Hey, It's Us!

Puzzle-mania

2012-01-18T10:44:00.000-08:00

It all started with this circle farm foam puzzle...the love of her life. She couldn't get enough of this thing. She would drag it around from room to room.

Then she found these lovelies with my school stuff. I bought these at Alco in Dillon MT while visiting Nick and Ashley's Grandma and Grandpa because I was taking boards in a couple of months and was going to use them to study. I didn't want Isla to play with them because I thought, what's the point? She'll never figure it out! Well long story short she conquered "The Encephalon" and has now just finished "The Digestive System"!! Holy Moly kids are smarter than we think they are!

Out with the OLD, in with the NEW???

2012-01-04T20:38:00.000-08:00

This is what Tim sent out to all his friends on New Years! Ya, I know!

We did a little trimmy-trim...much better wouldn't you say? In fact I told him he resembled David Grohl now! Wooo Woooo! Well maybe not really, but at least he stopped looking like that guy on "Dinner For Schmucks" am I right?

More Christmas Pics...

2012-01-04T20:25:00.000-08:00

I thought this turned out funny...my "believe" crown, and Isla constantly running away while we take pictures.

Who wouldn't fall in love with Lewiston, UT with this breathtaking picture?...

...and this

..and this! Ha!

Christmas Time!

2011-12-26T19:38:00.000-08:00

We had Christmas at my parents house this year. It was pretty amazing. It was fun to see Isla's face when she opened some of her gifts! These are just the pics from my parents camera, I will post more from my phone when I get home :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

More than just a pretty face

2011-12-14T14:05:00.000-08:00

Turns out there's more to this handsome man than beautiful brown locks and big brown eyes. He came home just as I was publishing my last post, and for some reason I was crying. I can't help it. Maybe I'm too dramatic, but I like to think of it as being passionate ;)
He sat me down and listened and sympathized and offered really good advice and insights. We ended up blaming my mom for most of my problems (haha) and talked about how I'm not the only one who gets discouraged. He told me that he was sure Heavenly Father was pleased with my efforts, and that I do need to recognize my weaknesses, but take them with patience and optimism. I was taking steps back, not forward. Another thing we recognized was how I do a lot of things out of fear. Fear should never be a motivating factor (using the Lord as an example again) it should be out of LOVE.
I really felt better, and as I was doing my 14 day walk with Christ packet I answered the question about trusting the Lord and calling upon him with this:
"I feel like I trust him when things are really difficult and I don't understand why at the time, but on day to day things like I posted about yesterday...no. I don't call upon him for the mundane because for some reason I think I should be able to figure it all out on my own...BUT, I am working on it. I will keep a prayer constantly in my heart, and trust his guidance especially with the day to day. I feel better about the direction I am going and I am optimistic about the future."

P.S. My mom called and said it was probably all her fault. Ha! Turns out the apple really doesn't fall far from the tree. I assured her my faults were my own, and she is amazing!

If a had a therapist, this is what I'd say :)

2011-12-13T14:57:00.000-08:00

So I know the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem, but what's the next step? And the step after that? I can't stand a dirty house. I will stay up cleaning, and I literally cannot relax until my list of a million things is done...and my house is clean. Then, I get really stressed out and I crash, and I'm mean. The only thing worse than being too hard on yourself is being too hard on others, (especially those you love) and to tell you the truth I'm guilty! I took this picture, because I wanted to embrace the fact that I didn't clean the living room before Isla took her nap. I sat down with a book, and tried to read but couldn't, and got up and cleaned and took the burners off the stove and scrubbed the oven too. WHAT is wrong with me???

I listened to the Christmas Devotional and after hearing Pres. Uchtdorf"s talk I promised myself I would focus on Christ and not be crazy this year. I even got a packet of 14 days of scriptures to read about Christ with questions to ponder. I've only done 1!!! Tim reeeeaaaaaalllly wanted to put together treats for the neighbors and family and he wanted 5 different things in them. After fighting all night Sunday I agreed with his promise to help clean-up. He did help, but the next day I still had to make one more batch of brownies, and go grocery shopping, to the post-office, cut and wrap all the treats and clean a disaster of a kitchen. It completely wore me out. Never again.

Do we even know this many people?

I made caramels, marshmellow nut clusters, and batch of brownies. Tim made mint brownies by default because I burnt the crap out of my hand stirring his peanut butter fudge (which he made totally on his own except for me stirring while he sprayed the pan with butter.)
I'm sorry but next year everyone is getting only marshmellow nut clusters, or I'm just buying boxes of chocolates! Ha!

Anyway, my soul really has been heavy. I want to simplify, but I feel like I'm fighting my own self to find balance. I guess it's a process...and yes, I'm very much aware of it so that's something, right?

Thanksgiving Blah Blah

2011-12-08T14:20:00.000-08:00

Isla played dress-up with Grace (cousin) they were best-friends

Rainbow Gardens

So I don't really want to re-hash Thanksgiving because it was a super hard couple weeks full of Isla and I being sick and throwing up at Tim's parents in Price while he worked 14-18hrs a day at the Huntington Power plant because something blew-up. Then we had crazy windstorm '11 in Bountiful and played the waiting game to go home because we didn't have power. Then we got the ok, but really our house still didn't have power, so I called my Aunt and Uncle who just live in the Avenues by the Capitol if we could stay there. They were so kind even though Karl was leaving to Mexico and Denise was expecting company the next day! So we packed up and headed to my parents and came home Sunday when the power FINALLY came on! Our house was freezing, yet all our food in the fridge was spoiled! Yuck. Anyhoo not my most favorite memories, but visitng family was great! I feel closer to Tim's mom and my sis-in-law now, and I had a great chat with my Aunt and Uncle, and my parents got to see Isla (they were missing her). Another great thing, is that Isla has turned a new leaf. I guess being packed around to 70 different places in two weeks made her a bit more easy-going! Ha! She has been really good since we got home...not as needy! Anyhoo, I met my mom and 2nd cousin at Rainbow Garden the other day and had a great time then Debbie (Tim's mom) watched Isla while we went to "round two" of the Forgotten Carols. Best. Day. Ever. I love the mundane now too. No more craziness for me please.

The joys of motherhood

2011-11-20T20:15:00.000-08:00

In my world of blogging I like to write about the good, the bad, and the ugly. Today you're going to get a little from each category!

So to preface, I have to tell you that Isla has been getting her "eye" teeth in...is that right? Anyhoo, it's been about 2 months of screaming at me everytime I leave the room or try and go to the bathroom, and I'm not allowed to shower! Ha! She is super sensitive and needy anyway and this has intensified since teething. We have our good days and bad days. Well, this day I was pushed to the limit, so I decided to just get in the tub and she could yell at me all she wanted. I got in and she waddled to her room and played all by herself. I was amazed! I enjoyed that soak! I got out to find that she had gotten in her garbage pail and opened up her diapers all over her room! AHH! As I was cleaning that up she went into the bathroom and unrolled the toliet paper. AHH! So I got that cleaned up. Then I noticed a wet spot every time she sat down...she exploded up to her armpits and I was once again going to have to mop up her room and get her in the tub! AHH! So we got that cleaned up, and I went downstairs to put her poopy clothes in the wash, and Morgan aka Devil Cat had tipped over some fabric Christmas trees I just finished for my mom that were made using spilt peas...yep! Peas all over the carpet and one broken Christmas tree! When I saw that I really didn't know if I should laugh or cry! I sat on the floor while Isla screamed at the top of the stairs and thought, "I must need some refining!" I needed more patience, love and understanding. Isla didn't feel well, and it's not her fault. I can spare a little more time each day holding her and reading to her. My house doesn't have to share hospital grade cleanliness every day, and the Lord can help whenever I ASK. So, now with the help of the Lord, I'm trying to have more charity towards my FAMILY!! I had been praying for charity, but forgetting it matters most within the walls of my own home. I love being a mommy. I love seeing Isla's little face each morning and kissing her soft cheeks. I love how she dances to anything with a beat, and how she is constantly trying to do whatever Tim and I are doing. I would be lost without my little Isla, and for sure without the help of the Lord, and my Tim! I love them all!

