Where have all the blog posts gone? (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)

And we're back in 5,4,3,..... So, it's been a little while, why don't we recap... it all started with this. My sweet baby Gage got pneumonia! So sad. Although it broke my heart to see him under a mask he was a trooper. Daddy was still getting plenty of giggles out of him.


After that was all cleared up we headed to the other side of town for some birthday fun! I got to help out with this adorable little girl's 3rd birthday. The theme was "The Wizard of Oz" and it turned out so awesome! Her parents asked me to make the invitations and provide some games. We played "Pin the Heart on the Tinman" and "Toss Toto in the Basket" and then enjoyed some delicious food and cake! It was a little chaotic herding 23 (at least) kids around, but it all worked out.


"Whoa, did you see that? That was Dorothy and Scarecrow!"


"Follow the Yellow Brick Road!" What a beautiful day it was, we couldn't have asked for better weather.


Here we are at the end of the day sportin' our hot shades. We all had a blast and didn't want it to end.

VISITORS!!!

Then just this last weekend we got a visit from Danny's oldest sister Malinda, her husband Mike, and their daughter Sarah. We had so much fun with them! They gave us a little taste of our family in Arkansas and made us very homesick for all of them! Here they are saying 'good-bye' to Danny as he heads off to work.


They may have been the ones who drove hundreds of miles but we were the ones on vacation while they were here. THEY SPOILED US! Right away they were at home in our home, taking care of the little ones...


...that's right, doing my dishes (every day, every meal)...


...diapering, massaging, and dressing my baby...


...pretty much just giving out all kinds of love, left and right.

Some Family Fun

We went to the park with the kids where we all chased each other up and down hills and then watched as Sarah helped Avery and Stetson fly their kite.




Then Sarah and I put on our game faces for a little Girl's Night Out, volleyball style.


Sarah was bringin' her own on the court! She did great!


And of course we wrapped up the night with some blueberry smoothies!

The Canyon

And we can't forget one of our favorite things about family visiting... a flight to the Grand Canyon.


It's was fun for Danny to get to show his big sister his "office".


Malinda got a little worked up on the flight back with the turbulence, but she toughed it out... at least she didn't toss her cookies!


Here's Sarah taking in the grandeur.


"I am on top of the world looking down on creation..."

The Strip

For the last day of their stay we spent a good six hours on the strip. Quick remider of why we NEVER go down there. It was long, and crowded, as always. At least this time there wasn't blaring heat! We started at the conservatory gardens in the Bellagio. It's my absolute favorite place on the whole strip! The theme for the gardens was Spring and there was a butterfly house right in the middle of it that we got to walk through. Avery was in awe.


Sarah in front of one of the globe fountains... so serene.


Lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of walking. The kids actually did better than the adults... oh wait, 'cause they were in strollers.


We saw the ships at Treasure Island but skipped the show that used to be one of the only family friendly shows on the strip, but has long since joined all the others in their effort of bringing about crass entertainment.


Lastly, we ended the day by just hangin' around for a few fountain shows at the Bellagio. It was a fantastic day, and an even better foot rub when we got home!


We just have one thing left to say to Mike, Malinda, and Sarah:
"Ya'll come back naw, ya'ear?"

Soul Mates

I wasn't tagged for this but I needed a new post, so I copied this from my SIL's page. However I am tagging some of you! Namely: Cassondra, Kristina, Chantell, Stephanie, and Vanessa. (Whitney, you're off the hook since you're having a baby... right now).

How Well Do I Know My Husband

1. He's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen? Hmmm, any of the Bourne movies, an old John Wayne about airplanes, a documentary on fighters, or maybe a chick flick I'm making him watch with me.

2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? We don't go out often enough to know this one, but here at home he prefers Ranch over Italian.

3. What's one food he doesn't like? Black licorice, which I love! On occasion I like to eat a few Good n' Plenties before I give him a big ol' kiss just to see his gag face!

