The Jordan Clan

Easter 2010

2011-07-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

This year for Easter we were able to stay home and celebrate. We started with opening presents, since the girls got up WAY early that morning. It turned out to be a blessing so that the girls could wear their Easter dresses. Aubrey is starting to understand who the Easter Bunny is, so that makes it that much more fun! One thing that I haven't adapted into our tradition yet is coloring Easter eggs. I bet the kids would have a blast, I am just not ready for the mess.

Beautiful New Dresses! Aubrey loves any dress that will twirl. This dress has a small twirl that she calls a "half twirl".

Our Family picture for that day. I need to remember to do more family pictures on fun days like this.

And while we were waiting for lunch to cook, Rebecca just couldn't make it. She is so precious. Aubrey doesn't fall asleep in places like this, so seeing Rebecca do just that I couldn't resist.

Kennacott Copper Mine

2011-07-01T19:48:00.000-07:00

While Don was in school for Spring of 2011. He had to visit 2 places on a list and then write a paper about it. One of those was the copper mine. I haven't been there since I was a child. It was great to go back and see how things have changed, and stayed the same. We were lucky that the day we went the weather held out and we actually got to go

Thanksgiving 2010

2011-07-01T19:40:00.000-07:00

For Thanksgiving last year we traveled to Arizona. We were there for 5 days visiting with Don's family. We stayed at Uncle Frank and Aunt Tammy's house. It was amazing that we all fit!

I loved being down on vacation and seeing where some of his family lives. They had just bought a new home and were very excited to show it off. It was a beautiful home. They had plenty of land for the kids to run on. It was amazing! I have to say my favorite part was that when we left, we made it to Arizona to see the sun rise over the dessert plains. It was breathtaking! I wish my camera wasn't packed away alas it was. Here are a few pics from the wonderful family vacation.

This was Thanksgiving day. We were "Skype" ing with Don's uncle and his family from Japan. Don's Grandma was there was well. It was great to talk to family from such a far distance.

One of the sunsets that I was able to catch. The picture does NOT do it justice.

My sweet little angel. She did so well on the trip, even better than I expected.

This was taken on the way home. We literally had been in the car 5 minutes and she was out! You can see that toys were a great help in keeping them occupied.

While down there I celebrated my birthday. It was wonderful to celebrate with family. And I got a trip out of it! We were able to see Harry Potter #7 part 1 while we were there with no kids and than was a great date night.

Family Pictures

2011-07-01T19:05:00.000-07:00

We had these taken in Arizona at Thanksgiving last year. A little late I know, but non the less a family picture.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-16T14:30:00.000-08:00

Playing with mom's lip stain and gloss.

The Many Smiles of Rebecca.

2011-02-13T02:30:00.000-08:00

There are so many times when pulling out my camera I am faced with this:

A Smiling Happy Baby Girl!

Eating cake and loving every last bite!

This look was her puzzled, cause she couldn't figure out why she couldn't play with Colby's toy.

And recently, any chance she has she likes to get my computer, on or not, and "play games." Oh my smart kiddos become more like their dad everyday! Here she is caught in the act.

Guilty As Charged!

Dress up with Cousins!

2011-02-11T19:47:00.000-08:00

While we watched the Superbowl, all the grown ups were able to witness the GREATEST Fashion Show On Earth!!!

Here are the many NEW Fashion trends of the season!

Snow White

Cindrella

Minnie Mouse and Barbie Fashionista

Litttle Mermaid

Tinkerbell

Belle, Summer Lovin, Minnie Mouse, and Barbie Fashionista

Beach Cover ups, Ballerina Flats, and Bathroom Robes

Our Baby!

2011-01-23T23:00:00.000-08:00

We were SO BLESSED to have our baby boy come and live with us after 4 years! It is so great to have him home, and he is adjusting as well as we had hoped. Here are a few pictures from the day he came home and how lovely it was!

Swimming Lessons

2011-01-23T22:00:00.000-08:00

For the month of January we signed Aubrey up for swimming lessons. She was so excited to go 3 times a week. She loved being able to wear her two Ariel swimsuits. And boy getting her out of the water was a chore.

There were so many things as a mother that I loved about this class. I enjoyed being able to watch her learn new things everyday. There was only her and one other kid in her class so the attention was always there. It just made me feel safe for her, not being able to be in the water with her. Her teacher was AMAZING! I loved that she was informative to the parents and explained the areas that she needed to work on. She passed her first class with flying colors. She has two things that she can do, but needs practice. So excited for the next time she goes back.

New Years!

2011-01-23T21:45:00.000-08:00

For New Year's it was pretty exciting around here. We started the evening with a light dinner, followed by fireworks. Not to mention how COLD it was out there. Frozen hands in a matter of moments, but Oh was it fun!

And just after this picture was taken at 7:40 pm.... the kids were PJ'd and in bed at 8.
For the rest of the evening Don and I watched movies and took it easy. When Midnight hit it was kissy kissy and then bed! Hope your New Years was great and you partied like there was no tomorrow!

Christmas with the Jordans

2011-01-23T16:00:00.000-08:00

We were lucky enough to spend the day after Christmas with Don's family. We had a great time celebrating with his family. Celebrating with the Jordan's is a little different from my family in that there are more people there to celebrate. It is great spending time with lots of people that you love and they love you. Another year under our belts and many more to come.

Can't wait for more times like these with the Jordan's. Merry Christmas everyone!

Christmas Day

2011-01-23T15:45:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful day it was! Don was so nice to get up early and be out there with the camera to catch Aubrey's face when she saw Santa's gift. It was great and that we really didn't get up until 9. My kids love opening gifts. I was really surprised at how into it Rebecca was. It was nice to have two kids excited for gifts. Here are a few pictures from our fun filled morning!

And then the aftermath!

It was a BEAUTIFUL morning!

Christmas Eve

2011-01-19T09:30:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Christmas Eve this year with my family up in Bountiful. Getting there was the hard part. I headed to the store to pick up the goodies that I was set to take, when I recieved a call from my hubby. So I dislocated my knee and I can barely put any preasure on it. (Seriously!!! On Christmas Eve you had to go and do something like that!?!?!?!) The killer part was when we got to the Instacare. The estimated time from check-in to seeing the doctor was 2 HOURS!!! Again SERIOUSLY!!! It seemed liek everyone and their dog chose that day to get hurt.

Anyway, we were seen by the doctor and they took x-rays to see if anything was broken. Luckily there was nothing showing in the x-rays about it being broken just possibly torn ligaments.

So showing up two hours late for the party turned out to be great. The turkey was a little late in cooking time and so we got there just as it came out of the oven. We had a great time celebrating with my family and loved seeing all the kids faces when they opened all their gifts.

I have to say my favorite reaction of the night was Aubrey with her BIG gift from Grandma and Grandpa. She received a Tinkerbell themed scooter. When she opened it, said with gasps in between almost every word, " It's my... It's my... It's my NO FALL SCOOTER!!!!" She has loved watching all the kids around the neighborhood ride their scooters but doesn't have the balance yet to use the two wheeled scooters and this scooter has three wheels. I tell you it was a HIT!!!

Rebecca received her first dolly. And loved it, if you can't tell by the expression on her face.

A Tinkerbell Blaze Vet Kit.

Little people school bus

My wonderful gift was a new pot and pan set, and not just any, a Rachael Ray Set. I LOVE IT!!! It is so amazing! Thanks Mom and Dad!
And look and that beautiful face

And then this awesome puzzle was given to Don. It is a maze game enclosed in a ball, and the goal is to get through all 100 steps and reach the end... getting harder as you go of course. It is a blast, and so frustrating!!!

Halloween 2010

2011-01-19T08:03:00.000-08:00

Needless to say this is long overdue. For Halloween 2010 we stayed in our neighborhood. Aubrey was very excited to get all dressed up as Snow White! We did our annual Halloween dinner of taco soup before heading out. We were so grateful that the weather decided to be nice to us after a while. It started to downpour just about 5:30 and lasted for a good hour before letting up. But then the rest of the evening was beautiful!

Dressed as Snow White and a Giraffe we headed out for an even of fun!

We met with Superman and a dinosaur for part of the evening.

At the very end of the evening we had two tired girls.

Our evening ended early with two girls in be by 8 and us parents relaxing. Next year we may celebrate a little longer with the kids being just a smidgen older. :)

Life Lessons

2010-12-11T01:04:00.000-08:00

Well first and foremost.... WAY too long since my last post! I will have to take some time to catch up here in the near future. But until then you get to read what is on my mind.

In these past few weeks I have made mistakes that have affected people around me. Being confronted with my statements and how it was perceived made me realize that I am the one in the wrong. I have no excuses for my behavior and if I have a difference of opinion I need to thing about what I am saying before it is said so that I can be more aware of those around.

In the four and a half years that I have spent my life with a wonderful man, he has periodically reminded me of a simple part of being human. As humans we are not perfect, but by living here on this earth we have the option to either continue in our ways and distance ourselves from our Heavenly Father, or to learn from our mistakes and change our ways for the better. Sadly I have not taken this in stride and my ways are far less than perfect.

I am grateful that I am surrounded by people in my life that are there to help me in many ways. I have wonderful friends that are honest and open with each other. I have wonderful parents that have given me the tools to shape me to who I am. And I have been blessed with a larger family that I married into that have shown me new ways.

In saying all of this, I would like to apologize if I have ever done wrong to you or someone you know. My past actions can not change, but using those actions, good and/or bad, as a stepping stone in my life to realize what kind of person I want to strive to be. I look forward to the future near and distant. Thank you all for being in my life no matter how small. You have made an impression. And thank you for being who you are.

Advice Please...

2010-09-01T20:59:00.000-07:00

Ok... So this is a sensitive post, but I need help on what to do. I keep wracking my brain with several possibilities and just don't know what is best for the time being.

In just a short time we are going to be attending a funeral of someone in our family. I am at lost as to how to approach this with Aubrey. I don't know if it would be ok to take her to the funeral and let her see the person "sleeping", (I can totally see her asking when is she going to wake up while we are there and then for hours after... that is just her personality), or if it would be better to not even bring her and not make it (~~death~~) a part of her life yet. She knows who this person is when we see them, but does not ask for them by name when we aren't around. The idea is kind of "out of sight, out of mind."

A little more on Aubrey... we have had things die in our home... they were fish and she saw them go down the toilet to "a better place which we call heaven." So it is not a total foreign subject to her. But I don't think a fish and a person are on the same level, especially since it is someone in our family.

So any imput would be appreciated. I would like to have a plan of acction on how to handle it before the time comes. Thanks in advance.

Honest Reactions

2010-08-17T10:18:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday Don and I had a meeting with the first counselor in the bishopric.

When Don told me on Friday, I almost instantaneously became nervous and

petrified of the calling that that they were going to ask us to.

Thoughts were running through my head of two major things...

1- I have always been afraid of callings. With this the fears include, but are not limited to: believing that I don't know enough, can't get my messages across the way they should be taught, not being knowledgeable enough to answer the questions that are brought up spontaneously, etc.

and

2- In college I had a roommate that said to me. "She would accept any calling that was asked of her, because they wouldn't have called her to that if it wasn't a calling from God, and he knows what she is capable of."

So needless to say whatever was called of me I wanted to accept, but was PETRIFIED!

So on to the calling... Don and I have been called as Ward Missionaries!

At first when they called us I was even more hesitant to accept... I believe that missionaries do great work for the church,

But...................... and I am even hesitant to write this............

while growing up in my home, missionary work was not accepted, understood, or even appreciated.

So accepting this calling I am stepping into a whole new territory.

The next step was sharing the news with our families...

While I am looking forward to sharing the news with Don's family, with my family I am scared out of my mind.

This morning I shared the news with my family and even though I had expected the reaction that I received, it was hurtful.

I am still excited about the calling and am looking forward to all that it has to offer not only our family, but all those in the ward.

We will not only be spreading the work and word of the Lord, but we will be able to know our neighbors on a more personal level.

So on that note:

And WE ACCEPT!

We are excited for this journey. Thanks for listening.

Will Power...

2010-07-31T19:09:00.000-07:00

So lately I have had absolutely NONE!!!
I see something I want,
I think of something I could use,
I look at something I don't need...

And I buy. With money that I don't have,
has not been saved, and is promised somewhere else.

I need to find a way that I can improve on this,
yet it seems as though I always can find a loop hole that justifies what I am feeling.

