Families are Forever

Florida Vaction Part 4

2011-02-07T11:23:00.002-07:00

Day Four January 29th
We spent this day at Animal Kingdom. There wasn't anything really exciting here either except for Expedition Everest. I have decided that this is one of Disney's best rides. I would love to see it moved to California so we could enjoy it more. Alexis did get a free bear this day. While Luther and I were riding Expedition Everest Cheyenne and Mitch took Alexis to go play in the kid area. There was a boy that had won a lot of bears playing the carnival games and decided to share with Alexis. Alexis LOVED that bear. lol
We left the park fairly early this day (it closed at 5 anyway) and Luther and I decided that we would go on a date. We left Alexis with grandpa Clint and grandma Shannon and Luther and I went to Logan's Steakhouse. Luther and I had a fun dinner. I had a virgin daiquiri and we ordered appetizers and dessert. We pulled out all the stops. We even got to see a waitress spill water all over a customer. Oops.

Day 5 January 30th
Today Luther, Cheyenne, Mitch, Alexis, and I went to Universal Studio's Islands of Adventure Park. Luther, Lexie, and I spent most of our morning in Dr.Seuss Land. It was pretty slow and we were able to walk onto most of the rides. Alexis loved the caro-seuss-el the most. She had a lot of fun riding the elephant.
Later we met up with Mitch and Cheyenne again and we rode a "teacups" like ride. Poor Alexis HATED that. She did not like all the spinning, I can't blame her though, I wasn't to fond of that either. We rode a few more rides and then had our overpriced lunches. $10 for a hamburger and fries and then another $3 for a drink. Ridiculous!!
After lunch Mitch, Cheyenne, and I rode Jurassic Park and didn't get a single drop of water on us! YAY! Then we made our way to Harry Potter land!!
Alexis got to ride her first roller coaster EVER there. She was scared but I think she liked it. :P Journey through Hogwarts ride was SOOO stinking awesome. It seriously felt like you were flying a broom. And they aren't kidding when they say to stay away if you get motion sickness. It was wild!
Luther, Mitch, and I rode Dragon Challenge and we were told to grip the handles the whole ride because they were filming a commercial. There is a rare chance that our ride will be used but you never know. So keep an eye out for me(us) when you see Universal Orlando commercials here in the near future. LOL!
Alexis' favorite thing of the day was the talking fountain. At first she thought it was strange. But ended up loving chatting it up with a fountain. I enjoyed the fountain making fun of Cheyenne and thinking that she was Alexis' mom!
By the time we got home, I was exhausted. Luther's parents and his brother Jesse went to the Space Center and I am not sure what they did. :)

Florida Vacation Part 3

2011-02-04T08:30:00.002-07:00

Day 3 January 28th 2011
After a slow morning we finally arrived at Epcot. Cheyenne, Mitch, Alexis, and I were the first group to arrive at Epcot. After taking a picture in front of the "big golf ball" and meeting Daisy Duck and Stitch, I sent Cheyenne and Mitch to go do their own thing while Alexis and I went on the Finding Nemo ride. Then we looked through the aquarium while we waited for Luther to meet up with us. We had to wait longer than expected due to Luther's dad heading to the bathroom while still having Luther's mom and brother's tickets. After that was all settled Luther and I met at the fountain and then proceeded to Turtle Talk with Crush. That is such a fun show. Alexis sat in the kids section and kept "petting" the coat of the girl sitting next to her. It was so funny to watch.
Luther and I really didn't enjoy Epcot all that much. We watched most of the shows and rode most of the rides but nothing really excited us other than Turtle Talk with Crush. So we went back to Magic Kingdom. There we rode The Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Haunted Mansion. The Jungle Cruise was pretty fun, I wish the speakers were a bit louder though, I could barely understand the guy. Pirates was fun but also a bit disappointing, Disneyland's version is much better! Alexis liked talking about the pirate's dirty feet and according to her the Pirates sing YO YO YO, so they are all aspiring to be rappers. Alexis was so funny at the Haunted Mansion. She told me that the ghosts play with their toys and not Lexie's toys. She was sad that she left them there and couldn't take the ghosts home. She loved talking about how the ghost "locked the key", at the beginning of the ride the "ghost" closes the door on the car and opens it when the ride is done. Alexis thought that was pretty cool.
After we finished at Magic Kingdom we met Cheyenne and Mitch in the parking lot at Epcot and decided to go explore Downtown Disney while we had an hour to kill. I don't know if it was because my feet were tired but I didn't really like downtown Disney. Maybe we weren't in the right area and maybe it was because it was late but it was more night-life/adult oriented than I would have thought. We did stop at a Disney shop a picked up a Princess Minnie Mouse doll for Alexis.
I was so ready for bed by the time I got back to the hotel. So I made dinner and then went to bed.

Florida Vacation Part 2

2011-02-03T17:58:00.002-07:00

Day 2 January 27th 2011
Luther, Alexis, and I go to our free breakfast and hear the schpill on how we should upgrade our timeshare package. Our breakfast was yummy but the sales pitch was exhausting. If any of you are suckered into hearing about a timeshare wait until you get to the last manager to accept (if you plan on buying of course) our offer went from 11,000 to 3,990 to upgrade. We declined, as nice as it would be to have more points to use for vacations we are not in a position right now to make anymore financial commitments. We are working toward being completely debt free. After July we will only have our house that we have a lien on. We didn't want to mess that up.
After we finished with the timeshare deal we got the first load of people, collected our $80 for listening to the timeshare pitch and then headed toward the Magic Kingdom. (For those who don't know, Disney World is made up of four parks; Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Disney's Hollywood Studios) Luther's dad and I got the tickets and Luther went back for the second load of people. (For the first few days we tried using one car for the 8 of us near the end of the trip Luther's dad decided to rent a second car.) While we were waiting for the second load, I bought Alexis an autograph book. It is a princess book that has slots for pictures. She was so excited to get her book and loves it so much.
Magic Kingdom is a lot like Disneyland. It has different lands; Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Mickey's Toontown Fair, and Main Street USA. Luther, Alexis, and I started our day watching Monsters Inc Laugh Floor. It was such a fun show. Part of the show they have a 2-headed monster named Mac and Cheese retelling the story of Monsters Inc. They would chose different audience members to play the roles of the story. Luther was chosen to be the Randal of the story and had to disappear. It was so funny watching him try to figure out how to do that. He then had the brilliant idea of scooting over to the empty seat next to him so the camera could "see" him anymore. It was so fun. After that we went and explored toontown, Alexis had fun looking through Mickey's house and Minnie's house. Then we stood in line to meet some princesses. We were able to meet Aurora, Cinderella, and Belle. Alexis talked their ears off. It was the cutest thing ever. Afterwards we went on all the rides in Fantasyland and watched Philharmagic. I LOVED Philharmagic. In the show Donald Duck gets sucked into some famous Disney movies after tampering with Mickey's sorcerer's hat. Alexis loved when Donald would splash in the water and we would get sprayed.
Cheyenne (Luther's sister) was nice enough to watch Alexis while Luther and I went on Space Mountain. Alexis was not too happy about that. She was so worried that she lost her mommy. Cheyenne was able to get Alexis to ride Peter Pan and tried to get Alexis on Dumbo. Alexis was not a happy camper. Alexis was so happy when her mommy and daddy came back and made me ride Dumbo with her. Silly girl.
We then went back to the hotel and I made hamburgers for dinner. They turned out to be pretty yummy. :) My feet were in so much pain but the jacuzzi helped ease some of that pain. Thank goodness.

Florida Vacation Part 1

2011-02-03T10:46:00.003-07:00

A couple months ago Luther's mom sent him a text message asking us if we would like to go to Florida with them in January. We crunched the numbers and decided we could do it. So we settled on a week where Luther wouldn't have to use vacation time and booked that week using our timeshare points.

