Mike-Kristi-Scarlett

Oh how we LOVE her!

2010-09-13T21:59:00.000-07:00

Here are a few picts. Enjoy!

Scarlett loved feeding the ducks with her little bud Parker.

Bam and the fam came into town for a little vacation and to bless Bailey. Scarlett had so much fun playing with Evy at the park. And it was much needed therapy for me to play with Bam. I seriously have the BEST friends in the entire world. Really though, I am so lucky. Dang, why can't you live closer?
Uh, really Mom?
Yep, I already love the computer.

So sweet.
Scarlett and her partner in crime.
Scarlett and Dylan
Happy 4th of July!
Yep...I'm a cheeser with a cupcake face!!!
Just trying to be like my mommy and putting some mascara on...
We went to the Stadium of Fire with Carrie Underwood as the entertainment. It was PHENOMENAL. Can I please have her legs???
This child could seriously be an ad for Yoplait. She LOVES yogurt. She drinks it straight out of the container.
Skunky and Pay Pay. I was so thankful and happy that one of my bestest friends-Heather and her two darling kids could come stay with us for a few days. We had a blast and Scarlett and Payton played so well together. I sure do wish they lived closer.
I came downstairs one morning after showering to find Scarlett sitting on the couch just going to town on the oatmeal cookies I made.
Scarlett loves corn and will do anything to get it! :)
This girl LOVES swimming. She just puts these floaties on and she goes everywhere in the pool. We are so thankful we have a pool...I can't wait to put her in swimming lessons.

For You Far Away!

2010-05-27T19:25:00.000-07:00

Here are some picts from the last little while for my friends and fam that don't get to see Scarlett. As we all know, I am a horrible blogger. But just thought I'd post these for Bam and Miranda and everyone else in la la land! Scarlett is sooo naughty and in the worst stage with pictures-she REFUSES to look at the camera. No, really. REFUSES. DEFIANTLY. She will look in ANY direction but the direction of the camera. It drives me NUTS. But, what can ya do? Here is my princess. We took her to Disneyland, Sea World and the San Diego Zoo. It was so much fun and she loved it. We went to Cali to watch my little brother GRADUATE from MARINES boot camp! We are sooooo proud of him and it was so special to watch his amazing graduation.

The few. The proud. The MARINES. :)
Scarlett loved the princesses but wouldn't let me leave her side! :) She especially loves Ariel!
She loved Elmo and Zoe from far away, but wasn't too sure about them close up. And she was NOT going to smile!
Scarlett, Me, Nick, Lando, Nat, Suzie (my dad's fiance), my dad
Bug's life. Too bad she wouldn't keep on the 3-D glasses for the show.
Once again, she loved the princesses as long as I was standing right by her. I love the way she is looking at them in all the pictures! :)
She LOVES the healthy smoothies we make.
This is Scarlett and the AMAZING food processor she won us.

Scarlett at Newport Beach.
SOOOOOOO CUTE!!!
She loves to put money in her piggy bank.

Funny pict.

Thank Goodness for Friends.

2010-01-31T21:40:00.000-08:00

Scarlett and Ellie
Me, Nancy, Crystal, Alisha

Dylan :), Lou, Whit, Me, Amber, Kalli
Scarlett, Maycee
Brecke and Scarlett
Me and Miranda
Scarlett and Dylan
My WONDERFUL bunco group. Kalli and Lacey definitely won the coolest ugliest sweater.
Britt and Me
Me and Shannon
Olivia, Brecke and Scarlett
Scarlett and Emilee. They LOVE the pom poms!

Amber, Lou and I don't know who the third person is!!!!
Scarlett and Eli
Drake and Scarlett

I LOVE friends! They are the BEST. I feel so blessed to have all the wonderful friends that I have. When people talk about how they hated high school, it makes me sad because I had the BEST friends in high school-both guy friends and girlfriends. My friends made my high school everything. I really think we had the BEST class. Go LHS 2001. Then that carried onto college. I made the BEST friends in college and I am lucky enough to still be in contact with all of them today. I also made some wonderful friends while I was a nanny back east and at my jobs at DSC and DCFS. And thanks to the married-student ward and our bunco group...I have some of the best friends now. Living away from family makes your friends family. Scarlett is also lucky to have some of the cutest friends. I love to watch her play and interact with her friends and she LOVES to play with other children. So this is dedicated to all of my AMAZING wonderful friends-near or far. Seriously, what would life be without friends? Thanks for all the good times and being there for me during the bad times. Thanks for being my FRIEND! I LOVE you all.

What a doll.

2009-12-13T22:18:00.000-08:00

Scarlett is at such a fun age! She loves life and is the happiest girl! She is sassy and sweet and just fun. Some fun things about Scarlett-

*She LOVES her sleep. Most of the time she sleeps 12-13 hours a night.

*She only has four teeth. Two on bottom and two FANGS on top. Yes, FANGS. She is a vampire. (more picts to come)

*She is the pickiest eater...but wants a bite of everything we eat. She begs by saying "bite,bite"

*She loves to read. She brings me a book and says "boook boook" about every hour.

*She loves her binky and blanky at night.

*She loves to play with her friends.

*She has to pick out her own shoes and always picks her squeaky shoes.

*She looks just like my baby pictures.

*She LOVES to dance and play with pom-poms. Every time the music goes on during Rebelettes, she stands up and dances. When it stops, she sits down and continues playing. It makes practice quite hilarious!

*She is starting to talk a ton! Her favorite word is "Dweet" for treat. She will try to repeat everything you say.

*She "wallops" her daddy when he kisses her and she doesn't want him to. (Walloping is a wack across the face...I'm not going to lie, it is HILARIOUS! She does it like on cue!)

*She loves purses...getting into them and carrying them around.

*She loves to be part of the party!

*She loves to sing and lead music.

Loves Mommy's purse! Lucky girl has Mike's long, skinny legs!
She just loves helping!
Loves cooking with Mommy!
Has to feed herself...
Loves to get in things...
Had a fit when she got the stroller cause she couldn't get in...but she found a way...

For the love of cuteness!!!

Monkey See...Monkey Do...

2009-11-13T08:20:00.000-08:00

Okay for Halloween Bunco, we were suppose to dress up. As usual, I had nothing to wear. So Whit and I decided we would be cheerleaders and I would just get old uniforms from the cheer uniform closet. I was trying them on and I looked over and Scarlett had one on. Funny girl.

RETIREMENT!

2009-11-01T14:07:00.000-08:00

Okay...so this is really old...but I finally made the jump and RETIRED!!! I worked at Division of Child and Family Services for three years as a Foster Care Caseworker. I was Lead Worker and loved my job...but I was burnt out and more importantly, was ready to be home with my baby.

Working for DCFS, I helped parents get their children back. Most of our clients got their children taken away from abusing drugs, abusing their children, and a lot of other reasons. I saw things that I never thought could happen, I experienced some of the most life changing events of people's lives. I watched parents relinquish their parental rights, I watched children go back home to their parents, I fought to terminate parental rights, I watched families adopt sweet children, I was there when the children said goodbye to their parents for the last time, I testified for hours in trials, I reported to the Judge, I held children as they cried, I cried, I watched parents come off drugs and some stay on drugs. I was threatened, lied to, and yelled at on a daily basis. I think a DCFS worker is THE hardest job there is. It is a thankless job and it is a hard job. But I am so thankful I had the opportunity to work there for the last three years. My eyes were opened to the real world, to the drug world.

Somehow, the children made it all worth it. They needed a voice, and I was able to be their voice for three years. But 40 hours a week was just too much. The State doesn't have any part time positions so Mike and I decided it was the right time for me to retire. So I made the jump and haven't looked back! I absolutely LOVE being home with Scarlett and I love doing the things I wasn't able to do in the past year. We love our days which include play dates and lunches. I have become a professional luncher. I go to lunch about three times a week with friends and I love it! :) We go to the park, stay in our pajamas, swim at our pool, play with friends, read books and watch Ellen. Life is GREAT.

The best part about it is I still have an out...I still help with the Dixie State College Dance Team and I am the head coach for the Dixie State College Cheerleaders. So I am still busy...but not as busy as I was. I cut out 40 hours of work a week! I have so much respect for working moms, because it is not an easy task! When working, my days were detailed to the minute. I was exhausted and I was not able to give 100% to everything.

