Amy's Fam

TIME

2009-12-11T08:44:00.000-08:00

Don't you think time goes by so fast? You don't always realize it but the older I get the bigger my kids get and the more things change, the more I realize that time has gone by. A lot of time. especially lately. Like the fact it has been 4 months since I have last posted anything. Ya we have been busy with different things here and there. Mostly though there were just days I didn't want to blog or post anything. Then it occurred to me that those family and friends that we don't always see or talk to all the time may or may not want to check in and see what were up to but the fact remains the "reason" why I blog is so important for me cause it's kind of my way of journaling or scrap booking you could say. So bottom line is I need to get caught up and that is all of 4 months catching up. So I apologize ahead of time for the big post that will be done of major events that occurred over these months that I feel necessary to journal about. Devin is now done with finals before his next semester of his Masters program will pick back up again in January. So I have no excuse! I better get to this very soon before time passes me by again and I have yet even more to post about and the only person that will care is me!

Something to brag about

2009-08-11T09:57:00.001-07:00

So Last month I went and had Gracie's 1 year pictures done and Easton's 5 year! I am so so happy with how they turned out. I honestly love every single one of them. These are just a few I had to chose from. Thanks Tiff for doing such a wonderful job, as usual. You are the best! I was really worried how they would turn out because Gracie is so BuSy and Easton hAtEs to get his picture taken. After looking at them I don't know what there was to worry about. So after much anticipation on my part here they are:

Isn't she so sweet, love the blue eyes!

Ok so this is probably my favorite picture of Easton, EVER! I love how cool his eyes look and his cute little dimples!

Oh I just love them!!

All Gracie wanted to do the whole time was stand up. So most pictures she is on her way up so if you see her sitting it is because Tiff had to hurry and take the picture.

Before this she was sitting on the crate with her brother. She of course wanted to stand instead of sit. So she fell back and hit her head against the back of this barn. She had splinters in her head and everything. After a few tears and loves she was as good as new. This picture above was even taken right after the fall. We thought we would put her "in" the crate so if she wanted to stand she could and wouldn't fall. So as you can see......

This one is probably my ABSOLUTE favorite! It just captures both of their personalities. Gracie especially, and again of course standing! This is honestly how she is all the time: Busy, Happy and Fun. And Easton just smiling because he was bribed by me with Ice cream after the pictures if he was good and Tiff bribed him with candy. Also she told him she would take a few pictures with him with his Wolverine "hand" which is the action figure he likes right now besides Batman and I completley forgot to post those pics. I might have to later, kind of funny but still turned out cute. Who knows maybe I will appreciate those ones when he is older to look back and laugh about!

Another one I just think is so sweet.

Thanks again Tiff, I really appreciate you and all you do. For anyone that is looking for a great photographer you can go to Tiffany Ericksen on my side bar and then her photo blog from there. She is great. Hope you enjoyed these, probably not as much as I do!

First and LAST camping trip of the Summer

2009-08-11T08:35:00.001-07:00

So this last weekend we went camping with Jamie and her family. We left on Friday and headed up 12 Mile Canyon which is above Manti, so we were in Devin's stomping grounds. Well we couldn't have chosen the worse weekend to go camping because it was so freaking cold! We still didn't let that stop us and had a good time.......well until bedtime came.

The Kiddos

The GUYS

Us GALS

So we did ALOT of fishing, there was this little beaver pond right next to our camp ground, so we lived there. Not so much "our" choice meaning James and I.

Little Easton fishing it up, well trying to.

Me and Grace Girl

Me fishing.....Yes I do sometimes!

Even Jamie got in on the action

The boys.....PROUD FISHERMEN!

Gracie chillin in the weeds

Hallie just chillin

Best buddies!!!

I know I can't believe I am holding it either (and threw it's mouth) but needless to say my beautiful Rainbow Trout I think was ONE of the BIGGEST!

Ya so did I mention we did a TON of fishing......

Fast forward to night time:
The little boys trying to stay warm by the fire

The pictures as far as night goes stop there. It was freezing butt cold! It was the worst night of my life and I think Gracie's as well. She hardly slept at all, she wasn't in HER bed and it was so cold. She cried almost all night long, even in her sleep that is how tired and miserable she was. When she was asleep it was on top of me or right beside me so I didn't hardly move so I wouldn't disturb her, so I wasn't even hardly in my sleeping bag and I think it got down into the high 20's, ya I know in August oh ya and did I mention we were in TENTS! I think I was ready to leave right then in the middle of the night. Once morning came imagine my relief but is was still very cold. I think the highest it got to that day was 54 but the wind would pick up every now and again and it was chilling.

My camera died, otherwise I would have gotten pictures of the next day. This was the only one I captured. We did see a couple of deer. We went fishing again on Saturday to this beautiful lake called EMERALD Lake. It was so pretty, there is a reason it has the name it does. We didn't last there very long. It was cold, Jamie and I were sick of fishing and was tired from the long night before. We decided to head back to camp, eat dinner, clean up and head home. It was mostly a fun camping trip, short, cold and tiring but fun. Good food and fishing. Thanks Jamie and Luke for the memories. Maybe we can do this again lets say.....................next year! Oh ya and lets pick a warmer weekend to go.

Benadryl anyone???

2009-08-09T16:37:00.000-07:00

This was supposed to go with the post below. This picture just goes to show if Easton went outside and plays with Maddie than touches his face or eyes without washing his hands, it looked worse in person. Can we say ALLERGIC!

MAn'S beST fRiENd oR JUst dEViN's

2009-08-09T15:32:00.000-07:00

Not a lot of people knew I had a dog (other than close friends & family and our neighbors). I feel bad because I never really referred to her as my dog or "OuR" dog even it was just mostly "DEVIN"S DOG". Well the "dOg'S" name was Maddie. Anyone that knows me knows that I am not a dog person. I never grew up with any animals let a lone a dog and they just never appealed to me. For one they always made me kind of nervous (still do depending on the size) and for two they stink, shed and slobber everywhere. When I started dating Devin and I knew he had a dog I was ok but I didn't know that this dog "lived in the house" "slept with him" and everything. I thought that was so gross. I guess I didn't realize what a "DoG lOVEr" Devin was. One thing about Maddie was she did not like me at ALL when Dev and I first started dating. I think she knew I was the competition and as far as she was concerned I was in her territory. She especially didn't like me when we got married because she had to move outside and was NEVER to come in the house and that's how it always was. Another thing was since she was "Devin's dog" he had to do everything; walk her, feed and water her, play with her, everything. After all she wasn't "my dog". When we lived in the townhouse our friends Joe and Michelle had a boxer named Sadie and Maddie and her loved to play together. Then they got another Boxer named Duke and I was beginning to think I was the only one that didn't like dogs. I made Devin promise that when we got married he would get rid of her. After a year that didn't happen we were moving to "our house" and I said she had to go then!

Devin made the excuse since we had a yard now far better reason to keep her. I thought otherwise. Also all of our neighbors had atleast two dogs or more so than I felt even worse about it and kind of outnumbered as far as excuses went! Everyone around me had a dog, so who was going to listen to me complain or understand how I felt about it. How were we supposed to go in the back yard with her out there? Easton is allergic to animals especially ones that shed. Sometimes when I was mad at Devin, I would tell him I was just going to take care of it myself and was going to load her up in the car and drop her off somewhere. Well I may not be a dog lover but I DO have a heart, so needless to say I could never bring myself to do that. I finally got to the point where I realized she was now just a part of the family. I asked Devin if he could atleast build her a dOg rUn or something. So in May that was one of his projects and he built her a dOg rUn and on the other side a garden (pictures later)!

Devin loved Maddie he would walk her and go out and play fEtCh with her but one of his favorite things to do with her was take her up in the mOuNTaiNs and hIkE! Last year she hiked Timp with Devin and did a great job!

She really was a great dog. She listened and minded. She was quiet when she needed to be. I also felt very safe knowing she was in the back yard. She was very protective. When I quit my job last year to stay home Devin asked me if I would help out with her as far as feeding and giving her water. I thought if that was all I had to do I would. I think she got to the point where she knew to not lick or come over to me because I would always tell her "NO". I did grow to love her though (as long as she wasn't in my house) and I think her and I had an understanding.

Easton loved her and even though he was allergic to her still would want to go out and play with her and throw her the ball! Then Gracie came along and she loved her as soon as she could make sense of it all. You would ask her "where's the doggy" and she would point, scoot or crawl over to the window to look for her. When Maddie would come up to the window Gracie would pound on it and get all excited. She soon knew what the doggy said and would make the sound if you asked her! She was never afraid and Maddie loved Gracie just as much. She would always want to come up to her and lick her.

I was always so concerned at first but Maddie was so patient and gentle. The only harm she did was lick too much but Gracie didn't mind, she would kind of just wipe it off with the back of her hand and smile. The beginning of Summer came and we noticed something was wrong with her eyes, after awhile we realized she was going blind. Then later we noticed she couldn't hear, you would go back there and she would have no idea. The last month when you would let her out she would always run into everything and have no idea where you were. So she relied on her sense of smell for almost everything. It got really sad because her eyes and everything got worse and worse. Devin knew the time was coming to have to put her down, I think he was really dreading it though.

He had gotten Maddie right after his divorce and when he was lonely. She became his buddy and did everything together until I came along! So last Wednesday Devin came home early from work to take her to do what needed to be done. He explained to Easton what was going to happen. Easton did better than I thought. I was actually having a hard time, harder than I thought. I was sad, mostly for Devin but a little for her as well. I know this is what needed to happen but I never had experienced something like that before. I balled through Marley and Me so it came as no surprise when we were going through similar circumstances and I was having a hard time and I didn't even like her to begin with, go figure! It was mostly because of what she meant to Devin and what she represented for us. We got some nice family pictures with her before she left. I could tell Devin was trying to act like it was no big deal but I saw through his actions and his eyes later on what he was going through on the inside. I knew what she meant to him and what she represented for him as well. She was a really good dog and will be missed. Even though I am still not tHaT much of a dog lover, Maddie did bring me closer and she was a great first dog for me and a interesting experience, she will always have a special place in our family's heart. GOOdbyE MAddIE!

Gracie's 1st hair cut

2009-08-03T22:37:00.000-07:00

Getting started

BEFORE:

AFTER:

So cute.....it looks better in person. Looks like a little mini bob, I love it!

Hallie's 1st Birthday

2009-08-03T22:27:00.001-07:00

Hallie Boo turned 1 on July 29th but we had her party the night before at Jamie and Luke's.

Getting into her cake and deciding she really likes this......

Right before her bath, she was a big mess!

Her cute princess cake that Jamie made. Even though it was a little crooked lol Jamie did a great job and it turned out so cute!!

Gracie doing her favorite thing with grandpa....being thrown in the air.

Don't ask me how we got all three of them to hold still for a picture but we did (and don't they all look a little somber well ya it was bedtime).

I can't believe they are all one now! Where does the time go? This has been such a fun year with all of them but we are just getting started. Happy birthday sweet Hallie Boo we love you!

Mini family reunion in Midway 24th of July weekend!

2009-08-03T22:00:00.001-07:00

The reason I say mini was cause it was short and sweet but perfect. We went up to Midway with Devin's parents, Aunt and Uncle and cousins. The whole family wasn't able to make it so that is also why it was MINI. We stayed up in a beautiful cabin for 2 days. We went four wheeling, played SCUM and one night until 2:30 a.m. Ate good food of course and also went to Heber and got some shakes from "Granny's" apparently they are famous for their shakes but in my whole life living here never made it up there to Heber just for shakes. It was a fun weekend though to say the least.

Our view for two days

These guys weren't so bad either but Gracie slept horrible. I am telling you this girl apparently only sleeps her 12-14 hrs in "her" crib!

Devin and I on our 4-wheeler ride

Easton and grandma Debbie

View from the highest peak on our ride

Easton and his cousin Bella, she is quite the little poser. Good thing Easton had someone to play with. They played pretty cute together, I even think Bella got Easton to play house lol When he wasn't playing with Bella though he was obsessed with playing Devin's cousin hand held play station thing.

Grandma Debbie and Grace girl

On our way down from the Cabin we went shopping at the outlets (of course) and bought a few items. Then after that we went and ate at Ruby Tuesday with Dev's parents. It was really good and a great way to end the trip!

CaSiNo nIGht

2009-08-03T21:45:00.000-07:00

On Friday July 24th we had Casino night at Jamie's house for Kylie's 21st birthday (which is really on the 27th) but since none of us could go to Vegas we brought a little bit of Vegas to us. Like I have said before Jamie is the ultimate party planner, she had her house all decorated like a casino with cute decorations, drinks and all! (obviously the drinks were virgin)

The cute birthday girl

Everyone at the poker table playing "21" unfortunately we were playing with just chips!

Kylie's cute "Vegas" themed cake

All the chicas at the party

Happy birthday Kyz! I can't believe you are 21 cause I swear sometimes you should be older by all the things you have done in your life so far. I hope you know that I just love you. I think you are a wonderful mother and wife. You are great at everything you do and put your mind too. I hope this will be a fabulous year for ya. I am not only glad we are sisters but friends we have alot of laughs and fun together. You are great. Love ya.

"We are the Champions"

2009-08-03T21:25:00.000-07:00

My brother plays on an Allstar baseball team for Orem. He was "hand selected" last spring to play on this team. They have worked very hard and were able to go to tournament. They went undefeated the whole time and went to State! So on Wed. July 22nd me and all my sisters along with the kiddos went up to Kaysville to support our little bro. They were playing a team not only that they had won before but killed. It was so cute watching him play and as his oldest sister I must say I was really proud, he is quite the ball player. Well I don't know if it was nerves or all in their heads but they lost the first game but luckily for us it was double elimination so since we had beat this team before they had to beat us twice. It was a hot long day, the first game started at 3:30 and went tell about 6:15 p.m. mind you we had all of our kids too and did I mention it was hot! So we of course had to stay until the second game was over. Needless to say my brother's team was able to beat this other team again. They actually one by alot, they normally go until 7 innings but we were done by 5 with the 10 run rule. Which means we kept getting homers and scoring schooling them over and over! The final score was 16 to 2. So my brother and his team were able to go to Nationals in Cali, which is where they were this last weekend. After the game we found out that this is the first time EVER that Orem has been to State and won. Let alone go to Nationals. It was pretty cool to see and like I said I am one proud sister. Congrats CJ, we love you!

My Bro and his team

His proud sisters

Proud parents

Hot little Gracie

And hot little Easton (look how red their cheeks are)

#1 Baby!!!

CAUTION Look out beeeelooow

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

For all the posts because I have been so busy the past six weeks! Therefore the reason for all the posts!

Girls weekend getaway (never long enough)

2009-07-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

So last weekend I had the opportunity to go with my sisters and their Bunco friends up to a cabin in Park City! Needless to say I am so glad they did I am so glad I went. We first went and ate at this place in Park City on Main St. called Ciseros. Great food but too expensive and the service was horrible. We were there for three hours and that wasn't even with a wait. We never got our drinks until forever and our waiter acted annoyed if we asked for refills. Finally after a while I got up and found were they were filling the bottles for the water and just did it myself for our table. It was ridiculous. We weren't going to leave much of a tip if one at all but to our surprise out crappy waiter added the gratuity to our bill. Seriously....what a jerk. That didn't get us down though or ruin our night at all, just gave us something to laugh about even more.

My beautiful sisters and me

The whole group of girls

We got up to the cabin and that is where the fun began. We messed and joked around, just having fun and being silly. We laughed alot and ate a ton of junk food andI drank so much PEPSI Max. Talked and a little dirty talk was involved as well. Hey what else do a bunch of moms out a night over by themselves to do. I felt like I was in Highschool again, especially since we were up until 4:30 or so when we finally all settled down with the one man that was allowed to be up there with us.......Edward! I could just watch Twilight over and over again but we didn't even make it into half of the movie before we were all out.

Not my best side

Ummm not sure about this one.....Cute James very cute!

Meg laughing until I think she peed herself lol

Kyz and I doing what we do best....being silly!

The next morning we woke up at 8:30 to make a divine breakfast. We had pancakes, eggs, bacon, orange and cinnamon rolls, and fresh fruit!

