Raising Overton

You Capture – Shapes

2010-02-25T08:23:00.001-08:00

Here’s another entry into You Capture over at I Should be Folding Laundry. Hope you like it!

You Capture: Color

2010-01-28T11:38:00.001-08:00

Ok, so I know that it’s been awhile. I’ve been in a blog funk lately. I haven’t felt like I have anything to say. But I have been busy learning photography, and I am LOVING it. I have decided to turn this blog into a place to post my photos w/ a little bit of family happenings here and there.

Anyway, I’ve decided to join I should be folding laundry’s You capture weekly challenge. This picture was taken at the Bellagio in Vegas. I love the hand blown glass on the ceiling and take a picture of it every time I’m there.

Want to play? Head on over to I should be folding laundry for the rules.

Nope, not dead. . .

2009-11-17T08:49:00.001-08:00

just busy! Found a giveaway that I really want to win, tho! Go check it out at V&Co! Stick around and check out her blog! She has some good stuff on there. Plus she's funny!

Blessed. . .

2009-08-10T15:44:00.001-07:00

to know I’m a daughter of God. . .

And so incredibly thankful for that knowledge!

My Baby is . . .

2009-08-02T17:24:00.001-07:00

2009-07-04T17:08:00.001-07:00

Happy Fourth of July!!!

Disney World catch-up

2009-06-25T14:00:00.001-07:00

Still trying to catch up on our Disney World trip. I still haven’t finished editing most of the photos yet, but here are a few that I have edited.

It’s a marathon post folks, with lots and lots of pics with more to come another post. Bare with me!

This is Mike’s Grandma Dena and her husband Dick with the boys. It’s the first time she had ever seen the boys, but she is always sending Christmas gifts to them (thanks Grandma!). We were all so glad that they were able to drive down from Atlanta to be with us for a few days.

Michael was just giddy w/ excitement! He couldn’t wait to show the boys DW!

Joshy and Mara held hands almost the entire first day. They were so cute! Mara is posing here for the camera. She is hilarious!

The whole gang (almost) at the character breakfast on Mother’s Day. We missed Chris and Marlea, but they were out celebrating their anniversary that day.

It was so much fun to watch all the kids enjoy the Pooh Bear, Eeyore, Tigger, and Piglet. We were actually there so long that we were able to see them all twice. It was a perfect Mother’s Day breakfast. Thanks Papa!

BTW if you notice Bryan. He didn’t care so much about the characters. He just wanted the food!

The kids got to dance w/ Stitch and give Buzz a hug!

Joshy got to drive the cars at Autopia! A dream come true!

Grandma Dena got to ride the Carousel!

I got to love on a hot and tired Bryan.Last, but not least, Michael got to show his boys a place he loves. This daddy was in heaven!

Happy Anniversary

2009-06-24T08:26:00.001-07:00

Our eternity together began 4 years ago.

I love you, sweetie.

Happy Anniversary!!!

june 24, 2005

I dare you not to sing along!

2009-06-19T10:38:00.001-07:00

Cuz, I sure didn’t! Umm. . . maybe!

Testing

2009-06-17T17:19:00.001-07:00

Am I just way behind times, or is this window live writer thing new? Anyway, I just heard about it and I am hoping that it will make things easier for me. I seem to have a really hard time sitting down and posting lately. It’s not like I am not checking on facebook or other blogs about 3 times a day, so what’s my deal? I’m gonna try and post a pic. I hear this thing has amazing editing capabilities and all sorts of fun things to do to your pics.

I think that there is definitely a learning curve, but hopefully I will be able to figure it out soon. I do really like it tho. BTW does anyone else use this, and if you do, how do I access the plug-ins i downloaded. One other thing. Do you all see my font, or does it not show up if you don’t have the font installed on your computer?

Tips and Tricks, anyone?

Disney World Trip Day 1

2009-06-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

We all know what a bad blogger I am. So sorry! I can't believe we have been home for just over 2 weeks now and I haven't even blogged about it yet. YIKES!

We had an awesome time. Our flight left out of Vegas at around 12 am Friday morning, so we definitely had a long day Thurs and Fri. I was really nervous how the boys would be on the flight. It truly was one of my worst fears of the whole trip. They did really well up until the time we put Joshy is his seat (First Class, BABY! Thanks again, Papa!).

I don't think he knew what the heck was going on. Needless to say, he had a minor melt down. I'm pretty sure the peeps on the plane were THRILLED to be traveling with 2 toddlers on a red-eye. After we got moving, tho, Joshy mellowed out and we were able to enjoy a (mostly) quiet flight. We landed at the Dallas/FT. Worth airport at about 5 am local time and had to change planes. We were pretty worried about this situation, too. How would the boys handle being up almost ALL nite? Would they have a major melt-down right there in the airport? Would I have a major melt-down right there in the airport? Nope. . .none of it happened. The boys were angels. Joshy enjoyed riding the train to the next terminal (Thanks MR. Pilot man for showing us the way.) and we waited there for our next flight into Orlando.

The boys were perfect on the flight. Since it was light outside, Joshy really loved looking out the window at all the big planes, and Bryan, well Bryan pretty much slept the whole time! YIPPEE!!!

We arrived in Orlando at about 11 am local time. Papa Dave met us at the airport and handed us over our rental car. By the time we got to the condo and got settled into our room, I was done. Yep, stick a fork in me! All done! Done-zo! No Mas, por favor! Sleepy-sleepy time!

you get the picture

more to come tomorrow!

something fun!

2009-05-28T08:36:00.000-07:00

check this site out. it's fun.

i plan on making and printing a buch of

these and putting them in frames. too cute!

2009-05-20T07:49:00.000-07:00

We are home! (YAY)

But Joshy's sick! (BOO)

Had an awesome time! (YAY)

But it had to end! (BOO)

Have tonz of pics! (YAY)

But will have to post them later! (BOO)

seriously, when i get a chance to edit and weed thru

the hundreds of pics i will get them up as soon as i can,

but for now, my day(s) have been spent dealing w/

the pukes and poops of a toddler

***i will spare u the details.

2009-05-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

we are on a much needed vacation! have a fun week everyone and we will be back soon!

1

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2

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3

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4

2009-05-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

5

2009-05-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

6

2009-05-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

2009-05-01T08:50:00.000-07:00

2009-04-30T10:48:00.000-07:00

Playing Catch-up. . .Taco Salad, Anyone?

2009-04-29T09:15:00.000-07:00

I get to go to Girl's Camp this year.
(notice I said "get" and not "have." i am trying to change my attitude. hehe)
For a YCL training, I voluteered to make lunch for everyone.
Everyone. . . meaning 60ish people!
(and yes, i am crazy. and no, i didn't sleep the nite before.
and no, i didn't quite run out of food. it was awfully close, though!)

16 lbs of hamburger. . . 8 heads of lettuce. . .6 cans of olives. . .
12 tomatoes. . . 7 cans of beans. . .5 bags of chips. . .etc.
IT WAS A LOT OF FOOD!

Everyone pitched in on the desserts, thank goodness!
YUMMY!

The best part of the whole day, though, was the setting, and silly me, I forgot to take pics. We were up at Warm Springs. If any of you have been there, you know how pretty it is. A little oasis in the desert. We were also lucky enough (because of double booking) to get to have lunch in the Mansion House. It is an amazing old house! If any of you ever get a chance to get up there, ask the missionaries for a tour of the old place. Pretty cool! It even has an awesome curved front door!

Can you see it?

2009-04-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

It's there. . . You just have to get a little closer!

There. . . Now do you see it?
OUR LAWN IS COMING IN!
YEAH!
BBQ'S AT OUR HOUSE!

these pics are actually a bit old. the lawn in almost completely in now.
YIPPEE!

Playing Catch-up. . . Easter Bunny Saturday**

2009-04-29T08:42:00.000-07:00

We had a fun, but kinda quiet Easter Bunny Saturday this year. We went up to Debi's and had lunch w/ her cute fam,
and Sandi and Kyle's cute fam. After lunch we had the Easter Eggs
(were we supposed to bring eggs? I don't think there was a real egg in ALL that candy!)

