Our Little Family

Washington Trip

2011-07-03T09:43:00.000-05:00

(When I posted yesterday I messed up the order and it bugged, so I had to fix it)
In June we took a trip to Washington. The last time we had been there as a family Adam was 11 months old. It was high time!! We had so much fun in Washington. We went to the zoo, on a ferry to Vashon Island, Snoqualmie Falls, and we thoroughly enjoyed the cool weather. The boys loved running in and out of the house because they could actually play outside and not be sweating. I loved having bbqs outside and eating yummy food. So glad we got to go!

May

2011-07-02T12:36:00.006-05:00

May was a fun month: school got out, Adam got his cast off, father's and son's campout with tons of rain, and mother's day.

Before we left on our trip to Washington, we spent some fun days with friends at the library, McDonalds andn tried out the Cookie Haus in town. It was yummy and the boys loved it because they got to pick out exactly what cookie they wanted. We went to the neighborhood luau at the pool. Brody played in the little bit of water that was at the bottom of a bouncy blow up waterslide and got so mad when I took him away from it. But, it was gross and he was drinking it!

One of the boys' favorite thing to do is take silly pictures, they also did a puppet show for me:)

Halloween 2010

2010-11-03T14:49:00.003-05:00

The boys had a great Halloween this year. Brody wore Log's hand me down Yoda costume, but it is still cute. Adam really wanted to be Batman, eventhough Billy tried to get him to be something a little more original, and Logan was Captain America. Don't look too closely at the costume b/c I made it...I tried my best. I had fun doing it eventhough it probably cost as much as buying it, the hope is that it will last longer this way b/c he will wear it every day! They had fun at the ward trunk or treat and at a friend Halloween party. They got gobs of candy and guess who else has been eating it? Me! Not good!! Brod has discovered how much he likes candy--also not good!

We also went to the pumpkin patch for preschool. Logan always has a good time, but by the end he is tired so he always wants to go home and tells me he didn't have fun. He is just a stinker sometimes! He decorated a pumpkin and we went on a hayride. I was tired by the end, luckily it wasn't hot!

Birthdays!

2010-11-03T14:00:00.001-05:00

All our bdays are fairly close together. Adam turned 6 this year. He chose to have a Transformers cake (one of the easier ones to make). We also went to Austin's Park and Pizza and had fun riding bumper boats, the cars, and climbing the wall. The pizza was definitely the downside. Billy actually heard they changed the name to just Austin's Park b/c the pizza is so bad! :)

Next was BG's bday, that's what we call him, or just Beege. He turned 1. Poor little thing was sick on his birthday. He had a really bad sore throat and owies in his mouth. He wasn't much for eating his cake. Since then he has come to LOVE cake! It was a low key day at home.

Logan just celebrated his bday in October turning 4. Again, he just wanted to have a family party. He got lots of Star Wars guys and Bionicles. The Star Wars are definitely a favorite at this house, but Billy has to hide the small parts so the boys don't lose them and so BG doesn't get them. Logan chose a clone trooper cake and it was a little more difficult. Again, don't look closely cuz it isn't that good, it is just something I have fun doing.

We're still here!

2010-11-02T15:30:00.001-05:00

It has been forever since I've posted. I wasn't feeling too inspired on blogging for the past year. So much happens in a year, so it is kind of sad I haven't posted those things so we can remember them, but what can I say? I'm lazy!

Billy started a new position with his company a month or so ago, which also means a "new" truck. He got a black, unmarked truck. It isn't new by any means, but he was just glad to get rid of the yellow truck and not be a driving billboard. As for me, I don't really care, it was always easy to find the truck, now I actually have to remember where I park if I drive it to the store:)

Little Man is now a year! He is finally walking and I am glad. It's frustrating having a baby who can't walk, and plus, now he is much happier!

More recently I've been redecorating the downstairs. I was so tired of the red decor I had in my house. I enjoy decorating, doing crafts, and sewing, but sometimes I don't feel like I'm that good at it or all that inspired. It would be so nice to have my mom or sisters here to help give me ideas. Luckily there are so many blogs that I have found ideas/inspiration from. I've had fun buying new fabrics and sewing curtains and pillows. One thing I've gotten into recently is going to thriftstores to look for accessories or furniture. I never thought I'd like it, but I have fun trying to find something that I can either transform (paint) or use in my house for very inexpensive. Granted 95% of the things I come across are horrible, but there are some good things out there. I found a little entry table on craigslist a few weeks ago and painted it, it was pretty fun. Now, I am planning to paint the kitchen table.

Anyway, maybe I'll be better about posting this year!

Halloween '09

2009-11-30T16:28:00.003-06:00

Okay, this is WAY after the fact but I just wanted to post a few pictures to remember it. Our boys love to dress up and they pick their costumes throughout the year, but it changes all the time. Once they decide and I make/buy it then it is locked in. Poor Adam was sick on Halloween. We found out he had pneumonia on Halloween. He'd been sick for awhile and I finally decided it was time for him to go to the dr. and then we found out how sick he really was. He still wanted to go trick-or-treating but he was tired much fast than he normally would have been, which was probably good news for Billy. We did miss out on the Trunk or Treat festivities but that's the way it goes I guess. Billy and I even went to a Halloween party. We had fun dressing up. Last minute I decided Brody also needed a costume so I whipped one up real quick.

Oh and in case you were wondering...Brody was Bam Bam from the Flintstones.

First Smiles

2009-10-17T14:00:00.006-05:00

Brody has started smiling a little here and there. Sometimes he'll look right at you with a big grin and other times he's smiling at something he sees and thinks is cool. I love his cute, little smile. He is sleeping better at night which I will not complain about. Too bad I fall asleep in the chair in his room after I feed him, sometimes 2-3 hours at a time. I am always waiting to get his burps out and then I just fall asleep--oh well.

I took a picture of him and suprisingly he smiled.

Logan's 3rd Birthday

2009-10-17T13:30:00.013-05:00

Logan had his 3rd birthday this month. I can't believe he is already 3. We invited a couple families from the ward over to have cake with us. I was not up for having a party for him with a 5 week old baby. It seems like all year long the boys are already deciding what cake they will have for their birthdays, so we knew for months he wanted a "Diego" cake. I wouldn't say it turned out great, but I tried. I told Billy I was going to tell everyone he made it or that Logan helped, but unfortunately I had to take credit for it. After his friends left he said, "that was fun, having ALL my friends over to eat cake with me." I thought that was very cute and was glad he had fun because he is definitely the shyer one between him and Adam.

these are some pictures that we found on the camera. Apparently Adam and Logan had a little photoshoot of their own.
We love our little Logan. He can be such a sweetheart when he isn't throwing a tantrum. He loves his brothers and his mom. He is always telling me he loves me and that I am pretty. That is always nice to hear as a mom. We are so glad he is part of our family.

Blessing and New Pictures

2009-09-30T16:15:00.012-05:00

My in-laws came to visit and my mother in law and I attempted to take some pictures of the kids. We didn't realize taking pictures of kids--especially babies would be SO challenging. We wanted to take some cute pics of Brody--and some where he had no clothes on. Well, taking pictures of a 4 week old is tough. First he peed and then spit up and then I found poop on my pants from him! Then he woke up and was eating his hand in the pictures. Once I got him back to sleep he had to have his pacifier. I'm not sure when I will attempt to take more pictures again, it was exhausting.

It was nice having family here. It was a great help. I was able to nap and relax and had so much help with the kids and the baby. They did laundry, dishes, baths...it was so nice. I think I need someone to come visit us one week a month...that would be great!

Here are the pictures!

This one he is doing a faceplant

The boys have been really into dressing up...these hats were from grandma and grandpa

the day of the blessing

Brody is here!

2009-09-07T13:36:00.009-05:00

Brody was born August 28th at 12:37 PM. He was 7 lbs 5 oz and 2o inches. Brody because Billy liked the name and he thought it was a good sports name. John is his middle name after Billy's great grandfather on his dad's side who came over here from Greece.

Too bad I didn't have my sister or mom there to fix my hair before the pics, I didn't realize this until the pics were already taken!

