Fitisemanu Family

Happy Holidays!!

2011-12-06T08:52:00.001-08:00

I just have to Brag

2011-12-01T08:44:00.000-08:00

I just have to Brag. How beautiful is my little Jordyn? She is so precious. (This is at her first dance performance. She did such a good job.) I can't believe big my baby girl is getting. I'm so blessed to have her in my life!

Our newest addition

2011-11-29T08:43:00.000-08:00

MEET MISSY!!!

This is our newest addition. Meet little Missy girl!! She is a baby boxer! We weren't going to get another dog. Oh heavens no!! Not after I was ready to part with our dearest Jack Jack. One day I got off work early, Jon had to take a test at school, Jordyn was in school and Benny and I had nothing to do. I decided to take Ben to the pound to kill some time. BAD IDEA!! I fell in love with a couple of little pit bulls. We debated and debated and debated and I just was so nervous about getting a pit. She looked so sweet but you hear the horror stories and how they can just snap. I decided not to get one. After getting the idea of another dog in my head I searched KSL and stumbled upon several different boxers. After picking a free one then un picking it we found this sweet heart. Jons dream dog!! A female brindle boxer. She is such a cuddle bug and she has already pulled my heartstrings! I love her.

As of late

2011-11-04T10:14:00.001-07:00

My sweet little Jordyn turned 6!! I'll say it over and over again time flies!! My babies aren't babies anymore!

Jordyn is in dance and will start her performances next month! Hopefully we can have her stick with dance for awhile. I look back and wish all the time that I knew how to dance.

My sleeping Bender. Always getting hurt. He has a nice little cut above his eye. We werent sure if it would need stitches. We took him in and they said they could do it if we were worried about scarring but that it looked pretty small. You could tell the nurse was trying not to give me a straight forward "no" for liability reasons. I'm glad we didn't have to. That would have been the 3rd time in my little boys 4 short years.

I was able to get off work early to suprise Jordyn and join her for her Kindergarten pumpkin patch field trip. I try and be as involved as possible. (I have been really lucky while here at Utah First to have such nice and flexible managers. I think it helps them having kids and realizing that once these years are gone they are gone.) They got to pick a pumpkin, have a snack and a story read to them.

Jordy picking her pumpkin.

Jordyn, Jo jo, Benny at the trunk -or- treat. My kids have quite the personality.

Trick or treating!!

Mr. Martinez

2011-10-05T09:25:00.000-07:00

I have been watching dancing with the stars and never knew of J.R Martinez. Monday night was "life changing event" night. I saw his story about how he was in Iraq (I believe) and a IED went off while he was driving near or over it and it injured him badly. He spoke about how he looked in the mirror and at one point thought maybe it would have been better to pass. His mother told him when you find that special one she will love you for who you are. I for one look at him and look directly passed his scars. I think he is such a beautiful/handsome HANDSOME guy! It gives me such an appreciation for him and all the other military members serving our country. The ones who have been injured and those who have lost their lives. Sometimes its hard for me to feel that appreciation with having my own husband in the military and going through the trials of being a military wife. Sometimes it takes a story like J.R's to take a step back and look and to truely appreciate what they do for us.

Anyways just had to say I think he is gorgeous and a good dancer! : )

He's got my vote!

Utah State Fair

2011-09-20T09:19:00.000-07:00

Fair!! So glad that Jon could make it to the fair with us this year.

Of course I couldn't get them to smile nicely. I have a crazy little family!

One Sided Braid

2011-09-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

I saw this on Pinterest and had to immediately try it. I was so worried Jon wouldn't do Jordyns hair well enough for kindergarten so I rushed home on my lunch break. I got there just in time as she was done showering and put it to the test. I think it looks lovely!! I then attempted it on myself with no such luck.

Halloween Decor

2011-09-20T08:45:00.000-07:00

Beginning

Frankie

Bats

I have been wanting Halloween decorations so badly. I have looked at a couple different stores and didn't find anything that I overly loved. I have been to the wood connection a couple of times but was to scared to buy anything because I don't have a creative bone in my body. I thought I'd give it a try this time because I saw some cute ideas and for the first time I think I did a good job. I think I shall try a turkey next.

My almost beautiful kitchen

2011-08-19T07:23:00.001-07:00

Jon and I have been wanting to do an accent wall in our kitchen. We tried a couple shades of brown that didn't turn out so well. I found this beautiful color. I showed Jon the sample square and he said it was "ok". I had to take that OK and run with it. Jon HATES the color red. I've always wanted a red wall so badly. This color is more of a rusty red. So one day when I got home from work I decided to go get the sample can of paint and try this baby out. I fell in love with it right away! I used the whole sample and had half the wall painted. I couldn't wait the whole weekend (Jon was at drill so he didn't know I was painting) to see what Jon thought. I was so anxious to see the final project I went the next day and finished the whole wall and I'm in love with it. My kitchen didn't turn out to look the way I was hoping when I first moved in. So much so I was ready to replace the counter tops after the first 6 months of living here. This red wall helps wonders! I no longer go into my kitchen as upset.

Bennys artwork. I wasn't a happy camper at all.

This is our air vent view from outside. One day I was doing laundry and opened the dryer to find it loading with tiny tiny cotton bits. Someone had put a ripped stuffed animal in the dryer and it came apart/exploded. Our dryer then wouldn't work so I called an appliance repair guy. He said there was nothing wrong that he could feel the heat still turning on. Well after drying the same load 5 times and having them still soaking wet, obviously something was still wrong. I called a guy over to clean our dryer vent out and if I had only looked outside I could have seen the problem. Loads of cotton trying to escape. The guy couldn't believe how much was in there. I guess he found a wasp nest too. Crazy!! So glad we got to the bottom of it. We will no longer be drying stuffed animals.

Tball/Softball

2011-07-19T07:19:00.000-07:00

Both my babies in Tball. Go Reds! This was Benjamins first year playing. He did a Great job when he actually played. This summer has been a hot one. He'd get out there and play and within an inning he was ready to be done he was so hot. They both did a good job though. We'll see if Ben sticks with it next year and Jordyn will be on to softball!

I played a bit of softball myself. I almost wish I would have gotten into it while in school I enjoyed it so much. I can't say I was the best but it was a good time playing with my coworkers from Utah First.