The race is on! Meg's in the lead!

Beautiful Girls!

Look at ALL that loot!
Yeah, we ended up using it in another Easter Egg Hunt
and got rid of most of it. Thank goodness!

Bryan wasn't much interested in the candy. He just wanted to play in the dirt!

**We decided this year that we are going to call the Sat. before Easter "Easter Bunny Saturday." On this day we will do the egg hunt and the candy and all the other fun, but not so spiritual activities. On Easter Sunday, we will focus on the reason for Easter, on Christ and his resurrection. We are really excited about this and feel that it will help us to really seperate the commercial from the spiritual for us and our boys. Now if only we could figure out Christmas. Any suggestions?

Playing Catch-up. . .Trip to Redstone

2009-04-29T08:21:00.000-07:00

I'm a bad blogger! It's been 3 almost 4 weeks since I really posted anything. So, what you get is a whole lotta catch-up posts. This is really more for me than for you anyway. Kinda my journal.
(I'm not that great at keeping a written journal either.)

Bryan. . .What a handsome dude! And I love those teethies!

Diana and Mom Lacy. It was her B-day that day!

On our trip there, I looked back and saw Josh practicing pouts in his little mirror that
hangs on the back of the headrest!
What a goof!

My Bubbas! Oh, how I love them!

Make it and love it. . .

2009-04-07T10:03:00.000-07:00

and yes, I LOVE it! Check out this site. Not only is this girl talented, but she shares her talent by giving away most of her ideas in the form of tutorials! Maybe even I can sew some of these projects. We'll see, but I did finally pull out my Grandma's old sewing machine to see what it needs to be fixed. She is also doing a giveaway right now, so get yourself over there and enter to win some CUTE stuff!

So much fun!

2009-04-01T09:48:00.000-07:00

Check out this site. It is so much fun. I am going to create all sorts of fun fonts! Best of all. . . It's FREE!!!

Old Silk Ties

2009-03-31T11:10:00.000-07:00

I am looking for some old silk ties for an Easter project I want to do. If any of you locals have any that you want to donate (or just can't stand and want to delete them from your hubby's closet), I will gladly take them off your hands. Just leave me a comment and I will call you. Thanks!

Unplugged and other stuff

2009-03-31T08:57:00.000-07:00

Unplugged

***

Unplugged didn't go exactly as planned. I remembered that I had to do some banking and order a couple of things for our Florida trip, so I got up early w/ the resolve to just get those things done and then get off the computer. THEN I remembered that I had posted the whole hair thing and wanted to see what everyone thought. THEN I remembered that I had chosen to open my comments and to moderate them, so I just HAD to keep coming back through out the day to see if anyone had left comments. Oh, who am I kidding? I am hopelessly addicted(anyone know a 12 step program for Blogger and FB addicts?). I can't live w/ out my blogs and my facebook. I did finally go over and check out google reader! What an awesome invention and time-saver, (I know. I am WAY behind the times!) I did learn, though, that I need to schedule my time on the computer better, and plan to start that ummmmm. . . tomorrow. Maybe?

Hair-Do or Don't

***

So, I really appreciate all the comments on my little survey. I am excited to get my haircut, but think that I am going to wait until just before we go to Florida, so I will just have to deal with the loveliness that is my hair for another month. I still can't decide which hairstyle I like better. I really do like #3 and #4, but I'm not brave enough to go blond. I still really dig the hair cuts, though. Michael, on the other hand, is not a fan of either of them. He likes the sleek ones. My only thought is the time I'm going to have to spend straightening my hair. Who has that amount of time on a daily basis? I think I just talked myself into #4.

Big-Boy Bed

2009-03-31T08:40:00.000-07:00

We finally took the rail off of Joshy's crib this weekend. I really didn't want to. He really wasn't even trying to climb out of his crib yet, but because of our trip to Florida and the fact that he really is too big for a pack-n-play, we needed to get him used to sleeping in a big-boy bed. It's really about time! He's 2 and a half, after all!

Oh, so peaceful! I love sleeping babies!

Not more than 2 hours later, this is what I found. Poor kid! I just let him be. He was soooo out of it!

I had to post this pic, too! It cracks me up. It's been kind of rough with the new sleeping arrangements. We are having a hard time keeping him in his bed, and then when he finally does fall asleep, he falls out of bed soon after that. We tried a bed rail, but it won't work w/ a toddler bed. Any suggestions? Last night he was able to sleep through the night, in his bed, so maybe the problem solved itself. We'll see!

Sticker Fun

2009-03-31T08:30:00.000-07:00

Some random pix.
Joshy got ahold of the stickers the other day, and let me tell you, I've got stickers EVERYWHERE!!! But it's all in good fun and entertainment, right!

Hmmmmm. . .I wonder if he's trying to tell me something? Maybe I talk too much?

Note to self: PUUULLLLLLEEEEEEZZZZE remember to take all those stickers off before I wash those jammies.

Nothing was immune from the sticker infestation. The door. The floor. The TV. The fridge. My shoes. The bottom of my feet.
Like I said, EVERYWHERE!!!

In other unrelated news. . . Bryan face planted it at my mom and dad's house last weekend. Suffice it to say, he got his first big owie. Ouch!

Unplugged

2009-03-26T20:47:00.000-07:00

This is me! I'm so doing it! Tomorrow there will be no computer and no TV (mostly to entertain the boys while I'm on the computer!) I'm excited. It will be fun! I will get some things done that I've needed to do for awhile and I will be more intune to my boys! YAY for me!!!

Haircut!?!

2009-03-26T14:25:00.000-07:00

Alrighty, ya'll!!!

I need some help. I am definitely in need of a new

haircut and am wanting to get something easy, yet fun and

stylish. I have been looking online at some of the different

styles and have chosen these as my favorites.

So here's where you get to help. Leave me a comment

(which I've opened to everyone, but have chosen to moderate)

on what hairstyle you think will look best on MY big fat, round face

(I am working on this, btw. I am down 27 lbs! WOOHOO!).

Your help is much appreciated!

Oh, one other thing! I have bangs, so my haircut won't look as cute.

#1.

#2.

#3.

#4.

NOT ME!!!

2009-03-16T10:36:00.000-07:00

Who in their right mind would keep stepping over the same mess day after day? Not me! I have not been trying to reorganize the office for a little over a week now, and it is not driving me crazy. I did (yep, I really did) finally get the books in the book shelf, but I am NOT stepping over the other decorations and knick knacks multiple times a day just to get to my computer. You would think that I could just bite the bullet and finish up the job. NOT!!! Nope, I'm not that lazy!

And while I'm at it. . .I would NOT forget about a load of sheets in the washer for 4 days now, and they definitely do NOT stink to high heaven! That would be disgusting! I did not remember them on Saturday and run the load again, just to forget about them until this morning. I have not run them 3 times already this morning to try to get rid of the stank, to no avail.

But seriously folks, anyone have any suggestions. It really is a bad case of nastiness, and I don't know what else to try other than bleach, and I don't want to ruin my pretty red sheets. HAAAAAAAALLLLLLPPPPPP!!!

Why I love this Church

2009-03-10T16:51:00.000-07:00

Yep, pretty classy!

Check it out here.

Today!

2009-03-10T14:31:00.000-07:00

Today. . .I will COMPLETELY finish my laundry.

Today. . .I will hug my boys more and tell them that I love them.

Today. . .I will actually have a shower before 4 pm (hopefully.)

Today. . .I will enjoy the beautiful spring day with windows open wide and curtains blowing in the breeze.

Today. . .I will finish one scrapbook page.

Today. . .I will go to bed feeling like I accomplished something.

Not me!!!!

