McAllister Mayhem

Creepy

2011-07-05T21:52:00.002-06:00

I am making our family blog private in a week or two. If you would like an invitation, please email me: mcallister (dot) tamber (at) gmail (dot) com .All you will need is a gmail account. Or you can facebook message me and leave your email. I just don't want any creepers creeping on my kids.

Love, Tamber

Summerfest

2011-06-16T20:58:00.001-06:00

We went to summerfest in Orem last weekend. Emma got to be on a float and loved it. She picked up on the waving and blowing kisses.

Love, Tamber

2011-06-14T20:55:00.002-06:00

A week or so ago Marcus went to sleep on the couch with the blanket over his head while I was cooking dinner. This is how I found him. Dripping with sweat. I took all the blankets and jammies off of him before putting him in bed. I felt so bad for him.

Love, Tamber

Last day of Kindergarten

2011-06-12T20:50:00.002-06:00

Emma had her last day of class last week. I took a couple of pictures with Emma and her class and then she and her teacher.

Love, Tamber

Grad

2011-06-04T07:09:00.000-06:00

My little sis graduated high school last weekend when I was in California. It was fun to see her. I do have to say that I think High School Graduation is a little over done. I forgot how boring those types of things are. At least I was sitting by all of my family so we had a good time hanging out with one another.

The highlight of the night was dad blowing the horn and freaking Desmond out. He was screaming like no one has ever screamed before. haha. So funny.

Love, Tamber

Grandma Sue's visit

2011-06-02T09:04:00.000-06:00

Grandma Sue came last week for a quick visit so that she could meet miss lil.

It was nice to see her and the kids were happy to have a picture with Grandma.

Love, Tamber

Grandchildren

2011-05-31T09:07:00.002-06:00

After multiple attempts at getting a photo of the grand kids on my side of the family, these are the ones that we ended up with.

We will have to try again soon when the little ones are more willing to cooperate.

Love, Tamber

Bucket List

2011-05-21T16:32:00.000-06:00

Since the world is supposed to end tonight, I have been thinking about somethings that I want to do before I die. This Bucket List is not inclusive and will be added to over time. Luckily I know that the world is not going to end tonight at 6pm, so I have a little more time to work on these.

1. Take a woodworking class

2. Take a family trip to Disneyland

3. Travel to Italy and Greece with Eric

4. Drive without a destination, and find a fun hotel to stay in.

5. Go watch the Summer Olympics

6. Go skinny dipping.

7. Volunteer at a homeless shelter.

8. Compete in an Olympic Length Triathlon.

9. Hike Mount Timp

10. Visit Boston and watch a Bruins hockey game.

11. Take the Family to a Reds game in Cincinnati

12. Go on a trip of all church history sites in the East.

13. Pay for the person's toll meal behind me in a drive thru.

14. Go Snowboarding

15. Raise $1000 for BYU athletics

16. Go on a Cruise.

17. Help pay for a non family members mission.

18. Grow a garden.

19. Go back and visit Eric’s mission.

20. Take a cooking class.

21. Take cake decorating classes

22. Go surfing in Hawaii

23. Go horseback riding.

24. Watch a meteor shower.

25. Throw a surprise birthday party.

26. Swim with dolphins.

27. Write a love poem for Eric

28. Go to a Tim McGraw Concert

29. Ride 100 miles on a bike at one time.

30. Write a Biography about an ancestor.

31. Go indoor skydiving.

32. Start my own Charity. (victims of child abuse)

33. Go snowshoeing

34. Go Cross Country Skiing.

This is the place

2011-05-21T12:19:00.002-06:00

My sisters in-laws work at This is the place park. Last weekend she took us up there so we could hang out and see everything. Here are a couple of pictures while we were on the train.

Love,
Tamber

Parenting

2011-05-13T16:54:00.004-06:00

This is what I hope my kids think of me someday, but I've got a long way to go.

Parenting is an interesting thing. I don't think I ever appreciated all the work and foundation that my parents laid for me as a child. I was raised to say please and thank you, to have respect for my elders, hold the door for the person behind me, say excuse me when it was needed, and to love people for who they are.

The world has evolved. Many of the defining qualities that shaped societies 50 years ago are hard to find. There are many times as a parent that I am not sure how to shape my children into what I envision them being; honest, good citizens of society who help improve this nation. I want them to stand for truth and goodness. As a parent I have often found it overwhelming that their lived depend on the foundation that they form while they are young.

One of my favorite books is 'Standing for Something' by President Hinckley. It is a book that I often turn to in order to remind myself of the basic qualities that my children not only need to know, but need to live. The 10 virtues in which he focuses in this book are Love, Honesty, Morality, Civility, Learning, Forgiveness, Thrift and Industry, Gratitude, Optimism, and Faith. If my children could master each of these I would feel accomplished in my mothering.

So, with Mother's Day and Father's Day upon us I wanted to thank all of my parents, not just the biological ones, who have helped shape my husband and I as well as our children. Thank You for your examples and sacrifices.

We Love You!

Love, Tamber

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T09:01:00.002-06:00

“Never had I seen so great courage … [as] they said unto me: Father, behold our God is with us, and he will not suffer that we should fall; then let us go forth. …

“Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; … yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.

“And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it.”

At the end of the battle, Helaman continued his description: “Behold, to my great joy, there had not one soul of them fallen to the earth; yea, and they had fought as if with the strength of God; yea, never were men known to have fought with such miraculous strength; and with such mighty power.”

I am so grateful to my Mother for teaching me to have faith, to not fear and for helping me build my foundation in the gospel. I don't think that I could have asked for a greater gift. Those are the things that I hope to teach my children and if I am able to ground them in the gospel like she did me, I would successful as a mother.

Love, Tamber

Precious.

2011-05-06T08:30:00.004-06:00

Love, Tamber

Worst mom moment.....

2011-05-04T09:21:00.003-06:00

As a mom I do everything I can to keep my kids safe and keep them from harm.

Look at this cutie...who wouldn't want to protect her?