Guilt-Free Banana Bread

2011-11-02T13:05:00.000-07:00

I felt I had to redeem myself from the whole "I eat chocolate cupcakes" post! Ha! I love banana bread, and I want to eat it without feeling guilty, AND I really do try and eat pretty healthy, I just have an addiction to baking, so I'll stop this run-on sentence and let you in on my guilt-free banana bread!

P.S. My friend Katie Berry was talking about doing a recipe-swap blog, so here's my entry. If anyone has any recipes they love please post them! I'm always looking for a new great recipe, or if you have found ways to make yummy things more healthy!!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 cup honey

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups + 2 tablsp. unbleached flour (more protien, less chemically processed)

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup greek yogurt

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

2 medium bananas

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan, or I do 2 pans that are a bit smaller, so my loaves aren't as big...Portion control!!!

2. In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter and honey. Add the eggs and vanilla, mix well. Then add the mushy banana's and mix. I like lumps, so just mix until it looks good to you :) Combine the flour, baking soda and salt, stir into the mixture. Finally, fold in the greek yogurt and walnuts. I like to save some walnuts to sprinkle on top too. Spread evenly into the prepared pan(s).

3. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. If you are doing 2 loaves, cook for about 23-30 mins. Cool loaf or loaves in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-01T11:55:00.000-07:00

The cute little calf I bought at the fair! Ha! She LOVED her costume, because loves cows!
She mooed all night long!

I wish I could say this was Tim's halloween costume! He said he wanted to be warm this winter, since he'll be working outside. What a bum! Literally. For some reason I still love him...A lot!

My neighbor Jamie is this Marilyn Monroe-ish lady who is single and from California. She told Tim when we moved in that she loved Halloween. Yep, she sure does! I about died laughing when I came home one day and her yard was like this! I totally didn't see it coming!! Happy Halloween!

Cupcake Recipe

2011-11-01T11:41:00.000-07:00

I meant to do this 100yrs ago, but got busy. Here's the recipe I used for the cupcakes!

Hershey's "Perfectly Chocolate" Chocolate Cake
Ingredients

2 cupssugar

1-3/4 cupsall-purpose flour

3/4 cupHERSHEY'S Cocoa

1-1/2 teaspoonsbaking powder

1-1/2 teaspoonsbaking soda

1 teaspoonsalt

2 eggs

1 cupmilk

1/2 cupvegetable oil

2 teaspoonsvanilla extract

1 cup boiling water

"PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING (recipe follows)
Directions
1 Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
2 Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans.
3 Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost with "PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING. 10 to 12 servings.

VARIATIONS:

ONE-PAN CAKE: Grease and flour 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Heat oven to 350° F. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely. Frost.

THREE LAYER CAKE: Grease and flour three 8-inch round baking pans. Heat oven to 350°F. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost.

CUPCAKES: Line muffin cups (2-1/2 inches in diameter) with paper bake cups. Heat oven to 350°F. Fill cups 2/3 full with batter. Bake 22 to 25 minutes. Cool completely. Frost. About 30 cupcakes.

"PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine

2/3 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa

3 cups powdered sugar

1/3 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Melt butter. Stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading consistency.
Add small amount additional milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla. About 2 cups frosting.

So Cold...Need a-a-a cupcake!

2011-10-16T16:50:00.000-07:00

So remember that really cold day we had last week where it snowed in the mountains, and all over Idaho Falls? (hehe) Well, I had no idea how to turn the heater on, and we still had air-conditioning units in our windows for crying in the petunias!! So...did I curl up in a ball on the floor and cry? Well only for like 10 minutes, and then I BAKED!! Turning on the oven really only heated the house up to 65, but Isla and I were in sugar comas when Tim got home, so we were feeling pretty good! Ha!

My sis-in-law and I have had troubles baking this specific chocolate cake, so I wondered if the recipe would make good cup-cakes, and I'm happy to say they did!! Then I took it a step further and did a buttercream filling and a chocolate ganache on top with the signature hostess swirl. I'll kinda post pics on how I did it since it was mostly experimental, and it worked!

Cut a cone-shape out of the top and then cut off the point (and EAT it! If you want :)

Pipe frosting, *After Thought* I was thinking of mixing in some

marshmallow creme, huh huh? into into the hole (for lack of a better word)

Put the top back on...

Then coat with chocolate ganache, and pipe the swirls on top and you have a fabulous cupcake!

Price N' Punkins

2011-10-07T12:59:00.000-07:00

We went to Price for Conference, and had a wonderful time catching up with Nanie, Poppy, Ben and Kim and the kids! Isla loved seeing all the animals of course, and Saturday evening we went to a Pumpkin Patch! (Put a blind eye to the fact that she's wearing the same outfit in this post as the last! Ha) We had a great time listening to the Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and his apostles. How blessed we are to have a living Prophet on the earth especially at these crazy times!

2011-09-27T18:01:00.000-07:00

I know, I know it's been a while!

2011-09-22T11:04:00.000-07:00

We finally got the computer set-up and since I can't update my blog from my phone it has been a while!! I feel like I have very few moments to blog, but I'm going to try and change that because I love how it documents my (and especially Isla's) life.

So two great things happened this week:

a) I went to Rainbow Gardens with my sister Chelsea and Isla. I used to go there all the time with my mom and Grandma Hodges. My grandma died when I was 10, and I had only been there a couple of times after that with my mom. (I think it has been about 14yrs since I've been there!)When we walked into the Garden restaurant I almost started crying because it was exactly like I remembered it and it brought back some tender memories.

b.) Isla is finally starting to try walking!! Yes, I have a 16month toddler who doesn't walk! She just wasn't ready until now I guess! She is learning a lot. She knows all her body parts, she can put together foam puzzles (like the one my Aunt Denise gave me :) and she does her shape sorter and animal sounds and can say "cookie"! Ha! I love her to pieces!

For the next 3 years...

2011-08-14T16:25:00.000-07:00

Load the car and write the note,
Grab your hat, and grab your coat
Tell the ones that need to know...
That we are headed south.

One foot in and one foot back
but it don't pay to live like that.
So I cut the ties and I jump the tracks
For never to return?
-T.A.B

Bountiful is our new home for the next 3 years. I am excited? Yes that's a question, I'm still not quiet sure. I can't even begin to express how much I loved Idaho Falls! I think I decided that was home, and where we would raise our kids. We have so many wonderful friends there, and the best ward on the planet! I will miss it all tremendously! Thank you all for making us feel so loved!

Check!