This has gone on for some time now.
What I wouldn't give for better control of myself.
As I am writing this it feels like I am doing nothing.
I am hoping that by admitting this to myself publicly on my blog...
(yeah I know it is all so very public), that I am helping myself.
I will be able to check up with myself and hold myself accountable for my actions.

I see TODAY as the LAST day that I will let my impulse reactions
over run my will power.
Budgeting and saving is now a top priority in all that I do.

So in the end I would also like to ask any of you that are reading...
and that have read this far...
What is your strategy?
What ticks and tips help you in this matter?

I look forward to the beginning of my better managed self - control.

Tree help needed...

2010-07-25T11:13:00.000-07:00

Hey all you people out there that read my blog... I am asking for your help.

My parents own property up on the East fork of the Bear River. They recived a notice from the power company that if in the winter the power is disrupted because of the trees on their property, they will be responsible for the cost to fix the problem. We are looking to see if there are any guys out there would be willing to go up Friday the 30th in the evening around 6:00 and stay there Saturday and Sunday to help cut down trees. You are welcome to take firewood for free. You would need to provide or arrange with us your sleeping quarters and bring your personal items. We will provide the food as long as we have a head count by Wednesday the 28th.

We know that this is short notice but we are looking for 2-4 more people to go up with us. If you can't head up Friday, but can Saturday we can give directions and arrange for to meet you at the gate. Thank you for your help if you can. Call me if you have any questions, and if you don't have my number leave a comment and I will get back to you. Thanks!`

More than one update!

2010-07-10T20:28:00.000-07:00

Alrighty so I may have only posted a few days ago, but it seems
that i have been on a non post high... so as long as I am
on my post high, I thought I would share.

Rebecca found her new favorite toy...

Toilet Paper! And as you can plainly see... she is

OH SO Proud of herself! :)

We went to American Fork's Steel Days and Aubrey

rode her first roller coaster ride...

At first we weren't so sure of it at first...

And then the smiles came...

and stayed.

And last but not least, last Tuesday we had

Rebecca's One Year Pictures taken.

The lady who took her pictures this time, also took her pictures

when she was born. She stated that she couldn't believe

that it has been a year already! I can SO TOTALLY

agree with her! This year seems to have gone by SO fast

and I look back and think... Where did my baby go!?!?!?

My baby girl born at 5 lbs 10oz is now a whooping 28 lbs!!!

I love all those little rolls, CURLY hair (where did that come from?),

two teeth, and brown eyed -browned haired girl! I so

couldn't imagine my life without this precious little babe here.

For more pictures from her photo shoot,

check out Hatch Photography

Have a great evening everyone and

Thanks for staying caught up with the Jordans.

Park Day

2010-07-07T15:21:00.000-07:00

Oh how I LOVE a good park day! We go every Wednesday

and enjoy at least an hour... maybe two or three! :)

Sisterly Love

Aubrey did a pretty good job taking this picture, don't cha think?

I LOVE those smiles that I get every day!

My two beautiful girls! What a great day it has been. And so many more to come.

I can just say... I LOVE BEING A MOM! It is the greatest job in the world!

4th of July weekend!

2010-07-05T22:03:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a great one to say the least! Lots of fum, family and food!

We started off on Saturday, (which wasn't so great all day because... I had to work :( ... but that evening my parents came down and my dad watched the kids while my mom took Don and I to... Stadium of Fire!!! I was SOOOOOO excited to go and see Carrie Underwood. She is such an amazing singer I couldn't say no when she offered to buy the tickets. Came home with some amazing memories to add to the stack of memories from previous years of Stadium of Fire.

Note to self: Self Portraits usually don't turn out that well... have someone else take them. :)

Mom, me and Don

Our surprise quest host Lou Diamond Philips. I didn't know he was going to be the host... but it was really exciting cause Don and I watch him on the new show, Stargate Universe.

Our second surprise was that Carrie Underwood sang the Nation Anthem... and OH BOY was it GREAT!!! We not only heard her then, but the for 45 minutes before the fireworks started.

We then really didn't do much on Sunday, but it was really one of the first Sunday's that we... as a family... got to relax. Then Monday came and Don was able to take that day off since the 4th was on a Sunday... so we headed to the Provo Freedom Festival on the lawn of the Provo Tabernacle. It was a blast. I was able to get so last minute shopping done for Rebecca's 1 year pictures tomorrow... YAY! We took a short break after the festival for naptime, and then headed out to get Aubrey's first fish! She has so loved having a fish. She is so proud to show any person what she got.

We then ended the night with Grumpy and Grams and Robyn and Tyson heading to our place to watch fireworks. We ended up creating our own little neighborhood show, and it turned out great. I believe a great time was had by all. I also do believe the glo sticks were a hit! I hope your 4th was a great one as well.

Playing Too Hard...

2010-06-26T08:58:00.001-07:00

A Day Full of Surprises...

2010-06-23T19:09:00.000-07:00

Ok so the day started off with a slow start... nothing much to report, and then by the time I got my shower in the latter part of the morning - it all started to go down. :)

So I jump in the shower and Rebecca likes to come and plan inbetween the the inside plastic sleeve and the curtain - no biggy - yet just a few short second later I was joind in the bathtub by a fully clothed baby. Having just jumped in a few minutes ago, I was no way ready to get out, so she played for awhile. When getting out I just left her in there while I went and got dressed, (note my bedroom door looks right into the bathroom door so I could see her the whole time), and she was enjoying being able to just play. I got her and and got her changed... not before taking some pictures :)

Above: Rebecca in all her cuteness.
Below: Aubrey getting in on the action.

The day really went off without a hitch. The girls napped when they were supposed to, they ate really well for lunch, they played really well today (not that it doesn't happen everyday, but today there was minimal fighting), and it just seemed to be a GREAT day! Then during dinner the next greatest event happened... Aubrey left alone at the dinner table! GASP :) I had finished and gotten up from the table to go and water the garden, while Don was resting after a hard day at work. We were both within ear shot of her the whole time... I came in and sat next to Don to talk, and after a few minutes Don was getting ready to go do dishes. He got up from the bed, walked into the dining room, said "I'm not going in there," turned around and walked back into the bedroom and laid down. On his way back I just kept asking "What? What happened?" He never answered. Then Aubrey, our oh so sweet little girl, walked into our where we were, and started to say... "I was pouring..." And I just grinned and said, "No Way! Really?!?!?!" I believe I will let the photo talk for itself.

Above: A plate of spaghetti with just a "little" parmisian cheese.
Below: our daughter so proud of what she has accomplished. :)

Father's Day Weekend

2010-06-21T22:41:00.000-07:00

What a great time we had this weekend! We started the weekend off on Saturday morning getting up at the loverly time of 5:30 am to go to our 5k that we signed up for. We ran the Running with Angels 5k. We love this race with a pashion! It may only be a 5k but memories are timing are great! We laugh and joke about it becuase 6 years ago when the race was first organized, I ran the race with my friend Jackie, and little did I know Don's mom and two sisters ran the race that year as well. Don and I didn't meet up until about 3 months later... good karma right? :) Anyway so we ran the race. Getting not the best time in the world but a time that we both can work on improving. We have decided to make this a yearly thing from now on. I con only hope to improve my time each year.

Don, me and the girls

Tyson, me, Don, Kristy, Suzy and the girls. Paula, Don's mom, was there as well... she is the one taking the pictures. Thanks for a great run this year guys! Looking forward to next year. :)

We then invited friends over for a BBQ, and had a blast catching up. I love the wonderful friends that are in my life. They are very supportive, understanding and helpful. I can't imagine my life without each and everyone of them. A public THANK YOU for all that you do for Don and I and our family!

We ended the day with the dads staying home with the youngest children while Danielle and I took our oldest to see Toy Story 3... in 3D. Now and good as it was, Aubrey really didn't keep her glasses on the whole time, and it was fun seeing the improvement on the screen... but from now on I will not waist my money with kids seeing something in 3D. On the other hand, the movie was wonderful! I loved the story line and humor in it. It was a great way to end the Toy Story line. I do think it is one movie that I will be getting when it comes out. I especially loved the moral to the story line.

Sunday was move of a relax day. We are lucky enough, (if that is what you call it) to have the one o'clock church so sleeping in was a must! But the girls had other plans... so Don slept in and we got up and did our thing. Around eleven, I had Aubrey go in and wake him up. She is so cute with trying to wake him up... she whispers. Then went to church. When we came home the girls totally crashed. Rebecca usually has 2 naps in the day and by the time we got home at 4:30 she had been awake for 7 hours... WAY too long. So needless to say they were ready for a nap. Aubrey was so cute and crashed on the couch in the living room... and not ten minutes later, Don's family called and invited us to dinner. So Don went and spent some time with his family on Father's day and celebrated their dad while the girls slept. I am glad that he got to spend time with his family.

I am so grateful to have a man in my life that chooses to provide for our family, help with the home and family, be a worthly preisthood holder and love us with his whole heart! You are amazing in all that you do! Thank you for choosing me to share our time left on earth together and then for eternity! Happy Father's Day Don!

Kids post

2010-06-03T12:20:00.000-07:00

How can I update all the things to do with the house and extended family and not

update you about the kids... Here are some recent pictures of the girls.

Aubrey fell asleep downstairs while watching Wall-E and talking on the phone... Priceless

Running through the sprinklers... trying NOT to get wet. :)

I love my baby girl and all her quirks.

We spent the evening with friends from out of town and this was the only picture that I got.

I love it though. We miss you guys already. Can't wait for you to come again...

and maybe we will get on that road trip finally.. :)

And finally my two girls together. Oh how I love them so much!

Bathroom is at 90%

2010-06-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

Oh how I would love to say that the bathroom is done, and it is for the most part, it is more or less the finishing touches that need to be added. We are looking into upgrading all the hardware to match the shower, and then to upgrade the mirror. I still have to paint behind the toilet... But here are pictures from our new bathroom. I am posting a lot of pictures cause there is so much that I love about it! Here we go...

This shows the bathroom as a whole. You can't really see it, but we picked the new shower head in the brushed nickel look and eventually all the silver in the bathroom will become the brushed look.

Here is a close up of the tile in that shower...

Here is a close up of the floor...

This is to show that the medicine cabinet is GONE!!! We then painted the walls in a brown cream hue, and replaced the outlet and switches so that all the trim is white.

Graduation

2010-06-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

Last Friday Don's youngest sister, Robyn, graduated from Orem High. We had a great time! I was sad that I was unable to see her walk across the stage, no excuses but with young kids there are some things that just happen. :) I am so lucky to have joined this family and am grateful for watching them grow up. I am so proud of Robyn for completing this step on her journey. She is now set to go up to Logan and attend Utah State University in the fall. Congrats Robyn!

All of the siblings there. Brian was working, sadly.

Playing with pine cones.

Latest Project Idea...

2010-05-02T21:15:00.000-07:00

So in doing this half remodel of the bathroom, I am looking at what I can do to the other half to help it update the WHOLE thing... without costing an arm and a leg. So my delema is this mirrow....

Sorry I know not the greatest picture... but anyway. These are so old school in my book and they really aren't that effective in their use. So Seaching the web I ran across this blog. She had this great idea for making over a mirror... cheap and easy. Here is her after look.

She started with a plain mirror and used some polyurethane molding and corner blocks to add to it. So simple and so practical. I can't wait to get mine done... it may take a few months but it will get there. (Note that although the ribbon is cute, I don't think I will be using that idea for attaching it to the wall).

New Contest.... Baby Blankets...

2010-04-27T13:18:00.000-07:00

I love these contest! I love seeing what other people can create with their talents. This blog mother just had a baby a few months ago and has a great talent. She is making minky baby blankets, the perfect size for car seats. Check out her Etsy shop HERE. She is doing a give away, and with babies in the house you can never have too many blankets. :)

Tic Tac Toe!

2010-04-26T22:50:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to announce that Don has started his company. He is working for Aquaveo full time and in his spare time he is programing applications and games for the Android phones. He started back in November, so a simple project has been perfected and RELASED!!! He has a website for his company... to check it out go HERE. The company name is Crystal Studios... the website however is that name without the U. One day maybe we will have the correct website, but for now help spread the word. I am so proud of my hubby for such an accomplishment. He is a wonderful programmer and has a talent to be proud of. I look forward to the many more projects that he chooses to create with his talent!

