Eric, Lori, Samuel, and Gabriel

Midway Ice Castles Feb. 19, 2011

2011-02-21T16:12:00.007-07:00

We headed to the Midway, Utah Ice Castles this past Saturday.
It was a fun family activity. The kids loved seeing the castles.
It's basically just another version of a corn maze
just with ice and not as intricate.
If that makes any sense?
I think they charge way to much money for what you get.
It was $5 for Adults and $3 for children. Gabriel was free.
I think we were there for 15 maybe 20 minutes tops.
It was snowing and the kids hands got cold because they kept eating the snow.
I told Eric that we could have all eaten at IN-N-OUT
of some other good burger joint for what we paid for that.
I guess you can't put a price tag on memories. Right!?

If you're interested in going, I read on another blog that the best time to go see them is right at dusk. That way you can see them in light and then stick around for when it's dark and they turn the lights on inside them. I think it closes this weekend.

I'd probably do it again.
I know, I know, I'm a sucker for this kind of stuff even if it is overpriced.
The kids really enjoyed it and I enjoyed seeing them have fun.

I think the highlight of going was being able to eat the snow.
Gabriel couldn't get enough of it.
His hand was frozen solid when we got back to the car.

Say Cheese!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-30T23:59:00.002-06:00

Silly Pictures!

2010-10-26T13:51:00.006-06:00

I thought it would be fun to post some silly pictures of the boys. A few of our outtakes from picture taking. I'm always posting the best ones. I think it will be fun to post some of the silly pictures that I wouldn't normally post. Enjoy!

He is still cute even with devil eyes.

2010-10-26T13:12:00.006-06:00

Random Pics

2010-10-22T16:04:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to post a couple of pics of the cutest boys ever!

It's been awhile

2010-10-10T22:38:00.005-06:00

It's sad how long it's been since I've posted anything on this blog. I feel bad about it. It's supposed to be a journal for my family and now it's going to have a 2 month gap. Oh well, all I can do is start back up on posting and not worry about the back log. That's just what I'm going to do. My goal is to post something at least 5 times a week.

We had a great weekend. Below are some pictures from our fun times.

Gabriel and Samuel right before bed time being adorable and silly. I have to write about this little song that Samuel has been singing lately while he washes his hands. I don't know the name of the song that he took the tune from but here are the words.

tops and bottoms
tops and bottoms
in between, in between
there all clean, there all clean.

He sang this for me Friday night in the In-n-Out bathroom while washing his hands. I asked him if he had learned this at pre-school and he said no. He keeps saying that he just made it up. He's the most creative kid. He amazes me everyday with how smart he is. We've been working on reading the past couple of weeks. He's doing great.

Gabriel is the sweetest little guy. He's a tender heart and he melts my heart. He's also a stickler about his routine. He doesn't let me forgot about feeding him breakfast, lunch, naps, or his dinner. He knows when it's bathtime and bedtime. I mean it's not like I would ever forgot to do this things in the first place. ;) He just likes being on a routine and it's nice. He's also a bottomless pit. This kid can eat. He's teething like crazy and there is no shortage of slobber in our household right now. He's working on 2 molars.

This is Samuel's pumpkin for pre-school tomorrow. His school is having a pumpkin decorating/carving contest. He was super excited to carve this pumpkin all week. They gave it to him last Monday and he has wanted to carve it ever since. I made him wait until Saturday so it would still be in good condition for school. He's very proud of it. Of course Eric helped him do most of it.

Today we took a drive up to America Fork canyon to see the leaves and get some fresh air. Samuel wanted to go on a hike. We did a nature trail by the Timp Cave. We collected leaves along the way. When we got home Samuel wanted to make a hat.

Gabriel's 1st Birthday

2010-08-09T16:53:00.003-06:00

My little Gabriel turned 1 years old on the 5th of August. I can't believe how fast this past year has gone by. We just had a small family party with the four of us. We did web cam with my mom and sister in Florida so they could see the birthday boy and sing Happy Birthday and see him open presents. He has been such a wonderful addition to our family. He's my sweet boy. He loves to cuddle and give hugs and kisses. He just started giving high fives. He isn't quite walking yet. He knows how he just doesn't want too. I think I have another stubborn child on my hands. Happy Birthday sweet boy. I love you!

Cherry Hill

2010-06-22T00:04:00.003-06:00

I decided that this summer I wanted to get Cherry Hill season passes for me and Samuel. I'm so glad that I did. It has been such fun to go down there and be with my kids. My friend Tiffany always does this and was telling me how much fun it is. I usually go when she does with her kids. We have such fun together. It's so nice to be out in the sun. It's a really fun waterpark with enjoyment for the whole family. Samuel absolutely loves it. When I tell him we're going to Cherry Hill he gets so excited. We are actually headed there tomorrow. My goal was to try and go twice a week. Well see how that works out. Here are some picture of the kids from last weeks trip down. Enjoy!

Pre-School Graduation

2010-06-15T21:25:00.002-06:00

Samuel had his pre-school graduation last week. He loved doing pre-school this year. He changed so much over the year and I think that being in pre-school helped. It gave him some structure which I think he really needed. He grew so much from this experience. I'm so thankful for the other women in the group who let us be a part of it. It was truly a great time. I'm hoping to do something similar again with him. He is such a social child. He loves being around kids. He isn't a bit shy. He asks everyone what there name is and is always saying Hello. I love this about him. I hope that it never changes. Congratulations Samuel on your first year of pre-school. You did a wonderful job and I'm so proud of you.

Here he is receiving his Diploma.

These were his friends in the group with him. He was excited to get to see them this night. He hadn't seen them in awhile. He misses it already. He keeps asking me about going to pre-school.

Sleep Over

2010-06-13T20:05:00.003-06:00

We had Samuel's cousins Kiley and Kade come for a sleepover right after Memorial weekend. They stayed with us Monday and Tuesday night. He had such a fun time having them with us. He didn't want them to leave when they had to go home on Wednesday. They are great kids and a good example for Samuel to be around. It was fun having Kiley because I got to play makeover which I never get to do. Very fun having another girl in the house. The only pictures I took were with my cell phone because I wanted to send their mom a pic of them and the cute makeover. I'm glad I took them now because they are priceless.

Here are the three cousinteers.

Here is Kiley all made-up. Isn't she beautiful?

Memorial Day Camping

2010-06-13T14:42:00.003-06:00

For Memorial Day weekend we did things around the house. Mostly the yard and garden. It was nice to finally get those done. We decided that we wanted to do something fun for the holiday, so we were excited when Eric's brother invited us to go camping with them up near cove. I forget the name of the place but it was beautiful. We went on Sunday night and just stayed one night. This was Gabriel's first camping experience. He did good as with most things. Samuel loves being with his cousins Kiley and Kade, so he was in hog heaven. He had so much fun. We all did. We're hoping for some more camping this summer.

Gabriel 10 Months

2010-06-12T14:29:00.004-06:00

My sweet little boy is growing up so fast. He was 10 months on June 5th. He is eating great and loves all the food I put in front him. He is pretty much over baby food. I still try to get him to eat it and he does okay but he is done after about 3 or 4 bites and wants whatever we are eating. At his 9 months check up he was 18 Ibs 15 ozs. He is 28 1/4 inches. He's our little runt. If you compare him to Samuel who was always big. He is still crawling around but wants me to walk him around instead. He stands up on everything and walks around that way. He is discovering drawers and cupboards and as a result my house is usually a disaster once he has made his way through. He has 6 teeth now and he likes to use them. He also likes to show them with his handsome smile. He isn't sleeping so great lately and it's taking it's tole on me. We started letting him cry it out last night because our tenants are out of town right now. He didn't do too bad so hopefully he will catch on quickly. He such a sweet little boy and is mellow compared to Samuel at this age. He is pretty much happy all the time.

Here is a picture of him trying to escape his high chair. He doesn't like sitting in it for very long. We had to rig it up to keep him from being able to stand up and and try to get out.

Swimming with Cousins (More Florida)

2010-06-12T14:21:00.003-06:00

Also while in Florida we went to my brothers home to swim in their pool with all the cousins. We had so much fun! They have the best pool for little kids. It was nice just being all together and enjoying the nice weather of Florida.

The Beach (More Florida)

2010-06-12T14:06:00.004-06:00

While in Florida we went to the beach several times. The weather was amazing and I took full advantage of that. I only took pictures of us on one of our many trips. I'm so glad that my children love it. It is by far my most favorite place on this earth. We had a fun time this day. We built sand castles and laid in the sand. The water was still a little chilly but we still got in and played in the waves. Samuel loves the waves. He likes to jump over them. My mom came with us too that day and that was very helpful. We had such an enjoyable day. Can't wait to get back.

Catie's Baby Shower (more Florida)

2010-06-12T13:13:00.006-06:00

While in Florida I got to go to my sisters baby shower. I had a lovely time.
I was so happy that I got to be there because I always miss out on all these things.

Gini (Sis-in-law), Annie (Aunt), Hattie (Mom)

Me, Gini, Catie

Mary (Aunt), Me, Gini, Catie, Annie, Gabriel

Catie, Mom

Here is Catie with her in-laws. It was a lovely shower and so nice of them to do for her.