Well this week the weather warmed and I was so excited to spend the entire afternoon outside. I took precautions by dressing Lilly in long sleeves, putting a hat on and trying to keep her in the shade.

Well, I didn't do a very good job. I left her hands out. And look what happened...

Yup...I would say that is a worst mom moment. Luckily today it is looking a lot better and has faded to more of a dark tan, but can I just tell you how horrible I felt when I first discovered her burn :(

Love,
Tamber

Happiness.

2011-05-01T11:00:00.000-06:00

I consider myself a fairly optimistic person...not always, but most of the time. I look up to those who lived through the great depression. They are very strong and grateful people. They experienced things that most of us never will. We now live in an economy that could shape us in similar ways....maybe not to the same extreme. As I have watched so many different families struggle in this economy I have made a couple of conclusions.

1.) You can tell who is truly happy. Those that do not depend on material possessions seem to be more happy. It doesn't matter what they lose: their job, their house, their furniture, their car....they have something more eternal. A purpose that makes them happy.

2.) The best and worst have surfaced. The best and worst in people I mean. Some have been strengthened by their awareness that material things are not permanent. They are aware that their families and friends are the most important things they have. They serve instead of shop. They give instead of take. They help instead of hurt. Others have turned to stealing, lying and cheating in order to keep those worldly things because they think that is the reason they are happy. President Hinckley tells of true happiness-

"Generally speaking, the most miserable people I know are those who are obsessed with themselves; the happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others...By and large, I have come to see that if we complain about life, it is because we are thinking only of ourselves."

3.) I am truly happy. I have a wonderful life. Sure I talk about the day when we will have a larger home, increase income. We all do. But I know that if I lost everything except my family, I would truly be okay. It may take adjusting and I am sure that there would be some mourning over the loss, but my family is the most important thing in my life. We have fun together and love to be with one another. I am so lucky to have a husband who feels the same way and often keeps me grounded in the most important things in life.

Love,
Tamber

Easter Festivities

2011-04-26T17:08:00.003-06:00

Between wearing their new Easter Outfits, dying eggs, going on egg hunts, and dressing up like bunnies our little ones got a lot of Easter action this last weekend. Luckily I caught a couple of the fun moments on my camera.

Love, Tamber

Egg fever.

2011-04-23T17:57:00.003-06:00

Last week some friends of ours came over for an Easter Egg hunt. I love how the simple things in life really change the entire week of a child. The kids looked forward to this until the day our friends came.

Love,
Tamber

Our not so exciting everyday...

2011-04-22T05:50:00.000-06:00

Most people would not consider our everyday life that exciting, but we sure love it. With Eric working two jobs and being gone a little more I cannot even express how nice it is to have 2 kids old enough to help me with the baby. Both of the kids will help feed her or give her a binky. Emma can go get her for me, burp her and even helps change diapers. They are both so willing to help.

One morning I came our of my room and I found these two cuddled on the couch watching cartoons.

I love how babies sleep with their legs all curled up...it is so precious.

Like I said....look at all this help.

Love, Tamber

First Bath at Home

2011-04-20T17:43:00.002-06:00

Emma and Marcus love to help with anything that involves Lilly. This was the first bath that we gave Lilly at home. Emma thought it was weird that she got to bathe in the sink. I love having my two helpers around to help with Lilly.

She wasn't too fond of the bath this time around, but Im sure that she will learn to love the water like my other kids.

Love, Tamber

Family

2011-04-09T06:58:00.000-06:00

It seems like our family in Utah continues to grow. Eric's dad has lived in Salt Lake since we have gotten married. It is nice to have someone that enjoys spending time with the kids live so close to us. Here are some pics of Grandpa and his newest granddaughter.

Love,
Tamber

General Conference.

2011-04-07T06:53:00.000-06:00

General Conference Weekend is always a relaxing one around our house. We try not to schedule anything else during the weekend so that we can enjoy time at home listening to all of the sessions. Here are some pictures of the family over the weekend.

Doing their conference coloring packets...

Love, Tamber

2 weeks.

2011-04-05T06:45:00.002-06:00

Everyday she becomes a little more aware of what is going on around her.

Here are some things that I have noticed about her personality:

She is very calm.

She likes to observe what is going on around her.

She is somewhat serious (I say somewhat because I can't tell if she just can't smile yet or not....she might be less serious in the coming weeks if she learns to smile).

She is very content unless you are changing her clothes....

She likes to be bundled up and snuggled with.

Love, Tamber

Siblings.

2011-04-03T16:41:00.003-06:00

We have had a couple week of relaxing here at our house. Recovery is taking a little longer than planned. Emma and Marcus are really enjoying their new little sister. We have spent lots of hours cuddling up on the couch. When we are not fighting over the space (since we now have a hard time all fitting comfortably on the couch) we spend our time staring at our new perfect addition.

Here are some pictures of the McAllister trio.

Love, Tamber

The Birth.

2011-03-24T18:07:00.000-06:00

All throughout my pregnancy with Lilly, I knew she had a mind of her own.

After going into the delivery room 5 times before actually being admitted I stopped telling people when we were going in. I told Eric that we could tell everyone once I got admitted and we knew that I was having the baby.

Monday the 21st I started having very strong contractions at about 5 or 6 pm. We called my dad because I knew that this was it. We arrived at the hospital at about 8:30. I was only 4 cm, the same as the week before. I immediately started crying because I didn't want to get sent home again. They checked me for the next 2 hours and didn't progress at all even though my contractions continued to get stronger.

So, they gave me a morphine and phenergren shot and sent me home around 10:45. We got home right before 11. When I got home my dad started timing my contractions. They were every 3 minutes and lasted about minute long. I decided to get into the shower to try and ease the pain.

When I sat down I immediately had a very strong contraction where I yelled for Eric. I asked him to call the hospital and ask how long we should wait to come back in if they contractions were getting stronger. They told us to come back in. When Eric came in to tell me that I had a contraction where I felt like I had to push....I knew we had to hurry.

