Smith Stories

My yearly post!! :)

2012-01-02T20:41:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QU2miftI_xc

The Smith Family "Year in Review 2010"

2010-12-27T23:33:00.002-07:00

Hello Bloggers!

2010-12-12T19:26:00.002-07:00

Well, 2010 was the year I was going to blog EVERYTHING. Ummm, good thing I made it all the way to January! I will do a year in review as make up... deal??? :) Be waiting!

Happy 3rd Birthday Kyah!

2010-01-25T13:34:00.004-07:00

On the 19th my niece Kyah turned 3. It's hard to believe 3 years have flown by.

For her birthday I found this adorable shopping cart. (bought one for Memphis, for her birthday in April too)

It ended up being Memphis and Kaylee fighting over it and things got pretty comical!

This is how I baby sit...

2010-01-25T13:04:00.003-07:00

Shauna and my mom went to a Jazz game last week and so I offered to watch the kids since Kyle was out of town. It's easy. Throw the kids in the crib and wa-la! Job done.

Actually, the kids were all great. I had all FOUR of them soundly sleeping by the time Shauna got back. :)

"Dip It"

2010-01-25T12:54:00.004-07:00

One of Memi's favorite things to eat is these mini cinnamon bagels. However, she only eats them with cream cheese. For a long time now, she just calls them "dip it". Funny girl!

Nothing better than Saturday morning... Daddy and D still sleeping... just us girls hangin' out! :)

Battle of the 90's Bands

2010-01-20T07:27:00.003-07:00

I have been listening to the same radio station for about 12 years now. Naturally, there have been a lot of changes but it doesn't take long to adjust. Anyway... they have been doing a daily segment called "battle of the 90's bands". It always plays on my way to work and sometimes I am amazed at how quickly you can be flooded with memories because of one song. Obviously the 90's for me were my teens and full of carefree moments that at this point in my life, I look back one with much fondness.

I want to share a few...

I was a freshman in High School, Brett used to drive me from Seminary to school since we both had band zero period. It was the beginning of us. He is probably the biggest punk face I know, but he's been my friend for a very long time and I would have it no other way.

I called Brett to tell him about my excitement of hearing this song and said, "remember when we used to listen to this song everyday on the way to school"?

He says: "everyday??? I highly doubt we listened to it everyday".

Ok he's right... BUT it just takes me back. It takes me back to my first time ditching school, having a Maverick mug in our locker, Smiths Chinese, getting stuck in the middle of the desert (i thought for sure we were going to die--we didn't)--I could go on and on. :)

This song puts in my Jr High. Marissa was my BF and her mom picked us up from school a lot. We would always be rockin' the latest with her mom. She usually had a few errands to run, which we never minded. If we went to the grocery store we would always get a drink and donuts from the deli. Yum!

This song is from 99' but still so fun for me! After we moved to Flagstaff I became friends with Alex and the boy always had 48 "girlfriends". So this is his song! Alex is a great friend. He's now narrowed his girlfriend list to 1. He finally got married and his wife a PERFECT fit. So cute. I love them both!!!!

I don't really think there is a way for to put into words, all the little details I remember when I hear these songs, but I love my drive to work because of it. Only time will tell what other moments I will be reliving in the coming weeks! :)

Is it Spring yet???

2010-01-15T20:46:00.007-07:00

Despite the fact we are anxious for spring, the month seems to be zipping right along. The weather has been horrendous. So cold and the haze that sits over the valley is just lovely. Yuck! That hasn't stopped me from letting the kids run outside for 15-20 minuets a few times a week, simply just to get out of the house for a moment.

After taking a good month off, I am back at Curves 3 times a week. It's the greatest workout available for busy busy mom's. I really enjoy the "Melissa time" and love that I am becoming more healthy at the same time. This year I am going to eat better and drink more water. Even giving up the addiction of Dr. Pepper. Let's not talk about it though, I might cry. :)

Mike is also trying to eat better and the kids can't seem to get enough of our food. They are like little birds saying... "more, more more" over and over again. That being said, there is no time like the present to teach our kids the right way to eat.
One after another...

