Friday, November 28, 2008

Happy Belated Thanksgiving!


On Wednesday evening we drove up to Grandma and Grand-dad Tillotson for a wonderful Thanksgiving feast! Thanksgiving was a great day, filled with a little-itty bitty suprize.....
Look at my little turkey! Isn't he delicious? I quickly dressed him in the costume when he woke up, then put him back in his crib (knowing he'd be moaning to come downstairs and join the fun) Well, we all know "Baby Hog" Grandma would jump at the chance to go get him....so she went on up, and to her suprize, there was a little turkey squaking away!!! We included a picture of him dressed up in those "growing up crafts" turkey holder. Pretty cute!

Brigham is always going to think his grandparents are way cooler than us---because THEY have an awesome jungle-ball pit fun house! Brigham had so much fun in there! Here are a few shots from his exciting day!





Even Daddy joined in on the fun!


We hope everyone had a beautiful thanksgiving; that they were able to reflect on all of their blessings, enjoy the company of loved ones, and enjoy a delicious dinner.
We love you all!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Top Ten Tillotson Tag

Top ten DVD's played in the Tillotson home:
(thanks, Jocelyn)

1. The Notebook
2. Tristan and Isolde
3. Work and the Glory (I,II, and III)
4. Mobsters and Mormons
5. Saved by the Bell (I have all the seasons!)
6. Father of the Bride I
7. Father of the Bride II
8. James and the Giant Peach
9. Little Women
10. The Bourne trilogy

Okay, so those are pretty much my favorite movies, but Tom usually always gives in and watches my "chick flicks"....we occasionally watch his sports movies/rocky....

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Turkey Tuesday

Since we aren't going to be with my immediate family on Thanksgiving, we had a mini-version of one yesterday. But first things first. Briggy went to the doctors yesterdat and he didn't/doesn't have an ear infection! Just a runny/stuffy nose (which I probably gave him) She also measured him again, and he IS longer than 28 inches...hes 29 inches! I knew he was bigger! So that was good news, but my mother was not feeling well yesterday, so she stayed up in her room and we had dinner without her :( My dad and little sis, Danielle ended up making the dinner, and it came out quite well. Thanks, guys :)
Briggy had a lot of fun playing with Grandpa, Little Grandma (my grandma), Uncle Nick and Auntie Dozie. He especially had fun playing and attacking Nicky. Here are some cute pics of the two:






Aren't they so cute playing togeher? They had a lot of fun. Briggy loves him!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Growing up crafts!

Briggy and I had a little craft day yesterday! I never posted *Briggy's first Halloween* craft, and I have it packed away now, but I can tell you about it! I traced his little hands on black cardstock and cut them out (both hands)
Then I cut a circle. The two hands were placed on either side of the circle to create a spider (with a few extra legs!) Then we added googley eyes. So it made a cute little spider. I guess the visual would help....sorry. But this holiday I am on the ball, and remembered to take a picture. This time I made one for each set of grandparents too!
For Thanksgiving, I made a Briggy Turkey! I traced his feet (in shoes) for the body, traced his hands for feathers, and added googely eyes and that gobble turkey "accessory". This time, I attached the turkey to a large binder clip, that way I could slip in a VERY SPECIAL picture (Cant show it---its a suprize!!! You'll have to wait 9 more days!!!)
See how cute? I love how it preserves the size of his little appendages! I'm going to keep doing this with all the holidays...I can use them as holiday decor as well as a picture holder to showcase a seasonal Briggy pic! I think next year I am going to make a little indian boy, and use his hand tracing as the feathers in the indian boy's head band. I can't wait until Brigham can get more involved in these little projects...
Take a gander:


I really love using binder clips as picture holders. And they really make nice (and inexpensive) gifts.

I haven't made too many yet, but they are on my list! Just in case any of you are interested, I found a girl that was nice enough to film a quick tutorial on how to make them! I prefer making a set that spells out a saying (joy, love, etc) cute, fun, easy!

Here's the Tutorial!

Sunday, November 16, 2008

It'll make your heart melt....

At least it did for me! Briggy and I didn't go to church today :( I think Brigham has an ear-infection, or if its not that, just a snuffle-uffagus cold. He has a checkup on tuesday, but I'm going to try and get him in tomorrow. Anyway, when Tom came home today from church, he had a suprise with him:

An elderly man in our ward, Brother Gushue, (In his late eighties...fiesty as ever! (Tina will attest to that!), made this wooden train set for Brigham! I'm not exactly sure what the occasion is for...I think its just because he likes Brigham! He is always telling me what a blessing my little boy is! Brother Gushue is sure handy! I can't believe he made this HOMEMADE! I just think its the sweetest thing ever. I know he doesn't probably read my little ol' blog, but THANK YOU! We are so grateful for your kindness and generosity! Briggy of course thought it was the neatest thing ever.....He still is at the age of putting everything in his mouth, so I think in a few months, He'll really get a kick out of it.
He even made me and Tom a little gift--a key hook-holder and a pencil/pen holder.
Take a look!