Catie and Suzanne. The shower was at her home.

My sister had her baby on June 4th. Her name is Olivia June and she was 6 Ibs 8 ozs and 19 in.
She is so beautiful. Can't wait to meet her.

More Florida (Cousin B-day Party)

2010-06-12T12:59:00.005-06:00

Our Next Adventure was cousin Knox's 1st Birthday party. It was held at a park in St. Augustine and the kids had a blast together. It was a fun Birthday party with lots of fun things to do.

This is the Birthday boy Knox and his Dad my cousin Mark.

Samuel getting his face painted. When the lady asked him what he wanted painted on his face he said dots. She asked what color and he said green. That's what he got. Cracked my up. I think he wanted something similar to his cousin Andrew.

Here is Andrew with his face paint.

This is Juliet with her cute pigtails. I love them.

So far behind (Florida)

2010-06-12T12:42:00.004-06:00

I don't even know where to start to get caught up on my posts. I think I will just start with my recent Florida trip which was in May. Fun times, as always when I go to Florida. The weather was absolutely beautiful and we spent a lot of time at the beach and with friends and family.

Our first adventure in Florida was in Orlando. We went to the new SeaWorld waterpark Aquatica. I can't say enough great things about this place. It was awesome! We picked the perfect time to go. There were no crowds, no line waiting, and it wasn't so hot you couldn't stand to be out of the water. They have the best play area for kids out of any of the waterparks I have ever been to. Sadly I didn't get a pic of this area. It's hard to take pictures at a waterpark. I was scared I was going to drop my camera in the water.

My mom rented us our own private cabana which wasn't pricey because it was the start of the season. I could see this being a must during peek season. We probably could have done without it since the park wasn't packed at all. It was still nice to have somewhere private to go and rest and feed Gabriel. You can read all about them on the Aquatica website.

Samuel eating his yummy ice cream cone with sprinkles.

Gabriel hanging with Grandma. My mom and Grandma and sister Heron came with us and thank heavens for that. My mom and Grandma watched Gabriel the whole time while I ran around with Samuel and rode the slides and played. We had so much fun!

Heron is probably going to kill me for posting this one, but I had to because it shows Samuel coming down the slides. He was fearless. He loved all the slides and he could ride just about all of them. I think that this slide was in the kiddie area. He liked the bigger slides better. I think we must have climbed over 1000 steps that day to ride the slides as much as we did. Plus Heron looks great. She looks happy! We had a lot of fun with her that day.

Here are the boys in the hotel room the next day getting ready to go home. They are seriously so freaking cute. I just want to squeeze them.

Recent Pics

2010-04-27T17:38:00.001-06:00

These are some recent pictures I took of the boys. I loved how they turned out. They are getting so big. Now if I can just get some family pics we will be set.

Baby Animal Days

2010-04-12T18:23:00.005-06:00

This past weekend we went to the Baby Animal Days at the American West Heritage Center. We have a membership out there so I was able to take Samuel both Friday and Saturday. It was a lot of fun. Sadly Eric couldn't come with us because he had drills. We missed having him with us. It was good times. Samuel loved holding the baby animals and the other activities.

Gabriel 8 months

2010-04-06T15:49:00.003-06:00

These are some recent pictures of my little Gabes. He was 8 months on the 5th. I took this about week ago. He's growing to fast for my liking. He's such a sweet baby and I can't get enough of him. He's getting his 2 bottom teeth and he isn't being to fussy about it. He's been saying momma alot lately and of course I'm loving that. He is still a great eater and loves his baby food. He hasn't been sleeping that great, but I'm hoping it's the teeth. He loves peek a boo and patty cake. He tries to clap his hands but doesn't quite get them together. He likes his walker and he gets around in it really fast. He's such a special little guy.

Easter Weekend

2010-04-06T15:37:00.001-06:00

We had a wonderful Easter weekend. My parents and little brother came to visit us from Florida last Tuesday and stayed until yesterday. They first came to Logan for a few days and then we all headed down to Salt Lake City to attend some conference sessions. We had such a great time being together with them and we did many fun things. Conference was especially wonderful. I have never been to a session of conference and it was a great experience to be there in person to feel the spirit. We got to attend Saturday and Sunday morning sessions. Thanks to Ki and Audra and Emily who watched the kids. It was truly amazing! Something I will never forget.

Here we are at the Dinosaur Museum in Ogden. I had never been there before and it's a neat place. I will have to take the kids back when the weather is nicer.

Here we are at the Train Depot in Ogden. Samuel loved the trains. He kept saying he was on the Polar Express. Another place we will have to go again this summer. We also went through the Museum there.

The Easter bunny came early to our house this year. I decided to have him come Thursday night because we were going to be in Salt Lake Saturday night. I have connections with the Easter bunny. Samuel was so excited that morning. He got up and we could hear him when he came into the room and saw his presents. He ran back to our room and said, "Daddy, Daddy, the Easter bunny came."

These pictures are of our last day in Salt Lake City, which was yesterday. I wanted to get some pictures of us in front of the temple to document our great weekend together.

Anniversary

2010-03-12T15:38:00.003-07:00

We celebrated our 5th wedding Anniversary last night. When Eric got off work we dropped Samuel off with Mark and Haley and went to dinner at Chili's. Eric's gift to me was the "Women of the Old Testament" book. I'm so excited to read this book. I also got a pair of awesome jeans that I've been wanting. I can't believe it's been 5 years already. I have the most wonderful husband. He treats me like a queen. He is wonderful and I love him always. He is my forever.

Gabriel 6 months

2010-02-28T16:41:00.003-07:00

Gabriel has been 6 months for about 3 weeks now and we just had his 6 month appointment on Thursday of last week. This is what happens when you go to Florida for 3 weeks. I will be doing a whole other post about that trip. Gabriel is doing great. He weighed in at 16 Ibs and 14 ozs. He is 27 3/4 inches long. I keep this all written down on this card that I got from the hospital when I had Samuel, so that I can compare the two of them. Samuel weighed 20 Ibs when he was 6 months. I couldn't believe it. He was a little chubster. Anyway, Gabriel is starting to sit up by himself and is army crawling a little bit to get places. I think he would rather walk. When I stand him up and walk with him on my fingers he takes steps. I started him on fruits and veggies a little over a month ago and he is doing really well. He likes everything except bananas. We just tried puffs and he seems to enjoy those as well. He's getting so big and he is a joy in our lives. He is always smiling. He is the sweetest little baby.

These pictures were taken in Florida about 2 weeks ago. He decided he wanted to chase Samuel's sippy cup around the room. This was the first time he started to crawl after something. We'll push himself around on his belly. It was cute. He was so determined to get the cup and he just kept pushing it further away.

Winter FUN!

2010-01-28T17:23:00.003-07:00

Eric took Samuel outside this past weekend to have some fun in the very deep snow in our backyard. They were out there for hours and they had some really cool structures to show for it. Check them out.......

Sunbeam

2010-01-21T13:15:00.006-07:00

Here is my little Sunbeam. I can't believe he is a sunbeam already. This was his first Sunday going to primary as a sunbeam. He did really good and he has a great teacher.

I had to have a picture with my big boy. I didn't want to post this picture because I look awful, but I wanted to have a picture of us to mark the occasion. Plus I figure Samuel will like this when he gets older. I love you Samuel!

Christmas 2009

2010-01-21T12:32:00.005-07:00

Man this post has been a long time coming. I've been putting it off because I knew it was going to take awhile. Christmas in the Aston home was really relaxing this year. The month of December was not. It seemed like we had so much going on and not enough time. We did a lot of last minute shopping which I'm not a big fan of. Overall it was a pleasant holiday spent with family and each other. Samuel was so much fun this year. As you will see in this story of pictures.

Here is Samuel with his pre-school group. This was right before they went to perform the nativity at a nursing home. It was a fun experience for Samuel. They had a sound malfunction with the music and so the kids had to wait a bit before they began. Of course Samuel was over it by this point and had a huge meltdown. He still ended up performing but just didn't sing any of this songs at the end.

This is at our house for the Christmas party. The parents came over and the kids performed the Nativity for them. They also sang the Christmas songs they had been learning all month. It was lots of fun and Samuel did a little better this time. He sure looks adorable in his costume.

The month of December was full of boo boos for Samuel. Poor little guy. Here he is getting his thumb rebandaged. Eric accidentally slammed it in the bathroom door. It was pretty bad. He is losing his thumb nail right now. It was awful and I'm glad that it's all healed except for his missing thumb nail. He liked getting new bandages.

Here are my little cuties in their Christmas pj's. Samuel wanted to hold Gabriel and so I thought I better go get my camera to document this. They are interacting so much now and it's so cute. I love it. Samuel talks to him like I do and it's pretty funny.

This is Christmas Eve. We were making Santa cookies. Samuel had a such fun. I have to admit that I had a lot of fun too. Normally I'm not very good at cooking with him because of the mess (I'm working on trying to be more relaxed when it comes to messes), but I really enjoyed this and just let him make a mess and we had a fun time. We made lots of yummy Christmas goodies and enjoyed eating them too.