Bathroom Mysteries...

2010-04-25T23:02:00.000-07:00

WARNING: There will be some unpleasant pictures in this post. If you don't like that stuff view at your own risk!

Before I get started there will be more to come, but here is the start.

When we moved to our home in Orem last January, we made a list of things that we would like to change and update... some of those updates have had to be moved up to a more recent date because of the mysteries.

The perfectly knowledgeable person... HA, that put in the bathroom, decided that it would be a great idea for the shower to put laminate over partical board! Needless to say that didn't last. We found this wonderful surpirse....

Ok so it may not be all that gross, but showering with it is not very pleasant. We also found some black mold growing and feared it was growing in the walls, so we decided to update the bathroom.

There will be before and after pictures posted but right now we are down to the bare minimum. We have insulation, and the drywall is being put in tomorrow, tile comes in on Tuesday, and Wednesday they are starting to lay the tile. I am way excited to see how it turns out. We are still trying to see if we can replace the floor, but if not, at least we will have no fungi growing in the bathroom anymore!

Girls Room Finished!

2010-04-25T22:49:00.000-07:00

Recently I posted about the girls room with repainting and all that. Well I have finished all that I can think of for now. So here are the updates.

I took this fabric:

And made curtains for the closet. With having a dresser in the closet we are unable to have the closet doors on. So this was the solution that I came up with.

Also I finally got Rebecca's name done for the wall. So now both of the girls have their names on the wall. I really love this simple, yet decorative accent to the room.

The last thing was a bow holder for all of the girls bows. We have so many and the bow holder that I had, just wasn't cutting it. I have had my eye on this type of bow holder...

...but haven't figured out a way to do it yet, so I came up with this cheap and frugal solution.

I think it will work for awhile... until I get tired of it and think it isn't working.

The First Part of April.

2010-04-25T22:36:00.000-07:00

We started off April celebrating with our friends Jon and Crystal, their youngest turned one conference weekend. We are very blessed to have many friends that have kids the same age as our kids. It makes getting together with people easier… because we all understand the many distractions that can happen in such a short time. Anyway, during the birthday party Rebecca had only had a VERY short nap before we arrived, and we ended up being there long enough that she was tired! Don started to keep her attention with a balloon… and this was the result: (this is a still picture, but if I can get the video uploaded I will share it)

I can’t believe how blessed I am to have two great kids that are so easy going.

We also got to go bowling with some other friends one weekend and the kids had a great time. Here is B and Aubrey. They are only a month apart in age so it makes for some great times when we get together. Just the other night they came to our house and Aubrey was tucking B into bed. It was so cute to watch them interact. I loved seeing them play together in roles.

We had taken Aubrey bowling a few weeks before so she was a “pro” at bowling. When we started, I went up to help her carry the ball, and she would put her hand out at me in the “talk to the hand” position and tell me, “Mom, stay back. I do.” And then when she got the ball up, she would look back just to make sure I was still standing back. I love how she is growing up and becoming more of a big girl every day.

Here are some fun pictures of the girls… I love spending time with them.

The Girls New Room!

2010-03-17T15:12:00.000-07:00

When we moved into this house over a year ago, I told Don that I could live with the wallpaper... only for so long. I mean after all it is a kids room, only it looks like a boys room. I have two little girls I want to make it a room for them, not what someone else wanted for their kid. So after some thoughtful thinking and digging around I finally decided that it was time to take action. I was able to get the wall paper down in less than one 2 hour nap. It was great! So then I had this room with three baby blue walls, and one white wall with stains like no other, and no amount of soap and water was going to get those off. So here are the before pictures... ok picture.

For the lack of a better excuse, I was lazy and didn't take more pictures of the before, but just imagine the blue color on three walls, and the one with the wall paper was white underneath.

And now this is what the room looks like...

I need to get Rebecca's name done and put on the wall above her crib.

I ask you to imagine some kind of fabric covering for the closet. I don't know if it is going to be green, purple, or something sheer like over it. I just haven't had the chance to make it to the store yet.

I am pretty pleased with how the room turned out. When we had the painting done on the walls and nothing was in the room, I was so second guessing my choice in paint for her room. But then everything just came together when it was all in there.

Disney On Ice - Worlds of Fantasy!

2010-03-17T14:15:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we went to Disney On Ice. We had a great bunch there and enjoyed the whole things. The big hit for Aubrey was the Princess Pre-Show, where she got to see Tiana from Princess and the Frog, and then she lit up when Cars came out on the ice, and was kind of so-so through the rest until TINKERBELL!!! She lit up when Tinkerbell started. I loved listening to her sing along to all the songs. She was also telling me who all the characters were from the shows. I loved giiving that to her, and am glad that she enjoyed it.

I so couldn't believe that we walked in with only cloudy skies, and came out with snow flakes falling. And then we concluded the day with dinner with my family and headed home. All in all it was a great day with family.

Homemade baby food...

2010-03-03T17:23:00.000-08:00

I do have to say that I thought I would never do this. Making your baby food at home when they are first being introduced to it, that is just not me. It is so much easier to go to the store and pick up the pre-made packets from Gerber or Breechnut.

Having said that, I recently read a friends Facebook post about how easy it is, and how much money they would be saving, so I thought that I would give it a try. I didn't go all out. I picked six different foods to make, avocado, cucumber, banana, apples, carrots, and yams. As we speak I have done the cucumbers, avocado, apples, carrots and bananas, and the yams are cooking. So I can't wait to get the yams off the stove.

Update: The yams are done and I have a two more whole ice cube trays of Yams. Adding only to the monthly count.

Here are the carrots, apples, avocados, cucumbers, and bananas. I bought these ice cube trays new so that I would use them just for that. They were way cheap too, $1.17 for three of them!

In less than two hours, I steamed carrots, and pureed them, cooked apples and pureed them, sliced bananas and pureed them, (I added a little formula to these to help with that process for consistency, you could also use milk), chopped the cucumbers and sliced the avocado and the yams are on the stove cooking. Once those are done it is basically pureeing those and sticking them in the ice cube trays. Once that is done I will freeze them for a few hours, then pop them out of the trays and place them in labeled bags for the future. The cucumbers will just be finely chopped and frozen so that i can thaw those and mix with yogurt for breakfast.

In shopping today I bought:

Cucumbers: $1.00

Yams: $2.29

Apples: $2.89

Carrots: $1.98

Bananas: $1.38

Ice Cube Trays: $2.34

Freezer bags: $1.32

Total Spent: $13.20

And this will last me just about a month than a MONTH!!!! WOW! Saying that just makes it so Sweet! (As I have not yet seem how many cubes I will use for one sitting, this is counting three per sitting). Considering I was spending at least $35 a month on baby food, I think I can handle less than half of that for the month. I am not saying that I won't buy pre-made baby food, becasue there are some foods that I just wouldn't think about doing.

I want to thank Mary for doing this... for as I have only done it today, I am seeing the blessings of being a more resourceful mom. Anything I can do to help out in little ways, helps up stay on top of things better, and isn't a penny in my pocket better than in theirs?! :)

On a personal note for moms out there that have little ones yet to be in this stage. I would recomend that you buy the stage one foods and let their system try it out and see what foods they can handle, as some babies have major allergys. This way, yes it may be more money, but you are not waisting money on making a bigger amount that you won't end up using. Once you know what they can have, I would change to this. This is my second child, and I did all pre-made bought from the store food for my first, and we started doing that with our second. I have realized that this is just another step in helping out where I can, and how much healthier I know my baby is going to be. I know what is going into her tummy for I am the one picking out the food, not some company. With that said, I have NO problem with baby food companies.

Such an easy task and so worth the time and money saved!

How could I have forgotten?!?!?!?!

2010-01-30T22:29:00.000-08:00

I so totally never posted pictures from Rebecca's Blessing.

So here she is in her beautiful dress!

And Our family of four!

Updated Finally!!!!

2010-01-30T22:19:00.002-08:00

Well I seriously log on everyday to check who has updated their blog, look through all of them and log back off. I just have lacked the will to blog for the past two months. Of course those last two months were very busy, and slow. So lets try this out and get everyone updated. Here it goes...

KUED Party!

2010-01-30T22:19:00.000-08:00

Recently Aubrey got ot have mommy all to herself for one day! That was a special treat, since it is either Aubrey, Rebecca and Mommy, or Rebecca and Mommy. KUED did a reading challenge, and Aubrey completed with flying colors. We were able to attend their rewards party. We had a blast meeting up with our friends, Bryce and Danille. There were lots of activites for the kids to do... but it seemed that the kids weren't all that interested in some of the stuff. I do believe the highlight was the magic show upstairs that they brought out a live Kangaroo! Take a look at our fun!

Making her bracelet.

This was a Life Dog. He was so sweet, large and fluffy.

Aubrey didn't want to leave him alone.

The next two pictures... might speak for themselves... but Aubrey was TERIFIED of the characters! She was so excited to get pictures taken with them until... it was actually her turn. Oh my sweet girl. I love her anyway. The first is of Duck from Word World, (say that ten times fast... couldn't do it could you?!?!?!?!)

And this is Buddy from Dinosour Train

And like Danielle said... The Future Mr. and Mrs. Davis!

As we were leaving. We had a blast hanging with you guys!

In January...

2010-01-30T21:53:00.000-08:00

We started off in January quietly. Don started school the first week, we were able to get funding... which is always good news. I would hate for him to have to stop to start again. I am so grateful for the sacrifice that he is making himself and our family. It will prove to be a few tough years, but it will be worth it in the end.

The girls and I have been mostly staying home and just playing around. We try to keep daddy involved and knowing what is going on by taking pictures... so hopefully he doesn't feel too left out.

I love how I can totally see them looking and loving each other already. I sure hope that they stay best friends as they are now.

Rebecca got this toy for Christmas, and Aubrey has taken it upon herself to show Rebecca how to play with it and to start the sound. I find Aubrey playing with it when Rebecca is down for naps. She loves singing to the songs... and the ones that she doesn't know the words for she makes up her own. She is such a sweet child. I can't believe she is acting so grown up.

This is the normal reaction when Rebecca is plaing in her jumper. Aubrey likes to get her all hyped up, and then laughter fills the whole house. Boy these two sure know how to make joy!

My "Tinkerbell" Princess. Poser! :)

And of course Rebecca is all smiles...

Rebecca has started on baby foods these last two months... and so far we are ok with peas, green beans, sweet potatos and carrots. On the NO list is Squash... I love that she pulls her toungue up in the back to keep it from going down her throat, and then spits it back out. One day maybe she will like it, but for now... No Thanks!

All dolled up for Church!

In December...

2010-01-30T20:52:00.000-08:00

We went to Temple Square... which was wonderful. I loved how into it Aubrey was, and how out of it Rebecca was. :)

Rebecca all bundled up.

Setting up the Christmas Tree

And of course Christmas Morning!!!

Aubrey with her loot!

Rebecca about 2 minutes after she woke up... after all the presents were opened. :)

And then New Years Eve...

She was bright eyed and bushy tailed for a little while...

But fell rang in the New Year asleep. I think we can for give her this one time. :)

In December, Don finished his semester at UVU, to start a well desereved 3 week break. During that break we spent time with family. We were lucky enough to spend Christmas Eve with my family, having a wonderful Christmas dinner, (thanks Mom... nothing tastes better than Mom's cooking). Spent Christmas morning as just our family of four. Then spending the rest of Christmas Day and then next at Don's parents Cabin in Midway! Thanks for sharing the cabin with us for a few days, we had a blast!

Our New Years was spend quietly with just us four on New Years Eve, and New Years Day, Don was able to throw a LAN party with some friends. All in all we ended and began the New Year having a great time!

In November...

2010-01-30T20:27:00.000-08:00

In November we celebrated my 24th birthday on that wonderful turkey day! I had a blast spending it with my family. We got to see some family members that we hadn't seen in quite sometime. It was nice to reminisce and be able to look back at our memories and create new ones all in one small day. (I am not good at taking pictures... so none on this day.)

We also celebrated my mother in laws 50th birthday. That was a special day for her and we were glad that we were able to share that with Don's mom and his family.

Don's youngest brother took some family pictures for us. They turned out beautifully! I can't believe that when we took those pictures, my baby girl was 4 months old! She is such a joy that has been added to our family.

A look at Sisters!

Our beautiful big girl! I can't believe she is almost 3!!!!