Day 1 January 26, 2011
Luther and I wake up at 1:30am to get ready and drive to the airport. We leave our house around 2:30am and drive 3 hours to my parent's home. We drop off the bunny and pick up my dad's GPS and my memory card that I had left there the last time we visited. Oh and since I left my straightener at home I had to borrow one from my mom. (Thank goodness she bought an extra one when she and my dad went to Disneyland last September.) After we say our goodbyes we drive over to Luther's parents house so they could take us to the airport.
Being that we have never flow on our own we decide to get to the airport 3 1/2 hours before our flight. I admit that was a bit zealous. :) After checking our bags and getting our boarding passes we go through security without a hitch. Luther wasn't too happy with having to remove his hat, jacket, shoes, and belt but he complied. Alexis loved looking at the flight crew and their "pretty" uniforms.
While waiting to board Alexis managed to pee so much that her diaper leaked then after I took care of that we went to breakfast and she spat orange juice all over herself. So, we ended up having to buy her a new shirt at the airport. Geez! LOL!
Alexis liked looking out the window watching the crew prep the airplane and staring at the people smoking in the smoke box. The latter was a little embarrassing. I guess it is time to teach Alexis it isn't polite to stare.
The flight was uneventful. Alexis slept a majority of the time and I got a terrible headache. After 4 hours and a bumpy landing we were finally in Florida. YAY!
At the Orlando International airport you get to take a tram to baggage claim. That was pretty fun but Luther worried that we would have to take another 3 before we got out of the airport. Luckily he was wrong and it was just the one. Baggage claim made me stress out, our bags were the last to go around the carousel. Alexis started to cry because her car seat was gone. Finally, all our luggage appeared and we could go get our car.
Our rental car experience wasn't too out of the ordinary. Just paid for the car, got sold insurance for the car, went to the garage, and picked out our car. We chose a Kia Sportage to use for the week.
Florida has toll roads. Well a major toll road that happened to be the way from the airport to the hotel. It was exciting to try and find the change for all the booths and luckily we had just enough to make it to our hotel.
We stayed at Vacation Village at Parkway. We couldn't find the check in office. Vacation Village is a timeshare resort that consists of 17 buildings. I tried calling and there was no answer. I was NOT a happy camper. Finally we found the check in building and got our room assignment and keys. Oh and we got suckered into going to a presentation breakfast. They gave us free breakfast and $80 so I guess it was worth it. I will talk about that a little later.
Our room was nice. It have a full kitchen, a small dining area, a living room with a sofa bed, a master bedroom with a jacuzzi, and a bathroom. The other room had a half kitchen, dining room, living room (with sofa bed), bedroom, and a bathroom. They were spacious and allowed us to eat most of our meals out of the parks and in our rooms. Luther and I went to Publix (a local grocery store) and bought some food items to get us through the first few days. When we got back to our room Alexis fell asleep and I sat in the jacuzzi tub. It felt wonderful after such a long day.
Luther then went to the airport to pick up his family and bring them to the hotel. I made chili cheese dogs for them to eat. Then went to bed so we could start our real vacation.

Random thoughts

2011-01-23T16:35:00.004-07:00

As a member of the online forum cafemom, I see petty arguments day in and day out. Whether it is over parenting practices or what people should be allowed to purchase on food stamps at the end of the day hours upon hours have been wasted becoming too emotional. I guess it is hard for me to picture grown women fuming as they type to strangers across the country. I understand being passionate about a cause but more times than not these "debates" result in name-calling and nip-picking by the grammar/spelling police.
I have had my share of being offended easily and then lashing out. I have since learned a little from those instances.

1. Nobody benefits from being mean. There are ALWAYS consequences for your actions. Whether it is the guilt you feel after being so rude, the embarrassment you have caused yourself by acting like a fool, or getting kicked out of a dance studio there are negative impacts.
2. 95% of the time you are overreacting. We as human beings base a lot of our actions on our emotions. When we are young our emotions are more difficult to deal with. Some (like me) are born with lower boiling points than others but with time we can try to better ourselves. I am learning to stop taking things so personal. I have learned the I am not the center of the universe and coming to grips with that has made me more calm.
3. Whatever you are yelling/fighting/being mean about is usually not worth the consequence you will receive.
4. Nobody likes an ugly attitude. Happy people are drawn to happy people. I would much rather have happy friends than negative downer friends.

If I had a time machine and could go back to my junior high and high school years, one thing I would do different is be kinder to everyone. For some reason I got this idea in my head that to be popular and liked, you had to be mean. (Most of the popular people were mean to me so maybe that is where I got the thought from.) It never occurred to me that having friends that treated me nice and I gave the same respect would be better than being well-known but hated. If anyone that I have hurt reads this, I am truly sorry. I was stupid and confused. I could go on all day about how it is so and so's fault for this and that person's fault for that. But at the end of the day I made that choice. It was MY actions that put me where I was at. We all have our vices and my temper is one that I am working on. I HATE the mean me, I HATE hurting people, and I HATE that negative feeling that comes when I give in and be a jerk.

In Relief society today we studied President Thomas S. Monson's talk during the Priesthood session this last conference. It was titled "The Three R's of Choice" President Monson teaches that we all have been given choices. These choices have three different aspects; right, responsibility, and result. We have the God giver RIGHT to make choices, the RESPONSIBILITY to make wise choices, and we have to live with the RESULTS of the choice we make.
I am going to make it a goal this week to ponder me choice. I am grateful for the right to make choices for me and my family, I will strive to be responsible in making my choices so they don't have a negative effect on myself or my family, and I will be aware of the results of my decisions this week.
I wish you all a fabulous week and hopefully will touch base with you again! :)

Cute Alexis

2010-05-18T12:44:00.002-06:00

My sweet daughter is definitely my favorite small person EVER. She just brings so much joy to my life. (And many other's lives too.)

Last night we decided to drive to Salt Lake because, well I didn't feel live spending the night in Rock Springs all by myself. We got to my parents house at about 9:30. I called my mom and told her that I was a half an hour away. My dad wasn't home at the time so we decided to surprise him. I pulled in front of the neighbor's house and called my dad telling him that he needed to help his granddaughter get her luggage. He was so happy to see his sweet granddaughter.

Somewhere between leaving Rock Springs and getting to Salt Lake Alexis was jet lagged. We arrived at my parents home and she wanted to stay up and play while everyone else was exhausted. (They had a weed pulling party at my grandma's and everyone was just plain worn out.) So we put in Pete's Dragon to entertain Alexis.

Alexis just fell in love with Elliott (the dragon) but was terrified to the point of shaking when the Goggins were after Pete. Throughout the movie Alexis would get scared. She was afraid of the school teacher (if you have seen the movie you know that the teacher is cruel, I would be afraid too.) It was just cute watching all of the different emotions she felt throughout the movie. She even told my mom repeatedly, "dragon blew on light." In the end of the movie Elliott uses his fire blowing to light the wick for the lighthouse. My daughter is too smart. :P

This morning Alexis had Marshmallow Mateys for breakfast. She ate them the way every child does. Picking out the marshmallows and eating them first. I even had to convince her to eat the rest of her cereal.

I LOVE my daughter. :)

Update

2010-05-15T18:28:00.003-06:00

I think it is high time for a blog update. Here goes....

Luther is still working hard at Halliburton. He has started a new schedule that we are all trying to get used to. He will work for two weeks straight in North Dakota then come home for a week. So far I have lasted 4 nights before leaving for Salt Lake. I really would like to try to stay home but my wild imagination gets the best of me. Halliburton is actually treating him pretty well out in ND so I can't complain. He gets put up in a hotel, is guaranteed to be paid at LEAST 16 hours per day (whether he works that or not), gets $30 a day in per diam, and gets paid for the week he gets to spend with me. (40 hours worth.) We thought about it and we actually get more quality time with this schedule. I wonder how long he will keep this schedule though....

Next week Luther and I are going on a second honeymoon of sorts and are taking a Lexie free trip to Las Vegas! We will be staying at a different hotel each night and just having fun seeing what there is to see in sin city. :) We even bought tickets to see Mystere. I have wanted to see Cirque Du Soleil for a very long time and am so very excited to go. I think it will be good for me to have some time away from Lexie to recharge a bit and remember just how much I love that little bug. (Don't get me wrong I love her with all of my being, she just is in the two stage and can drive her mommy batty.)

My dear little Alexis has crossed over into the toddler world. She has decided that she is officially the boss and that everything belongs to her. The typical two year old mentality. :) She can also be a sweety too. She has a dolly that cries and she will pick it up and ask it, "what's the matter?" She says, "bless you" when anyway coughs or sneezes. She is a shy little girl though. Whenever she goes to nursery all I hear from the nursery leaders is, "she's so quiet.." "she's SO mellow," I rarely see that side at home. She did have a breakthrough this Sunday though. She said, "duck" and "quack quack." She is miss talkative at home, which I LOVE but sometimes I wish she would speak up in front of other kids. One day it might happen.

So I realize that I didn't make a post for Alexis second birthday. Oops. Alexis turned 2 on March 27,2010. We decided to have a small party at our home in Rock Springs. She got some fun things. She is one LOVED little girl. Here are a few pics...

2010-01-09T13:30:00.004-07:00

Well again I have neglected my blog. I really am terrible at this.
Luther and I closed on a house on Dec. 1, 2009. it is a single family home with 4bedroom, 2bathrooms, and it has a family room. We are so excited to be in a home of our own. I have yet to take pictures of the house because right now it is so empty. We still have a few pieces of furniture in Salt Lake, we have a living room set (sofa, love seat, coffee table, & 2 end tables) that should be finished being built later this month, and we are in the market for a dining set, and a washer and dryer. But we will probably wait to purchase those.
Alexis has been LOVING all of the extra space that the new home provides. She runs around like a crazy woman most of the time. Today we adventured out to the backyard to play in the snow. Alexis wasn't too fond of the idea but I did get a few pictures...

As you can see she really did NOT want to be out in the cold.
All in all I think that we are well. Luther's work has kept him busy and I am starting to try exercising everyday. I want to wish you all a great 2010 and I will try hard to blog more. :)

It has sure been awhile.