Hair Be Gone

2011-07-07T13:38:00.001-07:00

Little Jack Jack got shaved. He seemed to be getting pretty hot as the beautiful summer days have gone by so we thought it was time for a cut. I wish I could have gotten him to look at the camera. He looks SO funny! I'm sure he already feels much better. Now for next week the little guy will be getting fixed then off to training he goes. Sad : (

4th of July

2011-07-06T07:31:00.001-07:00

Benny and Jordyn after they did their mutton bustin. I don't know that Ben will do it again. He was fine when he got on and rode but after falling off cried pretty hard. Wasn't to bad of a fall and I had warned him that he'd fall off eventually. Afterwards I viewed the recording of his ride and realized why he was probably so upset. After falling off the sheep stepped on him then jumped away. I'm sure it wasn't to painful but I'm sure it was scary. He did love his trophy and they both did a great job!!

4th of July (2011) Murray Parade. I love Red, White and Blue and was so happy to have found these cute outfits. I don't have a clue where Ben got his smile from.

My little ball of sunshine.

2011-06-21T07:20:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago I was brushing Jordyns teeth when I saw something weird behind her tooth. I thought the gum or tooth was rotting but at closer inspection a tooth was breaking through behind her baby tooth. I was afraid that her baby tooth wouldn't come loose and that she'd have to get it pulled. I asked the dentist and they told us to try and make it loose if we can and if not they can pull it. We have been working on it for over a week. Jordyn became obsessed with making it looser and looser. She would literally just lay on my lap and have me wiggle it all day. Finally we got it very loose and after a few attempts trying to pull it out we had Auntie Sarah give it a shot and she got it out on the second time. My little Jordy Ward lost her first tooth and couldn't be more excited about it. Now lets just hope the tooth readjusts and scoots forward a tinch other wise I better start saving up for braces because it is pretty far back.

2011-04-29T07:34:00.000-07:00

I started Boot Camp on Monday. No, its not military boot camp. It is exercise boot camp! Whip my fanny into shape. I go to Dialed in Fitness. Its been a rough week but I survived. I would post my beginning measurements but I don't have them at this moment. I go Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5-6am. Its a bit of a drive so I'm up by 4:15am at the latest. (Then head home get the kids and myself ready, take them to daycare, and get myself to work by 7:45, LONG DAY) I have been going to the gym 3 times a week and started to run a mile on the treadmill for 2 weeks before bootcamp. I am NOT a runner! Hardest thing for me. I will do the stairs, cycling, zumba,eliptical but I'm a terrible runner. Let me tell you... Running on the treadmill vs. the ground is SO different. We are to keep track of our food intake. I was used to eating out everyday if not Twice a day. Figuring out what I can and can't eat has been really hard. My instructor gave me a meal plan but it only has one days worth of meals on it so the rest is up to me to figure out. We turn our journals in on Fridays and he picks a couple random ones to read. I'm so Grateful he didn't read mine today. I thought I had done much better not eating out. I've only had like 2 diet cokes in the past week and a half.. but listening to other peoples journals it sounded like I was eating JUNK. Lets hope I can get through this. I want to quit after every workout but once I get home I have a decide I have a little bit more in me and decide to go again. Well.. Here is to week one! Five more to go! : )

Planet Play

2011-04-09T08:47:00.001-07:00

We went to Planet Play (Incredible Pizza) last night. We tried to go there when it was Incredible Pizza but it was $10 each for the buffet and then whatever we wanted to spend on playing games. I got a text message saying that I could get 4 buffets, 4 drinks, and 4 $10 game cards for only $38 bucks from http://www.fizookdeals.com/. What a steal of a deal. Over 50% off. They had every kind of pizza imaginable and every kind of dessert pizza. It was good! Let me tell you those $10 game cards went a long way. It was definately a fun night out with the family!

Reminiscing

2011-03-25T07:12:00.000-07:00

I know I'm not the only one that can't believe how fast time flies. I was looking through some older photos and just couldn't believe how fast time has gone by and how big my little babies are.

Jordyn: She'll be 6 in October and she starts kindergarten in August. Its so crazy to think that she'll be in school in a short 5 months.

Benjamin: He'll be 4 in August and can start kindergarten in August 2012 (now I don't know that I'll start him then. I think I may hold him back, as I don't want him being the youngest boy in his grade, rather the oldest. Any suggestions on this? I get mixed responses... some people thinking its a good idea to hold him back and others thinking that is silly to just put him in who cares if he's the youngest.)

I wish time would slow down just a tinch.

How I love my kiddos Oh So Very Much!! They are the light of my life! : )

EPIC FAIL

2011-03-24T19:27:00.000-07:00

30 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE.
Sorry to disappoint. I started slacking on the posts. We don't have internet at home so it took an extra effort to try and do a post everyday. Better luck next time.

Day 13- Something you are addicted to

2011-03-13T17:27:00.000-07:00

I !!!!

I can't get enough of it! I try and not drink it but its so hard. I have to say though that I never buy it for my house. I only drink it when I go out to eat. (Which is daily) If I'm at a restaurant I can drink 2-3 glasses of this! I don't drink it because its diet I just truely love the taste of it! Jon will tell me I should get lemonade or juice or something but I just can't. I figure Diet Coke has zero calories and juice or lemonade has close to 200. Like I said I don't usually think about the calories but when it comes to switching to something else I'd rather have my yummy D.C. rather than drink a beverage I won't enjoy as much and add the extra calories. I go to subway and think "oh ill just get a water" but then think that you can't have a subway sandwich with water!!! So for now I'll keep enjoying it! Mmm!!!

Day 12- Your favorite book

2011-03-12T10:15:00.000-08:00

I know they are cheesy but I love twilight. I've all 4 of them through probably two or three times now. Team Edward! I love how lovey he is to Bella! AH!!

A GREAT read! Thanks to those who recommended these books to me. I read all 3 of them in 5 days! I couldn't put them down. This book is set in the future.. The United States no longer exists. Instead there are 12 districts. There were 13 but they had and outburst and killed each other.Every year each district draws a boys and girls name (ages 12-18) to participate in the hunger games. A game of survival! A game where you kill the other players off and only one wins. Its intense. I know it sounds grusome.. and why would you want to read a book about that? BUT OH MY GOSH its so good!! If you haven't read it you must!