So far he is a pretty good baby. Hoping he doesn't get acid reflux like his brothers, but time will tell. The dr. said I needed on to go on the no dairy diet like I did with my other 2 eventhough he hasn't shown signs yet. Kind of frustrating. I wasn't planning to, but she made me feel so guilty and like the worst mom for not doing it from the start. The gastroenterologist in AZ told me I'd need to do it for all my kids back when I found out Adam had it. I don't mind if that's what needs to be done, it's just it is hard, especially if I don't really need to. The boys are adjusting well, Adam LOVES his brother and Logan still has yet to hold him, but he will touch him and look at him. He tells me he loves him and prays for him every night. I'm just trying to get thru all the "fun" parts after you have a baby and hopefully will be feeling like myself here pretty soon. I have a lot of exercising ahead of me to lose all this baby weight!

Pregnancy Pictures

2009-07-23T17:44:00.010-05:00

It's pretty sad that after 3 pregnancies these are the only photos I have of my pregnant belly. Not something I love to have...me in all my fatness, but I thought I should at least get one, right? Billy is out of town so I did it myself in front of the mirror...on a day I actually got ready, those too, are few and far between. So...here they are. Not the greatest. Oh, and I'm 34 weeks in these, so hopefully 5 more weeks and then induction here I come!!!

My Cute Adam is 5!

2009-06-22T15:16:00.012-05:00

Adam turned 5 today! He has been looking forward to his birthday for quite some time. It is such a milestone since it means you start school and various other things that I told him he'd be allowed to do like chew gum :) I wanted to write a few things about this sweet boy both for me and him to remember.

Adam is a great friend. He loves other kids and is always concerned about them and also about how nice they are being to him. He is a great helper--always wants to help in the kitchen, vacuum, pick up, carry in groceries, etc. Even helps when his little brother says he can't. Adam has the MOST energy of anyone I have ever met! He can go and go all day. He seems to have a natural knack for sports and when asked what sports he wants to play, he replies, "all sports". He LOVES his family and will never want to hurt anyone's feelings by saying he likes anyone better than another or that anyone is better at doing something than someone else. Adam enjoys coloring and drawing and writing words and names. He gets better with each day. He also loves to sing Primary songs and we hear him in his room singing them each night. Adam is very good, too good at asking questions--he is so curious about everything. He recently learned his dad's cell number and calls him about 10 times a day. He has a cute smile and eyes. And, if you ever need a boost, he is good at that, for example, everytime I get ready--do my makeup, my hair, and get dressed he tells me, "you look beautiful!" It is so cute that he notices when I do those things. And he loves to give hugs and kisses and you can't leave or come home without doing so. Adam has become a pretty obedient kid and he wants to do what's right (doesn't always do it) but I can tell he wants to. If he does something wrong he always apologizes and is sorry for doing it. He definitely has the faith of a child and is constantly saying prayers to ask for owies to get better or for anything, he just knows his prayer will be answered. Last week he was sick and had a blessing and I told him after he needed to get some sleep to get better. His reply, "Mom, I am better. I had a blessing." We love him so much and our home would not be the same without this sweet, caring little boy.

For his birthday we went to Chuck e. Cheese. I chose something that would be easy for a pregnant lady. He had a good time and I hope his friends did. He chose to have a baseball cake. I had fun making it, and Billy said he wanted that for his cake! :)

Adam on his bike in hi pjs--with him more is always better! (helmet and elbow and knee pads!)

Update time!

2009-06-19T12:07:00.007-05:00

Adam finished preschool last month and I'm sad it's over because it was nice for both of us. He starts school this August and I know he's going to love it, being the little social guy that he is. He took swim lessons for the last 2 weeks, but unfortunately he had to miss today and yesterday since he came down with a fever on wednesday. He seems to be getting better now, but it has been a long 3 days stuck at home with both the boys and then Billy out of town.

This is also the week Logan finally gave in to being potty trained. I've tried off and on 3 other times and NEVER would he do it. I mean I got him to go pee a couple times but he never understood HOW to do it, so I'd always give up after 2-3 days of a zillion accidents. On Monday I had had it with changing his poopy diapers. He knows when he has to poop. Everytime he goes he would hide--either under the table, in another room, or upstairs. If I tried to catch him he just wouldn't go. So monday I told him no more of it. Billy took him potty and he went. He was scared of the potty--which I think is somewhat normal. Anway, ever since then he has used the potty and of course has had some accidents but he will now tell me when he has to go. And...will try to use the excuse to go potty to not go to bed:) It has definitely taught me that all children are different. My experience with Adam was different, however I started later with him. He was about the same age as Logan when I tried, so maybe that's the better age to start for my boys. I honestly feel that if I left it up to either of them they would've waited until they were 4 or older to want to go.

As for me I have about 11 more weeks until my due date. Things are definitely getting harder. I'm hot all the time and tired a lot! Last pregnancy I used to nap while Adam did so that helped a ton. Now I never get the naps since neither of the boys nap and try to steal a nap on the couch while they play. Oh, and we still don't have a name for this boy!

Billy is coming along after his surgery. He isn't so much in pain as his knee just gets very stiff if held in position too long. He continues to go the gym most everyday to work on his knee and workout. At his last appointment the dr. said he could start running in a month. Billy plans to wait longer than that but now he wants to train for a triathlon--if he could just find someone to do it with him. I'd do it but I'm a ways off from that right now:)

Oh, in April we went to this awesome Wildlife Park in San Antonio so I will post some pics of that.

We found out what we're having!

2009-04-15T18:39:00.002-05:00

We went to our ultrasound this afternoon. About 10 minutes into it Billy asked the ultrasound tech if she knew what it was and she said yes. Right away I said, "it's a boy, huh?" She said yes. I knew from what she said b/c the boys are SO easy to spot. I guess we're just a boy family. He was so cute and sucking his thumb. I am excited and a little nervous for 3 boys, especially our boys, but it will be fun. Billy is overjoyed to have another boy and I know he is already planning everything they will do in his head. I think Logan will have a bit of a hard time when the baby is born, but he'll be okay, Adam did well. Now the hard part is coming up with a boy name I like. I am very picky. Billy likes lots of names but I admit I shoot them all down. I have girl names I like but that won't help!

Come Vote!

2009-03-26T09:42:00.002-05:00

Vote what you think we're going to have. I get my ultrasound in 3 weeks and I have no feeling what it will be, other than I'm 2 for 2 on the boys so I'm just assuming it's another one.

Surgery and legos

2009-03-20T09:57:00.003-05:00

To say things have been crazy around here lately is an understatement! Last thursday Billy went to play at a church basketball game and called me after telling me he had really hurt his knee. (I wish I could say this was the first time he got hurt at a church bball game, but he tore his retina years ago before we had any kids.) His buddies drove him home and helped him in the house and I went to the store at 11 pm to get him a brace while he iced it and rested it. The next morning we went to the orthopedic surgeon. He supspected it was an ACL tear=surgery (Billy's fear) and possibly a partial tear of the meniscus. He scheduled an MRI to find out exactly what he'd done to his knee.

Monday was the MRI, we didn't get to find out the results until thursday (yesterday). In the meantime he's been on double strength vicodin and just basically laying there all day. The medicine makes him loopy and he says he just can't think properly on it. Anyway, to the dr. yesterday. The nurse gave us the results of the MRI, dr. comes in and says you've heard the bad news. Turns out he has a complete tear of his ACL and a "bucket handle" tear of the medial meniscus. The 2nd one actually seems to be worse as he won't be able to walk on it for 4 weeks after the surgery. Bascially the dr. said that is one you cannot go without surgery, the ACL he could wait if he wanted, but why would you if you're already going under the knife? After hearing about the surgery and all they do Billy almost fainted. So...his surgery is scheduled for next wednesday. We figure why put it off any longer? Hopefully it all goes well and he recovers fast.

So after all that yesterday, while I was making dinner Adam was sitting at the table with this tiny diamond shaped lego, it is supposed to be the treasure inside of a treasure chest you build out of legos. Anyway, he stuck that up his nose. I called the after hours dr. to talk to a nurse and while I was holding Billy was able to get it out with tweezers--it wasn't up there too far. I was so scared it was going to get jammed in further, we were lucky! These legos were for ages 4-7 and after all that, turns out Adam is still not old enough for legos. Why do kids feel the need to stick things in their noses and ears?!