Here is our home after Santa paid a visit. He was very generous to us this year. I think we went a little overboard but it was worth it. Samuel actually understood this year and asked for specific things. He told Santa he wanted a scooter and helmet. It's kind of a funny story how he came up with these wants. Eric and I decided one night to go out to do some looking at toys for Christmas because we really didn't know what to get Samuel. He hadn't really told us anything specific at this point and so we thought we would see if anything looked fun for him. Anytime I would ask him what he wanted Santa to bring him he would just say presents. Anyway, we went to K-mart and while we were looking Samuel is running around picking up and playing with everything. He come back to us after being in the next aisle and he is carrying a scooter. His eyes are lit up and he has the biggest grin. He instantly knew at that point he wanted a scooter and not just a scooter he also wanted a helmet to go with the scooter. It was just like he knew he needed a helmet in order to ride the scooter. Of course we didn't buy that same scooter, but after that we knew what to get him.

Here he is with his beloved scooter and helmet. He rarely takes it off. He is just now starting to wear it less. It's going to be so much fun this summer outdoors. He has just been riding it in circles around our house.

Opening presents Christmas morning. Another funny story. I forgot to put a present out from Santa the night before. I didn't remember till that morning. The Lincoln logs. I was like shoot I forgot to put the lincoln logs out. I think I just went and got them and was like look what else I found Samuel.

Christmas day was so relaxing and wonderful. We stayed in our PJ's all day and it was the best. We played with toys and enjoyed each others company. That evening we made the yummiest dinner and here is Samuel eating his on his table and chairs from Pop-pop and Grandma McClellan.

A picture of Gabriel on Christmas Day.

Samuel also scraped his nose on the sidewalk in front of the post office two days before Christmas. Here you can see the nasty scraps. Poor thing. It's always something with him. I don't think he ever doesn't have an injury. I hope this trend doesn't continue his whole childhood.

The end.

Rolling over!

2009-12-24T22:33:00.002-07:00

Gabriel did his first official roll-over by himself today. I've been lying him down on the floor lately to let him play with toys and just kick and play. Today I laid him down and went to the kitchen to make pie crusts and when I came back to check on him he was laying on his stomach. Of course he kept doing that same thing every time I left the room. Finally we all came in and he did it for us. He's such an adorable little baby. Of course with so much going on I didn't even think to video it. I need to do that and post it on here. He's growing to fast. I can't believe he is rolling over all ready.

Lately

2009-12-09T13:31:00.003-07:00

There has been a lot going on in the Aston home so far this month. Gabriel turned 4 months. He's growing to fast for my liking. He's the sweetest thing ever. Definitely my angel baby. Samuel is as busy as ever. He's loving pre-school and tomorrow he's going to a nursing home to perform the Nativity with his pre-school group. Should be cute! I'm excited to go see him perform. Samuel is also loving the Polar Express movie. I think he has watched it about a billion times. He wakes up every morning and says, "Mom.....can I watch the train movie?" Although he doesn't really watch the whole thing through. He's over it in about 10 minutes because he realizes he's watched it already before. Gabriel is getting strong. He's just about at the point where he can sit up by himself. He's starting to grab and play with things. He also loves Samuel. Anytime Samuel comes around him he just smiles so big and Samuel is even starting to play with him or at least try too. Eric is working hard and luckily his job still needs him and has work for him to do. I've been going back to the gym now for 2 months and it feel good to be exercising again. I've missed it like crazy. I've also lost 10 pounds since I've been going and that just feels great. Hopefully I can keep up this weight loss and be back to my goal weight in another 2 months. The girls at the kids klub daycare are in love with Gabriel. They get excited when they see me come in with him. Like I said he's a sweetie. Very cuddly! Samuel also enjoys going because he's a very social kid. He loves being with other kids. It's been an enjoyable month so far. My only hope is that I can get everything done that needs to be done before Christmas. There just arn't enough hours in the day. It's insane how fast they go when your family grows.

Here is a picture of my little cuties that I just took. Enjoy!

Computer Giveaway!

2009-12-09T13:18:00.003-07:00

This blog that I follow called The NieNie Dialogues is giving away a really cool computer. Not only is she giving one away, but 4 other bloggers are giving them away too. Kelly's Korner, A Year of Slow Cooking, My Charming Kids, and BooMama. That means you can enter up to 5 times or more to win this awesome computer. Click here to enter for each of the giveaways. Good luck to me! I never win anything, but it's worth a shot.
Oh yeah this is the computer it's the HP touchsmart 600t series.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T21:47:00.002-07:00

Today has been a wonderful day and I have so much to be thankful for. We are in Twin Falls, Idaho with family. It's been a day of traveling, eating, sleeping, playing, and eating. It's finally coming to a close and I wanted to end the day with what I'm most thankful for right now in my life. It has truly been a day of Thanksgiving.

I'm thankful for my wonderful husband. He is an amazing man who loves me unconditionally and unselfishly. I'm so thankful that he is my eternal companion and best friend. He would do anything for me and our children and that's just one of the reasons I love him.

I'm thankful for my two beautiful boys. Samuel and Gabriel. They bring me such joy. Oh how I love them.

I'm thankful that I get to be a stay at home mom right now. That makes me even more thankful for Eric and how hard he works to provide me with this privilege.

I'm thankful for all of my family. I have an amazing family on both sides and I love them all.

I'm thankful for parents who are still married and love each other.

I'm thankful for friends. I have some amazing friends.

I'm thankful for my healthy body. I want to do all I can to take care of it.

I'm thankful for technology and how it allows me to keep in touch with family and friends.

I'm thankful to have a beautiful home to live in with my family. It's warm and cozy and I hope that it is always a safe refuge from the world for us.

Last, but certainly not least, I'm thankful for the knowledge I have of my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ. Knowing this brings the most amazing blessings in my life. I get to be with my family for eternity if I will keep the commandment and covenants I've made with my Heavenly Father. I'm truly blessed to have this knowledge and I hold it sacred.

This has truly been a blessed day. Happy Thanksgiving!

Thankful!

2009-11-25T13:17:00.003-07:00

This is what I'm thankful for today. Just one of many things that I will post more about later, but today I'm thankful for my healthy and happy children. I love you guys!

Samuel being Samuel

2009-11-25T13:11:00.003-07:00

A couple of nights ago, Samuel came down from his playroom and was wearing this get-up. He started measuring things with his corner measuring tool. I said, "are you the fastest measurerer in the west?" I don't remember his reply. I wish I did because I'm sure it was something cute. I love this little guy an his imagination. It's seriously awesome.

Primanti Brothers Sandwiches

2009-11-25T13:00:00.003-07:00

Eric and I love the show Man vs Food. It always makes us hungry and want to go to the places he goes to eat the food. So Eric being the amazing chef that he is decided we were going to make these sandwiches that we saw on an episode. They are sandwiches found at a place called Primanti Brothers and they looked so incredibly yummy on the TV. Eric says "we can make those" and make those we did. He researched online to find some similar recipes and he found them. I'm sure they are not the exact recipes found at the restaurant, but it was close enough for us. They were heaven on earth. VERY YUMMY!

100% Adorable

2009-11-25T12:52:00.002-07:00

His shirt says it all!

A little back story on these pictures. They were taken on November 5th. Gabriel was exactly 3 months old. I had just gotten home from the gym and remembered that he was 3 months and so I grabbed the camera to document the day. Of course Samuel had to get into the action. I love his camera poses. They are always so elaborate and big.

Samuel turns 3 and Halloween

2009-11-05T22:32:00.007-07:00

Samuel turned 3 on Halloween. I can't believe that my little boy is 3. It went so fast. We had such a fun day with him. The day started out with doughnuts from Shaffer's Bakery. Then I went out to go to the store and on my way I saw that kiddies were trick-or-treating on Main Street. I didn't know that they did that so of course I turned around and headed back home to get Samuel ready to go. It looked like fun with all the kids dressed up in their costumes.

Here is our little Knight. Sir Samuel. Right before we headed out the door to Main Street.

Eric and Samuel coming out of one of the stores on Main Street after getting his candy.

Samuel wanted his parents to dress up and I feel so bad about that. I had a costume idea for this year but just never got around to putting it together. Halloween came on me to quick. I was in Florida until the 15th of October and so I was sort of a slacker this year. I'm usually way more festive for Halloween. Oh well.....there is always next year. Anyway back to the point, so Samuel wanted us to dress up with him, so I threw on my witch hat and Eric put on Samuel's superhero cape that I made for him the night before (an early Birthday present). It turned out so cute. It has Superman logo on one side and Batman logo on the other. I loved that it was two-sided so he can be either super hero if he wants.
Eric decided to be Superman. He's an amazing Daddy. Samuel loves him so much.

Samuel finally getting to open his presents. I put them out on the kitchen table while he was taking a nap and when he woke up he got to come in and see them there. He was so excited to open them. He kept saying presents Mommy. I want to open the presents.