Saturday, November 15, 2008

Baby #2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We were going to wait until Thanksgiving to spread the GOOD NEWS! But both Tom and I are so excited, and both can't keep secrets very well! Both the grandmothers know now, so we can spill the beans to all the blogging world: We're expecting baby number 2!!!

We are SO excited, So blessed, and So IN LOVE with the idea of a new little one. Briggy has been such a darling, and now he will have a best bud to play with! I have been a little queasy the past few days...which is a symptom I rarely felt with Brigham, so maybe that means a girl?! Tom would like a girl...and I'm undecided. I thought I wanted a girl next, but the idea of a whole new gender is freaking me out a little bit!
If we have a girl, we're planning on naming her Penelope Jane
and if its a a boy, Oliver Daniel. (Daniel after my father)

So yeahhhhhh...I didn't lose all my Brigham-weight, and now I've got to tack on some more poundage :( I won't be eating McDonalds, Dunkin Donuts and KFC this time around!!!
.....well, at least not as often.

In other news, It is my beautiful baby boy's NINE MONTH BIRTHDAY! We didn't do anything too special, but he did go in his big-boy seat in the shopping cart today! I have that floppy seat that covers the front portion of the cart, and he just looks all around, flashing his grin at everyone---flirting with all the ladies! He's gonna be trouble! He certainly has a way with the ladies, thats for sure. He may be a beast and whine whine whine, but one bat of those beautiful blue eyes, and a little toothy smirk; your heart cant help but melt!!!!
I hope our next little one is as adorable and delicious as Brigham!!!!
My camera is being mean and not working at the moment, but I'm charging some new batteries, and hopefully I'll be able to post a pic of my BIG BOY later!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Yahooooo!

I made out like a bandit today during my routine shopping! I have been in need of cupcake stands, because...well...my homemade ones are very time consuming and a little unstable....and I found some Wilton cute one's today for TWO BUCKS each! They had three left, so I grabbed them all! They hold 13 cupcakes, are super cute--and are usually 10-15 bucks each! Score.
Then I had to buy a binder, and thought I'd look in the "office" section...well I came across about 10 magnet metal forms that I can very nicely alter into cute magnet boards...some where framed, some weren't...and they were all two bucks each! My cold came back today, so I was had to shop for cold medicine..and look at the glorious treasures I came across! Yea! A little good-luck in a sea of gloom....I have been pouting all week...being sick and dun dun dunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn....I am getting two of my four wisdom teeth removed tomorrow.....NO FRIGGIN ANESTHESIA. Whats up with that? They don't offer that at Baystate Dental...only novacaine. I've talked to a few people about it, and they said it was no biggie....but I HATTTTTTTTTTE dentistry. I've luckily been cavity-free my whole life, but I still hate going. The noises that all the instruments make are terrifying. waaah. I don't want to goooooooooooooooooooo. wish me luck, say a prayer, and hopefully my face won't swell up too hideously!

*ps* Briggy took his first big-boy bath in the big-boy bath-tub this evening. I think I need bath mats or something, because that little hiney was slippin' and slidin'!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Celebrate Sacrifice



I am so grateful for all the men and women who have served our Nation and kept us all safe. It is my prayer that this war will end with no further casualties, Iraqi, Afgani and American... Help us to remember that we are all brothers and sisters.
God Bless us All.



and on a much less serious note, how about a tag? I saw this on Jocelyn's blog and had a few minutes of peace and quiet. Thanks!


The rules are that you can only answer each question with one word!

1. Where is your cell phone? lost
2. Your significant other? handsome
3. Your hair? gnarly
4. Your mother? lovely
5. Your father? hardworking
6. Your favorite thing? gospel
7. Your dream last night? interrupted
8. Your favorite drink? cider
9. Your dream/goal? family
10. The room you're in? bedroom
11. Your fear? death
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? secure
13. Where were you last night? home
14. What you're not? republican
15. Muffins? coffecake
16. One of your wish list items? house
17. Where did you grow up? Torrington
18. The last thing you did? comment
19. What are you wearing? jeans
20. Your TV? big
21. Your pet? brigham
22. Your computer? slow
23. Your life? happy
24. Your mood? chipper
25. Missing someone? sister
26. Your car? hoopty
27. Something you're not wearing? socks
28. Favorite Store? potterybarn
29. Your summer? hot
30. Your favorite color? rust
31. When is the last time you laughed? today
32. Last time you cried? sunday
33. Who will/would re-post this? nobody
34. FOUR PLACES I GO OVER AND OVER:
a) Walmart b) Price Rite c) Big Y d) Church
35. FOUR PEOPLE WHO E-MAIL ME:
a) Jessie b) Devon c)Sister Wightman d)Spammers
36. FOUR OF MY FAVORITE FOODS:
a) casseroles b) sandwiches c) fried d) lobster
37. FOUR PLACES I WOULD RATHER BE RIGHT NOW? a) Utah b)shopping c) Italy d) Temple

