come what may

adventuring

2012-01-18T15:36:00.000-07:00

For Christmas Vance gifted me some climbing shoes and for my birthday, I got rope. This past Saturday, he took me up to Mt. Lemmon to test them out! When we moved to Marana, we had no idea we'd be living around the corner from my cousin Ben. Thanks to him and his wife, we had sitters!
It was a total BLAST! Thanks baby cakes!

He's pretty amazing.

26 and 3

2012-01-17T15:08:00.000-07:00

This is what 26 looks like... Blah. I feel so old especially when i feed the missionaries.

But Gemma turned 3 on the 6th!! She was so excited and high energy the entire day about it.

G stole her brothers T-Rex because her cute poodle wasn't cool enough.

Danced with the servers at Texas RoadHouse. It was HILARIOUS!

She got a BIG Texas sized "YEEHAA!" thanks to our super awsome waiter. She sat on the saddle and everything.

Im so proud of you Gemma! I love you infinity times!

merry christmas and happy new year!

2011-12-30T10:06:00.000-07:00

So much has been going on this past month that I have had no time for much of anything. In fact its about to get a bit more crazy because we are moving today in our new house! I honestly cant wait for this next week to be over.

I know its a bit of a picture overload but like i said, much has happened.

We spent an entire month up in Utah since we we've been a little homeless waiting to close on our house.

Heres what we did:

Saw santa with fireworks and snow!

Did a lot of playing in the snow.

Caught a lizard right before naptime so he would't fall on our faces.

Gave some love'n to Cup and Skittles.

Did lots of eating.

and reading

and of course my favorite, sleeping.

more playing!

Yes, she's pantless. She refused to wear pants.

Helped G'ma stoke fires.

Um well, all I can say is, He's a pig.

Got a little muddy which once he realized he was dirty, he was pretty sad about it.

Did some crying

And some love'n

Headed further North and did LOTS of shopping.

More eating!

Finally Christmas! Every 3 years my family, aunts, uncles, cousins, all get together and have a BIG but simple Christmas. This year we held it at a warehouse. Lots of fun but really dirty.

Vance arrived to spend the rest of the holiday with us and take us bake home to Tucson. It was a fun surprise too since he arrived earlier than he had said.

THE END

(phew)

A message from Santa

2011-12-07T19:55:00.000-07:00

Gemma received a message from the BIG guy himself this afternoon! She lit up like a christmas tree. (Ok so maybe that was me), but she loved it!

http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/watch/gJozjSb0dr83Z83gLgYFnXw?utm_campaign=share-video&utm_medium=share&utm_source=copy-paste

28

2011-11-10T20:43:00.000-07:00

1. You have THE best smile!

2. Your laugh is infectious

3. You love me unconditionally

4. You are always prepared

5. You are careing

6. I love the way you walk!

7. You are the kids BIGGEST FAN

8. You have an answer for everything

9. Quick to help those in need

10. You've got gorgeous eyes!

11. You are always striving to be better

12. For the example you set

13. The way your sisters ADORE you

14. How your brothers want to grow up to be just like you

15. You are the HERO in our childrens eyes

16. You are my protector

17. You are my lover

18. You are my best friend

19. Your kissing is melting

20. Your patience is NEVER ending

21. The confidence in your faith amazes me

22. You are smart!

23. You are tender

24. You are dedicated to the things you want most

25. You put your family first

26. You are passionate in your beliefs

27. Quick to make friends

28. Your hands are super SEXY!

29. Full of surprises

30. You can ROCK a beard like no other!

31. Quit the handsome fellow

32. Your teeth are AMAZINGLY perfect

33. Some how you always smell good

34. You're a leader NOT a follower

35. You are confident in ALL you do and are

36. I love your sense of adventure

37. Your B.U.T.T. can rock any jean!

38. Your humor is a crack up

39. I love how tall you are

40. You still give me the warm fuzzies

41. You think I'm "Smoke'n"

42. The respect you have for your parents

43. You served a mission

44. You still LOVE taking me out

45. You know what is important

46. You're an optimist

47. You succeed in ALL you do

48. You're a loving father

49. You're such a handy-man

50. You're a pretty amazing mechanic

51. You want me to be happy

52. You seem to know exactly what to say

I LOVE YOU!

It's strange to think that I've only known you for 6 years and have been married just over 5 years out of the 28 years of your life. It feels like I've known you forever.