Things have been crazy and there are many more stories I could tell of these boys but I won't--it's making me tired just thinking about it!

Growing...

2009-02-23T15:08:00.003-06:00

So I thought I'd finally announce it on here, although so many people already know. It's hard for me to keep it a secret when I have been so terribly sick. So, yes, I am pregnant with our third and it was a surprise! I'd like to say that I have felt great and not complain, but truthfully this has been my hardest pregnancy yet. That's not to say my others were a piece of cake, I've been sick everytime, but this time I have spent a lot of time in front of the toilet throwing up. It's not fun and I think it's one of the most vile things you can do. Anyway, I am feeling a little better these days, I still throw up about once a day, but the nausea is not all day long and I can eat more things which is so nice--not to be eating toast and cereal. We are excited and hopefully if it's a boy I can handle all 3!

Heart Attacked!

2009-02-06T09:11:00.003-06:00

Last night after getting the kids bathed and ready for bed, the doorbell rang. I looked out the window and we had been "heart attacked." The activity days girls came and heart attacked me and my whole primary presidency. It was really cute and sweet. The kids loved it! I wanted to get a picture but the kids had all the hearts cleaned up with seconds of walking outside. Then they came inside and counted all of them and played with them for the rest of the night. Billy was out of town and I have been sick so it made my night. Thanks girls and leaders!

My helper

2009-02-02T14:04:00.003-06:00

Some more funny stories about Adam:

On saturday Adam cleaned up the entire playroom and then helped Billy clean the upstairs. When Billy told him thanks for helping he said, "Cleaning is just a good thing to do!" I thought that was so cute. When I asked him about it today he said that cleaning was fun! I wish he felt like that all the time when I ask him to clean up his messes. I also gave him the assignment to vacuum the kitchen (we had a swiffer vac). I said from now on that is your job everyday. He replied, "everyday?" When I said yes he said "yeah!" Here's to hoping he's like his dad and likes to clean and organize.

Then today Logan wanted to take a bath after me, so he came upstairs with just a diaper on and then ripped that off. Adam ran him about an inch of water and asked me if that was enough. Logan got in and he told him to come to him and he would soap him. It was so funny! Then he got him out and dried him off. I may not have any girls but Adam does a pretty good job helping. He is a ball of energy but also a really good boy.

Adam is so funny!

2009-01-21T15:30:00.006-06:00

I would say almost everyday Adam says something that's funny. Whether it's how dramatic he is, "you never call me sweetheart!" He told me he wanted me to always call him sweetheart. He uses never like this with me for almost anything. He makes me laugh. Now Logan follows suit and tells me I never let him do things just like his brother.

Today he and Logan were playing baseball out in the backyard. I have to say he has quite the swing for a 4 year old. We have got to get him in baseball! Anyway, they came inside and Logan somehow slammed Adam's finger with the door, not in it, it just hit it I guess. Anyway, I had to clean it and get it a bandaid (the all fixer). There was a flap of skin hanging off it. After I fixed it up he said, "Logan ruined my nice white skin!" It was so funny. He always has a way of saying things. Alisa told me I had to blog it so I can always remember it.

Here's a cute pic of the boys from Kelli's wedding while they waited outside the temple

Christmas

2009-01-03T08:50:00.016-06:00

Well, one of my new year's resolutions should be to be a better blogger--we'll see.

Here is a little update of our Christmas: We drove to AZ for Billy's little sister Kelli's wedding. We drove all night, and the boys did very well! Totally different from our experience driving to Utah. We did all the wedding stuff on saturday and then we hung out until Christmas and spent it with all of Billy's immediate family. It was nice to spend Christmas with family, it has been awhile since we've had it with anyone but us. Also, just a shout out to my parents, you guys need to come and visit!

While in AZ we were able to go to see the temple lights, look at Christmas lights, and get together with my friend from WA (Lachelle) who now lives in Arizona and of course spend lots of time with cousins. We had a good time and the boys were so sad to leave, Adam keeps asking if we can go back.

Here are some pictures.

these are actually at home the sunday before Christmas, as you can see they've destroyed my tree

Riding G&G's truck--they loved it!

the world's biggest snowman right in Mesa, complete with a visit from Santa every night for a couple hours

At the AZ youth museum

At the mall Christmas Eve day

Christmas morning

Tagged

2008-12-05T08:47:00.002-06:00

What is your husbands name? Billy
How long have you been married? 6 1/2 years
How long did you date? 5 months before we were officially engaged and then married 3 months later.
How old is he? 30
Who eats more sweets? he does--but I eat my fair share!
Who said I love you first? he did
Who is taller? Billy
Who can sing the best? me--from all my years of choir I guess:)
Who is smarter? he'd probably say him, but it does depend on the topic.
Who does the laundry? me!
Who pays the bills? me
Who mows the lawn? definitely Billy
Who cooks dinner? me--I can count on one hand how many times Billy has cooked.
Who drives? Billy, except for when he has been driving all day for work and then he wants me to drive if we go anywhere
Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Billy is ALWAYS the first to say sorry, I am so grateful for that.
Who kissed who first? who do you think? Billy
Who asked who out first? technically we got set up on this ward date box thing at BYU, but he asked me to see "Lord of the Rings" soon after that.
Who wears the pants? I would say he does

The rules for this tag: answer questions about your spouse, list names of people you are tagging in your post, then leave a comment on their blog letting them know they've been tagged. I tag Erin W. & Lachelle.

Halloween

2008-11-04T14:00:00.008-06:00

This year the kids had many opportunities to dress up in their costumes. So much I think that by the time Halloween was actually here they were maybe even a little tired to dress up. Adam has known for months that he wanted to be Indiana Jones. He loves to dress up in costumes and it's funny b/c he already is planning what he will be for the next few years. Logan was just Adam's hand me down clown costume. But, in my opinion I love the classic costumes, they are just so cute. What's cuter than seeing your little one as a cute clown and plus if I ever have a girl she could be it too. However some people aren't very observant, I heard someone say oh what a cute wizard! We also had Billy's parents here visiting which was a lot of fun. I know the kids LOVED it! They still wish they were here. They also got in the Halloween spirit and dressed up, it was pretty fun. Here's some pictures from the week.

Oh and I couldn't forget the cute pictures from the pumpkin patch we went to earlier in the month.

the trunk or treat--Logi's makeup is a little scary in this first pic, I made Billy do it cuter for actual Halloween.

the pumpkin patch--Log's loves to have a lunch box like his brother

Knights--from their grandparents

The Alamo

2008-11-04T13:52:00.005-06:00

Just a shout out for Billy. He had to go speak at a press conference for this boxing match between Oscar De la Hoya and Pacquiao that his company is sponsoring. He had to go speak in front of the Alamo in front of all these people and these boxers. It was pretty cool. I wasn't there, but here are some pics.

Logan's Birthday

2008-11-04T13:31:00.008-06:00

We celebrated Logan's 2nd birthday last month. He loves Elmo and I gave him a couple choices of cakes to have and he chose and Elmo Cake (aka elmo tate). He was so cute, always walking around saying "Elmo Tate". He got all kinds of presents from both grandparents and some from us. I think he had a good birthday. We had Elmo cake after his nap and opened presents, a little out of order but it was fine. That night we went to Chuck E. Cheese--the boys had a great time riding the rides and playing the games. Plus the prizes there make it all worthwhile:) After that we went to McDonald's and had dinner and let them play, althought by that time they seemed to be pretty tired and ready to just go home and relax.

Opening presents

The boys with their awesome prizes. They loved them--it was so funny.

6 years

2008-08-25T18:39:00.012-05:00

Erin and I have been married now for six years. I posted a few old pictures as a tribute to ourselves.

Included is our wedding, our trip to Guatemala, what a fun one that was, and a few pics of us before we knew each other.

This picture actually still sits on the desk in my office. This was taken at the Seattle zoo when I first met Erin's parents.

This one is of Erin at BYU. She is studying. Apparently people do this for some reason. I never really understood its purpose.

Erin and her sister Alisa; not sure who the kid is.

These are just a few mission pictures. This is my buddy Brandon and I looking ripped in some shirts we bought from some lady in the street.

