Reflection on 2008!

So this is probably going to be long, but that's fine! Christmas was so great! It is so much fun with kids! I didn't download my pics yet- but Gabe was super cute! I don't think that he really got it- but he loved opening presents and playing with them! I have been feeling really blessed this last little while and as I thought about it, the whole year has taught me amazing things! First- a year ago today exactly- is the day when our lives were changed forever! I got a phone call from the adoption agency and our caseworker explained to us a "special situation." She then asked if we would consider this little boy. I called Jon at work and talked to him about it and then we called her back and told her that we would be happy to! We set up a meeting with Gabe's birthmom for Thursday.
We went into the meeting totally nervous and bearing gifts! We brought a book about tractors and a ball that had elmo on one side and cookie monster on the other! It shook and laughed- I quite enjoyed it- but gabe was scared of it! Anyways- we met the mom and her foster mom and chatted a while. When we were leaving Gabe looked up and smiled at Jon and reached for him- it was so cute and it was that smile that melted our hearts! I called our caseworker the next day to see how it went from the other side and she just pretty much told us that there were other couples and that she would get back to us! The next day she called and said that the mom wanted to get to know us better-so we set up the meeting for Monday. We went into the meeting with bubbles this time and then his birthmom said "Why do you want my son?" I totally started rambling on taken back by the question and Jon saved us by simply saying that he had won our hearts when he smiled at us! Next thing we know the birth mom left the room and then the foster mom followed. I thought that we had blown it and that she was really upset, when all of the sudden the door flew open and there was the birthmom with this basket full of stuff and balloons! She picked us!
In one week our lives changed forever! We got to take him home with us for the day and it was amazing! That is how the first week of 2008 started for us. There have been rough trials but also so many blessings! Who would have thought that we would be expecting another!? Crazy but wonderful! I am so excited for the new year and all of the changes- good and bad- that may come our way! Happy New Years!

Almost Here!

I seriously can't believe that Christmas is almost here! I am getting to so excited to see Gabe's face on Christmas and see if he even gets it! I am also excited to get to talk to my brother Chase who is on a mission! We have had several parties and things the last little while so here are some pics!

This was at a Sunday dinner with my family. My mom had arranged for Santa to make a pit-stop at her house for the kids! Gabe didn't quite know what to think- but after he realized that you got a candy cane- he was all over it!
Here is Buck! He gets so cold- so you can almost always find him here in the kitchen- he squeezes all 3 lbs. of himself as far under by the heater vent as he can get! It's pretty funny to see!

On last Saturday as many of my Grandma Strands grandchildren and great-grandchildren that could come made gingerbread cookies and decorated them! I think that we all had a good time and I was glad that Gabe will have some memories of my grandma! She is so sweet! Unfortunately most of the cookies got eaten as they were decorated so there wasn't many to show!

Oh and yes- here is our tree- all decorated and waiting for Christmas! I hope that everyone has a great Christmas and I am sure it will be full of memories for all!

Christmas!!!

I love the Christmas time of year! On Saturday, Jon and Gabe went and found our Christmas Tree, unfortunately I wasn't able to go- but they had tons of fun! I've been spending Saturdays at my Grangma's house helping her with meals and whatever she needs! Here is the tree that they picked out! Check back later to see the final decorated thing!

Jon was excited to get the tree in the house, so he brought it in on Monday after the snow had started! So yeah, there are towels under it catching the melting snow. We have it stuffed next to our fireplace, but I love the smell of real trees and how they look decorated!
Here is Gabe making his "kissing" face! He is seems to get excited for Christmas things! I love this face- it has taken me months to get a picture this good- he always looks away- but this morning I got a good one!

Tonight we have our first neighborhood Night of Giving. We are all getting together to support a local charity instead of giving neighbor gifts. We take the money that we would have spent on gifts and donate it to the charity. This year Toys for Tots was chosen so we can bring an unwrapped toy to donate instead! I like this idea and hope that it will go over well!