A book from Grandma Aston

Opening his Buzz Lightyear toy. He loved it. He kept saying to infinity and beyond and flying Buzz around. He was a little confused by the fact that Buzz's wings didn't open. We got him the one that only does the arm chopping. oops!

Of course I had to have a little photo session with my little pumpkin. He wasn't having it though. Every time I would get all ready and start taking pictures he would start crying. He doesn't like the flash on my camera. Poor little guy. I think he looks so cute. Even upset.

This is a favorite for me. I love his little tongue sticking out.

Samuel with all of his Birthday presents. He really racked up this year. It was a little more like Christmas. This isn't everything either.

Samuel blowing out his candles. He woke up that morning and we told him Happy Birthday Samuel. Today is your birthday and he said Mommy I want a Birthday Hat. So of course I had to make him a birthday hat. He kept saying he wanted one. So we made one. I think it turned out pretty awesome. He loved it. He also liked blowing out the candles. Every time that we told him he was having a Birthday soon he would say, Mommy cake, candles, and balloons. He was excited for that part. He knew it was supposed to happen. We didn't end up doing it till in the evening after I took him trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. Eric stayed home with Gabriel and made cupcakes.

My baby turned 3. I still can't believe it. He's so big and growing up so fast. He does the cutest things and says the cutest things. I can't really think of any right now because it's so late and I'm exhausted, but I love him to pieces. He's my little man. I love you buds. Happy Birthday!

Fall Festival

2009-11-05T22:17:00.004-07:00

The night before Halloween...Friday the 30th......we went out to the American West Heritage Center for the Fall Festivities that they put on. I have to say it was pretty fun. The only down part was that everything was all wet and muddy from the recent snowstorm. I think next year we will try to go earlier. We had a blast though. We went with our friends John and Tiffany. The kids had a ball. They had pony rides, train rides, and a super slide. The slide didn't work though because it was all wet along with the sacks that you ride down on. We had fun trying to get it dried off with our bums and make it go faster. Samuel still wasn't feeling all that great, but he still enjoyed it and it was a beautiful night.

The sunset

Samuel and Gracie riding in the little tractor train cars. They were all cozy sitting in there. They didn't want to get out.

My sweet little Gabriel all snug in his car seat in the stroller.
I just love his smile.

Samuel and Gracie running around the kids maze made out of hay.

Riding the ponies. They got to ride a couple of times because no one was there when we got there. That was really nice. Everyone got there after dark for the Haunted Forest or Hallow.

They got to pet the baby goats.

Sick Samuel

2009-10-26T10:52:00.002-06:00

Samuel has been sick the past couple of days. It started Saturday night with a fever and has now developed into a deep chest cough. He still has the fever but the Tylenol/Motrin every 4 hours seems to be keeping it down. He is still in good spirits and wants to play. Poor little guy. I feel so bad for him. This morning he even wanted to help make his peanut butter and jam sandwich. He loves to eat this for breakfast.

Gabriel 2 Month Check-up

2009-10-26T10:46:00.002-06:00

Gabriel had his 2 month appointment last Monday the 19th. He weighed 13 Ibs 1oz and is 23 1/2 in. He's getting so big. The Doctor said he looked great and is doing well.

Florida Vacation in Photos

2009-10-18T18:33:00.009-06:00

These are all pictures taken on my recent trip to Florida. There are a lot of them. Keep in mind that I was there for 3 weeks and that's why. It was a very fun vacation and the weather was wonderful.

The trip started at my sister Catie's house. We stayed the night with her the first night there. The kids had so much fun playing together.

This is at my nephew Andrew's Birthday party. He turned 4 this year. Samuel had a great time swimming and being with all the other kids.

The day before Eric went back home we went to SeaWorld. I love this place. Seeing the killer whale show never gets old.

Playing at the splash park right on the St. Augustine Beach. It was a beautiful day. This was the Monday before I came home. I had just gotten a whopper of a cold and I'm surprised I even pulled my camera out. I'm glad I did though because I got some cute pictures of Andrew and Samuel playing together. Andrew came over the night before to spend the night with us. The boys loved having a sleepover. That was the worst night for me because I was at my sickest and I woke up with a roach on my face. I was not a happy camper.

Then the night before we were to fly back home we went to stay at Catie's again. We had such fun times this trip. I love being with my family in Florida. I miss them so much when I have to come back home. The cousins had so much fun playing together and I'm grateful that everyone got to meet Gabriel. I have to say one last thing. The whole trip I kept thinking that someone was missing. Of course there was someone missing and that feeling....well........sucked! Lily would have loved being there with us and she would've loved Gabriel.

Gabriel Update

2009-10-18T17:38:00.003-06:00

I just took these pictures today. This is Gabriel's beautiful smile!

I wanted to document Gabriel's first laugh. It was on Friday. Since then he is smiling and laughing a lot. He's starting to become really aware of his surroundings and is cooing. It's so cute and sweet. He's also been sucking on his hand a lot. Not sure if he's doing it because he's hungry or if he just wants to suck. He isn't liking his pacifier much anymore. Not sure if I should continue to force it on him or just let him do without. He's a great baby and he's getting so big. It's going to fast for me. He goes for his 2 month appointment tomorrow and first shots. It's a little over 2 months for him on account that we were in Florida when he turned 2 months. I'm looking forward to seeing how much he has grown. I will post about that tomorrow.

Gabriel's Blessing Day

2009-10-13T19:23:00.001-06:00

On September 27, 2009 , we blessed Gabriel at the Palatka ward where my brother attends church. It was a very special day for my family. What joy and happiness I felt to have my worthy husband bless our child and give him a name. It was also joyful because my older brother Todd, who has been away from the church for years, was able to participate in blessing his new nephew. It was a special day and I was very thankful to be able to share this with my Florida family. Eric blessed him to be a kind and loving person and to have a love of the gospel. I know that these will be blessings to him and to our family. I feel grateful to my Heavenly Father for sending this special spirit to my family. I love him dearly. I want to bare testimony of the priesthood of God and it's importance in my life. It's has greatly blessed me and my family. I'm so honored to have a husband who has that priesthood and is able to bless me and our childrens lives.

Florida

2009-10-03T15:00:00.002-06:00

In Florida right now with my family. I have a lot to post about. We're having so much fun. It's beautiful weather here. I'm very happy to have our summer last a little bit longer. I know we will be headed back to Logan to endure another winter.

Pre-school Pictures

2009-09-22T20:25:00.002-06:00

He loves going to school. He's such a social little guy. I love that about him. I still can't believe he's almost 3 and in pre-school. Before I know it I'll be sending him off the kindergarten. It's so important to savor every moment with him.

Brothers

2009-09-22T20:21:00.003-06:00

I think they will be best friends. I love my boys!

Happy Birthday!

2009-09-15T16:28:00.003-06:00

Today is Eric's birthday and we don't really have much planned in the way of a celebration. I'm feeling kind of guilty about that but I thought I could at least document that it is his 32nd birthday. Plus he's a wonderful Husband and Father and I'm so incredibly grateful to have him in my life. You're amazing honey! Hope you have the Happiest Birthday! I'm so happy that you were born and that you are my eternal companion. Love you tons!

Pre-school

2009-09-15T16:21:00.003-06:00

Samuel started pre-school today and it's unbelievable that he is old enough to be doing that. My little boy is growing up. I didn't get a picture of him all ready to go this morning, but I will get one on Thursday when he goes back again. A group of ladies in my ward started the group and invited me to join. It's called Joy School and it's a program you can get online to help with lessons and such. There are 4 of us all together with 4 kids that attend and we each teach for one week a month. Best of all it's free. I was so thrilled when they asked me to join the group because I've been looking to pay for him to go to school and couldn't decide on a place to take him. This solved my problem and I'm so grateful for that. I know that Samuel is going to enjoy going to pre-school this year. He's such a social little guy.

Samuel Update

2009-08-24T14:02:00.005-06:00

I wanted to post some things that Samuel has been doing and saying lately that I love.
He says wissors for scissors.
He calls his fingers by the number. So when he hurts his thumb he says "Mom, I hurt my 5" because that is the number five when we count. It's pretty funny when he shows his number 2.
He's always yelling at the neighbors dogs to "Hush, be quiet" because that's what mom does. Except lately I've been yelling shut-up you stupid dogs. So of course Samuel has been saying the same thing. I need to revert back to the hush be quiet. Not being a good example. oops!
He's always pretending to be something lately. I love his imagination. He's been playing Peter Pan a lot and he usually wants Dad to be Tinkerbell. It's adorable. He also likes to be Hook the Pirate. He also likes to be a super hero.
He loves going out and riding his big boy bicycle with Daddy. It's cute to see them riding together.
When he prays he looks around and blesses everything that he sees. His prayers can sometimes take awhile, but so cute.
His answer to any question lately is always a loud NO!
He calls milk, snilk.
He's starting to sound out his letters and he loves to spell out words when he sees them.
He's been saying about his new baby brother. "He's so cute", I especially love this because it reminds me of Lily.
Loves taking pictures with my camera. He found my video/camera and he knows how to work it and was taking all these pictures. I still need to go delete them.
He's growing up so fast. He seems so big now with Gabriel here. I love you buster! You will always be Mommy's little boy.