2011-06-26T15:20:00.001-07:00

So I've always wanted to run a marathon, and Laura Benson (the girl pictured below...which was taken almost 10yrs. ago at my friends wedding. She's gonna love it! Ha) challenged me to one. Well, after having Isla I've had stomach issues, so Kari Evans, another good friend of mine told me about a half marathon coming up & I though I'd better try that first....And TIM did it too!! WOOT WOOT! I am so proud of him! He really didn't train that much, and had shin splints real bad, and sprained his ankle a couple of weeks before, but he did it! I got horrible stomach pains at 12.5 miles! No kidding! Luckily a girl behind me saw me slowing down, and challenged me to run through the pain to the finish, and I did! I wanted to finish in under 2 hours, but made it to 2hrs. 9mins. Ahhh! Maybe next time. I'm still not sure I'm marathon material!

Feelin the Pull

2011-06-07T20:55:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm headed back to pack a bag to head out on the road to take away what I know is mine. And I'm running down past the yellow house with Tim into the breeze where no one seems to care. And I'm feeling the pull....it's dragging me off again.

Crazed face of freedom! We dropped Isla off at my parents house and ran away to SLC.

Ate delicious food. I know it's cliche but we went to Cheesecake factory and Market Street Grill. We like what we like! This is Tim below enjoying his chowder!

We brought a cake back from Tulie Bakery. Don't you love this pic? It was super delicious delicious! We had the best time ever!! We went to the SL Temple, and a movie while we were there! We basically just enjoyed being together. It's been way to long! Ha!

Memorable Memorial

2011-06-07T20:39:00.000-07:00

We went golfing at Summit Creek in Smithfield, nice view! It was raining and cold, but totally worth it! Then....

We decided to get the whole freakin neighborhood stuck in our backyard! Travis brought up his roadbike that he could only load by backing up into my parents ditch, but it had filled with water. So he got stuck. Then my dad got stuck. Then the tractor got stuck. WHAT? My uncle Karl was doing circles around them in his Subaru, but sadly could not help. My aunt Denise kept saying "No woman would ever get in this situation!" Amen to that Denise! Ha!

They eventually had to bring in the big guns... The dual wheel tractor with four wheel drive. Whoops! Thanks Brent!

Sad to say my parents back yard is completely torn up. It made my stomach hurt to watch! Oh well, nothing that can't be fixed! Good luck with that one dad!

Isla's Lucky Day

2011-05-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

Today we went on a Sunday walk, and we saw missionaries, kitties, puppies, and for the grand finale....dun-dun-dun-dun...Miniature horses!! We got to go inside the trailer and pet the baby! Holy cow! Isla was going nuts, seriously a really great day!
She's in her jammies because she just got out of the tub.....then played in a horse trailer! Ha! Oh well!

Birthday Pictures

2011-05-20T14:05:00.000-07:00

I had to post this one because a.) I love it b.) This is totally Isla

I feel like this blog is one of my children and I'm a bad mother! Ha! It's just that I happen to love Isla more, so this one gets neglected. I do have pictures to share, from Stevie Croft though! Isla had a hard time warming up to the camera, so I posted the ones that looked like she didn't hate us for making her wear ridiculous things! I just love my little Isla without end!!!

Birthday Preview

2011-05-01T20:27:00.000-07:00

May Day May Day...Isla's 1!!! I seriously can't believe she's 1! I was sitting in church thinking back on the year, and how difficult it was, yet how much my heart has grown in the process. I think I needed some humbling, and I believe the Lord was molding me into the person he knew I could be....just a small step in my journey.

We had cupcakes because we are waiting for the mini-cake when Stevie comes next Monday to take pictures! Turns out she doesn't like cup cakes as the video shows! Ha! Here are some pictures I took, but the professional ones will be posted in a couple weeks!

Just cause she's CUTE!!

2011-04-15T08:21:00.001-07:00

Firsts

2011-04-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

I know this is terribly cliche but I have been super busy, so blogging has been on hold for a while...sorry! Here's an update on some of Isla's firsts: She has two bottom teeth, and is now getting two more beside the bottoms, and two on top! She took her first bubble bath, and went to the park for the first time and we slid down the slide (which was kinda scary she said :) and played on the swings!! Oh, and first Justin Bieber hair-do! Ha!

Piano Lessons

2011-02-02T16:15:00.000-08:00

Adjusting the volume

"Look how sore my fingers are! I need a break!"

Ya I'm pretty much making Isla write an concerto grosso! Ha! I picked up this fancy little number at Once Upon A Child for a spendy $4.50! I heart that place! Isla loves her baby grand! She jams on it all day and sings sometimes too! It has a backbeat and you can record yourself (Chelsea lost an entire afternoon after discovering this). I have no idea what any of the buttons say because it's all in chinese, so thankgoodness music is a universal language!

Isla at 8 Months!

2011-01-18T18:42:00.000-08:00

Chelsea and I did these on my way crappy camera, with some serious editing! Don't worry her 1 yr. will be taken by a professional! Ha!

Leftover Christmas Pears!!

2011-01-10T12:13:00.000-08:00

My parents gave me some of their left-over Christmas Pears from Harry and David and Chelsea left them in her trunk to freeze and thaw for a couple of days, so...I wanted to use them still so I tried this fabulous recipe and was pleasantly surprise how delicious they were! If you have any hard, bartlett pears that works great too! Try it out, you'll be glad you did!

Pears in Raspberry cream sauce:

3 Tblsp. butter

1/3 cup sugar

1/2 tea. ground ginger

2 dashes of ground nutmeg

1/2 tea. cinnamon

4 firm bartlett pear peeled, halved and cored

3 tblsp. heavy cream

1 cup frozen raspberries, thawed

Preheat oven to 375. In a ovenproof sauce pan combine butter, sugar, ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon. Cook just until butter is melted and then put in your pears cut side down. Bake with foil on top for about 25 mins, turning them over halfway through.

Lift pears onto serving dish and bring the remaining liquids to a boil *REMEMBER THE HANDLE ON YOUR SAUCE PAN IS FLAMING HOT!!! DO NOT TOUCH* because I totally did like 3 times! Add cream, and bring mixture to a boil. Thicken for about 1 minute. Take off heat and stir in raspberries. Spoon this delectable concoction onto your pears and then I top with home-made whipcream (heavy cream, 4-5 tblsp. sugar and 1 tea. vanilla and whip with mixer).

ENJOY!!

Christmas Time

2011-01-08T15:10:00.000-08:00

Well...hmmmm where to start? We went to Price this Christmas and got to see Ben and Kim and the kids while we were there. Isla kept waking up at the crack of dawn. I watched the sun rise over the bookcliffs one too many times! Ha! We were all basically sick, John (Tim's dad) was probably the worse! I had a good time getting away from I.F. and shoppin' with the girls though! Then we stopped in Lewiston (Cache Valley) where my parents live because 5-6 hrs. in the car with Isla was less than ideal, and we got snowed in! Long story short we were gone for like two weeks! It was very nice to see family and rest from being sick, but consequently I took like 3 pictures and they were only of Isla, so here's she is with her new doll, and hopefully next year I will be better at documenting the festivities!

Photo Shoot

2010-12-14T13:21:00.000-08:00

So I decided to make some last minute Christmas cards for my family, and since I'm cheap and Stevie's probably slammed...I did my own lame photo shoot. Here's the blurry, unprofessional pictures I came up with:

My Christmas Card to you..