I am thankful for:

I just wanted to share some of the feelings that I have been having this Thanksgiving and Holiday season! The first thing that I think of being grateful for is my own little family. I am so thrilled to be a mom and a wife and I feel even more blessed for having the opportunity to carry my own child! I love Gabe and Jon so much, they are each huge blessings in my life for so many different reasons. I am so grateful for my little brother who is serving a mission in Canada right now- he is such a great example to me of service! We spent Thanksgiving at my parents house this year and it turned out so nice! I love spending time with family. Especially at Christmas time! We have so many traditions and fun things that we do together, it just makes the memories so much sweeter! I am so excited to get started with my own family traditions and creating a wonderful holiday spirit and memories for them! I hope that everyone has a great Holiday Season!

How Time Flies!

I seriously can't believe how fast time is going by! Halloween was just here and Thanksgiving is just around the corner! I love this time of year- I wait for it all year long, but now it just seems to be knocking at the door and I am not even dressed yet! I am starting to get anxious for everything with the baby! I guess it is because I don't feel quite prepared! My sweet husband has been such a huge help to me lately! He has helped out so much around the home and now he is getting started on the basement! I am so lucky to have such a wonderful, ambitious husband! He is such a hard worker and when he gets an idea he just goes for it! I can't wait to see the bed and dresser that he is making for Gabe! I keep going through all of the stuff that we have bought or been given lately for the baby, over and over again just to make sure that I really have it! My husband thinks I am crazy! (I probably am a little!) He keeps telling me to be patient and whatever we need we can get when the baby comes! That just isn't going to fly with me- I need to be prepared before she comes!
We all have colds right now! It seriously stinks being pregnant and sick! Luckily I think that we are on the mend! I did clean extra well this last weekend in hopes of getting some of my anxiety out of the way and also to rid our house of germs!
I got my first "you're huge" comment two weeks ago! Great for your self image! j/k She is the only person to have said that and then she followed up with, "oh, just wait, you are just coming to the time when you get the biggest!" So I have that to look forward too! I almost booted her right out of my front door- but instead I just smiled and thought- if I ever see you again, while you are pregnant, I know just what to say around the 3 month mark! j/k I really wouldn't do that- but I would definitely laugh at the idea! Turn the other cheek, maybe that one isn't so puffy! j/k Seriously I am still just so grateful for the opportunity to pregnant- I was really afraid that I might never get to experience this miracle! And now that it has happened I feel truly blessed!

Cowboys & Indidans!

I have been so excited for Halloween this year- as a first for us all I prayed that Gabe would enjoy every minute of it! He was so cute- as soon as he figured out that he got candy he had a perma-grin on his face the whole night! Jon was such a good sport taking him around. He even dressed up! I thought that maybe they would go to a few houses and then come home-nope they went all around the neighborhood and then came and got me to drive them to some of our other neighbors that live out on the main road! Jon took Gabe out for an ice cream cone when they were done- when he came home it was after 9:00 pm. I thought that Gabe would be tired- he was totally wired! He ran back and forth in the kitchen for like 30 minutes smiling the whole time! It was such a perfect 1st Halloween- I can't wait for next year with two!


Here's the little Indian!





He was so good!

Here is Jon taking Gabe around- with Buck packed inside the saddle bag! Oh and our pumpkins!

Here is my handsome Cowboy!

At the end of the night- he is still all smiles!
Here's the scary dog! His little shirt glows in the dark!

No- this is not a costume- I really am that big- I think that I have gotten a lot bigger the last few weeks!

Escape Artists!