All the gang during breakfast

After breakfast we cleaned up and headed out to the outlets for some shopping!

Kylie, Meg and I after our damage was done. On our way home :(
It was such a fun much needed weekend. Thanks again girls for inviting me and Stacy for letting us stay at your cabin. Hopefully you will let me come to the next one.

"It's my party and I'll cry if I want to"

2009-07-22T11:15:00.000-07:00

So I wasn't the most excited about my birthday coming this year. I know I am dumb but seriously I was having a hard time with the fact that I was turning 26. I know I know it's not that old but for me I was dreading it. Imagine how I will be with 30! It really was a great birthday. It was on Sunday July 12th so we kicked it off a little early. I went on Friday night to see Transformers with my girlfriends Cammi and Audrey since I really wanted to see it and my husband had already gone without me! Thanks girls for going to see a total action packed guy film with me. On Saturday my mom and I went and got pedicures and then went shopping. (thanks mom) I wanted a new bed set this year since I can always get clothes. We found a really cute one at Kohls, it was just what I was looking for. I will take a picture of it later to show ya. Later that night Devin took me up to Sundance for dinner (it has kind of been tradition, we have gone every year for my Bday since we have been married) we went with our good friends Matt and Veeann. Devin gave me money to go shopping, a shirt and a gift certificate to go get a massage, what a great husband! After dinner my in laws came up and met us at the movies and we went and saw "The proposal" best movie I have seen all year.....loved it loved it loved it!! We laughed so hard tell we cried, great movie! Thanks to my cousin Megan for watching Gracie for us so I could go with my hubby and enjoy myself, I really appreciated it.

Here we are eating out delicious meal, I love their food!

On Sunday we of course went to church. Thanks everyone for the Happy birthday wishes, the sweet cards, gifts, and goodies. It made for it to be not such a "bad Sunday birthday". We went over to dinner at my moms, she made my favorites; crock pot chicken and fish. We had a whole smorgashborg of food.

All of the chicas with our little bro.

Opening my presents:

A cute tank and cardigan from Kyz

Another cute shirt and some jewlery from Jamie

My cute island cake.......
So much for being upset about turning 26, I got to be 17! YEAH!!

My hubby lovin me

Mommy and I

My cute dad and I

And of course a picture of Grace girl

Thanks everyone for making it such a wonderful birthday! Here is to another great year.

Summer Luau

2009-07-22T10:43:00.000-07:00

So if you ever want to go to a good party it is for sure one that my sister Jamie and/or her sister in law Meg throw. They had a Luau in their backyards a couple weeks ago!
There was alot of good food and fun!

James and I

Some of the girls......Stacy, Andrea, and Robyn!

The boys in an intense game of Volleyball (something we have found ourselves doing alot of this Summer in the Gillman backyard)

Apparently my kids don't like taking pictures with me

Grace girl always finding some trouble

More V-ball pics

Me and my sweet little Hallie Boo

I am not sure what to make of this one???

Easton and Kobe playing on the blow up slide

My lover and I

Some random pics of Gracie, laughing out of control (it was late)

Thanks Gillmans for the fun as always.......until Halloween :)

4th of July

2009-07-22T09:43:00.000-07:00

For the 4th of July this year we went down to Gunnison, not only for the fourth but for a family reunion. We headed down on the third to get things started. We went to the family farm for food games and fun. We ate while the kids played in the water.

Easton and his cousin Tate playing on the blow up slide

Our little family hanging out at the farm in the shade.....it was hot!

Now small towns know how to do festivities! The 4th of July is always fun and a big deal down in Gunnison but especially this year. Gunnison was celebrating it's 150 years......wahoo! Anyway that night they had a big dinner and auction. Then they had some motocross bikers come and after that a concert with the Osmonds' (not Donnie and Marie unfortunatley but there older brother who I have never heard of but was pretty good) and then a big fire work show, almost as cool as the stadium of fire!

Easton and Gracie waiting for all the fun to begin

The bikers jumping over a big dirt hill....it was pretty crazy!

After the concert, Easton and I watching the firework show

So the next day, on the 4th they do a flag ceremony in the morning along with breakfast and a parade of course! I told you small towns know how to paartay! Then after the parade a carnival at the park along with lunch.

Easton and his cousins Tate and Kyler going for a train ride

East and I in the train

Since Gracie is at that busy stage in life, she wouldn't stop for one second for me to get a picture of her in her cute 4th of July outfit. So sorry this is what you get!

Later that night we went over to my sister Jamie's for a barbecue with the fam and fireworks. After that we played volleyball until midnight. It was a great fourth!

Girls Camp

2009-07-21T07:20:00.000-07:00

So the last weekend in June I had the opportunity to go up to girls camp for one night and two days! I had so much fun. I loved girls camp all the years when I was a YW, I went every year and had so much fun! It was good for me to be able to go up and be with the leaders and girls. It was so nice to get to know them all better and get to know the girls on a different level outside of church. I have loved my calling as a Laurel advisor. I have also gotten to know some of the leaders really well. We got a new YW presidency so I will miss a couple of the leaders that won't be there anymore but I am grateful for the friendships that I have created with them so that we can still go do things. I love both the girls and leaders I work with. The are all such good examples and leaders to me! We have such a great group of YW I am so proud of all of them. They all got along and were so willing to participate in everything and help were needed. These girls are such great examples to me of service and what it is all about. I was so glad to go up and get to spend that time to be able to feel like a YW again. To laugh and giggle and just be silly. Also I was so spiritually uplifted while I was there, which was something I have needed. I forgot while being up there away from everything how close you are to Heavenly Father and can feel of his sweet spirit and love. The main subject that they focused on up there was individual worth. Which is so easy for Young women to forget that they have, I even do for that matter. Especially in the world we live in today. You are not worth anything in this world if your not pretty, skinny, rich or anything else that falls in the category! You don't realize that none of that matters in the eyes of our maker. It was so good to feel that all again and be set straight on "my individual worth and who Amy is and where I came from"! Sometimes it is so easy to get distracted and loose sight of what really matters and is important. So it was so nice to have a little reminder and upliftment from that. I love these girls and especially these leaders. The leaders put in a lot of time and hard work for these girls something I didn't realize myself as a YW. I was so glad to have gone up there, although I wish I could have gone a little longer (I know I am crazy) maybe next year!I just want to thank my mother in law for watching my kids so it made it possible for me to go. I know I really needed to be there and was so glad I was.

The night of Testimony meeting it hailed dime size hail....kind of crazy.

"We like to PARTY like it's the Summer of 2009"

2009-07-21T06:11:00.000-07:00

So I can't help that within my immediate family all of are birthdays fall within four weeks of each others! So needless to say it's been crazy around here with birthdays and that is just our family! We first started off with Easton's Birthday on June 16th! My baby boy turned 5! Here is the birthday boy!

I told him since he was the BIG number 5 he could have a friend party. So he chose to go to Color Me Mine. The kids ate pizza and then painted the ceramic figurines of their choice. I think they all had a great time. We had cupcakes and then opened presents.

Here are all the kidlets he invited (from left to right) Brittney, Ragen, Sadie, Hunter, Easton and Ryken. (sorry moms if I spelled any of their names wrong)

Later that night Easton chose to go eat at one of his favorites; Costa Vida :) Then we had my family over for cake and ice-cream.
Here is the birthday boy posing with one of his gifts, batman sword and cape what more could you ask for?

BEST BUDDIES!!!

Always have to get a family photo as these events lol

Grandma Jackie with the girls

Every year I let Easton pick out his cake. This year......BATMAN!

Blowing out his candles. They were trick candles.....so needless to say it took awhile!

Hunter helping his cousin out

Still trying to blow them out!

Devin turned 30!!!

On June 21st, I can't believe he is that old! For anyone that knows my hubby knows he does not like big toodoes especially when it comes to him. So imagine to my disappointment not being able to throw him a big old party. I would have but I know him well enough by now he would have a better birthday and enjoy himself if I didn't make such a big fuss. So since it was his birthday and all I didn't so turning 30 for him was just like turning 29! Since his birthday was on a Sunday the night before we went to Red Lobster with his parents for dinner. It was really good.

Here we are outside in the parking lot after dinner

Easton and Gracie messin around in the car after dinner

On Sunday it was Father's day/Devin's 30th birthday so double whammy there! We had my family over along with Dev's parents for dinner and to celebrate the dad's and Devin.

My husband is weird and doesn't like cake (tell me about it) anyway so his mom made his favorite. It is called dirt dessert, weird name but very good.

Blowing out the candles, he was 3 instead of 30! Easton helping out.

Grace Girl turned 1!

I can't believe my sweet baby girl is one years old! On July 1st Gracie turned one. We had my family over again for another party at the Jensen home to celebrate Gracie. We barbecued for dinner and it was really good.

The happy birthday girl

Her ballet cake (since someday that is what she will be ;) isn't it so cute!!!

Easton and Grandpa

The three girls, it's almost Hallie's turn and then she will be one just like Gracie and Ire!

My favorite little girl in the whole world

Of course another family picture

Gracie trying out her cake, is very cautious not quite sure why all these grown ups are surrounding her and put this big cake right in front of her. Is it ok??

Going for the kill

Mmm,Not so bad! I think I will try this again.

Icing baby

In the tub because she was a huge mess

After her bath and she was all cleaned up it was time for her presents. Here she is trying out the little car we got for her.

Opening some more presents....."Hey I can almost fit in that bag"

Playing with her new baby Aunt Kylie gave her. She loved it she kept giving her loves and would pull her binki in and out of her mouth. My grandma Schroeppel also gave her a stuffed animal and she LOVES stuffed animals she just kept loving that as well, it was so cute.

She likes her car as well

Her and her favorite person ever.....they are clones!

THE END (well for now)

My BaBy TuRnS oNe

2009-07-01T22:46:00.000-07:00

Really at times it feels like she was just born but then when looking through all these pictures I have no idea where the time went! I have really enjoyed it though. I love the fact that I have been blessed that I have been able to stay home with her (with both of them) so I haven't missed any steps. The picture above was not too long before I had her, I know I am HUGE!! I feel bad because I don't have alot of pictures after she was born with ME holding her. I was having a hard time and I know my family will never let this down and Gracie will probably will be told some day so I might as well come out with it. You see.....

Babies when they are born aren't the prettiest and I don't care what anyone says "they just aren't" and I looked at her and she had this huge cone head, I mean HUGE and she had this mark of a line across her forehead from the cord of the internal heart monitor and she was all swollen and I was looking at her and was like "that can't be my baby"! I know horrible huh. Luckily I can laugh about it now cause I know I love her more than words can express. So needless to say I didn't hold her right away because I was a little in SHOCK that I just birthed this ALIEN. So that is the story but it wasn't too long after that my mom convinced me that she was still cute (cause she was mine) so I held her. lol.

I think her dad was instantly in love from the moment he laid eyes on her, he was glowing! It was so cute it made me fall in love with HIM ALL OVER AGAIN. She still to this day has him wrapped around her finger, even more so and I think it is only going to get worse but it's ok she is still a momma's girl. When Devin gets home from work and she sees him she get so excited she starts wiggling out of my arms to get to him or will reach out to him instantly! As soon as she sees him or hears his voice she gets this big old grin, it is so precious!

I guess part of me couldn't believe that I had a little girl. I don't know why but I just never thought I would get one. After having Easton I just thought for sure I would always have boys and I thought I was ok with that until she entered my life. I never thought having a girl could be so fun and so different from a boy. I always knew I wanted to name my first little girl Gracie. I told Devin that from day one of knowing the sex and he wasn't about to have a girl named Gracie but obviously it grew on him either that or he knew I would get my way no matter what he wanted! It's funny too cause I wanted to make sure it was Gracie and not Grace but we actually call her Grace alot well actually Grace Girl!

Easton has been so cute with her since day 2 I would say, he wasn't too sure about her that first night meeting her. He has been such a good brother to her and very protective already. Maybe I won't have to be the one chasing the boys out the door :) He is very sweet and helpful, well most the time. Now that she has gotten older I think he is enjoying her even more and realizing how much fun she can be but also how she will get into his things as well. It's good for him though. I can't wait to see all the things good and bad I guess he will teach her. Knowing my luck even though I am so girly she will grow up to be a Tom boy because of her big bro. Only time will tell.

It has been so fun having a girl with my sisters. The three of them are all within three months apart and it has already been a blast. With all the twinner out fits and girly things it has been alot of fun and we are just getting started. I have a feeling these three will ALL be trouble but at the same time alot of fun. I hope they will all be close and good to each other because me and my sisters are like best friends so they will have to be too.

They are all so different in there own little ways, which has made things more entertaining. Ire is the hyper, loud one, full of it little personality, always putting on a show. Hallie is Calm and sweet and also very sensitive. Gracie actually has turned out to be the more aggressive out of the three which I find rather humorous, not in just how she plays but she is very affectionate! My mom says she might look like her dad but she has her mama's personality (just as long as she is not like that with boys) Gracie has been a very happy baby, she is good with people and even though she prefers her mom she will go to anybody. She smiles alot and will laugh and giggle it is so much fun. She has the cutest little laugh EVER!

LOVES CHOCOLATE!!!

Looks so cute in Yellow.

She is still a great sleeper, likes to still sleep 12-14 hrs. at night along with two shorter naps in the day, my kind of girl! She has turned out to be so so busy, alot more than Easton ever was! She gets in to EVERYTHING!! Her favorites are to get into my jewelry armoire and pull out all my jewelry, get into the pantry and pull anything within reach off the shelves, ANYTHING IN THE BATHROOM or her brother's room. She is so busy and constantly wants to be moving she is always running her little head into everything or getting hurt. I should have taken a picture but I didn't want anyone to turn me in for child abuse but just last week she had three bruises on her forehead and a little black eye, all because of her busyness NOT because no one is watching her or I am a bad mom. We always say she was supposed to be born a MoNkEy because she loves to hang upside down and be thrown in the air. Oh and don't worry she still growls like she is a demon and I have yet to record it. She is becoming a better eater she likes crackers, Cheetos, any type of fruit, juice, pizza, fruit snacks, chicken nuggets and my personal favorite fries. But don't worry she eats MOSTLY fruits and veggies. She absolutely loves loves her bottle, I don't know if we will EVER get rid of that thing! She still mostly crawls but every now and then will stand up all by herself and will take one step, gets nervous and then falls down. I bet though within the next couple weeks she will for sure be walking. She still has NO TEETH which is ok by me because I don't have to worry about brushing yet but probably harder for her as far as eating goes. She throws little fits now which I think is funny and she will FAKE CRY, ya tell me about it she has figured that one out all ready. She points at things with her little pointer finger which is so cute. She loves our dog Maddie and any stuffed animal. She has recently discovered peek a boo and thinks it is so funny, she will even do it herself with her blanket or shirt. She also loves it when anyone claps, she will start clapping and say "ya ya ya ya ya" so we will always say "Yeah Grace girl" and she gets her big cute grin dimples and all on her face and start clamping for her self, it is so dang cute. She is so cute I just love her!! She doesn't really say a whole lot but gibberish...she can say the basics, mama, dadda,baba and we have been working on hi. She loves to play with my cell phone. So today while I was changing her I gave it to her to play with so she would hold still (like I said super busy, I guess that is what you get when your baby sleeps most the time. When she is awake just wants to go go go) and she will put it on her shoulder and instead of on her ear and today she did that and then said "HI DADA" it was the cutest thing I have ever heard. I thought to myself how appropriate for her first birthday!She has the smallest hands and feet still, and at this point only ways 19lbs. she still fits in 6-12 month clothes, 12-18 are HUGE on her! She is such a sweet heart and brings the sweetest spirit into our home, I don't know what we would do without her. She is constantly giving everyone kisses, she is seriously already so loving and affectionate. I love the moments when she will snuggle up to me and rest her little head on my shoulder, that usually will only happen when she gets hurt but hey I am not complaining I am just happy I get to love her. I am so thankful for her and am so so glad Heavenly Father sent her to our family, she truly adds to it and makes us all so happy. WE LOVE YOU GRACE GIRL, I can't believe you are one! This is a bitter sweet day for me. You are an angel. HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY!!! What a great year this has been with you, we can't wait to see what the next year will bring.

Happy 30 Years!!!