A few weeks ago my arms kept going numb. I did a little internet self diagnosis and figured it was signs of carpel tunnel. So I told my boss and he went to work on recreating my desk. He turned my drawer into a keyboard tray. He even added a mouse slide out. I tell ya... that man is pretty dang handy.

I also got to go scrapbooking with some old friends at Heartland paper last week and had a great time. I get so much done when I go somewhere and don't have the distraction of little ones at my feet. I even hired one of the girls from the ward so I could go. I was nervous, not because of her, just me being silly. I am sure it's normal. Right? :)

In December I was called to be the Sunday School teacher for the 12-13 year olds and I just love it. I love trying to connect to them in a way they will actually take some part of the lesson home with them. A few weeks ago we were talking about the plan of salvation and I felt like a missionary again. It's a topic of the gospel I feel so strongly about. I had been taught my whole life about the plan of salvation and while serving a mission it just kinda clicked with me. I gained a testimony of it and felt so passionate about teaching that plan to other people. So it just felt really good to be teaching my class and to have them actually asking questions and participating. I look forward to the year of learning and growing along side them.

Mike has started playing church ball and he too is loving it. I was fearful he would come home with something hurt or broken--but he came home in one piece. Yea! Mike is also back to being best friends with all the local rock radio dj's. A while back Mike asked if I would be upset if he went to a concert on my birthday. Would I???? Nah, Immediately in my head I thought all girl party... whooo hooo! He won the wanted tickets and the very next day won 2 day ski passes to The Canyons. I don't know how he does it, but it's a nice part time job for him. Ha ha! I tell him it's because no one listens to those stations. Hee hee.

The new bed time routine continues to be amazing!

Especially the teeth brushing part. They find any reason to get in the bathroom and brush their teeth. One of the downsides is they are waking up earlier. That part isn't so bad, having a naked Memphis climb into my shower is the bad part. It makes getting to work on time really interesting. :) She is funny, to say the least. Tonight we all went as a family to see the new Chipmunk movie. Memphis did really well for about the first half and then she just wanted to run around. It was fun to do something all together but I think we will hold off on movies for a while. They are not quite ready. :)After the movie we tried to get them to stand with these chipmunks and she wanted NOTHING to do with. It was pretty funny. I think she might be JUST like me. This week Mike took the kids to the DI to pick out some new (used) books. What a great place to get books. The kids had a blast and they were so excited to show me every single one when I got home. Along with that comes a new challenge. I moved the books to a higher shelf so they would not pull every book off 8 times a day. Well, Memphis is getting smarter and finding things to make her taller so she can get them down. I guess I should just be happy they both love books so much. Damien continues to be obsessed with football and loves when Daddy teaches him how to hit a baseball with his little bat. He laughs and laughs. I just think we have some of the greatest kids.

Well... so far 2010 is going pretty well. As I write this I wonder if I could give up scrapbooking for yearly blog books. It's an idea and something I know people are doing. I would still have to do some sort of scrapbooking (because I love it)... but welcome to the digital age I guess! I also decided that I don't really care if anyone reads this. It might all seem really boring, but it's my way of preserving my family.

Goal #2 Bed Time

2010-01-12T15:59:00.003-07:00

One top of showing off her FABULOUS blog book, I was chatting with my friend Olivia and telling her how little sleep I was getting. She suggested taking one of the long holiday weekends and just letting them cry it out. We had done that for both our newborns, but this whole sharing a room thing was new and 3 months into it, I was beyond exhausted. It used to go... put Damien down at 8:30... let Memphis stay up and play. So then we didn't know how to get Memphis to go down quietly enough to let Damien keep sleeping. Most of the time we would just let her fall asleep on the couch, then moved her to her bed. The worst part is neither of them would really sleep through the night. Memphis would somehow always end up in our bed and if she was in there... don't plan on getting any sleep. I can't tell you how many nights Mike would get home from work at 4 am and I would be sitting on the couch watching cartoons with one or both kids. All around... it was bad.

For about three weeks now, things have been SO much better and I am getting plenty of sleep.