2009-09-23T14:44:00.006-06:00

I figure that I should probably get back to writing here so you all know what is going on with the Webers. We are still living in Rock Springs, Wyoming. We have actually decided that it is time to make this more permanent. We talked to the lady at the bank about a home loan and we were pre-approved! We get to look at a some potential homes on Sunday. We need to get the wheels turning so we can get everything finished so we can qualify for the federal home tax credit. Wish us luck!
Alexis is now 17 months old. She has 11 teeth now. She knows where her eyes, nose, mouth, teeth, cheeks, hair, ears, belly button, hands, feet and toes are. She babbles all of the time. It is so fun to hear all of the sounds and words she comes up with. Alexis LOVES to dress up. She likes to wear hats, sunglasses, bracelets, and shoes. We are introducing Alexis to the potty chair. She likes to sit on it but would rather pee next to the potty chair on the floor. She'll get it eventually. Alexis loves her baby dolls. They get many loves from her. She loves to share all of her toys with mommy. I can't get Alexis to eat fruit. She won't even eat bananas. She loves juices but will not eat raw fruit. I will just have to keep trying until she will eat them.
Luther is enjoying his job. He still FRACs for Halliburton. The past couple of months he has been going up to Williston, North Dakota to work. He says that the Williston doesn't have much going on and it is boring there. At least he gets great hours when he goes. I will usually go to Salt Lake and visit my family when he leaves for long periods of time.
I haven't been up to much. I am trying to be better at working out. It's a slow moving goal. I have enjoyed baking more often. I made cookies and flour tortillas yesterday. The cookies were yummy but the tortillas need a little adjusting. Well there isn't much going on I will try to write more often. :)

Happy Mother's Day Gift

2009-05-03T22:51:00.006-06:00

I made this with my editing program for my mom and my mom in law. What do you think?? (Click on the photo to see the entirety of it.)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEXIS!!

2009-04-03T22:47:00.003-06:00

As of March 27th Alexis is officially 1 year old! Oh my how time does fly. My little girl is growing up so fast. She has 4 teeth now. She is such a little tease. I will ask her to say mama and she looks me square in the eye and says dada, and then she grins so big. What am I to do with her? She is still not walking yet. I believe that she figures that there is no need for walking since she can crawl everywhere she needs to be. I will just be patient and let her grow up in her own time.

We celebrated Alexis' birthday at her aunt Stephanie's house. Where our close friends and family got together to wish her a good birthday. Stephanie and I slaved all day long on a pink castle cake. I also rushed to make a princess cake for Alexis to have herself. She was spoiled with lots of fun gifts; a singing bear, a singing purse, new clothes, blocks, a Tinkerbell doll, a push toy, a puppy(plush), coloring books, crayons, a bubble machine, stickers, a potty chair, and sippy cups. She already loves her new toys although she's not a huge fan of the potty yet. LOL! I am starting to get rid of her bottles and switch to sippy cups. Easier said than done. I never realized how much of a comfort item the bottle is to Alexis. She will get it eventually.

Happy Birthday Alexis!!

Ouch!

2009-04-01T21:54:00.002-06:00

Today Alexis had her first injury. She was walking aroung the coffee table, lost her balance, and smacked her mouth on the table. I picked her up to comfort her and Luther told me she was bleeding. Her bottom teeth cut the roof of her mouth. Ouch. I gave her a cold rag to suck on and she's fine. I was just hoping the first injury would be later rather than sooner. I still feel bad for my little girl. It's strange how much empathy you have for your children.

First my medical insurance and now my car insurance!!

2009-03-13T20:16:00.002-06:00

So I am a little agitated with insurance companies. I was looking at my bank statement and noticed that my car insurance company in Utah took money out of my account. I told the guy that my new policy started on the 5th like 2 weeks ago and he forgot to cancel my policy. Eww! I am just so sick and tired of people being lazy and not doing their jobs. So now I get to play the waiting game to see when I get my money back. Grr!!

By the way I LOVE my new insurance agent!! She is awesome and helpful and she is a financial consultant. Luther and I are planning on getting a house out here and would really appreciate her advice.

Photo Editing

2009-03-09T12:19:00.004-06:00

So a couple days ago I stumbled across a free photo editing program and so far I am hooked. Here are a few things I have learned how to do. I hope to do much more intricate things later. I will share more when I get better. Here are my first pieces.

This one is the first one I did, the black and white is a little flat but other than that I like it.

This is one where I brightened up Alexis' face, darkened the background, and added text.

In this one I cropped the picture and whitened my teeth. They look fake I'll need to play with that a little. LOL!

One that I did for a contest, the theme was happy. I think the sepia tone works better than the black & white.

My first digiscrap page. :)

Here is one where I filled in the background using another picture. Just for fun!!

Here's one where I blurred the background and made Alexis sepia toned.

I hope you enjoyed!

Angry

2009-03-06T13:59:00.003-07:00

This is ironic because this blog is almost the exact opposite of yesterday's blog. I am ticked and I need to vent!!

So today I went out to get the mail and was SOO excited because I got Heather's wedding announcement. (Which is adorable by the way...) But then my mood changed to curiosity when I saw a bill from St. Mark's. I opened it and the became very confused!! I had paid St. Mark's in FULL in December. I shouldn't owe them a dime. So I call because I need to know why I still owe $126 and some change. I get on the phone and am put on hold forever because the girl can't find the problem. Oh and did I mention she claimed I owe $318 and change? No, well now you know. Anyway she gets back on the line and says that our insurance company took back their old payment and made a new one. Meaning I have to owe money. I already did what I was supposed and I paid my bill! Why do I have to be punished for some insurance company's mistake? I told the lady I was frustrated with this whole this and she treated me like I was some kind of idiot. Like, "don't you know that insurance companies have to check their balances and correct mistakes all the time?" Of course I know that they have to balance their books but if they made a mistake THEY should pay for it!! Am I wrong?? Urg! I know that everyone is taking a hit by this economic crisis but why do big corporations have to pick on the little guy? I feel like I have been taken advantage of and there is nothing I can do but pay my bill. I am so lost. I want to scream, cry, and punch something all at the same time.

Thanks for letting me vent and if you have any suggestions or have dealt with this before let me know.

Thoughts

2009-03-05T18:04:00.002-07:00

After reading a friend's blog today I realized that life is too short to be continually negative. Most of my life I have had a pretty positive outlook but sometimes I feel like my world is surrounded by negative people. I hurts me to think that there are people out there who are rarely happy. I am almost constantly happy about something. There are so many things in this world to be grateful for. I hope that more people could learn to count their blessings. My life is far from perfect but I am still loving every moment of it. It isn't exciting or anything just enjoyable. Maybe I am one of the lucky few who can see the world through rose colored glasses. I don't know. But here are somethings I am grateful for right now!

1. My family!
I love my husband with all my heart and thank my Heavenly Father EVERY day to be blessed with such an amazing man.
My daughter is so fun to raise and is a joyful addition to my life. She is a happy girl with so much curiosity and zeal for life. I love my Alexis.
My parents: they love me so much and they taught me to be the person I am today.
My brother and sisters: they are a crazy bunch but they are my crazy bunch. I can tell my sisters anything and my brother can always put a smile on my face.
My cute in laws... thank you for accepting me in your family with wide open arms. :)
The rest of my family that supports me and loves me no matter what!

2. Being able to stay home to raise Alexis. In today's economy this is a rare commodity and I am so grateful for this. My baby will be taught what I want her to learn and won't have to fight for my attention.

3. My dad making the proactive choice to quit smoking. Part of me wishes he could have done it sooner... but later is much better than never. He is on his 7th month without a cigarette, 5th month without nicotine. Go Dad!!

4. My wonderful friends! We all know that at times I can say stupid things. But I somehow always gain your forgiveness. Thank you for all of the love you've given you are awesome!

5. Music is such a mood setter and I can put on an upbeat song and feel happiness all day long. I love the Hymns. They are an inspiration and a perfect way to worship the Lord.

6. Disneyland!!! I am so excited my family and I are going in 64 days! Hooray!!

7. I am so glad to have the gospel in my life. There are so many times I have felt alone and the Lord has guided me back to the fold. The spirit gives me peace and a knowledge that there is more to life than being the best or having the most money. Life is about serving others and loving your neighbor and sharing the light of Christ. I know that I have a loving Heavenly Father who knows me and wants the best for me and that's why he blesses me daily.

8. The internet.. I'm glad that I can stay connect to those I love and care about.

9. The awesome ladies in my ward. Who have welcomed me and are just such sweet people.

10. The wonderful world we live in. It is just beautiful. The beaches, the mountains, the clouds, the deserts, the snow, the rain, all of the wildlife, we do live in wonderful world.

Standing

2009-02-24T13:01:00.005-07:00

Granted Alexis hasn't taken any steps yet but she is starting to get more courageous and stand on her own. as always, I have pictures. I even have video!!