2009-06-21T08:29:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my hubby is 30 years old! HE IS OLD!! Ok well not that old but way older than me :) I believe the last 30 years of his life has been great, I hope atleast the last almost four years have especially since I have been apart of it. I just want my husband to know how much I love him and appreciate him. He is my prince Wesley and I am so thankful to him for everything he does for me and our family. So here are 30 reasons why I love and appreciate him:

1. Honest
2. Humble
3. Caring
4. Loving
5. Forgiving
6. Sharing
7. Very very smart
8. Hard working
9. Always is first to say he is sorry
10. Good priesthood holder
11. Loves the lord
12. Has a testimony of the gospel
13. Considerate
14. Works with troubled youth
15. Determined
16. Loves animals
17. Loves the outdoors
18. Responsible
19. Motivated
20. Respectful
21. Great father
22. Great husband
23. Has a love for going to movies like I do
24. Doesn't care what anyone thinks
25. Passionate
26. Loyal
27. Goal Oriented
28. Provider
29. Appreciative
30. He loves me and is My best friend

Of course there are more reasons but I look forward to getting to know him even more! Here is to 30 more years, I hope it's great because he has us. We love you Devin!
happy birthday!!!

I can't believe it has been five years.......

2009-06-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

since I held my baby boy for the first time. It was love at first sight. As they brought him over to me I called his name and his little squinty eyes were looking all around for me, I knew him and he knew me and my voice, it was one of the most neatest experiences I have ever shared. How you have this instant love for someone you just met. It was truly one of the happiest days of my life! I have no idea where the past five years have gone. With alot of ups and downs this sweet little boy has helped me through. I just love his big grin and his two deep dimples. He can either make my day or make it seem like the longest day of my life either way I am thankful, thankful that I get to be his mom. He has such a sweet countenance about him and it is easy for me to forget because he does challenge me. He has always been very protective of me and my best buddy. There is nothing like a mother and son relationship. He can always make me laugh and he will say or do the funniest things. I already do enjoy doing things with him and watching him learn and discover. It is funny that he already has a nack for music and likes more adult movies than kid ones, such as Marley and Me, Iron Man, and my personal favorite "Twilight". He also really enjoys animals and doing anything outdoors. He is really into doing anything with his dads especially sports or fishing. He really likes super hero's and playing with his friends or his cousin Hunter. One of our favorite things to do together is go get Rainbow sherbet ice cream from Baskin Robbins (our favorite) we already have so much in common. Like clothes, the kid loves clothes (look what I have turned him into) but along with that HATES shopping, so I guess he is a normal boy! He is also my sensitive and cuddly boy and I love that he still wants to curl up in my lap and watch a movie or read a book. He is always first to say "I love you" and asks for a hug and a kiss before he leaves me to go anywhere or before bed each night. He has the biggest heart. I thank God every day for him and I don't know who or where I would be without him. Again I don't know how we got here and in some ways it makes me sad, I truly can't believe he is five and will be starting Kindergarten! I am not old enough for this, am I? I swear I am still 18. Even though it has gone by fast I have enjoyed every minute of it and I hope some things never ever change between us, I hope he will always adore me as I do him and will always be my best buddy!

Happy birthday sweet boy!!!

Belated Post!

2009-06-16T07:38:00.000-07:00

EASTON'S PRE-SCHOOL GRADUATION

I have been wanting to post about this forever but have been so busy or Devin has had the computer but Devin is done with school for the Summer so maybe I will have a chance to be better at blogging! Easton graduated from pre-school on May 21, 2009. I was so proud of him and I cannot believe how far he has come. Not only since he first started pre-school when he was 3 but since the beginning of this year. Sometimes I can't believe he is my child cause he is so smart and knows so much! He has actually taught me alot as well. He learned this year all of his letters and their sounds and he has learned how to write his name. It is amazing how much it has already changed from when he first started writing it. He also learned and knows our phone number and address as well. Right before he was done with preschool he was just getting into reading so I think that will be are venture this year going into kindergarten. I can't believe I am actually saying that "kindergarten"! I can't believe how much he remembers too even just after telling him and saying it once. Last but not least he learned alot of songs this year. Easton has always loved to sing and actually has a sweet little voice as well. The one thing about this though that is so funny, it doesn't matter what song he loves music and will memorize every single word. He had the chorus of that "Had a bad day" song by Daniel Powder memorized when he was only 18 months old! He was so cute at the graduation he sang every single song, knew every single word and was singing the loudest, every one kept laughing. As I sat there watching him my eyes filled up with tears (yes I know I am going to be one of those moms that cries at every little thing) I just couldn't believe how much he has changed and grown up. It made me kind of sad to realize that from here on out it was just going to go by even faster, I also sat there very proud that I was his mom and he is my son and to look at how far he has come! Way to go East.

Just after receiving his diploma, Easton with his pre-school teacher Miss. Tammy

Easton as one of the three little pigs for a skit they did (he knew every one of his lines and didn't even need any help) it was so cute!

Singing the song "Sing me a Rainbow"

Me and my buddy!

SOCCER!!!

Easton had the opportunity to play for a minute on his friends soccer team as a sub. He really enjoyed it, so I might have to sign him up for Fall soccer this year as well. He was a natural and also scored two goals, it was cute watching him play!

Cheezin it for the camera

Easton and his friend Ryken

Happy Birthday Mom!

2009-05-17T20:57:00.001-07:00

On Sunday it was my mom's 35th birthday! (she wishes) Look how happy and great she looks. I am so proud of her and so glad she is my mom. She is such a great example of forgiveness and love. Also if you ever want to find not only a good deal but something really really cute just call her. Mom I love you to death and I know you know that but most of all I would like you to know how much I appreciate you and all you do for me, I couldn't ask for a better mom or friend. I am so glad we are close. You look amazing and I am proud of you for how far you have come. Hope you have a great birthday week, lol. (she and my family will know what that means)

And of course we had to get this sister pic (someday you will thank me Jamie, when we are old are gray with our flat saggy bums you can say "look how great we used to look") Here is to many more of these.......

Besides my husband and my kids, these girls are my favorite people in the world and I don't know what I would do w/out ANY of them! (oh and you too Dad and CJ)

hApPy BiRtHdAy MaMaCiTa!!

The life of a Mother

2009-05-11T10:45:00.000-07:00

Mother's day is always an emotional day for me. I think just because A. It makes me think of my own mom and how great she is and B. I love being a mom and just love my kids.

I didn't realize how much the love a mother has for her children until the day I had Easton. I truly believe there is no love quite like it. It is so different from the love you feel for your significant other or any material thing. I don't remember ever being younger and saying "all I want to do is grow up and be a mom". I was so much interested in fashion and boys and a career, more of the selfish things in life. I knew one day I would get married and have kids because "that is just what you do". I remember when I got pregnant with Easton I wasn't the most excited as probably one would be. I was married yes and on birth control but the circumstances in my life weren't the best at the time. Well needless to say the day I had him change my life FOREVER! Not in the way I thought either but made my life even better. Becoming a mother made me a better person. The way I view life and the world is completely different then I once thought it for. For example I never thought I would receive such joy out of basic little things that are said and done. To love to hear yourself be called mom and to hear I love you from this tiny little person that you love more than anything yourself, that you would do anything for such as lay down your own life to protect them. To see whenever they hurt, scared, upset or even sick that my heart would ache so much to make it all better and for it to go away.
Now when I see their little smiling faces it brightens up my day and melts my heart. I know that my life would be so insignificant and incomplete without them. That is something you will never know until they are here and you hold them for the first time. I cannot believe the instant love you feel that although a complete stranger and yet you feel like you have known this sweet spirit that dwells is such a small body forever. You also realize that what a complete "miracle" they are that not only did you and your husband create but that you carried and grew for 9 months and felt move around inside you, there is really nothing like it. So for anyone that "chooses" not to experience that is "CRAZY"! Yes there are days that are so hard and you wonder how you ever got your self in this mess and you can't really remember your life without them, it has seemed like they have always been there. It is all so worth it though.

There are days that are so hard but I try and have to try super hard on those days to remember to embrace it because you only do all of this once. I will only be a young mom once and have the energy now to run around chasing them. I love babies and for me it is hard to see them get bigger. Each day brings new and exciting things each day will go on and on with or without me. So this is why I need to put both feet in take the good with the bad especially when there is more good than bad. I know that the reward at the end will be the greatest. There are days though I often ask myself "Am I a good mom" "Am I doing the right thing and making the best decision"?? Raising kids is so difficult it is all about follow through and making sure your kids grow up being honest, hard working, righteous people. It will probably be the hardest thing I ever do but I know so worth it. These two kids and hopefully more to come are the most important things to me in this world. They truly make me want to be a better person and remind me I need to be a better example. I thank my Heavenly Father everyday for sending them to me, I don't know where or who I would be without them. I am so glad that they chose "ME" to be there mother here on this earth I truly feel blessed and honored!! I tell my Young Women all the time if being a mom is the only thing I was sent to this earth to do it is ok because I love being a mom! I just want my kids to love me as much as I love them and for them to one day be proud of me and say what a great mom I was. Hopefully there thoughts and memories of me won't be" my mom was a screaming crazy ranting raving selfish wacko". I also hope they grow up being the best that they can be and always stay active in the church and will have a relationship with their father in heaven. After all he gave them to me with that responsibility and trusts me with them so I hope and pray that the decisions I make each day will be the best one's for them. I may not be the average cookie baking, sewing happy, craft making, floor so clean you can eat off of it mom but I do know this I can be lots of fun and silly and most important I will and do love them so deep that it hurts. I can promise that I will love, hug and kiss alot too, all that I can do!

Besides just look at those faces how could you not!

Also I would just like to wish a Happy Mother's day to my mom! She is such a great woman, so amazing to me and a wonderful mother. My sisters always tease me that I am a "suck up" to her but it's not that. It's just I was so horrible to her when I was a teenager. I put my poor parents through hell, especially my mother. So I will make it up to her the rest of my life by being her friend and on her side (even if she is not always right) If I knew then what I know now, I would start all over and take it all back. She would always try and tell me but I never understood obviously until I became a mom, that is just how it works. I also tell my Young Women that all the time, that they will never understand how much that their parents love them until they become one. I probably would have made different decisions not only for myself but for the future kids that I didn't know that were so special that would be coming to me. Like I said that is how life is, we are supposed to go through trials and that is who makes us who we are. If we were to see the future then we would all be perfect and what fun would that be lol. Anyway back to my mom, even though there were times I was so horrible she would try so hard and I knew and I did appreciate it. She always was up to bat for me even sometimes against my dad which I know was hard. She also worked so hard for our family and even though is was alot to handle having her gone and working so much, I just hope she knows her hard work never went unnoticed. She wanted us to have the best of everything and I know she loved us all so much and that is why! I am so glad for our relationship over the years and how close we are. She is one of my best est friends and she is always there for me and supports me know matter what. She has gotten me through some of the worst times in my life and I will forever be grateful to her for that. I know I can count on my mom and she will be there. Mom I love you so much and don't know what my life would be like without you and I hope I never have to find out. Thank you for being such a great example to me and also helping me become the mother and woman I am trying to be. Where would we all be without our mothers? To me there shouldn't just be one day a year we remember and celebrate our mothers it should be all the time. So here's to motherhood because if there is anything that I do in my life right lets hope it is this because there is nothing else I would rather be or be doing! And although motherhood is not very glamorous I still have managed to wear my heels and wedges on most days.

Where did April go???

2009-05-04T17:25:00.000-07:00

Adam Wilkinson
March 1, 1985-March 26, 2009

Seriously April got away before I knew it and there was so much that went on and that I wanted to post! I have been the worst blogger lately. It's not completely my fault, I never have the computer thanks to my motivated husband and his masters program. So I am pretty much going to sum up the month of April. The picture above is of Devin's friend Adam who passed away the end of March. (I couldn't get the picture down below the paragraph for some reason, so that's why it is right at the top). The funeral was April 1st in which we attended. Devin also spoke at the funeral and did a great job giving tribute to his friend. I as well would like to take a moment to just say not only what a great friend Adam was but a great man. He was a big guy but his heart was even bigger. He loved everyone and especially loved serving others. He spent most of his life doing just that. Just being around him made me want to be a better person and want to serve more. He truly showed that service does make you have a love for others that you normally wouldn't. He also made me realize that the mistakes that people make in their lives doesn't make them who they are it just makes you stronger and a better person for it. He also made me realize that what the worlds happiness is measured by how much money you make and your status but really it is about the people in your life such as family and friends that is the most important and what makes us truly happy. He was one of the most inspiring people I think I have ever met. He stated one time that he wished he had all the money in the world so that he could spend the rest of his life giving it away. That is just the kind of person Adam was. I am so glad that I got to know him and that he touched my life even if it was for just a short time.

Gracie turning 9 months:
Well enough of the sad stuff moving on......Grace girl turned 9 months in April. At the beginning of the month she couldn't even crawl and now she can, I can't even believe it. She is so busy and into everything. She still sleeps between 12-14 hours and is such a happy baby girl. She still will growl from time to time but now with a little coxing. She makes funny little noises all the time and will roll her eyes and shake her head it's pretty funny. She also has learned to cheer for herself along with a little coaxing. If we say "Yeah Gracie" she will in turn clap her hands and say "ya ya ya". She will also never ever leave her bows in and it is a challenge because now that I have a girl she needs to be all decked out and girly. She also won't leave her cute shoes on either, what a little stinker! I know I am bias but she is so dang cute and so fun. I love to make her laugh and smile, she has the cutest smile along with the sweetest dimples. She also still has no teeth so she "gums"everything I can't believe she is almost a year old it makes me so so sad! Here were her 9 month stats:

WEIGHT: 17.79 LBS.=28 PERCENTILE
HEIGHT: 28 IN.=63 PERCENTILE

Our happy baby girl

Easter:

Moving right along...Easter. It was kind of lame because we didn't have Easton this year so it was just us and Gracie so nothing to exciting. We did however go to my moms for dinner with the fam and we all know that I love getting to gether with them.
Here we all are in our green or yellow which seemed to be the theme!

Me and Grace

Nessie's 17th B-Day:
On April 25th it was my little sis's B-day. She turned 17, so on Sunday we got together and had a little party for her.

I just love ya nessie

Here we are with our "future brother in law" we hope. This is Lance who happens to be Jenessa's best friend for the last two years. Who left to the marines and came home on leave just in time for her birthday. (that's when she figured out she liked him a little more than a friend, actually ALOT more) He left again until July and then will be returning home just in time to turn in his papers and than leave to serve the lord for two years. I am placing bets she will wait for him, atleast we all hope!

Ire turns 1:

Then we celebrated Irelyn Jane's birthday on the 28th. I cannot believe she is one. I remember holding her the day she was born and that does not seem that long ago. She is so stinking cute. I love this baby almost as much as my own but between all three of these babies we are together all the time so that could be why. She is so full of personality, just like her mama.
She wasn't the average one year old who wanted to dig in her cake, she was not having it!
Here is all three girls in their princess crowns!

Surprisingly Gracie kept hers on.

Gracie trying out Ire's little bike she got.....not to much longer Grace and you can have your own!

No more training:
Last but not least ending the month was my sisters and my last training session with our personal trainer, Aaron! It was really fun the last 17 weeks working out with my sisters a couple nights a week. Although most nights it seemed like we were laughing to the point of tears than working out it still made working out actually enjoyable, well...most of the time. Anyway I was kind of sad to stop working out with our trainer because I still want to stay motivated. Not only was it the fact that you had someone expecting you to be there but someone pushing you harder and harder to the point you wanted to cry. It looks like I am going to have to be that person now, I just hope I can do it. I have almost hit my goal but not quite so I need to stick with it. Needless to say it was a great experience and here our my results.

I know this sounds crazy but only 6 lbs. lost but I went from a size 10 to a 6. I have lost 4% body fat, 3 inches in my shoulders and chest area, 1 inch in my arms, 3 inches in my waist, 2 inches in my hips, and 1.5 inches in my thigh. I have actually been proud. Like I said I am still not quite were I want to be but hopefully I will get there I just know it will take some time and patience (which is always the hard part). So here's to the next few months to get to my goal, hopefully I can do it.
Here is a picture with me and my sisters. This was the only recent one I could find with just the three of us!

pLaYiNg CaTcH uP

2009-04-12T14:32:00.000-07:00

So where have I been you ask?? Everywhere........