Gabriel Photo Shoot..........My Favorites!

2009-08-24T13:50:00.003-06:00

Two week check-up

2009-08-22T20:44:00.002-06:00

We went for Gabriel's 2 week check-up on Thursday. It was also the day my mother left. It was a sad day for me to see her go. It was wonderful to have her here to help us for the past 2 weeks. She was a huge help and just having the company was great too. We miss you Grandma! Anyways, back to the subject of the post. Gabriel's check-up was good. He has gained a pound since leaving the hospital, well a little over a pound. He was 6 Ibs 11 ozs when he left the hospital and is now 7 Ibs 12 ozs. He's also grown a half inch since birth. He's a great baby! He loves to eat and he hardly ever fusses. Knock on wood that this keeps up. He seems to be very chill compared to Samuel as a newborn. The doctor said everything looks great. I'm so happy to have him here and he's so adorable.

Jaundice

2009-08-22T20:37:00.004-06:00

Our little Gabriel was jaundiced and so he had to be in a billibed for 2 days after coming home from the hospital. That was the 8th and 9th of August. It was sad not to be able to hold him. I could only get him out to feed and change his diaper. He had to be in that bed 24-7. Luckily it was only 2 days and he was such a good sport about it. That's the great thing about newborns they sleep all the time so that's what he did. Samuel called it the blue bed. When it was turned on the light looked blue from the blue billiblanket he had to wear while laying in the bed. He said look mommy it's a blue bed. He says the cutest things.

Gabriel Robert Aston

2009-08-09T10:07:00.006-06:00

He's finally here. Gabriel was born on August 5, 2009 at 7:11pm. He weighed 6Ibs and 15 ozs and 19 1/2 in. long. He's so tiny and skinny. It's crazy having a little newborn again, but I'm absolutely in love and just adore him.
I wanted to record the birth experience so that I can remember it and one day Gabriel would be able to read about it. I got the call to come into the hospital at 11:30am and they wanted me to be there at 12:00pm. Of course we were late because I wasn't at all prepared like I should've been and so I had to get my stuff and Samuel's stuff together. Samuel went to stay with our neighbors across the street. Very grateful for them and offering to do that. We dropped him off and headed to the new Women's center here in Logan. Very nice place to have a baby. We arrived at about 12:05 and they admitted me and started all the procedures to get me ready to go. I was hooked up to my IV about 12:30pm or it might have been closer to 1:00pm and got the pitocen rolling. I was only dilated to about a 2 1/2 when I got there and 80 percent effaced. The contractions were bearable at first and it was slow going. I didn't want them to break my water until after I had my epidural. I knew that once they did break my water that the contractions would be to intense for me to handle. So I was thinking I'll wait and let see what the pitocen can do and how far I can get before I need the epidural. Things were going really slow. The contraction weren't that bad at all. I seriously was thinking at this point I'm going to be here all night. The nurse had given me as much pitocen as she could and so I was like this is enough. I told them to go ahead and give me my epidural and break my water. I got the epidural at about 5:30 - 5:45pm and once that was hooked up my doctor came in and broke my water. I was about 5 cent dilated at this point and I can't remember if I was fully effaced or not. Just like I thought once my water was broke the contractions started to come fast and hard. I could still slightly feel them but not so bad that I was in too much pain. Just a little bit of pressure. I think the epidural must have just been a low dose one so that I could still feel something. I could have pushed more drugs but I wanted to feel a little bit because I think it helps with the pushing. So about 45minutes after the water break I started to feel the contraction intensely it felt like a huge amount of pressure and a need to push. It was hurting really bad and so I was about to push more epidural medicine but my friend Angela who was there with me said you should have the nurse come and check you because it sounds like to me you're ready to start pushing. She went and got the nurse and I held off pushing the button to get more drugs. The nurse came in and checked me and sure enough it was time to push. The nurse called my doctor and they started getting ready for me to push. I think he was right there when she checked me because the nurses and techs got all the equipment out and were getting ready for him to be delivered. I could pretty much feel everything at this point. I had to breath through about 7-10 hard contractions before my doctor arrived. Once she got there and got ready to go the next contraction I pushed and Gabriel was born. ONE PUSH.....I couldn't believe it. I was not looking forward to the pushing part because it was awful with Samuel. It really helped that I could feel everything. Granted it was painful but definitely worth it. I just couldn't believe that I went from 5 to complete in about 30 minutes or less. It was an amazing experience all together though and I'm glad things worked out the way they did. I didn't really want to be induced but it worked out and he's here and he's wonderful.

Samuel came that night to meet his new brother and he wasn't sure what to think at first. I think he was really tired and upset after being gone from us all day. He had just gotten his Daddy back after 2 1/2 weeks. Plus I'm sure he played hard with our neighbors kids. The next day when he came back to visit us he had warmed up to the idea. He kept saying my baby brother. He said mommy can I hold it. Of course I let him. So precious to see him holding his new little brother and seeming to enjoy it.

Braxton Hicks, how I hate thee.......

2009-08-04T14:09:00.002-06:00

I just have to post how much I hate Braxton Hicks contractions. It's bad enough that I'm big and pregnant and ready to pop, but I get the added bonus of having these fake contractions. What's up with that? In my world there will be no fake contractions only the real deal.

Inducement Tomorrow

2009-08-04T13:57:00.002-06:00

I have scheduled an inducement for tomorrow. I'm a little nervous about this because I wanted Gabriel to come naturally, but I don't want my mom to be here a week or more and the little guy still not be here. My doctor stripped my membranes this morning and can you say uncomfortable. I'm hoping that will get things moving along and that maybe he will decide to come before the induction tomorrow. Probably not with my luck. I'm so excited to meet Gabriel and to have a new little baby. So many things are going to change in my life and the anxiety over this is starting to kick in a little bit. I'm hoping that Samuel will adjust okay and that goes for me as well. I'm a little nervous for the one to two kids transition, but like most mothers and women you do it because you want to and have to and it usually works out for the best. Eric has been at his annual army training for the past 2 1/2 weeks and man can I just say that I'm exhausted. It makes me so grateful to have him as my husband and companion. He's such an amazing husband and father. He's a huge help to me in taking care of Samuel and I can't wait to have him back home. I miss him tons! Being a single mom is hard work. I definitely have an appreciation for single parenting now. I've been spoiled in the past because usually I go home to Florida when Eric goes to training, but because I am 8 months pregnant it wasn't an option in case he decided to come early. I'm really excited to start this new chapter in my life and for my husbands return. Hopefully by sometime tomorrow little Gabriel will be in the world. Can't wait to meet you.

I love Summertime!

2009-08-02T16:18:00.004-06:00

The weekend of the 24th of July, Samuel and I went to stay with my friend Tiffany and her kids for a couple of nights. We went to Cherry Hill and to the Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake City. We had a great time. I don't have any pics from Cherry Hill because I was to lazy to take my camera in, but I did get some of the parade. I will post them later when I can get them off my other camera. The night we got home from Cherry Hill I took some pictures of the kids in all their summertime glory. They had been at Cherry Hill all day and had just finished eating ice cream cones. The pictures are so great because I think they look like what kids should look like in the summer. Dirty, sweaty, food all over their faces, happy, and red-faced. Thanks Tiffany for the fun weekend.
Also Samuel would not take off Gracie's butterfly wings. He loved those things. Gracie had a pink pair and then he had the blue ones. I need to make him some kind of wings that are more boyish, but I thought it was so cute. He had such a great time. We both did.

Playing Naked

2009-07-17T16:47:00.005-06:00

.

Last night I took off all of Samuel's clothes and let him play naked in the backyard. We had his little pool set up back there and the water was really warm because it had been sitting out all day. He had a lot of fun. I think he liked being all natural. I decided I better go get my camera and get some cute shots of him playing in the buff. I took so many pictures of him. These are just some of my favorites. He's so darn cute! I just love him to pieces.

My Birthday! July 15th 2009

2009-07-17T16:24:00.005-06:00

Everyone is singing me Happy Birthday.
I made myself my favorite dessert, Chocolate Delight.
I wanted that instead of a cake.

Jason tickling Samuel and Chloe. Samuel loves to be tickled.

Tiffany, Jaxson, and Gracie

Samuel wearing his cowboy boots

Jason, Angela, Chloe, and Brock

Jaxson. Such a cutie!

My handsome hubby and me.

Had to have a family picture. It was really hard to get Samuel over for the picture. Eric had just been tickling him. That's why the big smile. I love that smile.

Angela and me.

Eric's brother Ki and his wife Audra and their children Kiley and Kade.
Samuel just had to be in the picture with them. He loves his cousins.
He wanted to go home with them.

We had a fun BBQ with friends for my birthday. I turned 31. I wanted to do something fun and be with people that I love. It was a good night with my closest friends and their children. Samuel had a ball. We had good food and good times. I also wanted to add that I didn't get any pictures of my friends Sarah and Eli and Mark and Haley and their children. They were also there. I didn't get my camera out until they had already gone. I was so busy getting everything ready that I didn't think about it until later.