This was the last day of my mission in Chicoj, Guatemala.

A lot has happened since these pictures were taken, namely two wonder pets: Adam and Logan.

Family Reunion

2008-07-16T22:47:00.008-05:00

My family (Parker side) had a family reunion with all my immediate family in Bear Lake, UT last month to my sister's condo. We drove from Texas (0nly 24 hours) up there. Now 24 hours is a long trip for anyone, but when you have our kids then it is a different story. Normal kids go to sleep when they're tired, ours just scream and cry, needless to say I don't think we'll be doing a drive that long for quite some time!

It was great to be with all my family again. We hadn't been all of us together since I was prego with Adam back in 2003. Our family has really grown and it seems to keep on growing. The cousins had a great time with eachother. I know Adam followed his older cousins around and when it was time to leave he was in tears and screamed, "I don't want to leave!" I wish we could be near his cousins.

Some long overdue family pics

My brother brought his awesome boat all the way out from California. We all had a blast on the tube and wakeboarding (I tried but didn't get up--everyone else did:). My pregnant sis-in-law Anna wakeboarded and made it look so easy. Adam and Logan LOVED the tube. Adam went with his cousins and never wanted to get out. Logan cried everytime Adam got in the tube and so we had to stop and let him get in with him which meant we had to go with him everytime too. Luckily Alisa took pity on me and took my 2 boys on the tube for me. The water was COLD! The kids had a fun time playing in the sand on the beach or swimming or doing crafts that they had there.

Billy and I had our bdays while there and we were able to slip away with the kids to Logan and eat at Cafe Rio on Billy's bday...and got some raspberry shakes at Bear Lake. You can't go there and not get a shake!

Bear Lake was beautiful and it was great to be with family and I wish we could all see eachother more often!

Adam is 4!!!!

2008-07-15T15:47:00.004-05:00

Our big boy Adam turned 4 last month. I can't believe how big he has gotten. At his 4 year check up at the doctor, Adam turned in some great numbers. He is above the 95th percentile for height while only coming in at the 25th for weight. So right now he is tall and skinny. Family history is not on his side for this build, but I guess we can hold to hope.

Adam still loves star wars. He wanted a lightsaber cake, so we did our best. It technically wasn't a cake because it was made of ho hos and twinkies, but it turned out great. He got some great gifts from his grandparents and we got him an XBOX 360 game (Lego Indiana Jones), Mr Potato Head, (which has become Logan's favorite toy), and several other things he has already stopped playing with.

First and Last

2008-05-17T21:36:00.017-05:00

Logan recently had his first day of nursery. Let's just say it isn't going so well. Adam was easy and he is hard. Billy or I have to spend the entire 2 hours in there with him and even then he checks to make sure we are still in the room, if he doesn't see you right away he starts to cry. I'm not sure what we're going to do. I hope it gets better....

Excited to go to nursery:) At least he looks cute thanks to some hand-me-downs from Sam. 1 0'clock church not exactly the easiest for napping.

Adam had his last day of Preschool this week. He LOVES preschool and would always be so excited to go. I don't know what we'll do without preschool this summer, he is going to be sad. I had the kids decorate a shirt with their faces. They got to decorate each shirt with their own face. I thought they turned out pretty cute.

One of his last days of preschool

the shirts they decorated

Lately

2008-05-17T21:19:00.010-05:00

Last month the boys and I went to Utah while Billy had to go to AZ for work. We went and stayed at one of my sister's and while there were able to spend some time with my other sister. It was nice to get away and to see them. Adam especially had fun with his cousins and still talks about them. He asks if auntie can come visit. I told him it is too expensive for us to fly again and he says, "auntie has money" to which I asked him how much he thought it cost to fly. He told me 5 monies. I wish that's all it cost! On our trip home we had a layover in the airport and luckily were able to hang out on an almost empty floor where they had the "admirals club". Unfortunately those are the only pics I got from my trip. I'm not the best picture taker!

the boys hanging out upstairs and playing while we waited for our plane

At the end of last month we took a trip to the SA Zoo. The zoo is pretty fun but only like once a year. The boys had a great time and I'm sure we won't go back until sometime next year.

I love this one of the boys' faces, so funny! Even Billy took one
I love this one of them holding hands

And I just liked this one of them walking on the snake

An update for my mom and sister

2008-05-17T20:44:00.014-05:00

I was talking to my mom and she was saying she would like to see pictures of my garden, tree, etc. since she hasn't been out here for awhile. Then I was talking to my sister and she had given me an idea for a craft and she told me to post it so she could see it. Sometimes I see all the stuff people do and I feel like I don't do anything nearly as fun or exciting, or crafty, etc. but I thought this would be an easy way to show them so that's what this post is all about. Hope you enjoy.

Some pics of the garden

That's my zucchini over in that pot

And if anyone could tell me what is wrong with my tomato plant that would be great!
Our little tree that everyone makes fun of b/c it is so small, but I still like it The topiary tree we recently bought and planted

Here are the craft idea Alisa gave me. I thought they turned out pretty cute. Also the flowers I got Alisa when I was there visiting you. The coloring is kind of weird from the lighting.

Adam

2008-04-20T21:01:00.011-05:00

My sis tagged Logan but I thought Adam would be easier to do and a little more fun since he's older.

William Adam

1. Adam goes by his middle name. We wanted to carry on his dad's name but I didn't want him to be the III so I changed his middle name to Adam. When Billy and I were first married we read a story in the Ensign about a little boy named Adam and it was so cute--after that I wanted to name a child Adam. I think it fits him.

2. Adam loves, loves, loves people--especially kids! When we first moved here we were at church and he was about 18 months old. He went and sat down by some older boys (probably 10 yrs old) in the hall at church like it was no big deal. He loves playing with kids, he just is still learning what is okay and not okay (sharing toys, sword fighting, etc).

3. He loves his brother Logan more than anything. Once Logan learned to crawl it was Adam following him around, normally it's the other way around for babies, but not for Adam he just loves having the company. He is constantly telling me, Logan, and Billy that we are his "best friends".

4. Adam has got to be the world's biggest "Star Wars" fan--especially the sword fights. He loves the movies, the lego star wars games, the guys, and the swords of course. I think Adam should have his own sword fighting video on YouTube like that one kid. He has some pretty good moves. He was Luke for Halloween and is already deciding what star wars guy he'll be next year, although we will hopefully talk him out of that one. He has pretend fights with the guys--he has a great imagination. And he especially loves when daddy tells him stories about star wars at bed time.

5. From day one Adam has been a goer. He took a few extra days to get started in the hospital which gave me a scare, but I'm sure if he could've talked he would've told us he was fine and to get the wires off of him. He rolled over at a few months, crawled around 6, walked around 10 mo. and started climbing soon after. He has been climbing on chairs, tables, counters, the moving food thing at the grocery store as soon as he could. At a young age I just got used to it. While others are surprised and worried about him falling it is now the norm for me. He is incredibly agile for a little guy.

6. His 2 favorite songs are "ABC's" and "I Am a Child of God". He sings or hums his abc's constantly. We were at the airport and waiting to board the plane and he was humming them and the guy checking us in said, "I know that one." He also loves to sing songs to himself at bedtime, which brings me to his last thing.

7. He does NOT require much sleep. As a newborn he literally only slept 12 hours a day. All the books and people say babies sleep nonstop, but not Adam. It was a very difficult time, but eventually it got a little better. He stopped napping at about 2 and only gets about 10 1/2 to 11 hours now. Logan is quite the opposite and a good sleeper, it's nice to have one at least.

Oh, we tag:
Eliza Bodine
Ellie Weber
Alex Lee
Logan Shook

Anna's tag

2008-03-28T21:32:00.002-05:00

I got tagged again by my sis-in-law and I'll do it again--I'll try to think of new things, as if the last things were that interesting!

10 years ago I was: Literally counting down the days until graduation until heading to BYU.

5 things on my "to do" list today:
1. Exercise
2. Buy kids some warm weather pajamas
3. Finish my sharing time for sunday (yay, I don't have to do it for 2 more months!!!)
4. Plant my garden.
5. figure out what's for dinner--Billy has a deacon's quorum activity tonight--fun friday night for me!