I apologize for the lack of clothing and unkempt hair. She does not like to hold still. LOL!!

My hubby

2009-02-17T09:49:00.003-07:00

So I realized that a lot of my blog is about Alexis and some of it is about me. But what about that wonderful man that I married. We hardly get to hear about him. I thought it would be fun to make a little tribute to the man who has my heart.

1) I love how Luther will wake up with Alexis every once in awhile. Last night Alexis woke up at 12:30 am and 5:30 am. When she decided that she was done sleeping at 6:30. Luther took her out of her crib, changed her pants, and watched her play until he had to leave for work. Thanks babe!!

2) I love it that Luther and I have fun together. We like to make fun of each other and we cuddle while watching TV. I tend to laugh a lot when I am with my hubby! So fun!

3) I love how he is concerned for my well being. I don't know if he will appreciate me sharing this.. When Luther and I found out that I would need to have a c-section to deliver Alexis. Luther cried. He knew that was something that I wanted to avoid and when it came to be reality he felt bad for me.

4) We are still so physically attracted to each other. Even though I have gained weight and he sometimes smells of diesel or some other chemical. As Steve Martin said to Bonnie Hunt on "Cheaper by the Dozen", "we still got it." LOL

5) My husband spoils me. Last Christmas (2007) I really wanted a Zune. We stood in line at the Toys R Us on Black Friday just for the Zune. The people directly in front of us got the last ticket for the Zune. I was crushed. The ladies didn't even think that they really wanted it either. So dumb. Anyway, we ended up going to Sears and buying it for full price later that day. This year for my birthday he bought me "Guitar Hero: World Tour." So fun!! I rarely get flowers but who needs flowers when you can get a good solid gift??

6) Luther is always willing to teach me if I want to know. He is so patient when I ask him about pistons and carburetors and anything else that has to do with cars. Even if it is the 22nd time I asked him about it.

7) I like how he gets frustrated when I ask him "what?" The combination of my poor hearing, my lack of concentration, and the fact that he mumbles equals a majority of his comments to be repeated. I honestly am trying so hard to listen more intently. But sometimes it's just fun to push his buttons. Evil? Yes. But I am sure most married people enjoy pushing their spouse's buttons.

8) He is such a good daddy. He will change her diaper, feed her, play with her, give her hugs, and he even will discipline her. (As much as you can discipline a 10 month old...) He has loved her since she was born and they are too cute together. Alexis loves his smile and just adores her daddy!!

9) His smile. It is the first thing that I fell in love with! *sigh*

10) His does things for me that I know he really doesn't want to do.

11) He is very good and tracking our finances. He can be a little on the frugal side at times but it makes life easier.

12) He supports me. If I make a decision he will be there to help me carry it out.

Our little family on June 1st, 2008 (Alexis' Blessing)

Luther feeding a deer at Bear World in 2006

Luther and Me at Yellowstone 2006

Who am I kidding??

2009-02-13T13:49:00.003-07:00

Alright so we all know how terrible I am at writing in this blog. So here are my lovely updated pictures of my little girl!

Here is my sweet girl in the dress her great grandma made her.

If you want a cookie raise your hand!

"Mom! I am composing a masterpiece! Gosh!"

Picking out a movie to watch.

Being a cutie while enjoying lunch!

Why WY

2009-02-10T09:16:00.004-07:00

I have had a request to explain the reason why I am out here in Wyoming. I seem to have left that part out.
Back in August, Luther was laid off from his job at Ashton Motors due to the company going bankrupt. He was constantly filling out applications trying hard to get a job.
I applied for a job at the day care my sister worked at to get us some finances.
Luther went back to the union he belonged to and put his name on the out of work list. We never were notified of job openings, there were none.
Luther then applied for unemployment which was a God send. We were able to pay our bill and put some food on the table. We applied for food stamps but were declined because we had more than the alloted amount in the stock market. So lame.
Anyway in November Luther's friend told him that were he worked was hiring. So Luther jumped on the opportunity. The job was in Rock Springs, Wy and his first day would be December 1. So there Luther went. I stayed behind because I had a dance class that I couldn't leave, their recital wasn't until the 12th of December. So it was decided that I would join him after Christmas.
We had a very good Christmas and left that weekend.
We are in Wyoming because Luther was out of work and Utah's job market was not optimal.
Luther loves his job. He is working in the natural gas fields on a FRAC team. Basically after the line men put dynamite in a tube thousands of feet deep, the FRAC team fills the hole with dirt, water, and chemicals to release the natural gas, they cap off the hole and the next team comes in to collect the gas. (At least that is what I understand of the process.)
So that is why we are here in Rock Springs Wyoming. :)

Catching you up...

2009-02-09T11:30:00.003-07:00

I so need to be fired for not blogging. OMG it has been awhile. Let's see where to start...

Luther and I are now living in Rock Springs Wyoming. Yes it can be cold but mostly it is just windy.

I finally got the internet today, SUPER!

Alexis is now 10 months old.

I am now officially again, a stay at home mommy.

I have read 5 books in 2 months (The Host, The Friday Night Knitting Club, Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister, Brinn and the Dragons of Palin Cliff, and Pride and Prejudice.)

I am currently reading The Scarlet Letter

I have joined my ward's book club, the first meeting is on Thursday.

I love my life and I hope on writing more!!

7 month old baby!

2008-11-14T21:06:00.003-07:00

Standing in the crib.

Kisses

Alexis is so NOT happy.

Enjoying a cookie. YUM!!

MMM, tasty finger!

What?!?

Grandma gave me a sucker!!

I have been tagged!!

2008-10-27T07:16:00.003-06:00

3 Joys:
My husband
My daughter
My family in general.

3 Fears:
Being alone.
The dark.
The unknown.

3 Obsessions:
Singing showtunes at the top of my lungs in my car.
Anything sweet and chocolaty.
LUTHER and ALEXIS

3 Surprising Facts:
I am TERRIFIED of the dark.
I never realized how hard I tried to fit in during high school until after I graduated.
I often wonder how my life would be different if I never came back to the church.

8 Things I am passionate about:
My husband
My daughter
Life
Reading
My religion and the truths it contains
Teaching children
Dancing
Singing

8 Words or Phrase I often say:
Holy Heavens!
Da da da da
Seatbelts and bubbles (meaning "arms folded and mouths shut!")
Smallworld this is Angela, how may I help you?
Ah-choo (I have a cold or allergies and I sneeze like mad!)
What?
Are you serious?
Holy Crud!

8 things I want to do before I die:
Own my very own house.
Raise a family.
Go to the Caribbean with Luther.
Learn a second language.
Learn how to cook homemade meals.
Read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover.
Become a good example.
Have another child.

8 Things I pray for:
Help through hard times.
My family.
Health.
To become more humble.
That I will be able to go to work with a smile on my face even though I would much rather be home with Alexis.
That Luther will find a job.
For the ones that I love to be safe.

8 Things I have learned:
Sometimes I just need my space.
I have a VERY short temper.
I need to stop being quick to judge.
We all have trials in this life and sometimes you need to rely on others.
Chocolate really is a girl's best friend.
Luther and I have something that is becoming rare and I need to cherish it daily.
Having a child is the most amazing life experience I've had.
My mom, sisters, brother, daughter and husband are my best friends!

My 8 tags: Cheyenne and Lindsey and whoever else wants too!

Pumpkin Carving

2008-10-26T22:13:00.009-06:00

Each year my family and I get together at my Grandma's house to carve pumpkins. It's usually the Sunday before Halloween. This was the first year that we've had Alexis join in on the fun so I thought I would share this day with you! :)

Our cute little lady

2008-10-14T10:54:00.005-06:00

We were over at my grandma's house the other day and my dad took Alexis outside to look at everyone through the window.

Well she didn't really get the concept of the window and tried to go through it to get me! It was so cute and this picture is so funny!

While on our lunch breaks Steph and I have done some silly and fun stuff.

We have attacked Alexis with teddy bears!

We took Alexis to the park.

And we dressed her up Green Bay Packers style!

(As a joke to daddy of course!)

The Last Straw

2008-10-13T22:13:00.003-06:00

I quit my job today. It was a crazy situation that I no longer needed to be a part of. What didn't help was when I was leaving my former employer was telling me that I was lucky to have had the job I did and that I was lucky that I was paid as much as I was. FYI this lady had my sister call me every other day asking if I would work with her and she promised to pay me one wage when I was given the job and then gave me $0.70 less per hour later. I was no too happy if you can imagine. But her boss gave me a call later and offered me a better position with better pay at his other center. Woohoo! So it turned out well for me.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Greenbay Packers

2008-09-21T22:32:00.005-06:00

My husband is a HUGE Dallas fan and my brother in law is a HUGE Greenbay fan. So naturally tonight's game was a big deal. So last night we decided to dress up for the occasion. Steph and I hung out we probably watched a whole 10 seconds of the game and the boys were downstairs the entire night. Here are the fun pictures. Oh and for those who don't know Dallas kicked tushy! 27 to 16! WooHoo!