Two weekends ago we went to St. George with my sister Jamie and her family. We stayed at my parents vacation home! We went because we were supposed to be in Hawaii with my parents but "NO" that didn't work out, so St. George was supposed to compensate!(ya right). Anyway we had a really fun time!The weather was beautiful so we played out by the pool alot and ate alot alot alot!!
As you can see one of the places we ate at. Everytime we have gone down to St. George since In N Out has opened it was nuts inside and the drive thru too. The food, it was just ok, nothing to write home about. Jamie, Devin and I kept saying how we would of just rather had a good ol' Whopper from Burger King. We didn't understand what the big deal was other than "the name" itself.
James and me enjoying our food!
The boys as well.
Gracie loved the water, I couldn't keep her out of it.....time for her first suit to be worn!
The girls....aren't they so so cute in their little bathing suits, they loved it!
She is looking down because she wanted to be put back in!
Easton always loves the water, he spends ALL day going back and forth between the hot tub and the swimming pool. Which I don't know why, during the day the pool is warmer because we don't heat the hot tub just the pool! Silly kid. It was a fun quick trip. We left a day later than planned because Devin's friend died, which will be another post for another day. I love St. George, my parents house and the pool. I plan on being there ALL Summer. Yeah Summer!!! Can't wait.

So last weekend we went down to Gunnison. We go down every conference weekend, along with all of Devin's family. Cousins aunts uncles and all. It's tradition. We go down on Saturday and just hang while the guys go to Priesthood. We sleepover and the next morning we get up and go over to Devin's grandparents for Breakfast with the WHOLE JENSEN CLAN. It is actually alot of fun! Well this conference weekend was different. There was a little excitement right before the 1st half of conference on Sunday started.................

You see Devin's parents own a furniture store.........(shown above) and Devin's dad got a call about five minutes to ten that morning from Devin's brother in law, TJ. He said that a BOAT had gone through the store window....................................
YES A BOAT!!!!

We couldn't believe it, so of course we all had to see this one in a lifetime thing. So we all jump in the cars and headed down to the store. It was unbelievable!
A out of town couple from Cali were up visting their son. They thought that the road they were on was a four way stop. Well it wasn't so they hit a truck pulling a trailor with a boat on it which jolted the trailor right off of the truck swung it around and sent the boat flying into the window of the store. Luckily no one was hurt just the store, store windows, and the furniture out for display right by the window. The sad thing was the guy driving the truck that was hit, it wasn't even his truck or boat. The boat was for sale and he was taking it out on the lake fishing for a little "test drive" and also borrowes the truck from a friend to pull the boat. My brother in law told him "I wouldn't buy that boat if I were you" lol. Pretty crazy!
The boat being towed away!
Everyone helping to get the mess cleaned up. Thanks to all the grandsons, cousins and sons they had the mess all cleaned up and the windows boarded up in under two hours.

Later that day we had a little Easter party since we weren't going to be down for Easter.
My $5o Bill I got in my Easter egg and some random family pictures to follow.

Last but not least this last Wednesday we went to my sister Jenessa's fashion show at the highschool. Wow it brought back some memories from when I was there and did the same thing, not SO long ago! Nessie did a great job, she was a little model and performer on stage. She kept winking and pouting her lips in all her segments!

Me and Kris the HS fashion class teacher. She was my teacher for three years and it was 8 years ago this month that I was up on that stage. Oh memories.........Good job Nessie I am proud of you and I love ya!

FYI

2009-03-14T10:17:00.000-07:00

In regards to the post below my dad's birthday was really yesterday. I didn't get a chance to post anything yesterday due to the fact I had a really sick baby with a 102 fever. We had a really fun party last night in honor of him. It was really nice. Even though my dad was dreading it, I think it turned out great! There were alot of people there from his first 50 years of life to show their love and respect to him. Kylie my sister put a great video together with pictures of his life so far, along with interviews with his parents, 10 siblings, his beautiful bride, 4 daughters, son, and two grandsons saying their greatest memories of the guy and paying tribute to him. It was a great night, nothing but what is expected at a party with my dad; laughter, loudness, tears, good food and fun. Those that didn't or couldn't come really missed out!!!

Happy 50th Daddio

2009-03-14T09:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to one of the greatest guys I know

A great husband

A great friend

A great grandpa

And a great father

To the man that taught me follow through is everything, to the man that loves deeper, to the man that is full of laughs and fun, to the man that is a great example, to the man that is full of integrity, to the man that shows affection and emotion, to the man that is always there, to the man that is respectful, to the man that is loud, to the man with the most stories, to the man you always want to be around, to the man that is the best girl dad in the world, to the man that shares a birthday with an angel, to the man that has such a great testimony and love for his Heavenly Father, to the man that always believed in me and to the man that shows that through trials, love, forgiveness, and experience 50 years doesn't really seem so bad! To the man that loved me first, I love you! Happy Birthday dad, here is to many many more!

Happy Birthday to our little Angel in Heaven!

2009-03-13T08:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday sweet Carson. Know that you are missed and we love you so very much. Your mom and I talk about you often and I think about you often, so I can only imagine how much she thinks about you. I can't believe that you would be two years old! Wonder what you would be doing now if you were here? I don't think about that is much as what you are doing up there? I know it must be something really special because Heavenly Father needed you so quick. I am glad though that we got at least two days with you, I know your mother and father probably wished for more but then again it would have been that much harder to say goodbye. The two days I was with you I just wanted to be around you every second, the spirit that you had was so much more mature then your little body. I could tell and you could just feel it, everyone could! You were by far the closest thing to heaven I have ever felt. Anyone you ever came in contact with, you have touched their lives forever. For that I am eternally greatful.
I am so glad that I got to know you even if it was just for a short time and feel so blessed that I got to be your aunt. Your mom is one of the most neatest and greatest people I have ever known it's no wonder you picked her to be your mom and that Heavenly Father picked such a special spirit like your self to come to your mom and dad. They are so lucky and I think they both understand and know why now. I am also thankful that I was able to hold you for a minute and say goodbye to you during your last precious minutes here on this earth. That is something I will forever hold dear and sacred to my heart! I don't think your mom understands how much it meant to me to be there and how it has changed my life forever, it was the most spiritual experience I have ever had and also the saddest. You have given me a better understanding of God's plan for us all and a greater testimony of eternal families. Happy birthday sweet Carson, you were the closest I ever came to being with an angel, love your aunt Amy.

WhAt ThE bAcHeLoR!!!!

2009-03-03T21:28:00.000-08:00

Stupid Stupid Stupid! I don't know why I care so much or why I even watch this stupid show but I have watched it since it aired for the first time back in 2002. I think Jason is a jerk, a big jerk! I know I am a little partial because I did want Jason to choose Melissa but I feel so bad for her and the way this had to happen. She did bring up some good points to him though. (if you watched you know what I am talking about) I understand he says he has to follow his heart because he loves Molly but then if he felt that way why did he propose to Melissa? Couldn't he just have chose her and given her a rose and said let's see where this goes before he asked her to marry him and get engaged! Then second it's fine if Molly said she wants to give him another shot and her feelings never changed for Jason and that she is still in love with him but did she have to totally kiss him and be all over him right after he just broke off his engagement with Melissa (the girl he chose OVER Molly in the first place) and totally broke her heart on live television. Come on people have a little bit of descentcy and class. Although I guess it is better for everybody in the long run my heart still breaks for Melissa, oh well she was to cute for him anyway. Last but not least I will be very excited to watch the premiere of the Bachelorette May 18th with Jillian as the new one. I loved her and she will be great.

HaPpY aNnIvErSaRy To WhO............

2009-02-26T07:58:00.000-08:00

TO US!! It was Devin and my three year anniversary yesterday (the 25th of February). I meant to post something all day but Devin had the computer for school stuff. Anyway, yep three years even though some days it has felt like longer, ha ha. You don't have to worry about this post being all cheesy because I am not going to make it that way. I might be a cheesy person sometimes but my marriage is not. It's VERY REAL, so real in fact I am not even going to put that these past three years have been the best of my life. Yes there are good days and some bad but let's face it we are in a marriage and sometimes it can be hard. I will say this much I love my husband more than anything and I know he loves me the same. I also know that we our committed to working through things and being there for one another for the best and the worst. I also know that we would fight for each other and our marriage. To me that's what counts. Devin and I have both been through so much in our previous relationships we both know there is no such thing as perfect or fairytale and luckily for that we have a great relationship and we are each others best friends. Like I have said before even on our worst day there is nobody else I would rather share my life with and I am thankful we found each other because I know I have someone that would do anything for me and our family and that loves me with complete honesty. So who needs prince charming when I got my Wesley (don't worry Dev knows what this means) and as far as happy endings go we don't need that either because we get forever to figure it out!

Lets take a look at the last three years, I apologize some of these pictures are bad. I was too lazy to go find the discs for some so they are taken from pictures on my wall. lol

Engagement pictures

Wedding day February 25, 2006

Our Honeymoon in Hawaii

Sometime after we got married

Sealing Day October 13, 2007

Gracie Nicole Jensen was born July 1, 2008

Our little Family

Last night after dinner at Red Lobster and our couple massages! It was a fun night. Thanks mom for watching Grace girl

Happy Valentines Day......or not

2009-02-14T12:30:00.000-08:00

Well for all you lovers out there here's to you, Happy Valentines Day! Me on the other hand think it is the dumbest holiday ever invented not that I don't have a lover because I do and he is great but I don't need one day out of the year to prove it! I have always dis liked Valentines day but for those that do enjoy it have a great one.

26 Years and still going strong!

2009-02-05T09:20:00.000-08:00

Happy Anniversary to one of the cutest couples I know, MY PARENTS! They have been married 26 years today. Both my mom and dad are such great examples to me and my siblings of what love is and what marriage is all about. The truth is we all know marriage isn't easy and there are ALOT of ups and downs but what they have shown is even through all of that there is love, commitment and forgiveness! I have never known a man to worship and love a woman more than my dad does with my mother. I have also never met a more patient and forgiving wife as my mother is to my father! They are both so lucky to have found each other and be with one another even though eternity might seem very long some days lol (that was for you mom). Maybe this is why I am such a hopeless romantic and although I know my parents haven't had the easiest road to this 26 year mark I know that they love each other unconditionally and that the next 26 years will be even better. Love you so much mom and dad, Happy Anniversary!!!

Happy Birthday to two very special people

2009-01-21T21:47:00.000-08:00

First to my Grandpa Jack who turned 70 years old yesterday and

Then second to my sister Jamie!!!

My grandpa Jack is one of the greatest guys I know. He will help ANYBODY and we like to call him "Mr. Fix It" because he can fix almost ANYTHING. He is very affectionate and loving. Ever since I was a little girl we would get in trouble if the first thing that we did when we walked threw the door or saw him was giving him a hug and a kiss. I remember when I was a teenager I thought I was "too cool" for that and boy was I on his you know what list. Boy did he let me know it too and eventually he would end up saying "get over here you little shit" it was pretty funny. He always has the funniest little sayings and some of the greatest stories! He has always been into hunting and guns. He even has a den where he makes his own bullets. I have a ton of great memories of him growing up and I am so glad that we have been close.

Next up is Jamie. Happy 24th Birthday!! Where would I be without Jamie?? Probably wouldn't have been grounded as much as a teenager that's for sure. (I am just kidding we both know I got my self that punishment so often I didn't even need your help). Jamie is one of the strongest people I know. She is such a great sister. I know that I am her older sister but I have ALWAYS looked UP to her. She is alot of fun that you always just want to be around her or talking to her (I think that's why Kylie and I always call you so much) When we get together there is always good times with alot of silliness and laughter. I can always be myself when she is around, especially my crazy self. She was and always is there for me, she has helped me get through some of the toughest times in my life! Although we did fight alot growing up I still have more good memories than bad, I hope she can say the same. She is a great mother and wife. She is an excellent cook and very very creative. She is also a very good friend and such a great example to others. She is also very caring and supportive. I am so glad that she is not only my sister but one of my very best friends too. Love ya James I hope this was way way to mushy for you!!!

Last night at Grandpa's 70th Birthday party

Gracie my mom and me enjoying ourselves at the party

Jamie's Birthday lunch at Magelby's (thanks again Shelly for watching my kids so that I could go and enjoy myself)

Of course me and my mom showed up wearing the same shirt!

6 Month Stats

2009-01-19T21:27:00.000-08:00

"Thank Heaven for little Girls"

So I figure since Gracie had her six month check up almost three weeks ago and is now well on her way to 7 months I figured I better post this fast because next thing I know she will be 1 year old!! I can't believe already that six months has gone by. My baby is getting so big and I feel like it has gone by even faster with the second. She is so much fun and I can' t believe sometimes that I have a little girl. Her little personality is already so different from her brothers and as much as I love him I am crazy about her. She is so sweet and special. Little girls are so fun and this one just melts my heart, I can't ever stop kissing her. She is already so spoiled. I just love her big Blue eyes and she has the cutest little smile.
She has been a very happy baby and already has this fun little personality. She is still an excellent sleeper still sleeps anywhere from 12-14 hrs. at night, she is just like her mama and needs her sleep. She loves to be talked to and loves to be on the go (another thing just like her mom). She hasn't quite rolled over yet but partly because I am bad and don't put her on the floor a whole lot. She hates baby food and rice cereal but sure loves that bottle. She still will growl, scream and babbles alot. She will laugh and giggle all the time, I love her little giggle it is the most contagious thing. She can say da da da and ba ba ba whether or not if it has to do with those two things who knows. Most of the time she loves her big brother and will get excited if he talks and plays with her but sometimes she will get ticked at him like "get away" it's pretty funny. He is really protective of her and would already do anything for her. He adores her just as much as Dev and I do. He makes sure when she is sleeping to be quiet to not wake her and when she does wake up from her naps he will ask and make sure "did she wake up on her own" because he wants to make sure he wasn't the one that woke her up. He will share his toys with her (which sometimes is scary) and he makes sure every night that he is the one that turns on her night light before she goes to bed and loves to hug and kiss her. He is such a good big brother!
She is for sure a mama's girl and prefers me to anyone else if I am around. She throws little fits at times which is kind of funny. She will also just stare at people forever too like she is trying to figure them out or like she knows something we all don't. She will look at me then at them back at me just to make sure it is ok. We are diffenantly thankful she is a part of our family, she is such a blessing and one more reason why I love being a mom and getting up every day. I don't know what I would do without my kids. I am so glad I have my Gracie and such a sweet little girl, she is so so fun, I am so happy that I get to be her mom. As much as I love both my kids the girl thing is so fun with all the dresses, skirts, shoes, bows and jewelry what else can I say!!

STATS:
WEIGHT: 16 LBS. (48 PERCENTILE)
HEIGHT: 25.5 (36 PERCENTILE)

Finally!!!!

2009-01-19T21:17:00.001-08:00

Wow! It has been a crazy few weeks between Devin, the kids, and me being sick, Devin pulling his back out and me working for my dad on and off I finally get a moment to sit and blog. I feel bad because not only have I not posted my self I haven't been able to get on anyone else s blogs either. I wanted to post all about Christmas and share some pictures after I got feeling better but the days and nights just kept coming over and over and there never seemed to be any time. Normally I would have time at night after kids are in bed but I have been going to the gym late at night instead! I have until March 1st to loose 10 pounds, I know everyone says that after the New Year but really I went in on this bet with my sisters, Jamie's sister in law, and their friends. We all put in $100 so whoever doesn't loose their weight looses their money as well, good incentive huh. So needless to say I have been trying to eat good and work out hard as well. My moms personal trainer offered to train Jamie, Kylie and me for the price of one so we have been working with him two nights a week, and he has been kicking our butts!!! Anyway wish me luck........