2010-12-01T10:27:00.000-08:00

I was reading a talk by Pres. Henry B. Eyring, and contemplating the need for "Peace on Earth", a phrase often heard this time of year. I came to the conclusion that we do have peace on earth if we want it! Pres. Eyring said:
"More than any other people on earth, we have, through the glorious events of the Restoration of the gospel, felt the peace that the Lord offered His people with the words 'Be still, and know that I am God.' "
Maybe we can't stay wars or world-wide anxiety, but if we just be still, and trust in the Lord, truly we can feel peace. If the peace begins in our hearts we can spread it to our homes, and then communities! If everyone trusted in the Lord and did his will, we would have peace on earth! My goal is to really try and trust the Lord. I know to often I demand justice when what I really need to give is mercy! I wish all of you Peace in your homes and hearts this season as we turn to our Savior!

Thansgiving what-nots

2010-11-22T16:13:00.000-08:00

So I went to a little craft party at my friend Pam's house and we made the cutest little turkeys! I quickly decided this is what we would be doing for Activity Day's too! I love them and they are super easy! I wanted to make a cute crafty cookie, so I realized that my flower cookie cutter could be turned into a turkey! How lucky! They turned out Ok (I'm not Martha Stewart people!) Wow, you're thinking, Isla let you do all that? Well, No! She was asleep for half of it, then she unrolled the paper towels while I was frosting and sprinkling! Ha!

They grow up too fast...

2010-11-19T12:56:00.000-08:00

Chelsea thought it would be hilarious to yearbook Isla, and she's right, it is hilarious, so I thought I would share the fun. Let me know if you: a.)like it b.)think it's horrifying c.)want my Christmas cards to include 1978 Isla

A new addition to the family!!

2010-10-31T16:09:00.001-07:00

CHE CHE is here! My little sister Chelsea is going to be living with us for the next 8 months until her parole officer says otherwise....Haha NO, she's going to Austin Kade for esthetics! We all have mixed feelings: Chelsea leaving her friends and having to live in our basement, and with us now we can't walk around in our underwear. The good though is that she will get a great education in something she loves and we will have a live-in baby sitter! (And the fact that she is super fun and we love her to pieces helps too!)

Fairy Butterfly Princess?

2010-10-27T18:42:00.001-07:00

I don't know what the heck this costume really is, but it's CUTE! I bought it about 4 years ago, and like everything else with Isla pants...it fits! I seriously have been oddly blessed with things like this. I had almost everything bought before she was even realized, and it has all worked out! Tender mercies for sure! Anyhoo, the pictures aren't great because Isla didn't see dad all day except for a minute while he took the pictures so she was crazy-excited and consequently blurry!

Baby needs her some Exersaucer!!

2010-10-24T15:16:00.000-07:00

Well, we finally bought Isla a substantial toy! We really haven't gotten her much of anything, because Aunt Lisa lets us borrow all of her little girls clothes, and we got tons of toys for the baby shower! We've been super lucky! Plus I hesitated because she hated her swing! Anyhoo she was SICK of her old toys so we got this exersaucer and she likes it! YEA!

She seriously played with the nub that was sans toys for forever! Of course! We should have just gotten her some toliet paper rolls and old newspaper! Ha!

Morgan being a smart-alec and telling me she's too small because her feet don't quite touch the ground! She'll grow into it MORGAN! (She's just jealous!)

Halloween Decor

2010-10-07T18:46:00.001-07:00

So this year for Halloween we are decorating with kitty heads! Ha! Morgan always does this, she knows she's not supposed to get on the table but wants to see what the heck we are doing up there, so she sits on a stool and pokes her head up. It make me laugh every time!

Post Script

2010-10-06T13:58:00.001-07:00

Ok now I feel bad. My mom says it sounds like I'm depressed! No world, not depressed....just human I guess.

Why am I so lame?

2010-10-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

It has come to my attention as of late, that I'm stilll pretty selfish, a perfectionist and painfully aware of my faults and insecurities...all with no intention of changing! Why you ask? I'm just too tired! Ha! No, I'm trying... just moving very slowly as to not jolt the rotation of the Earth (because it does revolve around me and my problems) so, instead of complain right now, I'm just going to list some things I'm grateful for:
1.) Lisa Cardon
2.) Lisa Cardon recommending I read Jane Eyre (small ha)
3.) Isla's baby toes
4.) My washer and dryer
5.) This one should really be at the top...Heavenly Father forgiving me and then forgiving me again, and still loving me!
6.) Tim forgiving me and then forgiving me again and still loving me? Ya, pretty sure still loving me.
7.) Ben wanting to go back to school thus re-igniting Tim's little fire to definitely go back to school too. I'm ready!

This one's for you Denise!

2010-09-24T10:40:00.001-07:00

I have an Aunt that has been very sick and since we cannot visit her, I was hoping this cute picture would cheer her up! We love you and hope you are doing better! Denise, I know sometimes Karl's face just isn't enough, so this one's for you! Ha!

2010-09-24T10:35:00.000-07:00

...and this one's for Karl! Ha! Her hat says "I heart skiing" in case you can't see it! You'll have to help me teach her!

My Moon-face Baby

2010-09-23T18:26:00.000-07:00

Here's some current Isla pics. She is getting giant! She seriously changes every week! Isla is almost 5 months old now. She loves to blow bubbles, jabber when she's tired and she only poops when I'm in the tub! True story! Thank goodness she's not in the tub with me! Ha! She's super needy right now and hates to be left alone for more that 5 mins, but I thinks she'll grow out of it. Anyway, we love her to pieces!

Feeling Sentimental

2010-09-03T16:46:00.000-07:00

I got a sweet letter from a friend, and it made me sentimental. So of course you all know that Isla-pants was a hard baby because I've probably complained about it umpteen times, but she is the BEST baby now! She is 4 months old now and I can't believe the difference! She finally likes to play on the floor with her toys and she'll even swing in her swing now! I love it! She sleeps 8 hours every night with only one 1-hour feeding between 2-4 AM! Wow! It's amazing! She is starting to laugh, and she sucks her bottom lip in and out...it's hilarious! Anyhoo, I remember thinking this Brendan James song when it was 2 in the morning and we both hadn't slept more than an hour at a time in days. Things always felt better in the daylight. I wanted to post it in case there are any other hard babies out there:

The sun will rise, the sun will save me

From the night the sun will change me,

Change the way I feel.

I've had enough of the hard and harder

Times are tough, I've drifted farther

Farther from myself.

I won't dwell baby, on my failures

It won't help baby, it won't bring changes

I won't run baby, when all I want is to run

I won't forget the mornings sure to come.

...The love I want, the love I need is sure to come

it's sure to lead me, lead me home again.

Sibling Togetherness

2010-08-19T18:27:00.000-07:00

Travis, Chelsea and I went to Dave Matthews last Tuesday and it was amazing of course. This is my second time seeing him, but first time with the new sax-a-ma-phone player, and he was impressive. He played two saxaphones at once! This picture was after the concert so we are tired and I have a headache from all the marijuana smoke. Ha! We had a good time and I saw Lesli Parson, Heather Low, Mark Rasmuson and Devin Wood, pretty much my entire graduating class!

