Damien Turns One (and Cute Spencer too!!!)

We had a small family party for the boys a few weeks ago. We had yummy Hawaiian Haystacks, cake and ice cream.


After Memphis wouldnt touch her cake on her birthday I was so excited that Damien could not get enough of his! I made the boys cakes with those mini bread pans and used cool whip for the frosting. It worked great!



Shauna and I love having the kids pictures done together... because it's cute and drops the price in half! Awesome!



This one is my favorite! He just looks so grown up!


Happy Birthday to D man and Spenc!



I am a little late posting this... but saying I have been busy is quite the under statement! :)

Jesse and Brittney get married!

September 5, 2009


The Newest Mr. and Mrs. Smith



Happy Jesse!

The Parents








Cute Rhan and Aaron...

Austin looking fab in that tux!


I love these girls!


Christy and Lilly!

What a great day! :) We couldn't be more happy for Jesse and Brittney!!!!

Cabin Day

August 15, 2009

Ever played Puffy Puffy Marshmallow????

Mike totally won...






Me... not so much! I could barley do two with out laughing so hard. See me almost peeing my pants here, this is serious stuff!!!


These are our friends Angie and Ryan from way back when. It's been far too long since we all hung out like this. It's so much fun and we just look around the room and feel consumed by the amount of children we all have!!! :)












So our dinner burned... I was sad! :( A+ for effort though!

You have got hear this one!!!!!

Carter Twins   More CMT Music   More CMT Music Videos

Hartley Family Reunion 09

This past week me and kids were in southern California for a family reunion. It was HOT and taking care of two kids all by yourself is hard, but all in all it was a great time! Here is a slide show I put together for the last night. There will be a bigger post coming with some more fun details! Enjoy!

"E"

Memphis is really starting to talk A LOT! Mike was wearing his East Football shirt because they started registration today. (It's that time again!!!) Anyway, Memphis just went up to him pointed at the big "E" on the football and said: E!!!!! So as excited as we are, I drew another one and asked her what it was... sure enough, she looked at me like-duh, E! Kinda fun!!! I can't believe how much she is learning and growing everyday. Yea Memi!!!

10 months already!?!?

Oh how time flies! This turkey boy quite the charmer! He is growing so big. Still just army crawling all over the place. Thinks I have to be holding him at all times if I am any where in site. He is pulling himself up on everything. Mischievous at heart for sure!

Blow Dry This!

So Memphis is NOT a fan of the blow dryer. Even if it's me that is having my hair dried. Turn the thing on her and she becomes a melting, face against the mirror-- basketcase. As if the thing was going to eat her!!! :) So I hear her sitting in the corner doing this:




Turns out the blow dryer isn't half as scary if you make the noise yourself...

Cousin Love!

We were a little nervous to try and get all five looking good for pictures, but WE DID IT!!!!


D-man wasn't feeling very smiley this day, but it's ok. He looks so sweet and innocent!


This one just melts my heart. Memphis really is a great BIG sister!





Shauna's kids. Kyah and Spencer.



Stacey's daughter, Kaylee...


We might be extremely biased, but really... could they be any cuter?????


We (the straw kids) were extremely blessed to be good friends with our cousins. We hope that all our kids will find good friends in each other through the years. :)

365 UPdated!

For now is 100% updated!!!!

Project 365

Adventures Next Stop...

Pennies From Heaven

I found a penny today,
just laying on the ground.
But it is not just a penny,
this little coin I found.
Found pennies come from heaven,
thats what my Grandpa told me.
He said Angels toss then down,
oh how I loved that story.
He said when an Angel misses you,
they toss a penny down.
Sometimes just to cheer you up,
make a smile out of your frown.
So don't pass by that penny
when you're feeling blue.
It may be a penny from heaven,
that an Angel's tossed to you.




Author Unknown




After my Dad past away a few different people had past this poem on to our family. Over the years it's nice as silly as it may seem to remind me that my Dad is still very much around. This morning I have seen 3. The first one made me smile, the second one got me thinking and the third, I actually picked up and said Hi Dad! :)

So when you find a penny on the ground... pick it up! Some one from Heaven is saying hi!