Super Super Sick

2009-01-03T10:09:00.000-08:00

Well it was unfortunate that this year for the holidays we were all sick, especially me. Gracie was way sick the week before Christmas throwing up and the runs, which left her dehydrated and we had to go to the dr.s and get fluids in her asap! That was scary! (that's another story in itself which I will share another day) I have been sick on and off for 2 wks now. You name it I have had it, the day after Christmas and New Years Eve and Day were the worst, I was basically on my death bed. It really hasn't been fair either A. because it was the Holidays and B. because moms shouldn't get sick because they still have to be moms! So those that are sick all the time for different reasons I don't know how you do it. I kept thinking of my Grandma and my good friend Bunnie after her Chemo treatments, how sick she gets. I am sure it didn't even compare but I layed there thinking about it and felt for them. So I finally went to the Dr's yesterday and found out I have strep throat. He said it probably started out Viral that's why I was so sick and then turned into the real thing. The good news was it can be treated with an antibiotic bad news was I opted for the shot because I am the worse with taking pills and thought it would be easier to just get it over with. For those that have never had a shot of Antibiotics um all I can say is..... hurts like nothing else. I think I would rather of had an epidural all over again. Needless to say today I am doing a little bit better other than were my shot is there is a huge lump in which I keep trying to massage out. I am still considered contagious until tomorrow and hopefully by Monday I will be back to normal again, well normal for me. I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I will hopefully be able to post later a little bit about our Christmas because that was the one good day I had.

TaLkIn TuEsDaY

2008-12-16T22:52:00.000-08:00

I know I know, it's a little late today. It's only 7 mins until midnight so technically it is still Tuesday. To be honest I really didn't have much to talk about today until now. Since everyone is in financial crises mode because of our wonderful economy, for those that don't already do what I am about to let you in on or don't know about it at all I thought it would be useful. So since about August I have been clipping coupons from the Sunday paper, who knew right. I never thought that I would EVER clip coupons. When Dev and I first started dating he always had coupons for restaurants and I always made so much fun of him. So when I quit my job to stay at home and only had so much money in my budget each month for groceries I thought this would be a good way to help save a little bit of money. I thought even if I could save just a few dollars each time I went to the store then that would be better than nothing, little did I know I would be saving almost $100 a month or more! So tonight I went to Albertson's and bought 15 Items and my total with tax and everything came to $13.75 and my total savings was $32.60 This means that I spent around .92 cents yes cents for each item I purchased! And to be honest this wasn't even my best purchase thus far for saving money. Another time I went and saved $60.00 and then a couple weeks ago I went to Walgreens and saved $45.00 and that purchase included diapers, wipes and formula. Some of you already know how and why this happened and some of you are wondering how and why. It is simple really. Albertson's once a week has these deals 2 for $5 3 for $5 4 for $5 and then particularly this time for every $10 you spent you got an additional $4 off your purchase and then plus my coupons this is how I saved myself almost $33 and paid around .92 cents for each item I got. Albertson's isn't the cheapest grocery store around but when they are having their deals and I have the coupons for the stuff I need anyway for those deals, it is great. Also I have found Walgreens to be the best for diapers and wipes most the time as well and sometimes formula.(if I have my coupons and they are having their deal or coupons too) Anyway this is just a little part of it, it would take to long to write all out and explain so if you are really interested in hearing or learning more just let me know and I would be happy to tell you. I think everyone should be doing this and everyone should know all about it, why not what do you have to loose, you can't afford not too!

Gary Coleman and Santa Clause

2008-12-16T22:21:00.000-08:00

Easton opening up his Christmas present from his cousin~

So this past weekend we drove down to Devin's parents house for the annual Jensen Family Christmas party! We headed down Saturday afternoon when the roads and weather were terrible! The roads were completely iced over it took us 2 1/2 hours to get to Gunnison when it usually only takes a little over an hour. On our way down we saw 23 accidents along the way, about every quarter mile there were either cars off the road, in the median or completely rolled over. People were just driving way to fast for how the road conditions were and the weather! We only went about 35 miles per hour from Springville to Nephi. On our slow drive down along the freeway, we passed this truck on the right and there was Gary Coleman driving in the slow lane talking on his cell phone. For those that don't know who he is, he was a childhood actor from the 80's that played in the TV comedy "Different Strokes" that's were the saying came from "what you talkin bout Willis". Anyway kind of weird, I knew he lived here in Utah County but had yet to see him. So we made it safely down to Devin's parents house and then got ready and went to the Christmas party. We ate really good Mexican food for dinner and then exchanged our gifts and opened ours as well.After the party Devin's mom wanted to get some family pictures. As you can see some of them turned out pretty cute. It was so fun this year to have a little girl so I could get her a pretty little Christmas dress and to have two kids to have them match.

My little Family

Easton and Gracie

Devin's parents with all four grandkids

The next day we went to church with Devin's family, ate an early dinner and then left for home. The roads weren't as bad as they were the day before. We got home and got the car unpacked just in time to head to my moms to go see Santa. Easton didn't know that's why we were going there. We were there for about half an hour before Santa showed up, Hunter and Easton answered the door, they were both really surprised! Easton's surprise wore off quicker when I think he realized it was Uncle Scotty who was under that Santa costume and the fact that Irelyn kept pulling down his beard it was so funny. All in all I think he enjoyed it but it was Gracie who was a little concerned! It was a busy and fun weekend, can't wait for Santa to really come. :)

TaLkIn TuEsDaY

2008-12-08T21:47:00.000-08:00

This is something I have been thinking about for awhile and has been on my mind lately. I would like to bring up BLOG BULLIES. Ya you know who you are the ones that go onto OTHER PEOPLES blogs and leave rude and nasty comments. Now this hasn't happened to me yet and I am sure it will sometime or another but I have noticed on other peoples blogs. What makes someone think that they can go on people's blogs and leave rude or unnecessary comments to a complete stranger about what they think this person should be thinking or feeling. HELLO this is that person's own right to put or write about whatever they want on their blog, if you don't like it then don't read it. It's because of people like this that some bloggers decide to go private. I personally don't want to go private, I am not a private person (about most things anyway) and don't care if complete strangers are reading my blog as long as it stays safe of course. I read other peoples blogs all the time that I don't know, I feel that blogging can be a positive and uplifting thing and I think that goes for most of us. I like the fact that I can see a different view of this world and a little into people lives to see what goes on around me, to get a different perspective about things, that there are other moms and women like me experiencing and going through the motions just like I am. I know of a few people's blogs that have opened up my eyes and have taught me so much, others that just make me laugh, and some that make me cry and realize that there is alot worse than just me not having a spotless house or a perfect hair day. My point is I would never go on any one's blog and leave some rude random comment (especially if it's a complete stranger) and give or put my two cents in, tell them how they should be, how they are feeling, and what there life is like. You think you know everything about some one's life just because they post stuff on a blog?? I know like some of you i do this blogging thing as a hobby, for fun, and the social aspects but mostly because I do most of it for journaling purposes. I do not type everything all out on my blog expecting everyone to read it, if they do great, but what I put is mostly for myself. Obviously most people are not putting every single thought and feeling they have on their blog and if you think because what they are blogging about is their life in a nut shell, that's crazy. So again if you don't like what people say or disagree then don't read it and move on. Also for those that leave the comment that is unnecessary and then have it be anonymous, well hey come on if you have the audacity to leave an unsolicited comment at least then don't be a coward. If you feel you have a right to leave that comment then you should also have to leave your name and own up to what you stated. One more thing on this subject I also know there is some blog out there that copies stuff from other people's blog basically just to make fun of them or the stuff they write or put on their blogs. These Blog Bullies (as I like to call them) obviously don't have anything going on in their lives, that they feel the need to take stuff from other peoples blogs and make fun of them! And to those blog bullies I say "GET A LIFE" because hey the rest of us already have one and that's the only reason you are able to post stuff on your mean blog. As for the rest of us keep blogging and posting because you never know the positive and inspiring affect a simple blog can have on other people's lives!!

Out of the loop

2008-12-08T21:07:00.000-08:00

(Devin and I at the Jazz game sitting 6 rows behind the basket)

So I have felt a little out of touch lately in the blogging world! You see we only have a lap top computer (we really need a desk top) and Devin is in finals last week and this week for his masters program so he has had to take it every day with him and then he comes home and works on it ALL night until one in the morning. So needless to say I have had not one second of computer time except maybe to check my online banking for 3 seconds that Dev gives me to use the computer! So here is a little summary of what we have been up to. The night before Thanksgiving Dev and I had the opportunity to go to the Jazz Game with his business partner Jim and his wife Teresa, we sat in the sixth row behind the basket on the opposing teams side. We had a really fun time!(picture shown above) We had a great Thanksgiving at my parents house with all of my family. My moms sister Kay came down from Idaho with her family and it was fun to visit with them for awhile. Of course the next day I got up early to do my traditional yearly day after Thanksgiving shopping. It wasn't to bad we only went at 7:00 a.m. this year because I had already had most of my shopping done. Just went with my mom and aunt to Rodworks and then hit the mall for all their great deals. Then of course we have just been getting the house all ready for Christmas. Here are some pics of everything:

oUr cHRIStMaS tREe

oUr HOuSe wHIcH dEV dId A GREAT jOb ON

ThE yArD

AND tHe REst Of THE hOuSE

i AM SO EXCITED BECAUSE i JUST LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR, i LOVE THE LIGHTS, THE SONGS, THE DECORATIONS, THE GIVING, THE RECEIVING, THE FEELING! i HAVE ALWAYS LOVED LOVED CHRISTMAS (PROBABLY LIKE EVERYONE ELSE). iTS HARD SOMETIMES BEING OLDER BECAUSE THE MAGIC YOU FELT WHEN YOU WERE A LITTLE KID WAS SOMETHING i WILL NEVER FORGET! tHAT NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS AND THAT CHRISTMAS MORNING THERE WAS NOTHING IN THE WORLD LIKE IT. i ALSO JUST LOVED THAT FEELING MY FAMILY HAD AND THE TOGETHERNESS. iT IS JUST DIFFERENT NOW THAT'S ALL AND THE SPIRIT AND ANTICIPATION YOU FEEL IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT NOW I WILL JUST HAVE TO FEEL IT AND EXPERIENCE IT THROUGH MY KIDS AND MAKE IT SPECIAL FOR THEM LIKE MY MOM ALWAYS DID FOR US.

TaLkIn TuEsDaY

2008-11-25T08:03:00.000-08:00

So today for Talkin Tuesday I thought I would list a few things that I am thankful for since Thanksgiving is in two days! Boring I know. First I am so thankful for families especially eternal families, I am thankful for two beautiful and healthy kids, I am thankful for a loving husband that works really hard so I can stay home and be a mom, I am thankful for my home, I am thankful for such great friends, I am thankful for my parents and my cute little bro, I am thankful for 3 fun loving sisters, I am thankful for laughter and fun, I am so thankful for entertainment such as movies and concerts so I can laugh and have fun, I am so thankful for food especially chocolate and diet pepsi (not necessarily together), I am thankful for grandparents, I am thankful for my savior, and I am so thankful for all the people that I have met and known throughout my life that have inspired, loved and supported me or have been examples to me in the fact that they helped mold me into the person that I am, last but not least I am thankful for my freedom and those that fight to help keep it free!!! I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving and get to eat lots and lots of food like I am going too.

TWILIGHT Movie Premiere

2008-11-21T06:58:00.000-08:00

So last night I had the opportunity of attending the Twilight Premiere. What made it the premiere you ask, well that's because I got to see it at 7:00 p.m. It was a big deal too. We had security guards checking are purses and using those hand held medal detectors on us! We had to have our cell phones completely off if we even turned it on at all or they saw the light from it they told us we would be kicked out of the theater and I couldn't take my camera in at all either. I guess the reason being is because since the movie was not technically released to the public until midnight of November 21st and with technology and all these days they worried about people recording the movie from their cell phones or camera's strange but true.
I went with my sisters (of course) and we had alot of fun! The movie was really really good. Obviously not as good as the book but as far as a movie being made from a book it surprisingly had alot from the book in the movie and most stuff was acurate. Oh, and if you had any qualms whatsoever about Robert Patterson playing our hot and amazing "Edward" he did a fantastic job and you will love him by movies end. Other than that I won't say anything else so I won't ruin it for those that haven't seen it yet. I just hope that they will make the rest of the series, I would for sure pay to see more of our Edward and Bella saga!!

Oh and if you couldn't read what I was holding up in my first picture, this is what it was:
And for those of you that have not read Twilight or any of the books for that matter (you are crazy by the way if this is you) then all I can say is.........

THE END

No Talkin Tuesday

2008-11-18T21:50:00.000-08:00

I apologize, that I did not post for Talkin Tuesday today (for those that read it and care) today started off as "one of those days" and it was just the furthest thing from my mind! So again I apologize but come back next week! Love ya all and have a great rest of the week.

NKOTB

2008-11-17T11:24:00.000-08:00

So who would have thought when I was age 7 and was obsessed with New Kids on the Block that at age 25, married with two kids I would finally get to go to their concert. Not just that but go to the concert and have floor tickets 14 rows back from the stage, and not to mention the tickets were FREE! Who would have thought that 15 years later they would get back together and do a reunion tour and come to Salt Lake and I would not only want to but get to go to their concert. It was awesome! When I was younger I loved them I had their tape, VHS of their performances LIVE, the pajamas, slippers, sleeping bag, telephone, barbies, and posters. Well turns out I still love them and their music.
Here we all are waiting outside for the doors to open at the E Center to go see our childhood favorite boy band.
Here is Audrey and I dressed up in our 80's garb for old memory sake. The funny thing is half of this outfit I really do wear and wear together. ( I love my Dirty Dancing T-shirt)
Us girls....Cammi, Jen, me, and Audrey....livin it up and waiting for the concert to start.
Lady Gaga opened up the concert....she is a little weird and crazy. I like her hit song that's out right now, I am sure you have all heard it, it's called "Just Dance".
Here she is dancing in her spandex super woman looking underwear......
Natasha Bedingfield opened up for NKOTB....she was great in concert too, I love her music.
Up close and personal

Here they are.......... coming out, making their big entrance.
Me and Jen
Me and Audrey
Don't worry Donny Walhberg is still freakin hot!
Oh, and so is Joey McCyntire
They were great and so much fun LIVE. They were actually great performers and dancers as well!
They sang some songs from their new album but alot mostly from the past which I still remembered and loved. They had this TV Camara that was recording everybody dancing that they were showing on the big screen. We all stood on our chairs and were dancing and got on the TV and of course I wouldn't be myself if I didn't make a fool of myself in front of Everyone including NKOTB. So when I was dancing on my chair, the back of my heel got caught on the back of my chair and I almost fell back. I was holding on to Jen and Audrey for support, ya don't worry they got all of that on the Jumbo Tron TV!!
Anyway we had a blast. We laughed and sang and screamed until we had no voices. We were also deaf after the concert, our ears were ringing the rest of the night. It was so much fun! The concert didn't get over until 11:3o, New Kids were on stage perfoming for a little over 2 hrs. it was such a great show. After the concert we went to Chili's and got dessert. I didn't get home until 1:30 a.m. it was so fun to just let loose and be with my girlfriends, to be silly, giggle and scream and act like we were in Highschool again. Thanks Cammi for the tickets and for inviting me, I love you! Thanks girls for all the laughs and fun and especially for the memories. Lets do it again....soon.

