Happiness

previously mentioned saved picture of Elizabeth at her Choral Concert last month. She misses recess every other Wednesday to practice and does really well. She has said she likes singing, but not in front of others, which is understandable. That's her friend Madeline on the left. Madeline's Mom is a Jr. High Math teacher and her Dad is a scientist. Needless to say they get along swimmingly. The boys had gotten out of the bathtub and were warming themselves by the space heater. Elizabeth had just gotten out of the shower and they were all working on getting dressed when we overheard this: Asher: "Um, Elizabeth" looking at her southern region-"You are missing something..." Elizabeth: ? Asher: mumble, mumble, mumble Elizabeth: giggle, giggle, giggle Me from the other room: What? What??? What happened. Elizabeth: "Asher said that my private part got sucked up." Josh did a little explaining. I'm not surprised he hasn't noticed it before. Boys ta...

Dear Journal (from Monday night), I am sitting here, online, listening to the freezing rain tinkle on the window while Josh reads next to me. I would read too, but I just finished my book and the one I got from the library Even a Cowgirl Gets the Blues stinks. Today a sweet lady came over and fixed the horrible hair cut I got from Paul Mitchell's Beauty School. I've never had to get a haircut fixed before. We had agreed to do a bob with some layers. They gave me a bob with a longish layer at the bottom. It was terrible (no pictures- sorry!) I went to the Church like that, in complete denial, because hey, it was only $15, right? Finally I gave up and admitted the truth. My hair cut stunk. I e-mailed a friend to come fix it. Upon seeing my hair my lady friend said - Maybe they left that layer in the cape. Um, I don't think so. Lesson learned: Don't go to a beauty school for a major haircut. That is unless you like living on the edge, which I don't. Well, at le...

Today we remember my dear sweet niece who passed away in June of 2009 at the age of 16 months old. We love you, Char Char! Tell your little bro to travel safely here! I cut my hair. Changing things up, once again. I look kind of tired here. I could say it's the lighting, yeah, that's it! Slight a-line in back. It feels great! This is my blog. My name is Megan Abbott. --update on Elizabeth. She's completed a Brain MRI and now has a constrast MRI scheduled for Monday afternoon and a 24 hr EEG for Wednesdsay. We'll keep you all posted.

Every day I think today's the day. The day I will not blog. But I can't. I'm addicted. I'll do everything I can. But it starts off slow- I'll just post a picture and then it snowballs from there. I'll even avoid my blog but then I start reading my favorite bloggers and I get happy and want to write. And BOOM, before I know it I have blogged again. Some people, when they are happy, they eat. Me? I write. Because I'm an INFJ like that. And I just wanted to share a I LOVE with you today- Natalie Holbrook @ Nat the Fat Rat . She has made me laugh several times this past two days. Plus, her husband looks like Josh. Pretty cool, huh? Love it! Blogging and reading blogs about fat babies with cute parents. This is my blog. My name is Megan Abbott.

Check out my writing on Mormon Mommy Blogs ! under "What's It Like?" I wrote it quite awhile ago and was pleasantly surprised to see it appear on my blog list. It's kind of personal, but I wrote it from the heart, so I hope you enjoy it! It's fun to see your work out there. Happy Monday! *** What a great day- school opened 2 hours late so we had a slow morning, my sister scheduled her baby for Monday, I got a call that they will finally reimburse me for the fixing of a faulty water heater and I get to be on Mormon Mommy Blogs! Can it get any better than this? Oh, wait- it can! But I'll take this any day!!!**** Oh, and I found this article on Mormon Times.com about how Mormon Mommy blogs are taking over the blog-o-sphere. Let's go, Ladies! Let's go! This is my blog. My name is Megan Abbott.

the boys in the tub, 2005 In the movie Julie and Julia, Julia Child says "I think about FOOD all day." In the real life of Megan Abbott, I could be able to say "I think about BABIES all day." I'm not supposed to. Because if I do, it may backfire. Or at least that's what my counselor has told me. And when someone encourages me to do something, I like to follow their advice. So, I'm allowing myself ten minutes of baby time- time to think about babies- each day. During that time I can think about babies as much as I want to- their cute little noses, their chubby legs, their smile, their drool, their little cloth diapered bottoms. And for the rest of the day, I will go about my normal life. Yesterday I spent that time watching home videos. Asher was 2 and even though that is not technically a baby age, he didn't talk much, was still in diapers and had a binky so I count that. Asher said "I was so cute. I was cuter than anyone." Funny kid. I rep...