More Isla-face-pants

2010-08-11T12:10:00.000-07:00

Here's some recent pics of Isla. She's getting so big! She loves-loves bath time! She sucks on a wet rag the whole time and drenches me in water splashing, so I had to take a picture of that too!

Isla Pictures!

2010-07-29T13:22:00.000-07:00

We took her to her 2 month appt. a while ago, and she was 24" long and 11lbs. 14oz. She is almost 3 months now (August 1st)! I'm not going to lie, this has been the LONGEST 3 months of my life! During these last couple of weeks Isla has gradually got better and better, and now I think she is the BEST baby ever! After trying about 4 different things we have finally got her tummy issues somewhat under control! She is sleeping a ton better and is just a happier baby which equals happy mommy!

Post Script

2010-07-19T15:53:00.000-07:00

Denise! I just got the spoons! Tell you mother thank you so much! That was so cute of her, and as you can tell...you're not the only one who would like to see more pics! Ha! Hopefully I can get some up this weekend!

Explaination

2010-07-19T13:55:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I know it's been years since I have posted but life just won't allow it!! We have had some tough weekends with Isla-pants and her tiny tummy which equals all three of us crying, and then our laptop broke! Our desktop is in the basement so I have to schedule time to come down here, and because we traded printers with family I have NO WAY to import pictures. So, all the cute pictures I have taken of Isla's chunky legs and cute face will have to wait until I find a solution. Also...we did have Isla blessed at then end of July and didn't get any pictures taken with our camera, so if anyone who was there wants to share, please feel free. Maybe I can update my blog when I am in Logan next week! Until then, so sorry but I am trying!

Ramble Ramble

2010-06-20T16:34:00.000-07:00

I really don't have anything much to say, except that I think I'm surviving motherhood a little better these days! Ha! We had a hard time with Isla at first, colic and acid reflux are not fun, but we have been taking her to see Monkia Buerger who is a chiropractor and I believe the combination of her adjustments and Isla growing into her body has made a world of difference. She is starting to smile like crazy and recognize Tim and I, and whenever I look at this picture (which come on doesn't she look like a cabbage patch doll) it makes it all worth it!

Pictures by Stevie Croft Photography!!

2010-06-03T15:51:00.001-07:00

Stevie just happens to be my neighbor and friend, and did such a good job on these newborn pics! I love them! If anyone is interested in her work go here: http://steviecroftphotography.blogspot.com/

and more...

2010-06-03T15:46:00.001-07:00

Baby Isla

2010-05-19T15:15:00.000-07:00

Here are some up-dated pictures of Isla-pants cutie face. She is super sweet and fun and a lot of work. Ha! We love her a lot and are super happy to be home. I literally NEVER slept in the hospital being on call for feedings and surrounded by other crying newborns, and when I did sleep I had dreams I was suffocating or living in a house that was barely big enough for me to stand up in. Now I can breathe and hold Isla without being supervised and I love it! I sure won't take these small things for granted. Stevie took some newborn pictures and I can't wait to see them and share them with everyone!

BLESSINGS!!

2010-05-03T18:57:00.000-07:00

What a crazy couple of days it has been!! I did have a baby (Isla), on May 1st at 1:29 AM, which is my Grandfathers 100th Birthday. He was my mom's father and died when she was in college, so I never got to meet him, but I feel like that Isla didn't come that day on accident! She was 8lbs. 12oz. and 22" long! There were some complications, but nothing serious and Isla just needs to stay to finish her antibiotics so we should be out for sure on Friday! Our Bishop, Dr. Smith was our Pediatrician and was FABULOUS! We are so thankful for him!

I just have to say, I think I was somewhat prepared to fall madly in love with my baby, but didn't think I would fall madly in love with my husband all over again. What a trooper! He sure loves his wife and baby and we love him and are lucky to have him! I'll post more later when I get some down time!

Progress in one area...and not so much in another

2010-04-27T18:56:00.000-07:00

So I promised updated photos of the bathroom, so here they are! We got the vanity, sink and floors in and the beautiful tile job you see was done by yours truly!! It was awkward sitting in the tub tiling, so I'm gonna let Tim finish the job! Ha! Now on to the area with no progress... my baby! She is refusing to come! I am not dialated or even close to progressing toward labor as of 9:00 AM this morning! Really? Oh well, I did pray she wouldn't come early so I'm being blessed. I'm really not uncomfortable either! Sure my feet are swollen (note the cankle above) and I can't sleep, but other than that I'm fine! I'm definitely NOT desperate for her to come. I can be patient! I'll work on posting pics of the nursery next as soon as I get things together! YEA!

17 days and counting!!

2010-04-15T12:17:00.000-07:00

Yep, 17 more days until my due date! I'm kind of hoping she comes on May 4th, because it's my Grandma's birthday and she died on my sister's birthday, so I think it would be amazing to have new life on her birthday! Does that make sense? Anyhoo, to give a quick update: We still have no name picked out, my carseat should get here soon (whoops!) as soon as I clean out the closet in the nursery I will have pictures (YEA) and the bathroom is...well...coming along. I was in the Temple yesterday and realized that Adam probably delivered Eve's babies in the bushes, so who am I to complain? Ha! OH, and Tim was beyond wonderful to me yesterday! He made a soak for my feet, then rubbed them then told me he hoped our baby would be as beautiful as ME!! WHAT? Ok, I was a puddle! I guess I still love him! Ha!

Denial? and One Giant Mess!!

2010-04-12T15:41:00.000-07:00

Denial comes first. I have been telling everyone that I am 4 weeks away to my due date, and really I'm 3. Why would I not know that, except that I think I'm in denial! Next my bathroom got torn apart, and so now the bathroom stuff is in my living room and I have a new tub, but no shower, or sink! Tim and Scott the plumber redid all the plumbing and ran into a billion problems (as usual) and we had no water for 2 days, and a huge mess and a layer of dust over EVERYTHING! Not what a pregnant women who is excepting a baby soon wants to deal with. I cried yesterday and prayed and prayed that baby won't come early! The bathroom won't be done for at least another week. My hormones are making it way worse than it is I'm sure! Ha! Tim keeps apologizing and apologizing. What do you do? My mom is coming in a couple of days to help me clean (THANKGOODNESS) and make some freezer meals! Sorry for the complaining! I hate complainers but I guess I just needed to vent! Things are definitely looking up and it will be nice to have a new bathroom and we found an awesome can of Comet under the cast iron tub! Also, I wanted to sent a shout out to the Dimick's for passing the "How committed are you to our friendship?" test!

"Sunday Will Come"

2010-03-27T12:46:00.000-07:00

This was a talk I stumbled upon while preparing my Easter lesson, and I thought it was beautiful! I wanted to share a bit of it with all of you in the spirit of Easter. It's entitled "Sunday Will Come" by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin.

I think of how dark that day was when Christ was lifted up on the cross. On that terrible Friday the earth shook and grew dark. Frightful storms lashed at the earth. Those evil men who sought His life rejoiced. Now that Jesus was no more, surely those who followed Him would disperse. On that day they stood triumphant.

Mary Magdalene, and Mary, the mother of Jesus were both overcome with grief and despair. The superb man they had loved and honored hung lifeless on the cross. On that Friday the Apostles were devestated. Jesus the Savior- the man who had walked on water and raised the dead- was Himself at the mercy of wicked men. The Savior of mankind was humiliated and bruised, abused and reviled.

...but the doom of that day did not endure.

