Easter x 2

Happy Easter! We were fortunate enough not to only celebrate Easter once, but TWICE! We enjoyed it with both families. The Easter Bunny visited the Poulsen's a week before Easter. Wade and Kali came and visited us from Orem. Let me first of all give a shout out to my sis-in-law, Kali. She is such a creative human being! She came up with all sorts of games for us to play. She is amazing. After we played those games and the kids woke up from their naps, we taught the two youngsters how to do an Easter Egg hunt...
Miles did great. With Hadley, we soon discovered she realized there were treats in the eggs. And all she wanted to do is pick up an egg and eat what was inside. We should have put more 17 month friendly candy inside. However, Hadley doesn't mind the taste of tinfoil, but it caused me more stress then needed.

This is my sister, Niki, showing us what an egg looks like. Just in case you didn't know. It's tradition to decorate eggs with the Poulsen's. We've always colored the eggs with crayons first before dying them to personalize it a little more.

We taught Hadley how to decorate eggs. She caught on really fast. She really enjoyed scribbling all over the eggs. She decorated most of them. She is spoiled...

Easter Sunday, we went down to South Jordan to spend the holiday with the Fraidenburg's. We had a delicious dinner. Perfection! John and I tried to convince them to play some of the games Kali had us do with my family. We only did one - I think it works better if Kali is there. But, we still laughed...
This a picture I had to put in of Hadley. We love her BIG blue eyes.This is Hadley in her Easter Sunday dress. John and Hadley decorating eggs at the Fraidenburg's. Again, Hadley decorated quite a bit.
And this is Grandma Fraidenburg playing with Hadley and Brody. It never rained like the weather man said it would, so we ran outside to blow some bubbles. The kids loved it!

Thanks to our families for creating amazing memories for us to keep. We love and appreciate all the you do for us!!

Mullet Be Gone

Most moms (like myself) dream of there daughters having beautiful flowing hair to braid and accessorize. My grandmother did it to my mom, my mother did it to me, so I plan to do it to Hadley. It's tradition. So what am I suppose to do when my child's hair grows everywhere on her head, except for the sides, and she ends up with... yes... a mullet...

(Before)

In the past, I've told young mothers to suck it up and just cut the length off so their daughter can actually have a cute haircut vs something that came out of the movie Joe Dirt. So - the time came when I finally decided I better take my own advice. I took what was of the above picture, and cut it into this...

(After)

And mamas... You can still accessorize!
I'm realizing my baby is not so much a baby anymore.

5 Years Ago Today...

Scott, John's roommate and my co-worker, wanted to go on a double date. He asked John to find someone to go with them. John, being new to Logan, really didn't know anybody. He asked a cute girl from work, but she couldn't go. John was ready to tell Scott he was on his own. Scott told John he had to. Scott didn't want to take the girl all by himself, because he was worried that it would be awkward. John thought for a second, and asked, "Well, what about the girl who cut our hair." Scott said, "Tina? That's perfect! She knows the girl I'm taking, too. So we'll have fun. I'll get her number from work."

Thursday, April 13, 2006 at about 11:00 pm, I went downstairs in my room. Went to my phone that was plugged into the wall, and noticed a had a voicemail from a number with a Salt Lake area code. What? Who would be calling me from Salt Lake? I listened. "Hey, Tina. This is your buddy, John. I just wanted to know what you are doing tomorrow night. If you could give me a call, that would be great. Talk to ya later." "Oh my gosh!" I remembered who John was. The tall guy, with the luscious brunette hair. My mind began to race. How did he get my number? Is he a stalker? Do I really want to go? I promised myself not to date clients. That wouldn't be too professional. He is a nice guy, I should go. But, I just got our of a 2 year relationship just 2 months before. I'm off men now. However, it would be so nice to get out of the house. But, do I want to go with someone I really don't know. Are we going on a double date? Or is it going to be totally awkward. Ugh! What to do? I talked to my mom, and her famous reply she gave me, I'll never forget, "Oh, Tina. Just go out with him. It's not like your going to marry him." I figured just to sleep on it.

Friday, April 14, 2006, I get to work and decided to call John. I had every intention to say No. I woke up with menstral cramps, and I just figured it was prbably best to keep work and personal life seperate. I gave him a call. "Hello?" "Hey John, it's Tina." "Hey, Tina. What are you doing?" "Nothing just at work." "Well, when you get off the phone, what will you be doing tonight?" What? Who says that? I was so confused. My plan of conversation soon took another route. "I don't know, John. What am I doing?" "You're going on a date!" I gave him him a pitty/nervous laugh. "Oh, okay. Sounds good." Great. Not what I wanted to do. I told him where I lived and he was picking me up at about 7. I hung up, and called out to my co-workers, "Does anyone have midol or ibproufen? Like, a lot?"

