DiSnEYlaNd!!!

Hooray for Disneyland!!!

My uncle works for Disney, and set us a couple of day passes to go park hopping (Disneyland and California Adventure). We had such a fun day with our friends, the Scotts, and even though my feet were sooooo tired (ps, how do you spell wuss...woos...whatever), and Max wouldn't take a nap after we got home (it was well past naptime), it was so worth it, and so much fun! Thanks, Dale-O for such a fun day!

Max had a couple of favorite rides. He's still talking about the Jungle Cruise, this was Max and I on the cruise where we saw elephants and alligators and snakes...and a waterfall...Max loves animals!
This is our family stuffed into an autopia car...Max loved it, though it was a little slow for Jeff and I...But he had no interest in steering. weird.

This was by far Max's favorite part of the day. We got to see Handy Manny and all of his tools live on stage...not to mention a few of his other favorites from back when we watched TV (we love playhouse Disney on the disney channel, by the way), we saw Little Einsteins, My friends Tigger and Pooh, and The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. He danced and sang and clapped the whole time. I think it was Jeff and My favorite too, because we love those shows, and the songs, as well. We'll definitely be going there again. Too bad Handy Manny wasn't out today for taking pictures...Max wore his special Handy Manny socks for just such an occasion...Dang!

We also went in the 3D Bugs Life thingy...which Jeff and I really enjoyed, but max was seemingly scared the whole time, and wanted to be held (with his back facing the screen, mind you). We thought it was funny because he L-o-V-e-s bugs, and loves spiders...so, for sure, he'd like that show...and as it turns out, he did like it, because when you ask him what he saw at Disneyland, he'll tell you he saw bugs...uhhhh... maybe the fact that they were the same size as him and flying directly at him via the 3D glasses freaked him out. Anyways, such a fun day in the land where all your dreams come true!!!

Midnight Twilight

I'm one of the freaks...and so is my friend, Jen, though she won't admit it!! We didn't get in to the 12:01 showing, or the 12:10, or the 12:20...but we got tickets at the last minute for the 12:30 showing, yes AM, on opening night. The theater was p-acked. I will admit that it was a little cheezy, but I LOVED it, loved Edward, and definitely want to buy it when it comes out: think it'll be out for Santa to put in my stocking? probably not, but a girl can dream. Anyways, I hopefully get to see it again in AZ with my sister-n-laws...so fun!!!
hot picture...thought I'd share...:) heehee

My Thankful List

Every year, I write down a list of the things that I'm thankful for. Every day, in the month of November, I write one thing down until Thanksgiving. Well, we're leaving for Arizona on Tuesday morning, and we have a busy Monday coming our way, so I thought I'd post what I've jotted down so far...keep in mind these aren't in any particular order...
I'm Thankful For...


1-Jeff

I have such an amazing, hard-working husband. I admire his perseverance to get a job in the field that he loves, against much adversity. I admire his positive attitude, and his ability to make me laugh, even when I just want to be angry. I'm grateful for such an amazing husband