The despair did not linger because on Sunday, the resurrected Lord burst the bonds of death. He ascended from the grave and appeared gloriously triumphant as the Savior of all mankind. And in an instant the eyes that had been filled with ever-flowing tears dried. The lips that had whispered prayers of distress and grief now filled the air with wondrous praise, for Jesus the Christ, the Son of the Living God, stood before them as the firstfruits of the Resurrection, the proof that death is merely the beginning of a new and wondrous existence.

Each of us will have our own Fridays- those days when the universe itself seems shattered and the shards of our world lie littered about us in pieces. We all will experience those broken times when it seems we can never be put together again. We will all have our Fridays. But I testify to you in the name of the One who conquered death-

Sunday will come. In the darkness of our sorrow, Sunday will come.

The Girls are back in town!

2010-03-16T19:43:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know that's probably the dumbest title I could come up with, but my brain hurts so that's all I've got in me right now. My mom threw me a shower in good ole Lewiston, and I was amazed at all the support from my friends and Tim's family! I had girls drive from Wyoming, Idaho, Salt Lake, Draper, Orem and Price! Even Logan is 20 mins. away, so I soooo much appreciated the support! I had the best time and I hope they had fun too! This is just a sampling of the cute girls that came! I felt super blessed to have such awesome friends!

I love my Timmy-poo!

2010-03-16T19:36:00.000-07:00

It was Tim's birthday A WHILE ago, but I have been the worst at posting lately, so here it is! He offically turned mmm-mm! It was so funny because it was just me and him, so I felt pretty silly singing "Happy Birthday" by myself, but I also felt like that was a critical part of the whole birthday celebration deal. Anyhoo, I love him tons, and am so happy he's mine!

Oh yes I did!

2010-03-02T17:17:00.000-08:00

So I'm pretty much obsessed with "Get Off Your Butt and Bake". I have made many delicious desserts, and some dinner recipes from that blog, as have many of you, I'm sure. I strongly recommend her coconut bread, and the latest- Hot Fudge Oreo Cupcakes. She always does this to me...I'm doing really good eating pretty healthy, and then I visit her blog and these delicious treats are all I can think and dream about. So, I gave in and made these and they are fabulous!! GOYBAB be the death of me, but I guess I'll die happy!!

Is this getting old?

2010-02-27T10:46:00.000-08:00

I guess I kind of do this for my own selfish purposes. I have only seen two pregnant pictures of my mom. One was when she was pregnant with Travis, and one when she was pregnant with Chelsea, and worked at North Cache and had to get her picture taken with the rest of the administration. I probably won't be this vigilant with my other kids, so bare with me. I'm 7 months, and starting to forget what it was like to not be pregnant. Don't get me wrong, I am enjoying it, but I miss some of the simple things, like running, sleeping, and painting my toenails. I still don't have a name. My brain isn't capable of such a feat. Oh well, I still have 2 more months...thankgoodness! We still don't have a carseat, or the crib put together, or the office cleaned out for that matter! I'll get on that so I can post more interesting pictures. For now, it's just me and my belly!!

Lost In Translation

2010-02-10T08:02:00.000-08:00

My sister Chelsea sent me these hilarious signs that don't quite translate. I posted my favorites. ENJOY!!

What a difference a month makes!!

2010-01-26T18:38:00.000-08:00

I'm 26 weeks now which translates into about 6 months, and I am huge-ish! I grew a lot in a month, almost 10 lbs. to be exact! Yikes! I can't even put into words how amazing this whole experience is! I was a thousand times more terrified to be pregnant than to actually raise children, but to my surprise (dispite being uncomfortable) it's pretty wonderful! Ever since Tim came with me to my 20 week appointment he has been so excited, and very sweet! I cry every time I think of him holding our tiny daughter! What could be more divine? I still get really nervous about my capabilities, but Tim just assures me that we will do our best, and Heavenly Father will help with the rest!

And so it begins...

2009-12-29T18:56:00.001-08:00

I was at the mall today and noticed that Gymboree was having a giant clearance sale, so I thought, eh what the heck? Of course they had super cute clothes, but I wasn't expecting an entire collection with kitties on it! I had to buy some! (Don't worry this will be the extent of my kitten clothes). I have been saving all my "haircut" money since I've know I was pregnant to help pay for the necessities and what-not, and decided a couple of outfits were definitely a necessity. Katie Berry caught me in there and I can't decide what was more embarassing, the fact that I had just crawled out of bed unkempt and void of make-up, or that I was buying clothes so early! Ha!

Christmas Time!

2009-12-28T14:33:00.000-08:00

Here are some random pictures of our Christmas fun. We went to my parents house this year and look forward to going to Price for New Year's to see Mom and Dad Cardon and Ben and Kim and kids! Yea!

Name

2009-12-28T11:39:00.000-08:00

I was writing in my journal the other day, and letting the depths of my soul be documented on paper and realized why I was having such a struggle naming the baby. I never post such personal things, but this is what I wrote:

I'm trying to think of a name for my baby, but honestly nothing seems good enough. How do you name something so much bigger than yourself? What name do you place upon the small wonder that Heaven sent that has changed you forever, that has brought you closer to the Lord, and has made you love your husband more everyday? I guess whatever it ends up being, I'm just thankful that she is mine forever.

Good News!!!

2009-12-17T20:29:00.001-08:00

The Rahlf family popcorn balls came today! YEA!! Best day ever! I look forward to these delicious treats all year long. It's a family tradition for the Rahlf's to make popcorn balls every Christmas and they share the joy via mail. Good thing it only cost them $10 to ship! YIKES! Sorry Ashley!

Almost as exciting as popcorn balls....

2009-12-17T20:17:00.000-08:00

Oh ya, and here's some pics of my ever growing stomach that houses my tiny baby GIRL!!! I am offically 5 months! Yea! Tim reminded me last night that my baby will grow 6x's the size she is now before I give birth, so um ya that's not scary is it? Can I stretch that far? We'll see!

That look on my face says it all.

Family Pictures

2009-12-16T15:47:00.000-08:00

So, these are some pictures that Kelli Johnson of Cache Valley (Smithfield?) took last November, and I couldn't scan them in, so she sent some to me via e-mail! We haven't changed much (except add 10 lbs of stomach on to my pic! Ha!) so I thought I would post them. She did an amazing job and is priced VERY reasonably! (Like I feel like we're stealing from her) I have her e-mail address if anyone is interested in using her!

I did it!!!

2009-12-04T17:52:00.001-08:00

I finally re-arranged the furniture so I could bring my heavy, awkward, fake Christmas tree (which had dead spiders in it that I had to vacuum out) upstairs to fill our hearts with Christmas cheer! After fighting Morgan to stay out of the tree and leave the ornaments alone, I finally got it all done...and then the lights on the top went out! HA! I literally prayed that they would some how magically come back on, but they didn't, and guess what? I do not care!! Who says ALL of your lights have to work? Maybe this could become our new Christmas tradition!

Turns out I'm Thankful too...