Jon Schmidt

A very long time ago I was introduced to Jon Schmidt by Heather and he is so amazing! Funny and so very talented. Check out this video of his latest!

Project 365

I just wanted to let all my faithful readers (all 4 of you) that I am posting much more faithfully on my project 365 blog.

So check it, click on the blue box--there will always be a new post! :)

Can You Remeber??

This morning on the radio they were talking about the first Cd's they all bought. Can you remember which CD you bought first? I want to know!!! :)

My first CD was:



I was freshman in High School, had a job at the London Bridge Resort and with my first pay check I bought a CD player and this album. Good memories.

allergies

Anyone else suffering???

Have you had allergies all you life?

I didn't notice them until my mission. I guess the green green south has one drawback.

clean car

When miracles happen... you take a picture!

Yesterday MIKE WASHED MY CAR!!!!

Mike details cars, and he's pretty darn good at it! You would think I would always have a clean car, but no. My car is never really a priority. I love having a clean car--ask any of my old roommates! :) So today I am a happy girl.

Thanks MIKE!

Happy Easter!

Easter was great! Here are some pictures of the day.

Nine Years Ago Today!!!!

Funny how turning 30 was fine, but the fact I left on my mission 9 years ago makes me feel old-Go figure!!!

I LOVED my mission! Sure- I wasn't perfect, I even made some really dumb mistakes but all in all it was one of greatest experiences ever! I was able to learn and grow so much, teach amazing people about the gospel. Mostly--- I cherish my mission family. I have kept in touch with so many of them and to this day they bless my life more than they know.

Happy Anniversary to my MTC district!

Take me to the Sun... or the Rain

So Mike's Uncle Ken got married this weekend. We decided last minuet to head down to Mesquite and see Mike's Mom and Grandma. When we were putting together this quick get a way, I had daydreams of WARM weather and me---POOL SIDE.



Ok-I swear the Oregoners brought it with them.

It was a super quick trip, we drove down on Friday and came back after the wedding on Saturday.

On Friday we went to the Clark County Fair. Mike's brother Rhan has a good friend who lives in Clark County-so we met up with her and had a great time. We saw animals, drank Texas Twister, ate yummy BBQ (the real stuff), watched a dance show and Mike played some super cool carnival game.

Oh and Mike attempted to ride a bull!













April 11, 2009

The Wedding





Ken and Betty Leth

Bath Time

I just had to post more than my project 365, picture of the day! Too many cute ones! D-man has SOOO much personality! I love his little facial expressions!

Happy Birthday to ME!

I know this post comes a little late, but last month I turned the big 3-0!!! My family and I all went to Tepanyaki


-

D man loved watching our chef! It was halrious. Oh and he was totally flirting with the girl sitting behind him.

SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!

I honestly had no idea! I was indeed very surprised!

A pie for Mike! He turned 29 two days after me.

Thanks to all my wonderful friends and family for celebrating this special day with me!

Our Vacation to Nauvoo

Ok, I spelled Chicago wrong... it was like 1 am. I will fix it when I have a free moment!

3 more days!!!!!

I hope you all are planning on watching the
Dancing with the Stars Premier
Monday March 9th!!!!

Go Chelsie!!!!

(my mom, Stacey, and Ryan are going to California this weekend to attend the premier)

Up for the challenge...

Have you heard about the 365 day challenge? It's becoming quite popular.

http://photojojo.com/content/tutorials/project-365-take-a-photo-a-day/

So if you want... check out my progress, my creativity all year long!

http://melissas365days.blogspot.com/

Helpful lil Memi... :)

This is Mike btw. This morning after I showered and got dressed, I left my socks, shoes, hat, and sweatshirt off. After about 10 min or so, Memphis decides that I need to finish getting dressed. She first brings my socks and tries putting them on my feet. After I help her get them on correct, she grabs my shoes and does the same thing. I think she's satisfied with that but no. She grabs my hat and puts it on my head. Yet still not satisfied, she decides it's too cold for just a t-shirt and hands my sweatshirt to me and started clapping.