2-Max

What a smart, sweet boy. I love watching Max grow up. Every day he does or says something that cracks me up. He tries so hard to do what's right, he loves his mommy and daddy, and it shows. I'm so grateful for the patience that he's taught me (I had none before Max) and for the Joy he brings to my life.
3-Mom and Dad
My mom and dad have taught me so many things, that I'm so grateful to have learned before I got married. My mom got me interested in crafts from when I was so young I can't even remember, because she was always doing something new, even with working. I've also gained a love of reading and music from my mom. My dad had me exercising before I could, we've hiked so many mountains, climbed so many cliffs, biked so many miles (from Seattle to Portland in 7th grade) Pounded so many stairs (The Columbia Tower, Seattle, WA in 5th grade...75 floors...) and ran so many hills. I think that's partially why I majored in Exercise Science, and why I became a personal trainer...I love to work out. I'll carry what he's taught me about keeping myself and my family healthy for the rest of my life.
4-My Family
I have amazing siblings and I feel so blessed to have a close relationship with all of them. As the youngest of 4, when I was younger, and they were all off at school/married, I often wondered if I would ever be on their same level. Even though I am the youngest, my siblings have never made me feel like I was inadequate, or too young to do or know something, and have even come to me for advise on things. My oldest brother, Chad calls me on his way home from work a couple of times a month. He's 12 years older than me, and could easily think of me as his immature little sister. I love that I have a fun relationship with him; it always makes me happy when I see his name on my caller ID...I know he's just calling to say hi--I love that.
My oldest sister, Brandy, I've always looked up to because she's soooo creative. If I ever need an idea for a gift or activity, or a way to put the finishing touch on a project, she never fails to give me THE idea that I needed. She's awesome at finding fun recipes, fun patterns, and fun ideas. Again, she's way older than me, but she and my other sister feel more like my best friends than my older sisters. Erin and I have been close since I was in Junior High, we did so many fun things together, including running, going to the climbing wall together in Redmond (I freaking can't remember the name of the park...weird), when we were younger, she'd always make up fun things to do, and ways to make boring things fun (brushing my hair and cleaning my room). Like Brandy, she also always has fun ideas, especially for Max and I to do together. I just have awesome siblings.
5-A Temple Marriage
Jeff and I were married in the Seattle Temple on July 3, 2004. I'm so grateful to have married a man that was worthy to take me to the temple where we can be married for eternity. I'm gratful to have come from an eternal marriage, and I'm grateful to have one with my husband.
6-The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
I have a testimony of Jesus Christ, and know that He died so that we would have an opportunity to experience life on earth; to make choices and live righteously, so we can have the opportunity to live with Heavenly Father again.
7-Friends (Close and Far)
I'm grateful to my friends that I've moved away from, and for their example to me. All of my good friends have been ones that I admire and want to be like, and I love that I am constantly surrounded by amazing people that can teach me so many things. I'm grateful for my old friends and my new ones.
8-To Live Somewhere with Nice Weather
As much as I say I wish it would get colder, I DO enjoy living somewhere where you don't have to scrape windshields every morning, or snuggle everyone up in full gear to go to the grocery store. I do enjoy being able to play outside, and am grateful to live in CA for that reason.
9-Other Peoples Talents
I am not creative, in that nothing I do is original--Other people have the best ideas, and I'm so gratful that we all have different talents so that we can help and learn from each other.
10-Our Dinner Co-Op
This has been awesome for the last couple of months. It's freed up time, saved money and given us such yummy food!!! Such a good idea!
11-Netflix
Since we don't have TV...Netflix has been so fun for Jeff and I to have. We originally got it as a gift from my sister and brother-in-law, but we decided to continue it, and have loved it. We LOVE movies, and it's fun to have a new one every few days to watch together!
12-Naptime
This is otherwise known as Crafternoon...whether it is with my friends, or solo crafternoon. Naptime is sooo great for me to get cleaning and small projects done. I know my free time will soon get creatly diminished, but I'm living it up while I still have it!
13-A Baby Girl to be named Ivy
This was the day that we found out that our baby was going to be a girl. I'm so excited to be a mom again, though I am so scared to have two. I'm grateful that I'll have one of each flavor, and that I'll have the opportunity to have girly time with my new sweet baby. I can't wait to meet her!
14-Being a Mom at Home and Not Having to Work
To be honest, I should be working, but Jeff and I both agree that home is where I belong, with our kids. I'm so thankful that we see eye to eye on this subject and that it's important to all of us. I'm constantly amazed by my mom, who worked, and all that she did for me and my siblings, while working full time. I know I wouldn't be nearly as good of a mom as she was, and that Max and I wouldn't be so close if I weren't at home. I'm grateful for the opportunity to teach Max, and to play with him all day.
15-My ability to sew
My Mother in Law taught me how to sew a little before Jeff and I got married...she got me interested in quilting and making things with the sewing machine. It's become very useful, and keeps me busy and happy. I'm grateful to her for teaching me how to sew, and for my ability to complete projects!
16-Reading
I love to read...I have since I was teensy, and I'm grateful for all the good books that I've read.
17-Nursery at Church
How awesome is it when your kids turn 18 months and can go to nursery?! It's nice to have 2 hours where you know they're having fun, and you can actually listen! I'm grateful for Tempe 10th ward for taking max when he was 1!!!
18-Giving to Others
I can't remember why I wrote this down, but I must have done something for someone else...which always makes me feel so good! Serving others will always make you feel better!
19-A Healthy Body
Like I mentioned, I gained a love for exercising from my dad, and attribute that to my health today, but I'm grateful for legs that work, eyes that see and ears that hear...and for every other part of my healthy body. I know I take it for granted daily.
20-Blogging
It's been so fun to see what my friends are up to, and see pictures of my neices and nephews, and all of Max's friends. I've gotten awesome ideas for recipes, and crafts from my friends blogs. What a cool thing!
21-Crafternoons
As previously mentioned, when the kids go down, we get busy. It's fun to work on a project while talking with your friends.
22-My Talents
It has been fun to share with my friends how to sew a certain project, or how to do a certain project. I'm grateful for all the things I've learned, that have become my hobbies and talents, so that I can share them with others.
23-My Mighty Rogue
I love my cute little car, and am grateful to have a car that works, that gets me around where I need to go, and prevents me from having to take the bus, or would otherwise keep max and I stranded at home. Soooo grateful for a car!
24-A Washer and Dryer IN my apartment
A lot of apartments around here don't have this luxury, and I'll tell you, we chose the place we are living based on the fact that it had W/D hook ups. It's soooo nice to not have to think about going to the laundromat, and to just do the laundry when I can!