I was scared, but as I drove away on my last day from DCFS, I KNEW it was the right decision. I KNEW that it was time for me to be home. My goodbyes were sad, especially saying goodbye to my foster children. I love every single one of them and they have all left footprints on my heart.

Here are the pictures from my retirement party. One of my supervisors, Tom Kelly had a plaque made for me and wrote the funniest poem for me. He is one of the BEST supervisors I have ever worked for. I will definitely miss my office friends.

Brook, Martha, Tara, Colette, Me, Kathi
Aubree, Lisa, Brian, Me, Amy
Nicki, Me, Kristi P, Amy
Tom doing reading his poem.
My plaque and retirement watch...
Me and Julie laughing at Tom's poem..
Scarlett, Michelle and Nickie

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2009-10-30T14:37:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Scarlett's One Year Picts!

2009-10-26T08:44:00.000-07:00

A little behind...but SOOOOO worth the wait! Here are Scarlett's one year pictures! I wanted a classy style that would be easy to go with any house style...and I couldn't have imagined better pictures! I am in LOVE with all of them and don't even know where to start in picking them out for my house! Here are a few of my favorites! My disk had 146 pictures on it! aaahhh!!! Skye Johansen took them and did a tremendous job! A co-worker's wife made the cake and it turned out just darling!

This is a classic Scarlett look!

I think this is my favorite. I just love her smile and how happy she is.

One Year and Counting...

2009-10-21T14:08:00.001-07:00

Where it all began...Not going to lie...I was TERRIFIED at that point. No really. TERRIFIED.
The love of my life...
Okay, the TWO loves of my life!
Simply Precious.
Love the hair!
A five month difference...
Blessing Dress. 3 months old.
Four months old.
5 months old...
Six months old and first visit to Hawaii. (First of many hopefully :))
Seven months.
Eight months.
Nine months. First visit to Paris. Most likely last. LOL.
So happy. Nine and a half months.
Ten months. Like mommy like daughter. Already sucking in. Already crazy hair.

Eleven months.
Twelve months.
My one year old. Can she be any cuter? What can I say? We love this girl.

HaPpY BiRtHdAy SCARLETT!!!

2009-08-14T17:43:00.000-07:00

Scarlett turned one on Wednesday August 12th. I seriously can't believe my baby is one!!! I am so sad at how fast time goes by. One year old is so momentuous. I can't believe it was one year ago that I was in the hospital having her. She is the joy of mine and Mike's life. We love her like nothing else.

Fun things about Scarlett-

-She loves to "walk" on her knees

-She is walking

-She loves to put my purse strap on her shoulder and try to haul it around

-She loves baby dolls

-She is so sweet and so mild mannered

-She know milk, please, more, kiss, thank you, etc... in sign language

-Scarlett loves to give "loves"

-She LOVES food!

-Scarlett loves to make messes

-She has 2 bottom teeth that are barely sticking out

-She loves her tongue

-She is 18lbs and 29.5 inches

I'm not even kidding you!

2009-08-03T16:21:00.000-07:00

OOOHHHHH Yeah!!!! Yep...I met Kyle Korver. Scarlett met him too! We were at Huntington Beach for Rebelette Camp and just shopping around in the little boardwalk shops and in walked KYLE KORVER! I almost died! I was really star struck! I was shaking so bad I couldn't take the picture! This is how it went down...Kyle walked in. I immediately knew it was him, but I didn't know know. So I started following him around the little shop. We made eye contact about 5 times and he was pry thinking I was a little creepy following him around. I asked my friend to ask for a picture, but she wouldn't (even after I offered her $10.00). So finally, I said, "Kyle" and looked away (just in case it wasn't him) well sure enough, it was him and he said "yeah?" I then said, "I knew it was you Kyle Korver!" I was so excited! I then told him that I was from Utah and Kathleen (my friend) piped in and told him that we are huge Jazz fans. He smiled and asked us what we were doing in Huntington. Yep, I even had convo with him! I then asked him for a picture and he was as kind as ever and said yes. Kori and I then took a picture with him and I asked him if he would take one with Scarlett! He said yes and even kindly waited while I put her bow back in her hair! :) Well, I was shaking so bad that I couldn't get my camera to work and so I told him, "I am so sorry, I'm really star struck!" He just laughed and squatted their patiently! It was funny because all of the workers in the store were asking who he was. I guess if you're not from Utah or Milwaukee you wouldn't really know. But he was kind and gracious and I MET KYLE KORVER!:) Don't worry...the first person I called to tell was Mike!

Look at how cute! He's just looking at her so sweetly!

Scarlett did not care what was going on!

And yes...he is even MORE beautiful in person than on television! What I like about him is that he is so nice and does a lot of charity work and is suppose to be just a good all around kid. I love it when they're grounded and not arrogant guys like Terrell Owens. We need more role models like this for little kids!

Fun Times...

2009-08-03T16:09:00.000-07:00

The cutest cousins ever! Ethan, Taiya and Scarlett...

Have I ever mentioned that Scarlett LOVES to make messes?

Mikey won the gold metal at the Utah Summer Games...Scarlett liked watching him play...

Scarlett and Brecke...the binky babies!

My FAVORITE kids in the whole world!

Random Picts...

2009-07-22T15:42:00.001-07:00

Here are some fun and random pictures from the past little while. Scarlett is getting so big and we just love her so much. She has the sweetest personality and is so smart!

This is one of her favorite things to do...crawl into laundry baskets...pull everything out...and crawl away!

Our sweet thing on the 24th of July...

This is what our summer has been...pool days! I just love taking her to the pool.

This was so funny...Scarlett was being quite so I walked around the corner and she was full on licking the lid of the Oreo ice cream carton!She was lovin it!

She was not happy when I took it away!

This is Scarlett and one of our good friends Chevy. He played basketball with Mike at Dixie College. (Look how long those legs are!)

Chevy is beautiful! He is from Brazil so him and Mike have a lot in common! Mike was basically his translator the first year he was here! Scarlett loves him!

Girls Trip 2009

2009-07-21T08:32:00.000-07:00

(Mostly plagiarized from Crystal's blog...I love copy and paste!:))
I am finally getting to putting up pictures of our girls trip! We had SO MUCH FUN! It was the best weekend ever! We shopped, talked, ate, talked, shopped, ate...so fun! I seriously can't remember the last time I laughed so hard it hurt....or the last time I stayed up until like 5:30 in the morning:) It was great to see everyone again and see that really not much has changed..we're all still crazy! And to say the least, I feel SOOOO thankful to have such amazing friends! I just love these girls!

Cute Nancy and Crystal..

They're bringin' sexy back...Crystal and Ang

Me, Ang and Crystal

Out to lunch...Me, Nancy, Alisha and Crystal

All of us...Bam, Ang, Britt, Me, Nanc, Alisha and Crystal..

Happy Birthday Amber Lea!!!

Alisha and Nancy just relaxin!!!

Britt and me feeling the baby!!!

Ang, Crystal and Britt sneakin' away to get some chocolate...

1/2 of Britt, Ang, Alisha and me...just shopping

Bam has always been unusually tall...those Poulsen genes!

Bam, Nancy, Ang & Britt...

PARIS!!!

2009-07-01T13:19:00.000-07:00

Outside of Notre Dame Cathedral. It was so amazing. I can't imagine the time that it took to build this. The artwork is so intricate and just stunning. Pictures don't do justice.

While we were outside of Notre Dame, a choir of college age boys were singing hymns...it was so cool and made the experience so fun!

Mike outside Notre Dame...

Our FAVORITE thing to do...walk along the bridges of Paris in front of the Eiffel Tower...as dusk came...

while watching the Eiffel Tower light up...

Paris...where do I even begin? When Mike flew into Frankfurt, I picked him up from the airport and we drove to Paris. It was about a 5 hour drive from Frankfurt. Miranda, Ian and Eli stayed home to get ready for their big move back to the USA. They were so kind to let us borrow their car...and more importantly their GPS! Paris was everything I expected. I definitely could have stayed another week there but we did accomplish a lot in the 3 days we were there. My friend Amber who did a study abroad in Paris compiled a list of things I needed to do, how to get there, what to see while there...etc... The list helped us tremendously! We saw so much! And just FYI...we found that French to be extremely kind people! Here's PARIS...