She is always doing things like that. She'll grab Damien's binky when it falls and put it back in his mouth (when we're looking, otherwise she'll stick it in her mouth and hide). Memi will also put dirty diapers in the trash, tell us when she's stinky, and try to help change diapers. She is so much fun to be around and very loving to both Melissa and I as well as her little brother.

Our First Stitches

Memphis got a little too excited today when it was time to go "bye bye" and ran to the door only to trip and hit her had on the door hinge. Mike called me in a panic, I honestly was thinking it can't be that bad. When I got home I was very wrong. The gash was HUGE. So we rushed to the insta care and got her all stitched up. She was NOT a fan... but with in a few minuets she was back to her normal self.

Free Digital Prints

NO REALLY! It's Free! 1200 Free Digital prints!

http://www.artscow.com/?Ref=553452

A friend of mine told me about this web site and loves everything she has received! My sister and I have been working on her photos, because she hasn't printed a single one since Kyah was born TWO YEARS ago. I can't wait to order some free prints! Thanks Amber for the great site!

PS: The prints come from Hong Kong, so just allow a week or two for shipping. :)

memi sings!

So for a while now Memphis has been "singing". During church she opens the hymn book and belts out during the prelude music. She makes us laugh. She sat at the piano for a good 10 minuets singing, but we only caught a few seconds of the actual singing. You get the idea. :)

Chelsie Hightower on Dancing With the Stars!

So, I really don't know if this is public information yet...but for all you DWTS fans out there, Chelsie is joining the cast.

If you don't know, Chelsie was on last season of "So You Think You Can Dance" (and did quite well)! We are looking forward to watching her dance again this season.

Oh and just in case you don't know, she is my little sisters, sister in law!


We'll be voting!!!!!

Picture Tag

If you are reading this post... consider yourself tagged. I mean it.

Go to your pictures 6th folder, 6th picture.


January 09, 2009

We can thank Elise (my lovely co-worker) for this one. Sometimes... I finish getting ready for work... at work. Shhhhhhhhhhh.

This was right after Ruby put in my new color. LOVE IT!

The Mike Post

Things you never knew...or maybe you do!


1. He's sitting in front of the tv. What's on the screen?
Lets see… ESPN! That is all he watches…

2. You are out to eat. What dressing does he get on his salad?
Caesar or Ranch

3. What's one food he doesn't like?
Mushrooms, he wont even eat something that was made with cream of mushroom.

4.What does he drink?
He is not picky on this one. Gatorade, Coke, Mt Dew, DP.

5. Where did he go to high school?
Seaside High School (Oregon)

6. If he were to collect anything, what would it be?
Anything Raiders.

7. What shoe size does he wear?
I think 11 or 12

8. What is his favorite type of sandwich?
Roast Beef, he calls it Roast Beast

9. What would he eat every day if he could?
Salsa and chips

10. What would he never wear?
a speedo.

11. What is his favorite sports team?
East Football. See #6. Boston Celtics. He also is a BYU fan and D-backs fan by marriage!

12. What is something you do that he wishes you didn't do so much?
watch every single football game on TV. Whatever happen to moderation?

13. How many states has he lived in?
3—Oregon, South Carolina, Utah

14. What is his heritage?
No clue.

15. You bake him a cake for his birthday. What kind of cake would it be?
Ha ha, he DOES not eat cake. So Pie. Any pie with far too much ice cream on top.

16. Did he play sports in high school?
Football

17. What could he spend hours doing?
NFL.com, espn.com, facebook, watching sports center and downloading music

Super Bowl Sunday Fun

Well Mike and I are in Oregon again... we wanted to fly one last time before we have to start paying for Memphis. THAT is just three short months away. However, we do have one more family va-ca planned in March. We will be going to Nauvoo with Brett, Marie and their three kids. Like I said, taking advantage for free flying for the kiddos. Ok, so we're in Oregon and today we had a great time watching the super bowl, eating lots and lots of good food and just hanging out, enjoying each others company. Naturally my one request is the never ending DR Pepper! :)

Austin's Eagle Court

The forth Smith boy recieved his eagle this weekend. Congrats to Austin and Kye McCord. We had an Eagle Court, with some great speakers and a fun slideshow, oh and cake. Yum!

