat him...I tried my hardest. The last frame I got a spare and then a strike. Thinking I won, I jumped for joy and did my victory dance. When I came back and looked at the score...I had a 101...dang it! The second game, once again, Todd and I were neck and neck. Then the final frame came. In the end (so I don't make Todd feel bad) Todd got a 103 and I got a 122:). (Ashleigh whats your battle cry...V-I-C-T-O-R-Y) I love you hun, it's just very rare for me to beat you. I gotta rival in the moment although next time we bowl Todd will slaughter me because of last night...oh well...live in the moment. (side note Jonathan kicked all of our trash both times, his second game...181). Anywho...we are getting ready to head to Utah in a couple days. Everyone say a little prayer for Todd tomorrow that he will remember all he has learned and studied (he will do great). We are excited to come down to Utah, but like last year, I'm a little sad to leave Idaho...and then Utah. Our summer adventure will be fun but I'll miss everyone at home. But we must enjoy the journey, so Indianapolis...here we come!

Graduation

2010-04-10T20:51:00.000-06:00

So today was graduation (I know, I am so prompt at blogging about it). It was a great day. Debbie came up last night and we had a great time. It was the first time we have had a visitor, so it was great:). We enjoyed a great dinner (Todd and I have not had to pay for dinner/food for the last two weeks) and went to a movie called "Date Night". The movie had some really funny parts (especially when these two cars got stuck together, hahaha) but it wasn't very good...we had to close our eyes a lot. We also had a good late night conversation with Debbie. Today was a great day. The sun was shinning and family and friends came out to support me. One of the neatest things about today was when all the graduates were walking into the auditorium and all the professors were lined up in the halls and cheered us on. That part chocked me up a little. My professors have been great, I have enjoyed learning from them and laughing with them; I will miss them. The only other time I kind of cried was when I got a text from Todd that said "Love you. I'm very proud of you!!!" Todd is such a sweet guy. He helped make this day great!! Convocation was boring but in the end I got my diploma cover:). All of us (the family, not all the graduates) went down to Texas Roadhouse for lunch and it was so good. After lunch Todd and I got into the car and all I could say was "We have an amazing family." We are so blessed to have the family we do!! The rest of the day was spent packing and cleaning...good-bye things:(. So I guess my days at BYU-I are over. These four years have really gone so fast and I can't believe I'm a college graduate ("it seems like only yesterday we started..." (can anyone name where that is from?)) I am so thankful I listened to the Lord's promptings and came here, I didn't want to but in the end it was the right thing for me. I met amazing people, went to amazing places, learned amazing things and met my amazing husband. All and all my days at BYU-I have been filled with a lot of learning, laughter and love! I'll miss school but I know there are going to be a lot more wonderful things in store for Todd and I. Thank you all for your love and support!!

p.s. I got my 4.0!!! WOOT, WOOT...and Todd got 3.9ish:), go us

A Splash of Color!

2010-03-29T20:34:00.000-06:00

Howdy! Todd and I had the blessed opportunity to once again venture down to Utah this past weekend. We had a great time with friends and family. Last year when I was in a Spirituality in the Arts class, we took a field trip down to the Hindu Temple in Spanish Fork. The monk (or whatever they call them) told us of this celebration called the Festival of Colors. It sounded so fun and I love celebrating colors. I wanted to go last year but we ended up not going. This weekend we were able to go down and we had a blast. We went down with Britnee, Keegan, Alycia and Chris. As soon as we got there we bought the colored chalk and started having chalk fights. At one o'clock everyone was suppose to throw their chalk up in the air. Once we did this, you couldn't see a thing, it was very odd. Your eyes were open but all you saw was brown. It was also very hard to breathe but in the end it was so worth it. It was a lot of fun and might become an Altom tradition (although I'm thinking of just doing our own mini celebration at our home).

As of right now I only have seven more days left of school. It is crazy to think that I will be getting a bachelors and I wont be going back to school when we come back to Rexburg. It really does not seem that four years has past, I don't feel old enough to graduate from college. I'm very, very excited to graduate but at the same time it is kind of sad. I love going to school and being busy but soon I wont have school or school work to keep me busy; it will be a weird feeling. The semester is wrapping up quick. I have a couple presentations and tests left and then I am done. I might not get a 4.0 like I hoped for, two classes hang in the balance of A vs. A-, but I did get a 100% in a class so thats exciting and I think that's a good accomplishment. Todd I believe will be getting A or A-'s so he has done well this semester as well. We are starting to pack up our little apartment for our move to Indianapolis. It is very sad because I am boxing up things for the rest of the year. I love adventures and I am sure the rest of the year will bring many, but I'll miss my things, my family and my friends. I went back today to my old apartment that I lived in before I was married and it made me realize that I'm all grown up. I'm graduation college and moving far from home...it came a little too fast...well I guess it's baby time (it seems like the next best logical thing to do). Well thats it for now....bu bye