SO Sad and MAD!

2009-07-17T16:21:00.002-06:00

I did the dumbest thing today. I've been waiting to get my pictures from the 4th of July off our video camera for weeks and I was finally able to do that today, except I accidentally deleted them all. I'm so mad at myself. There were some really cute pictures of that day. We went to Twin Falls for the weekend and stayed at Eric's parents. We BBQ'd and had a few little fireworks and enjoyed our time with family. I can't believe I did that. Anyway we had a good 4th. I guess there is always next year for fun pictures.

Lily's Birthday!

2009-06-25T19:23:00.005-06:00

In honor of Lily's Birthday today, I wanted to post some pictures of her at Christmas time last year. This is Lily and Samuel in their Christmas PJs. I thought it was so funny that she had gotten every single one of her purses on her arms. She was the little bag lady. She was always doing the funniest things like that. She didn't want to take them off for the pictures for anything. Such a stubborn little girl, just like Samuel.
Happy Birthday Lily, We love you and miss you tons!

Motivation!

2009-06-23T16:05:00.008-06:00

"A" Pocket Flip Flop in New York Dark (SHORTER INSEAM)

So I've decided in order to motivate myself to get back into shape A.S.A.P. after the baby. I'm going to reward myself with these lovely pair of jeans. I've been wanting a pair of A pocket 7's jeans for awhile, but getting pregnant sort of put that on halt. Anyways as you could tell from the previous pictures of me I have a long ways to go. I'm hoping that the reward of these will speed things up a bit and motivate me to work extra hard.
Also if you don't own a pair of 7 jeans, I highly recommend them. They are so flattering and comfortable. Plus I love how they make them in the shorter inseams. Great for shorter women like myself. Well worth the money you will pay for them. I have one pair that I got right before I got pregnant and I absolutely love them. Can't wait to get back into them again. Better start saving my clams now. "A" pocket flip flops you will be mine.

Aston Family Camping Trip.

2009-06-23T15:50:00.003-06:00

Here are some pictures of our camping trip with Eric's family. I forget the name of the mountains where we stayed. It was somewhere up near Heber, Utah. We got to stay in this nice cabin. I was happy about that because sleeping in a tent at this point is not very fun. We did lots of fishing and it rained pretty much the whole time. We didn't let that stop us from getting outside. It was fun to be together with family and Samuel loves his cousins Kiley and Kade. He had the best time being with them and playing. Overall it was a very fun family vacation. The scenery was amazing and it was so peaceful and refreshing. Plus I think I gained about 5 Ibs just from this trip with all the great food we ate. Great time!

New York City!!!!

2009-06-23T15:14:00.013-06:00

I just recently got back from a trip to NYC with my Mom, Grandma, and sisters. I left on June 6th and got back on the 10th. It was so much fun! I've never been to NYC before and was super excited to go see the big city. It's such a fun place to visit. We tried to fit in as much as we could in 4 days (well 3 for me) and man was I worn out. Below our a ton of pictures from our fun time together. An unforgettable trip!

Sister Heron, Me, and Grandma in front of the Met.

We bought this thing called the New York City Pass. I think it was well worth the money. So you buy this pass and you get into all the famous attractions with it. I don't think we would have gone to Madame Tussauds if we hadn't bought this pass. We had fun in there.

What's a visit to NYC without a time square picture. You see some pretty amazing things in that square.

The ferry ride to Ellis Island. We decided to skip the Statue of Liberty and just see it as we went by.

Riding the subway. Man the subway is an adventure in itself. Just trying to figure it out seriously was so frustrating, but we survived and amazingly never got lost.

Catie, Grandma, Me, and Heron inside the Natural Museum of History.

Another Time Square photo op.

Walking along Central Park.

The famous Katz's Delicatessen that was featured on a Man vs Food show. I had to go try the famous pastrami sandwich and it was well worth it. The best sandwich I've ever eaten in my life.

Our last night in the city we went to see The Phantom of the Opera. It was the best Broadway show by far I've ever seen. Considering I've only seen 2 now, I'm probably not an expert, but I loved it so much. I was moved to tears by the singing. I'm probably the only person I know, well besides my husband, who had never seen it.

We had to have one last picture of us in Times Square. We went there every night just to people watch and see the lights. What a crazy place that square is. Super fun!

I can't wait to visit this city again. I'm hoping the next time will be with Eric.

Samuel's Big Boy Bed

2009-05-14T15:06:00.007-06:00

That is the rocking chair Eric's mom gave us. It used to be red. I painted it to match the bed. I think it turned out nice.

These are pictures of Samuel's new bed that Eric and I put together for him. I got the headboard and footboard at DI and painted them Navy blue and the bed rails came from DI as well. I think it cost a total of maybe 15 dollars. Eric modified it a bit and now we have a fun new big boy bed for Samuel. I'm going to decorate the room around the cute sheets I got while in Florida. I also have to go get the comforter still. Overall I'm really happy with how it turned out. Samuel is so excited to have his own bed. He also liked the sheets.
He said " look, cars Mommy".

Garden

2009-05-12T16:53:00.003-06:00

We finally started planting our garden yesterday evening. We got our carrots, peas (a little late), swiss chard, onions, red and brown potatoes, radishes, and peppers planted. Woohoo! Can't wait to eat fresh vegetables from our garden. I love having a garden. Grateful for my husband who was raised planting gardens and is so good and knowledgeable about them. Nothing beats fresh vegetables from a garden. I'm hoping that we can make good use of our food this year with lots of canning and freezing. I'll go take some pictures tonight and post them later. Also I want to make salsa this year with our garden veggies. Anyone know of a good recipe?

This past weekend.

2009-05-12T16:34:00.007-06:00

This past weekend we went to Twin Falls to visit Eric's parents. We had a great time being there with them and Samuel loved it. We also visited the Shoshone Falls and it was beautiful. Here are some pictures from out visit.
We live in such a beautiful world. I love the beauty of nature that surrounds me.

I like how Samuel is holding his hands in this picture. Makes me happy!

Mother's Day Flowers

2009-05-12T16:28:00.003-06:00

They are so pretty! I love having flowers in my home. If I could afford it I would buy them everyday to put in every room of my house.

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T19:30:00.007-06:00

Today has been a great Mother's Day! My boys got me some pretty lilies. I'll post the picture later. Just wanted to say how grateful I am for my Mother. She is the best Mother and I love her so. I wish I could have been with her today. She's always been there for me and supported me and loved me. Happy Mother's Day Mom! I love you!

Sad Day......

2009-05-07T18:41:00.001-06:00

It's been a sad day for me. Just can't seem to snap out of it. Don't really want to. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

Good Quote....

2009-05-03T08:52:00.004-06:00

I'm currently reading the Anne of Green Gables series and so far I'm only on book number 2. I like them a lot, very clean, good, and wholesome reading. Hard to find now-a-days. Definitely recommend them if you haven't read before. Anyway back to the reason for this post. I've been struggling a lot with the loss of Lily. Of course I have the gospel and it provides all the answers and comfort you need at a time like this, but boy is my faith being tested. I hate the thought that I will not get to share moments with this sweet girl again until the resurrection. I have to say it, IT'S NOT FAIR! It seems like such a long to time to wait, but then again maybe it will not be that long of a wait at all. I guess we don't really know that. So I was reading the first Anne of Green Gables book and toward the end is the best quote about how you truly feel when someone you love so much passes on. This quote is Mrs. Allen talking to Anne Shirley about Matthews passing.
"He is just away now; and he likes to know it just the same. I am sure we should not shut our hearts against the healing influences that nature offers us. But I understand your feelings. I think we all experience the same thing. We resent the thought that anything can please us when someone we love is no longer here to share the pleasure with us, and we almost feel as if we were unfaithful to our sorrow when we find our interest in life returning to us."
This is exactly how I'm feeling lately. I suspect I'll probably be feeling like this for a long while. I know that Lily wants me to continue to enjoy life and have fun in her absence from me. It's just so very hard because something will always be missing.
I want to end with a picture of Lily and Samuel this past Christmas outside my parents home in Florida. It was Sunday and we just got back from Church and I wanted to take some pictures of them in their cute Christmas outfits. I love this picture because Lily looks like she is thinking can we please get on with this already and Samuel look so silly and is trying to make his escape. These two were seriously like two peas in a pod when they were together.

In Memory of Lily

2009-04-14T08:22:00.003-06:00

It is with a sad and broken heart that I write this post. My niece Lily passed away April 3rd unexpectedly. I miss her so much. I've been in Florida since the day after her death with my family. This is by far one of the hardest things my family has ever had to deal with. We have been drawing upon the strength of the gospel and our Savior Jesus Christ. It's the only way we're going to get through this. The knowledge we have that we will be with Lily again someday gives us hope and strength to endure our time on this earth without her. I'm personally so grateful for this knowledge.

I want to leave you with the last picture ever taken of our precious Lily and the Eulogy that was read at her memorial service.