Aaron and Dame

Christy and Dame

Uncle Rhan and Memi (Memphis LOVES her Uncles...they are all so cute with her!!)

Jesse and and his super cute girlfriend Brittney!



THE CAKE!

The Brothers... (don't worry, it took like 15 pictures to get them to act normal and this is as normal as it gets)

Kyah just turned 2 & Memphis is 21 months! These girls are a riot together. They are great mess makers and love to copy one another. Every time we over to Shauna's house, Memphis starts cheering as we enter their neighborhood. It's amazing to watch them grow, learn and observe everything around them.

All Smiles

Such a happy kid, minus the sleep training he is going through this weekend... :) Although it's hard, tonight only took 30 min. He is soundly sleeping... for now!

Story Book Time

So the other day Memphis decided Damien needed to read. She brought over every single book one by one and then pretended to be reading to him. I just love them both. Memphis is such a great big sister...most of the time! :)

Happy 5 months Damien!

Oh how time flies.

Cousins...

Sushi Anyone????

For Russ's birthday we all headed over to Benihana for all-you-can-eat SUSHI! One word: YUM! I was brave and even tried some new stuff. It was a great time...





Umm, Russ... back up off my roll!


The whole crew.

I left feeling stuffed silly, but it was well worth it!

2008 Christmas letter

Merry Christmas!

Damien is 4 months old and a very happy baby. He has the biggest smile in the world and loves to stand up (with help of course). People call him mini Mike, I guess he looks like me. He likes watching football with the guys and me. He already has a ton of footballs to play with. Also, Damien is a big help to mommy at work; he rolls around on the floor, smiles at customers, and makes fun of the other employees there. He loves his big sister and really enjoys the attention he gets from everyone. We love his wonderful spirit and love that he radiates. He has been a wonderful addition to our family.

Memphis is 20 months old, walks, talks (sometimes), and gets into EVERYTHING! She loves her little brother, she’s always trying to help burp him and constantly giving him hugs and kisses. She loves watching sportscenter with me in the mornings. Every time we get the stroller out she gets excited and we can’t get her out of it sometimes. Memphis likes every animal on the planet (they are all dogs). Memphis stays home with me during the days while Melissa and little D are at work. She loves to play guitar hero and she even head bangs to Metallica whenever it’s on. Memi loves playing with our cell phones, she will always come get them and start talking into it like she’s talking to someone. Memphis will sing along in church and sometimes at the start of the meetings she will open the hymnbook and just start singing away. She loves playing with her cousin Kyah and the two of them squeal with excitement when they get to see each other. Memi has gotten to the point where she recognizes the neighborhood that Kyah lives in and starts screaming when we are around the corner. The joy she brings to our family always puts a smile on our face.

Melissa is a very busy woman! First, let me start out by saying that I have the coolest wife in the world! She lets me go to concerts, allows me to coach football, and encourages me to do things I enjoy. She still works in the food industry at a distributor. She gets to take Damien to work with her and although some days are tougher than others, she gets by. As many of you know, Melissa is very outgoing and always seems to be on the go. With that said, she still manages to make time for family, friends, scrapbooking, and her much needed “time with the girls.” Melissa and I went to a concert together in November; I won tickets to Coldplay (we also we got to attend the sound check, take pictures with the band and they played a few songs by request.) It is definitely one of the better concerts I have been to (and I have seen a lot of bands live). Overall, Melissa is a wonderful woman who takes very good care of the kids and me. We are very blessed to have her in our lives. I am a better person because of her.

I, Mike am still working for UPS. This November marked my 3rd year anniversary and makes me officially eligible to be put on the drivers waiting list. Now the waiting… I coach football for one of the East High little league teams. This was my 2nd year as the head coach and we won the championship this season! I am looking forward to applying for a position at the high school level in January. It was a great year for me being able to go to concerts. In addition to winning the Coldplay tix, I won Metallica tickets and went to many other concerts including Motley Crue, Seether, and many more. Other than that, I have been working and doing what I can for my family. I love playing with my kids and teaching them cool things like playing video games and to dislike the Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots. I have a wonderful wife and family and feel very blessed to have them in my life.