Other suggestions: Something borrowed and Something Blue by Emily Giffin. They made a movie on these and its set to come out in May so get these in before the movie comes out!

Day 11- Your favorite recipe

2011-03-11T15:30:00.000-08:00

I'm not much of a cooker and don't have many recipes. I have started to take on baking and really enjoyed this one...

1 box red velvet cake mix. (Cook as directed on the box for 13x9 pan)

1 can cream cheese frosting

1 package chocolate bark

wax paper

1. After cake is cooked and cooled completely crumble into large bowl.

2. Mix thoroughly with one can cream cheese frosting

3. Roll mixture into quarter size balls and place on cookie sheet (Should make 45-50. You can get even more if you use a mini ice cream scooper, I like to hand roll them.)

4. Chill or freeze for several hours

5. Melt chocolate

6. Roll balls in chocolate and lay on wax paper until firm.

I made the mistake of freezing the mixture before I rolled them into balls. Then once I rolled them I had to refreeze them. I also needed much more than one bark chocolate. Mine didn't turn out as pretty as the picture after dipped but they sure were delicious!

Day 10- Your favorite place to eat

2011-03-10T07:10:00.000-08:00

I LOVE FOOD!!! I would have to say my favorite place to eat is Olive Garden. Love it!

I always get the chicken alfredo or when I feel like switching it up the shrimp alfredo. I can't seem to get myself to order anything else, although I'm sure there are many more delicious dishes. Their salad and breadsticks are so yummy and lets not forget the little mint I wait for at the end of my meal. : ) What is your favorite from here? Maybe I should look into trying something else.

I'd like to make a shout out to good ol' Jimmy Johns and Firehouse subs as well as many others.. I have not forgotten you!
haha oh boy!

Day 9- A photo of the last item you purchased

2011-03-09T06:55:00.000-08:00

Let me say what a struggle it usually is to go to McDonalds and not order a delicious bacon egg and chesse sandwich with a yummy hashbrown. Today however was easier! I can say I love this little snack and my orange juice. A healthier way to start the morning! Now I just need to get my butt to the store and get groceries so I don't have to stop somewhere every morning.

Day 8- A TV show you are currently addicted to

2011-03-08T07:12:00.000-08:00

Oh my Oh my! Where do I even begin?? Jon and I split the days of the week that I get to watch my shows because I have so many...

SUNDAY-

Oh how I love desperate housewives. I didn't have a clue about the show until my sister in law told me how good it was. By this time the first season was just about over or already was. I went and rented it and immediately was hooked. I've been a faithful watcher for all the seasons now and make sure that I'm home by 8pm Sunday nights to watch it. I know this show is silly but I heart it!

Kardashians!!! I have also watched all these episodes from Keeping up with the Kardashians to Kourtney and Kim take New York. : )

MONDAY-

BACHELOR!!! Yes I've watched all 11 seasons of the Bachelor/Bachlorette. I am an addict! I cannot miss an episode. Mr Brad Womack is back. I know alot of America didn't like the guy but I have to say I can't blame him. Yes I was upset with him the last time that he was on and thought that he was a complete JERK. However, after thinking about it what did everyone expect him to do? Propose to someone he wasn't truely in love with just for the show? Then drag it on just to have it end later? I'm so excited to see the finale next Monday.

Will it be Chantel or Emily? I know my favorite is definatley Emily. I think she is so pretty and the sweetest girl ever! I think like Chantel also but Emily has my vote! Thanks to RealitySteve.com I know the answer. Its funny because I was dying to know about 3 weeks back and looked... It gave me one outcome which gave me a certain reaction and then I checked again last week and it gave me a different outcome with a completely different reaction. I won't say how I feel or it'll give it away and I don't want to be the spoiler for those of you who want to be suprised.

Tuesday-

There they are!! The TV shows I am addicted to! My Sunday - Tuesday nights!

Day 7- Picture of you and your lover

2011-03-07T17:31:00.000-08:00

This is still one of my favorite pictures of Jon and me. This is when my aunt was taking our pictures for our wedding announcement. She kept trying to get me to kiss him and I just couldn't get myself to do it in front of my mom and aunt... just a tad bit shy back then. I was going to do it and chickened out at the last minute turning my head and laughing and this captured the moment. : ) I can't believe this was taken 5 1/2 years ago. Happy little us.

Day 6- An animal you'll keep as a pet

2011-03-06T17:28:00.000-08:00

Look at this little guy! I would love to have a monkey. I think they are adorable and have fun personalities.

Gorgeous!! They are such beautiful animals. They are so smart and also have fun personalities.

Will someone please get me one of each? Thank you.

Day 5- Least favorite chore

2011-03-05T17:22:00.000-08:00

I hate hate hate washing dishes by hand. I think its the dirty dishwater that just disgusts me. I don't mind washing and folding laundry but I don't like then putting it away. (Probably because I wait and do 5 loads at a time) Good thing I have a husband that cleans all the time. : )

Day 4- A favorite picture of your best friend

2011-03-04T07:59:00.000-08:00

This is my bestie Jillian! I wish I had more pictures to choose from but I guess this will do. We have known each other and been friends for about 12 years now. I am so blessed to have her in my life. She has been there for me through everything! I don't even know what words to use to describe my appreciation for our friendship. : ) I love this girl.

Lets not forget my other amazing friends who are so dear to me!

Day 3- Something you fear

2011-03-03T07:11:00.000-08:00

Alligators and Crocs! These things are so beastly! They frighten me. I'm fine to go see them at the zoo and I'd probably even get close to them.. But in a swampy area these things would be my worst nightmare and i'd be staying miles away. The thought that they take you deep into the water and spin you around until you stop moving.. ugh nothing about that sounds pleasant!

I'm not afraid of the ocean. I love the beach and love getting in the ocean and playing around on vacation. I do think I am terrified about the animals that live in it though. Jelly fish are so pretty and look so innocent but can also be deadly. Sharks? No thank you.

Tornado!! I don't know why I'm so scared of them but I would never move to anyplace that has them. I think watching 'Twister' growing up has terrified me. I remember when we had that one downtown many years ago. Lucky I didn't know until after!