As you can see, Scarlett really enjoyed Paris! :) This happened in every city! This was after a long day in the Louvre...

This is how all the buildings are...

Yep...some Michelangelo...

Recognize this???

The Nike of Samothrace Winged Victory was the most incredible piece of art I have ever seen in my lifetime. It was seriously breathe taking! I could have stared at it for an hour-seriously!

Yep...Scarlett and THE Mona Lisa! It was tiny! So much smaller than what I thought. It was cool to see...but still nothing compared to...

SO INCREDIBLE!!!

Nope...Scarlett wasn't asleep. She just loved the Arch. jk. She was just sick of picts! Can you blame her?

Picts of Wurzburg, Germany

2009-06-10T15:14:00.000-07:00

Caught in the act... One of my favorite things about Germany is their "Eis Cafes"-little ice cream shops everywhere! I ate a lot of ice cream on this trip...

All of the buildings have so much personality!

Eli!

Eating outside...the only bad thing about this is that everyone smokes! So if you sit by a smoker...not fun!

Ian and Aida

It's kinda hard to see but there is a castle up there and a huge wall around it...

Fancy that...Scarlett likes marshmallows too! And yes...we did buy them!

The entrance into the city....My little monkey...

These pictures were taken at the most beautiful gardens...

Such a cute family!

Bestest friends!

I couldn't believe how perfect everything was! I can't imagine the hours and work this took!

We went to Wurzburg and Rothenburg during my visit to Germany. They are the most gorgeous towns and I fell in love with them! They have so much personality and the most beautiful gardens and architecture. I hate to say this...but it really does make the US look so plain and boring! I haven't been to a place in the US that even compares to these places! (But don't get me wrong...I do LOVE the USA and the freedoms we are so lucky to have!) Some facts about Germany- EVERYONE has dogs! It is the most dog friendly place...kids take a test in the fourth grade which determines their career-from there they are separated into schools for which they study for that career (yep, that means they don't get a choice!), they are extremely nice & most everyone knows English, it is green green green (forests everywhere), its also green as in go green-they are one of the most energy efficient countries in the world-recycling is the law, they have energy mills everywhere, no one has big cars-little tiny cars like mini coopers are everywhere-I only saw 1 truck the whole time I was in Germany-and it was an American soldier driving it who had it shipped from the States, if you get one-yes ONE DUI you get your drivers license away FOREVER (can you imagine how great that would be for the USA?)...just things I learned while I was there...

POLAND!

2009-06-08T07:45:00.000-07:00

Random...I know! During my trip to Europe, Ian planned a fabulous weekend in Poland. It was about 5 hours away from Schweinfurt, where Miranda and Ian live. I didn't know this...but Poland is known for its pottery. So Miranda and I took advantage of this and came away with some beautiful Polish pottery. Sorry...I can't post any pictures of the pottery...the movers packed it up when they packed up their house...along with Scarlett's flip flops!:( These pictures were taken in the town square in Warsaw. It was so pretty and the buildings were amazing. They looked fake and they looked like little paper cutouts. I was amazed at how unpopulated Poland is. Driving into the country was beautiful-so green and the cutest houses. I'm glad I got to go to Poland because I don't think I'll ever have the chance to go back!:)

GERMANY...

2009-06-02T07:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know I always say this but I am really so behind blogging. It has been a crazy ride with work, dance, cheer, work, baby, husband, work, baby, husband...etc. I am super busy, but I love it! I am busy...but I am not complaining! I think it is funny when people are complaining how busy they are because I heard a great quote in Relief Society a few months ago that I feel is so true...YOU ARE ONLY AS BUSY AS YOU PLAN TO BE. I love always having something to do...I feel like I get so much more accomplished that way. But if you know me I am a huge procrastinator...hence the blog. But...here it goes... April and May were crazy months! I had Britt's wedding in April and my little sister Natalie's wedding in May (picts to come as I get them....) Both weddings were amazing and couldn't have been better. Three days after Nat's wedding, Scarlett and I hopped on a plane to Frankfurt, GERMANY where we visited a friend for two and a half weeks! It was so much fun. I know, a lot of people think I am CRAZY for taking a 9.5 month old across the Atlantic on a 16 hour plane ride (by myself on the way over) But it was totally worth it! Scarlett did just great on the plane ride-I had so many people tell me what a great baby she was. We had such a great time and it was so good to spend time with Miranda, Ian and of course Eli. Scarlett already misses him! She loves to play with kids and just loved Eli! Besides Germany, we also went to Poland and when Mike came over a week after me we went to Paris. AMAZING. I LOVE to travel. I love to see different cultures and different ways of living. Germany is amazing. It is probably the most beautiful county I have ever been to. I didn't know I would love it that much. I have been there before but I had really only gone to Berlin. Miranda was able to take me all over Germany & I am so thankful for the wonderful host she was! I'll start out with Germany... (I don't know why it is underlined!?!?!) Me and Miranda

Yep...the whole time all Scarlett did was pull her bow out! She was so proud to show me & Miranda everytime she ripped it out!

This was at a beautiful garden in Dresden, Germany...

How cute are they? Ian, Eli and Miranda! Eli was not up for pictures and Scarlett followed suit...

Happy Easter!!!!

2009-04-16T14:33:00.001-07:00

Easter was so much fun this year! Scarlett had so much fun Easter morning and she just loves her Easter dress! Mike and I made Easter dinner and had some friends over to celebrate since our families don't live here. The dinner turned out pretty tasty...but I was still missing Grandma Gene's food-nothing compares!!! I am still so behind in the blogging world...but what have ya? Here's Easter....

Scarlett was so excited to see her presents!

She loved her Easter card...

Scarlett loves cereal! She is little miss impatient though when it comes to me preparing her food! Once you do the sign language to "cereal" or "eat" or "milk"....GAME OVER!!!

What a princess!!!

She is still a mommy's girl and I LOVE it!!

Just chillin by her presents! She looks sooooo big!!!

Opening her present...

Okay, okay...she was not having the bunny ears. She thought they were fun for like one minute. She was totally scuzzing me and Mike! :)

Scarlett and her friend Tyce! Oh man trying to get an 8 month old and a 14 month old to hold still and both look at the camera at the same time...impossible!

After a long day....

Are you kidding me??????

2009-03-17T14:56:00.000-07:00

Seriously......

I mean, I know this is going to ruffle some feathers but this is my blog so here it goes...

Are you kidding me?

Our Treasury Secretary of the UNITED STATES of AMERICA...yes...AMERICA...didn't pay all of his taxes. He played dumb like he didn't know he was suppose to and was still put in as the TREASURY Secretary of the United States. Shouldn't that give you the clue that he isn't bright enough to be in that position in the first place? Then, he lets this AIG scandal happen? I mean, Obama really knows what he is doing. He chose a great Secretary. And Obama? He was obviously a great choice as well. My taxpayer money rescued AIG and then they payed their employees up to 6.4 million plus (EACH) in BONUSES...after the bailout????!!!!! Am I dreaming or what? Please...tell me I am dreaming!!!!

Happy Belated Valentines!

2009-03-05T15:49:00.000-08:00

Here are Scarlett's six month pictures (courtesy of the one and only Serena R. Martineau)! Life got busy at 6 months! Scarlett started crawling and hasn't stopped. She is everywhere! Not to mention two days after she started crawling, she started to pull herself up onto furniture and taking steps. Everyone told me that six months pictures are the best because they can only sit and can't crawl yet so they just look at you and smile....yeah right! It was so hard to get some pictures because now that she can crawl, she is so interested in the world around and wants to be everywhere!

Lucky for her she is built like her daddy...tall and skinny... 14 pOuNdS 6 OuNcEs... (22%) 26.5 InChEs... (79%) It is so funny to watch her move everywhere because she is so tiny. She is the sweetest thing in the world and I can't imagine my life without her. I can't believe the joy she brings into our lives!

Scarlett's Nursery

2009-02-11T07:53:00.000-08:00

My sister keeps bugging me to see Scarlett's nursery...so here it is. Small but sweet. It is definately my favorite room in my house. We take great pride in it because we did the bead board on our own. Okay, Mike did the bead board on his own. I helped for 2 hours and was DONE! I can't believe how much time it took but it was totally worth it!