As a family, we were fortunate enough to take a couple trips to Oregon so we could visit my family. We welcomed my brother Jesse home from his mission in Las Vegas in February and returned in October for some good quality fun and relaxation. We also moved in with Melissa’s mom in June. Although it been an adjustment, we are doing good and working on getting into a house of our own.

We feel so blessed as we reflect on that we are blessed with. We have friends and family whom we could not imagine our life with out. We are grateful for the gospel, and the direction and peace it brings to our lives. At this time of year we are reminded of our Savior, his sacrifice and our eternal goals to become more like him.

We love and appreciate all of you and wish you all the best at this holiday season.

Love,

Mike, Melissa, Memphis, and Damien

Happy Birthday Dad!

It's almost midnight, and I am beyond tired. Blah! But I couldn't go to bed with out wish my dad a happy birthday. Today he would be 54. He was one of the happiest people I have ever known. A total nerd sometimes...but that's the way we liked him. He was always serving those around him, a simple man who loved his family and we knew it. Despite how much I miss him, I am thankful for the gospel and my knowledge of knowing I will see my dad again. I know he still watches over us, and is close in our times of need.
Happy Birthday Dad! I love you!

GEE-tar HeRO

Mike and Memphis just alike...


So a while ago, Mike informed me he HAD to have Guitar Hero. I know it's all the rage but ehhh, I don't get it. Seems super lame to me. Well Memphis LOVES it! She thinks she is so cool! Mike will turn on music and she will play just like her daddy. Despite my distaste for GH, it's kinda hard not to just love how cute your 18 month old looks trying to be so big.

It's BACK!!!!!

After a month with out the Escape, I am soooo happy to have it back. I was involved in a car accident back in October. Yesterday I went and picked it up. It was kind of weird to be driving it again. It looks so pretty and clean.

coldplay

Just a little update on our sweet win last week. The concert was fantastic. We had a really good time. Unfortunately we were not able to have any thing signed. I had the pic from my last post blown up to a 12 x 18 print. I will still frame it, though. They also tood a group shot instead of taking a picture with 25 different cameras. So 101.9 will post those pictures this week, I'm sure. Chris Martin is very entertaining. During the sound check he made fun of himself and wanted to assure us they wouldn't be wearing jogging clothes at the concert. The wrist bands that made us extra special. (don't worry, I haven't cut mine off yet)

Chris wore his hood during most of the sound check. Kinda annoying.

Hood off! Yea!!!


Cute Parker and me... he will be missed. He's been my drive home DJ for two years, now. He and Chris Martin are friends... so during the encore Chris dedicated "Yellow" to him.

Mike and I, having a great time!

My favorite parts would have to be:
-the sound check...up close and personal time with Chris
-Viva la Vida sing along.
-Chris dancing around the stage was a crack up
-the band joining the lower bowl for a two song set...
-the encore wait... where 100's of people had their cell phones out dancing to the music... it looked SuPER COOL!

We got home around midnight... it was a long day. I swear, getting old is lame!

pinch me... I MUST be dreaming!

When I heard Coldplay was coming to town told Mike we were going. I have been a huge fan since 01'. I actually first heard of them on the mission... (c'mon I was on a mission, not in a box-we still heard music). I was hooked!

When the tickets were released to sell I found myself OUTRAGED at the price. *funny how that happens when your married, we wont talk about how much I paid for Rascal Flatts pre Mike. So I thought, meh...whatever I dont HAVE to go.

So last week 101.9 started a raido contest, giving away front row tickets-but wait it gets better. You also get to meet the band, take pictures, be a part of sound check, have your shirt signed AND you get $101.90.

Needless to say I have been glued to the radio station. To win you would have to listen all day long and I mean ALL DAY long. Write down the coldplay song from every hour and then when they play the 5 o'clock hour song be the 10th caller.

Well last night I was caller #9. I cried at Parker (the DJ). I was so sad, but only for about .4555 seconds because Mike was #10!

WE WON!!!!!!!!!

I still can't believe it.

The only downside is... we will be missing the BYU/UT game. :( There is always NEXT year and the next year and the next year! This year I am meeting Chris Martin!