Happy 28 years of life to you, Babe! I love you and I'm proud to call you mine!

i've got style (IGS)

2011-11-03T20:55:00.003-07:00

week 3!

i didn't feel like dressing up with layers or accessories so i kept it simple. i LOVE simple!

so simple in fact that i didn't even do my hair when i got out of the shower. i used to hate my curly/wavy hair when i was younger. i've realized now that it is actually very low maintenance.

so all you curlied hair gals, embrace those lovely locks!!

sweater ~ Old Navy

jeans ~ AE

boots ~ Payless

that's it! i rolled my jeans up to create the illusion that i had stockings on with the 2 tone colores.

anywho, accessorize what you will with this outfit! scarves, necklaces, bracelets, rings. it really is limitless.

SoCute Design presents...

2011-11-03T15:03:00.000-07:00

these lovelies are infant size 0-3 months to be precise!

they are very simple and delicate. perfect for any baby girl!

the holidays or just around the corner! come and check out socutedesign.etsy.com!

i've got style

2011-10-27T21:14:00.002-07:00

has it really been a week already since the first post of "i've got style"! holy smokes! time is really flying.

well, here's to week 2!

cardi ~ Target

blue and white striped button up ~ Target

white under shirt ~ Down East Basics

boyfriend jeans ~ American Eagle

flats ~ H&M

ear rings ~ Payless

bracelets ~ American Eagle

BTW, i LOVE H&M. awesome clothes not only for you but for your hubbies and kidlets too! amazing prices! next time you go shopping stop by H&M first! foshizle!!

into one

2011-10-27T15:50:00.000-07:00

SoCute Design, Who's Hungry and so it goes are now combined into one! Sheesh, that makes things SO much easier.

5 ingredient crusted salmon

2011-10-27T11:41:00.000-07:00

i made this last night

here's what you'll need:

3/4 C parmesan cheese

2t paprika

1T flat leaf parsley
4 salmon or talapia
1 lemon cut into wedges

preheat oven to 400. in shallow pan combine cheese, paprika and parsley and add salt and pepper to taste. drizzle fish with olive oil. dunk in mixture and cover both sides of fish. place on foil covered sheet and bake 10-12 minutes. serve with lemon wedge on the side.

it was quit delicious and quick and simple which i like.

please meet....

2011-10-25T15:23:00.003-07:00

meet Nemo. (i personally think he's a fred) but it's the kids fish and Gemma loves Nemo.

he's actually been kind of fun to have. well, as much fun as a fish can be.

he's fun to watch swim around and i probably like him more than my kids.

something interesting about Nemo is he try's to attack pens. i tease him because it's so darn funny! his gills fan out and makes him look more intimidating and his fins span out looking bigger and then he plows head first with mouth open at the side of his tank.

sounds mean i know so i only tease him when someone comes over and hasn't seen his trick. ;)

i've got style

2011-10-21T16:17:00.002-07:00

i do not have style. (im a mother of a 1 and almost 3 year olds. yes that is my excuse) i never know what to buy or what will look good on me but since my SIL kim has lived with us, i have an idea now. she reaks of style and is a SUPER babe!

once a week i will post "i've got style" of something i have worn with all the fun details like where i got it to help me get some sense of what to where. (and hopefully, it will be stylish and worthy of your liking)

so, first time is kind of rusty because i have no excessories or shoes on. (i went NO WHERE this day)

knit sweater - American Eagle

grey and white strip tank - Target

skinny jeans - American Eagle

i have some simple off-white fabric flats from H&M and UBER cute brown boots from Payless that look fabulous with this outfit!

the kidlets

2011-10-20T14:55:00.000-07:00

I cant get enough of these dumplings!

New York & Utah

2011-10-17T17:12:00.000-07:00

I did it! I went to NY! With the help of my mother who took my kiddos for the week so I could go and my cousin Danny letting me hang out with him, I had a FABULOUS time!

My first day there we took the train from Albany to NYC bright and early! No joke I was running on 2 hours of sleep the entire time in NYC. I survived though! Except for the time I almost died on the subway. It was our stop and the doors only opened for a few seconds, drove on and then stopped and opened again so I booked it to the doors and they started closing. Thinking they worked like elevator doors I squeezed through them as they closed on me. Literally. Well, I became stranded on the streets of NYC while Danny was on the subway. What's a vacation without a little adventure, right?!