7:00 bath (if needed)
7:30 toy clean up
7:45 books
7:55 prayer
8:00 both kids in bed

It's totally working, some nights it takes them a little while to actually fall asleep. (Memphis likes kicking the wall...odd) They don't cry, they don't get out of bed. It's great. I have been going to bed between 9:30-10:30. So much earlier. 80% of the time they are even sleeping through night. Even if and when they do get up, they usually go right back to bed. Twice now Memphis has been screaming and I let her cry for a good long while and then I felt awful when I went in because she took off her jammies and was freezing!!! (not really sure why she is doing that) Damien has been teething, so once we get through that... it will be smooth sailing.

Can we say HAPPY MOMMY!

Goal Oriented

2010-01-12T15:26:00.002-07:00

Along with being a better blogger... we have a few more goals. :)

Mike says: "I just want to be paid to coach, I don't care where"! For the last three years he has been coaching for East High little league... So obviously, his first choice is to coach there... but we'll take what we can get. :)

Someday I will be the wife of a college head coach making millions, right??? :) One can dream.

Along with that....

1. Work more aggressively towards a house
2. Put kids are better night time schedule (a big fat check on this one)
3. Be a better Visting Teacher (100%)
4. Potty Train Memphis
5. Be done with binkies
6. Go on more dates together
And last...but not least
7. We are going to loose weight this year!!! :)

There you have it!

2010

2010-01-10T17:42:00.002-07:00

So one of the goals I made this year was to be a better blogger. I recently saw a blog book done by one of our friends and I was inspired. I realized it's the perfect way to preserve our lives. My babies are only 2 and 1 but I already feel guilty about not writing enough down about their lives and the little things they do that make us laugh, make us crazy and the things they learn day by day in general. So here we go...

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

2009-09-10T23:03:00.006-06:00

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!

2009-09-08T21:42:00.006-06:00

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

2009-09-08T21:27:00.005-06:00

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!!!!!

2009-08-19T17:01:00.001-06:00

Carter Twins More CMT Music More CMT Music Videos

Hartley Family Reunion 09

2009-07-20T10:31:00.003-06:00

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"

2009-07-11T21:02:00.002-06:00

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!?!?

2009-06-15T13:48:00.002-06:00

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!

2009-06-10T09:21:00.003-06:00

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!

2009-06-06T23:01:00.006-06:00

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!

2009-06-04T00:40:00.001-06:00

For now is 100% updated!!!!

Project 365

Adventures Next Stop...

2009-06-04T00:10:00.006-06:00

Pennies From Heaven

2009-05-04T11:28:00.003-06:00

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

2009-05-04T08:33:00.001-06:00

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

2009-05-03T23:02:00.002-06:00

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??

2009-05-02T00:07:00.003-06:00

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

2009-04-23T23:10:00.002-06:00

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

2009-04-19T18:02:00.003-06:00

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!

2009-04-12T23:24:00.004-06:00

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

Nine Years Ago Today!!!!

2009-04-12T22:55:00.004-06:00

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

2009-04-11T23:49:00.007-06:00

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

2009-04-09T21:47:00.004-06:00

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!

2009-04-08T23:55:00.005-06:00

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

2009-03-24T23:57:00.003-06:00

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

2009-03-06T23:29:00.002-07:00

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...

2009-03-02T11:36:00.000-07:00

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... :)

2009-02-27T10:57:00.000-07:00

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

2009-02-20T17:55:00.000-07:00

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

2009-02-16T08:44:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-02-10T23:33:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-02-09T12:35:00.002-07:00

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

2009-02-08T22:09:00.000-07:00

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

2009-02-05T11:58:00.001-07:00

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

2009-02-01T21:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-02-01T20:56:00.000-07:00

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)

2009-01-29T08:47:00.000-07:00

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

2009-01-24T22:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-01-24T21:51:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-01-15T14:05:00.001-07:00

Oh how time flies.

Cousins...

2009-01-08T15:55:00.001-07:00

Sushi Anyone????

2009-01-08T15:40:00.001-07:00

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

2008-12-29T12:59:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-12-03T23:19:00.000-07:00

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

2008-12-02T13:39:00.001-07:00

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!!!!!