Whoooooooo hoooooooooooo!

For those who know me well...they know I have been a HUGE fan of 101.9 The end for 10 years. Back in the day I even made my own window "sticker" for the car. I do not have a problem with obbessions... I don't, I don't I don't!!!! I've listening to Jimmy Chunga EVERY DAY. He has made some retarded choices: ie getting rid of Mister West and adding Chelsea. Ugg, I cant stand Chelsea and yet I can not pull myself away.





Ok, Shauna wanted me to add how it went down!

It went a little something like this:

Parker: 101.9 The End, you’re called #10

Melissa: Screaming in the back ground, chucks Memphis on the couch

Mike says to Melissa: Take care of the kids

Memphis and Damien: Crying and now very scared

Parker:(laughing) Who is that in the back ground?

Mike: My wife..

Parker: Well, congrats you guys are headed to the concert, going to the sound check and we’re giving you $101.90.

Mike: That’s awesome, my wife has made me listen everyday to win, she is a huge fan.

Parker: What’s your wives name

Mike: Melissa

Parker: Wait, she wasn’t called #9 was she?

Mike: Yea

Parker: NO Way! That’s unreal, we have 75 lines ringing off the hook, what are the odds you would be callers 9 and 10? Well this proves that we only have seven listeners.

Tagged!

A month ago Marie tagged me! It's taken me a while, but finally a REAL spare moment. (Mike is at Costco, Memphis is sleeping and Damien is here beside me being good)

So here we go!

The Rules:
Link to your tagger and list the rules.
List 7 random facts about yourself.
Tag 7 people (and make sure you check back and see what they say).
If you're tagged, play along and pass it on!


1.I worked as a dishwasher for two days.

My dad worked for a company called Pro Clean(Marie you LOVE them) when we lived in Flagstaff. He asked one of the restaurants if they were hiring. They were hiring a busser. I thought GREAT, I had the experience from working at the London Bridge Resort. So I took the job. It was at this dive coffee shop attached the Howard Johnson Motel. Well, in their world, buser meant you also did the dishes. I lasted to two days. It was DISGUSTING!!! In those two days I was offered a job from some people in our ward who owned a dry cleaners. It was a much better job. I worked their for about two years and really enjoyed it.

2.I picked out my wedding ring on December 31, 1997

I had just moved to Utah and Heather my cousin had some bridal magazines. I was flipping through and spotted this ring. I cut it out and placed it in the back of my journal. Next to it I wrote: When I get married, this is what my ring will look like. Over the years people would tell me my taste would change and I would want something different. That never happened and when I got engaged I ripped that page out of my journal and handed it over to Mike. My good friend Rachel has a cousin who is a jeweler. Matt at Hancock Jewelers did an awesome job of recreating my ring from this picture. It now has bands on both sides... but to this day when I look down it is my DREAM RING!

Just a side note... the wedding dresses I ripped out and put in the journal on that same night did not get used. I don't know what I was thinking!

3.I have had the name strawmo since 1992
Back in the 8th grade I was in a computer class and everyone's user name was their last name and first initial. For some reason the teacher messed mine up and added an "0" at the end. My friend Sam Andress was in that class and he called me Strawmo from there on out. So back in 1996 when the family got a computer and aol we all had to pick a screen name, for me it was a no brainer. I am and will be strawmo forever and ever!Even google knows... Strawmo is me! :) The best part about that is, if you go to page two you will see a youtube video called Beep Beep. It is a video of my mom and my uncle cliff recreating something they did as kids. It might seem lame, but to us... F U N N Y! (now if my mom reads this... she will be mad i pointed anyone in the direction of that video) Hi MOM! :)

4.I ended up in the wrong airport my first time flying.

One of the worst days of my whole life would have to be the Thanksgiving week 1998. I was supposed to fly into Ontario, CA airport and ended up in LAX. We had a lay over in Las Vegas and the flight attendant asked me if I was headed to Los Angeles. I said yes, and stayed on the plane. I had a bad feeling about 30 minuets before we landed that I was headed to the wrong airport. When I got off the plane I knew I was in the wrong place. Oh the tears. My luggage made it just fine to Ontario. LAX threw me on a shuttle to Ontario but while they did that, family headed to LAX. It was so awful. Mind you, this is also before the days of cell phones. Picking me up from the airport turned into an ALL DAY event.