So last night around 10:00 pm, we were winding down from the day, Jon had gone out to feed the horses and I finally had a minute to sit down. Next thing I know Jon come running up to the front door and tells me to hurry and get out there we have to catch our horses! So there we are trying to catch our two horses while they were running away! Jon caught Lucky right off and I was trying to get Foxy to stay cornered on our end of the neighborhood. That didn't work! She came running full speed towards me and I was trying to get her to turn around- yeah pretty much all she had to do was side step me and she was gone! I am sure that it was a pretty picture- this big ol' pregnant gal running after a horse! (Good thing it was at night!) So I jumped in my car and went to block off the roads that went out of our neighborhood- she eventually came back down the street and Jon finally got her. But I sat there and waited for like 10 minutes watching both streets for a crazy running horse! I guess she had ran past a couple of our neighbors while they were putting their garbage's out and so while I was out by the main road they had gone down to see if they could help! This is the second time they have gotten out- the first time we were out of town and luckily our neighbor caught them running down the main road! Great fun-almost too much fun for me! We have some cute pictures of Gabe "riding" the horses so when Jon gets his camera back I'll have to put them on here!

Update!

So we are officially proud to announce that we are for sure having a girl! Last week I went in for a research thing at McKay Dee Hosp. and they did an ultra sound for free to get certain measurements and she was able to freeze and point out our little ones girl parts! We are so excited! The name that we have picked out is Shelby Mae Clinger! I know, some people have already told me that they don't like it, but we both feel that it fits and we love it! So there you have it, oh, and by the way, my card business is officially open too! Visit simplystampd.blogspot.com and tell me what you think!

General Conference!

I just wanted to add that I absolutely love General Conference! I actually look forward to it and anticipate its coming! Unfortunately it goes way too fast! I love this time of year and the messages that were shared were good for me to hear! With things getting slow and rough times in our future what better than to hear our Prophet speak on change! It also is a perfect time for me to reflect on my life and get myself back in line! I need to take more time to personally reflect on my life anyways! What a great pick-me-up as we head into the Holiday Season! I have set some new goals for myself and hope that I can be a better person in the end!

Davis Darts Forever

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Here is my good friend Mindy, showing me how guys pee! What we were studying for anatomy?!
Spaghetti Dinner at Crystal's House, that good huh?!
Mindy, Megan, and I on one of our weekend trips to Lava Hot Springs... "I'm spent" will be a phrase never forgotten! Oh Lisa...
My mom had this sitting on the piano in our living room, it made me laugh when I saw it because it reminded me of a glamour shot! It even looks like a fan is blowing my hair!
Trip after Senior year to Europe, going into the Salt Mines!

One of the few times that I went clubbin' with friends! I was a chicken! But you gotta love the Bag of Tricks!

1.Did you date people from your High School? No, I sure wanted to date some, but never got the chance! I was too shy to talk to the ones that I liked! I mostly dated guys from other schools.
2.What kind of car did you drive? Oh baby, an '88 Bronco II, bright red inside, and super sweet! Yeah I really wasn't that cool!
3.What is your most embarrassing moment? I can't really think of one, I am sure that at the time everything was embarrassing! But I can't think of one particular event! Probably the way I smiled when I had braces on, I opened my mouth but covered my teeth and it looked like I didn't have any teeth, bitter beer face anyone!?
4.Were you a party animal? I think inside I could feel it, but on the outside I was too embarrassed to show it!
5.Were you considered a flirt? I don't think so! I wanted to be, but I never really had a way with guys! My dad said it was because I intimidated them so I spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to not do that!
6.Did you play in the band, orchestra, or choir? None, I played the violin but never played in anything at school!
7.Were you a nerd? Definitely! I think that everyone is, in their own special way!
8.Were you on any Varsity teams? Yes, DHS girls soccer team, did I play, no. The coach pulled me aside at the beginning of my Senior year and told me that I wasn't very good anymore. After that my confidence went down the drain and I really did stink! But there were some good memories! Barbie funerals, spaghetti dinners, ...
9.Did you get suspended/expelled? No, I wasn't that exciting!
10.Can you still sing the fight song? Oh yes, you had to sing it a lot on the girls soccer team. I think that will forever be burned in my brain! And yes Jord, I do remember the honk too!
11.Who was your favorite teacher? I don't know her last name, but we called her Brandi, she taught us up at the DATC in anatomy! We had lots of fun in that class, the miracle of birth anyone!?
12.Where did you sit at lunch? At tasties, quizznos, or in Cat Cannons car after a Wendy's run!
13.What was your school mascot? A Dart. Yes that is right, I said a Dart!
14.Did you go to homecoming and with who? NO, I don't think that I ever went to a dance at Davis that was boys choice! Sad, a little, but i got over it!
15.Would you do it again? I think so, now that I know what not to do and what to do better at! I had a lot of good times and I am sure a lot of awkward times, but yeah, I could do round two!
16.What do you remember most about graduation? How freakin' long it took! I don't remember much about that night, but I do remember going to dinner with friends and family at this really delicious place, and all of my grandparents were there!
17.What did you do for senior skip day? There was a day assigned for that? I had a few of those- go to the zoo, go to someones house...
18.Have you gained weight? Yes!! Unfortunately yes, but I have been working hard and I will have a hot bod someday!
19.Who was your prom date? Actually I was never asked to prom at Davis, and I was only asked to go to one by a kid that once went to Davis, his name was Rory Davies. I shouldn't have gone, the night was a total waste and I constantly had to tell him to not touch me! Lots of fun! His friends were trying to get me to at least give him a kiss all night long, which made me refuse stronger and stronger!
20.Are you planning on going to your 10 year reunion? Sure, if they have one!
21. What advice would you give yourself? Who cares what others think of you, have fun, and know that nothing that you do in high school will really matter after!