Lily was born at Flagler hospital June 25th, 2005 weighing 7Ibs 4 oz. She appeared healthy and normal at birth, but a few days after birth her blood tests showed abnormal high amounts of bilirubin. We immediately drive her to Jacksonville Wolfson's hospital for more tests. She was admitted to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) to find out what was wrong with her. After 10 days of tests a nuclear scan discovered the possibility of a rare incurable disease called Biliary Atresia, which is the absence of organs in her liver and biliary system. The sent her home with an appointment to see a gastro neurologist who told us it was necessary for Lily to have exploratory surgery to save her life, and to find out if she actually had Biliary Atresia. The surgeon told us this had to be done before she was 10 weeks old. So on July 28th, 2005 she went to Wolfson's for her biopsy and surgery. During surgery the surgeon came to us and told us she did have Biliary Atresia and that he would perform the Kasai Procedure that was her only change of survival. He only gave us a 50% chance of it working. The surgery took 7 hours and with many prayers and priesthood blessings she came to be our little miracle. After 4 days she came home and was the joy and happiness of our life. For a year the doctors were not sure if the surgery was successful, and told us she may need a liver transplant to save her life. At home she was growing and healthy and gaining weight and eventually the doctors and medical associates were even calling her a miracle.

She had a happy life with her Mommy, Grandma, and her Grandfather she called Pop-Pop. She grew to be the cutest, sweetest, precious little girl that everyone loved. Because of her condition her aunts, uncles, and cousins grew to have a love for her like she was a part of their family. She always slept with her mommy never in her own bed. She loved to sing and dance. We have never known an infant who could sing at such an early age. Her Grandma sang to her all the time and so Lily loved to sing. She would dance around the house like a ballerina.

She went to work with her Grandma and Pop-Pop most of her life, so many of their customers and employees came to love her. She loved baby dolls and Barbie dolls. She loved to be read too, and was learning to read and write, as evidenced on our walls at home and at work. She loved the computer; it was amazing how good she was with a mouse and playing games. She loved flowers and when outside she always wanted to pick and hold flowers. Her favorite foods were chocolate milk, macaroni beef, pizza, and ice cream cones, which she always only licked. When she ate something she loved she would hum while she ate it. Whenever she would do somethings he really loved she would hold her fists up and shake with excitement. She loved playing wit her cousins Andrew, William, and Samuel, and especially the only other girl baby Juliet. She wanted to hold Juliet all the time, and would say "Baby Juliet she's so cute". She would want to go see her cousin Andrew and would say, "He's my best friend". And when she went to play with William she would make him cry because she was so bossy. But they always loved and kissed and you knew that they loved each other. When Samuel came around they were two of a kind, in to everything, and always in to things they shouldn't be.

She loved to go to her Great Grandmother Greta Todd's (little Grandma is what she called her). She would play with all her little what nots, she just loved her little Grandma so much. The last time she went shopping with her, just a few weeks ago, she held her hand the whole time and wouldn't let go.

She loved Showtime USA, Donna Potak was her teacher, and she couldn't wait to go their every week. All the kids at Showtime loved cute little Lily and would always speak and say nice things to her. She was never afraid of the stage and would pose like a veteran for photos.

She loved to go to nursery at church to play and sing with the other kids and was especially fond of Sister Senador. At 3 she started going to Primary and was in the Sunbeam Class with Brother and Sister McKinley. Her first talk was special and she spoke with her Pop-Pop's help about the Plan of Salvation.

She had a wonderful life and did many fun things with her family. Like going to the beach, Sea World, Disney World, Silver Springs, the zoo, lots of shopping trips and movies with mommy, she loved to swing, and going to the park with the carousel was one of her favorites. She took a trip to Utah and was on the TV evening news at a Ben & Jerry's free ice-cream give away. Everyone stayed up late for the 11 o'clock news to see it.

Lily's life was full of priceless memories with her family, and though her sudden passing was not expected we cherish the memories of her. We will always remember our good times together and look forward to the day when we will be reunited with her again in the Celestial Kingdom of Heaven.

Florida Trip

2009-03-27T11:04:00.016-06:00

So we just got back from our Florida trip on Wednesday night and we had so much fun. Below you will find some pictures of the fun things we did while in Florida. I love being in Florida with my family and it's always so hard to come back home. I do miss Eric terribly though and so I'm always anxious to get back to him. Also we did get to go to Walt Disney World and I totally forgot my camera. I was very upset by this because we had such a good time. I was actually dreading going because of the crowds and dealing with a 2 year old when you have lines like that it is not fun. It actually wasn't that bad at all and I loved being with all my nieces and nephews and family. I'm so mad that I didn't get any pictures. Oh well next time.

These first set of pictures are from my nephews Birthday party at Treaty Park in St. Augustine, Florida.

This is the Birthday boy blowing out his candle. He turned 3 on March 15th.

This is Lily and William patiently waiting for their cupcakes to eat.

My niece Juliet, she is Williams little sister. She enjoyed her cupcake.

So did Samuel!

Samuel loved being at the park. His little cheeks were so red from running around and playing he didn't stop for 2 seconds. It was so nice to be outside in the warm sunny weather.

The last Saturday night that we were in Florida we went to the Palatka Fair. This is the little town I grew up in. The kids had so much fun riding the rides.

This was the big fun slide. Samuel couldn't wait to ride it. I wasn't allowed to ride because I'm pregnant so my dad had to ride down with Samuel. It was hilarious to watch him struggle with Samuel. I felt so bad because they got to the top and Samuel was furious and screaming because he wanted to go down all by himself and my dad was trying to sit down and couldn't because he has bad knees and it was quite a site. They finally made it down and they slid a few feet off the end of the slide. It looked like they had a lot of fun because of all the smiling happy faces when they were done.

It's a Boy!

2009-03-27T10:23:00.006-06:00

We went for the ultrasound yesterday afternoon and it's a boy. He was not shy at all (see picture) and everything is perfect and he has everything that he should. I'm so excited to be having another little boy. I think it's going to be so fun to have 2 boys running around playing and getting into all sorts of mischief. Below are the 3D pictures and the one showing that it's our little boy. Enjoy!

Update

2009-03-19T15:29:00.002-06:00

Just a little update. I haven't been posting because I'm currently in sunny Florida visiting my family and doing all sorts of fun things. I'll be sure to post when I get home. I have lots to write about.

Sking in the basement.

2009-03-04T16:20:00.005-07:00

So a couple of weeks ago, it was the day of that huge snowstorm, I think it was a Tuesday.
Eric got to come home from work because the road was blocked by snow and they had not plowed it. So he got a snow day and I was more then thrilled because that was the day I chose to clean out our basement. I don't think he was to excited about it but his help was greatly appreciated. Anyway, so we're in the process of cleaning out the basement and loading up the jeep with a DI run and we come back to find Samuel with Eric's ski helmet and polls, standing on one of his snowshoes. It was so cute. I had Eric run and get the camera so we could capture the moment. It looks like we had him do this on purpose to get a cute picture, but I assure you this was all his doing. Samuel also started saying "push mommy", so I tried but it was not budging on the carpet. He's such a clever little guy. I love you bud!

Chuck E Cheese

2009-02-25T15:16:00.009-07:00

Yesterday I met my best friend Angela at Chuck E Cheese in Layton. It was a blast! Our kids had the best time and the place was not all ghetto like I thought it would be. I just wanted to post a few pictures because Samuel had a wonderful time. He loved the slide, no big surprise there. It was nice to get out of the house and do something different. Enjoy!

This is Angela's son Brock. This picture cracks me up! I love it! He is such a cutie.

This is Angela and Brock.

Samuel in the plastic play tunnel. This was his favorite.

Of course the slide

Samuel and Chloe

Things I love about Samuel.

2009-02-11T15:12:00.004-07:00

1. When he wants a kiss he grabs the back of my head and pulls me in for a smooch. While saying kisses mommy.
2. When we're practicing the alphabet he always says, "What letter is this?" before telling me what letter it is. I suspect it's from me asking him, "What letter is this?". It's so cute. He does the same thing when identifying animals.
3. When me or his father come home after being gone his face will light up and he says, "mommeeee" or "daddeeee" and drags out the last part and with a huge smile runs right to you and gives you the best hug. Which includes a humming MMMMMM sound while hugging.
4. When he wants me to go somewhere with him he comes and says to me "hand" and then wants me to give him my hand so he can take me where he wants to go.
5. His big brown puppy dog eyes. They reel me in and make me a softy.
6. Of course his smile. He has the best rosy cheeks and when he smiles his whole face lights up.
7. That I can leave him with anyone and he does not get scared, upset, or clingy. He loves going to new places.
8. That he says "Church mommy" during the week many times. Or "nursery mommy".
9. When he can't find me he walks around the house saying, "Where are you mommy" and he keeps saying it over and over again until he finds me. When he finds me he says, "there he is".
10. When he wants to sing itsy bitsy spider or popcorn popping with me.
11. That he is so independent, I can actually get things done around my house.
12. I love how creative, curious, and sneaky he can be.
I'm sure I will think of more to add to the list, but I have to get going now.
I love you, Samuel!