A Day in the Life of THE OFFICE.

2009-01-28T08:49:00.001-08:00

I LOVE The Office. I really think it is the funniest show ever! The only bad thing about it is that it is on the same time as Grey's, and I love Grey's a little more so I just buy all the seasons of The Office. I mean, seriously, who cannot LOVE Dwight? I think I love The Office because its like my office! No joke. We have some real guidos here.

Kinda Fun. This is what we do all day at work. No, just kidding. Just most of the day. Love working. Here is our IM coversation. Can you tell I'm bored right now? The pathetic thing is I have a million things to do....What have ya? The bottom part is the best if you just want to skip down to when Tiff falls asleep...

Tiffany Boyer: Why hello Kristi shaw I'm so glad your online now
Kristi Shaw: I love our online conversations.
Tiffany Boyer: i know me too it's so fun
Tiffany Boyer: I hate that everyone in the office knows when were online and when were not
Kristi Shaw: Thats why you just leave yourself online all the time. They never really know...
Tiffany Boyer: ya thats what I do
Kristi Shaw: I mean, it's not like we have office phones to page each other. Budget Cuts.
Kristi Shaw: We aren't worth $10 to them.
Tiffany Boyer: I mean it;s not like if I'm being attacked from the back door that I'm going to be able to hurry and get online and type HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kristi Shaw: Sorry about your bad luck. I hope I'm not in your office when you are getting shot.
Kristi Shaw: But I will sue the state for you, don't worry.
Tiffany Boyer: Thats what I like to here, you always have my back when it comes to sueing this stupid state job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tiffany Boyer: I just fell asleep on my desk
Kristi Shaw: I've been looking at blogs since I've been here.
Kristi Shaw: lol
Kristi Shaw: no really. I have.
Tiffany Boyer: love it
Tiffany Boyer: I"ve been sleeping
Kristi Shaw: even better. I'm laughing again.
Tiffany Boyer: i think I have a mark on my head
Kristi Shaw: stop making me laugh out loud
Tiffany Boyer: my door was opening to and my mouth fell open
Kristi Shaw: sick.
Kristi Shaw: stop
Tiffany Boyer: i know thats what woke me up
Kristi Shaw: stop!!!!!! My stomach hurts.
Tiffany Boyer: lol
Tiffany Boyer: i'm to tired to laugh right now
Tiffany Boyer: laugh*
Tiffany Boyer: my eyes are still adjusting
Kristi Shaw: I'm laughing cause I'm delirious.
Tiffany Boyer: ya thats for sure
Kristi Shaw: Come over here.
Tiffany Boyer: k
Kristi Shaw: I have a CFTM in 18 min
Tiffany Boyer: on the phone hold on

No, Really!

2009-01-28T08:44:00.000-08:00

Aren't those eyes just MESMERISING?????

5 MONTHS OLD!!!

2009-01-22T14:57:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that my baby is already 5 months old! These past five months have been the best months ever! She is getting so big! She scoots everywhere now, it is so funny because she is soooo small! On Monday she got on her knees, and on Tuesday she started to rock back and forth on her knees so I think she will be crawling soon. She is close to sitting up as well. Like I said, I can't believe it has already been five months. The time goes by way too fast. Here are her five month pictures that the talented Serena Martineau (http://www.simplyserenityphotography.blogspot.com/) took! Don't worry...Scarlett still won't smile for the camera.

I am still the worst blogger, but going back to work full time, housework and being a mom has definitely thrown me for a loop! I'm trying to keep up on it all, but blogging isn't a priority...but I'll try to be better. I'll hopefully get Christmas posted soon. I was just so excited about these darling pictures!!!

New Year Resolutions...

2008-12-29T09:47:00.000-08:00

I need some help... one of my biggest New Year's Resolutions is food storage. I want to build up my food storage for the scary times. I am looking for any resources which will have good outlines of what I need to buy each month. I was getting handouts at church, but haven't lately. If anyone has any good resources (printouts, blogs, websites, handouts, ect) regarding food storage, please let me know! Thanks for your help!

Update...

2008-12-22T09:33:00.000-08:00

Okay, so the lighting didn't work out...I really need to figure out what settings to use for sports...inside a gym...if anyone knows on the Canon Rebel XTI, let me know! :)

Mike played against the And 1 streetball team. He was soooo excited. Apparently, the And 1 team is pretty big. All the ballers where there like Highriser, Spider, ect. I'm not going to lie...I had no idea who they were until Mike showed me on the internet.

Kori, Emilee, Me and Scarlett at the Reb Christmas party

I promise, Scarlett does smile....just not for pictures!

She loves to cuddle with her little giraffe!

Mike was so proud of himself for wrapping her in a Vickings sweatshirt! Scarlett is like- get me out of this crap!

At her 4 month appointment...12 pounds 5 oz and 24 inches long. She has almost doubled her birth weight!

These are always fun....

No Joke People.

2008-12-18T08:59:00.000-08:00

This how much it snowed and SCHOOL WAS CANCELLED!!! (These pictures were take at 8:00a.m.) If it was cancelled every time it snowed this much in Logan, we would have never been in school. PATHETIC. :) Watch out, it's mass hysteria in St. George, UT! You should have seen all the accidents on the way to work...

Thanksgiving...

2008-12-17T09:36:00.000-08:00

Here is a long post of Thanksgiving. I just love Thanksgiving and seeing friends and family. There is sooooo much to be thankful- I could never write it all. I am especially thankful for my incredible friends and family!

Scarlett and Aunt Nattie

Scarlett and Britt

Scarlett lovin on Noelle. Aren't those droopy cheekies cute???

This was fun...Scarlett BLEW out on the way to Ogden the day after Thanksgiving. We had to stop and change her at the Cheveron in Brigham. Love those blow outs. Her little warm bunny suit is sooo cute!

Some of my best high school friends got together for a little Thanksgiving brunch. It was the first time some of the babies had seen each other! It was so fun to see the girls and all the babies.

Parker lovin on Evy...

Not easy getting all the babies to look at the camera....

Aren't they so cute? Parker (Britt's) Ellie (Alisha's) Evy (Bam's) Tyson (Alisha's) and Scarlett

Scarlett spending some time with her amazing great grandma

Mike and Grandma Gene

Ethan, Scarlett and Taiya - Ethan already likes Scarlett better than me. I was on the phone with Brooke one day and asked if Ethan wanted to talk to me. Brooke asked him, and he was dead serious and said, "No, I onnwy want to tawk to Scarwett." Hilarious.

Taiya's first cousin!!!Scarlett with her Aunt Brooke.

Scarlett and her sweet Great Grandma Shaw.

Scarlett with her Great Grandpa Shaw.

On our way up, we stopped and went out to dinner with the Morzelewskis. These girls are just soooo cute!

Lesson Learned.

2008-12-10T12:07:00.000-08:00

Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime. :) I am proud to say that the same smoker client just sat down at the picnic table, smoked, put it out and walked to the trash and threw his cigarette away. Almost a week later and he remembered! Good Job.

And I don't want everyone to think I'm really, really mean...I really did tell them nicely. So nicely that it was creepy. Those of you who know Kori, I did it Kori style. Creepy! :)

Seriously???

2008-12-04T11:06:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting at my desk looking out the window at the beautiful fall day (yep, still fall in St. George) Two clients walk up. Scroungy, dirty, a guy and a girl. Both start huffing and puffing away at their cigarettes. Both sit down at the picnic table in front of my office and smoke for about 5 minutes. Both get up to leave. Both throw their cigarettes on the ground-in the grass, step on them and start walking into the front doors of our office. (Yes, this is the outside area that us caseworkers petitioned for so our clients and kids would have somewhere to have their supervised visits other than our dinky playroom). I think to myself....be appropriate and professional...be appropriate and professional...

I walk to the front office to the lobby area where there is a police officer waiting to be buzzed in and where the clients are just walking in. I approach them with a stern-trying to be nice smile. In my nice-but really not nice voice and tone of voice say..."Do you know what? We have children and families outside playing in that front area and eating on the picnic table everyday. It is not appropriate to smoke out there and then throw your cigarette on the ground-in the play area. I would appreciate it if you not litter anymore and go get your cigarettes and throw them in the trash. Littering is against the law and as I said before, children play out there. Thank you. "

Wide eyed and shocked, they said okay...went back outside...ruffled through the grass and the leaves...picked up their cigarettes and threw them away.