I tag Mindy, Megan, Brandi, Linsey, Holli, and Ashley!

We are excited to announce...

That we are most likely having a GIRL! My doctor said that she wouldn't make any promises just yet, but she said that it looks like a girl! She said that she couldn't see "anything", but she kept saying that she thinks that it is a girl! We didn't get a good picture of her girliness because she wasn't really wanting to cooperate- maybe next time! We are so excited and we actually have a name picked out if she really is a girl. Hopefully she doesn't sprout something by the next time we go in, but if so we will still be excited (and yes if it is a boy we have a name too)! I will get a picture of my ever growing tummy soon! I have been feeling pretty well for the most part, but I still occasionally throw up. Hopefully that will all fade soon!

I'd like to thank...

I'd like to thank Megan, for nominating me for this award on her blog! She is a very successful person and teacher that I went to school with. I have so many fun memories of her, and it felt nice to be noticed. So...

The rules to this post are simple:
1. The people that receive an award get to add this logo to their blog.
2. Choose 7 people that you want to give the award to.
3. Put a simple description of their blog on yours, and see if they can guess which one is theirs.
4. Leave them a comment and let them know to visit your blog!
And the process starts all over again! Ready,:

This persons blog is always filled with beautiful pictures that she has taken. I love to look at them. I played soccer with this person for many years and have many memories in my childhood with her in them!Like street hockey, dog poop being thrown at us. Fun I know! It's fun to check out her blog to see what's new with her family and her photo's!

This person has been through a huge part of my life also! We did grow up together too, and we frequently sneaked around and did things at her house that we couldn't do at anyone else's! If her mom only knew...! She has a beautiful family and I am so glad that she got back in contact with me! Her blog is always so cute and if it weren't for her, I wouldn't have a blog!

This person also grew up with me. We have known each other for many years- she brought out the wild side in me. Always demonstrating and teaching me new things. Like how to catcall, how to throw a rope, and how to pee like a man! ( I've got pictures!) She is very successful as a teacher also, and I can't wait to see her new addition! I am always waiting for an update and get excited when she posts one!

This person I have known since I have been married to Jon. She has been a great friend and confidant many times in my marriage! She is always a great example and is very wise. I love to hear her advice and to see her adorable children. She has accomplished a lot and I really am thankful to be in a family with her!

This person I have also grown up with. She is a great mom and has endured many things! Even though her life might not be what she wants now, I know that in time it will be all that she is looking for! I have always wanted to have her body growing up, because it reminds me of a barbie! I love seeing her cute little guy and keeping in touch with what she is up to!