Things I would do if I became a billionaire:
1. Fly to see family whenever I wanted or have them come here
2. Pay for Preschool for Adam (you can tell it's on my mind after teaching this week)
3. Get wood floors
4. Get a really nice swingset for the backyard
5. Share with my family

5 of my Secret Bad Habits:
1. Spitting when I run outside (I know nasty habit)
2. Making grocery lists, but forgetting to bring the dang list!
3. Eating out too much
4. I buy things and then can't decide whether to keep them or not so they sit in a bag for awhile until I either decide to keep them or just take them back!
5. reading other people's blogs who I don't even know

5 Places I've Lived:
1. California
2. Washington
3. Bolivia
4. Florida
5. Utah
6. Arizona

5 Jobs I've Had (in random order):
1. Zuka Juice
2. Tacoma Boys--cashier for the summer--it's a produce store/stand
3. ATSI--receptionist
4. BYU Cafeteria--cook (had to get hours for dietetics) I know really glamorous
5. diet tech--at a nursing home, basically put food on the trays--lasted a whole 3 days before I quit--it was HARD work and I had to wear a hairnet!!!

5 Things that most people don't know about me:
1. It is hard for me to talk in front of a big group, I have to practice my sharing times at home--literally.
2. I make my husband go to bed at the same time as me and when he's out of town I bring Adam in with me, I can't seem to fall asleep if someone isn't on that side of the bed.
3. I have to open my blinds every day and I close them at night. And it drives me nuts when people don't open their blinds, I can't understand b/c I love to let in the daylight and not have to turn on the lights.
4. I hate those plastic grocery bags b/c I always get SO many of them and have actually started bringing those reusable bags to the store instead.
5. I LOVE chips and salsa and will eat like a whole basket of chips by myself when I go to a Mexican restaurant--it's embarrassing, but usually only do that with family.

I'm supposed to tag some other people so I tag...
Billy
KariAnn
anyone else who wants to do it!

Staying in Texas

2008-03-25T16:22:00.004-05:00

Adam and his McDonald's tattoo. Around here it's actually known as just "Donald's" because that's what Logan calls it.
We enjoy going to the parks around Pflugerville. Logan likes the swing for about 2 minutes and the water for about 0 minutes.
Don't let this picture deceive you. Logan actually just spilled all of his eggs and he's picking them back up.

Very few people knew that I was interviewing for a position with DEWALT in Phoenix over the past few weeks. An opportunity came up back home that I felt really good about and I was sure I would be offered the job. I really felt like I was the right person and it was the perfect scenario for us. It seemed to make sense to accept a promotion and move back to AZ like I was Mr. Big Time. We prayed as a family that the outcome of the interviews would be the best thing for our family.

I didn't get the job. I was told that although I would have been great for the job and I was more than qualified, there was another candidate who had more tenure and was already familiar with the territory and customers. I was somewhat disappointed, but felt like the Lord was really answering our prayers. We love it here in Austin anyway.

South Texas Javelina Hunt

2008-03-14T16:01:00.003-05:00

Overall, we shot 10 javelina, 2 hogs, 4 coyotes, 1 raccoon, and 4 rabbits. I held off after shooting my second javelina. We were really after the hogs, but didn't see many. There were javelina everywhere.

The place we hunted was the Callaghan Ranch just north of Laredo, about 4 hours from Austin. The ranch was 90,000 acres and they told us to shoot as many pigs as we had ammo for. So we did.

Speaking of ammo.... This is a picture of me shooting an AK-47 fully automatic rifle. One of the guys in our group is an arms dealer of sorts (legitmately I swear). He sells and rents rare guns, uniforms, and equipment to movie makers. Pretty weird, but he had all these guns for us to shoot. There was an M-60, M-14, M-16, AK-47, MP5 and several others that I can't remember. It was a lot of fun to say the least.

I hate daylight savings...

2008-03-11T13:30:00.002-05:00

...at least in the spring! Ever since the time change everything seems out of whack in my life. It seems like I was just getting a schedule that worked for me and then it all changed. It's weird how that one little hour makes such a huge difference! I had been waking up between 7 and 7:30 every morning but now that it stays dark until almost 8 I can't seem to get up before then. I don't like getting up when it's still dark outside. I know, I know that will have to change one day as everyone likes to remind me, but for now I have a choice and I prefer to get up when the sun is at least making it's way up. My kids don't get to bed until later b/c they don't like to go to bed when it's still light outside. However, Adam is still up early--he doesn't care whether it's still dark or not, although he comes and gets in my bed until it is light b/c he knows he isn't allowed to get up until it's light outside.

Am I the only one who has a hard time with daylight savings? It's great in the winter to "gain" that hour, but it is always hard losing it. Hopefully my body will adjust and soon!

Tagged!

2008-02-15T20:04:00.003-06:00

So I got "tagged" by my sister Alisa--thanks!

10 years ago I was... a Senior in High School living in Florida with my aunt, uncle, and cousins so excited to graduate and to go to BYU!

5 things on my 'to do' list today: Well this is for tomorrow now, it should've been done today but I had a meeting for Primary so not too much got accomplished at home.
1. Change Adam's sheets and put on a plastic cover over his mattress as he still has pee pee accidents.
2. Do my never ending laundry.
3. Mop my floors.
4. Call insurance company on monday about the bill I received for Logan's birth that I just got a few weeks ago and he's almost 18 months!
5. Do the dishes.

Things I would do if I became a billionaire:

1. Pay off all my debts--student loans.
2. Take a needed vacation to somewhere cool that I've never been.
3. Buy a new car for me and buy my husband the Jeep I promised he'd be able to buy "one day" back when we sold his Jeep when I was pregnant with Adam.
4. Save/invest

3 of my bad habits: Great now you will all know them!

1. Not making my bed (yes embarrassing, I wish it bugged me more, but with all my goals I'm working on this year that one didn't make the list).
2. Not always doing my dishes after dinner and leaving the dishes in the sink until morning.
3. Sleeping in! Gotta get my sleep! My husband jokes I am neither a morning or a night person (I can get grumpy at night) but I always stay up way too late.

5 Places I've lived:

1. California
2. Washington State
3. Bolivia
4. Florida
5. Utah
....only 5?....and Arizona, and Texas

5 jobs I've had:

1. Janitor for OBGYN office
2. Worked like 3 months at Kash 'n Karry (grocery store) in Tampa as a checker--loved that one:(
3. Zuka Juice at BYU campus (embarrassing when everyone you know sees you)
4. Cafeteria at BYU (food prep) had to get like 1000 hours for my major in Dietetics--too bad I never graduated!
5. ATSI--worked as a receptionist for almost 2 years after I got married, they trained fighter pilots. And I met John McCain there, at the time more people liked him and some of the guys who worked there served in the Air Force with him so they got him to come visit one time and so I shook his hand.

Things most people don't know about me:

1.I was so shy as a child my 1st grade teacher asked my mom if I was deaf--I still am shy but it's not as bad as when I was a kid.
2. I was a chubby little girl and my sister Alisa tried to get me to run with her. In 7th grade I tried out for the Softball team and didn't make it, that summer I started running and lost weight and also grew out of my chubbiness. The next year I made the team (I really wasn't very good) and continued to run. The year after that I did Cross Country and chose to do Track instead of Softball. Due to all I went through being overweight, that is what drove me to major in Dietetics. I didn't want other girls to have to go through what I went through and I loved learning about nutrition. However, when I get to go back to school now I'd like to change my major, I've long thought to nursing, but now I'm not sure.
3. I am a HUGE worrier, although those who know me already know that.

Now I tag: (sorry)

1. Julie
2. Lachelle
3. Jen
4. Tami

Pictures

2008-02-10T21:06:00.000-06:00

Wow! 2 posts in one day--it's a GINOS world record!!!!

Here are some pictures I've been wanting to post (I found my cord--after I said a prayer to find it:)):

This is Adam's room and his "new" bunkbed. We got it from a neighbor, it's cute and we just got the bedding from Target. Wanted to hold out for Pottery Barn kids outlet, but we kept taking trips down there and not finding what we wanted and didn't want to wait. That is a desk on the right side of the bed. Adam just loves his new bed and Logan thinks it is a play place or something.

Think he liked the chocolate?