Wide eyed and shocked, the police officer looked at me with the look of-wow, they just got told.

But seriously people, how easy would it have been to just throw the dumb things in the garbage in the first place? Have respect. I was going to remind them of the law of no smoking within like 25 feet of a building, but I thought I would save that for another day. :)

Blessing Dress

2008-11-20T22:29:00.000-08:00

Here are some darling pictures of my baby in her blessing dress. She is so stinking cute! She is so smiley and happy, I just love it! She is getting so big and I can't believe she is already 14 weeks! Of course Serena took and edited these picts! She is amazing...check out her blog!http://www.simplyserenityphotography.blogspot.com/

More Halloween Fun!

2008-11-10T16:12:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more pictures from Halloween week! She is probably blind from all the pictures we took the week of Halloween. She was a pumpkin on Halloween! She looked so cute even though the outfit was huge on her!

Okay, so she looks scared to death in this picture! lol! It was a little awkward trying to get pictures of her...she kept moving around and bobbing her head...then she'd start to fall over! It was hilarious. Needless to say, we didn't get any great pictures in her pumpkin costume. :)

Scarlett and her daddy. Mike dressed up as a basketball player. Real creative.

Seriously, are those eyes not hilarious!!!

She was a chick on Wednesday for my work party. I think this was my favorite costume!Always has to have that binky close by!

October Fun

2008-11-06T21:45:00.001-08:00

I LOVE October! I love the fall temperatures and the changing leaves, the candy corn and apple cider...and I LOVE Halloween! We had a great month and a lot of fun parties and activities. Here is the 17th and 18th of October. Scarlett was a bumble bee for two of our Halloween parties. She looked so cute! It was one of the costumes that actually fit her. I was pretty impressed with this $8 Wal-Mart buy!

Are these not the coolest costumes? I borrowed them from one of my Rebelettes. I forgot that the gorilla was so scary looking!

Korver and Scarlett

Looking hot guys!

Scarlett and Joselyn

Mike and I left Scarlett for the first time to go to the Smith's Halloween party. It was a way fun party, thanks Tawni and Jason-and thanks Joe and Kalli for the awesome costumes!

Mike carved this pumpkin for the party and he won the contest! He's quite the skilled pumpkin carver!

The funniest thing about the night was the Mike got PULLED OVER looking like this! We were in seperate cars and we were meeting in a church parking lot, so I was pulling in just as the cop flashed his lights at Mike. I couldn't help but start cracking up. I thought he was getting pulled over because he looked so creepy! But he was actually speeding. Luckily, he didn't get a ticket. Can you imagine what the police officer was thinking seeing Mike dressed like that? He even called back up! It was so funny.

Me, Serena and Tawni

Scarlett's 2 month STATS!

2008-10-26T20:37:00.000-07:00

Scarlett is getting so big and growing so fast. At her 2 month appointment, she was...

9 pounds- 17th percentile

22.5 inches- 33rd percentile

Here are some pictures I took the day of her appointment. She got one shot that day too. I was so nervous, but it wasn't half as bad as when they drew blood from her heel. She only cried for about 10 seconds...so I was relieved.

4 Tag...

2008-10-26T20:31:00.000-07:00

Here is the picture from my 4th file of pictures...the 4th picture. This is last year on Christmas Eve at my grandma's house. This is with my sweet nephew Ethan who I just love and adore! I love the holidays and am so excited for this holiday season!

Random Pictures

2008-10-20T23:47:00.001-07:00

She is so funny! She gets her eyes so big sometimes, it is hilarious!

Here is little Brecke! She is so cute.
The two little girls having a nap over. Scarlett is peeking-she is a major cat napper. (They love their binkies!)

Arent the shoes the cutest? They are huge...but look so cute!
Out in the carseat...

She is so cute when she sleeps!

Here are just some random pictures from the last little while. I think this has been the funnest time of my life! I love to just snuggle her and lay in bed with her. I love to be with her all day and all night. I cannot believe how much she has changed our life. She has been growing so much-too much too fast. She has rolled over three times...two times front to back and tonight she rolled from her stomach to her back! My doctor said it was pretty early to roll so we are wondering if it was a fluke! :) Anyhow...the time is going by too fast!

Scarlett's Blessing

2008-10-20T23:02:00.001-07:00

Scarlett with her cousin Taiya
Mike, Hayley, Beth, Brandon, Brooke, Me, Sharon and Nick
Seriously, is he the cutest thing ever?

This was the end of the day...I look sick and was exhausted!
With the best grandparents in the world...
Scarlett and her great grandma Gene

She looks like she is scared of the camera...but really she is probably just sick of it!

We decided to bless Scarlett up north so it would be closer for both of our families. We ended up blessing her in the ward I grew up in-my dad's ward. It was such an awesome experience and Scarlett did great through it! She wore the dress that Brooke (my sister) and I wore...so I thought it was extra sweet! Thanks so much to all of our friends and family who came and spent our special day with us! I haven't uploaded all of the pictures, but when I do I will post them. We didn't get too many good ones because of all the people over and the excitement...but enjoy!!!

So YOU think YOU can DANCE?

2008-10-06T23:17:00.000-07:00

So Amber called me up really late one night and asked me if I wanted tickets to the THINK YOU CAN DANCE tour. She really didn't ask, she just told me cause she knows I am a huge sucker for those kinds of things and would go with her for sure. (Yeah, I went to the Celine Dion concert ALL BY MYSELF in Vegas the last week of her show because no one else wanted to fork out the money and Mike said he would rather just go sit at a buffet all night-It was AMAZING by the way...I started crying on the first note she sang...by far the best show I have ever been to) Anyway...the tour was amazing! I just think of these kids that tried out...probably not really thinking they would make it and now they are these famous dancers...and can do anything they want with dancing-working with the best choreographers in the world. How lucky. Chelsea was by far my favorite...and of course "Bleeding Love"/the suitcase dance was my favorite dance. I don't know how to post the video...but here is the link to see the dance if you didn't see it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypdudrIfdtQ

I cannot believe how many talented people there are in the world. I walked away depressed and wondering what line I got in heaven, because it sure wasn't the talent line. I think I may have been too busy talking and telling other people what line to get into. Dang.

3 week old pictures by Serena!

2008-09-21T19:14:00.000-07:00

Seriously, is that not the cutest face?

These are some pictures that my wonderful friend Serena took of Scarlett when she was almost 3 weeks old. Serena is an amazing artist and has a natural eye for making things look good! Thanks Sis for all your time and talent!!!

My Baby!!!!

2008-09-08T13:05:00.000-07:00

Is that not the funniest face???? She was 2.5 weeks old when she could finally kind of fit into a size newborn outfit. Still big, but it works!!! Look at those long arms!

So alert and sweet.

She definitely has her daddy wrapped around her finger...She loves her daddy....
But she loves her mommy more!!! :) This really is my FAVORITE thing to do...

I cannot believe how much I love this little baby! I don't think anyone can describe it to you. Before I had a baby, I thought I knew how much I would love her, but I had no idea how much you can really love your child. I have never had such motivation to do absolutely nothing as I do now. All I want to do is sit home and snuggle her. She turns 4 weeks tomorrow and I am so sad that 4 weeks have already gone by! I love every single thing about the newborn stage.

Mike's new job!

2008-09-03T20:31:00.000-07:00

On August 1st, Mike finally finished training for Farm Bureau Insurance! We were so excited to have it all done...he spent 8 weeks in SLC this summer doing all of his training.

He is now an agent for the company and sells HOME, AUTO, and LIFE INSURANCE.

If you need any type of insurance, call him and get a quote! He can get all your information and pull up a quote and see if he can save you money and get you covered. He's been able to save a lot of people money and get them better coverage so give him a call and see if he can help you! His e-mail is shawboy84@hotmail.com if you want to get ahold of him that way...

It is sooooo nice to have him done with school and out into the "real" world!!!

One big post...

2008-09-01T21:11:00.000-07:00

After a long day of hard work!