So there's my Thankful list...I'll be amazed if anyone read it all the way through, but it's a fun tradition for me that I like to do!

Holly Jolly!

Here's my latest Charm Pack creation...It's my Holly Jolly Table Runner. I love that it has black in it!!! (Black wasn't in the charm pack, but just suggested by the pattern that I used.) Anyways, I love it, but as I was quilting, it bubbled up in funny spots. I thought I pinned it like a champ, but apparently not...yet another amish creation by me. Aren't the patterns in the fabric sooo cute?!? Me and a couple of friends are going to an amazing fabric store in Long Beach this afternoon (girls only trip) I can't wait to see what fun things they have!

So Close, and yet, So Far...

Ever since we came home from my ultrasound and showed Max the pictures they gave us of his new baby sister, he's been finding every ultrasound picture in all of my parenting magazines...and telling me that they're baby Ivy. It's so cute!

So...I've been on a sewing rampage lately...sewing stuff for the new baby...a couple of receiving blankets, a zebra hooded towel, a skirt, a wipes case...blah blah, but during naptime today, I made the bed skirt for her bed!!! I L-O-V-E it!!! Please disregard the ugliness of the crib. I plan on painting it black next week...(It was cute with Max's stuff, but it's just not doing it for me and the pink crib sheet...sooo--black it goes!) After we get the bumper from AZ next week, I'll begin work on making a slip cover for it. I'll post a picture of the final product...black crib, bumper, moved up mattress, skirt, sheet and Photo Mobile (which is already done!!!) 20 more weeks is sooo close, but yet so far away. I have much to do!

I've been tagged!

I've never been tagged before... how exciting! heehee

4 random things i love about Jeff:
-he always makes a point to see the positive side of a bad situation
-he can always make me laugh
-the way he says "hi, beautiful" every time he calls me...
-his amazing blue eyes and long eyelashes! (so glad max got 'em!)

4 jobs i've had:
-Elite Personal Trainer with 24 hour fitness...soooo fun!
-Manager of Beaches Tanning Center, American Fork, Utah
-Office Asst. at University of Washington Physicians Medical Clinic, Woodinville, Washington
-Scentsy Consultant... :)

4 movies i've seen more than once:
-For Love of the Game (I heart Kevin Costner!)(I heart baseball!)
-The Holiday...soooo cute!
-How to lose a guy in 10 days... also, soooo cute!
-Breakfast at Tiffanys... can I say, Audrey???

4 tv shows i watch:
well...we don't have tv anymore, but I will tell you the ones that we check up on regularly on the internet...
-Grey's Anatomy
-Dancing with the Stars (but I'm missed that one this year)
-Lost (thanks, Shirley!)
-24 (thanks, Shirley!)

4 places i've been:
-San Francisco (Jeff and My fav!!)
-Elizabethton, Tennessee (my unforgettable honeymoon) heehee
-Washington D.C. (8th grade trip)
-Hawaii!!! (with my fun mom!)

4 places i've lived:
-Woodinville, Washington... my favorite!!!
-Provo, Utah
-Maricopa, Arizona... (I sooo miss!)
-Huntington Beach, California (it's still freaking 75)

4 favorite foods:
-pancakes, waffles and french toast
-clam chowder in a bread bowl
-steamed clams
-TGIFriday's Pecan Crusted Chicken Salad...nummy...

4 places i would like to visit:
-Wish I could go to Sachse, Texas again (visit my sister)
-Wish I could go to Westfield, Massachusetts again (visit my other sister)
-New York-- just to see a few things!!!
-Woodinville (but I'm going in like 3 weeks!)

4 people i tag:
-Brandy
-Melissa Johnston
-Michele Flamm
-Jen Scott

I heart audrey

If I could meet someone...it would be her. I LOVE Audrey Hepburn: she's so beautiful, and such an amazing actress: I could watch her movies again and again...I wish I had more than I do! My cousin sent me this amazing quote, which I loved because she said it and because it's awesome. She's so fun!
I believe in Manicures. I believe in Overdressing. I believe in Primping at leisure and wearing Lipstick. I believe that Laughing is the best calorie burner. I Believe in Kissing; Kissing a lot. I believe in Being Strong when everything else seems to be going wrong. I believe Happy Girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I Believe in Miracles.
--Audrey Hepburn

The Garcias take Huntington

We had such a fun day today. After our ultrasound, which produced great news, Jeff's old roommate, and old baseball teammate from BYU stopped by with his cute family. We'd never met his wife, Suna before or their little boys, Linkin and Kane, but we'd been passing Christmas cards back and forth year after year. It was so fun to meet them, and hang out with them for a little bit. I'm excited to have some fun friends that live close (and soon to be even closer). After we chatted for a while, they took us out to eat a yummy dinner at BJ's (can you say pizzookie?). Max said he had a really fun time with Linkin today, which makes my day. So fun to see you guys! Can't wait to play again! ps: 4 nights and 3 naps, and still max has not once gotten out of his bed. Hallelujah! He l-o-v-e-s his new big boy bed!

iT's a...

we had our ultrasound today, and the little stinker had her foot in front of her bum almost the whole time, but hooray, we're having a girl!!! Now the planning starts as far as what sort of bedding I will be sewing...hmmm. Zebra comes to mind. :) We're so excited, and Max is loving looking at his new baby sisters pictures. We can't wait! Looks like the majority of you voted correctly. Thanks for playing!