I tag: Jenn D, Mindy W, Brianne, Devon, Amy and any one else who has about ten minutes to kill :)

Monday, November 10, 2008

Measurements

Today Briggy had his measurements charted...
19 lbs 14 oz!!! Just shy of 20 lbs! I didn't think he'd ever get there!
28 inches.....when I measured him at home I got almost 30...so I don't know what I did wrong. He is 60% in both categories! Hurray for my very average baby! (not so average-looking, however. All the nurses say he should be on a cover of a magazine!) I'm sure they say that to all the moms, but I know how handsome he is!

Feeling the Spirit


I have to admit, I have felt it rarely during church meetings since Brigham has been born. I have been nervous about posting this, because I don't want you all to think I'm this horrible Mormon....but it came to me, that most of you are or have been in my situation, and maybe you all have advice. Before Brigham, I was able to really concentrate on the sacrament prayers, understand the meaning, reflect, enjoy talks, but now...with one VERY squirmy, crazy baby boy, I have not been able to. My three hours of worship are no longer worshipping the way I am used to. I am chasing Brigham through the 2nd and 3rd hour, and sacrament meeting is all about keeping him quiet, so as not to be a disturbance to others. I think this has been the root of many of my frustrations and inner-self problems these past few months. Tom is not sparred either, during sacrament meeting. We talked about it yesterday and He has definitely noticed a big difference in what he takes from the meeting. But he does teach Sunday school, and sometimes Priesthood, so I am usually with Brigham during those hours...so at least he has that time to ponder, reflect and learn.
I'm not trying to "complain" because it is a fact of life...I have a little baby who can't understand what's going on...its certainly not his fault---and other than those 3 hours, he provides me with more love and hope and understanding of Heavenly Father's miracles than I would never have felt unless I had him. I guess what the point of this entry is to vent a little, but to ask, What should I do? Throughout the week I am prayerful and thoughtful in matters of Christ. I read scriptures (although a lot less as of late...) I feel the spirit throughout the week in situations that would call for it, but there is something (obviously) very special about Sunday's and I feel like I am missing out. Is this just life? Should I just be prepared to give up that feeling for the next decade or so? Do any of you feel this same way?
I am so grateful that I am aware of the fulness of the Gospel...that I have it at my fingertips and that I know of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and their eternal love and guidance. That I know I am loved and led by an amazing Prophet and wise and loving Apostles.....I am just struggling with this aspect of worship and hope I can overcome it.
Thanks for reading my ramblings.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Its been FOUR years!

With all the excitement of PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA! I completely forgot to post one of my favorite anniversaries....four years ago (November 5th 2004) I met Elder McDonald and Elder Owens...and started my very exciting journey as a Latter-day saint! Elder Owen's soon transferred after I met him, and Elder Bird took his place. Both McDonald and Bird were THE BEST missionaries EVER and taught me so much. I love them both and their families so much and I am so indebted to them. They will ALWAYS be in my thoughts and prayers!
When I first met them, I had a lot of battles and obstacles to overcome. Tom always gets a little squeemish when I mention to others of my addictions to drugs and alcohol, but I think its sometimes important to mention, so that others who may be in the position I was can know there is a better, happier lifestyle out there--and I am living proof!
Anyway, four years ago I started a little notebook that I carried around with me with several quotations, scriptures, stories and excerpts from LDS and other Christian literature--that helped me get through each day, remembering to be a little bit better. I actually have one of my favorites on the refrigerator...but with the hustle and bustle of every day, a lot of times I forget its there. Today it stuck out to me, and had me feeling a lot better.
Lately, my patience has been worn VERY VERY thin. I find myself having to BITE my tongue too often, and my frustration with people and things has been mounting. This is just NOT a good way to live. The love in my heart that used to help me forgive and forget seemed to have diminish as of late. Anyway, I just thought I'd share these great words of advice from Mother Teresa:




Words to Live By:

People are often unreasonable & self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.

If you are honest, people may cheat you.
Be honest anyway.

If you find happiness, people may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, may be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough.
Give your best anyway.

For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.
It never was between You and Them anyway.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Proud to be an American!


"This is our moment. This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we cant, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:

Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America."

Last night was such a happy night for us. We both wanted so badly for Obama to win, and our prayers were answered! I am so proud to be an American!