2009-03-09T14:18:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

So, I totally don't think my blog is boring. Nope, not BOOOOOOOOOOOOOORING!!! I am not going to apologize for boring you all to death (by all, I mean the 5 people who read this, thank you by the way.) I am happy with my mediocrity so I don't promise to be better at this whole blogging thing. I am NOT going to steal. . .ahem, I mean borrow, other bloggie's ideas and use them to better my blog. I wouldn't do that. So, here goes. An idea I did not steal, oh yeah, borrow!

Never in my entire life have I ever, no never, taken the laptop into the potty w/ me. Nope. Not me. Never.

I would never in a million years, ever, let Joshy eat only bread, and white bread at that, for two lunches in a row! What kind of mother would I be! Glad that's not me!

I would never ever do laundry (last week) and still have the clothes laying in heaps around my room so that now I don't know what's dirty or what's clean. And never, when searching for clothing for my kids in said heaps, would I ever pick up an article of clothing and smell it, deem it ok and then put it on my kids. Nope, not me, I say!

Okay, that's enough for now. Wow, it really is cathartic to "air your dirty laundry." Hopefully this will be a regular occurance on my blog, and hopefully things will be a little be more interesting. Hopefully!

Such a mean mommy!

2009-03-03T07:56:00.000-08:00

I know. I know. Another Mother of the Year Award is coming my way,

but I couldn't help myself. Bryan was so tired and so funny.

It just had to be captured.

Please don't call CPS on me!!!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Then don't shop there!!!!!

2009-02-21T15:39:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I have to rant for just a minute. So, you've been warned.

Yesterday, the boys and I made a quick trip to the local grocery store. Oh, who am I kidding? Everyone knows it's Lins. So anywho, we are at Lins and they are in the middle of a renovation (high past time, if you ask me.) ANYWAY, this gentleman (by gentleman, I mean crotchety old man,) was complaining to EVERYONE about EVERYTHING!!! He was complaining to the bakery lady about the prices and how the "snow birds" cause everything to go up. He was complaining to some random customer about the renovation and how inconvenient it is and how they are charging more because the "have to pay for this mess somehow." He was complaining to the Pepsi delivery guy about the price of his product, (which I noticed didn't stop the man from buying it, anyway.) By the time I was done shopping, I wanted to wring the guys neck and shake some sense into him. So sir, since I didn't do it then, please let me tell you off now (like he's reading this, right?)

THE PEOPLE WHO WORK IN THE STORE, WHO DELIVER TO THE STORE, AND WHO SHOP AT THE STORE DO NOT MAKE UP THE PRICES!!!! THEY ARE JUST DOING THIER JOB, SO STOP COMPLAINING! IT DOESN'T DO ANY GOOD AND IT JUST TICKS OFF THE PEOPLE WHO ARE TRYING TO GET THEIR SHOPPING DONE!

Okay, rant over. We now send you back to your regularly scheduled program.

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T09:48:00.000-08:00

This morning I woke up to the smell of roses wafting through the house! Then we made heart pancakes, hashbrowns, and bacon. Bye-bye rose smell ;( Come back soon!
Happy First-Date Anniversary and Valentine's Day, husband!

I love you!

Chicken and "Sau"

2009-02-11T07:29:00.000-08:00

Let me preface this post by saying that I know I'm not going to be winning any Mother of the Year awards anytime soo. That being said. . .

The other day I just didn't have it in me to make one more peanut butter and jelly sandwich AND I was out of chicken nuggets (those of you that know Joshy, know that that's pretty much all he eats.) ANYWHO. . .because I hadn't showered yet, I was not about to step foot inside the grocery store. So, the only other option for lunch in this town (w/ a drive-thru) is Mickey D's. I got Joshy his nuggets and me a Chicken Club. Bryan, I figured, would get a much more healthy lunch, like grilled cheese. As I was in fixing Bryan's lunch I heard Joshy just a squealin'. I ran in and Bryan had taken one of Joshy's nuggets, and boy, was he enjoying it! I took it from Bryan so that I could at least cut it up into smaller pieces when Joshy started squealin' again. I went in and this is what I found. . .

Yes, that is Bryan drinking the BBQ sauce! Yes, I was disgusted! BUT in my defense, it was just too FUNNY to let the moment pass! I had to grab my camera and document the moment. Never in the history of Mickey D's has chicken and "sau" (as Joshy calls it) been so enjoyed.

I LOVE THIS BOY!!!

Free photo book from Shutterfly

2009-02-07T10:20:00.000-08:00

Go here to get your FREE 8x8 20 page photo book from Shutterfly! I know I am!!!

So Sad!

2009-02-04T15:39:00.000-08:00

I am truly sad today. I feel like I've lost a family member or a dear dear friend. Our Logandale Chapel burned down today. I guess technically, it's not my chapel right now, but it has been off and on in the past. I go to the Overton building, but for those of us who have ever lived in Moapa Valley or had family here, this was likely a place you had been to many times. When we moved away to Hurricane, it seemed like every time we came back to the valley we were somehow routed to the chapel. Whether it was a blessing, a mission farewell, a funeral, or a wedding, it usually took place there. I ran into Shirlyn this afternoon at the store. She looked exhausted. Her and Elwin were involved in fighting the fire. Anyway, I want to say a

GREAT BIG HUGE THANK YOU

to my bro and sis-in-law and ALL the other fire fighters who helped. You all are truly HEROES!!!

I drove by and got some pics this afternoon. If any of you have pics of how it looked before, could you please send them to me. Thanks a bunch.

My Baby is ONE!!!

2009-01-29T10:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, little monkey boy!
I love you so much and am so thankful to have you in our home. You are such a mellow little guy (except when Joshy does something to tick you off.) I love your smile and your cute little laugh! I love the way your blue-blue eyes just sparkle when you are amused, or finding some way to get into trouble. Your chubby-chubby cheekys are the best. I love it when you let me kiss on you and when you let me zerbert you! And I love the resulting laugh! It makes my day! So, thankyou again, for choosing us to be your family. You have truly blessed our lives.

The Blah's

2009-01-28T10:11:00.000-08:00

I have a serious case of the Blah's. You know what I am talking about. Where you don't want to do anything, not even shower. Where your house is a mess and it really bother's you, but you don't want to do anything about it. Where your kids are still in their pajama's (not to metion, yourself) and you figure they/I just might stay that way ALL day long. Those kind of Blah's! I hate the Blah's!!!

The ToDdLeR!!!

2009-01-23T11:14:00.000-08:00

It's long, but I promise that it won't disappoint especially the G'ma's and G'pa's!

By the way, for those of you ipod listeners, I got rid of my playlist. So feel free to get your groove on w/ your own music!

Love to all!

Disneyland Weekend

2009-01-23T10:20:00.000-08:00

Time to play catch up again! We have had a busy couple of weeks, but who hasn't, right. Anyway, if you didn't notice, we are going to Disney World in May! My FIL is taking the whole family and we are so excited! Michael ordered a Disney World vacation planning DVD and Joshy is addicted. He loves to watch it over and over. I'm a little worried about the logistics, ie. . . getting the boys to and from the airport w/ carseats, luggage and everything else that a 1 and 2 year old require. Should make for an interesting time. If any of you have traveled w/ your kidlets and have any tips, I am all ears. He He! Ears! Get it? Mickey Mouse? I crack myself up!