Spoons

2009-02-11T14:56:00.010-07:00

So we live in a really old home that has all these great features that I just love. One of them is the mail slot. Our mailbox has a drop box that comes into our living room. I love this, because I don't have to go out in the freezing cold to get the mail. Samuel is also a big fan of this mailbox. The above pictures demonstrate why I titled this blog spoons. He loves taking all of his baby spoons and putting them into the slot. I have found other various things in this slot and it makes me laugh. Such a cute little guy.

Trying to make my blog cute.

2009-02-02T16:57:00.002-07:00

I've been spending most of my day trying to figure out how to make my blog cute. I finally found a somewhat cute background that I like, but I wish I knew how to customize a template for my page. I'll just have to live with what I've got so far until someone shows me how to do it. Anyway, I think this is cute enough. This blogging stuff is so addicting, but super fun!

About my day..........

2009-01-29T17:40:00.002-07:00

I thought since I'm using this as sort of a journal, I should write something about my day. Nothing too exciting happened today. I'm not even sure what to write about. My visiting teachers came to visit me today and it was nice to get a spiritual message. The VT message for the month is all about standing strong and immovable in faith. What a wonderful message, and one I needed to hear. If I will just stand up for what is right and have faith in the knowledge that I have of Christ, I can have happiness and strength no matter what life may throw at me. If I will just do the things that Julie B. Beck listed I can be strong in my faith. So my goal for this year is to make sure I'm actively doing those things on a daily basis. I think there were 8 of them. If you haven't had a chance to read the message you should. I have a link to the website up above.

Fun Website!

2009-01-29T17:32:00.005-07:00

I just saw this post on Coretta's blog. It's a website where you make snowflakes. Here is one I made. If want to check it out click on the word snowflakes. It's really fun and I bet the kiddies will love making a snowflake of their own. Thanks Coretta!

Good News!

2009-01-28T13:13:00.003-07:00

So I wanted to share some good news with everyone. I found out on Monday that my sister-in-law Audra is pregnant. Her due date is August 11th which is the day before my due date. I'm so happy for her and excited that we get to share this experience together.

Old Pictures that were on my Mobile Phone Camara.

2009-01-26T16:35:00.011-07:00

I don't even remember taking this picture or where we were at. It's a recent one. I recently cut all his hair off and so I need to post a picture of his new haircut. He looks all grown up with the new haircut. He's my little guy and I love him to pieces.

This is one that I took when we were at the mall. It was December of 2007, so he was 14 months old. I remember because of the shirt. It was a shirt that I got at old navy that said something like I'm naughty and nice. I don't remember exactly, but it was a cute shirt.

This is is Halloween of last year. October 2008. That was his cute Halloween outfit that I sadly only got a picture of with my cell phone. I thought it was so cute. Eric hates this kind of outfit. He thinks it is girlie. I just think he looks adorable and he can get away with it because he's a toddler.

This is one of Samuel when he was about a year old. I'm guessing because I really have no idea at this point. Just going off of what I remember him looking like at 12 months. They grow so fast. He is such a cutie!

BEWARE!!! of Dr. Gregory E. Anderson

2009-01-26T15:57:00.003-07:00

I feel that I have to blog about this Doctor because he is a crook and a BAD DOCTOR. He is the oral surgeon who removed my wisdom teeth. It's been over a year since he did this removal and I wish I had complained to him at the time, but that really just isn't my nature. I feel like I made the poor decision to go to him because he was the only doctor available in Logan to remove them at the time. I should have done my research before I allowed him to operate on my mouth. That is why I felt like okay I just have to pay him and just tell people to never go to him. Well after I had the surgery the receptionist woman precedes to tell me that they do not accept my insurance after I had already asked them when I made the appointment if they take my insurance and she said they would summit it to my insurance and that whatever they covered would be paid to them. So after I had already had the surgery she tells me that they don't take my insurance so they can't summit it. I was furious, but I did not make a fuss like I should have because I know most places will work out a payment plan with you. I was so mad though because our insurance would have covered at least half had I gone to someone in our coverage area. So that's not even the worst of it. This doctor did the worst job of removing my wisdom teeth. I was seriously in the worst pain I've ever endured, worst then childbirth, for over 3 weeks. I had to go back to him several time for the pain. Basically anything that could possibly go wrong in a wisdom tooth extraction went wrong with me. I got dry socket, for those that have experienced that you should know how excruciatingly painful it is. That can be a common thing to get, but it usually doesn't happen. That's not all. This doctor also damaged nerves in this process and my lower lip was numb for 4 months if not more. It was the worst feeling ever. It felt like I had gone to the dentist everyday for 4 months to have a cavity filled. When I called to tell him of this he took no responsibility for it. I talked to him personally about it and he said that this can happen and that the feeling would come back but that it would take months. I got no apology, no sympathy, he basically acted like he had done nothing wrong. I personally know a lot of people who have had their wisdom teeth out (almost everyone) and of all the people I've asked, this had not happened to them. I was really angry by this time, but felt like there was nothing I could really do other then to tell people about him and to warm them. On top of that a couple of months after the extraction, maybe a month in a half, pieces of my wisdom teeth on both sides of my lower mouth started to come out. I'm not kidding. He had left bits of my teeth in my gums and the extracted themselves in the healing process. This isn't even the best part. So about a month or so after my surgery my visiting teacher comes to visit me and I tell her about this experience and and I can literally see her cringing because she goes on to tell me that she used to work for this doctor. She had started work for him and couldn't believe the things that he was doing that were unsanitary. He was using the same IV line (not needle) just tubing for every patient he saw to administer the anesthesia and there were a couple of other things that she said that I can't remember now, but she basically quit after 3 weeks of being there because she did not approve of his practices. She said she reported him to the wherever you report that kind of stuff. She was so sad that she hadn't talked to me before hand to warn me. She was of course just assigned to me. Just my luck! Anyway, I've been paying this guy payments for the past year on his services with our health savings and at one point I missed a couple of months and I got a notice that it was going to be sent to collections. I immediately called them and paid the account to date and have been paying on time ever since until the holidays rolled around and between being sick and being out of town, I just kept forgetting to call and make the payment. Friday of last week I get a letter in the mail from a collection agency that they have sold the account to because once again I was a couple of months late. I called the doctors office to hopefully be able to do like last time and get paid up and not have it go to collections but that wasn't a possibility. I didn't get a notice at all like last time that this would occur which I think is poor business practice and despite me asking several times very nicely if this could be reversed and I would catch the account up and not be late again. She would not budge. The worst of it is that the collection agency is charging me a fee of $160.00 because they have to collect this money. That in itself is an outrage to me. This doctor should be paying this fee if he is the one that wants the money collected. I was willing to pay him for his poor services and get caught up but he was not willing to work with me after being late for 2 months. Plus I didn't even get a notice the first month that this would be happening. Anyway I've paid a lot of money to this crook doctor already and I'm more then willing to pay for the rest of what I owe for his services. I'm just outraged at his poor services and quality of surgery. I hate that he is one of only two oral surgeons in Logan, Utah and therefore makes all this money because he knows he has a corner on the market here. It's like he knows he can be poor because he has no competition. I had to get my feelings about this out there and I hope that it will maybe keep people from going to the man in the future. I also wish I had done something like this sooner. I was also wondering if anyone knew of places that I might be able to go to report this poor practice and protect people from using his services. I'm welcome to any suggestions.

Trying to Win

2009-01-21T10:07:00.003-07:00

I just saw this giveaway on my friend Julie's blogpage and so I had to enter because this stroller looks so awesome. It would also be very useful for after we have the baby. Plus you get an additional 10 entries for blogging about it. I don't usually win giveaways but there is a first time for everything. I will keep my fingers crossed. If you want to enter just click here.

2009-01-19T11:17:00.002-07:00

My husband is pretty much the cook in our household. This morning he made the yummiest muffins for breakfast. I ate 3! It's seriously easy to gain weight with him cooking. I'm not complaining about this just giving him some recognition. He's a wonderful cook and I'm grateful for that. I'm very tempted to eat the last one.

2009-01-16T11:30:00.004-07:00

So for those of you who don't know already, I'm pregnant! I'm exactly 10 weeks along and went to the Doctor this week for my first visit. Above you will find the first picture of the little peanut growing inside me. I'm due on August 12th, so it's going to be a long summer. I'm so excited to be having another baby since they are the most precious gift we are given on this earth, however, I don't like the first trimester at all. I hate being extremely tired, extremely moody, and extremely nauseous. This is not fun at all. My poor little family is suffering because of this. They have been such troopers and I love them for it. I'm hoping the 2nd trimester will be better for me. Anyway, welcome to any suggestions that might help me at this time.

First Post Ever

2009-01-16T11:09:00.002-07:00

I just started (this very minute) my first blog on my brand new blog page. I'm super excited to start this and can't wait to add pictures and events in my daily life. I'm excited to have some place to (in a way) journal for my children to look back on one day. I hope that my family and friends will look often and enjoy catching up with my family. I welcome any comments on how to make this blog better and more interesting. Thanks so much to all those who have blog pages and inspired me to start this.