2008-11-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

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

2008-11-23T18:47:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-11-18T13:21:00.001-07:00

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!

2008-11-15T17:24:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-11-15T16:35:00.001-07:00

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

2008-11-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

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

2008-11-11T10:12:00.000-07:00

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...

East Football

2008-11-08T22:27:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, Mike has coached football the last two years for East Little League. On Saturday they won their divsions championship. My mom and I were able to go to the game. It's amazing to see how much these boys have grown up since last year. They are really learning the game and playing well. I am surprised at the polictics and drama that come along with coaching and playing, but everyone survived! Congrats to Mike, Brad and the whole team!

11 years ago...

2008-11-05T18:58:00.000-07:00

I love anniversaries of all sorts! I find myself often saying... "7 years ago on this day I met..." or 2 years ago on this day I started working here". I like to think I have a pretty good memory that way. I have been thinking a lot this week about an anniversary that was so pivital to my life, career, friends and future. At the time, of course I had no idea how much it would effect me.

I was in a wierd place. I was 18, graduated a year and directionless. Depressed. I e-mailed my cousin Heather and I am sure rambled on and on about life and the lack there of. I can still remember her response like it was yesterday. She said... "you sound like I feel". She suggested I come for an extended visit while she was all alone in her parents house. Her family was in England for three months working on the Preston Temple (my uncle was a gold leafer). Two days later I had quit my job and I was in the car driving to Utah, I had my car PACKED. I had enough money for gas and that was about it. I got here and found a job within 24 hours. I walked into Bugle Boy, they asked if I could work days and i told them...yes. They then told me to apply no where else and I had the job. They made me a manager and I loved that job!!! Fun people, fun work.

It only took a few days to figure out that I was in the right place. At the end of the three months, leaving was out of the question. So much had happend. I met Karen and Heather Skousen. The four of us quickly became inseparable!!! Heather (my cousin) introduced me to her boss Tim. He hired me after a few weeks (so I had two jobs)! I was a Bear Creek soup rep to start. I am still in the Foodservice Industry today...because of him!!

Life was good. So my "extened stay" still hasn't ended and sure, life has it's ups and downs, but overall life in Utah was one great choice.

Happy Happy Halloween!

2008-11-02T21:16:00.000-07:00

Ready to go!

after we got home, they wanted to raid grandma's candy bowl!

To our surprise the girls really liked trick or treating! Memphis wore her bag like a purse and Kyah waved good-bye at every door. It was a rainy night, but plenty warm. It was a good time!

Ice Cream Lover...

2008-10-31T09:05:00.000-06:00

Shake It

2008-10-26T21:19:00.000-06:00

VS.

If you live in Utah you have heard of Iceberg, yes? I have some pretty fond memories of good times spent at good ol' Iceberg. It was about a year ago that I noticed the ice cream tasted totally different. Being in the food bussiness, I asked their supplier if they had changed their ice cream. Sure enough, much to my dismay... they had indeed changed it. Now it tasted like a giant cup of air. Yum? Icebergs are popping up every now... I even heard they are building outside of Utah. I just think as they get bigger their quality is suffering. Last time we went (which will be my last time ever) I ordered a peanut butter cup shake. It was icecream, magic shell chocolate and some peanut butter. Ummm, I'm sorry, but that is NOT what I ordered! :) Rage! So I just wanted to fill you in on a great shake shoppe. Riley's. It's in West Jordan. It's small, but talk about quality! I have offically been in the food bussiness 11 years now. (crazy, huh??) As I have always worked for the "little guys"... I support them as often as I can.
If you are in the area... give them a try!!!

8133 S. Redwood Road, West Jordan

click here to check out their website!

Kaylee Marie Hightower

2008-10-26T20:56:00.000-06:00

Well if you havent heard, Stacey and Ryan had their baby on Thursday... We are so excited to finally have her here.

For more pictures and detail:
click here

Damien and Uncle Austin

2008-10-26T20:34:00.000-06:00

While we were in Oregon, Austin got to meet little Dame for the first time... since he wasnt able to make it to the blessing!