Logan with just SOME of his Bears

Adam had to get in on it eventhough he usually couldn't care less about stuffed animals. Alisa, see what I mean about his hair? He got the Parker cowlick.

I Love My Kids

2008-02-10T19:19:00.000-06:00

I just have to say I love my boys. They are so funny and cute. I know everyone feels that way about their kids and that's a good thing. Adam just says such funny things and Logan is so cute. He has been learning so many more words and just to hear him say things is so much fun! Logan absolutely LOVES stuffed animals, but especially bears, he giggles when he gets his bears and says, "beeah!" Adam loves Logan and says, "Yogan is my best friend!" I hope they can always be friends. Oh and my FAVORITE from Adam, "Adam why is your shirt off?" His response, "Because that's what Anakin do's." That's as in Anakin Skywalker, not sure when he doesn't have a shirt on?!

That's not to say that they don't drive me crazy sometimes or to paint a picture that they are perfect b/c that's not the case as most you know. ie. Adam setting off the alarm at church one sunday after church and the fire department had to come and the ward after us had to evacuate, or when he makes faces during primary at his friend behind him, or stands up during sacrament meeting b/c he can't see (there are a lot from church), or when my counselor in primary and also in the preschool group tells me her son always has something to tell her about Adam whether it's good or bad (made me feel great), and I could go on and on, but I still love my boys and am so grateful for them. Sorry to go on, I just was thinking this when my husband was out of town and I thought what would I being doing right now if I didn't have my kids? and I was happy they were there to keep me company.

So I haven't posted in awhile I know, I wanted to post some pictures but I can't find the dang cord for my camera, hopefully we can find that soon. Yesterday Billy and I went and saw the 2nd National Treasure. It was fine, nothing to write home about, basically the same as the first but not as good. It was nice to get out together though since we don't do it too often.

After church and dinner today, Billy informed me he wanted a treat. I looked in Betty Crocker and found a chocolate cake that was decent calorie wise and I just made it with whole wheat, I added a tiny bit less sugar and oil. I thought it was pretty good. He said he didn't think it was sweet enough. But, I did notice he and Adam ate plenty. I needed something sweet and it hit the spot.

Lower Calorie WW Banana Bread/Muffins

2008-01-31T13:50:00.000-06:00

2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 bananas(the riper the sweeter)
1/2-2/3 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup applesauce
1 egg
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
Walnuts to sprinkle on top if desired

I just mixed everything together and had to add a little more buttermilk and applesauce to make it moist enough, to be honest I just poured it in until it was the correct consistency, however I started with a little less (1/3 buttermilk and about the same of applesauce). I put mine into muffin tins, it made 12 muffins and one mini bread loaf. You could also use the mini muffins or a big loaf I'm sure too. I baked at 350 for about 15 minutes, depends on your oven, mine tends to cook fast. The loaf had to go a little bit longer. I'm not positive on the nutrition info since I did add a little more applesauce and buttermilk. I thought they were pretty good, not as good as regular but everyone ate them--I couldn't stop the boys from eating them.

I think about 118 calories per muffin according to my calculations. Does not include nuts.

Today

2008-01-30T19:25:00.000-06:00

So I didn't think I was a very competetive person, but I've been surprised how motivated I have felt being in this competition with my sisters/sis in law. It's nice to focus on something other than the norm. It has kept me motivated to exercise everyday and to keep my eating in check. It's interesting because I've enjoyed making new meals and sharing ideas with Alisa and everyone. I definitely needed to improve the way I was eating.

I was kind of bummed b/c tonight I ate too much at dinner. Billy brought home "Rudy's BBQ", it is some dang good bbq, their slogan is "the worst bbq in Texas". So I had to try some of the turkey and the beef...and a couple bites of cole slaw. By the time I ate my dinner I didn't think I'd served myself too much but combined w/ everything else I was full after I ate, not a good feeling. I just have to forget about that and do better tomorrow.

Today we stayed home all day which was nice. We hadn't done that in awhile and I was able to get all my laundry done (I only had like 6 or 7 loads) and I also took Adam for a bike ride, it was just nice to not have to go somewhere for a day.

I hope I win!

2008-01-23T09:56:00.000-06:00

Check out Roni’s new contest! I can win a Nutrition Smart Scale from Eat Smart and so can you! Click here for details!

Throwdown the Pounds Competition

2008-01-21T19:15:00.000-06:00

So, Alisa said maybe instead of changing your background you could actually try posting a blog...ha ha!!

Anyway, my sisters and sister-in-law have challenged me to a throwdown the pounds competition. If you want to learn more about it you can get the rundown on KariAnn's blog. Anyway, I am pretty nervous about it, having to lose 7% of my current body weight. I keep wondering if I am competitive enough for this. I mean I'd love to win but I feel like one of my sisters/sis-in-law will win. I guess we'll just have to see. I think the bottom line is that having the motivation and support is what is going to keep me going. It was like that when I trained for my half marathon with these same ladies long distance. On a day I didn't feel like running Alisa would tell me just to go get on the treadmill. Of course I also knew I had to actually run the race and knew I needed to be in good enough shape to do so...also a motivator.

I've been trying to get in my exercise lately, but last week was a terrible one for me. Adam was sick from wednesday on and I didn't feel good either. I also had to teach preschool on tuesday but had to cancel thursday due to Adam's fever. Logan woke up friday morning with gook in his eyes, so we spent a good part of the day going to the doctor. Luckily I did pretty well with my eating, minus saturday and my mexican food craving. I wish I didn't love chips and salsa so much. Logan is still sick but I was able to get my exercise in while he took a nap today. I asked Billy to write me up a weight lifting regimen b/c that is something Iam adding to my routine. I've always been a cardio girl but now I plan to do both. He loves to lift weights so it's exciting for him that I want to lift them too. Of course I am not "freakishly" strong like him as he likes to tell me when he gets home from the gym. (Translation: some of the machines don't even have enough weight for him)

Good luck ladies!

Crepes in Texas

2008-01-08T13:35:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure if any of you watch "Throwdown With Bobby Flay" on the Food Network, but my parents told me about one they saw that was in Austin so I started watching it. He challenged "Fliphappy Crepes" in Austin to a throwdown. They supposedly makes the best crepes in the U.S. So, I have been wanting to try it ever since. They make their crepes out of this trailer parked in a parking lot downtown. They are only open Wed-Saturday and for only part of the day so it has been tricky to get down there. I finally got down there on saturday and there were a lot of people there. Let's just say that most the people there were helping to "Keep Austin Weird" (that's their slogan here). Anyway, so I picked up 3 crepes, 2 savory and 1 sweet. I just took the boys with me b/c Billy wasn't feeling well. They were really good and now I want to try to make my own at home. They were almost like a wrap but in a crepe, the savory crepe was a little crisp but so good and the sweet one was soft like it should be. Oh and they also make them into a side salad as well. If any of you come to visit we should definitely go there. It's right by lake austin and it's really pretty. The menu is below, it's hard to see, I had to scan it in, but you can click on it and enlarge it. They are yummy.

Haircut pics

2007-12-30T16:10:00.000-06:00

Okay, I know you all have been anxiously awaiting pictures of my haircut so I won't make you wait any longer. It may not look as bad as I made it out to be, it was more of just the "experience". It will always stay with me. I guess it just wasn't what I wanted. I did have to come home and doctor it up a bit, as I usually do after I get a cut. I have gotten one cut in my life that I really liked, it was about a 60-70 dollar cut, but Alisa had bought this pass for like 50 bucks that let you get 2 cuts, a color, and some other thing all for 50 dollars (it was a new salon). But, will I ever pay that much? No, never. But, I will be more picky the next time. So, here it is.

P.S. Alisa, happy new years present to you.

I'm not real fond of the back.

Logan the Texan

2007-12-29T11:39:00.000-06:00

Since Logee is the Lone Texan in the family we decided to take a trip the the History of Texas Museum in downtown Austin. Logan learned a lot about his fore-fathers Davy Crockett, Sam Houston, and Stephen F. Austin. After a full hour of exhibits we treated the kids to drive thru Arby's and headed home.