Today: My Dad goes down to San Diego to begin treatment again for his CLL that has returned. They are using a new drug and are paying for all of the treatment, so our hopes are very high. Today: I am sick again. No Strep- as I am still on anti-biotics. But sick. Josh is taking the older kids to a museum (yay for a Holiday!) and Asher is going to the Zoo with a friend. I love my Parents! My Parents are amazing! My Dad, John, is an Elementary School Counselor- soon to be retired to official full time Grandfather status. He has enjoyed working and we have loved the stories he told us when he came home from work. My Mom, Joan, is a Full-time Wife, Mother, Grandmother to 15- soon to be 16- grandkids, who does private tutoring and family history consulting in her spare time. My Dad is handsome, talented, fit and just amazing. His Mom, Grandma Betty, is 100% Armenian and a convert to the Church. His Dad- John as well- is Irish (hence my Maiden name Hulihan), Scotch Welch- a green eyed, red he...

I was getting sick and sick when these pictures were taken, so I just pointed and shot. Time and time again. But it's captured. Valentines Day 2011. This is my blog. My name is Megan A.

via Pioneer Woman via Jason/Ellen Good morning! Who am I? I am one who: -loves kids. - I want to start slowing down and make crafty things for my home and my kids. - I want to be pregnant and rejoice in it's beauty day by day. - I want to write poetry, teach piano and drink hot chocolate with pink marshmallows. Pink chocolate covered marshmallows. - I want to follow artsy blogs and soak in their ingenuity. - I want to blogs myself- happy blog posts, colorful blog post, true to life blog posts. - loves the beach. I want to visit Hawaii, Florida, the Caribbean, the Bahamas. - I want to bake sugary heart sugar cookies, dust them with sprinkles and give them away. - I want volunteer in the classroom and help out in any way I can. - I want to slow down more often, not just when I am sick. - I want to watch romantic movies and cry whenever I feel like it. - I want to eat chocolate treats *Forrero Rocher* --since Sees is not to be found-- in bed with a good page turner. - I want to swi...

Turns out what I had was Strep Throat! I've never had it before, but on Monday Night the pain had gotten so bad that I was in the car, headed to the Minute Clinic at CVS at 8 pm, until Josh ran out and told me it was probably closed. We checked online and yep, it closed at 7:30pm. I got a blessing and was hopeful that I would be better by the morning. The morning came at 4 am and I was up again with a throatful of sharps. As advised by a few of my friends on facebook, I headed to the Dr.- Asher in tow. One hour and a half later, a grapefruit juice, ring pop, new face wash, antio-biotics in hand and $42 less in my pocket, I was on the road to recovery. The pain wore off last night and I was able to eat something soft. It was Heaven! This morning I woke up at 4 am again and after reading in bed for a few hours decided that 7 am was as good a time as any to eat my Valentine, nut covered chocolates. I ate 2 (again HEAVEN after almost 2 days of no eating) but they were not so good on m...

You know when someone posts something on their blog that just completely fills your heart with Joy? Well, what that happens, I just want to share it with others as well! So, if the author doesn't mind (Hilary), here is the link to the post she wrote about Grandpa Wight turning 90 this month! They even did 90 candles! Simplify . Keep reading on my last post to learn more about our Valentines Day this year! This is my blog. My name is Megan A.