Daddy with his girls! (Both girls smiling at the same time... PERFECT).

Mommy with her girls! (I love Rebecca's face in this photo, and Aubrey wanted nothing to do with me during this moment).

The whole family! (I just LOVE Aubrey's cheesy grin).

Unexpected

2009-11-29T17:57:00.000-08:00

So tonight at dinner, our little family was sitting down to dinner. We said our prayer, and began to eat. Then conversation began...

Don: Have you been to Anniversary Inn lately?

Nicole: No... (Pausing, and with a look of confusion) Have you been there lately?

Don: Yeah.

Nicole: ... With who?

Don: I guess I should have said have you been to their website lately.

In other words... Does anyone have a place that I can bunk for the night? :)

Tip Junkie Give Away!

2009-11-11T14:44:00.000-08:00

Tip junkie is doing a 12 Days of Junkie giveaway. Each giveaway lasts only 24 hours so go back each day to enter for the new giveaway. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do! Good luck to you all!

New Contest-

2009-09-30T12:02:00.000-07:00

So I can I just say that I LOVE fabric!!! Lila Tueller is doing a give away with her new fabric line "Eden."
Wouldn't this fabrice make beautiful dresses and outfits for my two girls!?!?! Or what about a new baby blanket for both of them... ooooh, the posibilities! I sure hope I win. You can visit her website here so that you too can enter the contest.

One more...

2009-09-21T17:25:00.000-07:00

I took this just after I update the blog and it is too cute to pass up posting.

2 Months have passed...

2009-09-21T15:28:00.000-07:00

My how time is flying. I can't believe it has been two months since I had my baby girl. We went in last Friday to her doctors, and she now weighs, 10 lbs. 10.5 oz. and she is 22 1/2 inches long. She is chunking up and becoming more beautiful everyday. I took these pictures today. I love how she is reacting to sounds and smiling at me!
My beautiful baby girl.

I had to post these shoes. These were mine when I was little.

Her cute little face.

Her beautiful smile.

And I can't believe how big my oldest is getting. I went through my cedar chest that my mom gave me that was my grandmas, and in it were some of my dresses as a little girl. Aubrey is now able to fit into some of them and loves to twirl.

The Utah State Fair

2009-09-21T15:05:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we went to the Utah State Fair. We had a blast. My brother with his family and my parents, and grandma came with us. Every year that we go, we of course love to look at all the many booths that they have, but our highlight of the whole day is... "The Big Yellow Slide" Every year we go on it. When we got to the fair, the yellow slide was closed. :( We had been there for about an hour and the yellow slide opened up. So we headed on over.
Don coming down with Aubrey
My brother coming down the slide with his youngest Macey.

My brother coming down the yellow slide with his other two girls.

Our youngest niece riding the merry go round.

Aubrey, Don and Molly riding the Merry go round

Megan, Aubrey and Molly riding the hot air balloon ride.

Aubrey riding Scarecrow.
I love going into the building where people have entered their quilts and sewing projects. Now that I am getting more into sewing, I love seeing the things that I can do with it. (I get lots of ideas here).

And this quilt I loved the colors.

The cutest witch quilt. I love that the feet are stuffed and dangle from the quilt.

What A Day!!!

2009-09-06T08:09:00.000-07:00

Oh my not only have I no posted in a while, but I think I chose a great day to catch you all up on. Labor Day weekend has tons of things going on, this year felt like we tried to do everything all at once! Our Saturday started bright and early, (so we could fit it all in of course), so by nine o'clock in the morning we were at Swiss Days in Heber City, my mom, Rebecca and me. I was sad that none of don's family was able to make it. The have turned it into a tradition that they go each year, and when I joined the family, my mom and I started going with them. I love going to get ideas. There are so many creative people out there that it is great to see other ideas and, dare I say it, think of making it yourself... I found great ideas for birthdays and Christmas. So anyway, spend a few hours there with my mom, ate our annual Navajo Taco and pie, then was heading home. This is where the real fun begins!

My newest addition to the family decided that she was hungry so I gave her a bottle in the car. We reached the turn off point that takes you from Heber City to Provo canyon road. We turned there and there was a pull off area to the side of the road. We had parked so that I could burp her. I hate throw up in a car.. it is just nasty. So anyway I burp her and get her in the car. I head over to get in my car, I look up while getting in the car, close my door and kind of freeze. There was a tire heading straight for my car. I braced for impact, and it hit the front left side light area. Needless to say, my car is not in the best shape now :) I will let the pictures speak for me now...
The font of the car where the tire hit

Causing the frame to shift and the door now doesn't open all the way :)

There was a second car that was also involved. we believe a lug nut hit their wind shield causing it to splatter.
The other guys windshield:

So the guy that started this all, was a truck pulling a tent trailer, with a double axle wheel. The got about a mile away before they noticed something was wrong. When the went and looked at the problem, the lug nuts we completely sheared off from where the tire was, (I should have gotten a picture, but I didn't go back up the canyon to look). No one was hurt, and it could have been a lot worse.

So the day continues on, we went and celebrated my niece, Miley's birthday. Short and sweet. We then headed home so that I could make dinner for the babysitter, (thanks mom), the headed off to dinner and our concert. Dinner was great. It was nice to have a dinner with no kids. I really can't believe how much time a second kid takes out of you... I don't remember the first taking so much time! Of course it has been 2 years.

I do have to say that the highlight of the night was the concert. We went and saw Jon Schmidt in concert at Thanksgiving point. He gives this concert every year. Don and I started going together the year that we met and have been to the concert each year except our first year married, (we can't remember why we missed it). Anyway, the concert starts at 7, doors open at 6. We got there at 6 and there was a line, I swear a mile long. There were tons of people I would say that he easily 5X'd his crowd. It was amazing to see how one song can change that. Everyone was there for the Love Story Meets Viva La Vida (Cold Play). I just could believe my eyes this year though. Usually we just get there around 6:15, park in the parking lot and walk right in... We actually had a waiting line to get in the doors, and there was I would say easily 2,000 or more there. (Don got a picture with his phone and will try and upload that but don't know if I can). They sold out of CD's before the concert even started, and they had a second shipment brought in.

The girls stayed behind to get the CD's signed, while the guys went to get the cars.

Don and I on the lawn at the concert.

Steve and Danielle started coming with us last year.

And Nate and Heidi are the newbies to the group... Welcom guys! Hope you had a great night.

What a Crazy Fun Filled Day.

Newborn Pictures

2009-07-26T15:59:00.000-07:00

Last week we had pictures taken with our family. Check out a few of them here.

Series of Events, So Far...

2009-07-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

Note that this does go into some detail... if you get grossed out easily or whatnot, I wouldn't read. Consider yourself warned!

Well it all began on Wednesday night the 15th of July. I went to bed like any other night and woke up only a few short two hours later, feeling like I had peed my pants. Yikes! So I go potty and it just doesn't feel the same or seem to stop. I think nothing of it, try to go back and lay down and it happens again. My sweet hubby at the time had not come to bed yet and so I went down and talked to him, like nothing was wrong (he says that he felt something was wrong when I wasn't all that mad that he wasn't in bed yet :), so anyway, I told him that I think my water broke. I go call the doctor, and wait for the reply. Within about two minutes I went from a water trickle to a water stream. They called back and said go to the hospital... Now mind you we live a half hour away from the hospital we were delivering at, so I was really nervous to waist gas to get there if my water wasn't broken, but yet nervous that if it had, I wouldn't make it in time. Needless to say we made it and it was a good thing. Backtrack fora few minutes here... when we figured that my water had broke, we started calling people in the middle of the night for our 2 year old was asleep in the next room... I called my good friend that had agreed to be our middle of the night person, she didn't answer. We then called his parents who were camping at their cabin in Heber, both cell phones straight to voice mail... great I am freaking out about now. Don called his friend, no answer. Don then called his other friend, which happens to be the husband of our middle of the night person, and he answers. Finally we have someone. She came over and stayed with Aubrey until my parents got there from Bountiful. Such a crazy experience there all in itself.

We got checked in and by one o'clock in the morning they had me hooked up to monitors and verified that my water had in fact broken. So starts the labor. The nurse kept asking me about every half hour what my pain was... I was like 1 maybe 2. Her reply was always the same, "really?" She then explained that I was having contractions every 3 minutes apart. They weren't that strong cause I wasn't feeling much. By 5 o'clock they were coming on hard and fast. I asked for the epidural, and life went amazingly smoothly after that. I saw the doctor at 7 am, and we started me on pitocin. They checked me then and I was dilated to a 3. I seriously couldn't believe it... 7 hours of labor and only at a 3! Well that was the longest part of it all. By 9:40 am they checked me again and I was dilated to a 8. They started watching me more closely because the baby's heart rate kept dropping. The nurse explained that it was most likely due to dilating and each time I would dilate, she would drop and stay down longer. They had me change positions to see if that would help and when i did that within a minute I felt a lot of pressure. I said to the nurse, "I am not sure, but I feel the need to push." Shse checked me again and I was all the way dilated. We did a practice push and she then said no more pushing. We need to wait for the doctor. They called the doctor at 10:01 and he was there at 10:16. Rebecca was born at 10:25... only 4 short pushes later.

All in all the delivery went really well. It was considerably easy and fast. Really it is still all sinking in that she is even here. I now have had one induced labor and one more naturally started. I am glad that she is a healthy little girl. We were able to come home from the hospital as long as I got her into the doctors first thing Monday morning. Her "problem" at this time is her jaundice. She is still climbing and so we are having to keep an eye on it. The doctor doesn't seem all that worried and doesn't think that she will have to go under the lights. There you all have it though. We are now adjusting to the sleepless nights, messy bums, and trying to figure out what the cry means. So for now, with time not on my side... here are a few more pics that will have to do for a while.

Here are the pics and stats!

2009-07-16T11:06:00.001-07:00

She came today at 10:25 am, 5 lbs 10 oz, and 18 inches long.

And So It Begins!

2009-07-16T03:09:00.000-07:00

Well everyone we will keep this updated when we have more to go on.... but as of now we have been at the hospital for 3 hours, awaiting the arrival of our little one. Hopefully not too much longer, but we shall see. :)

Amazed...

2009-07-14T12:55:00.000-07:00

That is only a few short weeks I am going to be a mother of two! I am still trying not to freak myself out over the little things, and not even the big things... ok anything. And there are things that I am overlooking that are reminded to me at the smallest opportunities. Like when I dropped my angel off at grandma's today, and the first thing out of her mouth was:
Mom: "How are you feeling?"
Me: "I am doing good thanks."
Mom: "Because you look miserable." Thanks mom! :) I know she was being a sweetheart, and yes I am tired, but what prego woman likes to hear that? :D

Really I thought that I was holding up well. I do have to agree that this pregnancy has been worse than the first though. I have those wonderful Braxton Hicks that have shown up and are taking a vengeance from the first pregnancy. She is starting to drop, even more these days and that is taking a toll on how much I can stand, sit, walk or do anything for any length of time. It wouldn't be a pregnancy without that right? I am trying to work through it all and get things even more ready for her arrival. I still have that cooking day to make meals so that all I have to do is stick it in the oven and call it good, along with a cleaning day before I go to the hospital, which at this moment could be any day. I think at this point there are only a few items that are more wanted than needed, aka: girly things. Even though I had a darling daughter for my first I never really got into the girly things. I am on the lookout for headbands, bracelets, you know... the cutsy stuff. So if any of you see of find things, send me them my way to check out. Tips are always great!

There are things that are not going to be missed when she gets here, such as: bumping the belly into almost everything, (yes it has been growing with me for the last 9 months, and you would think that I would be used to it, but it seems to be popping out more than ever at the moment). The non stop bathroom runs, they are now getting a little more ridiculously closer together.

I can't believe how much your mind goes wild with you in your future pregnancies. There are so many things that don't need to be feared, but are feared for it is the unknown, or the now know with consequences. I look back at when we had our first little one and her rough start in life. It really wasn't anything to worry about, but it was enough to worry about that this time around I am hoping for a healthy baby straight out of the womb. Nothing wrong, ten fingers, ten toes, breathing normally, mom doing great, baby awake and alert (for a newborn yes). I mean the list could go on and on. So step back, take a deep breath, and don't worry unless you have to.