Needless to say we found each other.

The rest of the week was spent relaxing, walking around down town Saratoga, rock climbing, and hanging out with some friends.

Museum of Natural History. Very cool place and A MUST if any of you ever go to NYC.

Ground zero/ memorial center/new building

Danny Boy and I

The closest we ever got to the Statue

Rock climbing was AWESOME!

After NY, I went up to Utah to hang out with my family and kidlets.

Bubbs first hair cut thanks to cousin Amanda!

Watering the horses

Riding Gemma's mini horse

Splashing in the troph

Must eats in NYC: John's pizza- you'll never have better tasting pizza than this place!

and the Shake Shack- AMAZING burgers, frys and shakes!

pathetic

2011-09-29T14:19:00.001-07:00

When I was little my mom put me in dance. I wanted to do it. My friends were doing it. I had fun doing it. I stopped doing it.

Why?

Because I was afraid that when I got dropped off for dance, I would never see my family again. That something terrible was going to happen to them or me.

I was little. Why would I have thoughts like that that stopped me from doing something I loved?

Years went by and I entered Jr. High. Fun field trips came along like California, Washington, NYC, etc. I wanted to go. I knew I would have fun. Out of the handful of school trips I could have gone on through out my highschool career, I only went on 2.

You know why?

You guessed it! My mind went wild with all the scenarios that could tragically happen and I didn't go. Even the 2 I went on my parents, friends and myself really tried hard to convince my brain that it would be fun and nothing bad would happen.

I leave Saturday to NY. A vacation all to myself. How exciting right?! And I am. But, that's right folks, im about an internet page and button away from cancelling my trip. All because of this fear i get when im about to leave my family.

I wish I could figure out why I do this. Why my mind goes wild with all the horrific tragedies that "could happen" (but odds are they wont). What if my plain crashes? My kids get in an accident? Vance gets hurt at work? etc. etc. and beyond.... It's been bad this time around.

Yep. Pretty pathetic if you ask me. I know I cant possibly be the only one that does this.

Lets hope I make a great friend on my flights to help focus my mind on things that aren't so rediculous.

oh this boy

2011-09-26T23:20:00.000-07:00

This guy makes my days loooong and wild! I blame it on his daddy. ;)

I dont know how I missed it because I was in the bathroom with him getting ready for church, but I glanced over to see what he was doing and well, the rest is history.

another day at the zoo

2011-09-16T21:27:00.000-07:00

My dear o'l Dad called me this afternoon and told me to "update your blog!"

My Dad has been away from home for over a month now and wont be returning until Christmas. He's up in North Dakota working his hardest for the love of his life (eternity) and is missing her and everyone else.

So Dad, here is what your grandbabies have been up to as of late.

Love you Pappy!

i heart them

2011-09-04T22:18:00.000-07:00

I live for them, I would die for them and I'm so grateful for them.

15 months!

2011-08-29T21:12:00.001-07:00

Can't believe V is 15 months already!

Wt: 26lbs 2oz (70%)

Ht: 32.5" (90%)

Hc: 18.6" (50%)

Words he speaks are bath, brush, bye, dada, no, hi, hot and yeah.

When Gemma get's sent to timeout, he loves to walk over and give her a scolding. Seriously the funniest thing when he does.

He's got HIGH ENERGY! I don't know how I keep up. Loves to wrestle and eat!

He helps mommy clean up his toys and he is a total monkey climbing on anything and everything!

Oh, and he loves to give a good tickle with sound affects and all.

Seriously LOVE this boy!

is it a mom thing or what?

2011-08-23T08:45:00.001-07:00

A few months ago my cousin propositioned me with an all expense paid trip minus half a plane ticket to NY! Of course I said you've got a deal. Who would pass something up like that?! I've always wanted to go and Vance has no desire what so ever to make it there , so why not?!

I purchased that darn ticket last night and I feel like im going to throw up. I have never left on my own personal mini vacay before. I feel guilty and selfish because we are trying to buy a house and other things; worried for my kids, husband and everything about the flight; undeserving because it makes me feel like a bad mom. The list goes on and on. I have asked Vance so many times if he's okay with me going. Of course he is. Pluse he too gets a week without kids in towe. Thanks Momma, btw.

A small part of me is really excited though! No responsibilities or obligations to anyone but myself for a whole week! I have forgotten what that feels like.