Sleepy Boys

2008-10-25T20:49:00.000-06:00

If Mike's not moving...he's sleeping! :)

Roloff Farms

2008-10-18T19:30:00.001-06:00

Last week Mike and I took a little trip to Oregon (where his parents live) and made a stop by Roloff Farms. It was everything I thought it would be and more!!!

The imfamous sign before entering the farm.

Amy Roloff (the mom). I had to crop this picture down because the full size one...looks really awkward. I look far to tall crouching next to her. She was so nice, and really liked the name Memphis and then proceeded to tell me, she was headed out to Tennessee this month.

Mike and Damien... chillin' on the Western Tour

The House. Anyone who watches the show knows they recently remodled. The house looks awesome!!!!

Cars left to right. Jeremy's camero he just had to have... not running. The Nova is going to be Mollies and then Amy's sweet truck!

The Tree House

The Bridge. I wish we could have stopped and taken pictures on it. It just looked so cool. It was such a beautiful day.

We did get to stop and get off at the Western Town. This is Matt Roloff's parents.

The Pumpkin Patch

And lastly... Matt working and recording for next season!

It was such a fun day, I am so glad we got to go!!!! I would do it again next year in a heart beat!

2 MONTHS OLD

2008-10-16T10:34:00.000-06:00

I really hope you all didnt think I could just pick one!
Little Dame(that is what we call him) is already two months old!
He is such a happy baby. We feel so blessed... to have such great kids. The fact that they are super duper cute is just bonus! :)

This is a picture of Memphis at 1 month old... think they are related??

Cousin Love

2008-10-15T13:40:00.000-06:00

It's hard to belive Memphis is just about to turn 18 months old and Kyah 21 months. You hear all the time, kids grow up fast. I understand now. They are crazy... but we love them!

Kyah and Memphis love to be with each other. When we pull onto Shauna's street... Memphis shreaks with excitment! They are quite fun.

Halloween 2008: The Butterfly and the Skunk

Uncle Chase has been trying so hard to teach these two, to say "trick or treat"...

Back in time... just a little!

2008-10-15T09:03:00.000-06:00

Jen FINALLY got her wedding pictures four months later, so I must post a few!

I love these girls!!!! Mansfield Manor... misses this threesome forsure! Ha... mircles...nightmares, it's all the same, right...girls!?! :)

This might be a shock, but Jen and I seem to be adjusting... to her married life and new location. Verizon and Sprint love us even more...

a memi photo shoot

2008-10-14T08:29:00.000-06:00

Pictures by Michelle Andersen, click
here to see her website

2008-10-13T12:56:00.000-06:00

We went to the State fair back in September, it was fun... but we just think the girls will have a lot more fun, once they are a little older. :)
The fair was followed by a very yummy dinner at texas road house for Kristi's birthday! Nothing like filling up on rolls before your meal even arrives! Ha ha!

Shauna and Kyah about to head down the big famous yellow slide! A family tradition for sure!

Damien's Baby Blessing

2008-10-13T12:42:00.000-06:00

We blessed both Damien and Spencer on September 21st. It ended up being a BEAUTIFUL day! We feel so blessed and loved by all our dear family and friends. Thanks to all those who could be a part of our special day!

Future Wheels???

2008-09-10T22:53:00.000-06:00

I laughed out loud when I saw this car racing down the freeway... why Memphis? Is it their name and why would you have a giant sticker of your name made for your car? (don't worry, mine is already ordered). Anyway had a get a picture of this one for sure!

New Wheels

2008-09-10T22:34:00.001-06:00

So, we have been looking for a double stroller for a few months now, but today I bought this one on KSL! It was only $40 and it's in really great condition! YEA! Can't wait to use it at the fair on Friday and the airport in a few weeks! WHooo hoooo! If kinda feels like pushing a bus, but I guess thats life with two kids for ya!

By the way, Memphis LOVES walks. Her and Grandma Straw go almost every morning together. Like I said we have been shopping around for a while and a few weeks ago we were at Sears and I put Memphis is one of the display strollers to see how she fit. It was a little heartbreaking to have to take her out with getting to actually ride in it. Excitement shattered... and all of Sears got to hear it!