TaLkIn TuEsDaY

2008-11-11T06:49:00.000-08:00

Today shouldn't be called talkin Tuesday it should be called thinking Tuesday. Lately I have been doing a lot of thinking about memories. How interesting memories can be. I have been thinking about some good some bad some old and new. What triggers memories for me is a song, a movie or even a picture. If I hear or see it, I can almost go back to that memory and know what was going on or what I was doing. Especially with songs, I don't know why. I do love music and all kinds but almost any song especially from my past I have a memory too. Some times it will make me happy and sometimes sad and not always a bad sad just "oh how I miss those days". For example any song I hear on Light FM 100 that's older it makes me think of my parents and my childhood. It will take me back to that "time" or that certain memory. It also reminds me of what great parents I have and what a fun childhood I really had that sometimes I want to go back and wish I was little again.Karen Carpenter will always remind me of my mom and Christmas and how she always tried to make us have the best Christmas's ever and how that was the one time of year Jamie and I actually got along....lol and every love song from the early 80's reminds me of how my dad feels about our mother because he would say "oh I used to sing this to your mom when we were dating" or "this is how I feel about your mom"......so sweet!(sorry I can't remember all the songs or I would tell you but if I heard it I would know and that's my whole point) Or how the whole Alanis Morisette soundtrack "Jagged Little Pill" reminds me of going to Cali in the 7th grade with my family and Jen Kirkland's family. We rented a Van and they played her songs on the radio all the time. Or everytime I hear Natalia Imbruglia song "Torn" it reminds me in the 9th grade when my first boyfriend and love broke up with me and a few days later I got really sick with the flu. I had fallen asleep that night on the couch watching music videos I am sure on VH1 and I woke up at like three in the morning and that music video was on so now everytime I hear it that's what I think of. Or any rap song from the late 90's early year 2000 reminds me of Highschool and school dances mostly about my good friend Cammi and some others friends. Or Sarah McClaughlin "Building a Mystery" reminds me of driving up to Park City the fall after I graduated with an old friend and talking while listining to that CD the whole way up. Or how Jann Arden reminds me of the fun times in Jr. High having sleepovers at my friend Jenna's house (remember Kristi) and how much fun we had and how much Jenna loved Jann Arden (for those that don't know who she is she sings the one hit wonder "Insensitive" the whole soundtrack is actually good though or was) and we would watch Bed of Roses over over and over again and we all loved the song from the movie soundtrack "Independent love song" and thought that's how love should be. Anyway there are so many songs and so many more memories but I was just thinking lately about how funny my brain is when it does that and all the time too but its ok I like it, I like to remember the fun, happy, silly, laughable, sad and stupid times I had and all the great people and friends I have met and that have come in and out of my life that have helped make these memories. I know I probably have a song or something that reminds me of each of you especially if it was from Jr. High or Highschool and since I can't write a memory about all of you, if you want when you leave a comment today you can maybe post a memory that we share or something that makes you think of me and then if at the time I can think of it I will respond a memory or song that makes me think of you. Thanks all for reading my ramblings every Tuesday until next time...........

PS Happy Veterans Day! Thanks to all that have served us in the past and the present in fighting for our country for your freedom and my freedom, Thanks again!

Days Like This........

2008-11-10T11:21:00.000-08:00

A day where I don't have to go ANYWHERE do ANYTHING......where it is cold and wet outside so i can be lazy and just stay in my sweats, pull my hair back and put no make-up on! My kids are still in their Pj's and we can all just cuddle up on the couch with a blanket, eat popcorn and watch a fun movie.

There has NEVER been a day like this just yet because I in the past was usually working. NOT anymore.....I am afraid there will be more of these kind of days to come........LOVIN IT.

4 Month Stats

2008-11-05T08:41:00.000-08:00

Gracie turned for months on Sat. Nov 1st. I took her to her 4 month appointment yesterday and here our her stats:

She weighed 14 lbs. 58 percentile
Her height was 24 in. 46 percentile

What she does now:
Always has her fingers in her mouth, kicks her legs like crazy, she squacks and laughs all the time now that she has found her voice, smiles alot, she gets ticked if anything is over her face or in her eyes (like when her bow falls down in her eyes she freaks out and will move her head back and forth until it moves down or screams until I can come help her), she babbles and coos, starting to recognize people and faces, found her hands and focuses on things just hasn't figured out how to grab what she wants with her hands but can hold things in her hands if you put it in her hand and puts EVERYTHING in her mouth, she hates anything on her feet; shoes socks and her blankets she will either move her heels together to get her shoes or socks off and kick her legs until her blanket comes off she even does this in her sleep, still sleeps between 11 and 12 hours at night, and is really happy all the time!

Here are four reasons why I love Gracie:

Her big gummy smile
Her big blue eyes

She looks like an angel when she sleeps

Last but not least because she is mine

A conversation with my son

2008-11-04T21:44:00.000-08:00

Mom: Easton go put your shoes on

Easton: your not the boss of me

Mom: want to make a bet

Easton: when do I get to be the boss

Mom: someday

Easton: when I am a daddy

Mom: Yep

Easton: Mom, I don't want to get married

Mom: Why?

Easton: Because then you won't be my mommy anymore.....

Mom: I will ALWAYS be your mommy, even when you get married and are a daddy. Ok?

Easton: Ok

What four year old thinks of that? I just love him, he is so sweet......sometimes!(notice the first part of the conversation)

TaLkIn TuEsDaY

2008-11-04T06:43:00.000-08:00

Well it looks like today is D Day in otherwords "Election Day". I have been dreading this day for a long time. Mostly because we have had only two candidates to chose from and I wasn't crazy about either one. I think one means well and the other is just a great speaker at the podium but doesn't know what he is doing and alot of his views and beliefs are just a little bit scary to me. Everyone keeps talking about how this election will go down in the history books and how historical it is. I believe that to be true. Mostly because we are more than likely to have a black president for the first time and second Gay marriage looks closer to being legalized in California. Both are crazy to me. Who knew that we would live in a time like this.

This world gets scarier every day to me as well as the economy. My worry is that it's not lookin to get any better either. And to top it all off we may just have a president that might make it worse. Who knows though I hope to be proven wrong. It is hard for me to believe that though when some have may just elected a guy who believes in third trimester abortion, how sinister is that! And who can't even put his hand over his heart for the American Flag or Pledge of Allegiance. Some might say that we don't like him just because of his color, I say color has nothing to do with this. To me all it comes down to is his views.

As far as Gay marriage, I support the churches stand in the fact of Traditional families. Which is marriage between a husband and wife, meaning man and women. I don't have a single problem with gay individuals what so ever or what they practice it's just why do we have to legalize it, the marriage side of it? Some say because they need to have the same rights as everybody else and I say I have no fight against it other than what I believe and know to be true and what we have known from the first moment this world was created. Today I do believe will be a historical one because I do believe that what could and possibly will happen will change our nation forever but that's just me and again like I said before I hope to be proven wrong. I hope the changes that occur will be good and positive ones for this country and economy for that matter. As far as voting goes, get out there and do it. Practice the rights that have been given to us, let your voice be heard! Have a great day everyone, until next time....

Halloween Week

2008-11-03T16:14:00.001-08:00

So on Tuesday we went to our wards Halloween Carnival. Here is Devin and Easton standing in line to play a game!
A couple of my Young Women. They were in charge of the face painting booth.
Easton getting his face painted
Go cougars!!!
Then on Thursday Easton had a parade and program at Preschool.......
There is my little Iron Man posing for the camera
Easton and his preschool teacher Miss. Tammy

On Friday, it was a Happy Halloween. We started the day going over to my sister Jamie's for a little play group get together. We ate really good soup and breadsticks. I brought some really good glazed donuts. There is nothing better on Halloween then chili and donuts!
Easton and Hunter decorating their sugar cookies
Kylie's mother in law made matching Halloween outfits for the babies and the boys. Aren't they cute! It was so fun! What little posers.
Here is all of them together...aren't they cute well Gracie was having a fit but we took alot of pictures!
Gracie all dressed up in her poodle costume. She was all tuckered out before the night even got started. She hated her costume if I even put it over her head or it got close to her eyes she would freak out. We went to our ward truck or treat then headed over to my moms.

We all had pizza and then Jamie, Luke and I took Easton and Hunter trick or treating in my moms neighborhood. Easton and Hunter were so funny. They kept saying at the door at every house: Trick or Treat, then Thank you, then Happy Halloween. It was a great night.

TaLkIn TuEsDaY

2008-10-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

So I have been thinking a little bit about my life lately. So I thought I would list some things that I have learned in my short 25 years:

Life is too short, that no matter how much you said or didn't want to turn out like your parents you turn out just like them, that life never turns out how you plan or think it's going too, that you can get anybody to tell you anything while driving in a car, that no matter how hard I work out I will never look like a celebrity, that when you loose someone close to you, especially a child it's one of the hardest things you will ever do,that teenagers don't know everything, (like I thought I did when I was one), that no matter how many clothes I buy or things I have it doesn't make me happier or feel better, that the grass is not always greener on the other side, that it is hard to watch your kids get bigger, your self get older, especially when your parents get older, that no matter how popular you were or not in Highschool doesn't even matter never did and doesn't make up the person you are, that forgiving others is alot easier than forgiving yourself, that honesty is not always the best policy ie; "do I look fat in these jeans?", that you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover or until you have read it, that even though we are all guilty of it, gossip hurts, especially when it is about you, that I am wrong, most of the time, that chocolate DOES make it all better, that no matter how bad I want to believe that I don't care what people think, I do, that Devin will never learn to put the toilet seat down, that things always seem worse when you are going through it than it probably really is, that you shouldn't sweat the small stuff and most things are small, that time does mend a broken heart, that you shouldn't take people or things for granted, that love hurts, that your "past" does not make the person that you are today, that when you love someone you don't see their weakness you only see their strengths unless of course they are your husband......jk, that people make mistakes, that my family is always there for me no matter what, that nobody is perfect, that my mom is my biggest fan, that trust is something you start out with and can be easily taken away and a lifetime to get back, that my sisters are my best friends, that being a mom is my favorite thing to do, that I can watch my sleeping baby for ever, that when someone close to you is hurting especially your child it is hard to watch and you will stop at nothing to try and make it go away, that their is nothing more neat then giving birth to your child that you carried for 9 months, that there is nothing like the love a mother has for their child and no one will ever understand that until they are a mother, that I never knew how greatful I would be that I get to spend eternity with my best friend and that families are forever, and last but not least that I learn something new everyday! When you leave your comment, if you would like tell us all something you have learned in your life. Thanks for reading another Talkin Tuesday, see you next week same day same blog!

Busy Weekend!!!

2008-10-27T21:18:00.000-07:00

The weekend first started on Friday with my sister Jamie's annual Halloween Party! We ate alot of good food, played alot of fun games and laughed alot! Dev and I
Devin not very excited about his white elephant gift!
This is what it was, I loved it!
Brandon's white elephant gift
Which I am sure he loved or will love.....he he
Sista's

Then on Saturday Brandon and my sis Kylie got sealed in the Manti temple. It was a beautiful day and they are so happy! Their baby Irelyn was sealed to them, she was so sweet.
Don't they look happy and so pretty!
The fam
Dev and I

Sunday came and Kylie and Brandon blessed Irelyn. They decided to do it at Jamie and Luke's house and Brandon gave Ire a wonderful blessing. I am so happy for their little family. I am glad that they get to be together forever. I love you guys.
The happy little family!
All the girlies......as usual
My sweet little family! I too am glad that I get to be with my family forever. What a great weekend!

TaLkIn TuEsDaY

2008-10-21T07:31:00.000-07:00

So basically I have nothing to talk about other than what is going on in this crazy economy and politics! I know I know, I hate talking about politics myself mostly because sometimes I have no idea what I am talking about. Same things goes with Wall Street....who is Dow and who is Jones, and why do they have or get points??? Could someone please explain this to me?? LOL So don't you think it is great how are government just gave all these lenders and such that 85 billion dollar bail out? Ya lets give the lenders more money since they know exactly what to do with it. Or do they? I mean aren't they the ones that screwed up in the first place and got themselves in this mess, why should they be bailed out? I guess to help the economy, well personally those lenders or whoever dug their own grave. If they had 85 billion dollars to shell out why not just give it to us tax paying Americans who deserve a bail out more than anyone. With all the lost jobs and the economy as bad as it is, is that our fault? Are we the ones that put us there? NO and NO! I mean seriously they could have done another stimulus cut, 85 billion is a ton of money they could even taxed us on everyone's portion and still got money back. I will show you what I mean at the end of this whole Talkin Tuesday post. (sorry Michelle I need to steal that email you posted a while back from your alter ego blog). Anyway then on top of all of this we have two idiots running for president and one of them will be our president in exactly two weeks from today!(see I am not that stupid I know election day is Nov. 4th) Anyway so first idiot we have is Obama president that will scare the heck out of me if he wins, I don't even know if he is a true American or cares about America for that matter. I don't want someone as our president that can't even put his hand over his heart for the American flag or the Pledge of Allegiance. Also who has a wife that said she honestly can say she was not proud to be an American until her husband started running for President. Really Michelle Obama what about when 9/11 happened when our country came together and at a more trying time that this country has ever seen. You were alive then what about then? Or how about we live in a free country were you can believe in what you want and choose how you want to be and live. Or would you rather go over to Iraq and live in a country were constant war is going on and has been and will probably be for centuries? Well back to her husband Barack Hussein Obama (I think his name for one says it all don't you) all he talks about is CHANGE not change to help this country, change that I think well hurt this country. For one wanting to tax us more especially business owners, ya that sounds great and that is probably going to help us, NOT! Hey it will get that change he wants. Second he wants the government to control our health care, ya that's an even better idea because we know anything our government touches turns to gold, right and yes we want our government to have even more control over us! These are just the big things not to mention all the semi little ones like he believes in abortion, for me I am not going to even get in to that, that is a whole other talkin Tuesday in it self! All this is Great right?? Stupid stupid stupid anyway Idiot candidate number two he I don't think is as bad, atleast I know John McCain believes in a true America, he served in the military and I honestly think he wants things to get better, I just don't know if he even knows how to do it. To be honest I don't know if anyone does anymore. To me McCains fix on things is more long term so it will take longer and may happen but Obama he just wants a quick fix to the problem, more short term which I don't think will be better at all may even hurt us more as a country if that's possible. Well one good thing out of all this atleast gas prices have gone down and our continuing to decline. They say oil costs are cheaper now but when are they going to go up again. Don't you think it's funny as soon as gas dropped we all thought it is great but is it really?? They have just had it high for so long as soon as we see any kind of decrease we think it's better but I think it's still too high we haven't even gotten below $2.99 yet. I was telling my sister Jamie the other day that when I graduated high school and that Summer I got a job out in American Fork. I would always feel up at the Harts gas station there right off the freeway and gas then was .99 a gallon. Yes folks less than a dollar, so when we see it like that again then I will be shouting hip hip hooray! Anyway I really hope this bail out works and that things will start to turn around because it has been scary for a while and I am tired of having to worry all the time for not only my personal family but all my friends and extended family around me who this has effected with their jobs and such. I think as far as the election goes all I can say is we are all in big big trouble if Obama wins!

Here is the email I stole from Michelle's "other" blog, I agreed with it 150% Even though it is too late, it was a great idea!
I'm against the $85,000,000,000.00 bailout of AIG.

Instead, I'm in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in a We Deserve It Dividend.
To make the math simple, let's assume there are 200,000,000 bonafide U.S. Citizens 18+.

Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting every man, woman and child. So 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up..

So divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billion that equals $425,000.00.

My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18+ as a We Deserve It Dividend.

Of course, it would NOT be tax free.

So let's assume a tax rate of 30%. Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500.00 in taxes. That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam.

But it means that every adult 18+ has $297,500.00 in their pocket. A husband and wife has $595,000.00. What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00 in your family?
Pay off your mortgage – housing crisis solved.
Repay college loans – what a great boost to new grads
Put away money for college – it'll be there
Save in a bank – create money to loan to entrepreneurs.
Buy a new car – create jobs
Invest in the market – capital drives growth
Pay for your parent's medical insurance – health care improves
Enable Deadbeat Dads to come clean – or else

Remember this is for every adult U S Citizen 18+ including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company that is cutting back.
And of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces.

If we're going to re-distribute wealth let's really do it...instead of trickling out a puny $1000.00 economic incentive that is being proposed by one of our candidates for President. If we're going to do an $85 billion bailout, let's bail out every adult U S Citizen 18+!