Anyway, Michael and I got to take a much needed weekend away from the kids last weekend. (Thanks mom and dad for watching the boys! We love you!) We headed down to So. Cal for a little work, and a lot of fun! Saturday we did a little cleaning and then Michael and I headed out to lunch and some shopping. (Okay, so we just went to Target, but you don't know how much I miss Target! Living in Overton is doing me in! I miss my stores!) That night we played a little (by a little, I mean A LOT) of Rockband (thanks Kevin!) We had a good time hanging out w/ my SIL and her boyfriend. BTW, if you all want to see a Rockband pro in action, you need to play w/ Kevin! This guy ROCKS the guitar! Whatever. . . he ROCKS the WHOLE game!!! Quite intimidating, actually. Sunday was the BIG day! Michael and I got to go to Disneyland (Thanks Jason!). It was like old times. When Mike and I were first dating, we went to Disneyland quite a few times, (and never paid to get in, might I add!) So, it was a really fun day, hanging out w/ my honey, but I did miss the boys really bad by this time! Mike's mom and dad gave us a nights stay at a Marriot for Christmas so we took advantage of that on this trip (Thanks Dave and Cathy!) We had a great trip! It was so nice to spend some time w/ Mike and just enjoy being a couple. I missed my boys something fierce, though! I decided that it's good to miss them every once in a while. I am glad to be home and feel sort of renewed, like, "Hey, I can do this!" Anyway, thanks again to all who helped us have such a fun trip this weekend! We REALLY REALLY appreciate it!!!

OUCH!

2009-01-14T13:54:00.000-08:00

How did time go by this fast? I'm not really THAT old am I? No, I can't be. **I think I have a bad case of denial.

Ummmm. . .

2009-01-03T17:13:00.001-08:00

So this is what a penicillin "sensitivity" looks like. Just in case you were all wondering.

Poor little guy! He's not itchy or having any other real problems, it just looks really REALLY bad. Umm, and yeah, the doc just put Joshy on the same thing yesterday. Hopefully he will not have the same reaction.

Christmas 2008

2009-01-03T15:44:00.000-08:00

Christmas was so much fun this year! My mom and dad were able to come and enjoy it with us, and we are so glad that they did. Here are a few pics of the Christmas morning frenzy.

Joshy w/ his Santa gift and Big truck from G'ma and Papa Lacy

Oh, the fun!

Bryan was not quite sure what to think about the whole thing, but he was sick so maybe next year will be more fun for him.

After the fun, then comes the mess!

We had such a great Christmas and hope that everybody else did also!

2008-12-30T15:34:00.000-08:00

Hope this wasn't your Christmas! Will post more soon!

2008-12-23T21:47:00.000-08:00

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

2008-12-16T22:22:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun in Layton this weekend! We left Overton at about 4:30 Friday morning and drove up to Bryan and Stephanie's to spend time w/ their family. We had planned to go to SLC to see the lights at Temple Sqare, but the weather kind of put the kabosh on that. It started snowing Friday night and just kind of kept going. Saturday Carson and Makayla decided they wanted to go play in the snow, and I just couldn't keep Joshy in for his very first snow, so we bundled him up and sent him out. Then I decided that I wanted to go out too, so I bundled Bryan up and we went out to play with everyone else. It was so much fun! Joshy was freezing, but he was not at all interested in going in. He and Canon followed each other around and played for about an hour. That night we went out to eat and then went to Layton Park to see the Christmas lights. It was so cute. They had all sorts of fun lights, frogs jumping into a pond, dinosaurs, butterflies, dragon flies, Little Mermaid, all sorts of fun things. We then went back to Bryan and Steph's to watch a couple of movies. It was a really fun night. Sunday was when we really woke up to the snow. The car was completely covered. Poor Mike went out to scrape it off so that when Bryan plowed the drive way we could get out. It was fun to watch, but I was glad that I was inside. After a ton of discussion, we decided that it was better to stay up there on Sunday and drive home on Monday. Ummm. . . let's just stay that may not have been the best decision. Monday morning up north was ok, but once we hit Cedar the snow start coming down. At one point, I was sure that we were going to skid off the road. The semi in front of us almost did! We were pretty surprised to find snow on the ground in St. George and then again on the mesa about 20 miles from home. We were welcomed home by a ton of rain (which we love.) We had such a good time at Bryan and Steph's! Thanks guys so much for letting us come up and visit! Thanks to Carson and Makayla for giving up their rooms and sleeping on the floor! We love you all and can't wait to come see you again!

Thanksgiving recap and other stuff!

2008-12-08T16:57:00.000-08:00

I know, sheesh, it's about time, right? I can't believe that Thanksgiving was over a week ago and I am just posting. Bad blogger! Anyway, it was such a fun weekend. We were in Moccasin this year and it was a blast. Lots of chaos, lots of food, lots of rain. Absolutely perfect! I didn't take any pics (I know, I must be coming down w/ something,) but I hijacked my mom's camera and so I'm gonna post hers.

My niece McKenna, her hubby Bart and his mom.

(You can't tell, but Kenna is 9 mos preggo in this pic. She actually just had her baby girl on Friday!)

Reggie, Kylan, and McKell

The feast begins!!!

That's us!

Bryan, Steph and Canon

Bracken! You're sooooo coooool! (luv ya, bud)

My handsome daddy!

It was a great time and we all ate ourselves silly!

Mike and I decide that we were going to head back into St. George (an hour away) to the early (and I mean EARRRRRLLLLYYYYY) Black Friday sales at Walmart. I was kind of nervous and didn't sleep much that night. We left my mom's at just before 3 am and got to Walmart at just after 4. There were a lot of people there already and had staked out their positions. When 5 am hit, it was madness. I don't quite know how it happened, but I ended up in the TV isle right at 5. Yes, I am thankful I got out of there with my life, the way those TV boxes were flying. I have never seen anything like it (as it was my first Black Friday sale.) I have to say, though, I really enjoyed it. I think I'm hooked, much to my honey's chagrin!

2008-11-26T16:58:00.000-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

Thankimony? Yep, Thankimony!

2008-11-24T15:19:00.000-08:00

That's what Michael calls it when people get up in Fast and Testimony meeting and share their "thankfuls," so I thought that I would share mine.
I am so thankful for a husband who loves and cherishes me. I am thankful that he asks me, (quite often) "What can I do to help you today." I am thankful that he is a worthy Priesthood holder and is more than willing to share that special power at a moments notice. I am so thankful for our two boys. They truly are gifts from our Heavenly Father, and I feel truly blessed to have the opportunity to raise them. I am thankful for my parents. They are amazing people, who love the gospel first and their family a very close second. I am thankful for my family-in-law. They are wonderful people who have taught me a great many things. I am thankful for this Promised land in which we live. How amazing it is to have the freedoms and rights that we all can enjoy. I am thankful for the service men and women and their families, who so willingly give up their time to make sure that I have those freedoms. (love you, Christina and Eric. Keep safe!) I am thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for the knowledge that I have, for the blessings that I receive from that knowledge. I am thankful for a living Prophet, who leads and guides Christ's church as He would do so. Most importantly, I am thankful for my Savior, for his atoning sacrifice in my life, for the knowledge that I have that I can return to live with him again with my WHOLE family. I am thankful for a Heavenly Father who loves me enough to send me here to this earth so that I can have this wonderful, amazing mortal existance. I am truly a Child of God!

MV RA RA!!!

2008-11-22T23:03:00.000-08:00

WooHoo Pirates! I am sitting here listening to the sirens of ALL the emergency vehicles in the valley announcing the arrival of the #1 Pirates and my Moapa pride is showing! Yep, I come from a small enough town that whether you like it or not, whether you think it is appropriate or not, whether it's after 11 or not, the sirens will be blazin' all thru town, and I LOVE it!!! Great job, Pirates!

We love Moapa High School
Dear gold and blue.
We love our colors
To thee our hearts are true as blue
We love every inch of you
Cheer for MV high school
Fight boys and never say die
We'll fight for our high school
Moapa High!

(and now my favorite part)

With a hip hurrah
MV ra ra
MV ra ra
There's nothin' the matter with us ra ra
MV ra ra
MV ra ra
There's nothin' the matter with us!

Wow! I'm a DORK, but a proud one!!!

Sad :(

2008-11-20T22:10:00.001-08:00

I would like to say a few words about a dear friend that, after taking much heat, has "given up the ghost." My dear Pampered Chef sheet pan has moved on to a much better place (the trash can.) I am devastated by the loss, but wish to thank the pan for the years and years of yummy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies, Pizzas, Chicken Nuggets, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookies, and Sugar cookies. You truly were the best cookie sheet out there and you will be greatly missed. Now can I have a moment of silence for the loss of a family member, and does anybody have the number to a Pampered Chef consultant in my area?