That night, John picked me up (when I noticed his brown eyes). We went to the Blue Bird (noticed how hard and how much he made me laugh). Went ice skating (later found out it was an excuse to hold my hand), went rock climbing (luckily the medicine and caffeine kicked in at about this time) and went back to his place and hung out and chatted til 1:00 in the morning. I had so much fun! I can't remember the last time I laughed as hard as I did. John was so much fun. I wouldn't say I fell in love that night, but I defiantly felt like I found a long lost best friend. I couldn't believe how well we clicked. It was a night that I thought was going to be a nightmare, turned into the best night I've ever had! Awesome first date!

5 Years Ago Today...

At the time, I was just beginning on building my clientele. In the hair industry, you don't make any money if you don't have someone sitting in your chair. So I chose to keep my job at the Buckle, as a "freight girl", to help keep my head above water. I worked there Monday and Tuesday, and then I did hair Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. I was into my 2nd month at the Hair Company, and I was finally getting into the hang of things.

Friday, April 7, 2006, was just a typical day at work. I was sitting there, chit-chatting with the girls I worked with, when the phone finally rang. It was for me. I answered, and it was a guy I worked with at the Buckle. I cut his hair 2 days before.

"Hey, Scott. What's going on?"

"Hey, Teens. First of all I have to tell you how great my hair is. In fact, I'm calling to set up an appointment for my room-mate. He noticed I had a haircut, and he needs one, so I told him he should have you cut it since you did such a great job. He has to be in at work by 2:00. Can you get him in before that?"

"Yeah. I think I can squeeze him in." (Since I had nothing on my books.) "What's his name?"

"John Fraidenburg. F-R-A-D-E..... no, F-R-A-I-D-E-N-B-E-R... B-U-R-G. "

I ended up just writing down "John F.", and I remember thinking to myself, "I'd HATE to have a last name like that."

12:30-ish rolled around and Scott came with this tall guy with thick, luscious, shaggy, brunette hair. "Hey, Scott. Your hair looks good." "Thanks, I had nothing to do, so I thought I would come along."

I turned towards the guy and said, "You must be John."

He replied, "That's me." "Okay, come on back."

Nothing great happened. I just cut his hair, mostly talked to Scott (because I knew him a little bit), and ocassionly asked John a question. I found out he was from Salt Lake. Came to Logan to start school the following fall. Worked at Convergy's and American eagle, but quit both to start working at Qwest the following Monday. Served his mission in Brazil, and that's where he met his roommate, Scott, that talked him into moving up to Logan to go to school. I remember thinking he was a way nice guy, with nice hair.... and that was that.

I charged him for his debt to me, and he gave me a great tip. He told me, "Thanks." I told him, "You bet. See ya later." And I didn't think anything of it. Come to find out, John didn't either.

Until the next week...

Reality Check

Hadley: (insert the highest, deafening scream that can possibly be heard by the human ear)
John: "Okay, sis. Let's go distract you with something else." (He then removes her from the room)
Bro-in-law: "So, what ways have you tried to discipline Hadley?"
Me: "...uh..."

I got the hint.

Mean Mommy Trick

We don't have a gate for our stairs at our house. And I'm too cheap to buy one. I'm not worried at all about Hadley falling down the stairs. She maneuvers them quite well. Better than me, actually. But, it is such a pain chasing her up and down all day. So here is when the "mean mom" comes out. It's a great trick, and if you need to use it, feel free.

Find something that terrifies your child. In this case, the vacuum.
There have been times that I need to jolt her memory and turn it on, but today wasn't the case.

Finally, place object in front of stairs.
Works like a charm. (I'm going to hell)

California Trip

After this - no more updating. I swear. But this was such memorable moment I had to share. My parents took me and my siblings and our better halves to California for Christmas. It was AMAZING! It went by way too quick, and I'm dying to go back. THANKS MOM AND DAD! YOU'RE THE BEST!!

November 27, 2010

YEAR ONE! We made it! We had such a fun little party with Hadley's family. We are so grateful for all those who came to visit Hadley on her very special day.
I didn't think much about doing a theme, until I heard that one nephew was doing monkeys, and the other was doing owls ("Hoo"'s turning one? get it? cute huh), so I figured I can't do a boring party. And besides, it made things fun for me and my creative side. I decided to do "ladybugs." But then I discussed it with my mother-in-law, and I was telling her how I wanted to girl-it-up just a little more, so she helped me decide to have pink and brown ladybugs. It turned out too cute.

