Nie Nie

So it recently has come to my blogging attention that I must be out of the loop. There is this AMAZING woman Stephanie who lives in Arizona. I found her blog through some friends and needless to say I am addicted. She is a stranger to me, but the most inspiring person. I want to be like her. In the last few days while reading her blog I have learned a few things about myself. I need to be more patient with my daughter. I certainly love her, but sometimes she just gets on my last nerve and I really do need to work on that. I need to love my husband more. I get so caught up in life that I forget that he is SO important to me. I need to pay more attention to the little things he does for me! I need to be more fun and creative. I know I have it in me- I just become complacent and that will not do. I see myself as this fun-loving mom who has tons of ideas and things to do with my kids, but if I keep waiting around for Makena to figure out why it's so fun, it'll never happen. I need to have more faith. It's okay to say a bad word every once in a while... they are in my head WAY more than they get out. Life is about being together and living life, not waiting for life to finally happen. It never will. Stephanie and her husband were in a private plane crash a few weeks ago. The flight instructor was killed, and she and her husband are severely burned-her more than him. They have 4 beautiful children ages 6,5,3 and 1. I have read almost her whole blog. And you think I am an avid blogger you are wrong. She blogged about everything from the neighbors fake goose to her favorite bowls. She lives life to the fullest. I just thought I should share these things with the hope that you will keep me on track. I NEED to be better. For my daughter, my husband, and for myself. And I started today. If you want to read more about Nie Nie (as she's called) check this out at http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com I promise it will change the way you see things. If she can do it I can. I pray for her and her husband. They have a long road ahead, but she is truly amazing. Now I'm off to clean house before the hubby gets back from his fishing trip. Man I missed that man! He makes me complete! See ya!

Our Busy Life!!!!

So it's been a week since my last post and that's probably because we've been a little busy! This last week I went up to my parent's house for a few days and went to a baby shower for my friend Julie and her beautiful baby. Then me and Tyler spent Saturday together and had lunch at our favorite burrito place in the high desert- Los Robertos. (Oh I wish I could have it right now) Then we went a wedding reception in Wrightwood for one of our good friends. I really love weddings and it made me want to become a photographer even more! The weather was nice- once the sun went down :) and it was great visiting with people we don't get to see very often anymore. Then Saturday night we came home and Sunday morning one of our other good friend's brother gave his homecoming talk in our ward. He's been on a mission in Paraguay (the same mission as my brother Jeff actually). So we got to see him and one of my high school best friends Nauni and her family! I miss seeing her and don't get to very often so that was a special treat for me. I was so glad that it worked out the way it did for us to be there and thanks to them for inviting us to be part of the family for the afternoon :)
This week I actually start back to school. I know HOORAY for me, right? It's funny because I am totally excited to go back. When you're younger you DREAD it, but I only have this semester and then like 2 more classes and I'll have my associates in liberal studies. I don't know if I'll continue right away to get more done, but I will at least finish that. It really is exciting for me. I've been supporting my husband the last three and a half years while he finished so now it's my turn! And to top off all of this craziness Makena got sick today. Perfect timing, right? Wrong! She's just wanted to cuddle all afternoon. It's so sad. Well wish me luck! These next few weeks should be an eye opener for me! These pictures were just a few from our weekend!

SAN DIEGO!!!!!

Well we got to spend our Saturday down in our old stomping grounds! San Diego!!!!! I can't believe it's already been 2 1/2 months since we left there. When we were down there it felt like we never left! We took Makena to Sea World which she loved. It's been a few months since our last trip there and this time she LOVED everything and wanted to be right up at the glass at every exhibit. It's definitely fun to take your kids places and see things from their point of view. It was HOT and crowded though, so I look forward to meeting up with my mom and nephew in the next couple of months when it's not so bad! We then drove our sleeping child around San Diego went to a few stores and met our friends for dinner at Pei Wei-yum! Thanks to Perry & Jenn, Kim, Janelle & James for meeting us and still being our friends even though we ditched you guys to move up here :) It was a LONG day, but we had a lot of fun together!! Makena did so good all day so we were all much happier! I just love being able to spend time with my husband and my daughter! It's the BEST thing in my life! Thank heavens for weekends and family! There is absolutely nothing better! Hope you all had great weekends and are like us and count down the days 'til they get here.

They Grow Up SO Fast!