I am Esme

2008-10-15T09:31:00.000-07:00

Click on the link below to find out which Cullen girl you are! (if you even care)
Take the Quiz and Share Your Results! ">
Take the Quiz and Share Your Results! " border="0" alt="" />

TaLkIn TuEsDaY

2008-10-14T08:13:00.000-07:00

Autism and Immunizations.....are they related?? So this has been something that I have heard about alot lately and because of that it's been on my mind. Mainly because I have always done immunization on my kids but also whether to continue or not if this could be a factor. I did a little research about it on the internet, in defining Autism this is what it said;Autism (often referred to as autistic spectrum disorder, Asperger's syndrome, or pervasive developmental disorder) is a complex developmental disability -- a neurological derangement that affects the functioning of the brain. This condition usually appears during the first three years of life and often strikes following an early childhood of apparently normal development. Mental and social regression are not uncommon. Although the severity of the affliction varies from child to child, the following symptoms are typical: inadequate verbal and social skills, impaired speech, repetition of words, bizarre or repetitive behavior patterns, uncontrollable head-banging, screaming fits, arm flapping, little or no interest in human contact, unresponsiveness to parents and other people, extreme resistance to minor changes in the home environment, self-destructive behavior, hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli, and an inability to care for oneself. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention said they have done some studies but have found no direct cause for Immunizations causing Autism other than the facts people have reported and often noticed "signs" after the MMR vaccine had been given to their child. The MMR is the Vaccine for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. This Vaccine is usually given to children between the ages of 12 months to 15 months and again with the rest of their Booster shots usually between ages 4 and 5 right before they go to kindergarten. In doing my research here is what else I found as far as the side effects with the MMR. The regular ones as far as low grade fever, soreness and crankiness. Severe allergic reactions (low probability in all vaccines), deafness, seizures, coma, or lowered consciousness, and permanent brain damage. These are SIDE EFFECTS, and these have all been proven and linked to the MMR, although some are rarer than others still very scary. The Dept. of pediatrics did a case studies with 12 children, 9 of which had been diagnosed with Autism. The Onset of behavioral symptoms was associated by the parents with MMR vaccination in 8 of 12 children. In these studies they state that “We did not prove an association between measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine and the syndrome described.“ The reasons behind it were there were too few cases (only 12 children), no healthy controls for comparison, and no reported time period during which cases were identified. Although they have been giving the MMR vaccine I believe after the 1950's and the first cases of Autism were reported in 1943. Since then it has increased so whether the vaccines have helped speed things along or this all happens to be a complete coincidence. In Utah it was reported that 1 in 79 boys have autism. Autism seems to run more frequently in boys than girls. They also said that "more children will be diagnosed with Autism this year than AIDS, diabetes, and cancer COMBINED. That is so crazy to me. I also read alot of these mothers stories and they stated that they had very normal kids some even smarter and moving along in their speech and motor skills alot earlier than normal. They said after they had the MMR's done that the motor skills and behavior changed drastically. This is all so scary to me especially since I have been all about Immunizations from the beginning. I also learned that Autism can be controlled so to speak. Jenny McCarthy was on Oprah one day and her son has Autism. She said she had cured him by changing his diet and with a few supplements and such. I just wanted to make you guys more aware because I had no idea about any of this until I did the research and I don't know about you but my childrens pediatricion never has said anything. This is difinantley something I will be talking to him about. Especially if it is something I can control as a parent, not to mention all the other stuff we have to worry about. That wraps it up for another Talkin Tuesday!

Special Day

2008-10-13T14:11:00.001-07:00

It was one year ago today that Devin and I were sealed in the Manti temple! It was such a special day and I was so glad to all of our friends and family that could be there.

Devin was such a good sport about posing for pictures and for the wedding video I had done. I wanted something special to have for this day!

It had poured that whole day. I wore my dress and everything because I wanted to have pictures at the temple and do a wedding video since I didn't do one when we got married the first time b/c we had no money. The sealing was so neat and the sealer said alot of insightful and special things that I will always remember and remain sacred to me! While I was getting dressed in the bride's room I just kept praying to Heavenly Father just give me 20 minutes with no rain just so we can get some good pictures. Sure enough he answered my prayers and gave me just that. We had exactly 20 minutes with no rain so we got some pictures with all of our friends and family. We got a few by ourselves and then it started to come down. We didn't care we had alot of fun messing around! My poor dad had to follow us around in the rain for half and hour so we could get some good pictures and so the videographer could get what he needed.
By the time we got done we were soaked, my dress was pretty much ruined but atleast I got some good use out of it.
It was cool because just as we were ending the sky parted a little bit above the temple and the sun broke through, you can kind of tell from the top right in this picture. It was one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen especially with the temple in the background. The Manti temple was absolutely gorgeous. It turned out to be a perfect day and well worth the 1 yr. and half wait it took trying to get there. I am not going to say we lived Happily Ever after because we haven't yet and it doesn't mean we won't. I am glad that I found the love of my life and am married to my best friend and we now have eternity to work on the rest. (don't read on if you don't want to see me get cheesy because this won't happen often, this is mainly for my husband anyway)

I love you Dev I am so glad we found each other in a time in our lives when we both seemed lost and then it all came together and made sense again. Thanks for finding me, because with that I found myself. I am glad we get eternity so we can figure it all out together because I know at times it's not easy but then again I don't think it is supposed to be. That's what will make us stronger and grow more together and it will all be worth it. Thanks for being such a great father and for that it makes me love you even more.You are the love of my life! Ames

The honesty of Children

2008-10-13T10:11:00.000-07:00

Look at this cute picture my son drew of our family, isn't it cute!

Notice the stick figure on the top of the page with the big round belly, ya that's me! Notice how all the other ones have small round bellies, ya that's everyone else. How I found this out you wonder, well Devin asked Easton. Conversation went a little something like this:

Devin: Easton who is the person with the big round belly?

Easton: That's mommy

Devin: why did you draw her with a big round belly?

Easton: Oh, because she just had a baby!

Ya well it's nice to know what my son thinks of me and how he portrays me......children!

PS the only good that came from this is a little more ambition to work out harder and I guess I did laugh about it later.

The Zoo and a much needed chick flick

2008-10-09T16:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I took the kids to the Hogle Zoo along with my sisters and their kids! It was perfect zoo weather, it was a nice afternoon. The only problem was the afternoon probably wasn't the best time to go because most of the animals were sleeping but we had a good time anyway and we did see..........

Elephants

Black Bears

And my personal favorite Giraffes'

Me with the kidlets

Us gals

We wish we could have put Easton and Hunter in the lions den!

Gracie at the end of whatever it is we are doing.... believe me I knew how she felt

Then later that night I went to a late movie with my sisters. We went to "Nights in Rodanthe", another romantic and sad love story based on the great book by Nicholas Sparks. It was fun and much needed, I think between the three of us we almost finished off two bags of popcorn!

PS Friends, I know we were supposed to go see it for another girls night but don't worry I would love to go see it again.

TaLkIn TuEsDaY

2008-10-07T04:32:00.000-07:00

Not in my neighborhood! I bring up a really sensitive issue today....for those of you that don't know my husband runs/owns a residential treatment facility for Juvenile Sex offenders ages 13-18. These are the offenders not the offended. My reason for talking about this today is because there has been alot going on (controversy) with a facility that they want to open up in PG and they have already purchased the house and property for it. It was on the news and everything last night because all of the neighbors and the community surrounding the home is freaking out, of course as anybody would! So I have to ask some questions as we all should, but first let me give you some background knowledge from some one that knows a tiny bit about it, second hand. First of all let me preface that when I first met Devin and found out what he did I couldn't believe it, I was like "how can you work with "people" like that"? I am human and to me ANY sexual predator just plain grose me out.Again I was ignorant to all facts about it, not that I was wrong for thinking or feeling the way I do but I had a little bit of a better understanding.Some of these boys statistically have either been sexually abused themselves, may come from broken homes, poverty stricken homes and so needless to say all of these circumstances don't always put them in the best predicaments. Not to justify it though because of this but some of us can't help the situations we are brought up in and unfortunately some of them don't know any better. There are more things that go into this but A. I probably shouldn't talk about it on the internet and B. it's plain just not any of my business and I am not a psychiatrist! So when Devin gets most of these boys in his home they are scared and just want to change and get help.It's not like they are the type of offenders that will run away and break into someone's house and rape and pillage. The group home for some of them is a better place and situation where some of them have come from and they would rather be there then home anyway! They are just as vulnerable as anyone else. The first week they come, they have to wear a jump suit (like they have in jail) they have to have very short or buzzed heads, they get absolutely no privileges at all at first, as should be, they are not allowed to speak unless spoken too. They are under 24 hr. supervision and care the whole time they are there at the group home. The program is atleast a 12 month program if not longer for some boys.They have to sign a log outside the bathroom door when they go in and out of the bathroom, there are bed checks every 15 minutes from the staff while they sleep at night, and there is an alarm on all the windows and doors. They all receive anywhere from one to three hours of therapy each day with a clinical therapist. They have a group session with each other and then their own. These boys attend an alternative school and they live in this house like any other house with chores and other responsibilities just like any other "normal" teenager would be doing at home.They have three meals a day and do homework and other appropriate activities during the week. During the time they are there, there is 6 phases/levels that they have to go through and pass. Depending at what phase or level they are on they get more and more privileges and also responsibilities. Although the whole time they are there, there are some things and activities that they can't do at all or some have to be earned, such as drinking soda or eating candy. Something as simple as that doesn't always happen either no matter what phase they are on, little things like that have to be earned. So needless to say nothing is taken for granted while they are there. They are there to receive treatment and help so that they will change, grow and have a better understanding of who they are!When I have been there before I honestly can say I don't feel uncomfortable (but thats just me) these boys at first won't even look you in the eye, they act like a puppy that has been beaten. I got to know some of them and when you are around them it is almost like you have forgotten why they are there. First impression of some of these boys was not what I expected the first time meeting them. I guess what the media portrays as sexual offenders you think evil looking, tattoos,piercings everywhere, cocky and condescending attitudes. These are just mostly average every day teenagers some I would even say nerdy looking (the Steve Urkel type)even. Not boys you would expect I guess to be in any kind of group home let alone for sexual offenses! So to sum the understanding part all up, after their 12 month course or longer depending on each situation. These boys graduate can go on to live somewhat normal (whatever normal is right??) lives with statistically 70% never offending again (if it can be tracked, that is kind of a rough estimate give or take a little). Yes its not 100% but they are working on it. So now back to the questions. Should we as communities allow these boys to receive treatments in our neighborhoods with vulnerable children around? People always ask Devin or say "I think it's great what your doing but can't you just take them and work with them out in some desert somewhere". Well if you think about it you have to have employees and other people willing to come to"work" to help these boys and its not realistic for it to be out in the middle of nowhere and these "boys" also have to go to some sort of school. What they are trying to do is help these boys get help and make an easy transition back in to the community and society. How can that happen if they are isolated? Also shouldn't they just be locked up because what they have done should obviously not be tolerated at all? If they are locked up they wouldn't receive the help and counseling they need and it would just be a band-aid for awhile is all! So don't you think if they were locked up and received no treatment they wouldn't get help and it may or for sure will happen again. How does that help us. We are always so concerned about what we hear that goes on around us but what about what we don't hear? It's not like these boys have to register as "Sex offenders" unless they are 18. So we could have at any given moment have some sort of sex offender living by us and many of us do and don't even know it, some registered some not. Wouldn't and don't you want to be more aware and cautious of that? I think most of us moms are anyway with anything because for our kids we would stop at nothing to protect them!! Now I can honestly say that I wouldn't want a sex offender home right next door to me but it's not like they put these homes just in any neighborhood they are commercially zoned areas. So as communities should we reject and be completely against the help they are receiving or should we just be more aware? Now by any means I am not trying to make you tolerate any of this or accept it in any way I am just trying to help us all understand it and ask questions because this is a difficult topic as it is and especially for me to talk or write about for that matter! I agree to the fact that it is the victim that I feel the worse for in this situation but the offenders need help too as well as the victims so this isn't some viscous cycle. I would rather be aware of where they are getting help and just more cautious of that. I would also have them get help so society can maybe possibly get better and are communities can be safer because it is our kids that have to grow up in them and I know we all want our kids to live in the "safe neighborhood". So sometimes I wonder what we can do better as society to reach out more and help. I think it is great what my husband and his associates are doing because if you think about this from the other end as if your child had become the offender wouldn't you want him/her to get the help they need to overcome such a horrible thing and get help from people that care and want to be there. There is already so much we have to worry about as parents lets not be ignorant or uneducated as to what is going on around us and hopefully we can all teach and raise our children the same. So just know that I am not in any way justifying what these boys have done and my heart goes out ALWAYS to the victims but I just am trying to understand all of this like anybody else. I would rather know that these boys are getting help now before it's too late and again where they are receiving this help, I am just trying to be more aware. I guess I have a better understanding and knowledge of it all because of what my husband does. I am thankful for people like him that our willing to do it so my kids can grow up in a safer place. As for these boys I just always hope that they are willing to make a change because it can be done if they will go on living what they have learned and been taught. Last but not least and us as a society to be more forgiving, understanding and aware. That as soon as we hear something we are not running out with our pitchforks and torches. I have heard Devin often say: I am here to help these boys not just in the fact for what they have done but help them find out who they are in a time in their life (teenage hood) when it is hard enough as it is for any teenager. To help them find themselves, gain a self esteem,some sort of self worth and a better understanding of the world around them. He says that he hopes to be a good enough role model and example to them so that they will/want to change and know that it can be done. Also so they know that not everyone in the world is against them that there are people out there that love and want to help them!

Sorry this one was so long and congrats to those that made it through but I think that it was something that couldn't have been short. Thanks again for listing to Talkin Tuesday and I promise they won't all be so serious in the future but hey I am just here to talk about what is on my mind so you see I can be serious sometimes......

TAGGED

2008-10-02T15:15:00.000-07:00

tagged by Jen (ok ok I am finally doing it!)

8 favorite t.v. shows
1: law and order SVU
2: LOST
3: Grey's Anatomy
4: lipstick Jungle
5: american idol
6: the office
7: All my children (it's a SOAP ok)
8: dancing with the stars

8 favorite restaurants
1: Happy Sumo
2: Tepanyaki
3: Red Lobster
4: Outback
5: Cafe Rio
6: Costa Vida
7: Macaroni Grill
8: PF Changs

8 things that happened yesterday
1: I got out of bed
2: I went shopping with my sister (surprise)
3: I went to my moms (even bigger surprise)
4: cleaned my house
5: made beds
6: watched my everyday TV O version of All my Children
7: went to the gym
8: watched Maid of Honor with my hubby

8 things to look forward to
1: conference weekend
2: loosing the 15 lbs I so desperatly want to do
3: getting new clothes after loosing the 15 lbs
4: fall weather....finally
5: bunco
6: Park City with my girlfriends
7: Halloween
8: Christmas

8 things i love about fall
1: the cooler weather
2: Halloween
3: Thanksgiving
4: fall clothes
5: the leaves changing
6: pumkins
7: the fall candle smells
8: haunted houses

8 things on my wishlist
1: to loose 15 lbs
2: new carpet in my house
3: to go on a Exotic Vacation somewhere
4: for all my family and friends to be happy
5: to be more organized
6: to laugh about things more
7: to never argue with my husband
8: for my children to always stay close to the gospel/church

8 people i'm tagging
1: Jamie (my sis)
2: Kylie (my sis)
3: Shelly Haslem
4: Michelle Tolboe
5: Val (cuz)
6: Meg (cuz)
7: Audrey Genta
8: Ashley Hanks

Gracie's Baby Blessing

2008-09-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa Jensen

On Sunday we blessed Gracie. It was such a great day! She was so happy from the moment she woke up until she went to bed that night, it was like she knew what was going on and what a special day it was for her. Her dress turned out gorgeous thanks to Diane who made it for me she is a good friend of the family. It was like a liitle minature wedding dress! It was exactly what I wanted and more. I have always imagined my daughters blessing day and I always wanted her to have a beautiful blessing dress. The pictures don't even give it justice. We had alot of friends and family attend. Devin gave Gracie a wonderul blessing, it was really sweet. My dad and brother in law Luke said that when Devin was giving her the blessing she just stared at him the whole time and didn't even move a muscle, it makes you wonder what she was thinking. I always wonder what is going through that little head of hers because it always seems like they know so much when you look into their eyes! Then again I know she just loves her dad. She always just stares at him and waits for him to look at her and as soon as he does she just gets this big smile, its so cute! Everyone came over to our house after for brunch. Thanks to all of our friends and family who came and also for helping. We truly appreciate all of your love and support. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful family and friends. We had a good time and there was so much food, alot left over too. After a long day and a three hour nap for all of us we went over to my moms because my little brother was being ordained a Teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood, we are so proud of him. It was a great and special day all around. I love having a little girl, she is the sweetest thing and is so special to me. She is the happiest little thing too. I love my little guy as well, he is such a great big brother and so proud and protective of his little sister. That night when we were saying Eastons prayers he said "Heavenly Father, thanks for being at Gracie's blessing today". It was so neat, it made me think......alot. Kids are so close to the veil it's incredible! I was really stressed out before just trying to get my house and the food all ready but everything turned out perfect! It was a special day.