A work in progress

2008-09-07T14:32:00.000-06:00

http://announceinstyle.blogspot.com/

Let's give it a try...

I love creating... and find that sometimes i do really have a creative side. :) So here i go, putting my work and self out there.

Need an invitation created? Announcement? Even your Christmas cards? Well, I might be able to help.

Like I said, the web site is VERY new and still needs a lot of work so check it out, but be sure to check out often!

Expect Net

2008-08-24T20:17:00.000-06:00

Just want to say Congrats to Jessica McOmie for winning our little guessing game! She won by a land slide. A prize is coming her way!

This is Jess with her cute boys Carter and Mason!!!! For those who don't know Jess, she used to live at the apartments with us! We love and miss them terribly!

Again, CONGRATULATIONS Jessica!!!!!!!

Celeste and JD were also pretty dang close!

Thanks to all those who played...

week one...comes and goes!

2008-08-24T01:16:00.001-06:00

I'm not going to lie... two kids is harder than one! Ha! I'm T I R E D...

that being said, our little man is such a sweetheart. He is a good baby. Memphis seems to be ok most the time but she is need of a little extra attention and love. I guess these things are to be expected. She calls Damien Doggie on a regular basis... not really sure why, but i assure her, he is not a dog. :)

It's nice being here at my moms, Mike is back at work and coaching football again this year... lucky for us Hallmans love Memphis so much they watch her during practice. (Hallmans son Joseph is on Mike's team) Chase, Kristi and my mom seem to really know when their help is needed. For that we are greatful.

Breast feeding seems harder this time. I dont know why. Lets just be honest... IT HURTS! WHaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

Speaking of feeding, it's that time again... wish me luck! ha ha ha

Damien has arrived...

2008-08-23T00:04:00.000-06:00

Although this blog is a little over due, our family has grown. We are offically a family of four.

Damien Bruce arrived on August 15th at 2:40 am.
He weighed 9 lbs 1 oz
and he was 22 inches long

Turns out we really dont know how to make small babies!

Piggies!

2008-08-09T00:02:00.000-06:00

Memphis finally has enough hair for pig tails! Although it takes a lot of work to get them in... I love it! She looks so cute and seems to be growing up so fast!

Baby Steps

2008-07-30T22:41:00.000-06:00

15 months and getting so close to actaully walking!!!

15 months!!!

2008-07-24T23:00:00.000-06:00

Cute new outfits from Grandma Straw... meant a trip to Kiddie Kandids! Memphis is days away from turning 15 months and Kyah just turned 18 months. These two have so much fun together.

SYTYCD

2008-07-16T09:27:00.000-06:00

The competition is starting to get a little more fierce now that the not as talented dancers have been weeded out.
It's on every Wednesday night at 7:00, so if you're not busy TONIGHT, watch her and VOTE!!! If you already watch it, then vote for Chelsie! She has yet to be in the bottom 6 and we would like to keep it that way!

Jamba Juice LOVER

2008-07-13T23:19:00.000-06:00

There a few things in life that just go with being pregant... jamba juice is one of them. It's cold and refreshing and seems to be the perfect fit eating. Most the time eating just makes me mad, cause I feel sick afterward, regaudless of what I just ate. So, needless to say... I love my "juice". Well as it turns out, so does Memphis! You should have seen her, she had one taste and I never really got it back. Brain freeze and all she just kept drinking.

Heart Burn anyone????

2008-07-13T23:17:00.000-06:00

speaking of things that a prego girl cant live without... Memphis is obbessed with my tums. One might run and save their child from such behavior, but no... we choose to grab the camera instead.

more memphis madness

2008-07-13T23:13:00.000-06:00

we call her tornado... for good reason

2008-07-13T23:01:00.000-06:00

This was a typical Sunday afternoon... Memphis here, there and EVERYHWERE!!!!

lots of babies...

2008-07-13T22:57:00.000-06:00

lauren was in town for the 4th of July, and we were able to go to her baby shower while she was here... so we caught the family pregoness in action!!!!