So now I give a shout out to my hubby for all his help. With being in the last month of my pregnancy he has been more understanding and helpful than I could have asked for. He is also putting up with major emotional shifts. I love you honey! Thanks for all you do for our family! Thank you for understanding without blame or hardship. Thanks for being there when I need you the most without even knowing it. And thank you for being a wonderful father to your children and a wonderful husband to your wife. I love you tons. Thanks again for all you do.

Late 4th of July...

2009-07-10T21:16:00.000-07:00

Since our last update we have been pretty busy with family and friend outings. We had a great 4th of July. We went to the Centerville parade where our little girl had a blast watching all the dance groups, bands and police cars. We had a BBQ at my parents house, played around with my mom's new Cricket, while making Aubrey a name sign for her room, and then spent the evening with friends having a BBQ and setting off fireworks... only to be caught by the cops! Lets just say I have never done the not so legal ones before, and now never again. They weren't all that much better than the other ones, I think it was more fun watching the boys be stupid doing them.
Aubrey and dad with a sparkler:

My loverly little girl... isn't she just a cutie!

We also spent the last Sunday of June in Honeyville at the Orem family reunion. It is a great time to just spend the day with family. We have a lunch, play bingo, have a raffle and then if we feel like it we have a water fight. The water fight has kind of died off these past few years, but I think with more little ones coming we will start it back up soon.
Here is muffet and I at the reunion:

And last but not least my latest crafts. I got a wonderful idea from my friend Michelle at cross stitching Christmas stockings for our family. I have been working on trying to get them done before the newest one gets here, because I have this interesting thought that i probably won't be taking the time to cross stitch all that much after she is here. :)
Here is the finished product for Dad's stocking:

And last but not least Rebecca's snuggle blanket. I have always wanted to make a rag quilt for my kids, and having received one from my sister in law, I decided it was time to make one. So I took this fabric:

And made this beautiful rag quilt:

What's been happening?

2009-06-27T10:50:00.000-07:00

Well I am so glad that you asked. We have been pretty busy these past few weeks just getting things ready for our little one, along with having some fun. So lets go way... way back to June 6th!...

That Saturday our family went to the Scera (sp?) pool in Orem where our little angel had a blast... I think she if finally getting over her fear of water, YAY!!! Mind you the water she is playing in was FREEZING!!! I don't know how she did it.

Just loving that face:

Next was getting my projects done. It helped a ton that we had a girls sewing night on the 10th where we had no kids! It was great to not have to worry who was crying and just work on our projects... I honestly don't know if I would have been able to finish the quilt at least in time without that night. Thanks girls... BTW, when is our next one?

One for the family reunion that is this Sunday, I am way excited to go and just get out of the house and be on the go for a day. I had volunteered to make the adult quilt for this year... little did I know I would be just about 9 months prego at the time... talk about hard work when you have a belly to work around, but oh so worth it. I am tempted to go buy a quilt for this year and just let me have this one. I love how it turned out. The pattern that I got the idea from is called "Grape Vines" So the colors are beautiful in this quilt. Purple, brown, green and blue... Hopefully everyone else will like it just as much as I do. If not, it won't hurt me to win it back... or take it off their hands!

A close up of the grapes:

Front overlay on back:

Another shot of the front overlay on the back:

A picture of the whole front:

I am also working on cross stitching our family Christmas stockings... mind you I started this last November... so we are almost 1 down... with only 3 to go! Hopefully I will be able to get Don's and Aubrey's done for this Christmas, and then work on Rebecca's and mine for next year. If I am feeling lucky, I might get three done this year. Here's hoping. Anyway so Don's is almost done, just adding the finishing touches and I will post that pic, maybe even before.

I have had one doctors appointment since the last post, and our baby girl is growing strong. I just can't believe that she is almost here. When we were trying with no success for as long as we did, it was a blessing to even get that positive sign, but now to think that she is only 6 weeks away... that is way too soon! I can't wait to see our baby girl. She is blessing our lives is so many ways already.

We then went camping with our good friends Steve and Danielle, and Nate and Heidi, (we were sad that Matt and Jill were unable to come... next time for sure guys!) Last time we went it was a total rain out... we left early and basically soaked and sleep deprived. This time was a little of the same, but tons more fun! It seems that we have the best weather the day we get there and then it goes downhill from there.

I want to give a shout out to the guys for helping replenish the fire wood pile while we were there. My dad is getting a little too... old shall we say... to be doing all that, and you have helped out majorly.

The whole crew went down to the river just over the hill from camp, while I stayed back and watched the fire... when they all got back, I was kind of glad that I hadn't gone. They were all soaked from the knees down and heavy breathing. Eight months prego it would have probably taken me ten times longer! Honestly I haven't been down to the river in who knows how long, and I didn't and don't remember what it is like. :) I do have to say that I was a little bit spoiled this time, for I slept in the trailer. And believe me it was a whole lot nicer than the air mattress! On the other hand, this was the last time that I am camping before our little one arrives. It wasn't all that bad, but the nighttime potty stops were just a little much, and any of you prego women out there know what I am talking about. Now add pitch black skies and one scared of the dark lady... no thanks. I think I can pass. Haha.

Ok and my last thing to post for now... I want to give a shout out to the wives who let me borrow there husbands for an hour last Wednesday night. We could not have gotten everything done that we did that night in preparation for our little ones arrival. It helped set a nesting pregnant woman's mind at ease... for now.

Time Flies...

2009-06-04T10:11:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodnes... I can't believe that we are under the 10 weeks mark. ANd I have been counting the weeks as they go, but this yesterday at the doctors, the nurse measured me and said "Measuring at 30 cm, right where you are suppose to be..." It then clicked that I am less than 10 weeks away. We have also hit the wonderful mark of going to the doctors every other week. I can't believe that there is only 3 more visits with the doctor, before I start seeing him every week! (You can't tell I am excited or anything right?) I believe I have said this before, but there are things coming up in the next two months that will make this go by even faster. I still have the crib to set up! What is a girl to do!? And I have yet to find that take home outfit... oh man! Time is running out. :)

Ok so this a notice to all friends and family that wouldn't mind getting down and dirty for the day. In the middle of July, or maybe closer to the end... I am looking at doing a house cleaning day... and I mean cleaning day. Don't primp, just come in grubby clothing, for we will be getting into all the nooks and crannies, (I make it sound so much fun, don't I?). Danielle I know you are up for it :) I am thinking of doing a weekday rather than a weekend day. If you are willing to help please let me know if there are certain days that work better for you rather than others. (Kids are welcome. We have a fenced in yard and the kids can go play. If you are there during naptime, I have a few rooms that kids can sleep in, or we can have one big rest time for all the kids.)

Ok so catch up on family fun. This past Monday we took Aubrey to see Up... and boy is that a cute show! It was great! Most of the audience... like 95% of it, were families with small children, so it was great not having to worry about people being upset that kids were talking throughout. Aubrey loved to point out the birds, waterfall, dogs, pretty much anything she could. I can't believe my little girl is growing up. She is just over 2 and it feels like she is going to be grown up all too fast. You know how everyone says that they grow so fast, so enjoy and take time now to make memories, oh how true it is.

What to do... What to say...

2009-05-28T11:33:00.000-07:00

My oh my it has been quite a while since my last post and there have been some happenings with our little family. Nothing too exciting, but lets update.

So first and foremost, it has been about 30 days since my last post and then baby update. There isn't much to report other than I have had one appointment since then, and I am getting way close. I had to have the RhoGAM shot again... loverly little shot that they give you if you have a different blood type than your spouse. It really is kind of a freaky thing. Here is a excerpt from the RhoGAM website that explains it way better than I could. "If you're Rh-negative and carrying a baby who is Rh-positive (like the baby’s father), your baby may be at risk for a serious disease. When your immune system (which fights off invaders to keep you healthy) is exposed to your baby’s Rh-positive blood, it will begin producing antibodies that are sensitized(designed specifically) to destroy these “foreign” blood cells." Just scary to think that if you don't act now, you can ruin your chances of more little babies running around because you didn't act. Anyway so there was the bum shot... fun! Blood work and a growing baby. The doctor said that she is around 3 lbs and head down. All good news. I honestly can't believe that we are already to the point of the every two week appointments. Ten more weeks and we have a baby here... of course the closer it gets the more scary it gets. I know that for every mother it is different, and I hear more people say that baby number one is harder than baby number two. I don't know about you, but my mind is sure having its way with me. I seem to be fretting over so many little things that I don't remember fretting over with Aubrey.

Don finished his semester at school and did oh so very well. I am very proud of him that he is continuing on with his education while being a family man as well. He is working very hard and I am thankful for the man that he is and his willingness to provide and strive for a better life for him and his family. We love you tons Don!

Next on the list, Memorial Weekend. We had a wonderful time. Don and I haven't been camping for 2 years, and it was so nice to just get away. My parents own property on the East fork of the Bear River and we went up there to camp and have a great time. While we were there I had plans of getting so much done on my cross stitching, but ended up having way too much fun doing nothing. I liked not having a schedule that I had to keep up. It was a great time relaxing... much needed. Don had a great time going out on the 4-wheelers. We went with our friends Steve and Danielle and their two little ones, and had a blast. We ended up cutting our weekend short for Aubrey woke up Sunday morning with croup and Steve and Danielle's littlest one had had two bad nights. Sleep deprived parents and a croupy kid... no fun on a camping trip. But we did end the weekend with a BBQ with our friends and that was a great time. We so need more of those. I can't wait for the next time we go to the property, and hopefully end up with no sick kids.

We are now getting back into the grove being home and back in civilization... oh what fun that is. Work and play hard. Now the next task... giving the house a good clean from top to bottom. At least the laundry is done for now. :) Maybe more will be happening in the near future that I will update more, but for now this is the end.

The Down Hill Slope!

2009-05-05T15:08:00.000-07:00

So I have made it... we are on the down hill slope of the less than 100 days till our new addition joins the family! I am getting was excited! I see other pregnant mom blogs out there and they are further down that slope, only realizing that it is going to be me all too soon. I am looking forward to the summer and being able to relax and enjoy it. I have a love/hate relationship looking at the baby bouncing on the sidelines of the blog. It is great that it is helping me keep track of the weeks, but it seems to go so SLOW!!! And then another week passes and I can't believe we are already another week closer. Crazy!

Aubrey had her 2 year well checkup today and she is doing wonderfully. There are no signs of anything but a wonderful healthy child. You go girl!

This week is Don's finals... there are only two night left of school... YAY!!!! Let me hold that excitement until the week is over... because then the real work begins... fixing up the house and getting the garden planted! YAY!!!

Oh So Many Crafts!

2009-04-27T15:30:00.000-07:00

So this past week I am gotten into a crafty mode. There is a blog that I have been following for only a few weeks now, thanks to a fellow blogger, (thanks Lauren), where she takes many ideas and implements them to the best of her ability. They always turn out amazingly well. I love seeing what she is going to come up with next. The blog is Make It and Love It! Check it out to see so many more of her wonderful ideas.

Okay... so onto the crafts that I have taken and made my own. They turned out beautifully, I do have to say so myself. :) Here is the fabric that I started with to make a car seat cover.

And ended up with this: This shows how it attaches to the car seat. Basically it is a blanket with straps that allows it to stay in place on the car seat. I was always loosing blankets while carrying her seat. Problem solved.

This shows when it is flipped over the handle.

Then I found this fabric:

And made this:
A reversible nursing cover! I absolutly love this. It turned out amazing! It was really fast to whip up.
\

Now on to the next project... finishing the quilt. Yikes this is going to take awhile.

What more can you expect...

2009-04-23T19:15:00.000-07:00

So after today there have been a major change that I am not so sure about... Ok so first on my list is the swelling feet. I didn't experience this with Aubrey so feeling the extra width on my feet is not fun! I mean now really I am stuck with sandals, aka flip flops... there is always room to grow with flip flops. Anything with a tie is almost all out, they don't even stretch far enough at this point. Looks like I am shoe shopping sooner than I planned. (Ok well I never planned on that... dang just one more thing to add to that rusty old budget). :)

And then a while back I read another pregnant mom's blog and she mentioned a wonderful restaurant that she craved one particular evening and she and her husband went out at 10:30 in the evening to settle that craving. So taking off from that. Once I read the name of that illustrious restaurant, I too then was craving it... unlike her, I was unable to attend that restaurant because it was past closing... and then with Don's school and work we were just unable to get it for a while. Ok, so we have now established that pregnant women get cravings, I ramble on to tell you all that they have only gotten worse with the second child I am holding within me. Alas there was another craving that was settled, but this one is well worth the report. :) Back when I was just fresh out of high school, I was introduced to a wonderful dessert place called Ben's Cookies... (of which I can't find a picture but click here for their website.) They bake their cookies fresh daily and when they come out of the oven, the place them on a warming table, so that when you get your cookie it is as though it is just out of the oven. Also your cookies can sit out for a couple of days out of the bag and they are still soft...(known from personal experience.) Anywho... the other night I wanted one of Ben's Cookies. Alas it was 9:30pm and the only store they have is in Salt Lake at the Gateway. So no cookies for me. :(

On my way home from work... since I work in Salt Lake, it just so happens that it is on my way home, (insert the biggest grin here!) Alas my craving was conquered... and yes Teddy there is one left for you. :)

What a great day!