My cute sister, my beautiful baby, and myself!
Crazy sistas!

My "oh so serious" husband!

My goofy daughter.

I love this face!

More photos of Alexis

2008-09-20T17:21:00.005-06:00

So I have a few more photos of my darlin' daughter. And uh, here they are! :)

Playing in my car with Minnie Mouse

Sleepy time

Playing with Aunt Stephanie

Getting ready for PEAS!

I'm such a happy little girl!

Move over Beethoven!

Playing with Grandpa

Practicing my crawl stance

Catching up on some light reading!

Mmmmm my STAR!

Crazy Week

2008-09-13T11:14:00.004-06:00

So this week the director of the day care was on vacation so Stephanie and I were in charge. It went well for the most part. All of the concerns the parents had were handled and for the most part we had no problems. We did have a kid throw a rock and break a window but that could've happened any time. We also had the state come in for an unexpected visit. We passed! Woohoo! We also had the owner come in and check on us, he was VERY impressed with how well we worked together. He actually is going to help us to get our CDA's and then we can be directors. Cool!

Like I said for the most part it went well. The part that didn't is that we have two teachers that feel that Steph and I do nothing throughout the day. (Which is FAR from the truth.) One of the girls came up to Steph and said, "will you get these pictures of sport things off the internet for me? I know you have nothing else to do up here." Eww it irritates me! We also had a child that we had to move up into these girls' class because he is one month from their class and he is bullying the kids in his class because they are younger than him. One of the teachers said, "well, if he cries all day I am going home." I was so close to saying, "well if you leave don't come back on Monday." But because I don't technically have the power to fire a person I bit my tongue. I HATE disrespectful people. Steph and I were given the authority to run the day cay and these two wouldn't acknowledge that! Grr.

Alexis has been so cute lately. She is in the stage where she wants her mama all of the time. But I love to have her cuddle up to me so I love it! She is starting to get up on her hands and knees and rock back and forth. She is so close to crawling I can't believe it.

Luther got laid off from his job. The company is bankrupt and they have no hope of getting out. So lame! So Luther is on the job hunt yet again. Good thing I am working so we have at least a little income. It is a stressful situation but we WILL get through it. I know we will!

We got our reservations for Disneyland! Yay! We are going in May 2009. I can hardly wait! We are also going to go to Sea World and Knott's Berry Farm. I am so freakin' excited!!

My super cute 5 Month Old

2008-08-28T10:14:00.007-06:00

Walking with Grandma!
Eating Aunt Stephanie's Cheetos

Still a happy girl with a great SMILE
Mmm Popsicle

What are we doing here?
Cute baby girl

Cuddling with daddy
On my arms
Baby food carrots = yummy orange mess
I love to "fly"
With my princess hat

Feet are so tasty!
Being cute in the hotel
I LOVE red! Go UTES!
Nakey baby belly
My new silly smile

My week!

2008-08-16T20:46:00.011-06:00

First off I want to say I realize I didn't do a Wonderful Wednesday this week. So I will give you my week in review now.
So as I said last Wednesday I am now working again. I am working with my mom and sister at a daycare. I drive a van of kids to and from school and I am the closer. I have had a hard time adjusting to work again but so far, so good. The pay isn't great but I do get free childcare for Alexis (which equals to about $150 a WEEK!) I also get a free lunch and snack everyday. So there are definitely some perks! :) We had a luau yesterday and that was a TON of fun. I painted faces all day and I LOVED the pineapple, watermelon, and cantaloupe. YUM!!
Luther starts his new job on Monday. He will be working for Ashton Motors in Ogden. Yes it's a far commute but, he gets to drive a company truck. And gets paid an hour each way just to get to work. I am STOKED!! He is way excited to get working again. He will be converting vehicles to run on CNG. So the company should grow here in the next coming years. We are so glad to have our ducks in a row!!
I finished "Breaking Dawn." I know, I know, what took me so long? Well I borrowed the book from my sister when she finished and I have had a lack of free time starting work. I LOVED it! I wanted to cry when it ended but feared Luther would find me weird for crying over a book. I hope Stephenie Meyer continues the story with emphasis on another character. (I won't go into specifics because it would be cruel of me to spoil this book!) And speaking of Twilight, I am thrilled over the news of the new release date for the movie! NOVEMBER 21, 2008! I am so so so anxious to see it!!
Last night I went out with my best friend in the world! We went to Village Inn. We talked. She held Alexis. We had a great time together.
I have a cold. I am sniffly, sneezy, and am coughing up a storm. I HATE it! Worst part is I can't take any decongestants because then I won't be able to nurse miss Lexie. Bleck!! Good thing I have orange juice. MMM!
Alexis ate baby food peas today. I didn't get a picture (sorry).. she wasn't sure if she liked them or not. She made a lot of funny faces it was too cute. I promise I will get a picture of her eating up here ASAP!
Well that is all for now!

Wonderful Wednesday

2008-08-06T21:45:00.002-06:00

1) Seeing "Mamma Mia"! I loved this movie oh so much! I laughed, I cried, I sang, and I wanted so badly to stand up and dance!

2) The girls' weekend out! We went to Brigham City and swam in our hotel pool. Then we went to The Pickleville Playhouse to see "Thoroughly Modern Millie." That was such a cute play. There were fun characters and fun songs and choreography!

3) Alexis is one talkative baby! She is so close to saying ma. She has the mmmmm down and the aah down but the sounds have not met yet.

4) Dad is still not smoking!

5) Well this isn't necessarily "wonderful" but this is what is going on. I started work today. I am going to transport kids to and from school and I am going to co teach a 2 year old class. It'll be nice to have money but it's hard to leave Lexie.

A poem I wrote once upon a time...

2008-08-05T19:16:00.002-06:00

Forever Love

I've never believed in love at first sight,

I think that I never will,

But I know there are second glances,

That prove that love is real,

I used to think of love and rainbows,

These mysteries of God, a beauty I may never understand,

Though just as light forms rainbows,

Eternity comes with love,

And on that day we'll say our vows,

An eternity we will have,

Together forever loving together,

Walking hand-in-hand,

And on that day when one of us leaves the other will understand,

Love lasts forever and love is with you and me,

Forever and ever, forever and always,

Forever love: You and Me

Wonderful Wednesday

2008-07-30T12:47:00.003-06:00

Well this is the last Wonderful Wednesday of the month of July! What wonderful things happened this week?

1) My cousin Katie, her husband Art, and their son Dakota are visiting from Virginia. They will be here for 3 weeks. I haven't seen them since last September. Dakota is adorable he is growing like a weed. He was 3 months when they left and know he is 13 months old. I am happy they had a safe flight over and I am so excited they are here!!

2) My Dad is still cigarette free! I am so glad that he is sticking with quitting. Some time next month we are going to through a party for him! Hooray!

3) I finally went camping! I really needed the break from my house and I had a lot of help with Alexis this weekend. I actually had a little time for Luther and me to relax with each other. We took the canoe out and we just sat on the lake for awhile just enjoying the peace and quite. Ahh tranquility!

4) Alexis turned 4 months old on Sunday. Can you believe it? She had her 4 month doctor's appointment on Monday and we found out that she now weighs 12lbs 12oz and is 25 1/2in long. She is above average with hight and below with weight. Her doctor says that she is a healthy, happy, perfect, little baby.

5) Luther is at home this week. (He is waiting for a call from his union.) The reason he's home is not so great but at least I get to spend a little time with him. Well currently he is working on the "south house" to cover our rent for the month, but I have seen him a lot this week and I LOVE it!

6) I got an amazing message from a friend yesterday that boosted my spirits. Lately I have been a litle down on myself worrying that I am not that great of a person. Her letter helped me so much to realize that I have done nice things for people that are much appreciated! So thank you.

7) Cheyenne is going to her first Girl's Camp. I'm not excited that she's gone I am excited that she gets to go and have this uber fun experience. Frankly I am jealous, I used to love Girl's Camp. But I am happy for her nonetheless.

Going Campin'

2008-07-27T17:49:00.013-06:00

For our Pioneer Day weekend Luther and I decided to go on my family's annual camp-out. Luther's sister Cheyenne, and my sister Julie joined us. We left on Thursday for Grassy Lake. We were 45 minutes away and Luther's waterpump in his truck went out. So we stopped at a store in Orangeville and called my uncle for a ride up. (No car part stores were open because of the holiday.) So we crammed the kids in the back and the adults and Lexie in the front. Then we headed up the mountain for our camping spot. We set up camp and started our amazing weekend!

The girls spent their days on the canoes. (Well in the water after capsizing the canoe on purpose.)

I enjoyed the scenery and the night time campfires.

After Luther repaired his truck the boys decided to build a raft!

Luther and Alexis picked me a flower and put it in a beautiful vase (pronounced vaaze not vace)!

My parents decided to come up at the last minute and brought our dog "Shady" she loved playing in the water.