Mike feeding Scarlett with a bottle. She still chokes...its like feeding a baby animal!!!
Two weeks old!!! She weighed 6 lbs 7 oz at her 2 week Well Child Check. She is getting so big!
Happy 2 weeks of life! Her eyes are oily because she got an eye infection and I had to put some medicine on them...

So she loves the bath, but hates getting out!!!
She has Mike's long skinny arms and legs!
Yep, she had to wear the gloves or she would claw her face...

So sweet. She is already changing so much so fast- it scares me!

Pretty in purple!

Scarlett and Aunt Tiffy

2008-08-31T20:59:00.001-07:00

My friend Tiff is due about the 18th of September...and her eyes have been opened since I have had Scarlett! I just wanted to thank you Tiff for all your help and support...Scarlett is thankful to have such a great "aunt" and can't wait till her friend comes! I was a little unprepared since Scarlett came 2 weeks early and Tiff really saved us!

Heather and Payton

2008-08-31T20:44:00.000-07:00

Heather helped me give Scarlett a bath...or should I say Heather gave Scarlett a bath...I was too scared because of how small she is!!!
Scarlett likes being in the bath...but man, she hates it when I take her out!!!
Scarlett and Payton

My friend Heather is one of the most amazing people in the world! She is one of my best friends and drove all the way down from SL to see Scarlett and help me when Mike went out of town! She brought her sweet little girl Payton and her and Scarlett already bonded! Thanks so much for coming down Heath, I love ya!

Coming Home!

2008-08-22T17:18:00.000-07:00

She is so tiny in her car seat!

Thursday was our last day at the hospital! I'm not going to lie...I was so sad to leave! I had the most wonderful nurses who took such great care of Scarlett and me. They were so kind and so helpful. I would have stayed two weeks if I could have! I loved being "pampered" and having someone to help me 24 hours a day. It was scary going home and realizing the reality of it all. I was wondering if I was really prepared for all of it and if I could really do it all! But...we didn't have a choice so we went home...

Photo Shoot

2008-08-22T17:08:00.000-07:00

My friend Serena took these pictures when she was 2 days old and they turned out way good! Thanks Sis!!!

Second Day of Life...

2008-08-22T15:51:00.000-07:00

The nurses just loved doing her hair!
She already has her daddy wrapped around her finger!!!
So sweet!!!
I was exhausted and hurting by day two!!!
Mike was tired too! I think being a labor coach was a little wearing on him! He did pretty good minus the almost passing out during the epidural and then again the almost passing out during labor. But...he does make sure I tell everyone that he did get a second wind and was great after he laid down for about 10 minutes. He was able to cut the umbilical cord and loved watching her come into this world.

Straight from Heaven...

2008-08-21T16:37:00.000-07:00

As I posted before, Scarlett decided to make her big debut two weeks early on August 12 at 1:32pm. She came after 13.5 hours of labor and 1 hour of pushing. She is so sweet and I can't believe how much I love her. I went into the hospital at 3:30am after having rough contractions since midnight. I was so scared and couldn't believe it was the real deal, that I was really going to have her. At about 7:30am I got my epidural which was HEAVEN! I can't even imagine what it would be like to go through labor natural. My doctor came in at about 12:30 and told me it was time to start pushing. I was scared to death and couldn't believe it was time. I don't think I have ever felt so much stress or pressure or have been so scared in my life! I don't think I could ever explain all the emotions and thoughts that were going through my head at that time! Scarlett got stuck with her head about 1/2 way out for about 20 minutes but after the episiodimy she came right out. She is just perfect and we are so blessed to have her in our lives. Here is her first day of life! We couldn't believe how alert she was that day. I had her about 1:30 and she did not sleep at all until about 8:30pm. She was so excited to be here and couldn't sleep after all the excitement! Enjoy...

An Early SURPRISE!!!

2008-08-19T22:37:00.000-07:00

Just letting everyone know that baby SCARLETT LEEANN SHAW decided to surprise us and come 2 weeks early! She arrived on August 12th at 1:32p.m. after 13.5 hours of labor. She weighed in at 6 lbs 5 oz and full of hair! I will post pictures soon!

8 MONTHS-33 WEEKS!!!!!

2008-08-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

Okay, these pictures are for you Alicia, Miranda and Annie! And trust me, I did not want to post this. I hope it shows just how much I love you guys!!! Here is my 8 month picture from the front and side...I know, not very attractive! I swear-pregnancy just makes you feel so sick and frumpy! What can you do though? And for all those that are pregnant, these shirts are the best for pregnancy. They fit great, are comfortable and are only 9.99 at Target. Thanks Bam for introducing them to me. I suggest you try them out!

St. George Shower

2008-08-08T13:51:00.000-07:00

Kalli, Me & Lacy
Tiff, Me & Sleez
Serena, Me & Marci
Brittany & Cruz, Krista, Lacy, Kalli, Me, Brynne, Rachel, Marci, Serena & Tiff
Brittney, Cruz, Krista and Adam

Serena and Marci gave me the cutest shower! Marci has 2 boys and Serena has 3 boys, so I think they were really excited to do the whole pink thing! They made the tastiest food and had the cutest decorations. We had it in Marci's backyard which is absolutely gorgeous. I got some way fun gifts- I just can't wait to use them!!! Thanks so much girls-I loved it!!!!

Therapy,Shrink,Counseling...Whatever You Want To Call It!

2008-06-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

Looking at this picture, would you assume that anyone needed therapy? Let me describe each one of these girls by their picture...
Amber- Dreaming of why she left Las Vegas to become a school teacher where people think she
is the student (5th grade nonetheless)
Ang-The end of a week sitting through PT school at the U
Britt-Thinking of going back to work on Monday with all the shopping bags to unload before
Bam-Denying any real life personal issues-denying is the key word
Kristi- Knowing that is what her face is going to look like after Mike finds out about the weekend shopping
Britt-Thinking about actually putting Parker on a schedule and letting him sleep in his own bed-and what she felt like on the last day of school
Nancy- Thinking of going home to her sweet little girls and going back to the real world

One thing I have learned in life, especially in high school and college is there is no therapy like GIRLS therapy!!! Need a little therapy? Spend some time with your best friends! Tends to be a little more expensive upfront (if you go shopping that is) but is way more beneficial-and will save you throughout the year!

We had our girls trip in Park City this year. We ate out, shopped, layed out, talked and vegged! It was so much fun to be together. With the rush of today-kids, work, life... it gets a little hard to keep in touch with everyone-especially when some of us live far away. It is amazing that though some of us haven't seen each other in as much as a year, when we get together everything is the same and our friendships are just as close. It was a great weekend and I am already looking forward to next year's trip!

Wow, we're all smiling with no eyes closed! Bam is trying to lick Nancy's ear when she is least expecting it...
1. Bam still has dreams to become the next Catwoman

2. Amber is still trying to be a supermodel

3. Britt B is dreaming about shopping

4. Britt L is giving instructions like a nice school teacher-always with a smile

5. Nancy is listening like a nice school girl

6. Ang is wondering what the crap is going on

7. Parker is scared of Bam and Amber

Ooohhh so cute!
Nope, Amber still hasn't changed. Still hates pictures and likes to ruin it by emotionally abusing everyone in the picture taking process. Nope, Ang still hasn't changed. Trying to make lemonade out of lemons...(creepy!!!)
Once again, Amber still hasn't changed. Trying to lick the nearest person. I think she learned that from someone who likes to go "Skiing." My face literally hurts at this point from taking so many pictures.

Baby Shower...

2008-06-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

Nancy, Alisha, Parker, Britt
Janae, Me, Bam, Amber
Heather, Joelle, Janae, Me- My Dixie Chicks!!!
Amber, Me, Britt, Ang
Britt, Parker, Amber, Me, Bam, Nancy, Ang, Britt (Doesn't Britt, Bam and Nancy look amazing for all having a baby in the last year? Dang, Girls!)

The second weekend in June, my wonderful high school friends had an incredible shower for me! Bam and Britt did an awesome job of planning it and went way out of their way! It was so much fun to see everyone and be able to get together. A few of my best Dixie friends came too, so I had the best of both worlds!!! I got some awesome gifts including a pack and play, bath tub, an amazing homemade quilt, monitor, clothes, bows (Mike is wondering how many bows I have to have...he apparently doesn't realize there are 365 days in a year!!!), bracelets and everything in between. It was so fun to be able to see everyone and spend some time together. Thank you so much girls for the wonderful shower. I loved everything!!!