This person I am so grateful to have in my life. We have had callings together, talks, walks, and pedicures! We love to go to Olive Garden for the never- ending pasta bowl, and she is always there for me to talk to. I love her sense of humor and appreciate her listening to me vent at times! Thanks for being my friend! Her girls are so adorable- I love looking at their pictures.

This person had been in my life alot too! I have played soccer with her since we were little! We have created some fun memories like blowing up barbies, making coffee and Turing up the heat for some of our team members, and moist towelettes! What more can I say! She is funny and has a great sense of humor. She has a great family and it's fun to hear what she has been up to!

Okay, just one more! I have known this person since working at Barnes Bank! She is so funny and I appreciate her. Sh eis very talented and makes such cute cards, scrapbook pages, and crafts. She is organized and has been a great friend. I love talking to her and seeing what is new in her life!

There you have it! Guess which one is for you, and then nominate others for an award!

TAG...I'm it!

Rules: link the person that tagged you, mention these rules on your blog, tell 6 unspectacular quirks of yourself, and tag 6 fellow bloggers! Got it, lets go!

1. I have this inward to desire to be really lazy right now! All of the time! With my husband going hunting this weekend, I plan on doing just that! Great, I know! I promise I really do have high expectations for myself in life, but I just want to put it all on hold for just a moment!

2. My vegetable garden is a complete mess. I couldn't out weed the weeds, and they have finally won- to my utter disappointment. The horses finished the garden off when they escaped into our backyard and trampled what was left of the garden and left some nice divots in the grass! I actually love my vegetable garden, usually, but not this year!

3.I hate when my house is out of order. I try really hard to have a nice, clean, spotless house. I get irritable when things are out of order, but right now for some reason, I am finally able to just be calm! Weird for me! But yes, I do still try to keep it clean!

4. I hate when others touch or use my pillow! I must bring this up again in hopes that my sweet husband will realize that this does, in fact, include him! (I love you Jon!) I am just weird about this and I get totally freaked out about germs and stuff when my pillow has been contaminated!

5. It is the time of year for really big spiders outside, and I really despise them with all my heart! I hate them and am totally freaked out by them, but when I see one, I can't go away until I know that it is dead or else I just know that I will find them in my house! (The watching of arachnophobia the other day didn't help calm me down a bit!) So if you hear me screaming and see me jumping with a bottle of cleaner or whatever I can find at the moment, just know it is a spider and that is all!

6. I am having a really hard time finding things to eat that sound good. So I just eat random things like cheese or...I can't think of anything else right now- but if you have a good recipe or know something that is yummy, please share and let me know so that I can eat!

I know that most of these things are very unspectacular and even yes, weird, but I am blaming almost all of them on my pregnancy right now. It is only fair! I now tag Megan, Mindy, Ashley, Melinda, Brandi, Sundee, Amy, and Lindsay! Have fun!

I think that I am crazy...

We have been so busy, always running from one thing to the next! After the whole blessing and sealing week, I was ready for some good relaxation! What better than to spend the weekend up at Bearlake in the old Paris house! My whole family came up and we had a great time! This last weekend we were up in Idaho for Jon's family! There was a baby blessing and so we made a weekend out of that too! We went to the Idaho State Fair. It was fun! I still feel like I need some more relaxation- so if you've got any ideas- let me know! I feel like I am going to be crazy soon!
He couldn't get enough of his capri sun! He loves little drinks like that!
He was having so much fun filling that bucket up with wet sand! It was a perfect day at Bearlake, not too hot and not too cold!
Here is Gabe loving an ice cream cone at the Idaho State Fair! He has been doing this funny smile where he closes his eye and smiles crooked! I think it's so cute!
Here is Jon and Gabe with Jons brother Nathaniel, and thier daughter Jaycee!

After the crazy trips, this is how we all felt! Notice how freaky his eyes look- they are still open a little- I looked back and was like- aah! On the way up to Idaho he did the same thing, except you could see his iris'! Freaky I know! But still cute somehow!