Umm, Hello?

2008-07-10T22:59:00.000-06:00

Ok ok, so can I please have the award that goes to the worst blogger ever? It's been a crazy few months. First of all... WE MOVED. We now live in Riverton with my mom. We have over taken the basement and saving some money to buy a house. Yea! It's been fun to have so many extra hands to help with Memphis. It will be even more nice when baby #2 moves in too. Which by the way is only four weeks away! WHoooo hoooo! Memphis still isnt walking, just crusin' the furniture and standing when shes not paying attention. Dont you worry, she is still into everything despite the fact she's not walking. She loves purses... so if your near by, gaurd it with your life. She can have your wallet emptied in 2.4 seconds. Mike and I celebrated our two year anniversay in June. It's hard to believe... but it's true. I made him a video and will posted it tomorrow after google approves it. It's "processing" in their world right now. So things are still the same, only a lot diffrent. LOL.
I'll be better, now that the video is finally done. As for now... I'll just post a few updates... play a little catch up.

Expect Net

2008-07-07T23:10:00.000-06:00

Just a reminder, if you havent voted it... click the orange and white box to the right (at the top). Make a guess on the date, weight and sex of our baby... you MIGHT just win a prize!

Three Prego Sisters...

2008-06-30T00:03:00.000-06:00

and one prego brother...

The First Two Years

2008-06-10T23:57:00.000-06:00

So this is the project that I have been working on... it was a gift to Mike for our anniversary.

...and make sure you have volume, the music makes it very diffrent! :)

Jen and Ben

2008-06-05T23:51:00.000-06:00

Jen got married on June 5th. It turned out to be the most beautiful day. I am so happy for her and Ben (minus the fact that she is now 10 hours away).

For more pics....

http://tonyapetersonblog.com/2008/06/12/jennifer-ben-the-wedding/

Wedding Hair

2008-05-30T23:35:00.000-06:00

I was lucky enough to be Jen's "hair dresser" for her wedding. This was the day we took her bridals. It was a beautiful day and a lot of fun for me to be a part of.

If you like what you see... good-it's the only up do I know how to do. :)

You will NEVER guess who gave her this idea...

Oh yeah, and here is where Jen and I perfected such an up do...

This is my cousin Lauren, who married Jen's little brother... turns out we do one good wedding up do AND make GREAT match makers!!!!

Are YOU man enough?

2008-05-17T23:27:00.000-06:00

For Chases birthday we all went to Fuddruckers.

So the boys decided they were going to do the 1 pound callange. Mike finished first, then Nick and Chase at times didnt think he could do it... DID it! I guess thats exciting, right? The meal consised of 1 lb of beef, a giant bun (im talking huge), cheese fries with bacon bits (sick) and ice cream. It was A LOT of food... but they did it and now have the shirts to prove it. Good job boys.

Oh yeah, the next day... NICK was really really sick!

The Host

2008-05-17T23:14:00.000-06:00

In May, Marie who is married to Brett (my best friend from HS) got to take a trip to Utah minus kids and husband to go to the Stephenie Meyer book signing for The Host. Thank you Brett. :)

I couldnt believe how many people were there. It was fun to see and meet her. We tried taking pictures, but it was not easy and they didnt turn out the greatest but we had a really good time! Thanks Marie... It was a fun day.

Side note: Nevermind the fact that it's taking me a really really long time to read the book. It's very diffrent from the Twilight Series and I am TIRED... a lot. Go figure. No worries, I'll get through it eventually. (I just hope it's before Breaking Dawn)

happy birthday memphis!

2008-04-28T22:46:00.001-06:00

Our Little Ducks Fan... just like her daddy.

It's hard to believe it's been a year already!

We had her birthday party on Saturday... it started as a BBQ, but it was a little on the chili side, so we finished with the cake and presents at Grandma Straw's house. Memphis wasn't so sure of the singing and everyone staring at her. It was actaully pretty funny. I really thought she would dig right into the cake, but i was WRONG. It's ok... it left more cake for me! Ha!

It was a fun weekend... I never knew when people said "they grow up fast" that they meant THIS fast.