I did spend the $16 on insurance just in case my feelings get the best of me. I hope not but i usually lose when im shopping so who knows.

pretty excited...

2011-07-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

So, we all know that I've been trying to be "Gazelle Intense" about getting out of debt, right? I started with our credit cards since they collect interest and have taken us FOREVER to pay off. Vance and I had a total of 4 credit cards and since January of this year I am PLEASED to announce that 3 of them are completely paid off as of yesterday!!!

It was really hard to throw a whole lot of money away like that but lesson learned. NO MORE CREDIT CARDS EVER AGAIN!

One more credit card and 2 major hospital bills to go then its off to working on our car payment and saving some more!

"she what!?"

2011-07-20T15:20:00.002-07:00

(TOOK PLACE YESTERDAY AFTERNOON)

I had missed 2 phone calls from my mom and didn't really think anything of it until Vance called and said that I really needed to get a hold of my mother. That it was very important. Of course I immediately new that it wasn't going to be good news so I called my mom.

She answered and told me that Mykin and Dad were in the hospital and that Mykin had been struck by lightning and Dad had been knocked out from the after shock. But that both seemed to be alright. My heart raced. I couldn't believe it. I wanted to know more but the doctors weren't letting anyone in to see my sister or dad.

A couple hours later, I talked to my mom and everything REALLY was alright. They both were able to go home late that night. Mykin has follow ups to check her heart, eyes, kidneys and hearing and my dad has been so emotional and overwhelmed over the incident that the doctor thinks it could be post traumatic stress so he is seeing a counselor at least once.

My sister nearly lost her life. Im SO greatful to the power of the priesthood and my Heavenly Father.

Here's a picture of where the lightning entered Mykins body and traveled down her side.

Also her quick story of what happened.

Hi Everybody. i am sure you all herd what happend yesterday and i am sure there are many many different stories being told. But i will tell you the real story. Yesterday at about ten to four my dad was loading up all his horse stuff so he could go to bluff after he had dropped me off at work. So i was sitting in my suburbad waiting for my dad and i had realized that i had left my perfume in my green car so i stepped outside and grabbed the handle to my green car and as soon as i did i was struck on my left side directly inline with my heart. The percusion from the strike was so overpowering it had knocked my dad down and he had blacked out for a plit second. As soon as my dad could refocus he saw that i was layin on the ground next to the car so he rushed over and asked me if i was hit i looked up and said yes then that is when my eyes had rolled back into my head and i had stopped breathing. So my dad scooped me up and put me in the car and rushed me to the hospital. On our way my complection was becoming a lighter grey and my lips were turning a dark purple. My dad though he had witness me die. So when we arrived to the hospital and the nurses and doctors took me thats when i started to breath again but not very much and i woke up and started to scream and cry and i thought i was going to die was so scared. Luckly i had my cousin david and my brother rick give me a priestood blessing. Heavenly father was watching over me that day. i am very lucky to be here to tell my story and that i wish i can be a influence on other people. Please live everyday like it is your last. tell your parents, brothers and sisters aunts uncles or who ever that you love them. Dont take anything for granted. Life is very fragile. I know because I almost lost my life yesterday. Thank you for all your prayers they are greatly needed. I love you guys

not for a year

2011-07-08T13:16:00.000-07:00

We had V's cardio visit yesterday and not much to report other than he's doing FABULOUS!! The doctors are very pleased with how well his heart is doing. So pleased in fact that they have been useing V as an example in meetings with other Docs and such. I couldn't be more proud and more blessed with this little guy!

See you Dr. Macias and Dr. Blair in ONE YEAR!!!

the 4th

2011-07-07T19:43:00.000-07:00

Im glad we got home from Colorado just in time to play and get ready for the 4th of July. Even though we all were dog tired, we had a blast!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!

reid park zoo

2011-06-10T14:43:00.001-07:00

Since we've moved, I have to say that this day is my favorite! It wasn't just the zoo. It was the whole day being together as a family. Happy!

Watching my husband play and take care of our kids. FALLING in love with him all over again for it.

Seeing Gemma's face light up. And not over the elephants or giraffs. But over the birds.

My sweet boy walking around like it's going out of style. His rosy sun kissed cheeks and nose crinkled with smiles.

And me. Standing by watching my life feeling completely and utterly pleased with the way things have panned out.

Feeling very happy.