4. You go out to eat and have a drink, what does he order? Rootbeer or water

5. Where did he go to high school? Conway High. Go Wompass Cats... or Wombats? Something like that. I know, so sad.

6. What size shoe does he wear? 10.5

7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? Aside from all the airplane paperwork that fills the boxes in our closet? He doesn't really have any outstanding hobbies or anything. Oh wait, I thought of one. He wants to have a collection of stuff for taking care of our cars, like a built in car wash in our garage, with all the works inside and out. Does that count?

8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? Wheat bread, mayo and dijon mustard spread all the way to the crust, american, turkey, ham, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, sprouts, italian dressing, salt and pepper.

9. What would this person eat every day if he could? Homemade smoothies or milkshakes. He makes them all the time.

10. What is his favorite cereal? Cheerios. Original. Plain, no sugar.

11. What would he never wear? Are you kidding me? It took me forever to convince him that it was okay to go untucked and without a belt! (Sorry Pat, that's probably years of good training that I've undone!)

12. What is his favorite sports team? My wards volleyball team because he can come and watch me rock the courts! Okay, really, let's talk about this. My man doesn't do sports. Last season I had to petition some friends to PLEASE have a football party for the rival game so I'd have someone to be excited about it with.

13. Who did he vote for? David Cook. Hahaha just kidding. I just youtubed last season of American Idol for that name! Who knows, maybe he would have better than what we had left to vote for.

14. Who is his best friend? He's really lucky that his best friend is smokin' HOT. Talk about friend with benefits!

15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do? This one's easy. It's breaking rules, whether it be speeding, or trespassing, or dumpster diving. It makes him crazy! Whenever I'm walking out the door for a GNO he tells me to use my one phonecall to call him.

16. What is his heritage? Weird question. I'd say his heritage is... rich. (nerd points!)

17. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake? He's very non-traditional about his birthday cake. One year he wanted Apple Crumble Cake, antoher he wanted Cherry Pie. We still stick candles on it though, whatever it is.

18. Did he play sports in high school? If you call running track a sport, which he will defend to his death is one. He says, "If it's in the Olympics, it's a sport." He was pretty fast.

19. What could he spend hours doing? Got bogo on the brain? Um, preaching, teaching, correcting, philosiphying. Take your pick. Even his English Teacher assumed he was a Preacher because of the way he speaks to the class. He loves to bestow his wisdom. Which, he actually has a lot of. Maybe he can't figure out the buttons for playstation, but he could singlehandedly bring about world peace if we'd all listen.

20. What is one unique talent he has? He has the unique talent of being able to bug the fire out of you and win you over in the same conversation. He's really hard to live with sometimes because he is sooooooooo good. Really. Eagle Scout good. ALL THE TIME. Never breaks a rule. Goes the speed limit... exactly. If I had a dime for all the times I've said, "I KNOW you're right, but dang it, can't I be the good one for once?"


Okay, let's get real here. I know I like to joke a lot about why he makes me crazy, but in reality, he is the air I breathe. In nine years he has not once made me feel like I wasn't the most beautiful woman in the world. Never made a sarcastic comment, is always the first to apologize, he's endlessly entertaining, still gets my door, and kisses my lips every night... thrice. you get the picture. His family says that if they are Lehi's family then Danny is Nephi. How true it is.

To My First Love

To the first man to look me in the eyes, to hold my hand and kiss me good-night. The first man to tell me "I Love You".


I love you, Dad. You'll always be my Valentine no matter the distance between us.

And the Love of My Eternities

Here's where it all started, nine years ago. After a night at the Hot Pots (and a scar!) we made it to our first Valentine's day, our first flight, our first kiss.


When we met you were just a cute little student pilot with maybe 100 hours trying to manuever your way into a career and my heart. What an adventure it's been watching you grow professionally over the last 4500+ hours!!! You're the dadgum sexiest Captain I've ever seen!


Thank you for believing that I can be anyone I want to be, but all I ever want to be is your girl, everyday, forever.


You fulfill my every need; from imparting your wisdom, to impromptu raps over lunch, to kisses that melt me. You make me laugh till I cry, and cry till I laugh.


I don't know how I snagged you, but I'm sure not letting you go!


I love you, Danny. You're the man I'll always fight for (and with). Will you be my Valentine one more time?