What a perfect day I had planned this out to be. I would wake up early- 6:30 am to be exact and be all ready to cook some heart shaped pancakes for the kids. I woke up sick. Bleh. And Monday is my gym/shopping/kids laundry day. Why I pile it all into one day, I have no idea. So we were out of milk and eggs and cereal and pull ups (we tried the night training machine and it ran out of batteries after 2 nights. I still need to order new ones.) and I had to drop Asher off at Preschool and all I wanted to do was stay in bed. I stayed in bed until almost 8 and then got up and made lunches. I dropped off the kids and came home and ate a little and went shopping to Sams and ALDI. Picked up Asher, played outside in the 63 degree weather- hooray!- and walked the 15/20 minute walk to and from school since it was so nice. Turns out I did too much. I crashed on the couch at 4 pm, after the kids had dumped piles of Valentines and candy- mostly candy- on the dining room table. They happily munched s...

Happy Valentines Day! I woke up with an extremely sore throat around 5 am. I was up for an hour and then slept an extra hour still not doing that great, and on Valentines Day too! And I was planning to make a special breakfast. Oh, well! This is so cute! Go to to Kate Spade's website (www.katespade.com) and there is a section on the right called Be Mine. I can't get the link to work, but it lets you send cute e-valentines to your honey. Why not send one today? Happy Valentines Day!!! Megan

Jonah Nearby walk way Chinese New Year- Preschool. The kids had little cups full of snappers/pop-its and they loved throwing them on the ground and making them pop! A happy time amidst the cold snowy background! Valentines Cupcakes Flowers from Josh on an ordinary day. Me, with my reddish blonde hair. Doesn't look too much different does it? Maybe I really am somewhat of a redhead! Happy February! This is my blog. My name is Megan A.

Dear Asher, I love you! I love how you make me laugh. I love how happy you are almost all the time. You do throw an occasional tantrum and that's okay. We understand. I love how you love cereal. You are a cereal connoisseur. When we visit someone else's home, you notice what cereal they may have on top of their fridge and remind me that we haven't bought that kind in a long time. You would eat it for breakfast, morning snack and afternoon snack if I let you- which I do often. You love learning and when I praise you for making a beautiful "n"- which you did the other day- you beam with pride. You memorized the book "I will surprise my friend" by Mo Williems and you laugh at every page. When we are done reading it you say "again! again!" like it's some kind of roller coaster ride and I love that a book can make you feel that same kind of joy. You are my youngest child, and as such I get to spend the most time with you. I love...

Jonah, Jonah, you're my man, if no one can do it- you can! Jonah, Happy Valentines Day! I love you! I love how you are so sweet and happy. I love how little things make you happy: a new book, going out for a treat, wearing your favorite red jacket everywhere. I love how your teacher just gushes to me about how model a student you are. I didn't do anything to make you like that- you just came like that. You are very rule oriented and when someone says what the rules are, you try to follow them to the T. I love how you are very different from Ethan, but you two still get along like best friends. You like to follow Ethan and do what he does. I love how you excitedly said yes when I asked if you wanted to play T-Ball again this year. I love how you sing the songs at Family Home Evening and how you like to go outside and just play to your hearts content. I love you, Jonah! Love, Mom

Dear Ethan, Have I told you lately how much I love you? I made a valentine card for you the other day, just randomly, and you sweetly wrote me a note back. You love to collect things, so I attached a button to the card and you gave me a button back. You are so thoughtful. I love how you are so motivated to do something when a reward is in store. If I tell you you can watch tv after making your bed and doing your chores you are off running. If I will give you a treat for cleaning your room, you do it right away. That's so great! I love to see how you work on school projects and make each one interesting and unique. I love to spend time with you. You enjoy climbing trees, building snow forts, building swords out of rolls of paper, cardboard, anything! You love crafts and I often find the dining room table littered with the leftovers of a game/robot/poster you've made all by yourself. You work hard at reading your one scripture each night and do r...