We got into the car and Eric was happy that he got to run his 3 red lights while I was yelling for him to hurry.
When we got to the hospital Eric parked partially on the sidewalk and I started another contraction as I walked into the doors. The security guard brought a wheel over. He told me to sit down. I immediately snapped 'i have to wait until this is one is done.' Eric calmly told him that I couldn't move positions while contracting and that I would sit down when this one finished.

Once I sat they wheeled me as fast as possible upstairs. We got there at about 12:30pm. When I saw the nurse I yelled I have to push! She got us into the triage room when I was stripped down, 3 nurses came running in to help and I was immediately checked. The first nurse said...your only a 6?!?!? What. I thought, if I am a 6, then there is no way that I will survive this delivery. The other nurse checked me to make sure and she said ' your complete....uh....I think I just got kicked.'

She ordered one of the other ladies to hurry and grab the ultrasound machine.
She brought it in and they discovered that Lilly was breeched (feet first). They called the doctors immediately and said that we were doing an emergency C-section. They said the anesthesiologist was on his way.

He came in and did the epidural. Eric and my dad gave me a blessing (which calmed me down) and within minutes we were in the OR. I didn't have time to process anything, it all happened so fast. All I could think about was that I lasted to being dilated to a 10 and didn't have the chance to deliver naturally...I was being forced into a different option.
Eric was amazing...keeping me calm, telling me that I could do it when I was screaming that I couldn't, thinking of giving me a blessing, and so many other things that I am sure that had to happen in order for it all to go so smoothly.

The next thing I knew we were in the operating room and Eric was watching our little girl get cut out of me. She was officially born at 1:36am. Eric explained things as they happened. When they lifted her over the curtain so that I could see her I began to cry...I couldn't believe that I made it through the whole experience. Eric followed the nurse and went with Lilly as they stitched me up. I slept through the remainder of the surgery.

Since then things have been a lot more calm. I thought it was funny that while I was recovering the nurse came in and asked me to sign a consent for a C-sec...I guess they didn't have time to have me sign that before.

I guess she wanted to make a grand entrance so that we would all remember the day she arrived.

Love, Tamber

Lilly May

2011-03-23T18:03:00.002-06:00

Lilly May was born on 3-22-11 at 1:36am.

7 lbs 10 oz

19 inches

It was a whirl wind of an evening/early morning, but very much worth it.

As you can tell from all the pictures, we are all in love with our little girl.

Love, Tamber

Still here.

2011-03-21T14:40:00.002-06:00

Yes I am still here, baby inside.

My feelings on it all: I wish that something was happening from the discomfort, pain and sleepless nights that I have been experiencing. More than anything it has all taken an emotional toll on me.

It seems that everyone around me has their own opinions on the experience which is why I have been trying to avoid any conversation about it all. The worst is when someone says, 'so, no baby yet?', or 'so much for the bed rest, she wasn't coming out anyway.'

I don't like to depend on other people...that is just my personality. I like to do things for myself and know that I am in control. When I was put on bed rest it made me feel like I owe something to all of those people who helped me out.

So, if you don't hear from me in the next week, if I don't answer your call, return your text or email, don't take it personally.

Hopefully soon we will have good news to share and I can put this whole experience in the books and adjust to a new form of sleepless nights :)

Love,
Tamber

Jimmer Mania

2011-03-10T08:14:00.002-07:00

I love this picture for two reasons..1.) Marcus' smile is awesome and 2.) Seeing my two favorite boys do something they love always makes me happy. I love that they already have such a strong bond and it has only been 3.5 years. I can't wait to see how much they love hanging out going to BYU games together when Marcus is in College.

They had a boys day out to go watch Jimmer at the Marriott Center for the last time ever. Marcus loves BYU Basketball just like his dad. Hopefully this is a picture that he can look back and remember the good times of the Jimmer era.

Love, Tamber

done.

2011-03-07T15:06:00.001-07:00

Here is a picture of me at the hospital. I took the picture because I really thought that I was done. I have been having contractions for about 1.5 weeks now. At times they are 3-5 minutes apart. Which is annoying cause that is when you are normally told to go to the hospital. I am not dilating as fast as most people do when they are having contractions like that, so I am not supposed to go back to the hospital unless something changes...the contractions feel different, or get stronger. Hopefully that is soon.

Ignore the morning face/hair here...it was 3:30 am.

Love, Tamber

A Perfect Picnic.

2011-03-06T09:33:00.000-07:00

On Valentines Day my children wanted to do something nice for me...and considering that it was such a nice day, they decided to make a picnic for me for lunch.

Emma even got the iPod out and had hannah montana music playing...hahah.

Oh how I love my kids!

Love,
Tamber

Baby Shower.

2011-03-03T09:33:00.000-07:00

One of my wonderful neighbors, Tara Hall had a baby shower for me this week. I am so blessed to have people who are so thoughtful live around me.

Here are some pictures that Emma took.

Love, Tamber

True Blue BYU Fans

2011-03-02T09:26:00.000-07:00

After the SDSU vs. BYU Basketball game on Saturday we went out to the Provo airport to see the team land and congratulate them.

Both Emma and Marcus left crying cause there were so many people there that the kiddos didn't get to shake Jimmer's hand.

Love, Tamber

Evening Activities.

2011-02-28T21:39:00.003-07:00

Almost every single night our home becomes a sports arena. We are either playing basketball, baseball, Football, Hockey, or soccer. Lately baseball is the favorite. Eric can pitch to Marcus 10 ft. away and Marcus can hit the ball right back at him. I usually find somewhere to hide because there have been too many times that Marcus has nailed me in the head and I am not quick enough to move.
Marcus loves spending evening playing with his dad. Emma loves to join in as well although most of the time she names herself as the scorekeeper/cheerleader.

ps...he nailed that ball in this picture...haha.

Love, Tamber

False Alarm.