I mailed off little ladybug invites. To see the invite, you spread out the wings. Something like what a real lady bug would do. I didn't take any pictures of the invite. And I would do it now, but I don't want to... (too lazy to run upstairs)

I made cute little Bug Cupcakes for everyone to enjoy...
And I made Hadley her very own Ladybug cake...
She was so funny to watch eat the cake. I honestly expected her to dive head first into the cake, but she was being quite the lady. (Which I guess was appropriate for the theme) I kid you not, she was so dainty. She sat there and just picked at the cake. Stopped, gave the crowd a smile, and then picked a little more. No diving at all. So I helped her out a little, and eventually, she did get messy.
We love Hadley so much. We are so proud to have her as our not so baby girl. We are so spoiled to have such a little lady. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HADLEY!!

Picture Update 2010.

Update Blog.... CHECK!

HEY! Seriously, my life has consisted of mental check lists. And while I have been meaning to let you know our current conditions, other things have become more of an obligation. I should feel guilty, but I really don't think I am. Because if I really did, this would have been taken care of a long time ago. BUT, I did find the check list in the head, and realized that I didn't do the blog thing.. and figured, the time has come.

So, MOM and DAD! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for the use of your basement. I am eternally grateful that you allowed to come crash with you two and disturb your peaceful, quiet house. We are out of it now, and are currently renting a house until John graduates in MAY! YOO-HOO!

Hadley is awesome. Her TWO FRONT TEETH are almost cut. We've had long sleepless nights because of those buggers, and they are almost here! She already has her two bottom teeth in, but those were a way more pleasant experience. Hadley is almost 1 year old!!! She is growing so fast. And if I do get to it (you know how I am now-a-days with blogging), I'll post some pictures of how big she is! She isn't walking yet, but has nearly mastered furniture walking. She's getting more daring, so you never know when the day comes she'll be running free!

I'm still at work. If you want your hair done, PLEASE come! I work Mon - Wed. And, yes I'm good at it if I say so myself. The holidays are here, so now is the perfect time to get dolled up. Yes, that goes for the guys too!

I love you all! Thanks for being patient. We're still in the moving process, but things are just about back to normal. Peace out!

Next Step

Hey world. I am realizing I'm not nearly the dedicated blogger I would like to be. I can't promise I will get better, But I sure will try.

This is just a quick little note just to let you know the next few steps in our lives. And how LAME we really are. But it is okay, because it is the next few steps to make it to a bigger step. Let me explain....

As most of you know, we are currently taking care of a couple's house while they are on their mission. Well, the 18 months are up, and our couple are coming home and we need to be out by September 15. And, we are moving to ... *sigh*... my parent's basement. (my cheeks are officially pink)

Eek! I know, I know. I feel so blessed that my parents are willing to take us for a bit. (but I'm pretty sure it's because of Hadley they are so willing to) And it's only temporary. We are currently in a rut where we are seeing if our next little home will be available or not. If it is, we will be moving again the first part of November. If not, we will be looking for our next place to live. Our name is on a few waiting lists of new possible homes, but we will still have to wait a bit. But again, I feel so blessed and grateful for my parents and their willingness to take on my little family, and, again, EXTREMELY grateful to have Hadley so this would be possible. (just kidding, mom... but seriously... thanks, Had-e).

John starts his FINAL year of school soon. It looks like May he will be DONE! word. I think I'm more excited for this next step then John is. :)

I will post pictures hopefully sooner then later of our summer adventures, Hadley is getting so big, and i dare say - BEAUTIFUL! I need to show her off. Much love, world.

June 1, 2010

It's June. And because it's a summer month, I woke up today expecting something like...

Instead, I woke up to something like...
And it made me feel something like...
Don't get me wrong. Usually I love the rain, because it make me fantasize about something like...

But we've had so much rain here, that I'm ready for something like...
So, to make me feel something like...
I purchased myself something like...
...With fries and a large drink. So now I feel something like...
So now to feel normal, later today I have to do something like...

Extra hard! All because the month of June stared out something like...
And how has your day been?