Yep, It's fall. I think.

2008-11-20T16:16:00.000-08:00

We have been in some sort of heat wave down here. I know it's So. NV, but come on, mid to upper 70's? I have been having trouble even getting into the spirit of the season. Since the weather hasn't been giving me any clues, I've had to pick up on other ways to know that it's fall.

#1. It starts to get dark at 3:00.
#2. The average age of Moapa Valleyites (is that a word?) has risen about 30 years thanks to the arrival of the Snow Birds.
#3. I crave pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.
#4. I get an overwhelming urge to put on Christmas music.
#5. The birds are finally able to come out during the day because it's not surface-of-the-sun hot.
#6. We are finally able to turn off the A/C during the day. (sometimes)
#7. The "wonderful" commercials on TV hocking toys that we don't need.
#8. Joshy can walk bare foot on the sidewalk.

They say that we are in for a cold spell (60's) starting tomorrow. I say, BRING IT ON! I'm ready!!!!!

I'm calling Super Nanny!

2008-11-16T15:48:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been so embarrassed you cried? I have! Today, as a matter of fact. It was our ward Primary program in Sacrament Meeting today. As a teacher I was asked to sit up on the stand with my class, which left Michael ALL alone with the boys. I am pretty impressed with how well Michael did. The boys were quiet all thru the Sacrament and even thru the first few songs, but then all heck broke loose. Bryan started screaming because Joshy took a candy wrapper away from him (yep, we were trying to keep Joshy's mouth stuffed w/ candy to keep him quiet.) Michael got up to take Bryan out and another Brother in the ward came to sit by Joshy (thanks for trying Bro. Rumsey. We really do appreciate it.) Joshy started screaming at the top of his lungs then too. I quietly got up and walked the long way to the back of the chapel to help. It was no use. Both boys were crying, strike that, screaming. Michael took Joshy out and I went back in the chapel to fix Bryan a bottle, which I managed to spill the powder all over Bryan's pants and my skirt. I was pretty close to tears at that point, and then I look up and I happened to catch a dirty look from a woman in the ward. I don't know who it was, must be a Snow Bird, but that was when I lost it and the tears just started flowing. Anyway, thanks so much to all the other members of the ward who gave me an encouraging smile or a thoughtful word. You will never know how much it was appreciated. Michael even got a hug from one of the sisters who told him he had earned "Father of the Year!" I one hundred percent agree! I am thankful for a husband that was even willing to try sitting thru Sacrament w/ 2 unruly boys. I am always hearing every other woman say that they got the best one out there, but I hate to tell you all that you're wrong. I GOT HIM!!!

Mama said. . .

2008-11-12T11:13:00.000-08:00

there'd be days like this! Oh well, I needed to vacuum anyway. Too bad it took a WHOLE BIG (nope, not the small one) box of baby oatmeal to get me to do it.

New Puppy???

2008-11-10T11:34:00.000-08:00

Nope! This was Joshy's "entertainment" while I showered this morning! That Boy!!!!!

Mommy needs a time-out

2008-11-08T20:49:00.000-08:00

And boy did I ever! I was about to go crazy, so when I got an invite to my niece's baby shower in St. George I was all over it! This has been the longest week ever in anticipation of my get away, but I made it through, and you know what, I had a blast and only missed my kids a little bit (ok, I was only gone for about 6 or 7 hours,but hey, whatever)! Yeah me!!! I've decided that come heck (yep, my roots are in Utah) or high water, I'm gonna get my time out twice a month. Wow, I'm drunk with all the freedom!

Prop 8

2008-11-03T21:51:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I love my cousin so much! She is such and awesome woman, mother, mormon, writer. . .ok, she's perfect! Almost every time I read her blog, I think, "She is thinking my thoughts, but writing them so much better than I ever could." So, I am sending you HERE to here awesome blog to know how I feel about Prop 8! Now get out there and VOTE tomorrow!

Playing Catch Up!

2008-11-03T20:50:00.000-08:00

It has been forever since I have posted last, and so much has been going on! Are you ready for a marathon post? Hope so!

So, last week Mike and I took a MUCH needed couples weekend (thanks mom and dad for watching the boys!) It was WONDERFUL! I can't tell you how much I enjoyed it! We went to Mesquite and stayed at the Falcon Ridge Hotel. It's a nice place, but a little quirky! Do you see anything wrong with this picture?

What about this one?

Yes, the toilet was facing a full lenght mirror, and there were 2 TV's less than 5 feet from each other! I don't know about you, but when I sit down to go potty, the last thing I want to see is me staring back at myself! The 2 TV's is a good idea in theory, but practically, not so much!
We got back Sunday from our weekend away and then. . . dum dum dum. . . I got sick. Not just sick, but SICK!!!!!!! Headache, body ache, sore throat, swollen gums (????) and canker sores! Weird! Thank goodness for Teladoc and some strong antibiotics! Michael stayed home one day to help me (I actually got to take a sick day!) and then my mom (cuz everyone wants their mommy when they are sick, right?) came to help me on Thursday. We were supposed to be headed for Cali on Thurs night, but no go. Not well enough, but we did decide to leave Friday morning. Michael was happy. I was still sick. After some pain meds and antibiotics I was ready to party for Halloween! We went to Mike's brother's house so that the cousins could trick or treat together. Good times!
Josh (Cookie Monster, I know, but remember I was SICK!) and Mara

Bryan (Elmo)

The whole gang

1 of 3 GINORMOUS tarantulas on the streets around their house!

Too cute!My Happy Bryan!

We had a great time and were glad we were able to go to Cali! So, were you bored? I hope not, because I sure wasn't!

Pee Pee on the Potty!

2008-10-22T20:29:00.000-07:00

Oh, the joys of motherhood. So, Joshy has pretty much decided he is about ready to potty train, which is awesome, but there are other issues that come along with it. I debated whether or not I should share this one, but it is too stinking cute, so you all will just have to bear with me. So, everytime Joshy goes "pee pee on the potty," he yells "YEAH!" The other day, I was rushing in to go use the facilities myself (rushing, because as I'm sure most of you know, there's always something else to do, and then something else to do, and then something else to do, on and on and on that by the time I actually get to the potty I REALLY have to go, AND I had to rush just to get in there with out Joshy wanting to come in with me. Everyone needs a little privacy.) Anyhow, I am in there tinkling and I hear Joshy just outside the door go, "YEAH!" It's nice to know that I can impress my son with my pottying abilities! Oh, how I love that crazy, loud, picky, pushy, sweet little man!

Blessed!

2008-10-20T23:47:00.000-07:00

So, here it is a quarter to twelve at night and I'm crying like a baby, by myself. No, I'm not having a breakdown. I have been reading posts from a fellow blogger and her sister. I know I am way behind the times, but I finally clicked on one of those buttons that I have seen on everyone else's blogs. I am heartbroken and strangely buoyed up by what I have read. I am sure most of you know what the Nie Recovery is all about, but for those behind the times (like me,) I will share. Stephanie Nielson and her husband Christian were the couple that was in that horrible private plane crash in Arizona in August. The pilot was killed, but these two survived. Stephanie has been writing a blog for a while now and she is amazing. This is definately one to check out. While she is still recovering (in a induced coma) her readers have emailed her sister to re-post some of their favorites. Her sister also has a blog on which she provides updates and very insightfully reminds us all that we are indeed blessed, and that our Heavenly Father knows and loves us very much. Please check out these blogs here and here, and if you feel so inclined donate to the Nie Recovery Fund. The button on the left should take you to the site. These truly are amazing people with amazing gifts. I am blessed to have read their words and to have felt their spirits.

ARRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHH 2!!! But it's ok!

