Christmas 2011

What a great Christmas we had this year. After working until Friday we are glad to be in lake Stevens until after new years.
I worked really hard on Christmas gifts this year for a homemade Christmas. You can check out those gifts on my craft blog HERE.
Travis got me a new iPad which I love. I mean I knew i would like one but I really love it! It was a christmas/ bday/ anniversary/ new mom iPad. I also got a card reader and a keyboard for it.
I got him the harry potter movies. Black ops and a new ps3 camo controller and blue tooth. Nothing like the gift of killing.
We we so spoiled by our parents once again. Even mason got some Christmas presents and he isnt even born yet.
We are loving hanging out and just relaxing. A lot of changes will be coming this next year so we are trying to enjoy our last chance and really relaxing with no responsibility.
We hope you enjoyed your holidays. We are grateful for this time of year, the gospel and the birth of the Savior. We would not be where we are today with out the love and blessings our Savior has given to us.
I love this quote from president monson from the Christmas devotional

"Because He came, there is meaning to our mortal existence.
Because He came, we know how to reach out to those in trouble or distress, wherever they may be.
Because He came, death has lost its sting, the grave its victory. We will live again because He came.
Because He came and paid for our sins, we have the opportunity to gain eternal life."

Merry Christmas.

Christmas Card 2011

Mattoons in 2011

There were several highlights this year.

Some were exciting and some brought us fear.

The biggest one of all is we had to make room.

Because we are expecting! Baby Mason will be here soon.

Travis was thrilled that “it” was a boy.

We are sure he will bring us a lot of joy.

Courtney’s Brother left of his mission;

Montreal, Canada, we love him and miss him.

Bandit and Nala both turned one,

birthday parties for each were so much fun.

Travis worked for WSU football team,

working hard to fulfill his dream.

Travis was so busy with football and school,

Courtney was just crafty and a party planning fool.

Courtney is still teaching preschool every day.

She is always amused at what the kids say.

Travis’ new road bike got lots of miles.

A trip to Sun Lakes brought lots of smiles.

We camped and biked all Summer long,

we even brought family and friends along.

Our families both came to visit us and see WSU.

Each time was fast and busy, there was a lot to do.

What a great year we had

So much good it covered the bad,

We hope your holidays and new years are fun.

Love you and miss you, Happy holidays to everyone!

Maternity Photos *33 weeks

Valerie took my maternity photos last weekend. I really was apprehensive about taking them but I suppose it was necessary to document. Also Val just started up her business and could use them for her portfolio. I was pleasantly surprised and really loved them! Here are my favorites *lots ...

This one was funny because my stomach was completely flat. So to get a good one I had to hold my breath and push my stomach out as far as I couloved the idea though. Good work Val.ld. I 

List of top names we liked... narrowed down to our favorite Mason

Ready to Pop

Thank you Valerie for making me feel so pretty! I needed it!

Valerie has her site all set up. Check it out... ValerieIshamPhotography

Happy 24th Birthday to ME!

What a fabulous birthday I had this year!
I went to work... which was the first time in several years. I normally like to take it easy on my b-day. But we had a great time in preschool.
Travis picked me up from work (my favorite) and took me to the fabric store (my second favorite) then we went to dinner with my best friends the Dunns and the Clements.
Then we went back to the Dunns and had a party. Fun fetti cake with rainbow chip frosting. Jaimie wrote a quiz and it was really fun.
Thank you everyone for making my day so special!

Here is the group

and the gifts

and the quiz if you care ha ha (answers are on the bottom)

1 Which teenage heartthrob does Courtney have hanging on her closet door
A. J. Bieber   B. Taylor Lautner   C. Joe Jonas    D. Zac Efron

2 How much did Courtney weigh as a baby?
A. 6lb    B. 7lb    C. 8lb   D. 5lb

3 Which of the following is NOT a name of Courtney's siblings
A. Chance   B. Clara   C. Chloe   D. Christian

4 What is Courtney's favorite movie?
A. Tangled    B. Baby Mama    C. the Notebook   D. Edward Scissors Hands

5 What is Courtney's official due date?
A . Feb 4th   B. Feb 2nd   C. Feb 12   D. Feb 8th

6 Where does Courtney consider her home town?
A. Everett    B.Snohomish     C.Seattle    D.Lake Stevens

7 What major surgery has Courtney have?
A.Tonsils    B. ear tubes    C. appendix    D. boob job

8 What important skill does Courtney think everyone should know?
A. CPR    B. Swim    C. Sew    D. ASL

9 Who share a birthday with Courtney?
A.Tyra Banks    B. Walt Disney    C. Tina Fey    D. Patrick Swayze

10 Courtney has a scar on her chin from?
A. Ski Accident   B. Bike Accident    C. Car Accident    D. Bowling Accident

11 Courtney's shoe size is?
A. 6.5    B. 6    C. 7    D. 5.5

12  Courtney swam what stroke in High School?
A. Crawl    B. Butterfly    C. Back    D. Breast

13 Which of the following is NOT the name of a dog Courtney has had?
A. Nala    B. Penny    C. Bandit    D. Nieko

14 What has Courtney craved the most since being pregnant?
A. Pickles and Saltines    B. McDonald's lil Cheese Burgers    C. CCDI Strawberry Milkshake    D. KFC fried chicken