Texas Sized Christmas

2007-12-29T11:22:00.000-06:00

On Christmas Eve we had hot chocolate and read Luke 2 as a family, well, I read it, Adam jumped around and Logan cried. This year was an Adam focused Christmas with Adam receiving the majority of the presents. I guess it's just his age right now and the fact that he loves so many things: Star Wars guys, Spiderman guys, swords, guns, puzzles, games, Xbox, etc. Adam also got his first bike. He has enjoyed riding around the block with his little brother trailing behind. He also got a Nerf gun from the Lee family. He loves shooting people because the darts stick to clothing. The problem with it is that Logan eats the darts. Speaking of Logan, he had a nice Christmas as well. He loves his new music chair as well as all of Adam's new toys. Erin pretty much got kitchen stuff and I got the Ginos family history and Xbox games that I never play:)

Bad Haircut

2007-12-22T14:06:00.000-06:00

I guess everyone has to experience at least one bad haircut in his or her lifetime, right? Well, I can say that I have officially had mine--today. I have been needing to cut it for some time. I always think I'll grow it long but once it gets to a certain length I always can't stand it and want to go get it chopped. Well, today I decided to go get it cut. I didn't have much time so I walked into a salon (I should've made an appt somewhere else). BIG MISTAKE!!! They pair me up with this lady who is probably in her 70's. Right away I thought I don't want her to cut my hair b/c she probably can't do the up to date styles. But, what do you do ask for someone else? Maybe someone else could do that but not me, I would've felt bad. So anyway, I told her how I wanted it, she didn't even know what I was saying. She understood layers, however she didn't understand how to cut them! Anyway, so she is finished and asks me what I think. It wasn't what I wanted and I saw a girl that was like I was describing and so I said like her's just not as short. So she cuts more...and more...and more! Finally I had to stop her and say I was scared it was too short. I have always been one of those people who say hair grows out, but today I understand. I ask her, do you think it needs some more blending right here and she says, "I don't know how to do these new fangled hairstyles." That is the bottom line, they had no business pairing me with her. I tried to think, age doesn't matter maybe she really is good and knows what she is doing. Hmmm...I was wrong. So I left very upset. I called the manager on the way home and told her what happened. She offered to fix it but I didn't have time today, can't go tomorrow plus I didn't want to go back with the other lady who did cut my hair there. They said they could give me half my money back. Too bad they can't give me my hair back.

So, if you have ever had a bad haircut I now sympathize. What was your worst haircut story? And P.S. if you see my hair don't think I like my new cut, I came home and cried. Hopefully once it grows out in a month or so I can get it cut into a style I like.

Is it just me?

2007-12-18T21:12:00.000-06:00

Why do I feel like lately there is so much to do and just not enough time? I guess I just want to do so many things like exercise, get Christmas shopping done and just regular grocery store trips, make good meals, do fun stuff with my kids, get my calling done and also get all the house stuff done and why does it seem like everyone else is great at getting it all done? Not me. Luckily my husband helps out a lot around the house, but then I read all of your blogs and start to feel guilty.
So how do you get it all done? I have endless amounts of laundry, dishes, house cleaning, stuff to do for my calling and I never get it all done. Like I'll have a meeting and when I get home the last thing I want to do is clean, I just want to sit down and relax--watch a show or get on the computer. I feel so frustrated lately--like I am so not on top of it. I admire everyone who is able to exercise, keep things clean, kids and husband happy, do their calling, and maybe some time for themselves and no go crazy doing it.
I don't think there is enough time in the day...

Christmas Time

2007-12-01T22:46:00.000-06:00

I love Christmas--everything about it. Well, this year I feel like I can actually enjoy it. Last year I had basically just had a baby and was still in that "fog" you are in after having a baby. So I am fully taking advantage of it this year. I was at Target the other day and saw 2 really cute decorations. I thought, I can make those and plus it will be fun. This is often what I do, I imagine in my head that I can make things just as cute or cuter and then I start to do it and get in over my head and it never seems to turn out quite as cute as I had envisioned. My sister Alisa says I'm not the only one who does this, she does too:) Well after Target I headed over to Hobby Lobby immediately (my FAVORITE craft store) and got all my supplies.

Anyway, so I made these decorations. They took a long time, well the berry one did. I think it turned out pretty cute, but I realized now I know why it cost that much at the store! I also somehow talked myself into making a tree skirt, we have only gone 5 years without one. I saw some stinking cute ones in Pottery Barn after Alisa told me about them, so once again I got it into my head that "I can do that". So I have begun it but haven't finished. I'm sure it won't be as cute as PB and that I will have some headaches while I'm doing it but hopefully it'll turn out okay. I also found some decorations on PB I plan to make as well, they look pretty easy, dang cute, and I always do have fun making stuff. I also redid my wreath.

Here is part of my tree skirt. Should I put the green ribbon on or some big green ric rac or just leave it w/out anything?

Buster and Munchie

2007-11-25T21:16:00.000-06:00

I am facing facts that I am a terrible blogger. Billy keeps telling me I need to do a post, but my pictures are from Halloween. Oh well. We recently took some family pictures and when we get them back I'll try to post those. I think they turned out pretty cute all things considering.

I was really sick for about a week. I lost my voice and it was terrible. We had a Primary Activity and I couldn't even talk at it. I missed church the next day, but thankfully I am feeling better now.

Billy and I just laugh at how funny Adam is. We wonder if all 3 yr. olds are that funny or if it's just Adam. He has been having pee accidents lately and so we have been trying so many things to try to incentify him, one of which was to fill a jar with "monies" everytime he peed in the potty and take one out when he peed his pants. When it got to a certain level we would get him a star wars guy (his absolute favorite thing). Well Adam climbed up to get it. There is only one place in the whole house he can't reach and that is on top of the armoire. Billy asked him if he had gotten into his jar since there were a ton of monies in it (it's on top of the fridge). In response he said to Billy, "daddy, I'm big now I can get anything. He always tells me he needs to get big, big, big like daddy or grow up big like him.

Logan is funny too and such a good boy. He is so patient on my many excursions with him. He sits in his seat in the stroller or cart and doesn't complain. SO much different than Adam was. He loves to go places.

Oh and that's what we call them, Adam is Buster and Logan is Munchie.

Hair Cuts

2007-10-29T22:05:00.000-05:00

Adam cut his own hair several weeks back. I wasn't feeling great on Conference sunday and was laying on my bed while he took a bath in my bathroom. He was taking awhile so I told him to get out and get dressed. I didn't notice until we were in his bedroom what he had done. He took my razor and cut a big chunk of hair on top of his head and out of his bangs. He was so lucky he didn't cut himself, that could've been very scary! Needless to say we gave him a buzz after that.

One day I was doing laundry and had carried out the basket to the family room, when I came back I found Logan in the dryer. You can see he's pretty proud of himself. Now he does it all the time.

Logan loves the Elmo chair.

Adam on his bike.

Luke and Master Yoda

2007-10-29T21:44:00.000-05:00

So I will say I'm not the best at updating our blog, but in my defense things have been really busy with Primary lately. We had our Primary Program yesterday and it went well I think. The kids were just really cute and there was a sweet spirit there.

We had our ward Trunk or Treat on saturday night and the boys got dressed up. They were so cute. Logan surprisingly left on his head piece which I didn't think he would do. Adam was so happy that he actually got to bring his light saber with him, usually I make him leave it in the car or at home. Dar Mader (Darth Vader) was also there and everyone told me how cute Logan was as Yoda. Adam wanted me to dress up as Princess Leia but as Billy tells me trunk or treat is for the kids, not the parents so I opted not to.

I came upon Adam with his towel on like this after his bath, he's a jedi--can you tell he's into Star Wars? Oh, and that's his "block sword" because he makes everything into a sword and you never know when he'll be off fighting Dar Mader or Darf Maul in the other room or on the stairs.

Happy 1st Birthday!

2007-10-07T20:56:00.000-05:00

Logan had his first birthday last week. I cannot believe my baby is now 1 year old, it went so fast! I had to teach Preschool that day so it was a pretty busy day. I made him a cake and tried to decorate the house so he'd feel a little special. He was so good during preschool, he just sat in his high chair or played, I was so relieved, it made the 3 hours go a lot smoother. That night we sang him happy bday and ate cake. I think he liked it, he got the cake all over him. Then Billy gave the boys a bath. Oh and Logi is walking! Here are some pics of him with his bday presents.