2009-11-30T20:17:00.001-08:00

Life for me lately has been the exact opposite of what I'm used to, and never what I expected. I went from being completely immersed in school and hair (like 50 hrs. a week) to being sick, unmotivated and unemployed. Luckily I have been blessed to be over the sickness, but found myself in a muddle of emotions that I didn't expect. I don't want to sound so dismal, so I will tell you now why I'm thankful. I am forever thankful for my Father in Heaven who listens to me complain, and sends the Holy Ghost when I need a hug. I completely see the wisdom of his ways, and am finally thankful for everything I have experienced thus far. I have had the sweetest, most sacred experiences that I don't necessarily want to share, but my testimony of his love for all of his children has increased. I read a scripture today in a completely new light that I want to put in the nursery: "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great." D&C 64:33.

I thought this was funny...

2009-11-14T21:23:00.000-08:00

Tim showed me these, and since I love a good laugh I thought you would too.

Great find at Old Navy!

2009-11-03T14:16:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I walked into Old Navy to purchase some long sleeved T's, and my ears pricked up! They were playing SWV!! Sista's With Voices! I about died! When I was in middle school I was in love with R & B type music for some reason. My tape collection consisted of: EnVogue, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Toni Braxton and of course SWV. I remember turning up my tape player and walking down the stairs of my sister's bunkbed like I was walking down to the "stage" while belting out the lyrics as loud and soulful as I could! I am tempted to re-live my glory days as a diva and find those tapes and blast them in my living room! As the above picture proves, the dream hasn't died!

Cake Wrecks!

2009-10-30T18:23:00.000-07:00

Ok for those of you who don't know I am OBSESSED with cake. I love to make it, look at it, and of course eat it. On my death bed I want a white cake with white butter cream frosting from Babe's bakery so I can eat myself into a delightful comma. In fact I might do that tomorrow...nah, but any way I found this hilarious (and sometimes randy so watch out) blog about professional cakes gone awry. I posted some favorites but if you want the complete collection go to: cakewrecks.blogspot.com

Ok, to start out if you want to be sarcastic what do you do? "Put it in parenthesis"

What the heck?

2009-10-30T18:19:00.000-07:00

Ummm I don't know what these even are. Use your imagination.

More favorites

2009-10-30T18:03:00.000-07:00

Crappily conjoined cupcake kitties

Mutant duck with Botox lips

This is supposed to say "Good Luck at CNU"

OH MY! There IS something in there!

2009-10-10T15:05:00.000-07:00

That literally was my exact thought after seeing those sonogram pics! I knew I was pregnant, but didn't at the same time! Super crazy! Those were taken at 9 weeks and I am offically 11 weeks now! I wanted to wait until I knew what it was to post, but I just couldn't resist!

Just to recap:

Up until recently I have been super sick! All the sterotypes apply to me. I have been living off of cereal, protien shakes, crackers and jello. Every time an Olive Garden commercial came on I would dry-heave! Ha! It's all funny to me now, because I've been feeling a lot better. I only get sick at night now! Thank goodness!

For the first couple of months Tim was sure I was having triplets. Ya, real supportive huh (not to mention sensitive). Why you ask? Because after month 2 my stomach started jutting out! I have no idea why and I'm super self-conscience about it! Luckily there was only one, but that still doesn't solve the "why am I so huge" issue. Oh Well!

They only way to ease my "sickness" is if I was rocking or shaking. I looked like I was going through withdrawlas or something. So, we bought a rocker-recliner which looks ridiculous in our smallish living room that already houses 2 full size couches, a book shelf and T.V. with surround-sound speakers. But again, Oh well!

To end my ramblings I want to give a shout out to my mommy and daddy! My mom calls on a regular basis to make sure I'm ok, and she is coming to take me back to Cache Valley for a couple of days soon! I'm really excited! And now to my sweet, sweet dad! He was so excited when he found out I was pregnant he danced in the kitchen! He is always telling me what a blessing this is, and looses sleep thinking about how fun it's going to be to play with his grandkids! It makes me cry! I have had amazing support on both sides! I am very lucky and very blessed!

Sunsets and Night stands

2009-08-04T18:54:00.000-07:00

Tim and I run at a park near our house and the other night was the most beautiful sunset! Also, I finally got around to painting and changing the hardware on the night stands that we got from Ameritel! I know it's random, but that's life for me!

Ode to Morgan

2009-08-03T20:09:00.000-07:00

Morgan Kitty

2009-08-03T14:29:00.000-07:00

So my life has slowly gotten more and more boring, so to spice it up I give you Morgan-Kitty! She seriously is like having a child sometimes! She is always getting into trouble, ruining things, throwing up on the carpet right before I have to go somewhere, and biting me...kids bite too! Sometimes I wonder why I love her! I guess it's cause she is covered in soft fur and has a cutie-face! I hope you enjoyed the random pictures of her.

Fun Facts:

She makes a noise similar to a goat when she's excited

Her father was a raccoon (we assume)

She loves loves tuna, hates almost anything else

She alway lays on something new we bring home, shirts, shoes, bags etc

She has mean eyes about 70% of the time

She plays fetch with pony tail holders

She puts all her play toys in her water dish
She hides behind doors and when we walk by she bites our ankles

She only answers to "Kiki"

We blame everything on her, the heat, weird smells, dishes in the sink, etc. ha!

Cutie kids...more to come!

2009-07-28T18:15:00.000-07:00

So I took some cute pictures of the kids (Nick and Ashley's) on the beach and couldn't find them! I'm pretty sure they're on Tim's phone, but I found these ones from when I was down in Price that will have to tide you over until I can get the others off of Tim's phone!

Coeur D'Alene

2009-07-28T17:51:00.000-07:00

Tim and I went up to Coeur D'Alene to visit Nick and Ashley (Tim's sister who happened to marry one of Tim's closest friends) and their family: Reagan, Coen, and Ikey-baby. We had tons of fun! It is soooo beautiful up there! We snuck in time for golfing and hiking too. Thank you guys for letting us eat your food, rile up your kids and smother your baby! I miss you already!

The Fray

2009-07-20T10:54:00.001-07:00

It's Like You Were There!

2009-07-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

So Chelsea and I didn't go to Vegas to the hairshow, so feeling sorry for ourselves we ended up going to Jack's Mannequin and The Fray at Usana. I honestly don't know how this happened- luck? but I was on stubhub and got front and center seats for $60/ea. It was super amazing! We got such good pictures because of how close we were, so enjoy it, like you were there!

Salon h. davis!

2009-07-11T18:22:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to show you the salon I will be working at! I have worked with Niki Young (the owner) getting it going, painting, running errands (hopefully a little moral support here and there) etc., and it is finally coming to life! I cut hair there this morning and am super excited about the future!

Well, Here You Go!

2009-07-08T07:38:00.000-07:00

I have become extremely lazy in the picture taking department! I just feel that it has become a burden. I just want to enjoy what's going on around me without having to worry about where my camera is, if it's turned on etc. etc. Ha! So the only pictures you get are from my cell phone in the back seat of my parents car after the car show. You can see my gum that I got from the Lewiston parade, and Tim being annoyed about the picture, then mad! We all had a good time, but it was a weird 4th, because Chelsea had to work the entire weekend, and Travis was on call in Roosevelt, so he couldn't come either!! :( I was way sad, so I ate tons of Casper's icecream to make up for it! Thankgoodness icecream can fill those holes in my heart that missing loved ones leave behind!

Oh Che-Che, What would I Do Without You?