LDS Synchronized Swimming

Why haven't I ever seen this kind of talent in our ward? Let's go, guys!

Avery's Antics

"I like your face, Mom. I like your eyes. You feel pretty today."


Original Version:

Here's the Church
Here's the Steeple
Open the Doors
Here's all the People

Avery's Version:

Here's the Stem of the People
Here's the top of the Doors
Open the Window
And here's all the Ears

Take a Break, America

Okay, maybe I went a little overboard with all the emails, texts, and phonecalls, but I was really excited about this free meal. Why? Because it was way more than a free meal... indulge me this. Finally, someone at the top is giving something back. This economy isn't just hurting people who can't and don't pay their bills, it's hurting those of us who go without food to pay our bills. Those of us who understand what it means to fight for a good name and great credit. Does anyone care about that anymore? I'm so tired of seeing the rampant dishonesty and irresponsibilty of our society. Sure, go ahead and give that banana to your child to eat before you get to the check out at Wal-Mart. Way to stick it to the man. You cheated Wal-Mart out of 32 cents... I hope it was worth your SOUL!! Okay, I know that'a a little extreme, but really, what has happened to everyone's sense of integrity? Something seems amiss when your accountant is asking "Just how big of a tax return do you want... I can work the numbers." Really? Is it worth it? I don't know, it all seems black and white to me. So thank you Denny's for taking a hit for the working class American who needed a break.



We got up at 5:30 to beat the sure to come lines. The kids thought it was cool that they were awake before the sun, they even made up a little jingle to sing for the drive, "Wake up the sun... Wake the sun up!"



My boys love a free meal.



And we love having no dishes to clean afterwards.



Mmmmmmmmmm, my tummy is so happy.

Another Daddy's Boy

What'd you say, Daddy? You love me?



Yeah, I know.

This is how we spend Quiet Time...

BREAKING NEWS: MICKEY TAKES TIGGER DOWN!



"M-I-C-K-E-Y...M-I-O-SO-CUTE?!"



"And the most wonderful thing about Tiggers is I'm the only one!"

"What do you mean there's no more milk?"

Thar she blows!

So I tried uploading the video of the eruptions but it didn't work. The kids thought this was the coolest thing ever. Yea for science day!