I think my biggest fear of the moment is earthquakes! BY FAR! I'm so scared for the earthquake that we are long over due for. I don't think this was ever a fear of mine before I had kids. Yes I am scared of the earthquake itself and all the damage that it'll do. Especially after seeing all those people whose lives were lost in the Haiti earthquake. So heartbreaking! I think that the thing about earthquakes that I fear the most is when it comes to my kids. My heart aches even thinking about it hitting while I'm at work or away from them. I fear not being with them and not being able to comfort them. They are in great hands at their daycare and I'm sure that ladies would do a great job at comforting them and making them feel safe. If they are with any family members I'm sure they will be taken care of and comforted as well. There is just something about being separated from them when this happens that scares me to death. I feel like the earthquakes are getting closer and closer from Haiti, to Mexico, to right here in Lehi. I try not to live my life in fear but this is something that is one my mind on a weekly basis, sometimes daily. This is my biggest fear.

Day 2- Tell us about your job

2011-03-02T07:13:00.000-08:00

I work at Utah First Credit Union as a Member Service Rep aka Teller. I've worked here for almost a year and a half. I started off at the Salt Lake branch and have since transferred to the Sandy branch. A blessing in disguise! I can't say I was the most ecstatic about going to that branch at first. I would be going from about 100 transactions a day to maybe 50 if I was lucky. There would also be no internet like there was at SL. So I was thinking no internet and half as busy? What am I going to do? I've gotten used to it. Its turned out to be a great thing and I've made some new friends! My manager is great and very flexible with me and I enjoy the other two tellers I work with. We have a lot of time to get to know each other and have fun. The slow time also gives me time to read and participate in these competitions we have going on. I am not only doing tellering right now but also the loan side as well. (which I love and have missed doing since I worked at Cyprus as a loan officer) We have no assistant manager at the moment so I'm helping out a bit and hoping that eventually i'll be able to move up and take that position when the time is right. : )

That is all.

Day 1- Post a picture of yourself and how your day went

2011-03-01T20:17:00.000-08:00

Isnt this picture lovely? Ok. So I didn't take one of me today but I have a reason for picking this. This is how I felt today went. Crazy!! Chaotic! It was one roller coaster of a day. Mornings seem to be Chaotic. I should probably learn to wake up even an extra 10 minutes early. Jon goes to work before I do and so its my job to get myself and the kids ready and get them to day care. I feel like we are always rushing!! It makes for stressful mornings starting my day off on a bad note. This happens like every morning. I always think.. if I only had 10 more mintues.. I do though! I just have to get my fanny out of bed a bit earlier.

Work. Work was good. I was very anxious though because yesterday was the last day of our February competition. I had the chance to win some big money. It came down to me and one other guy against each other. Winner wins lunch for their branch, a tshirt, and a great bonus. This other kid already broke and old record (giving him his own bonus for doing that) he had a great lead on me but I snuck up and got ahead of him.. or so I thought. Well if I beat him all together I get even more of a bonus so there is alot more on the line than just a tshirt and free lunch. Results were supposed to be out today but they won't come out until tomorrow so I'm dying!! Crossing my fingers I'll win! Its going to be a close one.

Other than that today was one of those days you don't know whether to be happy or sad, laugh or cry. Here's to hoping tomorrow will go better and that I'll get that bonus I'm hoping for.

Coming Soon...

2011-02-22T07:19:00.001-08:00

30 Day Blog Challenge

The best haircut ever!

2011-02-01T07:27:00.001-08:00

During Benny's haircut he was making a face like he was in pain but his eyes were closed. We kept talking to him and asked him if it hurt ( I remembered that he had the scar from the stitches) he shook his head yes. We stopped for a minute and asked him to open his eyes but he wouldn't. I really wish I had taken a picture of that face it was priceless. He even took a drink out of my cup while still keeping his eyes closed. After a couple of minutes we realized he was really asleep. The barber had to hold his head the whole time while cutting it. We couldn't stop laughing that he actually fell asleep while getting his hair cut. It had to have been the best hair cut ever!

2011-01-10T07:17:00.000-08:00

Jon starts training today and will be a correctional officer at the prison. This means he will be going during the day and the kids are now going to be in daycare for a couple months. For the past while I've been letting the kids sleep in my bed with me while Jon works in the evenings. This is what my sweet daughter came up with:

Jordyn: Mommy I know why you are making daddy work in the day now.

Me: You do? Why?

Jordyn: Because you don't want me to sleep in your bed anymore. If daddy works in the day he will be home at night and i'll have to sleep in my own bed.

I then went on to explain really what was happening but I thought it was so funny to hear the conclusion she came up with.

Ringing in the new year with...

2011-01-03T07:04:00.000-08:00

A VISIT TO INSTACARE!!

Poor little Benny!! New years we were at Jons parents church eating and playing games. The kids found the rack thing that holds the long tables and decided it would be fun to pull each other around on it. They had been playing on it for about an hour having a blast and standing up holding the rail attatched. There were 3 kids and they all wanted to ride together so Jons dad came over to pull them but instead of having them stand holding the bar he had them sit. There wasn't really anything to hold on to so as they got going faster Benjamin fell backwards and hit his head on the metal bar that was directly behind him. I ran over and saw that he was bleeding. It stopped after a short time but I noticed that it was a rather large gash and I could see his skull. Even though it wasn't bleeding anymore I thought I should definatley get it check because by the looks of it I didn't know how it was ever going to heal back together.

By the time we got there he had fallen to sleep. They put some numbing gel on the wound to help him not feel it. When it was time to stitch it up I think I was freaking out more than him. They had him lay face down and he got right up there brave as ever and sat so still. She touched around it asking him if he felt anything and since he didn't she got to work. He got 3 stitches!! (This is his second time in a year having to get stitches!!!) Here he is all stitched up.

2010-12-31T07:04:00.000-08:00

Merry (belated) Christmas!

Finished product!

I just have to post what a silly son I have. They are in preschool and with the help of his teachers him and Jordyn wrote a letter to Santa. I returned home from work to find his and it goes a little something like this:

Dear Santa,

My name is Benjamin, I am 3 years old. I am writing you this letter with the

help of my teachers at "On Target Preschool" I have been very good this year or at least I have tried to be. Please bring me a Gun and a Rope for Christmas. Also please bring a gun and rope for Emma and Kylie.

Thanks for all the good that you do.