For the month of February, I wanted to write a love note to each of my children. My children are all 8 years old and younger, so they don't really read my blog, but I am sure one day they will and I want them to know how much I love them- now and always. Dear Elizabeth, You are such a sweetheart. You are sensitive and sweet, fun loving and caring. You are the oldest child and are such a good helper with our younger kids. You play with Asher and make him laugh when he is sad. You teach the boys how to read and show them how to behave at Church through your reverent example. You enjoy school and are good at it, especially math and reading. You have a few special friends: Grace, Madelyn, Zoey and Mary. You try your very best to choose the right and try to read the scriptures every day. You enjoy playing the piano, especially learning new songs. You are learning to sew (by taking lessons from a friend) and you enjoy creating things. You are very thoughtful and think of...

Dear Josh, We met ten years ago today. I know you remember because I reminded you last night and this morning. Plus you mentioned something last week. Ten years ago today I went to my Molly's first baby's blessing. I missed Stake Conference but it was touching to see Anna be blessed and hear Doug and Molly bear their testimonies about the beauty of having a family. I wasn't dating anyone and knew that I better get a move on. Coming home, I probably napped and woke up to find my roommate throwing a surprise birthday party for her friend. People came over and I was in the kitchen near the cake. You came over and I asked your name. Josh. Megan. We did the normal intro. Where we're from. What our major is. Yours was math. Not so cool with me. I hated math. Except Calculus, which I loved. Little did I know that I would truly appreciate your love of math as you sat at the kitchen island teaching our 8 year old about coordinates or some other math which I don't re...

Elizabeth loves crafts and made this Valentine one for Josh. It's a tube with a message inside: "I love Dad" Cute! ldsnuggets.com. They send me a small quote about once a week and I love it. I love that someone quoted from it in a talk at Church the other day and I wrote it down and signed up for it. Hooray for good ideas! internetmtc.org . Be a missionary online! Full of good ideas. allvitaminsplus.com . They have free shipping and I just ordered a fresh supply of fish oil and while I have no scientific evidence that it makes me happy, I feel better when I'm taking it so there you go. Lemon flavored so you don't get that fishy after taste. Bleh. leeloublogs . She has a cool February screen saver on there up for grabs. A Speckled Handle . A fun foodie blog. I am not, by any means, a foodie, but I am a virtual foodie and looking at all of these creative, yummy foods does make me branch out of my routine a little. Right now I have honey sesame chicken simmering in ...

Saturday Night Josh and I were able to go to the Temple. I love going to the temple. It is a wonderful place where I can feel peace and feel close to Heavenly Father. While there, I paused to use the bathroom and lo and behold, what did I see staring at me in the mirror under gigantic florescent lights??? A white hair! Just one. I checked for more. I was shocked. Literally. I thought this would happen when I was 40. Yeah, I know some people have white hair in their 20's and one blogger found one at the age of 32. But, me? Not me. I was wrong. Again. I met up with Josh but had to be reverent and quiet at the same time. How could I be quiet about this? I excitedly told him about it and was glad to be relieved of my burden, even though he didn't see what the big deal was. Then, I started seeing white hairs on all the heads around me. The lady in front of me had quite a few. Her husband had none. Of course, this was the temple, so a lot of people had white hair. You know when you g...

Ethan in the snow! The kids have a 2 hour delay today because of ice coating the cars and buses but that's okay! There's a yummy lentil soup simmering on the stove, I get a little more time on the computer and to read the new February Ensign magazine- which is amazing btw! Yay! We finally did the wishbone from the turkey at Christmas time and Asher won. He got to make a wish and he wished for a certain toy from the medicine store (aka CVS) so we will be going by there after we drop the kids off to school. Maybe I'll pick up a few Valentines Day cards just for fun! I LOVE Valentines Day! Love it! This past weekend was a little of a surprise. I was supposed to throw a baby shower for one of my dear friends Saturday morning. All Wednesday, Thursday and Friday I was cleaning and baking and prepping crafts for the event. Friday afternoon her water broke- 3 weeks early- and after dropping her 4 kids off here- they rushed to the hospital where a little, cute baby boy was born tha...