As for Mr. Brigham...last night about 2 minutes before Obama gave his victory speech, I heard Briggy wake up. I went upstairs to see what was going on, and he was STANDING up in his crib! I brought him downstairs so he could watch the speech with us...(lately we have been trying to get him to say "obama"...he came pretty close a couple times!) after the speech, we put him back to bed....but this is how I found him bright and early this morning!




Its on the notch right above the lowest possible...so Tom will adjust it when he gets home....is there anyway he could fall out? Last night I was so nervous I put pillows all down on the ground in case he catapulted himself out....you never know with Briggy!
I have to say, Im pretty impressed with Briggy this past month...he has really developed alot during his eighth month....He stopped scooting and is really crawling, sits up by himself, feeds him self big boy food, drinks well from his cup, climbs, climbs, climbs! (he is a climbing machine) and is very good about bearing weight on his little legs. I'm thinking he is going to take after me and start walking within the next couple months! ahhhhhhh! helllppppppp!

Monday, November 3, 2008

For a Better America....

Vote Hope
Vote Peace
Vote Prosperity
Vote Barack Obama



Election Day is NOVEMBER FOURTH!
Make history.
Vote Barack Obama

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Scariest Pumpkin Ever!

Scary Palin-pumpkin!

My brother-in-law carved this terrifying pumpkin! I forgot to post it on halloween....but still worth a cameo on my blog! I've got two days left of my palin-itis, and then hopefully her name will be long forgotten....
Don't the fangs and devilish horns suit her well?

Vote for a friendly face; Vote OBAMA!!!!!!

Saturday, November 1, 2008

I Love Tom Tillotson!


Here's a fun husband tag! Thanks, Brianne for the stroll down memory lane....

1. Full name: Thomas Richard Tillotson
2. How long have you been married?: We just celebrated our 17 month anniversary last week!
3. How long did we date?: From first date til wedding day, a whopping 7 1/2 months!!!
4. Who eats the sweets?: Me, Me, Me! Tom doesn't like sweets...instead of a sweet-tooth, he says he has a "fat-tooth" :)
5. Who said I love you, first?: I told Tom that I was "falling in love with him" to which he responded, "Good, because I love you!"
6. Who is taller?: Tom is about 4 or 5 inches taller than me.
7. Who sings better? Tom, Tom, Tom! He has a very handsome singing voice....I on the other hand, can't carry a tune to save my life!
8. Who is smarter?: Well I don't really believe that standardized testing means much, but I did score about 300 points higher on my SATs then him....I'd say for the most part, our intelligence compliments one another. Tom is great with numbers, and I am better with literature/english.
9. Who does the laundry: Tom! Sort of. See, the washer and dryer are a few doors down, so with Briggy as my sidekick throughout the day, I dont have a chance to do it...so Tom usually brings it over after work, brings it back--and then I sort it and fold it. He actually likes doing laundry. I wish I had my own washer and dryer!!!!!! 3 stinkin bucks a load!
10. Who pays the bills?: I do. Tom is at work from early until late at night....I don't want him to be bothered with all that. But he brings home the bacon!
11. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed?: Well, pre-Briggy it was me...but when I was feeding Briggy every TWO hours back in the day... and still once in the middle of the night now, I don't have to disturb Tom by crawling over him. So left it is.
12. Who mows the lawn? We live in an apartment complex, so no mowing as of yet. When we do have our own yard, I'm thinking we'll hire the neighborhood teen looking for a few extra bucks---I dont know why, I just can't picture Tom on a lawn-mower, can you? hehe
13. Who drives?: Definitely Tom. I hate driving....my phobia of driving actually increases everyday. After Jackie's accident and then my past couple...I just don't trust everyone out there! Everyone is a flippin speed-demon!
14. Who admits they are wrong?: Tom. He always apologizes first...It's a bad habit of mine to want to hold a grudge for at least a couple hours...to get my point across, but Brother Peter Priesthood is always the more righteous of us! [smirk]
15. Who kissed who first? Tom, again. I made him dinner over my place and we watched the romantic classic, Rocky II. Now, thinking back, after our second date when he walked me to the door, he tried to sneak one in, but I was quick to kiss his cheek and head in for the night....I was nervous! He was the first mormon guy I ever dated!! So on the third date we kissed....what well-behaved kids we were!
16. Who asked out who first?: Well, my friend Hillary had her wedding reception on October 9th....so I had my friend Jackie call Tom and invite him, because he knew her--but secretly, I just wanted him to be there....apparently Tom knew I was behind the invite the entire time! We danced at the reception (my first REAL dance; swear to goodness!)and then he asked me out for that friday. Awhh.
17. Who wears the pants?: Tom...he prefers me in skirts and dresses! Seriously though, traditional roles have always been very important to me. He is not "controlling" but I know he's boss.


I tag: Jenn Dermody, Mindy, Amy and Devon
Have fun!