2011-02-28T08:45:00.002-07:00

It all started at church yesterday. At the end of Sunday School I told Eric I was really uncomfortable and I kept moving positions trying to find a comfy way to sit. When Sunday School was over I went into the relief society room and felt a little better just from getting up and walking around a little. Within 5 minutes of sititng down I realized that I was getting uncomfortable again. When I started actually listening to my body I realized that I was having contractions. The sister sitting next to me kept asking if I was okay...I guess she could tell I was uncomfortable. After 30 minutes of contractions every 5-10 minutes I decided to get up and walk around to see if that would stop them. I walked outside and then came back inside to get a drink. I found my seat neighbor searching the halls to make sure I was okay. I told her I was fine...just trying to get my contrations to stop. I followed her back in to the relief society room to sit back down for the last 15 min of class...the walking didn't help. They continued.

After class I felt like I had to stop walking every time I had a contraction so that the pain wouldn't shoot down my legs. Eric was walking so fast to the car I finally yelled...' Eric, come here.' I told him that we needed to go to the hospital (my doctor told me that since I was still too early that if I had more than 4 in an hour that I needed to go get checked to make sure everything was okay). So we got the Hall's to watch the kids until Eric's dad could drive down from Salt Lake. We made the quick trip to the hospital.

Once arriving the Labor and Delivery receptionist made me call down to the front desk and get pre-registered. I was annoyed....to say the least. I felt nausea and didn't want to talk to anyone. When I met my nurse I had to explain myself. I said...I know I am early and probably not in full labor, but I didn't want to get to the point where there was no turning back. The nurse told me she was glad that I came in and that it was the smart thing to do. (what a relief to not feel like I was over reacting).

Throughout the hours that we were there the contractions continued to get stronger and closer together. To make the long story short, they gave me some pain medication ot relax my uterus contractions and help me to sleep good at night. Thanks goodness.

So for now...I am trying to take it easy so that the contractions don't start up again soon. I am only 35 weeks 2 days along. The doctor said that the baby would be fine if I did have her today, but each day that we can extend the pregnancy brings higher chances that she will be a good breast feeder and that she will be able to breath on her own from the beginning. So that is our goal...keep her in there for another week and a half at least.

Love, Tamber

Girls Day.

2011-02-27T09:10:00.002-07:00

All thanks to the best Valentine ever, Emma and I spent the morning yesterday at the spa. We were treated to Manicure, pedicure, facial and hair style.

Emma thoroughly enjoyed her first papering day. She has been looking forward to this day for the last couple of weeks. I believe it lived up to her expectations.

Getting her hair done...

Getting her facial...
I thought she wouldn't hold still or close her eyes for this, but she loved it. She said it was her favorite part.

Emma had to take a picture of me...of coarse (ignore the swollen pregnancy face.)

Getting her nails done...

Waiting to start the day at the spa...

Love, Tamber

The SAM Project.

2011-02-17T08:14:00.001-07:00

A couple of years ago a friend in our ward lost her 18 month old little boy due to complications from Mitochondrial Disease. In order to honor little Samual she started a service project that runs this time of year. Each year they ask for donations and collect blankets for the Patients at Primary Children's Medical Center and deliver them on or around March 26th (the day of his passing).

I know that many of you are ex-ward members of this sweet family and always ask about helping with the project, so I figured that I would post all of the information here so that you anyone could participate if they wanted to. This is something that we did for Family Home Evening Last year and my kids love helping.

The ironic thing was that a couple of weeks after giving our friend the blankets that we made, Marcus unexpectedly was admitted to Primary Children's for a few days. I can attest that these blankets really do make a difference in the lives of these little children (Marcus still calls his 'his doctor blanky' and carries it around where he goes).

When: All Blankets should be done and turned in to Laura McCluskey by March 20th. (If any of you want to email me when you are done and mail them to me, I would love to get them to her by this date).

Blanket Specifications (Primary Children's Rules):

Fleece Blankets: 72" x 60" (2 yards)

Quilts: 72" x 90" , 54" x 80" and 45" x 60" ( no all red flannel)

Quilted or tied quilts are both okay.

Receiving Blankets 36" x 36"

These are only specifications/recommendations, but don't have to be exactly followed.

If you want to know more about The Sam Project you can visit their website.

Love, Tamber

Hockey Madness.

2011-02-15T08:24:00.000-07:00

With a husband that once played and is still obsessed with hockey, it tends to be something
that is on the TV a lot in our house.

Marcus and Emma have both caught the hockey bug as well.

Friday night we went to the BYU Hockey game. The kids loved giving the players hi fives, shaking the noise makers and waiting for the players to smash into the boards in front of them.

The highlight of the night was Emma getting the game puck from one of the players...she is now sold for life.

Love,
Tamber

Valentines Day in our House.

2011-02-14T08:34:00.002-07:00

I hope you can pin someone down and tell them that you love them...

even if they resist.

Valentines day tends to be a fairly normal day around here.

Emma woke up from Eric starting the shower and ran to the bathroom door yelling, 'Happy Valentines Day Dad!' through the crack. She is always so thoughtful and the first to remember holiday's in the morning.

Once the kids ate breakfast they quickly opened their candy and started in. Luckily it is a warm day here today and I will be sending the kids out around lunch time to get some of the sugar jitters worked out.

Happy Valentines Day to all I Love!

Love, Tamber

Ice Skating

2011-02-03T08:27:00.000-07:00

Emma has been begging us (literally) for a couple of weeks to take her ice skating. Eric, being a high school hockey player, was excited to take the kids. I wish that I could have gone, but with how unstable I am, it wasn't a risk I was going to take being 7 months pregnant.

So I took the role of photographer and cheerleader. Both kids could have skated without the walkers, but I think they liked the novelty of them.

Marcus was funny cause he would go as fast as he could, and it was basically like he was running. He kept trying to 'hockey check' Eric into the boards. I don't think the smile left his face the whole night.

Emma loved it too and has asked everyday since Saturday if she can go back yet.

Love,
Tamber

Chores.

2011-02-02T08:09:00.002-07:00

I know that goal setting is a continual process for me. I try each Saturday night to set goals for the week. The same thing happens on the parenting front. I know that I have made Chore Charts before and some have worked, some haven't but as my kids get older they require a re-evaluation on what is expected of them.