Our ward boundaries just got changed last sunday so we lost a bunch of people and also are getting some new people. That means that we lost every teacher in our Jr. Primary but 1 so this week my one counselor and I (we lost one of them to the change) worked on names for new teachers and callings we needed for primary, it was a very busy week! Then Logi and I both got sick with colds and we both threw up--yuck!

Other than that it has just been the same old thing. Adam has also been liking to swim in the backyard pool a lot lately, but we just moved it to the garage since summer is over, although it's still hot, but I didn't want the kids from preschool to play with the water and stuff when they were outside.

Oh and here are some pics of the kids in their Halloween costumes, well not Logan's whole costume, just the ears.

Long Time

2007-09-22T21:33:00.000-05:00

It has been awhile since our last blog, it seems like things have been so busy lately. Adam started preschool a few weeks back. He really likes it and I must say I do too. Logan and I can run errands together and also I'm able to have my primary meetings without him too, it makes it tons easier, not to mention visiting teaching. I also have sharing time this whole month so it has been busy with that and meetings, etc. Now if it could just cool down a little more. I need to take some pictures of the boys in their Halloween costumes too, although there will be time for that later. Adam is going to be Luke Skywalker and Logan will be Yoda. I made Adam's costume and must admit I had a really fun time doing that, I made him a shirt, belt and pouch, and boot covers, I bought the pants. He absolutely LOVES it and sleeps in it and plays in it, I've already washed it several times. Logan likes his costume too, he smiles and laughs when we put on his Yoda ears, hopefully it cools down by next month or else he will be pretty hot. Billy's mom is coming for Halloween so that will be nice and fun. Oh and Logan took his first steps last week! It was pretty exciting, he still isn't walking but he takes steps here and there, I don't think he is too motivated to walk yet though. He is a cutie though and says "uh oh" when he drops something. But, I really can't believe that my baby is going to be a year next month, he is getting so big!

Billy wants to train for a half marathon together, that sounds fun to me, but I just wish we could train together but I'm not sure how you do that with 2 kids, maybe w/ a double jogger? He can push it:)

Here is trouble himself getting into the dishwasher. He can't seem to leave that alone or my cabinets and especially not the stairs!

Here he decided to just get into the cabinets!

The boys under the table, Adam often follows Logan around...pretty cute.

Adam's first day of preschool

Logan loves his blanket!

Arizona Trip

2007-08-10T18:15:00.000-05:00

We went to AZ to visit the Ginos clan after Steve got home from his mission. We went bowling, swam in the pool, golfed, swam, water skiing, saw Harry Potter, and swam some more.

Erin and I were able to go on a couple of dates and Adam was able to play with his cousin Ethan. Logan took a while to get used to the new surroundings. We took an up to date family picture right before I flew home. Erin and the boys came back a day later.

It's a boy's life...

2007-07-16T14:34:00.000-05:00

Adam got Lego Star Wars for his b-day as previously noted. Well, he plays it all the time! I don't love for my 3 year old to be playing x-box already!!! I try to make him earn his time that he plays it, but it's hard when he wakes up early and just goes downstairs and plays it...which means I get to sleep in. I admit, I take advantage of the sleep. Anyway, here's a pic of Billy and Adam playing, Adam loves when daddy plays with him.

I was making mashed potatoes and came across this...isn't it cool? Billy didn't think it looked like a heart.

Logan is now pulling up on things and it's so cute. I come into his room in the morning or after his nap and he is standing up. He also has started clapping and it is the cutest thing! Here the boys are playing "guys", well as much as a 3 year old and 9 month old can play together.

And a couple other cute pictures of my boys.

In other exciting news, Billy's brother gets home next week from his mission. Billy has to fly thru Phoenix on his way back from a trip so I think he's going to try to see him while he's there.

Lo-gee

2007-07-04T19:30:00.000-05:00

Logan is trying to become a little more photogenic like his brother. He is starting to smile and laugh more and more. His new favorite thing is to shake his head "no". Apparently his favorite meal is nasty broccoli and chicken.

Big Three

2007-06-24T22:01:00.000-05:00

Adam turned 3 years old on June 22nd 2007. We took the boys to the zoo in San Antonio. Adam loved seeing all the animals. His favorites were the elephants. Too bad it rained and we had to rush past them.

Adam also finally got his SpongeBob cake. He had been talking about it for weeks. As far as presents go, he got an xbox game, star wars shirt, dinosaur, and gorilla toy. We pretty much let him pick out the dinosaur at ToysRus. His cousin Alex had one and he loved it. Logan did pretty well at the zoo but he didn't like the rain too much.

Independence

2007-06-19T08:32:00.000-05:00

So Adam loves to get dressed by himself. He does not like our help unless of course he's having a one of his baby moments when he gets jealous of Logan and tries to act just like him--not an endearing trait. I always remind him that what I love SO much about him is what a big boy he is and how he gets to do special big boy things that Logan doesn't get to do. As independent as he is, he is very dependent on me, follows me around absolutely everywhere, it's an interesting combination.

Anyway, here are some cute pictures of him after he got dressed. He doesn't seem to mind if his underwear are on backwards or inside out and the same goes for his shirts and shorts. Sometimes everything is put on backwards, even his shoes!

This first picture you can see his shirt must've gotten wet when he went potty, he's still fine tuning the art of going to the bathroom. And I hope the 2nd pic is appropriate, I just couldn't resist it, so cute, this is what we see A LOT!!! He doesn't mind having a wedgie!

As for Logan, he is doing better at smiling for the camera, which is exciting to me! Here's some cute ones of him. He is getting all around, but also a total grump, he's getting his 8th tooth in!

He loves having Adam's toys and the Xbox controller!

what's been going on...

2007-06-12T13:43:00.000-05:00

So we went berry picking last saturday as a family. It was a fun family outing, though it was almost an hour away. It was a lot of farm roads though so Billy went pretty fast. Adam had a good time, except that it was so hot! I was literally dripping sweat. We didn't last too long there as Logan pooped his pants and as you can see in the picture doesn't look thrilled to be in the stroller. And why is it that the one picture of both kids smiling--at the same time--their eyes are closed?

Doesn't Logan looked thrilled in this picture? Adam ALWAYS looks thrilled in his pictures!

Oh and just a note about the deer, Billy would like to pretend I posted that and that he doesn't blog but he did, he's pretty excited about his deer. He got the antlers and skull mounted and we just got it back yesterday and he put it up in his office. Logan is crawling now, well pulling his body and it's so cute and fun, but it's a lot harder to keep the small stuff away with Adam's toys and such.

If you know Adam this shirt fits him perfectly, he loves to climb EVERYTHING!!!

Here's some cute pics of the boys.

I love his cute teeth!

Adam and his friend Ellie swimming...they took off all their clothes.

This outfit cracks me up b/c Logan looks so chubby in it, thanks KariAnn for the clothes.

2007-06-09T10:55:00.000-05:00

Axis deer Billy shot in Comfort, TX in March of 2007. I think it's a world record.

2007-06-09T10:48:00.000-05:00

About us

2007-06-03T19:54:00.001-05:00

We're here in Austin, TX with our 2 boys Adam (almost 3) and Logan (8 months). Adam is full of energy and so much fun. Logan is more layed back and chubby and so cute! Billy loves his job here and that makes me happy of course. In April we went to Utah so I could run in the Salt Lake marathon with my sisters (I did the half and they did the full). I am planning to do a full now, but it was too soon after having Logan to train for the full. Then we drove to CA for my grandma's 80th b-day. I got to see cousins and family I hadn't seen in forever, it was so much fun. It made me realize how much I miss my family and hope to live near them eventually. Adam had a great time with his cousins and hasn't stopped talking about them since. Here's some pics of it all.

Here it goes

2007-06-03T19:40:00.000-05:00

So I guess I am finally giving in. It seems like everyone has a blog but me. If anything it seems like it's a good way to keep up with others and to post pictures of my kids/family. I was trying to avoid doing it because the little time I do get to myself I like to do other things (or should be doing other things) but I'm going to try and see if I am any good at keeping up with this.