Benjamin

I just about died when I read it. Ben is big time in to Guns but more so water and nerf guns. Of course he didn't specify that to his teachers. This is the first I heard about him wanting a rope. The poor teachers!! I'm sure they wondered what kind of parents he has when this little 3 year old is asking for a gun and a rope. Pretty Creepy. I did ask him about the rope and why he wanted it. He told me "so I can put it on my wall and do this." (While doing a climbing motion. Maybe climb up the wall on the rope?? I don't know where he saw that from.) I thought it was very funny and that I should share.

New Doo! Do?

2010-11-09T13:42:00.000-08:00

This is at the Marine Corp Ball.. But more so to show my new doo! You like?

I do have to say that I told Jordyn she'd be going to see Grandma while I dye my hair darker.. She instantly started bawling. I asked her what was wrong and she said " I want you to have the same hair color as me." I really had to reconsider getting my hair colored knowing that it bothered her that much (in the past she could have cared less) I went ahead and did it anyways but let her come with me and help me decide on the color. She seemed to not care as much then.

Happy Halloween!!!

2010-11-04T07:16:00.000-07:00

I love pictures so of course I have alot of them.

If there is a special pizza for the holiday I get it. Lovely delicious pumpkin shaped pizza.

Jordyns Painted Pumpkin and Bens Painted Pumpkin

Carving Pumkins Mine and Jons

At the kids preschool party.

Trick or Treating Gregory Jordyn and Ben

Tooth Fairy,Raggedy Ann, Spider, and Bumblebee

(No I am not the Wendys

girl. I got asked that a few

times.)

Me and Stacey

Jack... Again

2010-10-21T07:19:00.000-07:00

I was able to take some more pictures and just wanted to share them.

What a cute pup. (still missing Daizie though) Jack is very different compared to Daizie. He is a cuddle bug like she was so that is nice. So far he is doing good at going to the bathroom outside. The problem is, he doesn't walk up or down stairs so I have to carry him. The first day I went to take him down stairs I started to walk and Jack just sat there. He WON'T move for the life of him. If I stand still he will then start walking and take lead but won't budge if I try to walk him. I don't get it?? I've never seen a dog do this. I hope this will change because I loved taking Daizie on walks with me. He is supposed to shed but I haven't seen this happen yet. Lets cross our fingers it doesn't get to bad. He hasn't barked either and the guy at the pet store thought he'd be a yapper. We have only had him for about 3 days so we'll see what happens when he starts to warm up and feel comfortable.

Take 2! Meet Jack

2010-10-19T08:12:00.001-07:00

Meet Jack! He is the newest addition to our family. Jon and the kids met me for lunch yesterday. I told the kids if they ate all their food we'd go LOOK at the pet store next door. Jack was the only puppy they had, I held him (my first mistake) and fell in love with him.

He is super black so its hard to get a good frontal picture of him. He is a pomeranian and almost 6 months old. Lets just keep our fingers crossed that potty training goes better than with Daizie. I couldn't handle having to get rid of another dog. He is still a bit nervous around us but seems to like the kids and they love him to pieces. : )

Silver Lake

2010-10-17T15:31:00.000-07:00

We went up the canyons today to show the kids how the leaves are changing colors. It wasn't to chilly outside so we walked around the little lake. Nice Picture Kiddos!

Look who's 5!!

2010-10-17T15:28:00.001-07:00

My baby girl turned 5! Its so crazy how fast my kids are growing up.

She wanted a Hello Kitty birthday and it turned out so lovely.

Christmas Stockings

2010-10-15T07:48:00.000-07:00

I ordered Christmas Stocking kits last year and started them right after Christmas and finally finished.

5 year wedding anniversary get-a-way

2010-10-15T07:15:00.001-07:00

We cruised on PARADISE with Carnival and went on the Baja Mexico cruise. This took us to Catalina Island and Enscinada Mexico.

We ate lovely food all day long for a week

We went snorkeling in Catalina Island and it was so much fun swimming with the fish. It took awhile for me to learn how to breathe with the snorkel. It was beautiful.

I held a Lion in Mexico and wanted to smuggle it home with me. We also went horseback riding. Jon now wants to retire in Mexico because it is so cheap. (Yeah right)

We had a fun day at sea!

We got right of the ship and headed straight for the "Happiest Place on Earth"

It was great to get away with Jon for the first time since we've been married. It was hard leaving the kids and can't say I could do it again anytime soon. We will definatley be cruising again.

4 DAYS!!

2010-09-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

Only 4 days until me and the Hubs go on our Cruise and to the happiest place on earth to celebrate our 5 year anniversary! Crazy!!! Can't believe we've been married for 5 years.

Little Benny

2010-09-16T07:25:00.001-07:00

I thought Benny looked so cute one day on our way into the mall and just had to stop him to take a picture. Kind of looks professional don't ya think?

Jordyns Bedding

2010-09-16T07:23:00.000-07:00

I just have to show this picture I have.. It doesn't show the whole room and the other owl, squirrel and hedgehog pictures but I have been waiting this to become available at target or online for MONTHS!! They only carry twin size and Jordyns bed is a Full. One day by some miracle I saw it online in her size and bought it right away. SO CUTE!

DAY 4

2010-08-10T08:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was starving and wanted nothing more to quit HCG and go get a hamburger and shake and fries and diet coke, etc... But I survived yesterday. I got on the scale this morning very skeptical of losing any weight and boy oh boy was I wrong. Lets just say I started at 'X' amount of weight and have now lost 3 pounds since yesterday!!! Nuts I tell you. I was SHOCKED!

HCG

2010-08-09T11:48:00.000-07:00

Jon and I started the HCG diet on Saturday. We went to a place called "Dinner Market" to get pre- put together meals. At first I was going to do the shots which were $400+ so I figured we would both do the drops and spend the money on buying meals instead. I think the hardest part for me would've been trying figure out what to eat and how much of it... So Day 1 and Day 2 were not hard at all. You are supposed to take the drops and eat as much of anything and everything fattening as you please! Today however is Day 3! We started on our meals today, the entire day you are only supposed to have 500 calories. ( Doing this for 21 days) Its only the first day of the actual diet and I already find it extremely difficult. I love having my diet coke, and cookies, and fries, and hamburgers for lunch. I am only allowed to have water and no carbs whatsoever. Oh how I love soda and anything with Carbs! I am bound and determined to stick to this for the short 3 weeks. The average is 20 pounds lost in 21 days, we will see how it goes. As for now... All I can think about is the food I can't have and I have felt hungry all day. Lets hope that I can get through this. EEK!

HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY BENNY!!

2010-08-03T13:58:00.000-07:00

Today my little Benjamin turned 3. I know I say it way to much but I CAN'T believe how fast time goes. He is growing up way to quickly. We had a toy story/buzz party for him. (More of just a family get together.) Due to mine and Jons schedule being so different it was hard to find a time to do a party besides just doing something at our place on Sunday. We did cake and ice cream and it turned out good! He loved every minute of it. This morning when he woke up I said "Happy Birthday Ben" he asked "Its my birthday right now?" ( I think he was a bit confused because we had the party 2 days ago) I said yes it is. Then he said, "Where is it?" It was so funny!! Jon asked Ben where he wanted to go to lunch for his birthday and Ben chose "the phone place" (Training table) Such a cute little stinker!

P.S. Ben is potty trained and wearing big boy underwear and is accident free throughout the night!!! Woo Hoo Benny! Way to be a big boy. I was bound and determined to have him potty trained by his 3rd birthday. It took some hard work, patience and dedication but we did it!!

Squirt "Gums"

2010-07-13T14:08:00.000-07:00

Jon and Ben playing with Bennys squirt "gums" as he calls it. He is OBSESSED!!! He always has either the squirt guns or his nerf guns. (They were sitting on the ground shooting the walls.)

2010-07-07T08:33:00.000-07:00

I had to post this cute picture of Jon and Jordyn (minus the finger in her ear) Everyone says she is a mini me. When I look at her I do see me but as she's gotten older and after seeing this picture of them next to each other she is definatley looking like Jon too. Good mix I think.

4th of July

2010-07-06T08:46:00.000-07:00

This year has gone by so quick. I can't believe its already July. Oh how I Love July!! The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays. I'm not sure why but I love it and all the fun activities that come along with it. Here are my little Cutie PaTuties at the Murray Parade.

Here is Jordyn with her Mutton Bustin trophy! She did such a good job. I thought she'd get scared and chicken out at the last minute but she did it and loved it. She will definatley be doing it for the next couple years until she outgrows the sheep.

Tball MVP

2010-07-01T08:16:00.001-07:00

Jordy's cute little self. :) Ah!! This is the end of T-Ball Season #2. She did alot better this year, she actual tried to get in there and play a bit. Its always so fun to watch her play and little Benny will be playing with her next year. Yay! My mom always put me in a lot of rec sports and I loved it. I am trying to do the same thing as long as they like it as well. Next Up: Muttin Bustin! I have registered Jordyn in the Western Stampede Rodeo for tomorrow July 2nd. She will be riding on a sheep and trying to hold on as long as she can! (Like Bull Riding but for kids on a sheep.) She seems excited about it. I'm hoping she won't get there and chicken out, we shall see.

Cheese

2010-06-21T16:35:00.001-07:00

Potty Training

2010-06-11T08:09:00.001-07:00

We've been working on and off with Ben for a bit now, trying to get him to be a big boy and go Potty in the toilet. He does rather well at going all by himself but only when he is nakey bum. When we do pull-ups or underwear he tends to forget, maybe thinking he has a diaper on and tends to have accidents. We were planning on having him completely potty trained over memorial weekend since I had 3 days off. However, with all the events that were going on it made it difficult. He had a very successful day yesterday... not having a single accident. Yesterday morning he called me so excited saying he was wearing underwear and that he went potty all by himself. I told him that if he went potty on the toilet all day, that when I got home from work I'd take him to get a toy. I checked with Jon when I got home and there were no accidents to report. Off to the store we went and Ben picked Buzz! He has become more interested in Toy Story lately so it was a great pick.
When we got home he started pushing the red button on Buzz's arm and says "Look mom, it doesn't work, he's not talking!" Oh Boy!! That was SO funny. Seeing as how yesterday was the first day without accidents and I wasn't sure how long it would last (cross our fingers that it continues) I told him that if he goes without any accidents all weekend (I figure that if he goes 3 days without accidents he more than likely has it down) I would get him the Bigger Buzz that talks. Last night he wore a pull-up. I put him in bed with me and told him he better not pee on my bed. I knew it wouldn't soak through the pull-up so I wasn't to worried. I think for him though that the pull-up and the diaper feel similiar so I wanted to make him think they were almost just like underwear and that if he went pee it would make everything wet. Well... we woke up this morning he went to the bathroom on the toilet... I checked his pull-up he'd worn to bed and SUCCESS!!!! He exceeded my expectations and didn't wet them all night. WAY TO GO BENNY WHAT A BIG BOY YOU ARE!!

Crazy Eyes

2010-06-11T08:02:00.001-07:00

My two silly boys. I tell Ben, " Let me see your scary eyes" and this is what he does. As for Jon's his just go crazy like that. HAHA (He had a towel rack thrown at his eye when he was a young lad)

Day out with Thomas

2010-06-03T14:31:00.000-07:00

Memorial weekend started out great! Friday after work we went to Hollywood Connections (I haven't been there in YEARS) The kids rode on rides, some in which I went on also and they were pretty fun. Our friend Colt joined Jon and I and the 3 of us went laser tagging. We are always up for a game of laser tagging. It wasn't a full game at all there were only 2 other little kids that played against the 3 of us. It was a fun time though. Saturday we headed up to Heber to spend a day with Thomas. I missed this event last year and just had to take the kids this year. Ben loves Thomas! When we were walking near the train he just kept saying "Hi Thomas, Hi Thomas" and would touch the train. They had fun little activities to do while up there. (Lots more pictures to come) This is the best I could get right now of us with Thomas. That night my mom and I went to see "Letters to Juliet" (cute movie) while Jon and the kids went camping at Iosepa. Sunday was Sunday, and Monday we went swimming. All in all a good, fun weekend.

On a different note...