2008-10-15T22:13:00.000-07:00

Crash! Bang!! Boom!!! The PC is down again. I really think that it finally gave up the ghost. I turned it on the other day and. . . nothing! Absolutely nothing! Frustrating! I am happy that my hubby lets me use the laptop every once in a while (when I can pry it out of his hands.) Anyway, I kind of had an epiphany today! I have been a little down lately (hormones, right ladies!) But I think that I finally decided that enough is enough! The adversary is really working on me and I am NOT going to let him win. So, I DECIDED to make a complete 180 in my thinking today, and you know what? It worked! I have felt better, had more energy and just been happier today than for a while. I started thinking about a something I heard in conference and I DECIDED that it's that way with everything. Want to know the quote? I can't remember who said it. It was in the Sat morning session. Anyway, here it is. . . "Faith is not just a feeling, it's a decision." Isn't it so true? But today was the day that I realized that I could insert "happiness" in there just as easily. So I have DECIDED to be happy and so far so good!

Finally! Something to laugh at!

2008-10-03T20:27:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you all, but I'm am really ready for Nov. 4th. Not only because it's my birthday (yes, I accept presents, hehehe) but because this whole mess of an election will be over! I am so tired of the back and forth and the contention, and I don't even get to vote for a candidate that I really believe in! Ridiculous!!! Anyway, my sis sent me this link and I thought I would share it with you all. It will really give you something to laugh at regardless of your political views. Check it out here. It might take a minute or two to load, but it is well worth the wait.

Happy Birthday, Mom!!!

2008-09-23T17:16:00.000-07:00

Yep, today is my mom's birthday! And what a woman she is!! She truly is the best woman I know. I have always known what a good person she is, but I never really understood until I became grew up and became a mom. She is my best friend. Not a day goes by that I don't call her for advice, to tell her the newest crazy thing that the boys are up to, or just to vent, and she always listens to me, even when she has other things she would rather be doing. I'm 32 years old and I still need my mommy! I love you, mom! I hope your day is a good one! Have fun at Les Miserables w/ your brothers!

What Princess Are You?

2008-09-14T16:20:00.000-07:00

You Are Mulan!

Strong and spirited. You're no one's girly girl; actually you are very determined person with a strong sense of self. Never let go of that! The only thing that equals your sense of self is your family, but the traditions of society can always be bent to protect something or someone you love.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

7 Years

2008-09-10T19:12:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has already been seven years since our world has changed completely. The days of meeting family at the gate at the airport, of not worrying about terrorism on our own land are almost forgotten. I, like most of you, remember exactly where I was at the moment I found out that we were under attack. I was in Fort Bragg, California, on the 3rd day of a fun Pacific Coast Highway trip. I was up early to get ready to go when I turned on the news and saw the first tower on fire. I was mesmerized. I had been there before, and had looked down those many hundreds of feet to the teeny people on the ground. I had marveled at how huge the buildings were. How stable and solid they were. I was amazed at the thousands of people who worked in those buildings on a daily basis. Then I watched in horror as I saw the second plane crash into the other tower. I cried then. That was when it hit me. We did continue on our trip that day. We were headed to San Francisco to see the touristy sites. The city was all but shut down. We went to the Oakland Temple to visit a friend who was a sister missionary there. I remember her saying, "Take a picture of San Francisco now because you will never see it without a plane in the sky again." I did. I think of all those people who lost there lives that day. The heroes that knew they were going into danger and the heroes that had no idea. I was chilled when the country pulled together, when everyone took a moment to say a prayer to whatever God they believed in, when the Stars and Stripes were so proudly displayed in just about every home and on every car, when we were truly, "one nation under God." I miss those days. I don't miss the horror or the loss, but I miss the unity. I really hope and pray that for just one day we can forget about the contention and remember the unity that we felt those seven years ago.

2008-09-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

I NEED A VACATION!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday, Michael!

2008-09-03T14:24:00.000-07:00

To my best friend:

Happy Birthday, sweetie! I love you so much and am so blessed to have you in my life. I thank my Heavenly Father every day that I found you! You are the best man I have ever met and I will count myself blessed if our children turn out like you! Thank you for being my rock, for letting me vent, for being slow to anger, for laughing and crying with me! You truly are the one for me! I am so proud of you and for all you do for our family. Our boys love you so much and it's easy to see why. You are so patient and loving to them. I love you, Michael! Hope this is an awesome day for you!!!

Shout out to Blogging

2008-08-30T01:16:00.001-07:00

Ok! I really don't know how this happened. I usually am one of those people who is in bed by 9 (see earlier post,) but the last week I can't get to sleep to save my life. Anyway, tonight , instead of laying in bed staring at the ceiling I decided to do some digiscrapping, which somehow turned to blogging. I decided to see if there was anyone in our little valley with a blog. Turns out there are a few, but one I recognized. She is actually a girl from Hurricane who I would have graduated with if I hadn't have moved. So of course I checked out her blog. She had a link to another one of my best friends growing up. Then her blog had a link to another friend and so on! I found a gold mine! I have missed my old friends from Hurricane. It's been16 years since I moved from there, and I often wonder how everyone is. We drive through there often on the way to Moccasin, but it has changed so much. I am amazed. Hurricane holds a ton of memories for me. Every time we drive through I'm always telling my husband about the night games, or cliff jumping, or walking around the fair. Too much fun! Anyway, I am excited to finally have a connection. I love the fact that I can keep up with family and friends. So anyway, thanks bloggie people! Now I'm going to try and get some sleep! Ooops! Just kidding! Bryan just started screaming!

Boogies!

2008-08-27T21:02:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post tonight. I am exhausted. Anyway, Joshy had me rolling tonight when I put him down to bed. I don't know how it started, but somehow he has become "boogie conscious." Everytime I put him to bed he has to have his nose wiped, even if there is nothing there. Well, tonight he said, "momma boogie," so I let him wipe my nose. Then he went down the whole family. The conversation as follows. . .

Josh: "Mynan boogie?"

me: "No, Mynan doesn't have any boogies."

Josh: "Dada boogie?"

me: "No, dada can take care of his own boogies."

Josh: "Grandpa boogie?"

me: "No, grandpa can wipe his own nose."

Josh: "Grandma boogie?"

me: "I don't know we can ask her tomorrow."

Josh: "Papa, Grandma boogie?"

me: "Oh for crying out loud, go to sleep."

Apparently, my son is on a one man. . .er, child quest to make sure everyone in the world has a clean nose.

***Look out world it's the REAL Boogie Man to the rescue. *** (I'm pretty sure he will be quite busy this winter.)

Memo to Mommy

2008-08-20T16:44:00.000-07:00

I get the Parents Magazine every month and I just love it. There are always such good things in it, but as I was reading it last night, this really stuck out to me. Let me preface it by an explanation of my day. Boys up really early after not going to bed early the night before. Joshy, his typical 2 year old self. Lots of tantrums and general mayhem. Bryan not feeling well. Lots of crying and wanting to be held. Needless to say, it was a long day. Anyway, I ran across this and it just "spoke to me," especially in trying to deal with Joshy.

Memo to Mommy

You have a lot to teach your little one, but he has a few words of wisdom for you too.
* Stop freaking out about the mess! There's always time to clean--but how often do we get to make mud pies?
*Love me, even when I'm naughty. I'll only be this age once.
*Be patient. I do everything for a reason, but I don't know enough words yet to give you an explanation.
*Let me do it. I know you can do it faster and better, but sometimes experience is the best teacher.
*Don't expect too much of me. I want to do what you ask and make you happy, but I'm still little.
*Don't try to reason with me when I'm having a tantrum. Trust me-I can't hear you over my own screaming.
*Keep your promises. It's all about trust. When I'm a teenager, youll understand why it's to important.
*Don't keep asking me if I've been good. I'm not even sure what that means, but if I was bad I'd never admit it!
*Don't let me think that you're perfect. I feel a lot better knowing I'm not the only one who makes mistakes sometimes.
*Set limits. I can't actually eat a whole box of cookies-I just want to see if I'd get away with it.

Love it! I know, it's not rocket science, but sometimes I just need a little reminder every now and then.