This week we instituted allowance in our household. Before now, it has never been a regular thing that I gave them money for doing chores.

Eric and I decided that our kids should have to do certain chores in order to help as part of our family. After they have done their regular required chores, then they can earn money for extra chores that they do.

Believe it or not, our kids love to help. I believe that working hard with your family brings you closer together and we have already experienced that from our short time with older children.

So, this is how we set it up. We have the following information posted on our fridge as well as the charts so that we can keep track each day of what our children accomplish. Plus...they love to put an 'x' up when they have finished their chores.

Earning Allowance

You must do all of your Required Chores each day or you will not earn money for the extra chores that you do. After you do all your required chores then you can earn $.25 for each additional chore that you finish during the week.

Required Chores:

Make Bed

Keep Bedroom Clean

Put Your Laundry away into your drawers/closet

Each week help with Laundry or Dishes (alternate)

Allowance Chores:

Clean Toilet

Clean Bathroom Floor

Empty Garbage

Clean all Mirrors

Clean Walls or Baseboards

Help Clean Hardwood Floors (with mom's help)

Vacuum

Sweep Leaves Outside

Clean out car (Garbage and Toys)

Wipe Table and Counters

Anything else mom or dad approves

Emma’s Chores Accomplished (Week 1&3=Laundry, 2&4=Dishes)

Days

Monday

Tuesday

Wed

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Chores

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Marcus’ Chores Accomplished (Week 1&3=Dishes, 2&4=Laundry)

Days

Monday

Tuesday

Wed

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Chores

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

R= Required chores (x) A= Allowance Chores (Mark Numerical Amount)

Love, Tamber

Tryinig to Sale

2011-01-28T09:14:00.002-07:00

In order to get our Condo ready to sale, the last couple of weeks have been very busy. We have been cleaning, fixing and packing.

The kids were a huge help and even chose half of their own toys that we could pack up for the next couple of months until we hopefully move.

Here are some pictures of them trying to pack themselves up.

Marcus is funny because he doesn't understand the temporary packing. He keeps asking me to pack up certain toys because he is afraid that they are going to get left behind if we don't pack them now.

Here is our condo listing. If you know of anyone looking for a great rental property, this one is great because it is so close to BYU and UVU. They are not difficult to rent out and could bring in some income at the current rates.

Love,
Tamber

slack.

2011-01-25T07:37:00.002-07:00

Sunday we celebrated the big 3 - 0 for Eric. When you ask him how it feels being that age he says 'the same as 27-29'.

The week before his birthday he said...'now don't you go planning anything sneeky around here'. The sad thing is that he made me smirk and I felt bad because I hadn't planned anything for his birthday. All of his friends are turning 30 this year as well and it seems their wives have all planned parties for them. At this state in pregnancy I knew I wouldn't have the energy to do something like that. So last minute I invited some family members over for Sunday dinner and cake. And of coarse I didn't get any pictures, but it was the perfect celebration. Not to much work and still lots of fun.

(this is the most recent picture of him that I could find)

Eric is an amazing husband and this is one reason why...
he picks up the slack when I am out of commission. I didn't feel well last night. My body was sore and I wasn't feeling well. So not only did he get dinner on his way home, but at the most hectic time of night he told me to go to bed. I ended up getting in a warm shower while he put the kiddos in bed and somehow he did it all without any whining on their part. After I got in bed he checked on me multiple times and waited on me when I needed something. I couldn't be more grateful for a husband who is so helpful and loving.

So, here is my celebration to a wonderful husband and friend!

Love, Tamber

Beach Fun.

2011-01-15T11:59:00.000-07:00

One of the best advantages of my job is some of the travel that we get to do.

It is always nice to go with the team to Christmas training right after Christmas and enjoy the warm weather. We visited La Jolla Shores Beach and let the kids play for a while.

Even though it was a little cold, we had a blast.

Love,
Tamber

Other San Diego

2011-01-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

Here are some more pictures of San Diego.

We went to the Mormon Batallion Exhibit where the kids enjoyed panning for gold and watching the video about our pioneers.

We also went for a lovely drive to Coronodo Island where the kids were cold because of the wind, but that didn't stop them from enjoying the playground and the beach.

Love,
Tamber

An innocent Cry

2011-01-12T07:12:00.000-07:00

It made me cry the first time I heard it because it was just so cute. Here is Baby Desmond and his adorable little cry.

Welcome Baby Desmond!

2011-01-11T07:06:00.003-07:00

I had the opportunity of being with my sister last night as she gave birth to her first child, Desmond. It was a wonderful experience. I wanted to say Congratulations to both Dan and Tawni....Welcome to the world of parenting. You will both be amazing parents.

January 10,2011 8:31pm

7 lbs 13 oz

20.5 inches long

Love, Tamber

Team time.

2011-01-10T11:55:00.000-07:00

While in San Diego on of our swimmers families put on a BBQ at their friends house.

Emma and Marcus had a blast making new friends, eating yummy food, and playing in the water.

Team Picture

Love,
Tamber

Sea World

2011-01-08T11:49:00.000-07:00

Last year when we visited San Diego with the swim team we bought a day pass which also included a year pass for all of 2010, so this year we were able to go back and see it all again and even more than before.

Emma's favorite show was the Dolphin show.

They had fun riding the rides with Kristina (our friend/babysitter that came with me since Eric couldn't come)

Emma and Marcus waiting to see Shamu.

Love,
Tamber

Visit to San Diego Temple

2011-01-06T11:46:00.000-07:00

While in San Diego right after Christmas we were able to visit the San Diego Temple. I wish that I had time to go and do a session, but I felt bad for already leaving my kids so often for work during the trip. Here are some pictures that we took on New Year's Eve when we stopped by to see the lights.

Love,
Tamber

Christmas Morning

2011-01-04T11:37:00.003-07:00

I am finally getting around to documenting our Christmas.

This was the first year that Emma was too excited about Christmas morning that she couldn't fall asleep on Christmas Eve, which made for a late night for Santa.