Now YOU know my ABC's

A- ATTACHED OR SINGLE: Very attached, right through the heart.
B- BEST FRIEND: I honestly can't narrow it down. Aside from Danny of course, the top of the list for sure would be Alyshia, Leslie, Kristina, and Cassondra.
C- CAKE OR PIE: Hmmmmmmm, also a tough choice. Each has it's place. I LOVE pie for holidays! And what's a birthday without cake... If I was stranded with only one though I'd have to say... pie. Peach pie drizzled with carmel sauce on top.
D- DAY OF CHOICE: Whatever day Danny doesn't have to work, which this month is Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Yes, he still has a job.
E- ESSENTIAL ITEMS: Hold on, let me check in my bag to see what I keep with me all the time... lip gloss, eye shimmer, camera, phone, diapers, wipes, tissues, and a mini calendar... and goldfish crackers. You never know!
F- FAVORITE COLOR: Blue, any shade really, but especially periwinkle.
G- GUMMY BEARS OR GUMMY WORMS: Bears definitely. With frozen yogurt so they're cold.
H- HOMETOWN: Provo, UT. Like no place on earth.
I- INDULGENCE: Sleep. I love to wrap up in layers and layers of thick heavy blankets all the way up to my ears. In fact, I don't even have to be sleeping, maybe my indulgence is just lying in bed. Aaaaahhhh, I can feel it now.
J- JANUARY OR JULY: I really appreciate both. January is my new favorite month because as mentioned before Danny is home A LOT; we've been getting so much done!!! But July is rich in tradition and memory making weekends abound.
L- LIFE IS INCOMPLETE WITHOUT: A testimony. It changes everything about you, everything you do, everything you work for. I'm not trying to be cheesey, I'm totally serious. You have nothing without it.
M- MARRIAGE DATE: Friday December 15, 2000 at 2pm. Etched in there forever.
N- NUMBER OF SIBLINGS: 8 awesome brothers and 3 crazy sisters.
O- ORANGES OR APPLES: Both, you can't compare the two. ha ha.
P- PHOBIAS OR FEARS: I'm uncomfortable under bridges, and in narrow tunnels.
Q- QUOTES: We are what we repeatedly do; excellence then is not an act, but a habit. -Kristotle
R- REASON TO SMILE: Stetson. Stetson. Stetson. That boy has me mesmerized. Every grin, every expression, every laugh, every word... I can't get enough!
S- SEASON: Fall for sure. It's so romantic and magical.
T- TAGGED FRIENDS: No obligation but anyone on my blog list, otherwise I'll never see it.
U- UNKNOWN FACT ABOUT ME: If I had the discipline to wake up at 4:30 every morning, I would. I love early early early mornings (surprisingly, since my favorite indulgence is sleep!). Someday I'll get there.
V- VERY FAVORITE STORE: Costco. 6 years ago I was introduced to this store by my sister-in law, I left a little piece of my soul in there. It speaks to me, calls to me. Sometimes I go visit just to feel complete... and to get free samples.
W- WORST HABIT: I'm sure it's not my worst, but it's what came to mind. I hate how often we watch movies. Sometimes we put a movie on just because we're bored. I think it's too much when you get to the point that you're actually "movied out". There's beauty to be found in just sitting in a quiet room with your spouse. Reminds me of someplace else...
X- XRAY, ULTRASOUND, OR MAMMOGRAM: Is this asking my preference or if I've ever had them? I don't get it. Either way it's not like they're a day at the beach. Ultrasounds can be exciting though... Cassondra. 1 o'clock.
Y- YOUR FAVORITE FOOD: Home made bread. This kick has been lasting a while.
Z- ZODIAC: Aries- So here's a surprise... I'm stubborn, arrogant, and candid. It's in my planets... or something.
Here's a quick Aries profile from www.ncbuy.com: The Aries-born reflect leadership and initiative. They are strongly independent and determined, and have the physical stamina to stay their course. They tend to be very competitive, and may sometimes seem arrogant, domineering, or intolerant. The great strength of the Aries-born is their energy, initiative, and courage. Their ability to take a project and go with it is unparalleled. One of their great skills is reaching beyond normal limitations. Arians can be blunt, and they are bold and strong. They are self-contained, and sometimes selfish, but they are not loners. On the negative side, they are impulsive and compulsive, quick-tempered. At times, people can think they are brash, rude, and inconsiderate. But Aries is only doing what the Ram's nature tells them to do. In their leisure time, Aries tend to play as hard as they work. They greatly enjoy athletics, as sports give them a positive and healthy outlet for some of their natural aggression. In love relationships, Aries is playful and romantic.

We got Hops!

We went to Sky Mania to attend a birthday party for the daughter of a friend, it was so awesome! Just wall to wall trampolines... this is just the kiddie section. Avery takes after Danny in the sense that she is like a little leaping frog - you'll see it towards the end of the video. Danny to this day can stand next to a chain link fence, rib high, and jump straight over it. And he's rusty in his old age! Can you imagine him in his prime???

Daddy's Girl

Avery loves her silly Daddy. I could watch them play and listen to that giggle for hours!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STETSON!!!

My little cowboy turned 2 last weekend... how fun was that? WE LOVE BIRTHDAYS!!! We had a few friends over for a little party, then had a family party on his real birthday. And of course we ate cake and ice cream sandwiches for at least four days and kept the streamers and balloons up for a week!






Thanks Papa Ron and Nana for keeping the Razorback blood boiling in our family!

Everybody Chicken!

This is Avery and Brielle doing the chicken dance at a primary activity. You'll notice they 'freeze' as best as two squirrelly three year olds can when the music stops. Oh, wait, you can't hear the sound.

Rockin' n Rollin'

Gage rolled over a couple of weeks ago from his stomach to his back. I was so excited, it was completely unexpected, so I rolled him back onto his stomach to see if he'd do it again... this is what he thought about that.