2010-05-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

Mothers day was good. I bought my mom and I a massage and got myself a pedicure. I love doing things with little Dordy and had her come with me and get her feet done as well. Hers turned out so cute and I then wished I would have copied her! :) Jon bought me beautiful earrings. We met my mom and brothers at Cheesecake Factory for lunch. Later that night we went to Jons parents house and had dinner with them. This weekend we went for our massages and it was LOVELY. I could have massages all day long for the rest of forever.

Here are my cute kiddos! On my lunch break they met me at Liberty Park. We have picnics there every now and then. Today we noticed water going and they had a little water park thingy. They had a blast! Ah my little babies are getting so big I can't believe it.

2010-05-17T12:05:00.000-07:00

(Ok I dont know what is wrong with my eyes in this picture but its more to show Daizie)
After such a short time I was forced (by Jon) to put my baby girl up for sale. We have tried and tried to potty train her and she kept having accidents. . Jon got fed up with it, not wanting our brand new carpet to get ruined. I got a text saying that Daizie was gone on a sleep over with a family to see if the dad was allergic to her and they'd call the next day to let us know if they were going to keep her or not. I was emotionally upset. Daizie is my baby girl and part of the family. I didn't get to say goodbye or anything. I came home from work that evening and she wasn't there to greet me as I walked in the door. She wasn't there at night to sleep and cuddle with me at night while Jon was at work. I called the family and spoke with them.. They said she was doing well and hadn't had any accidents, and the dad wasn't allergic to her but they were going to test it out for one more day and let us know Saturday. I kept my fingers crossed yet again that the dad would be allergic and she would be coming home to me but Saturday evening I got a call saying they love her and are going to keep her. I was distraut. This weekend was a rough one without her. Its been really hard on me. They are more than willing to let us come see her whenever we want. They suggested Sunday.. I had nothing to do and all the time in the world to go see her. I wanted to SO BADLY it was all I could do to not just jump in the car and go right then. However at this point I'm not strong enough. I still am emotionally upset and cry for her. I still hold on to the wish they will send her back to us. All I want to do right now is call and tell her to bring her back. :( I know she is with a good family. I haven't met them but I've talked to the lady and she is sweet. They have a backyard which I'm sure Daizie Loves, they have old kids that I'm sure won't be pulling at her hair, holding her upside down, etc...

Mid Life Crisis

2010-04-28T14:17:00.000-07:00

(I know, I know I'm not at midlife yet..)
I don't know how to explain my emotions lately?? Hmm? Frustrated? I can't find the right word... But I have been thinking about school A LOT. Its always on my mind. I want to get my education! I want to make more for the time I put into working each day. I want to become a nurse! I feel as though I'm never going to get to that point and graduate! I try to be opptimistic about it and I keep telling myself that I WILL someday even if its when I'm thirty. (I hope its not that long) But then I think.. How am I supposed to ever get through school? I work Full Time and can't do anything about that. I work during the day and when I get off I just want to be home with my kids. How do I juggle it all? Work, Family/Kids, and getting through School?

Finally Moved

2010-04-21T15:15:00.000-07:00

We finally moved into our new place! It has been stressful getting to this point. We moved all of our stuff in on Saturday the 17th but didn't close until the 19th. Only 2 days but we didn't end up sleeping there because I am chicken. The first night we slept at the apartment. We had no furniture but we did have the kids old crib mattresses. So the kids slept on those and Jon and I slept on the floor. It was the worst thing EVER! I got no sleep. In the middle of the night I got out a sleeping bag thinking that might help. Definately not! I would have rather slept on a cold, hard, rocky mountain. Usually when I'm tired I can fall asleep anywhere and just zonk out.. I don't know why it was so hard this time. The second night Jon stayed at the apartment and slept on the 2 crib mattresses (poor him, wish I would have taken a picture. So funny to see a grown adult on baby matresses) the kids and I went and slept at my moms. SO much better! Then Monday came and we closed on our Condo so we could sleep at our place. Its so nice and has more room. (Wish we had a house but a condo is a good start.) Now all we're waiting on is cable and BLINDS!! Can't wait for the blinds. I'll post pictures once we get settled! :)

Spoiled Brat

2010-04-16T10:42:00.000-07:00

We were supposed to close on our condo on the 13th and get the keys the 14th. Things are taking much much longer!! They are letting us move our stuff in tomorrow because it will be much easier on our schedule but we can't "sleep" there until we actually close on the place. Doesn't really make sense to me. I've been outraged about the whole thing. It seems like everyone else has more of an optimistic view saying to make it a party or think of sleeping on an empty apartment floor as a vacation. I haven't been able to, quite yet. I just keep thinking all of our stuff will be gone at the apartment and into the condo.. What am I going to sleep on? It'll be a pain to have all of our kitchen stuff moved so what will we make? Just so many different complaints are running through my mind. I realized I'm taking things for granted and being a spoiled brat!! I work at a credit union and see often people who are pretty much homeless, or getting their place foreclosed, or way behind on their payments. Here I am blessed to have an apartment and be moving into a condo and really just to have a place to live at all. I'm going to try and be more optimistic.

EastO Bunny Wap

2010-03-31T08:50:00.000-07:00

We went to fashion place mall to visit the Easter Bunny.. Ben was excited but once we got there he wouldn't get near it. A couple days later we had to go to South Towne mall and we then again tried to get him to see the Easter Bunny. He ended up going when I sat next to him for a minute then I quickly stood up and moved. (This picture is actually from the 3rd time we went to see it.) He is Obsessed!! Now all the time he says mommy sit on EastO Bunny Wap?? (Easter Bunny Lap) He wants to go back all the time, as for me I'm easter bunnied out.

Also at South Towne mall they have a way cute Choo Choo Train that goes all the way around the mall. Here is a picture of the little ones in the caboose.

Our Humble Abode

2010-03-30T14:16:00.000-07:00

Its been quite a stressful week with the condo. I went Friday night to check on it. I'm obsessed and go look at it often... I walked in and part of the floor was already installed and the walls were still white. I found this a bit strange considering they hadn't installed floors in any of the other units until it was painted. I walked into the living room area and saw they had delivered the cabinets, I was so excited and had to look. I couldn't believe my eyes. They didn't look like the ones I had chosen. I thought I had decided on Dark Dark brown cabinets and even bought a table to match. Turns out the paint was wrong but the cabinets were the right ones and I'm just retarded and didn't remember. (It was back in December when we chose everything. We had been deciding between the ones in there now and the dark dark brown ones.) Hope that the table looks ok and doesn't clash to badly with it because its nice and expensive. They called later the next night and told me they had installed the wrong flooring and that they wanted me to come down and decide whether I want to keep the mistake they put in or have them put the ones I chose in. They are moving quickly because they had the cabinets and countertops installed and it was much easier to decide seeing the whole picture. I ended up liking the ones I didn't choose and was glad the mistake had been made. I am pretty pleased with how the cabinets turned out even though I was sad at first. Here is a picture of the cabinets.