5.I have been a bridesmaid four times.
Liz and Lorin
Liz was my mission companion and roommate when we got home. Liz and I didn't hit it off right away, then President made us companions... two days later once we sorted through the rumors and concerns of serving with each other we became the best of friends. I am so grateful we got to served together. I could not imagine my life with out her. Her wedding was such a fun day. We woke up to a blanket of fresh snow. The cold and Elizabeth are not the best of friends, but it sure was pretty. We all got our hair done together...that part of was fun. It's hard to believe that was almost six years ago!


Chase and Kristi
Kristi is my brothers wife. So she is my sister in law and now a roomie! Ha! I didn't actually know her all that well when they got married but now I do and she is very driven, loves my brother and GREAT with my kids. Mesa, AZ in May...nice and warm. Family weddings are always fun because you get to hang out with your whole family all day long.

Matt and Lauren
Cute Lauren! My cousin. Her and I had become soooo close during her first years at BYU. Then she married my best friends little brother. I was very excited to be a part of her special day. Lauren's wedding was beautiful... minus my hair. In my defense... I did the brides hair instead of my own. HA!

Jen and Ben
Jen is one of my very best friends. Isn't Jen nice to let me be a bridesmaid six months pregnant??? I know you can't really tell in this picture, but I was. Ruby did my hair, cool huh? Jen made the flower... again, very cool! After much stress and maybe even a little drama... Jen's wedding turned out really nice.

I love weddings! Even though I am married now, I just do! It's such a happy day for the bride and groom. I love being a part of those weddings, getting all dressed up, or doing the brides hair. Sure it can be a long, sometimes stressful day... but in the end, totally worth it! To the brides I have been "a maid"... Thank you. It was an honor and I love you all!

6.I share a birthday with my cousin Michelle.

Michelle and I were born four hours apart. She came two months early... so we like to say in the pre-earth life, we decided to race down. She won! It's our little bond!

7.I love taking pictures.

I took over 1,000 pictures while on my mission. Now I just take lots and lots of pictures of our cute kids.(then I scrapbook them all... I am a scrapbookin' FOOL) If I could go back in time...I would pursue photography much more seriously.



I tag:

Heather A O
Olivia
Karen
Heather D
Jennifer
Jessica
Lauren


Mike says this is too long and no one is ever going to read it, so if you are here and made it all the way to the end...congrats! Nevermind the fact it took me almost 7 hours to complete it. Time for bed!!!

3 months today!

Happy 3 months Damien!!!!

Three months alreday??? Could we love our little man any more? I highly doubt it. He is such a happy baby. He has the greatest smile. He gets so excited when you stand him up or lay him on the ground. He sleeps pretty well... we have our rough nights but over all I just can't complain. Memphis has really learned the role of big sister. She is still very young and can't do much for him, but she is concerned when he cries, wants to kiss him all the time and is always trying to share her food or drink. We feel so blessed to have such great kids.

Cousin Love

You may remember this picture from a previous post in July...Matt and Lauren are in town... and we had a get together for dinner. We thought it was time for baby picture 2008.
Youngest to Oldest:Kaylee, Spencer, Mattison, and Damien

Baby picture 2007 from our Family Reunion at Bass LakeMemphis, Amy, Kyah, Elizabeth and Kennedy!

Thanks for coming Matt and Lauren... always a good time! WE LOVE YOU GUYS!

office space

Do you ever wonder what the inside of someone elses office looks like??? I do. Last week we had the carpets cleaned and moved EVERYTHING into the warehouse. I took the oppertunity to make a few changes... so now the office is set up different and I have to admit at first I was out of sorts! I am adjusting and really liking our new set up. I sit in the back corner, Troy sits right next to me and Elise is up front. I think it's a good move. Now when you walk in, all the baby stuff is a little more hidden. :) Not that anyone really comes in here. I could wear PJ's and would it really matter? Nah...