Jon Schmidt AmAzInG!!!

2009-04-23T09:54:00.000-07:00

Trying to work out the kinks... until then click here to watch.

Pregnancy tricks...

2009-04-21T13:29:00.001-07:00

So there are many things this time around that have often baffled me. I mean we found out we were expecting quite early with this baby, and so it makes it seem as though things are going so slowly. And thinking of how many weeks there are left, it just doesn't seem to "fit." I by no means want to have an early baby, but August just seems so far away. There are many things that we are planning this summer and I have my mind set that we are going to "need" a few things for traveling with an infant. Problem with that set in my mind is that most of the plans we have are before the baby is born. There are still plans for after the baby is born, but for those all I need is a stroller, and I already have one of those... so really I am set. Just another thing to sit and ponder.

I also have the need to get everything ready for this baby... NOW! I can't believe how strong my need is every morning I wake up. I just want to get this done for the baby... and that leads only to ten more things that I just have to get done. Of course they don't all get done, but the need to is seriously annoying.

Today I had my full on ultrasound to see how the baby was doing and where the doctors checked for all the things that can show up. Well everything came back normal. We have a healthy baby girl on our way. She has no cleft lip, no club foot, spine is great, and bones are all there. What more can a mommy want! It was really fun to have Aubrey there in the room and she kept looking at the monitor and saying her new found words, "what's that?" and each time we would say Sister. She would of course reply back to us sister, and one time she said, "No, Becca" So we know she is excited. With that said, here are photos of our little girl!

I know the one thing that is on my mind before she gets here is her coming home outfit. I know I have tons of clothes to choose from that she would look wonderful in, but they are all "hand me downs" and what girl doesn't like a new outfit? :)

Too Soon?

2009-04-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

So I woke up this morning in sort of a panic. I started thinking about all that I have(want) to get done before the baby comes. Having one little one already that is 2, I didn't think that I would feel this way. But your mind plays wonderful tricks on you. No matter how I try, my list is growing not by one thing, but by many things a day. It seems as though the list will never end. Having 4 months left there is plenty of time to do all the things on my list, as long as at some point it stops growing.

So far in this pregnancy there are so many differences that have allowed me to experience different things. The best thing so far is that having felt the baby move so early in this pregnancy, and moving everyday so far. We still have 4 months to go and my hubby has been able to feel the baby move, maybe not to the greatest extent, but move none the less. While with our first he felt I believe twice. So with the time frame changing and allowing him in on that special thing has made it extra special.

In other news, now that things have settled down. We are staying put. Good and bad at the same time. There are things that I am still not understanding as well as I would like to, but you can't always have your cake and eat it too, right?

This past weekend we celebrated Easter with my family up in Bountiful. It was nice to have the whole family together. Seeing as though our 2 year old went all day without a nap... until the car ride home, we had some meltdowns. :) Thanks mom for cooking. It was yet another great meal.

This past Saturday we also had the chance to do a session at the temple. We started going twice a month about a year ago, and worldly things ended up keeping us from this. So the last time we had gone was back in June of 08. I could have sworn that we had been back since, but looking back it really has been almost a year. I feel way blessed that I have a place to go and feel even closer to our Heavenly Father. I realized after our session on Saturday, that being able to go more often would help with how I came out satisfied but confused. The confusion I ended with has become more clear. It makes me sad that there are worldly things that seem to take over the importance of why we are here in the first place. I am looking forward to getting back into the swing of things and being able to attend. It may be a few months into the year, but I can always set a new resolution right? So there we have it, twice a month to the temple at least. That number can always grow.

Frustration!!!!!

2009-03-31T19:59:00.000-07:00

So in my mind there are two kinds of frustration. The first is the kind that you can get frustrated over learn from it, make changes and move on. The second is the kind that you get frustrated and no matter how much you try to either forget, change or deal with it you only end up more frustrated. I usually don't vent on the blog because it really isn't the place, but when you are having a hard time being heard, there needs to be that moment of getting it off your chest.

It seems at the moment that there are more frustrating moments that falls into the second category. I just pray that when things work out it is all for the better.

I sat and had a good talk with my parents tonight, and I so miss those talks. I miss that closeness and the understanding that we have always had. I was able to get my frustrations out but ended up feeling more lost than I was when I went in. I know what I want, but I don't know what another wants. I would like to say that we want the same, but there is no way of knowing because the communication has stopped right now. I have so many people who love me and my family and I love having them around (even if it is only to vent), that are around me all the time, but I feel as though I am alone. The person I need the most, makes me feel like we don't understand each other. I want things to work but out for the better, whatever that may be. Right now the unknown has hit and I hate this.

The trouble that we face is no different than what many others face. I know everyone has trials and moments where it feels like the world is ending right here and now, but it always seems to go on. I look at this for the moment as a great thing that happened, and we are ready for the next step. If it hadn't of happened, there is no telling where we would be.

There is only so much that can be given and taken on any given day, and it seems as though what I can give and take is already a week ahead of me.

I have grown in a way that sitting and waiting is not for me. When problems arise, I want them dealt with and handled in a timely manner. For the past while it seems like things are always being pushed to the back. I have taken it for a while and I am ready for it to stop. Now I know it isn't going to happen over night, but I do want things to at least be put in perspective. Keep me informed. Show me the progress. There are some things that can't be dealt with over a matter of minutes, but weeks and months passing are not ok. I want to say that there is more that I could have done, but I honestly don't know that even if I had tried, it would have moved any faster.

I know this feeling wont last long, but for the time that it does last, I hope it never comes again. I don't want this to be a downer for anyone, I just needed a moment to vent. If you know me, you know that I do that well.

Prego Update

2009-03-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that I am half way done! It seems like only yesterday that we found out. I am very excited to be having another little girl. Aubrey will now have a playmate!

Not only is this pregnancy been so different from Aubrey, but I am finding it way more difficult than being pregnant the first time. Having to take care of a 2 year old while baking another one, it well... just wears you out! With Aubrey I was only really sick for the first, like 3 months. With this little one baking I was constantly nauseated for 4 and 1/2! I am so glad that the sickness has started to go away, only in time to start to feel my little one move! And today she sure has not liked me one bit! I compare everything to Aubrey because that is all I know. People would tell me stories of how they were being rib kicked, having baby hiccups, and bladder kicks. I seriously didn't receive any of these, so i had no problem being pregnant. I now know what people are talking about. Although I really haven't received any of those yet... this little on has been more active than our last. I am very excited to see what this little one brings me in the coming months. I am just hoping to keep up with my active 2 year old for the summer moths with a baby baking. :)

A Birthday Celebration!

2009-03-22T18:47:00.001-07:00

So this past week we celebrated our baby girl's 2nd birthday! I can't believe that two years ago I was just coming home from the hospital with a brand new baby and now my little one is growing up so fast, right before my eyes! We had friends and family over for a BBQ and then cake and presents. I loved that the kids were all playing together so great. It is nice to have friends with kids close to my child's age. It makes get-together's much more fun. (Right now we are the odd one's out with only one child... but that is soon to change) :)

She has gotten into Tinkerbell lately so we did a Tinkerbell theme. This was her cake!

Out of everything that happened at her party, my favorite part was that Aubrey blew out her own candle! I was so proud of her. She is just learning and growing so fast!

Eating her own piece of birthday cake. She had a blast eating all the frosting. When I was cutting the cake she went on to pick off the cake ALL the flowers!

So this was right after she opened her Mickey mouse Clubhouse gift, and seriously all the kids were glued to the box. Even Aubrey and she had more gifts to open. She was getting upset with all the other kids wanting her toy... it was funny to watch.

Now this was taken after everyone went home from the party. I went into the living room and sat down to take a breather from the party. I heard Aubrey singing Happy Birthday. I thought it was cute... but then she just kept singing it. So I went into the kitchen and she was up on the counter singing to herself Happy Birthday, and then taking a bite of cake and repeating. I was laughing so hard, I just had to get a picture.

So today was the big day...

2009-03-13T14:57:00.000-07:00

We are expecting our second baby and today we found out that it is a....

My new china!!!

2009-03-01T19:16:00.000-08:00

Ok so I have known since before my wedding that I have a set of china. Good china. I never saw it, but I knew I I had it. Well with circumstances recently in our family, my parents brought them down to me. So I took this evening to go through them and see what I had. Oh my heavens... there was so much, and it is so beautiful. This china was bought by my Grandpa Smith who died three years before I was born. He bought it in Japan, I believe, while he was in the Navy serving. So anyway... as I opened up the boxes... this is what I found...

There is a full service for 10 people, 12 on some of the plates.

This is a close up of the plates... isn't the design amazing!?!?!

Here is a close up of the one side of the tea cups.

Needless to say I am way excited to use these for a fancy evening.

Brain Fart Day!

2009-02-27T15:39:00.000-08:00

I have declared today, Mommy Brain Fart Day... I say this not as a bad thing, but as a how in the world could that have slipped through my fingers.

So my brain fart for the day: This morning having Don have a job and i work on Friday's we both got up and got ready. We woke are darling daughter and got her ready. We all went outside at the same time. I put all of our stuff in the car, and then put Aubrey in her car seat and shut the door. I got in the car and drove away. So a few minutes into the drive Aubrey started to say "On"... and she kept saying it over and over... not constant but to get my attention. Now usually when she says on, she has taken her shoes off and wants them back on... this unfortunately was not the case... so I just kept driving. About 15 minutes into our hour drive, she finally got my attention enough that I re-adjusted my rear view mirror. I then noticed that Aubrey was not buckled in!!!

I had such a brain fart that I put her in her seat, but I didn't buckle her! That was the scariest moment that I have had. How smart and wonderful is my little girl! She knew she was supposed to be buckled in, and that mommy hadn't done it. I am just very lucky that she didn't take the opportunity and get out of her seat. The whole time she was trying to tell me, she was also trying to do her buckle. Thank heavens for doing the right thing all the time, so that she knows the difference. I know that this is a mistake that I won't ever let happen again. Hope your brain farts, are on a smaller scale and not so dangerous. :)

What a relief

2009-02-21T10:25:00.000-08:00

Okay, yeah I know I don't post on here very often. The blog is wonderfully maintained by my awesome wife usually. But this time I actually have something worth sharing. :) Back on January 15th Nicole posted about the wonderful news that I have been laid off from my job at Onyx Graphics.

It has been a seemingly long three weeks, but yesterday just after noon I accepted the offer for a position at a company called AquaVeo doing Software Engineering! I start Monday and so will likely be gainfully employed once again. (Still gotta sign all the paperwork.) And it is closer to where we live!

Anyway, still not much of a blog post but I thought I would share. Have a nice day and thanks for stopping by!

Happy Valentines Day!!!

2009-02-14T09:05:00.001-08:00

I want to wish everyone a Happy V-Day! I hope you all have a wonderful time celebrating with those that you love.

Happy Valentine's Day Don!!! I love you and thank you for a wonderful three years of marriage and celebrations!

Sigh of relief...

2009-02-14T08:37:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was one of the first doctors appointments for this new little one about to join our family. I was honestly freaking myself out. I haven't seen the doctor in 6 weeks... now I know that doesn't seem like forever, but with my first I went every four. We I was suppose to see him last week, but he was out of town... dang doctor. Well these last two weeks I have started freaking myself out. I am so much more worried with this pregnancy than with my first. So yesterday we went to the doctors, and well he came in and we heard a heartbeat. When I heard that my mind was set at ease. Everything was going to be fine. I remember with Aubrey that when I heard her heartbeat for the first time, I was kind of like, oh ok. And that was it. With this one, the doctor just left the heart radio, (that is what I call it anyway), on my belly for a long time. The longer it was on there, the more safe I felt. It was really weird and comforting at the same time. But then the big news was... we can find out what we are having at our next appointment. When he said that, I had to sit back and think for a minute. Wow... I am already that far... I can't believe it. August seems so far away and for some reason for the doctor to say that at the next appointment we will can know what we are having, it just made it seem much more closer and real.