2009-06-30T08:59:00.001-07:00

I brought Chelsea up to IF, to meed Phillip Wilson, #1 hairstylist in the world! We had a good time rocking out in the car too. The next day we went to Lava Hot Springs which has gotten a thousand times cooler since I went last! They have these crazy 60 ft. slides that go across the road! Chelsea made me go on it, and I really almost turned around halfway up! Why am I so afraid of heights? While waiting on a 3ft. bridge across the road that was 60 ft. up, this kid says, "I'm not afraid of shooting off the side, I'm afraid of this bridge falling!" Me too kid, me too! Needless to say it was way fun, but Chelsea demanded that she teach me how to back float, which I of course already knew how to do! Then she picked me up and twirled me around in the water, made me ride on her back, and we took turns launching each other out of the water! What? Am I three? She needs nieces and nephews worse than I thought! I was laughing so hard I almost peed in the pool twice, which would have just dissolved in the chlorine! AHHH chlorine! It's like magic!

Cardon Family Reunion

2009-06-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

Turns out I have no pictures because I was having too much fun! I will tell a funny story though. I was with my other mother Debbie and we were driving up to Grandma Cardon's house and Tim and his dad were out in the garden planting iris. They were both in work shirts, overalls and knee-high rubber boots! Tim only had one strap hooked on his to make the overalls longer. I was laughing so hard! I tried to take a picture, but after the last Kohl's picture I posted he bolted in the house and locked himself in the bathroom, so sorry world! He is being selfish I know! You missed out on at least 10 mins. of laughter!

Road Trip with the Parents!

2009-06-15T13:59:00.000-07:00

So, I went down with my parents to see Travis in Roosevelt. It was quite the adventure! Let me preface this story with telling you that my dad is obsessed with trains, and my mom is the worst back seat driver I have ever seen (and she drives with both feet, so who's she to say?) I know she is just trying to be helpful and watch out for our safety, so it's ok.

Well, it's about a four hour drive, and the whole way my mom would announce every single road side she ever saw, and insisted that my dad drive the truck speed. Meanwhile my dad is driving, controlling the ipod, and honking and waving at all the trains he sees! It was hilarious!

We stopped at this place called "Dairy Keen" to get hamburger's and ride the train. I was laughing so hard I had a hard time taking the picture of my dad! He is so easy-going, I love it! I decided to be brave and ride the bucking train. The sign warns of danger, but it doesn't tell you that if you weigh 3X's the suggested weight it doesn't buck! Whoops! I hope I didn't break it!

The Vernal Temple

2009-06-15T13:52:00.000-07:00

This is the cutest temple I have ever seen. I'm sure you all know it used to be the old tabernacle, which gives it such an inviting, quaint look. We didn't have time to go through, but I am making it a goal to go through it sometime!

Happy B-day Travie-Pants!!

2009-06-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

Travis' Birthday is actually on June 16th, but we celebrated early! Here is the handsome (single) guy blowing out his candles. He is such a good-hearted guy, and has accomplished tons in the just the last couple of years. He has a great job, his own house, and he is super grounded. I am very proud of who he has become. (Especially since we hated each other most of our lives! Ha!)

The next day we went golfing of course! My mom drove the golf cart and told us all how amazing we were! It was a crazy course, but tons-0-fun!

Ride Home Back to Good Ole Idaho

2009-06-15T13:33:00.001-07:00

I swear almost every time I go from Preston to Downey on that lonely stretch of road it is so beautiful I want to cry! It had been raining all day, and I was in the truck with the windows rolled down enjoying the smell, & the green rolling hills, and this was my view! I wanted to just dig a foundation across the street and stay there forever!

Favorite Smells...why? Just 'Cause!

2009-06-14T20:54:00.000-07:00

Lumber yards
Russian Olive Trees after the rain
The way my clothes smell when I leave my parents house
The bathroom after someone takes a shower
Jergen's lotion
Clothes just out of the dryer
Food cooking on the grill
Fireworks
gasoline- sorry, but it's true
Fresh cut pine trees during Christmas

I'm sure I'm missing some, but these are the ones I thought of while taking a road trip with my mom and dad, which I will post shortly!

Look Who I Found!

2009-06-14T20:32:00.000-07:00

I saw this girl wandering around Idaho Falls, and thought hmmm...she look strangely familiar. Guess who it was? Becca! Naw, she was in Rexburg for business and stopped by to see me. We went to a great little Mexican Restaurant- Puerta Vallarta and listened to the cooks sing spanish pop-songs. It was great!

For your information Megan Buck...

2009-06-04T14:02:00.000-07:00

This is what I was wearing! So, um ya pretty much I was wearing a fanny pack! Hehehe!

Tim and Stacey's High Adventure Week

2009-06-03T14:40:00.000-07:00

Tim took me down around Price for my gradutation present. We had the best time ever, as the following posts will explain. It includes, guns, flash floods, & thunderstorms! Who could ask for more? We shot Tim's 357 behind a hill across from his house. I am NOT used to a handgun! We shot 38 specials, so it didn't kick hardly at all, but I could not hit a target to save my life! I definately need more practice.

Goblin Valley

2009-06-03T14:25:00.000-07:00

This is where our adventure began. We played around the "goblins" for a while. They are crazy! I climbed all over them, touched almost every single one, and played in the mud. It felt like potter's clay! I am a very tactile person, so... I Loved It!

Wild Horse Canyon

2009-06-03T14:15:00.000-07:00

So, I had no idea this was a slot canyon! Coolest thing ever! Some drawbacks though: if you are claustrophoic, larger-sized, and don't like wading through muddy water, probably not for you! Guess what! I am 3 0f 3! Nah, I was just claustrophic because there were flash floods all week, and you could still see the water line (well above my head) and it was stormy and rainy when we went. I asked Tim what would happen if you got caught in a flash flood there- turns out you would die. Ok! Well, when the hikers that we ahead of us turned around because they were worried about a flash flood, I pretty much ran the rest of the way back! Here are the pictures, I want to go back soooo bad (when the weather is better!)

What a Night!!

2009-06-03T14:05:00.000-07:00

So Goblin Valley was full, so we had to find somewhere else to camp. We went down this random road, and found a site kind of by the San Rafael reef. It was super hot, so we set up under one of the only trees out there. After we ate went & explored the reef. It was so beautiful! Because of all the rain there were pools of water everywhere! It was cool to stumble upon these natural wonders by just exploring! The picture is Tim near the pools, and a desert flower. Long story short- that night we got caught in an intense thunderstorm and had to throw our tent in the back of the truck and get out. We looked back when we got to the main road and the most severe lightening bolt hit where we were! The thunder shook the truck. I just thanked Heavenly Father we got out, or I would have lost it!

9 Mile Canyon

2009-06-03T13:58:00.000-07:00

Here we are in 9-mile looking at the petri glyph's. They were amazing! I couldn't help but trace the lines the people made thousands of years ago! I felt connected to them some how. I wish I knew what the pictures meant, but we made up stories instead! There was a picture of an animal with tons of legs, and Tim was sure it meant that it was lightening fast! It was fun! I posted some close-up photos so you can see how they did it.

Helper Coal Mine Museum

2009-06-03T13:36:00.000-07:00

So we visited the museum, and it was awesome! It has a ton of history on the Italian immigrants, and apparently my aunt Denise's grandma was a nurse there! I would definitely recommend this if you are ever traveling through! Of course the pictures I took are all salon-related! Here are old clippers you had to squeeze, and an electric permanent waving machine! I was in awe the whole time!