Our little family

Daddy with his sweet little girl

Mama Jackie and Papa Mark

Me and Grace Girl w/grandma Jackie

Gracie and brother

Aunties and cousins (look at her yawning, it was a long day)

All of her Aunties

All the girly girls

My pretty little girl

So Happy!!!

Posing for the camera

My little Bro after being ordained with all his big sisters
and some of his nieces

TaLkIn TuEsDaY

2008-09-30T07:33:00.000-07:00

Stay at home moms.......if you probably talk to anyone's husband they say "Easy" "What do you guys do all day anyway". I say we should get paid just like any other job. After working for so long and now I stay at home, I realize it's not all just R&R. It is so so much harder to stay at home with your kids than go to work all day everyday. Although both are not easy, staying at home is alot more work. An average day for me is feeding, changing diapers, making breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bathing, wiping bums, changing clothes, laundry, dishes, holding, burping, running errands with screaming kids or a child that runs away from me and throws temper tantrums in the store, and cleaning, cleaning, and more cleaning. I think it's fair enough to say this is most moms days give or take a little more! Anyway I bring this all up because even though it is hard and sometimes mundane I feel it is alot more rewarding for me anyway. There are days where I want to go back to work and it is hard but I truly enjoy staying at home. Alot of people have asked me if I like it and I think some thought because of my personality I guess or how I am I wouldn't enjoy it or like it but I do. Don't get me wrong when I first quit my job I was a little worried but mostly about that I would loose myself and become this other person that I didn't want to be. In some ways that is true but in all actuality I found this whole other person that I love being and wouldn't even have known or realized without all this. So needless to say I feel blessed to stay at home with my kids and that I have the opportunity to do it. I look at it as an opportunity because not everyone gets to do it that wants to. I love my kids and love being their mom and even though sometimes are hard and challenging, what I get in return makes it all worth while! There was this story that I once had and I need to find it and post it. It was about a mother and daughter talking and the daughter had just gotten married. She was telling her mom that her and her husband had decided to have a baby. Here is how the conversation went:

Mom: It will change your life forever and your life will never be the same

Daughter: I know, I know it will be hard and there will be days we wish we hadn't done it

Mom: That's not what I meant atleast in that way.....it will change your life forever in the fact that the love you feel and get in return is nothing like you will ever experience, you will never be the same in the fact that you will hear another child cry and you turn to see if it's yours, you will hear of another child missing or dying and not ache for that mother knowing the thought if you lost yours......

There was alot more and it was way better than what I wrote I just need to find it. Anyway my whole point to this talkin Tuesday is just a little cheer and shout out to all of you mothers and especially stay at home moms for a job well done. Even though we all have days we feel like terrible mothers and wondered if we are doing the right things and where we went wrong or want to even "kill" our children, I know we all share the same feeling of yes even though it has changed our lives forever we would never take back any moment of it. Because when my four year old is constantly telling me how much he loves me and my newborn baby is always smiling at me my thought can only go to how lucky I am and the love I have for these little people is like nothing else! So yes mother hood has changed my life forever and I am great full for it because I think that I am a better woman and person for it! So to answer the question do I like being a stay at home mom??? Why wouldn't I!!!

PS I know I have written alot lately about motherhood I guess just because lately I love being a mom but don't be surprised if you get some posts in the near future about some bad motherhood days because I am not a perfect mom and I defianantly don't have perfect children!!

Posts

2008-09-30T07:23:00.000-07:00

Ok so I have been a slacker about blogging lately but its not my fault. For one all we have is a lap top and Devin started his Masters Program so he has taken it with him every day to work and has been working on it every night because he had a 10 page paper due. So I have it for a minute now. I also can't post pics from Gracie's blessing until later because I left my camera at my mom's so I will post those later today!

TaLkIn TuEsDaY

2008-09-23T08:13:00.000-07:00

So why is it after we have babies can't we look like super models??? I mean I think we atleast deserve it.....for one we carry a baby for nine months, get fat, stretch marks, saggy boobs! While your pregnant your sick, tired, emotional, moody, can't sleep, and just plain uncomfortable. Then my husband begins to tell me look at the bright side you don't get a period for 9 months, well ya! Hello did anybody think about the fact that you bleed for almost 6 weeks after anyway you might as well of just had a period. Then you go through some kind of labor and pain whether its a C-section or regular delivery (now that I have done both way rather have a vaginal delivery). Then if your a normal person after you have the baby you still look like your 5 or 6 months pregnant for a few weeks. Then more stretch marks and big nursing boobs which are sore and again BIG! Then after your done nursing they sag down to your belly button and if your me when you run down the stairs without a bra they flap against my skin. So don't you think after all of this we should have these perfect bodies as some kind of reward like a paycheck or something to get plastic surgery so you can look like a supermodel. Some of you I realize probably have no idea what I am even talking about....because A. you either got looking like you did before you got pregnant or B. you look even better than you did before you got pregnant. I hate reading the gossip magazines that say "FIND OUT HOW HALLIE BERRY LOST THAT BABY WEIGHT" or any other star for that matter....I don't need to read that to know that as soon as they can they are working with a personal trainer around the clock, and they can do that you know because they have like two nannies to help watch and take care of their kids while they are gone doing this. Then they have a personal chef that makes "good, healthy, prepared meals"so they can eat good too. If all else fails then they have all the money in the world to have plastic surgery and so they can pay whoever did it or knows about it off so they can't say anything. Then they go around saying "oh I have never done any plastic surgery, I just work really hard"! Uh huh sure ya did! Anyway the reason for my complaining is I feel like I am working hard and it's never going to go away....the baby weight or any weight for that matter. I am back to the weight I was before I had Gracie but that is not to mention I was still 15 lbs. over where I wanted to be anyway. I am trying to eat good and I work out about 4-5 times a week. Lets be honest though it is hard to eat good all the time and work out all the time with kids. Not to mention I hate some of the working out such as running. I am trying to run atleast 3 times a week but I hate it! I try to like it because I know it's so good to do but I dread it. As far as eating good lets be honest I would rather have a burger and fries everyday along with any kind of chocolate or ice cream!!! Instead of protein shakes, chicken, chicken and more chicken, oatmeal, eggs, and 100 calorie anything. I feel like it's all never going to go away but I know it doesn't happen over night and I have to be patient. The crappy thing is though I am realizing that if and when I get to where I want to be weight wise and size wise that I will still have big saggy boobs, a stomach that hangs over a big long scar from my C-section, along with no lower stomach muscles or firmness because it was cut in half, and also lovely lovely stretch marks! Isn't motherhood wonderful??? HONESTLY though if this is what it takes to get them here than it is worth it. I love being a mom and I love and adore my two kids. They were worth it and I would and will do it all over again for them. In Keltic mythology (I think but in mythology somewhere) mothers were considered heroes because of what they had to go through and endure with carrying a child and child birth! Mainly just because they were moms. I think that is cool to think. So I guess we just have to look at every scar, stretch mark, and imperfection as our battle wounds for going to war for getting these little angels here and how worth it it was.

Crazy Week.......

2008-09-22T22:35:00.000-07:00

Well I made it a whole week without Easton and 5 days without Devin. Last week was a little nuts but it has slowed down for a minute. I stayed at my mom's for a few days while Devin was gone because I am a BIG WHOSE! I had fun though without the boys, I got to spend alot of one on one time with Grace Girl and have fun with my mom and the fam. We went one day up to Taipan and bought Halloween decorations (it was my mom, Jamie, Kylie, me, the babies of course and Hunter who missed his sidekick Easton) and then after my mom took us to eat lunch at Cafe Rio. (thanks again mom for getting the tab). Then after my mom and I went shopping at the South Towne Mall. It was so fun in the past I never got to do stuff like that on a "week day" because I was always working. Then I went to a movie with some of my girlfriends and sister Jenessa one night. We went and saw "The Women" and believe me the name says it all, there was not ONE single man in the whole movie, not even in the extras. Then on Thursday I went home cleaned and scrubbed down my whole house, went to Relief Society and put together 72 hr. kits. Friday I got my hair done (thanks Kyz you always take good care of me) and then headed up to the airport to pick Dev up. Then we went straight from the airport to Monica's (Devin's sister) wedding party thing up in the canyon. After that came home and got ready for bed. Devin's parents spent the night so we could all get up and go to the Temple Sealing the next day. So Saturday that's what we did and then went to dinner as a family after. Then to finish it off Luke and Jamie blessed Hallie on Sunday. I finally got Easton back tonight and I sure did miss him. He is so funny when I talked to him on the phone while he was gone he just kept saying "mom tell me more" he wanted me to keep talking to tell him all about what we were doing and what he was missing out on. I swear tonight when he came back and I talked to him, it was longer than a week since he had been gone because he looked even bigger and he was using new words that I have never heard him say before. Also while he was gone he learned from one of his uncles how to have a "thumb war" so he wanted to play that with me all night. Well it's good to have my family all back now and I wish I could say that life was going to slow down but it seems like it will be another busy week.

Stayin at Grandma's......

2008-09-22T22:26:00.000-07:00

So when I stayed at my mom's while Devin was gone I took alot of pictures of Gracie. I am just so in love with her. She is such a happy baby and everytime I see her little gummy smile it makes me melt. I love her big eyes and her chubby cheeks, sometimes I just want to eat her!!!

Hangin with my homies.....

The Pre-Wedding Party!

2008-09-22T22:16:00.000-07:00

Stevie and Monica

Devin's mom Debbie, Me, Moe, Britt, and Karalee

Me and Moe

Feeding each other the cake

The wedding cake (Dev's mom made it)

Monica's Temple Day

2008-09-22T21:56:00.000-07:00

The Happy Couple

The Pretty Bride

The whole
Fam and Devin and I in front of the Mt. Timp. Temple

All of the brothers and sisters with spouses. Us all eating dinner at Mimi's Cafe............Gracie out like a light. (so I actually got to enjoy my meal for once)

The temple day was beautiful. Devin's grandpa sealed Monica and Stevie and it was really nice. It was a great day, they were both so so happy! I am happy for Moe and I love that she is my sister in law and I am glad she has brought Stevie in our family. I have gotten to know him really well, he is such a great guy and loves Monica so much, she is a very lucky girl! Congrats you guys we are so happy for you.

Hallie's Baby Blessing

2008-09-22T21:45:00.001-07:00

Baby Hallie isn't she beautiful!

Kylie & Ire, Jamie & Hallie, Me and Grace girl
Now with Mom (grandma) and Nessie
Devin, Gracie, and me minus our cute little boy!
Again all tuckered out from another long day!!!

TaLkIn TuEsDaY

2008-09-15T21:08:00.000-07:00

So I wanted to go off on annoying, opinionated people. People who are always giving you unneeded and un-solicited advice. People that think they know it all and are always trying to tell you that they do. Sorry if I am being a hypocrite right now because I know that at some point in my life I have been one or all of these things. Ok so things like....you should put socks on your baby, I like your hair better darker, you should grow your hair out, you shouldn't drive so fast, you talk to much, you shouldn't wear so much make-up, you shouldn't eat that, your baby should be on a schedule, your kid should go to bed at a regular time.......blah blah blah blah. These are just a few of the things I have heard through out my life as a teenager, wife, mother, daughter, friend, sister, and acquaintance. I think I have about heard it all. I am so sick of it. I am not perfect; person, wife mom etc. I am not a great cook, my house isn't always clean, I don't know how to sew, I don't have food storage, I can't dance or sing, my son isn't always in bed on time or sometimes even before 10:00 but you know what it's ok, it's my life and it works for me. People should know not to give advice unless it is asked for and keep your opinion to your self unless you are asked to give one. I don't know everything I am learning as I go just like everyone else. I get so sick of how "they" say this is what your child should be doing right now and you shouldn't let your child do that or they will grow up to be a serial killer and this is how your marriage should be. Who are "they" anyway??? All I know in the short years I have been alive that I do not know everything and just when I thought I knew something I find out something new or there are other tricks or ways to doing everything. I think we all just do the best we can when we can and that's all you can ask for. So those that freely give out there opinions and advice on how things "should" be maybe take a step back and realize what might work for you may not work for someone else. Also there is a reason why it is called an "opinion" it 's because it is not a fact or anything proven to be so. So next time when people feel like handing those out too maybe they should make sure that is wanted in the first place. Now I do realize that this was a bold statement but again also an opinion. On a lighter note I am glad at the point were I am at in my life and thanks to all my friends and family who have loved and supported me along the way. Also most importantly for not judging me. So thanks for all your dang opinions! lol Thanks again for listening to another crazy rendition of Amy's talkin Tuesday!!

Life...or something like it!

2008-09-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

So Devin left me last night until Friday to go to California for his masters program. He decided last year he wanted to go on and get his masters in Criminolgy. So he is doing an online program through the University of California Irvine. I am really proud of him but it will be a long and hard 2 years. I will also be like a single mom because he will work all day and then come home and shut himself in a room to do school all night. I guess it will be worth it in the end and school is very important to him! Easton then left me today for a week, he went with Rhone to Oregon for a family Reunion. So its just me and Grace girl. Who by the way is now sleeping 12 hours at night. So I put her down anywhere from 7:00-8:30 p.m. and then whatever the time was I put her down at she wakes up 12 hours later. She is such a good baby. She is also smiling all the time now and she is starting to laugh too. She has the sweetest little personality and is so happy! I love when she "talks" and "coos" at us because she gets so excited and flares her little nostrils like she is trying so hard to tell you something. I am really enjoying her. It was about this time with Easton that I had to go back to work so I felt like I missed out on alot with him. So I am taking every day with her and trying to love and enjoy every minute of it. Other than that life is just the same day in and day out but I can't complain because I don't think I could have it any other way.

Kids are so a "matter of fact"

2008-09-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

So Devin just loves to tease Easton every morning before he goes to work. Dev is always saying to Easton his stupid little saying's (that only Devin could think of) like "are you part of the club". So the other morning he told Easton (joking around) your out of the club and then left to work. So just a few seconds after he left, Easton was telling me how upset he was that his dad said that he was "out of the club" so I said Easton why do you even listen to him and he said "because I have ears", I thought that was not only funny but very true!

TaLkIn TuEsDaY

2008-09-09T15:20:00.000-07:00

ATTENTION BLOGGERS: Now I do realize that today was Talking Tuesday but due to technical difficulties from an unplanned illness (thanks to my four yr. old that was sick last week) there will be no talkin Tuesday this week, mainly just due to the fact I don't feel like talkin! Stay tuned for next week which will be your regularly scheduled program of Talkin Tuesday. Thanks for tuning in.......until next time!

Gracie's two month stats

2008-09-04T22:04:00.000-07:00

So little Gracie is not so little anymore. I took her to her two month check up on Tuesday. She weighed in at 11lbs. 1 ounce (60% for weight) and was 22 inches long (30% for height) so pretty much she is short and fat. Its ok though I love my chubby Grace girl. Having a girl has been so much fun. She is starting to really look at us and respond. She smiles all the time now and has even laughed a couple of times. Everyone time I see her big gummy smile it just make my heart melt. I also love it when she "talks" to me with her little cooing. She gets all into it with her nostrils flared and all. She is such a sweet baby. Easton is so in love with her and is such a great helper and big brother. He has this cute little voice he talks to her in and she will smile at him all the time too. Her favorite is when he grabs her little hands in his hands and claps her hands together, and we say "Yeah Gracie". She always smiles at that. The best part is she has been sleeping through the night now for the past three weeks. She will go down at 9:00 and wake up anywhere from 6:00-8:00 in the morning. It has been wonderful. I didn't know that I would love her this much and be so crazy about her, to be honest I didn't know what I would expect but it is nothing like I imagined it's better. I always thought that I didn't care if I ever got a girl but I am so thrilled that I did.

Amy's Fam

TIME

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Gracie's two month stats

CAUTION Look out beeeelooow