Wonderful Wednesday

2008-07-23T09:17:00.003-06:00

1) Dad is STILL cigarette free! That makes it 20 days! I am so proud of him. I can't remember if I said why he's quitting so I will share that now. My dad wants to be able to spend more time with Alexis and he wants to be more healthy. GO DAD!

2) Luther is home today and will be home tomorrow. I love having my hubby home. I wonder what we will do today.

3) Alexis is getting smarter everday! She found her toes yesterday. What fun things to chew on.

4) Cheyenne came over yesterday to play with Alexis. I was able to shower and do my hair! (For those with young children you understand how AMAZING this is!)

5) Seeing "The Dark Knight"! OMG this movie is so awesome. It was a great ending to Heath Ledger's career/life. It was very exciting and thrilling.

6) Alexis is very photogenic. Here's one with aunt Chey's cell phone.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and a good Pioneer Day for all of you Utahns!

Fun Game...

2008-07-22T14:02:00.002-06:00

Here is a fun little game - Leave a comment on my blog of a memory that you and I have had together. It doesn't matter if you've known me for a short time, or a long time, anything you remember! 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.On your mark...get set...blog your memories!!

It's Raining, It's Pouring

2008-07-22T13:37:00.006-06:00

Finally a break from the heat. It is currently raining, HARD! So I took some pictures of Utah's well needed rain. :)

Here is a video of the rain in action!

Teething

2008-07-21T21:02:00.002-06:00

Well it is happening. Alexis is teething. She has been drooling profusely for a month now and chews on her hands constantly. Today she has been so uncomfortable. You barely touch her mouth and she cries and cries. My poor baby. What's worse, I can't find her baby Tylenol. So Luth and I went to the store and bought a new bottle and we also picked up some baby Orajel. I hope my little one cuts that tooth soon so she is out of pain for awhile. But today starts the long journey ahead.

Wonderful Wednesday

2008-07-16T21:10:00.006-06:00

This has been a very difficult week for me. So it is very important for me to do the list this week.

1) Steph and my Mom are alive. I got pictures of the wreck and they are lucky they survived the crash.

2) I will get to spend more time with Luther. (I won't need to worry about play practices, meaning more time for hubby and me!)

3) I have realized who my real friends are. Thank you Sarah and Lindsey.

4) The yearly family sleepover. My grandma did a Disney theme for the treasure hunt. It was very cute.

5) I apologized and was forgiven! It feels good. :)

6) My dad has gone 13 days without a cigarette!

Yesterday

2008-07-15T06:03:00.003-06:00

So yesterday was a bit stressful. All day long I was waiting for a call to see if I made the part I auditioned for. But that isn't all that happened...
My dad came and picked me up at about eleven so I could go with him to Wal-mart to get my Grandma some soda. On our way back to her home we get a call from my sister saying she and my mom would like to meet for lunch at Fazolli's. Instead of going to my grandma's first we decided to just head out to meet them for lunch. We get to Fazolli's, no mom, and no sister. We then get another call. This time it's my mom, bawling, telling my brother to give the phone to my dad. She tells my dad that they have been in a car accident. My mom said that she was alright but she wasn't sure about Stephanie. So there we go to the corner of 7800 s and Old Bingham highway. My sister's car looks terrible. My dad (who is trying to quit smoking), is taking it hard. I take the kids to ice cream. (They don't need to see what is going on.) They load Mom and Stephanie into an ambulance and then off to the ER we go.
My mom looks fine. They take x-rays of her chest and back. They see nothing and she gets dismissed. Stephanie is SORE. She was struck by the car on her left hip. I thought it was broken. They get x-rays and nothing. They send her home. They spent 3 hours in the ER. I was there for awhile then took the kids home and dropped off Lexie at my Grandma's and went back for my dad, mom, and sister. Holy Crap!
I still haven't heard about the play. I couldn't sleep last night because I kept imagining what could've happened. My sister is lucky to be alive and my mom is lucky she wasn't hurt too badly. I know that today they are going to hurt. And silly me keeps wondering if I could've prevented it. But there is no way that I could stop that guy from running that red light. God works in very mysterious ways, we were only a light away from their accident. Satan also has his ways, with all this stress I was worried that my dad would break down and have a cigarette. He is still smoke-free! Hooray!
* I didn't make the play. I just wish I didn't spend five hours at call-backs! Grr!

I LOVE THIS!

2008-07-13T01:11:00.001-06:00

10 Reasons to love Dancers....

1- We know all the right positions

2- We have perfect technique, good rythm, and great hip rotation

3- We are used to having bruises on our knees

4- We are used to performing in minimal amounts of clothing

5- We're perfectionists: we keep going until we get it

6- We can shake it like no other

7- After a quick intermission we're ready to go at it again

8- We don't mind getting hot and sweaty

9- We're not as delicate and fragile as we look

10- One word... FLEXIBILITY

These are just a few reasons to love dancers... And you really shouldn't think so sick minded!

Wonderful Wednesday

2008-07-09T10:12:00.003-06:00

1) Getting out of a bad situation. I am so glad that I no longer have a friendship that requires walking on eggshells!

2)Luther's Birthday! Luther turned 25 on Monday July, 7. We celebrated on Saturday at the Cheesecake Factory. I had half of a chicken salad sandwich with salad and soup for lunch and a "Godiva" chocolate cheesecake. Yum! Luther had a bbq pizza and salad for lunch and the white chocolate raspberry truffle cheesecake! He liked his meal too!

3) 4th of July Parade. What can I say? I love the floats and the free candy! LOL! And Alexis looked adorable!

4) Fireworks. They make me feel like I am still a litle kid! Love it!

5) My dad has been cigarette free for 6 days!! Hooray!! I am so proud of him. I hope that he can stick with it!

6) "Nunsense" auditions. Technically Steph and I are auditioning tomorrow but I am too excited to wait for next Wednesday to share the news!

7) FHE. I was in charge of family home evening on Monday for Luther's family and it went well!

Am I a bad person??

2008-07-07T12:17:00.003-06:00

I don't think that I am but lately I have been told that I am. What's lame is the person who told me how bad I am was the one who hurt me so many times. So I told this person how I felt about the way she treated others. And she pointed out ALL of my flaws. I was just letting her know that it hurts when she calls past mutual friends terrible names and then hide from them for the rest of the night. So apparently I am the most judgemental person alive. Oh and that anyone who isn't my religion I hate. This could be just from my point of view but I think that she is judging me. Looking back it seems that whenever God smiled down on my, she found a reason to hate me. I think that she has to be surrounded by those who are just like her. I feel bad for not hanging out with her as often as we used to but heck! I didn't want to be dissing her hubby or whatever anymore. I hated how I felt after I spent time with her. I needed to end the friendship for me. I love her as a friend, but I can't spend time with her anymore. I'm done with the abuse I get from her. I am married and don't need the jr. high school drama! Just a thought.

Wonderful Wednesday

2008-07-02T11:16:00.004-06:00

So I am copying others and creating a weekly blog. It will be a list of the wonderful things that have happened during the week.

1) Leaving Dutch John! Holy heavens, I am so glad to be out of there. I was going nuts! No TV, no internet, no friends.... its the perfect recipe for one to start talking to themselves!!

2) Seeing my family! This kinda ties into the above statement. I missed them so much. Plus, with family around I have someone to help with little miss Lexie! :)

3) Old Navy $1 flip-flops! I haven't bought a new pair for a year. Perfect excuse to get me a few!

4) Boating! So Luther and I were slackers and sluffed church but we were able to go boating! I love to swim in the lake and Luther and I took the boat out on our own. (Hubba hubba!)

5) Shooting a bow! My cousins were over at my grandma's to practice their bow shooting and I tried it. I wasn't too bad! Granted the bow had only 15lbs resistance and I was 10 yards from the target, but I still ROCKED!!

6) Luther's New Job! He started his new job on Monday. He is now working at Brent Brown Dodge in Orem. So far has been good. He has a few guys he carpools with so we'll also save money on gas!

7) Guitar Hero Aerosmith! I have already passed the medium difficulty and am well on my way to passing the hard one!

8) Stephanie finally has an "epi pen"! That nut allergy of hers has been real scary. Now I have peace of mind! I can sleep at night!!

9) My mom did my dishes!! Thanks ma!

10) I found out which dance class I will be teaching this fall! Bring on those preschoolers!

3 months old!

2008-07-01T10:35:00.004-06:00

Miss Alexis is now 3 months old! I can't believe it. She is growing like a weed. She is more social than ever! She has the cutest personality! She found out that her tongue can stick out of her mouth and she is trying to twist it upside down! She can roll over from her back to her tummy and visa versa! She is a talkative little girl who loves her momma and daddy! She is definitely our little bundle of joy!

Dutch John, Utah

2008-06-30T23:36:00.007-06:00

Luther and I went to live in Dutch John for Luther's job. Well, that lasted a whole 2 weeks! Luther now has a job at Brent Brown Dodge in Orem. He started today! So far he seems to enjoy it but he is working long hours.