Bye Bye MGM!!!

2008-08-15T14:20:00.000-07:00

Michael's last day at MGM is today!!! YIPPPPEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! I can not tell you how excited I am to have him out of that dirty, nasty casino. He doesn't work in the casino, but he has to walk through it everyday to get to the "dungeon," as we like to call it. I am so proud of him. He held out and finally got the job he wanted. Bye-bye MGM!!! Hello Health District!!! Hello better pay! Hello better hours! Hello better benefits! The list goes on and on!

When did I get old?

2008-08-13T18:06:00.000-07:00

Really. It's a question I've been asking myself lately. Up until about 4 months ago, I considered myself young. Last night as I was getting ready for bed at 8:30, I realized that those times of staying up all night (or even 11) are over. I can barely keep my eyes open past 10 half of the time. Next thing you know I'll be playing pinocle and wearing black socks with my sandals. Now if you'll excuse me, it's time for my nap!

My bad! Seriously!

2008-08-07T10:51:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I screwed up. I did the unthinkable. I let my oldest son hang on to his binkie until he was almost 2. What was I thinking. I'll tell you what I was thinking. I was thinking that I didn't want to deal with the major battle that was bound to happen when I did finally take the dreadful thing away. And yep, it was a battle.

So here's the story. I decided a while ago that I was not going to buy any more binkies. I would just let them wear out one by one and get rid of them that way. Well, we finally got down to one binkie left about a month ago, so the past month we would tell Joshy that when he turns 2 he's a big boy and wouldn't need a binkie or "glis," as he calls it. Last Thursday I was looking at his binkie and noticed that half of it was gone. Where it went I have no idea, but I'm pretty sure there's probably a piece of silicone floating around somewhere inside my son, like half of Hollywood. I pulled on the thing and it pretty much just popped off, so bye-bye glis. I dreaded Thursday night, but actually Joshy went to bed pretty well. Just a little fussing. When I went in to get ready for bed, could hear someone coughing outside the window, which woke Joshy right up. Yep, he screamed, which in turn woke Bryan up. Crap. Crap. Crap. So, an hour and a half of constant screaming later (on both boys part,) we finally got them to sleep. Needless to say, Joshy woke up with a sore throat and runny nose on Friday, at 5:30 am mind you. He truly did cry himself sick. I didn't think it was really possible, but guess what, it is. Friday night he did the same thing, but it didn't last as long. Got better Saturday and Sunday and pretty much all week, but both boys and I have stuffy, runny noses and a yucky cough. Well yesterday, he started asking me about his "glis" again. What?? I thought he had pretty much forgotten about it. Nope. He woke up again last night wanting his glis and then started complaining of an ear ache. Yep, cried himself sick, I tell you. Moral of the story. . . Deal with the problem, before it becomes an even bigger problem. If I had taken it away at a year old he would have fussed and cried, but he would have gotten over it sooner and wouldn't feel like he lost his best friend. Live and Learn (but at our kids expense!)

The Big 2!!

2008-08-02T09:22:00.000-07:00

Joshy at 2 weeks

Joshy at the ranch

Happy Birthday to my Joshy! He is so much fun, despite the tantrums. Apparently he is a little ladies man, too. The nursery leader was telling me that Joshy was all about the little blond visitor the other Sunday, much to her dismay. She took all the love and attention for about 20 minutes and then just started pushing him down when he came to give her a love. He loves his little brother and his Grandma's and Grandpa's, too. He is a good boy and we are so blessed to have him in our home!!! Happy Birthday, my Joshy! We love you!

YIPPPPEEEE!!!!

2008-08-01T17:17:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note, but Michael got a position at the Health District, where I used to work. We are so excited. It means a pay raise, bankers hours, and the opportunity to car pool a few days a week. Wooooo Hoooooo! I am so proud of my husband. He will love working there. I know I did!

Happy Half Birthday, Bryan

2008-07-29T10:58:00.001-07:00

I can't believe that 6 months has already gone by. Bryan is such a joy to us. He is so happy and mellow. He looks up to Joshy so much. I can just see his little legs moving. He just wants to get down and play with his big brother so bad. Happy half B-day, Mynan! We love you!

Something Kinda Fun!!

2008-07-23T15:57:00.000-07:00

1. Add a comment on my blog about one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot just do anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you.It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play, suit yourself.

Shout out to digiscrapping!!!

2008-07-20T15:42:00.000-07:00

Can I just say that I love this digital scrapbooking thing? I am just learning, but I love it tons. I love that I can sit down for 20 minutes and create an awesome page. I love that I don't have to pull out and then clean up all the scissors and pictures and papers and other little doo dads that go along with the other way. I love that I get a creative outlet that's actually useful for me (ie. . .finding a good way to display my pics,) and that I have time for. If any of you know of any more free sites (ala Shabby Princess) will you leave them in the comments? I'm all about the free stuff. Yep, I've found myself a new hobby!!!
By the way, sorry about all the slide shows.

Lacy Family Visit

2008-07-15T12:04:00.001-07:00

Mikes mom and dad and his 2 little sisters came up to visit us this weekend. We had planned to go to The Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat over at the Mirage, but because of car trouble we had to postpone. Anyway, we did end up going to eat over at the Red Rock Buffet. We had so much fun. It was such relaxing time. Bryan slept thru the whole lunch and Joshy was completely entertained by his Aunties. I was actually able to eat a meal w/ out having to take care of a child! The boys love their Grandma and Papa and their Auntie Nana and Auntie Munchkin. We love them, too! Thanks for a great weekend.

More Pulsipher Reunion Pics

2008-07-15T10:35:00.001-07:00

I found a few more pics on my camera. I know that I still have some more on mom's.

We are so proud!!!

2008-07-14T15:27:00.000-07:00

We have a hero in our family! Well, we have lots of heroes in our family, but specifically, my neice Christina. She just graduated from Boot Camp. We love you, Christina, and we pray for you every day! Keep up the good work!!!

Fourth of July!

2008-07-14T15:14:00.001-07:00

We had a really quiet 4th. Mike had to work that day so we were stuck here in Overton. The boys and I just hung out until Michael got off work. Luckily he got home early, so then the party started. It was sooooo hot out (about 111 degrees at 5:30,) but we decided to BBQ anyway. Joshy was able to keep as cool as he could in the pool (Have I ever told you about Overton water in the summer?) while Mike did the cooking. We decided we weren't going to go to the town fireworks because we weren't sure how the boys would do with the boom, so Mike stopped and got a few "safe and sane" for us to shoot off. Joshy loved them. When they were done he would say"again dada, again." So last minute, we decided to load the boys in the car and go to the town fireworks. They both loved them. Even the loud booms. Even though it was a quiet day, it was one of the best 4th's I've had in a long time!!!

Pulsipher Family Reunion

2008-07-14T14:14:00.001-07:00

Yep, reunion time again! It is always so much fun. These are just some of the pictures that I have. I forgot that I had my mom's camera for some of the time, so I am missing some pics. Yes, it really was a cardboard boat race. My mom was in charge of the activities this year so we stole. . .I mean borrowed the idea from my aunt Winna. It was good fun. The Brown family (that's us) completely took the prize. Carson took the boat across and Rhett brought it back even before the other families got across.
It's interesting how everything changes and yet it all stays the same. It was so fun to see all of the little ones running around like we used to. Memories, like the corners of my mind. . .

Summer Fun!

2008-07-14T12:08:00.001-07:00

Reggie and I took the kids to the Splash Pad a few weeks ago. It is always fun, but even more so this time because we took the older kids.

Yeah!!!

2008-07-14T11:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, the computer is finally working. . . sort of. Enough for me to do some of my scrapping and blogging. That's enough to make me happy! So, I will be posting lots to catch up. Enjoy the ride.

Aaaaarrrrrrrrggggggghhhhhh!!!!!