So we are having...

I am just kidding- the doctors office that I go to is known to tell you what you will be having as early as 14 weeks! Unfortunately, my appointment was today at only 13 weeks! My doctor said that everything looks good, the baby is right where it should be length wise- just under 3 inches! I still lose my dinner quite a bit, but everything is starting to get better! I am already starting to show- kind of crazy! We are still excited, and yes, we will be finding out what we are having in 4 weeks! We also were able to go to the temple with Gabe this last weekend and we blessed him the next day at my parents house! It was a nice weekend! Things are good!

On Saturday, we went to the rodeo! It was at the Davis County Fair! They had a petting zoo- Gabe really liked that. He had fun petting the animals, but some of them he would just touch with 1 finger! It made me laugh! He did really good at the rodeo- we almost made it through the whole thing! Ofcourse we had to have a funnel cake- Jon was excited about that! Gabe and Jon have so much fun together- it's cute watching them play, and seeing them have fun together!

(On a side note, check my other blog simplystampd.blogspot.com. I have posted some of the cards that will be for sale as soon as my business license gets here!)

Whew!

Gabe is offically ours! This morning we went to court and finalized our adoption! It seems like so long ago that all of this started, but on the other hand I can't beleive that we have had him for over 7 months! We are so blessed to have this sweet little boy in our lives- we are so excited for all that is coming! The last little while has been a whirlwind of craziness! I left for girls camp, came home in the middle and went to the MTC with my bro. Chase! He is so excited to be out serving his mission! He is going to the Halifax,Canada Mission! Ofcourse I cried, I still think that we are all a little in shock- he is the first boy and the first one to leave on a mission. We know that he is excited, so it makes us excited for him! After that fun day it was back to girls camp. Then we had Gabes court stuff this week and the temple and blessing stuff next week! And finally after all of that we are going on a trip with my fam to bearlake over Labor Day! I am sitll feeling sick, some days are better than others. If I throw up in the morning- I am usually sick all day. If I don't it is a good day and I will only lose my dinner! Great fun I know! But in the end, it will be worth it!

Surprise!

Surprise all- we are going to have a baby! Total shocker I know- trust me we were surprised ourselves! I still don't think that it has really sunk in, but wow! We are 9 weeks along- so not terribly far- but we are so excited that we can't wait any longer. Our families all know and others have been finding out too! I have been really sick the last little bit- hopefully it won't last long! Anyways- crazy how life works out! We have been really blessed this year. We were thinking of it, in 13 months we have gone from no kids to 2! We are so grateful for our birthmom and for her courage to place her baby. Any one that has placed a baby is an angel and we cherish and love any and all! What lessons in love and selflessness they can teach all of us!

Things have been so crazy this last little while! I have been on two trips, celebrated two birthdays, and life just keeps on getting crazier!This blog is going to be long- enjoy! This last weekend we were in Star Valley visiting Jon's family. They always have a big candy drop on this weekend. It is fun to see all of the little kids running around trying to get the candy. This year, they had the kids wear plastic helmets so that they wouldn't get hurt!

Here is the air plane that drops the candy!

Dad and Gabe trying to get some candy!

After it's all over!

Gabe enjoying his spoils!

Gabe loved this basketball hoop that my parents gave to him!

He had a great birthday, and loved every minute of it!

There is so much to say about this trip! I have a ton more pictures too! Anyways- Nauvoo was awesome, the spirit that you could feel there was amazing. I loved the pageant. It was incredible- you could literally feel the past pioneers right there with you! I loved seeing all of the sights, Carthage was neat too! That is for sure one trip that I would love to take my family on! Thanks mom!

Funny video

My sister emailed this to me today- It gave me a good laugh!

Fourth of July fun

The 4th of July is one of my favortie holidays! I can't believe that it has come and gone already! Our day started out crazy like usual, we went to breakfast with my parents over at the DATC. Then we waited for the parade and water fight! This year Jon filled two of our horse water containers- over 200 gallons of water just for the water fight! I think that guys in our family live for this! My favorite part is at night. I love the BBQ, homemade ice cream, and fireworks. It always brings back great memories of past holidays!