Here are some pictures of the kids on Christmas day opening up presents and enjoying family.

Emma's favorite gift...a caboodle filled with girly things. She wanted to paint her toenails right away.

Emma also loved separating all of the gifts into piles for everyone.

The one thing that Marcus wanted from Santa was a car track. He has been playing with it non stop. He loves building and he loves cars.

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas!

Love, Tamber

Fumble.

2010-12-21T19:20:00.002-07:00

Whenever Eric and Marcus play football in the house there are going to be fumbles. They decided that whoever fumbles has to do push-ups.

Originally the idea came just so that we could see the kids' funny push-ups.

Now Marcus always does them when he fumbles.

I can't help but laugh at his form.

Our little football player

2010-12-19T19:05:00.002-07:00

Marcus loves playing football.

When we are all at home on the weekend, Marcus and Eric (and sometimes Emma) play football for hours on end.

Here is a video of Marcus and Eric playing.

Eric has been trying to get him to catch an over the shoulder pass, and he finally did it.

I think tonight he probably ran between the front door and the fridge about 100 times.

This kid lives for football.

Projects

2010-12-15T16:54:00.001-07:00

Working on some projects for with these profile silhouettes.

Love, Tamber

Who laughs this way.."Ho,Ho,Ho"

2010-12-11T17:39:00.002-07:00

We finally bit the bullet, stood in the line (outside...really, who has their Santa outside in Utah) and went to see the man from up north.

While in line Emma said..."Santa isn't real".

I was shocked...I didn't think I would hear that until 3-4th grade at least!

I think I BELIEVED until I was in 5th or 6th grade.

Luckily she said, "some of them dress up."

So for now, he is the magic of the season and the kids told him what they wanted this year for Christmas.

Emma: " I want a pretend pony". (ie..a small horse toy)
Santa: "Oh yes...pretend pony's are better than real ones. You should see what the real one's do to my grass."

Marcus: "I want a blue car track."

Love, Tamber

Comfort.

2010-12-06T07:36:00.002-07:00

When Mary learned of her divine calling to bear the Son of God, undoubtedly a flood of issues and concerns raced through her mind. But the Angel said to her...

“Fear not. … For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:30, 37).

There are times when I worry about the world the my children are growing up in. I worry what they will turn out to be like, if I am doing enough to raise strong and righteous children, if they will be good friends to everyone around them, etc.

I know that I am not doing everything that I could be doing, but hope that what I am doing or teaching them is enough.

There are times when my heart is settled by the sweet actions of my children and I am comforted that everything will be okay. Yesterday was one of them. Last month Eric came up with the great idea of having a family testimony meeting on the FHE after Fast Sunday. Emma enjoyed bearing her testimony to her family. I did not think that she would be brave enough to do it in front of an entire congregation.

She proved me wrong.

All of a sudden I see her leaving our isle and walking up to the front in a reverent manner folding her arms. My eyes immediately filled with tears in happiness, joy, and satisfaction. She didn't have any coercing or even encouragement really. Eric told me later that she had said 'Maybe I should go up there' and all Eric said was 'If you want to, it is your choice.' So she did.

She said 'Hi, my name is Emma, and I came up here to bear my testimony. I know the Church is true and I know the Temple is true. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.'

I am so thankful for the experiences that comfort my parenting efforts. Sometimes certain experiences like this one help lessen my fears and remind me that with God nothing is impossible.

Love,
Tamber

Temple Square Tradition

2010-11-30T12:29:00.002-07:00

Each year we visit Temple Square to see the Christmas lights.

I look forward to it each year. It is truly a magnificent site.

Emma and Marcus each enjoyed it for different reasons.

Emma loved the life sized nativity scene and wanted to watch the entire Christmas Story. Unfortunately the 13 degree weather encouraged us to force Emma to move on and get warm in the tabernacle.

Marcus liked the Luke 2 movie that we watched at the Visitors Center (ie...being warm).

Love, Tamber

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-29T13:01:00.002-07:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I LOVE Thanksgiving. I love cooking, and hanging out with family. We celebrated with my little family at our little condo. I really wish that we had a larger family...one of my favorite things/memories of Thanksgiving is having tons of cousins, aunts, uncles, etc around to celebrate and remember our many blessings. For me it isn't as much about the food, but I love what Thanksgiving is about...I love remembering my blessings because it makes me feel so happy inside.

Here is a picture run down of things that we did on Thanksgiving.

We tried a new Apple Pie (YUUUUMM!)

did I mention it had a pecan brown sugar crumble on top?!?...

Emma and Marcus played lots of dress up while the football game was on.

And Emma and Marcus helped me roll the rolls for dinner. They were great helpers.

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!

Love,
Tamber

Happy Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year!

2010-11-24T12:03:00.001-07:00

I have to start my post with an apology.

When I made my Christmas Cards, I ordered 20. Come to find out, I probably should have ordered 30-40. I did not have enough to send to all of the people that I wanted.

Trying to keep on budget I am not going to order anymore, so hopefully those of you who didn't receive one will accept my apology and enjoy what you can of it here on the blog.

This is what it looks like:

(Front)

(inside)

Now, since you probably can't read that small print inside the card, here is the text that was included:

Top 10 Things we are thankful for after 2010:

10.) Being an American. It may not be a perfect country with perfect leaders, but we sure are grateful for the freedom that we have to worship the way that we choose.

9.) Jobs. Not only are Eric and I both blessed to have jobs in this economy, but we both have jobs that we enjoy. Eric put it best when he said…’It is nice to have a job where it doesn’t matter if it is Monday or Friday.’

8.) Amazing Teachers. As our children get older, we are so thankful for all for all of the amazing teachers that our children know and learn from. Especially those who teach our children at church, they are heroes in our home.

7.) Good Health. Knock on Wood. After a scare with Marcus this year and a long visit to Primary Children’s Hospital, we are grateful for healthy bodies and amazing doctors.

6.) The Little Things. The success of a child’s prayer, comforting a child by making their ‘blanky flat’ at bed time, the blowing of kisses from Emma on her first day of school. Each of us have little things to appreciate this year.