While out in the middle of nowhere Alexis and I met some ducks! They were living in a pond next to our RV site.

We also went and looked at the Flaming Gorge Dam. I honestly think that dams are awesome!

I personally enjoyed the clouds.

Luther enjoyed fishing the Green River. (Even with all of their rules..)

I enjoyed the look of the river!

Alexis' Blessing

2008-06-04T16:06:00.004-06:00

Luther was able to bless our beautiful baby girl on June 1, 2008. He was one nervous guy! We had a lot of family and friends there to support us! It was a wonderful experience to have my hubby give my daughter her first blessing from her daddy! After she was blessed I went up and bore my testimony. I got all choked up! I am so blessed to have such a loving family and I am so grateful to know that after I die they will still be my family for all of eternity. I hope that Alexis sees all of the love her family has for her and that she realizes that is ever growing! I love my Alexis, my dear hubby Luther, and my family!

Just Friday

2008-05-30T15:17:00.004-06:00

It's been awhile since I last updated y'all on what's going on in my life.

Luther still hasn't heard anything more on Vernal. Right now they're trying to figure out where to put trailers. If they choose not to provide a spot Luther and I will be staying in Salt Lake with him working in Springville. It is slightly frustrating because if we don't go we will have a longer time before we'll be able to get our own home. But it would be a relief because I could stay close to my family. I don't know! I just wish they would let us know one way or the other. I am sick and tired of wondering.

Luther will be blessing our little Alexis on Sunday! She is currently 2 months old (9 weeks and 1 day to be precise!) I am excited to see all of my family. I keep making Luther nervous by asking if he's ready. He'll do well I just have to trust that. I just fear that he will get nervous and freeze. But like I said before, I need to trust him!

I dyed my hair a darker shade of blonde. I had my little sister do it and I need to touch it up a bit. She did a good job we bought one box of dye and later discovered that we needed two. :) So I have a few light patches of blonde. I will have to go buy a couple boxes and redo it. I had been going to professionals but I am sick of forking out the money!

Well that is all that I can think of. I will write again soon!

Alexis The Drama Queen!

2008-05-21T14:25:00.005-06:00

Here are a "few" of miss Alexis' facial expressions.

Worried/Confused
Lexie LOVES her tongue, this is the only time I actually got a picture of her tongue out!
Big Stretch "Super Baby!"

Playful girl!
Content Baby (After her bath)
Grumpy Baby
Grumpy/Tired Girl
Sleepy Girl

Well that is my "little actress"! I hope you enjoyed! LOL!

Lexie's Photoshoot! (Apr. 4, 2008)

2008-05-19T11:35:00.007-06:00

Just Relaxin' Sleepy Girl
"I See You!"
"Ok, I'll cooperate!"
Kisses from Mom!
Mommy's Teddy Bear
Nakey Baby!
"Mom it's cold without clothes!"
Pretty Utah Girl
Future Utah Fan!!
Teddy's keeping watch!

Beautiful girl
(I love the big bow headband!)
Future Beauty Queen
Precious Little Girl

All of these photos were taken at my home by SARAH PILCH! She is my life-long friend! She will be taking more photos in about a month or two so I will have to post those as well! Alexis was a week old in these pictures so it'll be fun to watch her grow!

Paying Bills

2008-05-19T11:26:00.004-06:00

Luther and I will be moving to Vernal by June 2nd. We will actually be 60 miles North of Vernal in the middle of the woods. Do we will be living in our 5th wheel trailer. It will be a definite change of scenery. And it will be painfully boring. So I am going to buy a lot of books to keep my mind occupied! :)

As hard as it will be, it will also be well worth our time and trouble. This job will mean $400 extra per week not to mention the money we will save from not having to pay rent! We will have our trailer paid for in July, and my car (which we bought this February) will be paid off next January. I am so excited. Luther and I will finally have our debt down. We will actually be able to start saving our money for a house!! Hooray!

I just thought I would share how happy I was to hear this news! I am looking forward to my summer in the woods! :)

Cute Pictures

2008-04-16T11:43:00.003-06:00

Here are a few pictures of my little one! She is getting to be so alert and playful! I love capturing some of her cute moments with photographs! I have been taking so many pictures!!

Hmmmm

2008-04-08T14:24:00.004-06:00

So here I sit with nothing to do! My little girl is asleep and I am not allowed to do any housework (Dr.'s orders!) So here's an update on miss Alexis. She has been a really good eater! She eats about every two hours. I am not sure if she's gained any weight but will find out on Thursday at her two week wellness appointment. She has also been an awesome sleeper!! She sleeps for 6 hours straight and eats and then sleeps for another four hours!! I love how lucky I am. (I also realize that it may not last so I am enjoying my sleep while I can...) Alexis is in love with her daddy already!! She is going to be a daddy's girl! Luther loves to play with her when he gets home from work! I love how great of a father he is! :) Speaking of Luther he has been so helpful while I am healing from the c section. I am not allowed to do ANY cooking or cleaning for two weeks. He has made sure that I don't have to lift a single finger!! So cute!! I have loved being a mom!! I am so excited to raise my baby to be a respectful little girl! She is a peaceful baby and I am so blessed to have her!!

She's Here!

2008-03-31T15:28:00.004-06:00

Alexis Danielle has made her way from her heavenly father's arms into mine!! She was born March 27, 2008 at St. Mark's hospital. She weighed 9 lbs 1 oz and 20 inches long! She is a BEAUTIFUL baby.

I was scheduled to be induced at 7:00am on Thursday, March 27, 2008. When I arrived they hooked me up to all kinds of monitor and set up an IV (not my favorite part!) At about 8:00 they broke my water. After a few hours of nothing happening they started me on pitocin. (This was roughly 12:00.) My contractions started building but would NOT make a steady pattern. So I had the pitocin going up and down and up and down to try and get it to work. At about 3:00 I decided that I couldn't take it any longer and got me an epidural! (Not nearly as bad as I had imagined it to be thank goodness.) My contractions were still strong but they were in a "dysfunctional" pattern. The nurse decided to check me a final time and get the doctor's opinion. It was about 5:00 and to everybody's surprise I was ready! So then at 5:30 I started pushing! I was doing well and make some progress in the first hours. By the second hour however, I could not make her budge! So the doctor and I sat down and faced the inevitable.... I needed a c-section! My husband cried as the doctor discussed it. I cried as soon as the doctor left. I tried SO hard to get her out and I couldn't! So Luther grabbed my sister's husband Scott and they gave me a priesthood blessing to comfort me. Then it was time to go in! I was terrified! I was shaking so badly. I had my c-section and I survived!! :)

THURSDAY!!

2008-03-24T18:59:00.002-06:00

So I went to my scheduled Dr's appt today. After "checking" me she found that I am 3cm dialated and am 90% effaced. (With no signs of any labor pain thank goodness!) So she finishes that up and asks when we had last had an ultrasound. I told her the beginning of the month. She looked through my chart and saw the part where the ultrasound estimated my baby's weight to be 7 lbs 4 oz. So she grabbed her calendar and said well at a half a pound a week your baby is in the high 8 lbs by now. She said, "I have set up an appt for you to be induced for Thursday and after checking you and approximating the baby's weight we would be safe going for it if you are ok." She explained the added risk of a c-section. I decided that I would rather try pushing her out sooner when she's smaller than later.
To make a long story short... I am going to be induced at 7:00am Thursday morning. So if everything goes as planned I get to meet my baby girl in 3 days!! Hooray!!

Two and a half hours in Labor and delivery

2008-03-20T15:01:00.002-06:00

So today I went for my follow up appointment to see if I would test positive for toxemia. I had my BP, weight, and urine checked. I had a moderately high blood pressure, I hadn't gained any weight, and I spilled a minimal amt of protein in my urine. So to be on the same side my doctor sent me down to labor and delivery for further testing. I had to wear a dumb hospital gown! They hooked me up to a fetal monitor and a contraction monitor. I had my blood pressure taken every ten minutes. I had to give yet another urine sample. I had to have my amniotic fluid checked. The worst part of all was they had to take my blood!! They couldn't get it out of my arm so they had to take it out of my hand! I nearly vomited! I HATE giving blood samples they make me uber nausous and light-headed! Well after all of the tests everything looks fantastic! I love the fact that I am healthy but hate it when all that time is spent doing tests and I end up perfectly fine! Oh well! I guess I will still play this waiting game and hopefully she won't be to insistant on an extended stay! ;)

Excited, nervous, I don't know!!