So, I always heard everyone say it! Enjoy it because before you know it they'll be grown. I knew somewhere in the back of my mind that they were right, but man are they right! I was able last week to go and see my friend Julie's brand new baby girl Brynne. She was just so cute and tiny and innocent! Then I went home to my mess-making, talking, crazy 17-month old and wondered how she got SO big!!!! She is into everything and makes me laugh with some of the things she does (and makes me want to cry some days too :) ) But I wouldn't trade it for anything! I tried to attempt taking some pictures of her that were her actually looking at the camera...most turned out with just the side of her head or her eyes closed, but I got a few good ones! And Makena as much as I say I can't wait for you to be old enough to...go potty on the toilet, or really listen to what I'm saying, or to be able to just go to sleep and stay asleep...I wouldn't trade these days for anything and just take your time growing up!!! because before I know it you'll be grown up!

The Fair Brings Out the Best in US!!

We went this last week to the Orange County fair with all of my siblings. We had a lot of fun and the babies loved ALL the animals and I of course loved all the food :) We watched the pig races, ate free dibs, looked at giant pigs, I pet an ox, Tyler ate a spaghetti and meatball sandwich-it was actually really good, Makena and me saw a wallaby in the petting zoo, and I finished the day eating a funnel cake and carrying a sleeping girl to the car! I don't know what it is about the fair, but I love it! Not everyday--you might die of a heart attack from all the greasy, fried food--but it is good fun! I tried to get some good pictures, but my family seems to think that you have to make stupid faces when you take their picture. I think they get it from my dad! So here are some of the best!

Tagged!!!

So I was tagged...I am supposed to list 6 words to describe my life. Where do I begin???

1. Family-oriented

2. Hopeful

3. Full

4. Stressful

5. Happy

6. Ambitious- I'm going to become a professional photographer (soon) and Tyler a pro golfer (someday)!!

And now I get to tag 5 more people to continue on with this so... I picked people who I don't usually get to see and want to know what they think :)

1. Meghan
2. Heather
3. Millie-you got me so now you get to return the favor
4. Ann
5. Heidi-with your new bundle on the way you're sure to have some great words :)

Good luck all!!

The Visitors!

So my brother, Jeff just moved in with us from Idaho to work with Tyler and go to school down here, and when he moved down he brought my sister, Candice, back with him so she could take a couple weeks off from beauty school and visit the family. She came down with my mom and we have been shopping--what else do we do??? Unfortunately Makena has NOT been in the mood to do anything. She's been super crazy no matter where we go. We have been extra busy going out and doing lots of stuff in the last week or so and she won't have anything to do with it! Whiny butt! On Monday we went to the Irvine Spectrum to do some shopping and the only thing that made Makena happy was riding the carousel. But boy she sure liked it. One of the times no one else was on it, so I asked the guy if he could just keep it going and he was so sweet and let her and my mom go again!! Lifesaver until he had to stop it and then...back to crankyville!! Well enough ranting!! I love visits, but we just seem to overwhelm Makena and then I feel like I'm going to lose my mind. The other great thing is that my sister is almost halfway through beauty school so that means for someone like me who can't seem to squeeze in a visit to get my hair done EVER I get hooked up :) I have been needing some coloring done because I'm not going to lie to you---I am a 26 year old with gray hair (wahhh! I know) Not a lot, but enough to drive me crazy! So she cut and highlighted my hair and I even jumped on the bang wagon! I LOVE it! It turned out better than I thought and realized even more that just doing a little something for yourself as a mom is SUPER important! Everyone needs a little ME time and I'm grateful for everyone involved for helping that happen for me this week!

Before

After

Huntington!!!

Tyler's family was going to be down at Huntington Beach on Saturday so we met up with them for a few hours of fun! Makena loved watching all of her older cousins play and once again loved playing in the sand and being in the COLD water. She passed out as soon as we got her in the car and then we started seeing the spots of burn on her poor little pale face! Today it looks like a raccoon and I feel terrible! Guess that's what I get for being so white myself. I did put sunscreen on her, but that didn't stop and I must still be new at putting on lots of sunscreen on a little kid! SAD! So that's what the last picture is of if you can see her burnt little face! We had a good time visiting with his family and showing off our new place. Hooray for summer and beach days! We love it!

Just say NO!!!

So our darling little girl's favorite new thing is NO! I knew it would catch up with us someday, but I never realized how frustrating it really is. We'll ask her a question that we know she would have at least shook her head to before and now..."Makena do you want a snack?" "NOOO!!" "Do you mean yes?" "YES!" You've got to be kidding me. Every time I ask her anything this is how it goes! I hope this phase is over quickly because as much as it bothers me, my husband thinks she has completely forgotten the word yes and gets really frustrated with it all. Aren't kids GREAT? If anyone has suggestions for getting over the No's we are open for suggestions!! And I thought these pictures were cute from my parents house this past weekend!

Memories!!!

Here is a fun little game...Leave a comment on my blog of a memory that you and I have had together. It doesn't matter if you've known me for a short time, or a long time, anything you remember! Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.On your mark...get set...blog your memories!!