Gabe was getting pretty restless waiting for the parade to start. He's lookin' cool with dads sunglasses on!
At the BBQ that night, my parents had made these foam swords- Gabe loved watching the battles, but I don't think he wanted to get too close!
This is the closest to a swimming pool Gabe has ever gotten to on his own! I was pretty excited, maybe next time we can get him in it!

TAGGED!

5 Random or Embarrassing things about me huh?!

1. I am totally weird about MY pillow! No one else can touch it or lay on it,not even for 1 second, or else I consider it contaminated! It totally grosses me out! So when I travel with my pillow, either I hold it or I bring extra clean pillow cases that aren't dirty!(Not even Jon can lay on it!)

2.When I was going in for my first knee surgery, ya know you're in your gown, and you are already embarrassed. I had this physicians assistant or something come in and start asking me medical questions. He asked me if I was physically active and I looked at him with complete disgust and said, NO! He was totally embarrassed and my parents were laughing at me! He then explained "no, not sexually active, do you get out and exercise?" I was quickly embarrassed and caught on to what was being said. But c'mon, with songs out there like Lets get physical and stuff, who wouldn't be confused by the worlds double meaning?!

3.I have this secret desire to pull my long hair through my shirt sleeve and raise my hand just to see peoples reaction. Just like the good old days in 6th grade! "It's a jungle down here" ( I hope some of you appreciate that, along with crayon ball fights!) Anyways- the 4th of July might be a good time to test my hairy armpit! What do ya think?!

4.I used to moon people a lot growing up! I don't know why I thought it was so funny, but I think that I have scarred my siblings for life! J/k, it probably would if I did it now though! But don't worry, I am way past that phase in my life now. Or am I?

5.And finally, I am a face picker! I know it is gross, but I think that it is even grosser to have nasty white heads all over your face. I stand in the bathroom every night on my tippy-toes for what could be 30 minutes, at times just to make sure my face is free of nastiness!

On that final note, I tag Holli S, Karissa, Sundee, and Lindsay K. Have fun!

Fun at the ZOO!

So on Saturday we went to the zoo! It was fun to go, I haven't been in a really long time! We went with my sister Chantel and her family! Gabe liked looking at the animals, but his favorite animal was the meercat! It was funny- he would chase them up and down the glass. Then they would stop right in front of him and he would laugh! Jon took him for a ride on the carosel, that didn't go so well, lucky for us though, we got a few pictures where he looked semi-happy!


Jon and Gabe were in this little thing where you could see the rhino's up close- I thouhgt this was cute of them together!

Always happy after eating (like every man!)j/k

We took him to get a drink in the lion drinking fountain, yeah, he was terrified! It was so funny. Even after watching me and his cousin Cruze drink out of it, he wouldn't have anything to do with it!

The Great Outdoors!

This past weekend we went camping with some friends. It was so nice to be away. I think that it was Gabes first time camping. He did really well. We got there late in the evening and Jon got a fire going. Gabe just sat there on my lap staring at it! I then noticed that he was smacking himself in the head! He wasn't used to the heat from the fire! But he just smiled the whole time. The next day we went 4 wheelin'. We took a belt and wrapped it around Gabe and I so that he couldn't slip off. I was worried that he would be scared, but he wasn't. We came upon this toyota 4runner that almost rolled. He wasn't the smartest, but he sure is lucky. With some help he was able to get his car from rolling and back on the road. When we got back, the girls fixed lunch. I snapped this funny picture of the 3 guys relaxin'. Gabe was just totally into this little water bottle. It was cute. We finally had to come home- I wish that we could have stayed longer, but that's life!

Perfect Pedicure!