Trash to Treasure

On a walk over to our friends house one day, Max and I walked past a little yard sale and saw a beat up white toddler bed. I thought to myself, "hmmmm...I wonder how much that is...if it's cheap, I could paint it..."

Come to find out, it was only five bucks!!! holy good deal! So, I told the guy, if it's still here when I'm on my way home (we were walking over for a little party), I'll run home, get my car and see if it'll fit. blah blah blah...it was still there when we left, and they guy said he'd just drop it off...big plus, because I'm not so sure it would have fit in my cute little car.

Anyways, 3 cans of glossy spray paint later, and a little bit of glossy top-coat, it's black and beautiful (just don't look too close, I suck at spray painting)!

I didn't know how a 'big boy bed' was going to go over with Max. You hear the horror stories, ya know...and I just kept thinking that with this other little bambino on the way, I didn't want to mess with a little crazy learning to stay in bed while trying to survive on the amount of sleep you get with a newborn. But, it is currently 8:41, which means that Max has been in his big boy bed for 41 minutes, and he hasn't made a peep. He's still in there. I think I'm lucky, but it's only day one, and only 41 minutes into this crazy thing we're doing (I always swore Max would sleep in a crib until he was 5). Soooo, wish me luck! ahhhh. He's such a good boy!
One person's trash is another person's treasure. Hooray for me!

Baker!

So Fun!! One of my sisters is A-mazing at homemaking things like bread, applesauce, jam, etc...I aspire to be like her, and my other sister in sOoOoO many ways...Erin sent me her recipe for white bread, which I thought I'd try out on the missionaries tonight. (please note that any time you make something for the missionaries, it will always turn out, but beware if you try again, it probably won't). Anyways, so I have to try it again someday when I'm just making it for plain old us, and see if I really am a Baker! So yum! Anyone want a piece...come on over!

Let the Thanksgiving Festivities Begin!

Yay! for more fall fun (can you believe that I, Autumn, just said the 'F' word...?) My friend Emily came over last night so I could teach her how to make the letters that I had up for Halloween (BOO). My other friend Jen came up with 'Give' which I loved, so I used her idea. They turned out cute, yeah? It was so fun to sit and chat with Emily! How I wish she didn't work! :)

Happy Autumn!

The real words to the song...

This is what Max has been learning in Nursery. He'll randomly just sprout into song (one of several). Last night, while playing around in his room for a while, he started singing this one, and it cracked Jeff and I up (because his Dad's name is Dean, but everyone thinks he says Bean, when he gives his name over the phone).

PS...you'll have to ask 'Bean' to tell you the story. Ha ha, Grandpa...you wish!

ItSy BitSy SpIDeR!

Max LoVeD is Spider costume...especially his Spider Legs...otherwise known as black, girl tights. He looked so cute prancing around in his costume, and he even enjoyed waving with one of his extra arms.
Here's Max and Daddy getting ready to go trick or treating. We went to the Albertson's Shopping center right by our house with our friends Jen, Berkleigh, Merrick, Melody and Corban. Even Daddy got to come with us to all the stores! Every store gave out candy except the random dentist office (SCROOGE!) But it was a lot of fun and the kids totally got the trick or treat concept.

Here's max getting candy from one of the stores...

This is about the best shot I could get of him in his costume. He was constantly on the go. He did not want to hold our hands, he was on a mission to get more candy!

After we went trick or treating at Albertsons, we came home, grabbed a few things, and headed over to Laguna Niguel, where our neighbors parents live. They fed us nummy dinner (Clam Chowder in a bread bowl, Autie's all-time favorite) and then Grandpa drove us around in his awesome van to all the flat cul-de-sac's in their neighborhood. Max rang the doorbell at each house about five times...(sorry neighbors!) and when they opened the door, he said 'trick or treat' and then tried to go into the strangers houses.

He was so cute trick or treating and did not want to stop long enough to take this picture...
Here's Max digging through his candy booty. Jeff and I promptly hid it when we got home, agreeing that if he asked for some, we would give him some after lunch and after dinner. The good news is, he has forgotten all about it! ha!!
We had such a fun Halloween!! Happy Autumn!