5.) Family History. We have learned about so many of our ancestors stories this year and the examples that they have set. Eric and I are excited to take our first family names to the temple.

4.) The hard times. Because they've made us stronger and wiser, and the good times even better.

3.) Memories. From a trip to Sea World with the kids to the first alone trip for Tamber and Eric. There are so many wonderful memories that our family will cherish from 2010.

2.) Being able to laugh. Eric and I find ourselves laughing over the little things that our children do, whether it be Marcus trying out new phrases, scaling the fridge or Emma learning to pronounce new words or talking about her first ‘crush’. Our family loves to laugh and make each other laugh.

1.) All of You! This year would not have been so cherished without your influence in our family member’s lives. We have so many amazing family and friends that we could not have lived without in 2010. Thank You for everything you have done for us.

Love,
Tamber

Fabulous Football in November

2010-11-06T18:34:00.003-06:00

We had a great time with the family at the BYU Football game today.

By feeling the temperature outside I would not have guessed that it was November.

It was almost 'hot'.

Here are some pictures...

The kids eating a quick snack.

Emma showing off the sign that she made. It says 'Go BYU' in case you can't tell.

The family before the game.

Emma waiting for the players to run out. She wanted to give them high fives.

Love,
Tamber

Wedding Photos

2010-11-04T10:16:00.002-06:00

A week ago I had someone in our Ward ask if I could bring a wedding picture to church for their lesson.

Easy...right?

Wrong.

I don't even have one framed picture of Eric and I on our wedding day.

The biggest reason is that we paid a photographer and all we paid for was a copy of each photo that he took, but in 4 x 6 size. Other than that, we didn't get any other pictures.

I have tried to locate the photographer that we used, and he is no where to be found.

So finally I decided to take our 4x6 pictures and scan them.

problem.....

when I scanned them they came up with smudges all over them, so I knew that when I printed a larger copy that they would not turn out very clear.

Finally I was able to use Picassa to get rid of the smudges. It took a lot of time, but will be worth if to have a picture of Eric and I in front of the Temple for our children to see.

Here is one of the edited photos that I ordered.

I am very happy with the way that they turned out.

Hopefully from now on it won't be such a chore to find a wedding picture!

Love,
Tamber

First BYU Basketball Game of the Year

2010-11-03T09:21:00.000-06:00

We enjoyed going to the cougar tip off last week.

BYU Basketball Games are definitely a family favorite. We love going to them.

If you are ever wondering why there are never pictures of me on the blog, it is because most of them turn out like this...with my eyes closed. I must blink a lot.

Emma in her Crazy hair with Eric and the game.

Marcus enjoying some candy during the game.

Love,
Tamber

First Snow

2010-11-02T09:17:00.002-06:00

Our 'first snow' came last Tuesday.

When I went to wake Emma up for school that morning I said...'Emma time to wake up, you need to get dressed warm for school today...there is snow all over the ground'.
Marcus popped up, made his bed, got dressed, and ran to the door asking to go out and play.
In the meantime, Emma rolled over and kept sleeping. You would think that girl is already a teenager the way she sleeps and avoids being woken up every single day.

Love,
Tamber

Class Party

2010-11-01T09:25:00.002-06:00

I love helping in Emma's Kindergarten Class. The kids are so funny. Here are some pictures from the other day when we did a Halloween Party.

Love,
Tamber

Halloween Festivities

2010-10-31T09:07:00.002-06:00

Saturday we went to our ward Trunk or Treat. It was pouring rain, so we all ended up in the Gym while all the children circled around with multiple visits to each person handing out the candy. The kids had a lot of fun seeing all the different costumes.

This is Marcus wearing Grandpa Tim's crazy hair wig on Friday night when we went to hear tubophonic play at a private Halloween party.

On Thursday Night our Friend Christina took us to her friends house where they have a haunted train. When it is light outside it is very mild and not too scary. Thank goodness we got in right before the sun went down cause the kids would have been freaked out by the scariness.

This was taken before we got on the train in front of a bunch of Jack-o-lanterns that they had carved. They were very amazing and very intricate.

Love,
Tamber

Marcus' 3rd celebrations

2010-10-27T08:15:00.001-06:00

Just now catching up to posting pics of Marcus' cake.

Love, Tamber

Came and Went

2010-10-27T08:07:00.002-06:00

Everything keeps happening and before I know it, It has been a couple of weeks before I even get to posting about it.

Eric and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary this month.

4 cars

1 home

3 moves

and 2 kids later

We are still here and happier than ever.

For our anniversary, Emma drew me a picture of the Temple. I love it!

Look at the very top...she even included the details.

Happy Anniversary Eric!

I love you!

Love,
Tamber

The Kiddos

2010-10-10T09:24:00.001-06:00

Here are some recent pics of the kids....
Nothing that is perfect, but captures their personalities.

Love,
Tamber

This....

2010-10-05T19:12:00.002-06:00

is what I had to deal with today after my child pulled it for the 2nd time in a week! Seriously. Evacuated the entire Richards Building at BYU for the second time in a week. I almost started crying(okay, I really did) because I was so frustrated.

Not only do I have to work everyday, but I get to be a mom while at work which is very hard to do. Needless to say, my eyes are not ALWAYS on my child and things happen that I don't like.

Tomorrow is a new day...right?

Tamber

Happy 3rd Birthday

2010-09-30T08:24:00.002-06:00

If I didn't have a bun in the oven I might have an issue with my baby turning 3.
But he has. And that's all there is to it, so I am accepting it.
We had an unplanned fun morning this morning. We were planning on letting him open presents tonight, but Eric accidentally slept in, so we woke Marcus up and let him open presents to start the day out.