2008-03-19T13:57:00.003-06:00

So tomorrow may be the BIG day! I don't want to get my hopes up but I don't want to be unprepared! My bags have been packed for a couple of weeks now. Tomorrow I will have to grab toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and deodorant to take with me just in case. I am cluttered with so many different emotions and I don't think any is stronger than another.
Excitement: I can't wait to meet my little girl and with the possibility of her coming SO soon I can't help but be excited!
Anxious: Although it is soon I am a bit impatient!
Cautious: I don't want to be too excited just to have my hopes crushed and be sent home to wait.
Worry: I hope that if I have toxemia it isn't severe to the point that it has affected the baby!
Fear: This is my first so I have the right to be afraid, I have no clue as to what to expect. That scares me to death.
Relief: I love the idea that this may be the light at the end of the pregnancy tunnel.
Remorse: Will I miss being pregnant? Will I miss having my daughter so close to me?
Humility: I am so touched to have the opportunity of doing something so miraculous.
Spiritual: I know that I will be able to feel the connection between heaven and earth and I can't wait!
Tomorrow will be a rollercoaster ride for me. I can't wait for the thrill but there is that little something that I fear.

Preggo Pictures!!

2008-03-18T14:31:00.005-06:00

The last one is my belly at 36 weeks! It's a monster now!! Hopefully this baby will come soon I don't think I can get any bigger!! :)

Toxemia?

2008-03-18T10:21:00.002-06:00

So yesterday I went in for my 38 week appointment. I was weighed (gained another 2lbs), gave a urine sample, and had my blood pressure taken (higher than normal) by the nurse. The doctor comes in and checks my feet and hands and sure enough they were swollen! She asked if my face seemed swollen I told her that I hadn't really noticed. (Now that I have actually thought about it my face has swollen as well!) Then she measures my belly, hears the baby's heartbeat (which is kinda funny cause it looked like the baby was on one side when she was really on the other so the doctor had a hard time finding that stinkers heartbeat), and "checks me." We find out that the baby is still big, I am a centimeter dialated, 70% effaced, the baby is still high (meaning she hasn't "dropped" yet), and I may have toxemia. (Toxemia is pregnancy induced hypertension that can have serious risks to the baby and the only cure is delivery.) The doctor says, "I'm not 100% convinced it's toxemia, but you can come in again on Thursday for a nurse's visit." (The nurse will take my weight, blood pressure, and a urine sample.) If anything comes up fishy I will get to go have a blood test! (Whoopee! NOT!) If in fact I do have toxemia I will get to be induced.
Now this is where I am so torn beyond relief! So, one half of me is saying that I better NOT have toxemia. I don't want to have it now because it makes it a greater chance that I will have it with other pregnancies. Also, it may come sooner in a different pregnancy causing my to have to worry my butt off in bed because I will be on bedrest. Plus I am not a huge fan of being induced. One, I am scared of needles, particularily IV's. Guess how they administer the pitocin (drug used to induce), yep, you guessed it, with an IV drip! Two, there are many people I have talked to who have been induced and they didn't have the best experience.
Now the other half of me is excited to finally "see the light at the end of the tunnel." If I have toxemia and have to be induced then I can finally have this baby. I won't have to be asked when I will have her anymore. I will get to meet my little girl and finally be able to hold her rather than carry her. I am so scared on delivery though. I like to know what I am getting into. And since my slacker butt didn't sign up for any classes I am going in there with no clue as to what to expect. I know that I will be relieved beyond measure when she gets here. Right now, as it always has been, it is in the Lord's hands. I must be patient and also understanding of what will come. So the world may get to meet Alexis Danielle on Thursday and if not she will be here soon enough.

Complete Lack Of Anything Else To Do

2008-03-13T10:00:00.004-06:00

"Sigh" It has been weird no longer having to work. I enjoy that I get to sleep in past 9:00am. I have played "Guitar Hero III" almost everyday that I have had off. Still can't beat the game though! ARGH! I have been reading jokes off of Cafemom.com. But there are only a couple of new ones a day. I have also been reading some forum posts at Cafemom.com, mostly I am jealous of those who have already had their child or are experiencing signs of early labor. My child is very near the eight pound mark now. I am slightly worried that I won't be able to have her naturally. But I will take whatever is thrown at me. My dad is pretty funny lately, he insists that we go walking everyday. I am okay with it. I just wish that it would actually do something for me. So far I will finish walking with a few contractions that go away in like 10 minutes. So frustruating. I still have 3 and a half weeks left so there really isn't a big hurry. I am just highly impatient and extremely BORED!! I haven't even got the energy to do the whole "nesting" thing. I want to do a lot of projects but I can't find the ambition needed to start them. I should at least get my laundry done. That will be my goal for the day!! Then tomorrow I will tackle the bathroom! (Hopefully these words will turn into actions!) :)
It was raining this morning and I guess that my dog did not like the idea of being rained on. So she snuck out of her kennel, let herself into the house, then jumped into bed with me. I was so lazy that I let her curl up and fall asleep in the bed with me!! She is currently curled up in a ball on the couch fast asleep. Eventually I will make her go back outside and into her kennel, but if she is just going to sleep I don't see the harm!! Well I think I will end here. I appologize for the scattered thoughts. I have no desire to organize them!!!

Today

2008-03-03T08:42:00.003-07:00

Well I have about a million and ten things that need to be done today!
1. I have to call the insurance guy to put insurance on our new car. (We got a new one so the we could lower our payments! Success!) Although he won't be in his office until 9:00.
2. I have a doctor's appointment. It is at 9:45 so hopefully the insurance guy won't take forever and a day to put on insurance.
3. I have to go to the post office to mail off some bills and movies.
4. I have to go to Target and try to find a few more baby items that we'll need before she gets here.
5. Go to Wal-mart and return the memory card I bought and turn our other memory cards into pictures!
6. Go and visit Lissy! (That will be a fun thing!)

Well I guess it didn't quite add up to a million and ten but it's still alot. Especially if you take account for the errands that will take a good chunk of time! I will be fairly busy but life is good!

Oh and I can't forget to buy milk and syrup!!

For Alexis

2008-02-29T11:04:00.001-07:00

A Letter To My Unborn Child, Alexis Danielle

Dear Alexis,

I have yet to have the opportunity to meet you. The day is almost here and I am very anxious. I am desperately anticipating holding you in my arms with your trusting eyes examining my face. I want your tiny hands clasped around my fingers. I want to see your father's face as he gazes upon you for the first time and also his reaction to your first diaper. :) I can't wait to hear your fragile cry as you take your first breath of air. I also want to be the one to comfort you in this new and scary world.

Alexis I want you to know that you have always and will always be loved by your parents. We will be here to comfort you and to guide. We will give you strength when you are feeling weak. We will be your biggest fans when you succeed. We will acknowledge your efforts to be the best that you can be. We will be there when you are frightened. We will be there to kiss you better when you fall down and get hurt. We will love you forever unconditionally.

You also will have wonderful grandparents. They have been awaiting your birth for longer than you will know. They will teach you things that your parents may not know. They will spoil you until you are rotten!! They too will love you unconditionally.

Your aunts and uncle are so excited to meet you. Your aunt Stephanie has already offered to baby sit so we will hold her to that! :) Cheyenne can not wait to have another girl in the family. Julie is a little worried because grandpa told her that she will not be the spoiled one anymore. :) Jeremy has been so sweet to your mama while she's been pregnant. He has banned her from bowling and going to Junior Prom with him and Lisa. (Scott and Stephanie will be taking them!) Ben just got home from him mission and I am certain that he is excited to be an uncle. Jesse and Mitch are also excited. All of them will love you!!

How did you get your name?? Mommy wanted to name you Kylianne Elizabeth. Daddy said he wanted a more common name. So then we decided to name you Audrey Nichole. But mommy didn't think that she liked the name Audrey as much as she thought she did. So mommy pulled out a baby name book and wrote down all of the names that she liked. Mommy gave the list to daddy and said, "pick a name." He chose the name Alexis. Mommy was happy that was one of her favorites! Then came picking the middle name.. (daddy didn't want a middle name but mommy did!!!) So mommy thought and prayed and she felt that Danielle would be perfect. It flowed well and it is after your mom's uncle Danny (Daniel) who won't be able to have children. So that is how you were named Alexis Danielle!

I love you very much and will write again!

Love, Mommy

Getting Started

2008-02-29T10:48:00.001-07:00

Well this is my very first blog post!! Hooray! I am not to good at making these things very interesting but I think if I start writing more frequently it would help! :) "Crossing my fingers!"

Yesterday was my last day of work. I was working at a school with children who were physically handicapped in one way or another. I loved those kids and also the adults I worked with. Most of our kiddos were happy happy happy all of the time. I don't think there was a single day that I would go to work and not laugh or enjoy the love for life those kids had. It has been a very humbling experience. I love the fact that they have it worse off then I ever will and yet they found the best parts of life!! The reason for leaving my "little rays of sunshine", is the fact that I am nine months pregnant and felt there wasn't much left that I could do to help the class out. I was constantly getting myself in trouble with the other teachers for lifting a child or any other activity that a pregnant lady should not be doing. ;)

Speaking of my pregnancy.... Like I said I am nine months pregnant. That is the main reason I am starting this blog. A friend of mine said that this is the best way to share your child's life with others. So hopefully I can stay on top of this! And instead of going on and on I will leave this post as it is and start a new one on a specific subject!!