The Next American Idol

So Hungry

Hadley Loves to eat. Especially now that her food has flavor to it. We started her on rice cereal about a month ago. She caught on the concept of eating with a spoon really quick and really well. We tried that out for about 2 weeks and decided it was time to mix things up! (I had the cutest video of her eating one of the first times that I wanted to post. Apparently videos have to be 100 MG in order to download on here. Mine was 400 MG. Lame. So if anybody knows how to fix that... let me know)

We were given wonderful advice to start with veggies. It made perfect sense. So we started with GREEN BEANS! NOT GOOD! Poor Hadley. She tried to like them, but she just gagged them back up. I honestly really couldn't blame her. I decided to go with something a little more enjoyable, and we tried CARROTS! It was night and day. Hadley LOVES carrots. (as you can see in the picture above.) We tried that for about a week and decided to change it up. My nephew, Jack, loved orange foods and that was all that he would eat for awhile, and his skin began to have an orange tint. This made me think that Hadley was headed for the same direction. Even if I had an oompa loompa for a baby, I knew I would still love her, but I was hoping this couldn't be the case. So I opted to try out PEAS. At first she seemed a little confused by the change, but she doesn't seem to mind. She really likes the peas. Which makes me happy that she likes a little bit of variety. We just recently have made that change, so we'll give that a go for awhile, before we switch it up on her again.

Hadley is 5 months now and is growing like a weed! Well, in my horticulture class, I learned the definition of weed is a plant that you don't want... I want Hadley. So she is growing like a...fast growing flower... wow. Anyway - She is such a delight. She loves to roll on to her belly, and I'm just waiting for the day when she gets up on her knees. (hopefully later than sooner, I'm fine with her not being mobile). She is now really interacting with her toys. It's so fun to watch her figure out how things work. And she enjoys the toys now, instead of just looking at them and trying to figure out why mom was trying to make her hold these colorful objects. She is giggling more and more, and will always give you a grin or a smile. Even through her tears.

I don't know about you, but I like her.

4 Month Update

Little Miss Hadley is 4 months now! We went to the doctor's find out the little details of our little princess.Weight: 12 lbs. 14 oz. (36 percentile)
Length: 25 inches (80 percentile)
Head Circumference: 15.7 inches (20 percentile)

We love her little head. But it does carry BIG BLUE eyes and an enormous smile (accented with dimples). She is tall and skinny like her dad, and is the spitting image of her mom. Hadley is a wonderful baby. I feel so spoiled. She is very pleasant and hardly ever fusses - unless you are getting in the way of feeding time - watch out! She has an amazing set of pipes! She does sleep through the night. If she does wake up, usually it's just for a quick little feed, and she goes right back to sleep. She loves to be center of attention. (Shocking, I know - look at her parents) She loves to talk and has the cutest little giggle. She is also rolling over. Most babies her age are rolling from their tummy to back, but she decided to be unique and roll from back to tummy. We are practicing doing it the other way - and she doesn't appreciate it. If only she can figure out that she just needs to move that arm of hers... She'll figure it out. She's tough. She also has an amazing wardrobe, thanks to everyone who has donated. We love our "Little Mad Hadder". We can't even remember what life was like without her!

Howard the Duck

We don't have cable. Lame. I know. But, why pay for something for a place we will be leaving in the near future. Not to mention we couldn't find anything that was less than 2 years. meaning we would have to pay an additional cancellation fee. (We actually thought ahead).

Because of this, we are proud members of Netflix. We log on through XBox Live. There you can instantly watch random movies or TV shows. I was flipping through my options when I found this...







I was excited. I remember loving this show when I was little! I couldn't remember the plot so I decided to watch it....

What a waste. My opinions in movies sucked as a child.

Hadley's Blessing

We had Hadley's baby blessing on March 7
















John did a wonderful job. I am
so grateful that I have an amazing husband who holds the priesthood. He is my sexy man of God!

















We were so lucky to have friends and family there. It was fun to have Hadley's both set of grandparents there!











Hadley was so beautiful all dressed in white! We are proud parents! We love her so much.

Valentine's Day

I'm rather sad... and jealous. I'm reading all these blogs on how people received flowers for Valentine's. I didn't get any flowers.... NONE.

:(

I guess this will just have to do...

Grandmas and Grandpas

First of all, Hadley got to meet her cousin Miles. Miles was born 19 days before Hadley. And yes, that is how we caught Hadley on film. I guess she really isn't our daughter unless she pulls faces at a camera!

This is Hadley and her cousin Brody with Grandma and Grandpa Fraidenburg. Brody is 2 months older than Hadley.

This picture is adorable of Hadley and her Grandma Mary.

This is a picture of Hadley and Grandpa Poulsen. This is what my dad would do with us when we were little. Rock us both to sleep. It's cute to see that he does it with his grand kids now.


It's not too often that we get to enjoy a few 4 generation pictures...

John (dad) Dave (grandpa) Pam (great-grandma) and Hadley

Kristy (grandma) Virginia (great-grandma) Tina (mom) and Hadley.