Sorry for Slacking!!!

2008-06-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I know I am a terrible blogger! I am sorry...we've been a little busy. We closed and moved into our new townhouse at the beginning of June-the same week Mike started training in SLC for Farm Bureau...had a brother leave on a mission...girls trip...baby showers and other things...so bear with me as I try to catch up...

Las Vegas!!!

2008-05-19T09:08:00.001-07:00

Bam and Josh wanted to take a little graduation vacation so Bam planned a fun-filled weekend in Vegas! We thought it was a great way to celebrate our anniversary, Mike's graduation and get a break from real life. We stayed in the Trend West Resort and just played all weekend. Friday night we just went to New York New York and played at the ESPN center, on Saturday we laid out then that night Mike and I went to Le Reve- an acrobatic aquatic show at the Wynn. It was an amazing show! It blows my mind how creative and artistic people are. I wish I was only 1/100 as talented as they are! I would recommend it to everyone. I really was amazed at how creative the producers are and how talented the performers were. Bam, Josh and Ashley & Mark went to Spamlot at the Wynn and loved that play. That night the boys went on all the roller coasters at the Stratosphere and had a lot of fun. I was glad I had an excuse not to go on the rides, not that I would have if I wasn't pregnant. I am the biggest wuss in the world...I get scared on the rides at Disneyland! But the boys had a great time and us girls had fun just hanging out. It is so nice to escape reality every once in a while...

GRADUATION!!!!!!

2008-05-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

I can't believe after 3 years it is finally here! Mike graduated with his bachelors degree in business administration from Dixie State College. I am so proud of him! I think that getting an education is so important and it is something that no one can ever take away from you. I am so glad that he got right back into school after his mission because I think it is so much harder to go back to school once you take a break. It wasn't easy having him in school for three years, but it was worth it. I can't believe how fast those years went by though. I guess a lot was going on with both of us. The first year was basketball, Rebelettes, Dixie, second year was basketball, basketball, basketball (there were A LOT of away games that year-I think like 25), Rebelettes, Snow Canyon Eshelles, DCFS and the third year was Rebelettes, Olive Garden, DCFS, Brazil and everything in between!!! And with basketball and everything else that Mike did, he managed to keep above a 3.5GPA the whole time. He is so smart and motivated. Its kind of scary that we are now both out of the "student" world and we both have to be responsible! Mike is going to finish this month at Olive Garden then he'll start training for Farm Bureau Insurance in June and July. So if anyone needs life, auto or home insurance let him know! CONGRATULATIONS Mike and all the other 2008 graduates!

Graduation BBQ

2008-05-07T12:36:00.000-07:00

We have a lot of friends that graduated with Mike, so to celebrate graduation we had a barbeque. It was so much fun to be able to hang out with friends-it feels like everything and everyone has been so busy lately we haven't had much time for fun! We had it on Tuesday so I think it gave everyone a little break from all the studying for finals. It was a fun night with friends!

So I found out that at Lins (probably anywhere) they can screen print a picture onto a cake! I had no idea until my friend Lou told me about it on Sunday. So I thought I would embarrass Mike and have his picture on a cake just for him! It was hilarious...and he was embarrassed! You can't really tell in the picture, but I was amazed at how good the picture looked!

Here are the graduates! Mike, Chase, Season, Mark & Layth...CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!! Mike and his basketball boys Ryan and Nate. Nate actually makes Mike look short!
Me and Sis...(doesn't she look amazing for just having a baby-not to mention her 3rd child?!?!?)

Serena, Me, Brynn, Jack and Robin

1st Baby Shower!

2008-05-05T13:34:00.000-07:00

I went up to Logan a few weeks ago for my cousin's wedding...and Miranda and Annie-my friends from nannying put together a darling shower. Jackie was in town from Massachusetts, Alicia came down from Pocatello and Miranda hadn't left for Germany yet so it was perfect timing. I also got to see cute Kristen who I haven't seen forever! It was so good to hang out with them and spend some quality girl time together (Jackie's boyfriend Eddie was there, but he fit right in!). I don't miss nannying...but I definitely miss the friends that I got to play with every day while out there! I got the cutest stuff at my shower and it made me so excited for my little girl! Thanks girls, I loved it!!!

Rebelette Review

2008-04-23T16:13:00.000-07:00

Me and my family...minus Mike...
Me and Natalie...I know...she dyed her hair dark! Now I'm the only blonde out of us girls!

So I know I am a horrible blogger...but it is hard to keep up on it when I don't have kids (so I'm not always taking pictures...but just wait till I have my little girl) and we live a very boring life. So I thought I'd do some back posting. Here are just a few pictures from the Rebelette Review. Okay, so not to brag or anything...but I think my dress is cute. I feel okay saying that because A. I didn't design it and mainly because B. It was only $26.00 yes, that is not a joke. $26.00 in the designer section of Dillards. I got it towards the end of January so it was an after Christmas/New Years sale. I couldn't believe the price myself! I don't think I have ever bought a nice dress that cheap, not to mention such a cute one! I love sales-I swear they make everything cuter!

It's a GIRL!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-28T10:42:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's right! Our baby is a girl! We are so excited. I am not going to lie, Mike is still in a little state of shock. He was determined and sure it was a boy! He was actually the first to notice it wasn't a boy...he saw her little thighs and legs and told our ultra sound girl, "There isn't a wiener!" She then said, "No, it doesn't look like it." I then said, "It's a girl." I started to cry and Mike kept repeating, "There isn't a wiener." It was hilarious. He then saw something tiny-like a little speckle between her legs and asked if it was a "wiener" but to his great sadness, she said, "No, they are much bigger than that!" And then it was official...IT'S A GIRL! I am so excited to have a girl. Girls are so much fun and so sweet. I want a boy too...but I am excited to have a girl first. I just know Mike is going to fall in love with her so fast and be rapped around her little finger! We went to straight to Old Navy and got some cute dresses and outfits and the outfit Mike picked out said, "Daddy's little sweetie." He may be playing hard, but I know he is already falling!!!

Thanks Clenece!!!

2008-03-28T10:40:00.001-07:00

One of my close friends, Clenece Thompson changed my blog layout so it is finally cute! She is an amazing blogger and even a more amazing friend and I appreciate the time she put into helping my poor blog! Thanks Clenece!!!

Tagged

2008-03-18T10:06:00.000-07:00

I've Been Tagged!

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
Ten years ago I was 15 years old and was either at the end of my freshman year or in my sophomore year of high school. Back then we were drooling over the older boys (pathetic, I know) dressing up in stolen old basketball uniforms, breaking into the old gym while pigeons chased us, driving without a license, sluffing school having nap-overs and jumping on the trampoline. Man, those were good days!

2. Five things to do today...
1.Make it to work by 9am to supervise a visit
2. Write a court report
3. Turn in a court report
4. Watch the BIGGEST LOSER (best show ever!)
5. Eat, eat and eat...

3. Favorite Snack-
4 months pregnant...anything I can get my hands on right now! I am really obsessed with Otter Pops since me and Tiff bought some last week and Marshmellow Blasted Fruit Loops!

4. What would I do if I were suddenly a billionaire?
Build my dream house (which includes a swimming pool and possibly a Nordstrom), Buy Mike his big truck,buy a private island, travel, travel, travel, shop, shop, shop, buy my friends and family new houses by mine, donate to good causes like Make A Wish, children's cancer research and orphanages, adopt some kids, send less fortunate kids to college, the list is ENDLESS!!!!

5. Name Three of your bad habits--
1. Picking my lip
2. Getting anxiety
3. Being messy

6. Five jobs I've had:
1. Nanny (refer to Nanny Diaries for further details)
2. High School drill coach (refer to When Committing Suicide is Okay)
3. College Dance team coach
4. Social Worker for Division of Child and Family Services (where I learned that everyone is always lying)
5. Admissions Advisor/Recruiter for Dixie State College

7. Five things people don't know about me-- Well...I don't keep a lot in so most people know a lot about me...but...
1. I have social anxiety in St. George (refer to high school drill coaching job- this is something only Abby truly understands)
2. I love the Biggest Loser and cry about every week while watching it (man, their accomplishments!!!)
3. I have anxiety about becoming a mom
4. I hate-and am scared of balloons
5. I am really shy until I get to know someone well

Who I'm Tagging.... Alisha, Brittany, Crystal, Abby, Serena, Tiffany

We're Pregnant!!!!!!