15 What was Courtney's least favorite subject in school?
A. History    B. Sex Ed    C. Math    D. PE

16 For the Harry Potter party, Courtney wants to dress up as which character?
A. Lilly Potter    B. Professor Sprout    C. Minerva McGonagall    D. Moaning Mertle

17 In High School Courtney was...
A. Cheer Captain    B. Swim Captain    C. Homecoming Queen    D. ASB Vice President

18 What is the most Molly Mormon thing Courtney does?
A. Canning    B. Homemade Laundry Soap    C. Freezer Meals    D. Food Storage

19 Before marriage Courtney lived off of
A.Hot Pockets    B. Pop Tarts   C. Dozens of Doughnuts    D. Taco Bell Value Meal

20 What TV series on Netflix can Courtney not get enough of?
A. Hoarders    B. Grey's Anatomy    C. Vampire Diaries    D. Say Yes to the Dress

ANSWERS


1 Which teenage heartthrob does Courtney have hanging on her closet door
A. J. Bieber   B. Taylor Lautner   C. Joe Jonas    D. Zac Efron

2 How much did Courtney weigh as a baby?
A. 6lb    B. 7lb    C. 8lb   D. 5lb

3 Which of the following is NOT a name of Courtney's siblings
A. Chance   B. Clara   C. Chloe   D. Christian

4 What is Courtney's favorite movie?
A. Tangled    B. Baby Mama    C. the Notebook   D. Edward Scissors Hands

5 What is Courtney's official due date?
A . Feb 4th   B. Feb 2nd   C. Feb 12   D. Feb 8th

6 Where does Courtney consider her home town?
A. Everett    B.Snohomish     C.Seattle    D.Lake Stevens

7 What major surgery has Courtney have?
A.Tonsils    B. ear tubes    C. appendix    D. boob job

8 What important skill does Courtney think everyone should know?
A. CPR    B. Swim    C. Sew    D. ASL

9 Who share a birthday with Courtney?
A.Tyra Banks    B. Walt Disney    C. Tina Fey    D. Patrick Swayze

10 Courtney has a scar on her chin from?
A. Ski Accident   B. Bike Accident    C. Car Accident    D. Bowling Accident

11 Courtney's shoe size is?
A. 6.5    B. 6    C. 7    D. 5.5

12  Courtney swam what stroke in High School?
A. Crawl    B. Butterfly    C. Back    D. Breast

13 Which of the following is NOT the name of a dog Courtney has had?
A. Nala    B. Penny    C. Bandit    D. Nieko

14 What has Courtney craved the most since being pregnant?
A. Pickles and Saltines   B . McDonald's lil Cheese Burgers    C. CCDI Strawberry Milkshake    D. KFC fried chicken

15 What was Courtney's least favorite subject in school?
A. History    B. Sex Ed    C. Math    D. PE

16 For the Harry Potter party, Courtney wants to dress up as which character?
A. Lilly Potter    B. Professor Sprout    C. Minerva McGonagall    D. Moaning Mertle

17 In High School Courtney was...
A. Cheer Captain    B. Swim Captain    C. Homecoming Queen    D. ASB Vice President

18 What is the most Molly Mormon thing Courtney does?
A. Canning    B. Homemade Laundry Soap    C. Freezer Meals    D. Food Storage

19 Before marriage Courtney lived off of
A.Hot Pockets    B. Pop Tarts   C. Dozens of Doughnuts    D. Taco Bell Value Meal

20 What TV series on Netflix can Courtney not get enough of?
A. Hoarders    B. Grey's Anatomy    C. Vampire Diaries    D. Say Yes to the Dress

Family Photos 2011

I try to convince Travis every year to get our pictures taken professionally. He isn't always up for it. Luckily I could convince him this year because my great friend Valerie is just starting up her photography business. I am so excited to share the pictures with you! She did a fantastic job. The Pacific Northwest will be lucky to have her! She is moving to the west side so if anyone needs great photos let me know and I'll get you in touch.

Thanks Val!