Some of his favorite phrases:
'That was totally wicked'
'Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah' (done in a singing voice)

Some of his favorite things to do:
Spend time with his dad
Play outside
Throw balls or hit balls

Favorite Food to Eat:
Pizza
Hot Dogs
Chicken Nuggets
Watermelon
Bananas
Bagels
Corn on the Cob
Popcorn

Favorite Toys:
Geotrax trains
Any kind of ball
Spiderman Figure

Favorite Cartoons:
Dinosaur Train
Super Why

Yesterday I took the kids out to the local park to get some pictures of Marcus at age 3. He loved the idea of being the center of attention, but was quickly distracted when he saw the other kids. We didn't get as many good pictures as I had hoped, but I guess I captured his personality.

Love,
Tamber

Day 3 of Marcus

2010-09-29T08:45:00.000-06:00

These two pictures describe Marcus entirely.

1.) He loves his Dad. They love to spend time together wrestling, playing ball and just laughing at each other. They have this new thing where they yell 'Boyzz night' and then give each other a pound. Marcus is so proud of the fact that he has something special with his dad.

2.) He is willing to try anything. Even if he is too short, too young, too little, etc. He won't let you tell him no when it comes to trying something. He will figure out a way to make it work.

Love,
Tamber

Day 2 of Marcus

2010-09-28T09:42:00.000-06:00

Marcus would much rather be in the bath or naked if he had the choice.

Finding him curled up after a bath is a common occurrence at our house.

He also loves pirates as you can tell by the bath robe he has on.

2 more days until my baby is 3 years old.

Love,
Tamber

Week of Marcus

2010-09-27T08:36:00.002-06:00

On Thursday it is Marcus' Birthday. I am celebrating all week on the blog since I haven't been doing much on here lately and I have photos of this little guy to show.

Here are some pictures of Marcus creating his own lunch... A PB & N Sandwich (The N stands for Nutella).

I guess he is not so little anymore if he can make his own lunch.

Love,
Tamber

My Kindergartener

2010-09-10T11:36:00.001-06:00

Okay, so I took a picture of Emma in her cute little butterfly outfit that she loves. She is such a poser these days. I can't believe I have a little girl in Kindergarten.

Love,
Tamber

goings on

2010-09-10T08:49:00.002-06:00

The last couple of weeks have been crazy busy at the McAllister home. Emma started school on Sept 1st. I was unfortunately out of town that day, so I don't even have a picture of her on her first day of school. She is wearing the same outfit today that she wore then, so I thought I would try and take a picture and pretend like it was her first day of school...is that bad?

She loves her teacher and her class and is enjoying learning a lot. She is really excited about learning to read and is starting to sound out words when we read together after school. I can't believe I am old enough to have a kindergartner.

I started work this week, which is always fun to get to know our new swimmers, but causes an adjustment at our home with my busy schedule. We have a great team this year. I am excited to see some great swims. I am going into my 6th season coaching at BYU. I can't believe I have been there that long. I had the chance last week to go to Indianapolis to the World Swim Coaches Clinic. I learned an amazing amount and am excited to implement some of those things.

Love, Tamber

How we did.

2010-08-24T11:50:00.000-06:00

I have to admit that I was feeling very ambitions when I made our list of things to do this summer. Now I am feeling unsuccessful. Between working, getting pregnant and being gone more this summer than we had expected, we didn't really get as many things done as we had wanted. I crossed off the ones that we did do. Hopefully next summer we can remember our list and finish it off.

Slip N Slide

Water Bucket Day

Make a Lemonade Stand

Obstacle Course (www.ehow.com/how_3113_set-obstacle-course.html )

Bowling

Water Park (on the day that my work pays = free)

Visit New Parks (Once a week – Tuesdays)

Camping

Hiking

Go see Dollar Movie

Make Edible Play dough

Write Letters to Friends that live far away

Go Fishing

Scavenger Hunt

Treasure Hunt (www.allthatstuff.net/treasurehunt.htm )

Make a small box garden

Make Homemade Ice Cream

Practice Hoola Hooping

Make Finger Paint

Animal Farm

Ride the Tram up mountains (might be too expensive)

Learn Moonwalk

Clean up a Trail/Road

Make A Movie

Make A Fire Plan

Find A Pen Pal (www.stonesoup.com/main2/penpal.html )

Tie Dye T-shirts

Track the moon phases in a book

Keep a Journal of what you do this summer

Make a video of re enacted scripture story (Animoto.com – video software)

The Butterfly Experience

Decorate Flip Flops

Go to Summer Fest (June 11-12)

Play Sponge Football (with a soaking wet sponge)

Solar Cook Lunch (Bagel Bites)

Weekly Hiking Trip with Friends (Thursdays)

Paint Rocks

Make a Bird Feeder

Splash Pad (5400 W Civic Center, Highland Utah)

Drowning

2010-08-22T11:15:00.002-06:00

In toys that is...

Somehow between the 4 sets of Grandparents that my kids have and Christmas', Birthdays, etc. My kids have accumulated way to many toys.

With another child on the way we are trying to make room around here by getting rid of things that we dont use.

I had the kids bring ALL of the toys out of the bedroom into the living room and this is what the mound looked like.

Finally an empty closet.

And...

Afterward...much better.

Now I feel like I can breathe again when I walk into their room.

Love,
Tamber

Five Question Friday

2010-08-20T20:28:00.001-06:00

1. Do you have any nicknames and if so how did it come about?

Bert or Bertle. I Have no idea where it came from, but anyone who knew me when I was a child call me Bert. Tambernator. This was mostly a teammate and coach nickname and I think it was because I was unstopable at one point. If only I could find that determination there days. Hun, Mom, Mama. These are nicknames that I currently hear from my hubby and kiddos. I would have to say that they are my favorite ones.

2. What is your birth order amongst your siblings?

Second of Five.

3. In a movie of your life, who would play your significant other?

Either Vin Diesel or Kevin James. Vin Diesel because when we were dating I thought he was a spitting image of Vin. And Kevin James (From King of Queens) because my hubby is that funny and they look very similar now.

4. What is currently your favorite song?

Probably Southern Voice by Tim McGraw

5. Are you saving your money for anything right now? Big or small purchase?
We are always saving for something. Now that baby #3 is on it's way we are saving for a larger home and a mini van.

Love,
Tamber