2008-03-18T08:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know this is old news to most...but I decided it it time that I finally post it! Right before Christmas Mike and I found out we were pregnant (I had to take 4 pregnancy tests to believe it myself!) No, it wasn't a surprise...we decided that we were ready for a baby anytime Mike was done with school which is in May. I am now 17 weeks and find out next Thursday what we are having and we can't wait! Of course Mike wants a little boy and I really don't care...as long as sometime I get one of each. I'm kind of in that stage where you can't tell I am pregnant, but I have definitely gained some weight. I had no idea how hard being pregnant was and how tolling it is on you. I never understood morning sickness until I was basically crying in bed begging Mike to bring me food the second I woke up. But luckily, I am getting over it. I usually get sick only once in the morning now and not throughout the day and night anymore. I am lucky that I have a flexible job (I don't think I made it in work before 10:30 the first 3 months I was pregnant) and a helpful, patient husband. So our due date is around August 24th...sadly I cannot think of a more miserable time to be pregnant in St. George...but I guess I'll have to deal with it! But we can't wait to start our family and everything that goes along with it. Stay tuned for next Thursday to find out what we are having...any guesses?

Brazil

2008-03-03T09:16:00.000-08:00

Okay...so this trip was in November...but it was the best trip ever so I wanted to put up some pictures! Mike really wanted to go back to his mission, so we planned a trip to go back to Brazil. We decided since plane tickets were so much and the airplane ride is forever long(17 hours) we would stay for 2 weeks. The first week we went to Sao Paulo, Rio de Janiero and Iguassu Falls on the Brazil and Argentina side. We just toured around and I got to meet a lot of people from Mike's mission. They are the kindest, most humble people and I felt so blessed to meet them. Sao Paulo is huge-it is the 3rd largest city in the world. New York, LA, Boston, Seattle all seemed so small compared to it. I didn't care much for Rio-it was too scary. The people there had a whole different aura compared to the people in Sao Paulo- and it wasn't good. Rio is considered the most dangerous city in the world. After Rion, we went to Iguassu Falls. Iguassu Falls is amazing. It is one of the 7 wonders of the world and it is a wonder! I would recommend everyone to go there someday. It really is a testament of God's beautiful creations on earth. It was fun to go to Argentina for a day. It is way cheaper there, it was three pesos to a dollar so our meals were cheap. I even got an amethyst (my birthstone) and a blue sapphire to someday(when I am rich) put into a ring and/or necklace.

The second week we spent at a Marriott Resort in Costa da Suipe which is like Hawaii or Cancun but way better. It was beautiful and so fun to spend a week on the beach with just me and Mike. It was so sad to come home and face reality! I already want to go back and like I said before, I think everyone needs to go there! So I hope you enjoy the pictures!!!

Brazil

2008-02-29T16:13:00.001-08:00

A tribute to President Hinckley

2008-01-28T16:24:00.000-08:00

Wow! What an incredible man. I was incredibly sad to hear of his passing, but I feel so blessed to have had him as our living prophet for so long. I cannot imagine the reunion he is having with his wife right now. He has been the prophet since I was around 12 so he is the prophet I feel I have come to know the best. I am so thankful for the lessons he has taught us and I am thankful for the inspiration he was to me as well as to so many other people around the world. He was the true and living example of charity and service. He will remain in my heart forever.

The Temple

2008-01-28T15:47:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I think this is the funniest thing that has happened in my marriage, and I am sure Mike's most embarrassing moment of his life!

So I have this Rebelette (Nichole) who kind of looks like me (but she's way cuter)- short blond hair, tall, kind of the same body...well anyway, we were walking up to the temple after the North Shore to take some pictures. Mike was behind me and on his cell phone. Okay, so I love Mike to death but he is not the best multi-tasker, especially when he is on the phone. So, he was behind me and I called him to come up close to the temple so we could get some pictures together. Well, Nichole was following behind me walking up to the temple. Unfortunately for Mike, we had the same cover up on. So he totally thinks I am Nichole and goes up to her and starts patting her butt! She looked over and saw it was him-Mike just chatting away on his cell phone. So she starts tapping him on the shoulder to let him know it is her, but he thinks its me tapping him so he starts tapping more and starts cupping her bum!!! Finally she had to basically grab him and shake him and he finally looked over and almost died!!!!!!!!!It was so funny, I happened to turn around and see the tail end of it and you should have seen his face, it was priceless! He was so embarrassed and he wouldn't get off the phone cause he didn't want to face anyone. I don't think I have ever seen him so embarrassed in his whole life. It was hilarious, I don't think we'll ever forget it!!!

North Shore

2008-01-28T15:27:00.000-08:00

Okay...totally cheesy...I know....and we were totally laughing!

My handsome husband!

The girls getting pumbled by the waves

The North Shore was for sure my favorite day. It is the most gorgeous beach and has awesome waves. I couldn't believe how my girls would just throw themselves into the crashing waves and get pumbled (as well as Mike of course!). I enjoyed sitting back and watching them! After the beach we went to the tastiest sno cone shack called Motzimotos. It was pretty funny cause we ran into some people that we knew from Logan there. Small world...

Hanama Bay

2008-01-28T14:50:00.000-08:00

At the top of Hanama bay...look how blue the water is!
Me and my sister Natalie

After we went to Pearl Harbor, we went to Hanama Bay. Hanama Bay is suppose to have some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii. It was a fun, relaxing day at the beach. It is really gorgeous and the girls had a blast there.

Pearl Harbor

2008-01-28T14:42:00.000-08:00

The whole team...aren't they cute?

On Sunday we spent the day at Pearl Harbor. I have been there before, but each time you go you learn different stories and hear of different experiences of the men and women that were there during the attacks. It is the most sacred and peaceful place. It is unreal that you can still see the oil in the water from the ships that were sunk or burned. It makes me so thankful for the men and women that gave their lives for us there. I can't even imagine their bravery.

Hawaii!!!

2008-01-28T13:47:00.000-08:00

I love Hawaii and I especially love Hawaii in January. Since Dixie is now in the PacWest conference, the basketball team plays in Hawaii. We thought it would be a great opportunity for the girls to be able to perform over there (okay-and play) so we did a lot of fundraising and were able to take the whole team over. It was also Mike's Christmas present and it was a great one! We went over there from January 4th-8th and the weather was absolutely perfect. Sadly, the boys team got killed at both games...but that definitely didn't stop us from having a blast. We went to the international market, swap meet, Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, Hanama Bay, North Shore and a lot of other fun places.

Let it Snow!!!

2008-01-09T17:10:00.001-08:00

This is exactly why I love to live in St. George! I have to admit that I do love the snow, but only for a few days. It was fun to be in Logan for Christmas, but I was ready to head back to the nicer weather of St. George...

Bam's Shower

2008-01-09T16:55:00.000-08:00

I was so excited to get together with all of my high school friends for Bam's shower. It seems like we only get together at Christmas since everyone is lives so far away. We were missing a few friends, but I was thankful to see everyone who was able to go. Bam got some fun gifts and good mommy advice. It was fun to see her so pregnant! Sometimes it isn't real to me that she's having a baby because I've only seen her pregnant a few times. She looks darling though and I know she will be the best mommy.

Christmas Day

2007-12-31T15:54:00.000-08:00

Christmas was so much fun. We woke up early so we could watch Taiya and Ethan open their presents, then we headed down to Mike's parents home so we could talk to Marc (Mike's brother-he's in Mexico on a mission). It was fun to have Nick home for Christmas for the first time in two years. Taiya and Ethan were so excited, we definately love spending Christmas morning with them.

Trying to figure this out...

2007-12-31T15:48:00.000-08:00

All of my high school friends talked me into trying this...they said it was easy but I've already called Alisha like 3 times (in the past 15 minutes) to help me! When she saw my page, she said I should be embarrassed! So don't judge me and bear with me while I start the blogging world...enjoy!!!

I'm just starting....

2007-12-31T15:31:00.000-08:00