I guess this in more of a babbling post, but it has been really nice to have that check with the doctor. There are so many things that you can't control in a pregnancy, and with this pregnancy, I have found my mind wandering in way too many possibilities.

Don and I found out that I was pregnant at just a little over 3 weeks. This has made for a really long period. And telling people right away was not hard for me, because we had waited so long for those two lines.

I remember the day that I found out plain as day. The day after Thanksgiving I got up and hit the sales... great sales... and the day went on like normal. Then I went to bed early that night because I was exhausted. I woke up at like 4 in the morning and Don's little brother was sleeping over that night and he was on the couch in the living room. We were dealing with date timing... like this day do this and this day do this... well I missed the day where I was suppose to take the prego test, and it was 3 days late. So I got up and thought what the hay... with the other test that was taken earlier, I know this prego test will be negative. So I took the test. And if was my first digital one... it was the only one I had, so hey lets go for it. That little timer took FOREVER!!! It was only suppose to take one minute... but it was like five. My mind the whole time was saying you already know the outcome, so don't get your hopes up... you are just confirming what you know. And then it popped up... PREGNANT I seriously couldn't believe it. I wanted to scream! Seriously!?!?! For real!?!?! Well at that point there was no hope of sleeping. I felt bad that Don was asleep, but I went and kissed him on the lips and he woke up... and I told him, I couldn't not wake you. We're pregnant! Kissy, kissy, rejoice. We sat on it and thought about it... and then by the time it was oh eight o'clock, doubt set in. If all the tests were negative, and this one is positive, how? The other test it what allows us to get prego...

Later on that same day... We had family pictures with Don's family, (still waiting on those pictures), and it was the hardest thing not to tell anyone. I just wanted to shout it. Well I didn't keep it in to everyone. So then Monday I worked and made arrangements with the Dr.'s to have my blood drawn that day to get a blood confirmation. I was just really skeptical. And I didn't want it to not be true. So they told me the test would take 2 days to get the results. Ok what is another two days. So the nurse calls me on Wednesday... they tested my blood on the wrong test. (Thinking I was prego), not something you want to tell an emotional prego lady. :) So I would have to go in and have my blood redrawn, only to take two more days, and I was already far enough away from the Dr's that I would have to wait till the next Monday for the results. We ended up getting the results back faster than expected... Yay!!! it was for sure. So our lovely little story of how we started with our second.

Jumping the gun... just a little!

2009-02-09T17:12:00.000-08:00

Well I am very excited to write that tomorrow Don and I will celebrate 3 wonderful years of being married. I am very lucky that I have was married to Don in the temple for eternity. We have grown together so much over these last 3 years. I can honestly say that the trials that we have gone through... good and bad with ups and downs, have only strengthened our relationship. I love him for being the father of my children and he is a wonderful father to Aubrey. I can't imagine my life without him. I love you Don for everything that you have done and are doing for our family. You are a great man and the world is lucky to have you, but I am lucky that you are with me everyday. Thank you for all you do and I love you very much. I love the times when we are together and there is nothing to do and we just sit together. Being together is great with you. Thanks for all you do and Happy Anniversary Don (just a little early)!

So yeah...

2009-02-07T12:23:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, so as you can see I have really slacked big time in the blog department. I want to update a lot, but really have nothing to say. We are just doing the same old same old... Don is currently looking for a job and hitting the books for school... and me and Aubrey just stay home and have a hay day each day we get to spend together. No pics, cause nothing has really happened. We did head to Steve and Danielle's for the Superbowl... great game... wrong team won. I have recently reserved the right to not feel good. I am prego... but this prego has been so much worse so far than was with the first. I think we are done after this one... we will see how the rest of the prego goes. Really if the nausea would stop... I could love this prego... but for now we are in the same state everyday. Hope everyone is doing well, and we love you all. Till next time.

P.S. I know everyone has had those baby count downs on the side of their blog... but it is really starting to annoy me. So maybe I will put it back up when I am a little closer. :)

And so it goes

2009-01-21T08:17:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone. I want to thank everyone for their well wishes. It has been a challenge this past week. Don has been putting in a full day of work, going to school and looking for a job this past week... and it only continues from here. We are very blessed to have a family that is looking out for us and cares for us.

As for me and Aubrey... well we are getting into the swing of things for our new schedule. I have enjoyed switching my shift at work to help save a little gas. We are learning to be more frugal for the days to come and are excited to see where this takes us.

And here is just a fun picture to break up all the words.

For Better or for Worse...

2009-01-15T17:33:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, I just wanted to talk today about our week. It sure has been an eventful week. As you read you will read of a trial in our lives right now that we have mixed emotions about at the moment. But know that with our faith and love for one another we will make it through and one make us stronger.

It all started off going really well on Monday. It was a calm and peaceful day only to last for a short while. Don started school this week and Monday was his first night. It wasn't as late as I thought... but that won't last. He will be at school late 4 out of the 5 nights every week.

So then Tuesday began with a bang! Don woke up a little late and so by the time he got ready and left for work, I had gotten up and walked in to the kitchen... I then stubbed my toe on Aubrey's time out chair, (the chair found a new spot). I thought that I had broken my toe, but through time it has begun healing faster. So I think it was more bruised really well and healing slowly. By that evening things were on their way up... until Don got home. Don was home for a few minutes when I heard our little one waking up... she had the croup sound. Just great... I needed that. For those of you that don't know Croup it really just a bad cough, that sounds like a barking seal. And when kids get crying with it, it makes it harder to breath. Kind of a scary thing. So having just moved, we had to hunt for the humidifier. Luckily it wasn't hidden too bad. Got that set and went to bed.

Wednesday we woke up a little late yet again. So i got up and fixed breakfast for Don and spent the day cuddling with Aubrey. She is not normally cuddly so I know she isn't feeling well when she wants to cuddle. And that was pretty much it. Late night with Don at school... but that is the norm now a days.

Thursday the best is yet to be. It was yet again a slow start. Don woke up a little late... and left me to sleep. Aubrey woke up about an hour later... so I got a little more sleep... much needed I may add. When she woke up we had a lazy morning until Don called me. now for Don to call me while he is at work is not the norm but not unheard of. When I finally heard the phone, I called him back. And the conversation goes:

N: What's up?
D: Layoffs.
N: No.
D: Yes.
N: So what are the details?
D: I can't talk to you while I am at work because of so paper I signed. So I will be home at 12:00 and we can talk then...
N: Ok see you then.

Really at that point the panic starts to hit. Is he joking? What are the terms? Is this really happening... and now!?!?!

So Don got home and told me all the details. I can't believe what is happening in our life right now, but with the explanation that was given to Don I feel as though the was unexpected and necessary for their company... unfortunately. So We still have two days left of this week. Lets just hope that things pick up from here. I hope that everyone is doing well and if you need anything let us know. We would love to help out where we can. We love you all. And thanks to all the friends and family that we have for their help and support.

More family photos...

2009-01-08T14:47:00.000-08:00

In early December we had Mary Cleverly take family photos of just the three us. I love how they turned out.
This is my favorite of Don and I

Our darling daughter.

Great family photo

My favorite of her.

Jewett Family Photos

2009-01-08T14:32:00.001-08:00

In December we got together with my family and had our picture taken. Can I just say that I love how they turned out. I love how she captured our family it is perfect.
The whole gang.

Another one of the whole gang. My brother with his family, my parents, and us.

Our precious family.

Daddy and Aubrey

Mommy and Aubrey

My parents

My brother's family

My oldest niece. What a beauty!

My three nieces from my brother's family.

All the grandkids that can walk. It would be kind of hard for the 4th to do so... she is only two months old. :P

So it is official!!!

2009-01-02T18:55:00.000-08:00

We have a due date! The new addition will be born in August around the 11th. Yay!!! It seems so far away, but I just want the babe to grow healthy and strong. Short and sweet update.

Christmas Morning...

2008-12-27T17:24:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Morning we awoke to all of the gifts that we had bought for the family and to our surprise Santa stopped by... I was hoping we were on the good list this year. :P I love having my own little family to share these special moments with. I loved being able to stay home all day. It was so relaxing.
My Pink Christmas gift arrived Christmas eve... and I couldn't resist... so I opened the package. I was so excited that it was wrapped, because then I waited till morning to open the gift. But I wanted to open right then and there.

The Pink Christmas gift was matching handmade scarfs for Aubrey and I. I love them. I have already gotten lots of use out of them. Not to mention the colors. Just my style. There was also a tiara picture, (sorry no pic yet).

My big gift from my honey... A Circut!!!! I was so excited. I love him so much. He always things of the best things. I love him. And Aubrey gave me the tool kit to go with it.

Aubrey got a table and chair set that is just her size. She has used it for everything since.

No such a hot picture... but she is opening her Cabbage Patch doll that she got as well.

There isn't a picture, but Don got the Sacred Grove poster framed... he has had the poster since before his mission. He also got much needed clothes.

All in all our Christmas was great... and it isn't over yet. We are celebrating with my family tomorrow.

Christmas Continued...

2008-12-27T16:18:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday Evening we went and celebrated Christmas with Don's family. We all had a great time. I love all of the nativity scenes that Paula has. She has them everywhere in every shape size, wood, plastic, fabric... I think you get the picture. But I love how she has so many. We missed having Don'e Uncle Frank and Aunt Tammy, and Grandma, but we had them in our hearts.
Here is Aubrey playing with one of her wood nativity scenes.

Aubrey opening one of her many outfits that she got from the in-laws.

I just love Aubrey's face in this picture. She is getting so good to be witht he in-laws now.

Aubrey's favorite gift of the evening, her doodle board. She actually threw the biggest fit I have seen her throw in lets say forever!!! It was hilarious.

Our Christmas...

2008-12-27T15:58:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas to all. I hope you all had a safe and wonderful holiday. A little of what we have done to pass the time and celebrate the holidays are listed below.

On Tuesday the 23rd we went to Midway to go sledding with Don's family. It was fun what I got to do. I loved sitting and talking with Louie Mae, (Don's Grandmother, the one we are getting the house from). It was nice to sit back without a lot of commotion and celebrate with her in her own special way. I don't know that she knows of our blog, but I do hope that she knows how much we love her and are glad that she is still around. There are pictures of Don and Aubrey sledding up in Soldier Hollow. From what I hear and see she had a blast. I loved getting her all ready for the new adventure.
This is Aubrey pulling her own tube.

Don pulling Aubrey on the kiddie hill. If you were 3 and under you couldn't go on the big hill.

Her loving the new experience. I love that adorable face.

Aubrey was tired and just kind of collapsed on the couch on Christmas Eve.

Aubrey was taking handfuls of popcorn and literally shoving her fist into Don's mouth to feed him... it was hilarious.

Hello everyone and Happy Holidays.

CRAZY!!!

2008-12-20T08:30:00.000-08:00

So I am kind of saddened at this moment. I am realizing that we are leaving the best place that we have lived yet, in only two weeks... right after Christmas. I have loved living in our place that we call home. It is still an apartment, but it has never been that for me. This is the first place that we have lived that I have not said... back at the apartment... I have always said back at home. I am glad this year has brought so many new opportunities for our family and am glad that we are getting into a home. I know so many people that wait so many more years than us to get something that we are being handed on a platter pretty much... don't get me wrong it isn't free by any means, but at least we are helping out our family and they are looking out for us.

The most wonderful thing is that we are planning on being in the new house for a long LONG time. We aren't moving anymore... for at least 10 years. And all of the memories that we have in our other places will still be there, but we will be able to make so many more at our new place.

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and take a moment no matter where you are to stop and smell the roses. There is nothing better than creating and keeping memories.

Good News?

2008-12-17T10:15:00.000-08:00

It has been quite a while since I last posted, but there really hasn't been all that much too post about... just crowds, traffic and near death experiences... Ok not really. But anyway. I went to the doctors on Monday and had an ultrasound to see what was going on. We thought that by now I would be 8 weeks... I am only 6 so we couldn't see anything besides a round black dot. Which is better than nothing at all. So we have another couple of weeks before we really find out anything. We have waited this long, what is two more weeks? :P

We also had family pictures taken last Saturday. I am way excited I get the CD today and then I will post some.