Almost 32 week update

Mason is moving like a maniac. In the book I'm reading it says to lay on your back for an hour in the morning and night and count 10 movements in an hour. Mason is constantly moving 10 times in 5 minutes every hour all day long. He shakes my whole belly!
He can tell when I am starting to eat and will start moving like crazy. I told my doctor as soon as I start to chew he will move. He corrected me and said it takes at least 15-20 min for him to get nourishment and I assured him, just like Pavlov's dogs, Mason can hear me eat. We will have a hungry boy on our hands I am sure.
When I went to Seattle for Thanksgiving, I flew over on Friday night and Travis drove over after a couple more days of work. When we landed at SEA-TAC the landing wasn't very smooth. I felt Mason brace himself with all four limbs. It was such a strange/humorous feeling.
I get Braxton Hicks quite a bit. They are the strangest thing. My stomach gets so tight and hard it is unbelievable.
I am starting to sleep worse and worse. I can't get comfortable. I take a lot of baths and use a heat pad a lot for my back.
The dogs are getting really cuddly. Bandit loves to lay his head on my belly. Sometime Mason will kick at him and Bandit will whine. Nala licks my belly when it's bare and sticking out. They are getting a lot better at not jumping up and they smell all the new stuff we bring in.
I am getting so anxious to see how big he will be. Some people look at me and think I look huge (all belly but huge) others say I am so tiny. The doctor has no real idea because Mason stretched out for the first measurement then curled up for the next, changing the size of my uterus. Although his head is down so Dr. Adkins said that is the best for fast growing babies so they don't get stuck sideways.
The baby shower really made this feel even more real! We got a lot of stuff we really needed for him (and a bunch of super cute extras) We are working hard decluttering and making up the nursery. We can't wait to meet him in 2 months!
Last night I had a dream and he was here. He was so cute and small and he was wrapped in the quilt my mom made him. My dad loved him.

Thanksgiving 2011

This year we got to go to Seattle to see our families. Living in Pullman is so nice because it is a much shorter drive. I took a couple extra days off and flew on Friday. Travis drove over with the pups the following Tuesday night after he was done with his football work. I loved all the relaxing, socializing, eating and going through lots and lots of baby stuff!

We ate two Thanksgivings again this year with each family. We didn't get a picture of my family this year but here is Travis' family (minus Melissa and Eric and kinda Kaylee)

Top ten things I am thankful for.

1- Travis
He is such a hard worker and we have gotten through a lot together these past 4 years. I am so lucky to have him for eternity.

2- Mason
Even though he isn't born yet and I was so terrified he was coming at first, I am so thankful to be a mom, to be able to carry him and help him grow. It is crazy to think of myself as a mom but ready or not in 2 short months he will be here!

3- Bandit and Nala
I know not everyone is a dog person but I sure love my babies. They make my day so much more fulfilling. They are the most selfless creatures. They are so eager to please and just want to cuddle and play and be around you. Petting and cuddling them has such a calming relief to me.

4- Family
I am so thankful for my family. It was so nice to see them for 10 days over Thanksgiving. I love my parents and in-laws and my siblings and brothers and sisters in law and nieces and nephew. I wouldn't be who I am today without the influence of my family.

5- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
I am so thankful for the gospel and what happiness and hope it brings into my life.

6- Our Apartment
Although I can't say everything is glamorous about the Outlook, I do love living here. We have great neighbors, for the most part, a great location and lots of space. We have really made it our home the last 18 months.

7- My Job
I love my job. Although it is a much bigger task to do pregnant, I am lucky to teach 24 crazy kiddos. I am thankful for the things they teach me and for my co-workers

8- My talents
I am so thankful for my talents. I am thankful I have patience to work with so many crazy 4 year olds all day. I am thankful that I am creative and crafty enough to make everyone's Christmas gifts. I am thankful that I know how to be a good friend.

9- My friends
I have been blessed with some of the best friends in the entire universe. I can't thank them enough for getting me through tough times in my life and also for creating the best memories. I love my relief society and have so many friends at church. Project group makes me laugh so hard and fills my social fix every time. I love how even if I haven't seen some of my friends for a while we still have so many things in common and still have genuine concern and love for each other.

10- Technology
 I am thankful for this blog, pinterest, facebook and email because without it I would not be able to keep in touch as easily with friends, get great ideas in any category and keep a journal.

Mason's First Baby Shower

On the first day I was back in Seattle for Thanksgiving my sister Clara threw me a baby shower. It was so much fun and we were totally spoiled with things for Mason. It was so nice to see so many people care about me and Travis and our new family. It was also wonderful to see so many friends and family members I haven't seen for a while.

I forgot to take pictures but my mom took a few. The theme was "Cute as a button" and there were button die-cuts hanging on ribbons from the lights, 2 banners and lots of jars of green and blue candies. There were crescent sandwiches, fruit cups and punch along with other little snacks. We played a matching game with candy bars. Everything was perfect.

Mason got lots of cute clothes and essentials

My mom bought me a breast pump. I have been reading reviews and stressing over this for months. I want to pump when I return to work. This is a very nice pump, 5 stars, maximum comfort. I sure hope it works!

Several people also made Mason gifts. I love getting homemade gifts!

We are pretty much set. I will take pictures and post about the nursery later and show off some of my favorite things later. Thank you Clara for an awesome first baby shower!