I love when I can have a break and do something relaxing for me! Well this weekend- some of my friends came and picked me up on Saturday and took me to breakfast and to get pedicures for my birthday! It was so nice and we were all excited to go. Breakfast was great and so we headed off to get our pedicures. They were scheduled at a place in Ogden called Perfectly Polished! By the name it sounds cute and like things will be great. So to make a long story short- here we go! We walked in and I think that we were all looking around for the nice massage chairs with the attached foot baths, and we couldn't seem to find them. Next thing we know we look up to see the workers carrying out foot baths (Like the kind that you buy at Walmart!) I almost wet myself trying not to laugh! The first lady looked quite manish and totally freaked me out ( not the typical salon junkie type if ya know what I mean!) So when the other ladies said someone can come down here, I jumped at the chance! My Lady told me to go pick my polish, so I did. That meant that I had to go down by the She-man. She-man had turned on the foot bath for my friend whose feet she was doing, and the bubbles were going out of control. Seriously!She-man was freaking out- So the other girl that was doing my other friends feet ran over and started spraying disinfectant on the bubbles. Yeah- they went down! So for the whole time bubbles were out of control- my friend was getting disinfected as well! My lady was fine- but she was letting her 3 year old son help rub my feet- which was a little freaky! I knew that the scrubby tools weren't new for us and that grossed me out- My other friend will probably get a foot fungus from the scrubby thing that was used on her! We probably should have turned around right after we walked in- but ya know- we were giving it the benefit of the doubt! So if you see me and my feet have been removed- just give me a hug and tell me that "everything will be alright!" It was honestly hilarious- the girls that were giving us pedicures were really nice-(even She-man), but come on- even they have to admit that it is a little ghetto inside! So.. moral of the story, if things seem a little off at the beginning of your next pedicure...RUN! (Thanks Sundee for a memorable and funny birthday!)

Jon wanted me to put pictures of our horses on here! I think that he was a little torqued that I haven't talked about them yet! Probably because I am scared of them! Ha! Ha! He always tells me not to act scared when I am around them, but it's kind of hard to do that when you really are scared! Maybe someday I'll be the cowgirl of his dreams! Yee-haw! (I do like the boots though!)

I Have Been Tagged!

5 Things I was doing 10 years ago:
*playing soccer
*playing street hockey
*hanging out with friends ( aka getting into touble!)
*going to school ( it's still neverending!)
*probably eating ice cream!

5 Favorite snacks/foods:
*Ice cream
* Spaghetti (it has to have Ragu chuncky garden style sauce!)
*Salads
*CHOCOLATE!
*Fruit

5 Things I would do if I was a Billionaire:
*Open up a multi-million dollar Bed & Breakfast! (Pure Luxury!)
*Go to the spa every other day!
*By two of everything out of the stampin up catalog!
*Have an endless supply of Dove Dark Chocolates!
*Have my own Personal Trainer!

5 Bad Habits:
*Burping!
*Talking a lot!
* Say things like "Holy Freakin' Crap! (not lady-like according to my dad! love ya!)
*Talking fast
*Being blunt at times! (Sorry)

5 Places I have lived:
* Kaysville *Logan *Layton *West Point *Honduras

I tag anyone who reads all of this!

No, it's not a RAT!

This is our little dog, Buck! We have had him for almost two years. We had been trying for a while to have kids with no luck. Jon is also gone hunting in the fall a lot. So we decided to get me a guard dog! He sure looks mean! All 3lbs of him!

Almost ready!

We will be able to finalize everything with our adoption on August 14th! We are so excited. After that is done we will be able to go to the temple with Gabe! Time has just flown by and we can hardly wait!

Isn't Life Wonderful!

Wow- life is just flying by. Cut me a little slack as I have never done this before! We (Jon & I) have been married for almost 4 years. We just adopted a little boy at the beginning of this year. He is so freakin' adorable. His name is Gabe! Pretty much life for me has just been crazy the last little while- but it is great! Jon is always keeping himself busy. Either with work or dreaming up where he is going to be hunting for this fall! I think if he had it his way he would hunt all day, every day! We have our usual bumps in the road, but other than that-life is wonderful!