We are just getting ready for the holidays and hope everyone has a safe and relaxing holiday. We love you all. Happy Holidays!

The Results...

2008-12-04T14:25:00.000-08:00

So now that I have confused many of you... I can tell you what this was all about. We are pregnant!!!! I seriously can't believe it. I am still in shock. We have kind of know since last Saturday, but was cautious of telling people because we have been having problems for a while now. So I went to the doctors on Monday and they thought I was there for a 21 day test, when I was there for a prego test. When they called and said it was positive, they said it was for ovulation not for a positive on pregnancy. I was so bummed. I just needed the confirmation of the doctors to know a for sure. So anyway we are expecting #2! YAY!!! I am only delighted to the fullest of my ability that we are adding to our family.

Stupid Doctors...

2008-12-03T14:22:00.000-08:00

So I really can't say this enough... Doctors don't like to listen to their patients! I just got a call with my test results and they were... positive for what they tested for... not what I asked them to test for. So back to the drawing board and two days more of waiting. URGH!!!

Time Check...

2008-12-03T11:33:00.000-08:00

Ok so time is going fast until I look at the clock... I can't wait for it to be 2. I get to go home. Time though today is a double standard. I am waiting for my test results... I called him earlier this morning and they told me that they had the results but that he hasn't signed off on them so I don't get to know. They told me they would try to call me back before lunch, but no such luck as of yet. Jest seriously look at the results... sign them off... and give me a call telling me if it is good or bad news. I would really just love to know for sure what is happening with me. I hope the day is going better for everyone. Hopefully I will know sooner rather than later. I don't know if my mind can take it till 5 or 6. Please just call me soon! Happy days everyone!

Fun Filled Week!!!

2008-11-28T17:42:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone. I hope this week has been as great for you as it was for us! Ok so working all three business days this week wasn't that fun, but we celebrated tons of things. This week we celebrated my birthday, Thanksgiving and Black Friday. I love going out for that early morning sale that isn't on any other time in the year... ok well it isn't that great of a deal any other time.

Also Don and I started our own tradition that on the even of Thanksgiving. I love having it up as long as I can... I am a big Christmas fan. I love everything about it... the snow, the cold days, the Christmas trees and decorations, the family gatherings, and the milestones that you associate with holidays.
This year's milestone... we can now do complete pigtails in Aubreys hair... YAY!!!

Sipping a slurpy on the way home from Colorado.

Slacking off...

2008-11-18T13:01:00.001-08:00

There is so much going on in our family right now that I have been slacking in the blog department. In my previous post I had told you all of my new niece. With my brother and his family living in Colorado, the families had it worked out that her mom would be here with them for the first week and then my mom would be her for the second... so spur of the moment I came with my mom to Colorado to see the new addition to the family. Being over here it has been so much fun! There is nothing like having a new little one in the house.

We are also getting very excited for Thanksgiving. This is my favorite time of year. Families getting together, eating and sleeping... what more could you want.

Don and I are getting ready for a move to Orem in January. We are very excited to be moving to a home... with room to grow and spread out. There is nothing like having space... with little ones right by your side. :) I hope to have pictures up soon of the trip to Colorado.

I want to take a minute to thank everyone for the kindness and generosity that you all have shown Don and I. We love you all so much and wish to share nothing but the best for all of you. I am glad that you all are doing well and know that if there is anything that I can do for you, just holler my way. Pay it forward is a great way to live. We love you all and hope your holidays are wonderful.

12 Day giveaway...

2008-11-11T08:52:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone. I thought you might want to check out Tip Junkie from November 11 to November 22. They are doing a giveaway for 12 days. Great items are up for grabs. Check it out. Today there is a baby car seat cover and a shopping seat cover as one giveaway and then a neat stamp from Monogram Chick. Have fun and good luck to anyone that enters.

New Niece!!!!

2008-11-09T23:16:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time since I posted anything and so I thought make the next time that I post a good one. Here it is... we have a new niece! Macey Elizabeth Jewett was born November 7, 2008 at 6:46 am. Weighing 6 lbs 4 oz and 19 inches long. She is a following her sisters path with the dark dark hair at birth. Here is a picture of beautiful baby Macey!

Baby Tag.... Aubrey B Jordan

2008-11-09T18:32:00.000-08:00

So I saw this on one of my friends blog and liked it so I thought I'd do it! (Thanks Jessica!)

1. Where were you when you first found out you when you found out you were pregnant? At my mom and dad's home. Do was playing the piano while I took the test. We were going to meet my parents for dinner.

2. Who was with you? Don

3. What was your first reaction? Shocked... we couldn't believe it. We had taken a test the Monday before and it was negative so we really thought nothing of it.

4. What was your husband's reaction? Really... you are kidding right? Then the excitement set in.

5. Who was the first person you told? My family that evening. We went out to dinner with them and told them at the table.

6. Were the pregnancies planned? Yes/no we were planning on a baby and were trying but didn't think it would happen for a while.

7. Was everyone happy for you? Oh yes!!

8. What was the sex? Girl

9. Did anyone throw a shower for you? My mother did and my mother in law.

10. Did you get any outfits you wouldn't use? Yes there were a few that I just couldn't see me putting her in.

11. How much weight did you gain? 25 lbs. Really not that bad.

12. Did you get stretch marks? Not really... there were some already there, they may have gotten a little more pink.

13. Did you crave anything crazy? No I really didn't crave anything it was more if something sounded good I wanted it, but there was not just one thing.

14. Who or what got on your nerves the most? The comments that people would make whether it was good or bad...

15. Where were you when you went into labor? I was induced 5 days early... I went to get checked and he had a hard time getting a heartbeat so he said go home and pack your bags and meet me at the hospital... They broke my water at 10:30 am.

16. Did you have any complications? Not really... other than the last day when he got scared because he couldn't hear the heartbeat.

17. Did your water break? No... they broke it for me.

18. Who drove you to the hospital? Myself. My dad went to get my husband because he had gone to work that day and my mom followed me up when I went to the hospital to be with me till Don got there.

19. Did you go early or late? 5 Days early.

20. Who was in the room? Dr Ward, there were three nurses, Don, and my mom and dad.

21. Did you video tape it? NO!

22. Did you have any pain medication? Yes... epidural all the way.

23. Did you have a c-section or natural? Neither... Vaginal...It was quite a short labor... only 7 hours.

24. What was your reaction to the birth? Is she ok... She didn't cry for a while. Then the tears came... that is my baby girl! I have never been more proud.

25. How big was the baby? 6 lbs 12 ounces and 19 inches long.

26. Did your husband cry? Wow! That's my little girl. Overwhelming feeling of taking pictures and documenting all that he could.

27. When is the next one coming? We were hoping sooner than later, but it looks like the Lord has other plans for us. So the next one will come when he sends it down to us. We will welcome it with open hearts.

How I Met Don!

2008-11-09T18:05:00.001-08:00

How did you meet your significant other? Answer all the questions HONESTLY and re post as "How I met _____"

1.Where did you meet?
Online at LDSmingle.com Long story short I emailed him and three months later he emailed me back. It was worth the wait!

2.What was the first thought that went through your head when you met?
Well at our first meeting we went bowling, to a movie and dinner... we had tons to talk about and we had a blast. But when I got in the car and went home I honestly thought that I would never see him again. When I got home I got online and there he was, we sat and talked for a while but there was really nothing with sparks. Sad to say but it is the truth.

3.Do you remember what he/she was wearing?
Blue shirt and jeans and I believe it was sandals with socks! Yuck!

4.Where was the first time you kissed this person?
Outside my apartment complex in Cedar City. I remember when he kissed me that I told myself to stay calm until I got into the apartment... and then I lost it... I was so excited! It was a step in the right direction.

5.Where did you go for your first date?
To All Star Lanes in Sandy for bowling and then the dollar theater in Sandy and saw Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and went to dinner at Sam Pan. We fought over the onions.

6.How long did you know this person before you became a couple?
Around a month... and then on the second date we held hands in the car and that is where it started.

7.How did he/she ask you out?
It was an online thing... instant message or email I don't remember... I think it was a combo of both.

8.Has this person ever proposed to you?
Yes, November 29, 2005.

9.Do you and this person have kids together?
One so far. Aubrey is 20 months this November. She is getting so big.

10.Have you ever broken the law with this person?
Nope

11.When was the first time you realized that you liked this person?
After the Jon Schmidt concert in September of 2005. That was the first night that we really got to know each other in person. We talked all the time online but in person it always better and different.

12.Do you get along with his/her family?
Mostly. Withe everyone... I love them one at a time, but all together... I have to take breaks. I love them all though. They are my family.

13.Do you trust this person?
Definitely.

14.Do you see her/him as your partner in your future?
I can't see my future without him.

15.What is the best gift she/he gave you?
My daughter.

16.What is one thing He/She does that gets on your nerves?
When he is constantly bouncing his knee or popping his knuckles.

17.Where do you see each other 15 years from now?
I would like there to be more sounds of pitter pattering feet around. Aubrey will be in high school... crazy.... I will be 38... who the heck knows what I will be doing then.

18.What causes the most arguments?
When we misunderstand each other and/or he forgets something important.

19.How long have you been together?
2 years 9 months.

20.Are you Married?
Yes!

21. Who Do you Tag?
I will tag Danielle, Trulee and Jill. If you don't want to do it but it is kind of fun to bring those memories back.

Who Wouldn't Want One!?!?!?

2008-10-20T09:26:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone. I am so excited about this contest. They are giving away a Dyson Vacuum!!! I hope I am lucky enough to win. My mom got one about 2 years ago, they are AMAZING. They pick up everything. I hope you all will check it out. I know you all want one. :) Oh and here is the link.

Awesome Night!!!!

2008-10-10T23:39:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! So it is 12:30 and I got home about an hour ago from the Reba Kelly concert... it was wonderful! They were on stage the WHOLE TIME! They never left the stage, except for a moment when the changed their outfits once (really it was just their shirts) and then they came back out for the encore... not even a minute later. They sang for a whole 2 hours straight. They had their opening act as Melissa Peterman... Better know as Barbara Jean from the sitcom Reba. It was just a wonderful night. Thanks mom for the early b-day gift. It couldn't have been better. Girls nights are always the best, especially when they are with your best friend. I love you Mom! Here are a few pictures from the concert. Oh and by the way we were sitting in the section at the side of the stage... second row up, end seats! Really what could have been better?!?!?!

Mom and I at the concert.

Melissa Peterman being her crazy self.

Being even more crazy.

The two just getting on the stage.

Reba in all her glory. Isn't she beautiful!

Kelly towards the beginning. I have underestimated Kelly and what she can do. She is amazing with her voice. She can do runs and slides like you can't believe.

Kelly during the encore.

Together during the encore.

Reba during the encore.

Ending the show. It was sad to see them go, but great while it lasted.

This is Keith Stubbs, from 101.5 the eagle... You wouldn't picture him like this. He voice doesn't match his face, with what you imagine.

Another Great Contest!!!!

2008-10-10T23:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks Jill for sending a shout out to all of us. I am way excited for this. A woman can never have too many purses. Handbag Planet is giving away a purse every hour on October 15th for 24 hours. You can only enter for one, but you gain extra entries for doing other things promoting their site. Check it out and pick your favorite purse.

New Contest....

2008-10-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

Ok so I know that I post a lot of non-family related posts, but this one is worth the while... Over on Momdot there are giving away a Bissel Carpet Cleaner. It runs now through the 9th of November. Really if you are looking for something that will do the trick to get all the dirt and grime out of your carpet... this one is the way to go. Head on over here and enter for your chance to win. I know I will be entering daily!

A Great Surprise!!!!

2008-10-07T21:43:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! My mom called and asked what I was doing this Friday... well nothing really. I mean we plan on going to the Temple twice a month and this Friday we were planning on it... but what's up? My mom then said... give me a minute and I will call you back. Ok whatever. When she called back she said, "Ok well you are now busy on Friday." "Ok mom, what's up?" "I just got tickets for the Reba and Kelly Concert. In the section right by the side of the stage 9 rows up."

Anyway I am way excited. Thanks Mom!