2008-07-05T10:07:00.000-07:00

I have a love/hate relationship with technology. When it's working, I love it. When it's not, I hate it! Our pc is giving us issues. Actually, I think it's a personal affront to me. Monday morning I had the primary songs playing from the computer and all of the sudden they stopped. Needless to say, the computer hasn't worked since. We've wiped it clean, (I was able to save everything before doing so, thank goodness,) and started over a couple of times, but to no avail. Maybe the poor thing has finally given up the ghost. Michael keeps reminding me that the pc is about 5 years old. In technology years I think that equates to something like 457 years, but I'm not sure.
Even though I am taking this little situation very personally, (I think the thing hates me,) I am really grateful for the technology I get to enjoy. (ok here comes the love fest.) I went to the Pulsipher Family reunion this last weekend, and it was just awesome. (pics to come) Marci, my cousin, also has a blog and it has been so much fun to keep up with her and her cute family that way. She is also going to start a Pulsipher Family Blog. (Marci, let me know if you need any help) so that we can all keep in touch. I love it! So, I guess I need to just suck it up and deal. At least I can use the laptop every once in a while.

Yeah for June 20th!!

2008-06-19T17:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, tomorrow really isn't a special day in our lives. There are no anniversaries (that I know of,) no birthdays, or anything like that, but I'm calling it my day of freedom! My wonderful, fabulous, beautiful mom is taking the boys for the weekend!!!! Our anniversary is on Tuesday, so Michael and I decided we were going to ship the boys off to Moccasin and just enjoy the weekend home alone. After a week of sick kids and surface-of-the-sun heat, I am just looking forward to a break. Good luck, mom! Thank you and I love you!

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to write a little note to commemorate the day. First of all, I am so blessed to have a dad whom I love and who I know loves me. My dad is a good man, and he has taught me a lot over the years. He set a great example for me by constantly serving others. When I was a kid, my dad would spend a lot of time out in his shed working on whatever project he had going at the time. I always liked to be out there with him. He would whistle a tune or sing "Mona Lisa," to me. It's silly, I know, but that song has a special meaning to me, just because my dad used to sing it. My boys love their "Gampa" too! Joshy is constantly saying "Gampa's kuck, Gampa's house, Gampa this and Gampa that." Joshy loves his Gampa! I know that he loves them too. My dad is always saying how much he loves ALL his grandkids, and they all know it!

Now to the father of my children! How did I get so blessed? I have found a man, (yep, I was the one that found him,) who is a wonderful father to our two boys. They love their daddy! I never look forward to Monday (who does?) because I know it will be a rough day for Joshy. He loves having his dada around all weekend long and misses him when he is not here. He loves to go and sit in Michael's car with him. Michael lets him sit in the drivers seat and play with all the buttons. It makes Joshy feel like he is a big boy. I love to watch Michael with his boys. Today in church, Michael was holding Bryan, playing with him and cooing at him. It was such a sweet moment. Michael is the best father. There isn't anything he wouldn't do for his boys. I remember when I was pregnant with Josh, I worried about how hands-on Michael would be with the kids. He has kind of a weak stomach. I thought for sure that I would be changing all the diapers and doing all the other gross stuff, but no, the second Joshy was born he got right in there and started helping out and hasn't stopped. I love you, sweetheart! Happy Father's Day!

And most importantly, to my Heavenly Father. I am so grateful for a Father in Heaven who loves me, and hears and answers my prayers. I am truly a blessed woman.

The haps. . .ummm sort of

2008-06-11T22:19:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. . . it's been awhile. I find myself saying that a lot. Anyway, I pretty much haven't blogged lately because nothing really of interest has happened. Now, you know that because I said that something will happen. Hopefully it will be a good thing. So I'm going to put that out in the universe and hope for the best. I think my chances are pretty good.

We have just been chillin' around the house lately. Our awesome landlord is putting in sod for us and we are pretty excited. It will be nice to let Joshy out and have him be able to play in grass instead of lovely hard-packed dirt and a pile of rocks (which I really don't think he cares either way). Our landlord is going to completely enclose the yard, too, so that I can pretty much just let Joshy go free. He was telling me that he was going to take down the old swing in his backyard and trash it, but he said that is was still in good shape and he might as well bring it over here to let Joshy play on it. I am really excited. We will be able to have the BBQ's that we wanted and have a lot more freedom to spend time outside. There has been many a night when Mike and I would stand outside and wish we could lay on soft grass and look up at the stars. We will soon get to do that. Thank you, Richard. You're the bestest landlord ever!!!

Bryan had his first bit of rice cereal on Sunday. Did he like it or not? You be the judge. We've taken to calling Bryan "Mynan." Joshy has been calling him that from the beginning. I'm pretty sure it is a shortened version of "My Bryan."

Joshy has been talking up a storm. The other day, I came home from a rare errand alone. When I walked in the door, Joshy was standing right there and he said to me, "I wann go." Completely floored, I said, "Where?" He said, "I wann go outside." Now, I know I'm just a bit biased, but my kid is a genius!!! (ok, I'm really really biased) He's not even 2 yet and he's putting together sentences. Wow!!! MENSA here we come!!!

For nothing really happening, I sure can go on and on and on and on and on . . . Sorry!

Where does the time go?

2008-05-29T12:08:00.000-07:00

"My uncle has a pretty cool name!!"

Happy lil' fella!

Blessing Day March 08

I can't believe it. Bryan is 4 months old today! What a sweet little blessing he is in our lives. It seems like just yesterday we brought him home from the hospital, but on the other hand, I have a hard time remembering our family with out him. He is such a joy. He has a cute little crooked smile that just brightens my day. He just started laughing this week, too. He does have a bit of a temper, though. If anybody messes with his bottle time, he will let us know that he is very unhappy. He always has his hands in his mouth and hates to lay flat. He wants to see what is going on in the world. We sure love him and are grateful to a Heavenly Father who lets us have these wonderful, special spirits in our lives.

Tut, tut, looks like rain!

2008-05-24T11:28:00.000-07:00

Yep, we are finally having rain! I can't believe it! It never rains here. It may rain in Vegas, or at the lake, or even up on the mesa, but it always just passes over us. Now, granted, we haven't had a huge rainstorm, but it's been enough to leave little puddles all over our dirt. . . I mean, mud covered yard. I woke up in the night, just to listen to the sounds of the rain. I tried to stay awake as long as I could, but it was just too soothing and quickly fell asleep.

The boys even seem to be enjoying the welcome change in the weather. They have both been so mellow. Bryan has been napping very well the past couple of days, and Joshy hasn't had any major meltdowns.

The flowers and trees around our neighborhood are all green and perked up. It's been quite a change from the 110 degrees on Monday and Tuesday! So, anyway, I say, "Bring on the rain!!!" We will gladly take all we can get!

Splish Splash!!!

2008-05-16T11:01:00.000-07:00

We had a fun and interesting Wednesday afternoon. I decided to take Joshy and Bryan up to the new splash pad in Moapa. I couldn't figure out if Joshy liked it or not at first. He just stood there shivering so badly he could hardly stand, but he wouldn't let me take him out. After a while he started to run around a little bit more. I don't really think he knew exactly what to expect. There were not any other kids up there to show him what to do.

Later on that afternoon, we were outside doing some yard work. Michael had turned the water on to water the plants. Needless to say, Joshy found the only puddle. He was pretty cute splashing around in that puddle, so I decided to snap a few pics.

He was having a great time until I saw this huge black spider crawling around on his shirt. Now, I'm not generally afraid of spiders, but this thing was huge AND it was on my son, so I screamed and grabbed him, pulling him out of the puddle. The spider seemed to follow him, it had attached itself to Joshy with a web. Anyway, this huge, ugly black spider ended up being a Black Widow. Joshy was screaming and I didn't know if he had been bit or if he was just reacting to my freaking out. Thank goodness he didn't get bit, but needless to say, the bug man came yesterday and sprayed. Thank you, bug man, for a little peace of mind. If you look closely, you can see the Black Widow on Joshy's chest.