2010-03-29T08:33:00.000-07:00

DEAR MR. CLEAN,

I love your magic eraser! Thanks so much for helping me get the red crayon off the walls and the cute red faces off the closet. I tried alot of other things and nothing got it off other than you. :)

Chontae

Fallen Soldier

2010-03-05T15:38:00.001-08:00

My heart and prayers go out to the families of the two Utah Marines that were killed in Afghanistan last week. I had a tough time watching the clip of it on the news. Although I didn't lose a loved one while at war it really touches base for me. I can't begin to imagine what they are going through. I feel so blessed to have Jon home and safe.

After Math

2010-02-24T07:01:00.000-08:00

Poor Baby Boy! This is how it looks this morning. Sad!! One of his stitches came undone. I'm hoping that the other two will hold it together. I would hate for him to go back in and get tortured again. Sweet little Benny boy.

Bennys 1st big Ouchie

2010-02-23T09:51:00.000-08:00

WARNING!!! WARNING!!! THIS CAN BE GOREY FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE NOT SO STRONG STOMACHS.. NOT TO BAD THOUGH!!

I get a call at work from Jon saying that at the gym Ben hit his head to hard on the slide that there is a gash and it needs stitches. :( Talk about tearing my heart strings. It is killing me not being able to be with him right now and comfort him. We are short staffed here at work making it pretty impossible to leave or I'd be there in a flash. Sad day.

(These are the pictures I'm being sent while my poor Benny is there.) This is him laying there waiting for the numbing stuff to kick in. He will be getting 3 stitches.What a tough boy he is. He isn't crying at all and he felt good enough to talk with me on the phone and Jon says he's playing like he isn't even hurt so that makes me feel a bit better.

All Done. What a big boy! So Sad. (How it switches from one side of his face to the other I do not know?)

Touching moment

2010-02-22T08:12:00.000-08:00

Jordyn fell asleep in Primary so Jon went and got her. She ended up waking up and wanted to stay in Relief Society with me. We have this HUGE picture of Jesus behind curtains and when class started they opened them revealing the picture. Jordyn immediately says "Mommy who is that?" I replied "Jesus" she looked up at me and says "I Love Jesus!" I surely got teary eyed. It was such a touching precious moment.

HELLO my name is Chontae and I'm addicted to...

2010-02-22T07:58:00.000-08:00

FOOD!!! I LOVE FOOD. I LOVE CARBS they are my weakness. I have wanted to lose weight and lose weight and look great. I keep telling myself no more soda, fast food, sweets, etc.. but the Truth is I'm struggling. I tell myself that and then see a tasty treat and head straight for it. I need will power and self control. For a while I am going to focus not on pounds and losing weight but eating healthy,cutting down on my portions, and just staying active. I can do it! I can do it! :)

Work out SHmurk out and PTSD

2010-02-18T08:37:00.000-08:00

I am sore! When Jon was gone I went to the gym 5 days a week and walked an hour on the parkway, EVERYDAY!!! I still wasn't close to in shape back but I felt good. Yesterday I went to the weight lifting class and today I'm paying. When I used to miss even a couple days I could tell the difference but boy try months without going its rough. Its hard to work everyday, go without seeing your kids nearly as often, come home exhausted and want to head to the gym. BUT that is what I'm going to do from now on!!! I will go at least 3 times a week and try to get back up to 5.

As for the PTSD for those of you who didn't hear I had quite an experience awhile back at the gym. I was done working out and was heading to the car with the kids when I heard this awful squacking noise and saw two girls turn their attention up high to where it says 24 HOUR FITNESS. Little pigeon birds like to sit up there often.. But this day I speak of is a different one. I look up also to see what they were looking at and see a horrific sight. A huge black crow going at a little pigeon bird. It was standing on it and pecking and eating the poor little bird. The horrible sound was the little pigeon bird crying for its life. I sat watching for the car. It was a terrible scene but one of those things you don't want to watch but yet you can't look away from. I looked around in my car to see what I could find to possibly distract the crow or hit it. An empty water bottle is all... Wouldn't have gotten much air with my weak throws. They do have a fake owl at the top of the roof but it just didn't work. SO there is my story (this was months and months ago) The next couple days after this incident I couldnt get the sound out of my head and even had nightmares. As I was driving round the corner yesterday I saw the big letters saying 24 HOUR FITNESS with the little pigeon birds on there and it all came back to me like it just happened then. I got chills that ran down my spine and a major flashback. Will I ever recover? Man Alive. :)

Daisy Dog and nuggets to feed an Army

2010-02-11T08:35:00.000-08:00

BEFORE her hair cut. (This is how we got Daizie a raggy mess!) And can I just say that when we got her she was 6 pounds and she is already 9.4

AFTER her hair cut! Doesn't she look so much better?? I had no idea how she was going to look after they took off all that whispy hair but she looks great! What is that blue stuff you ask? TOOTHPASTE. The kids went to the dentist and got their own tooth brush and tooth paste.. Benjamin got into his and I guess decided it would look great on the dog. Its funny now that I look back on the situation but I came home to find her like this and was Livid. I think I finally figured out what kind of dog Daizie is and its kind of coincidental seeing as how her name is Daizie (I did change the spelling). I was looking online and found something called the ''Daisy Dog'' which is a mix of shitzu, bichon, and poodle. So from here on out that is what she will be!

We heard that McDonalds had a 50 piece chicken nugget special... I didn't feel like cooking lunch so Jon decided he just had to try it. Of course I wasn't going to let him eat them on his own so we got the 50 piece chicken nugget combo which included 50 nuggets, 2 large fries, and 2 large drinks for only $14.99 when I saw it I couldn't believe my eyes and didn't think there was any way they would all be eaten. Needless to say EVERYTHING was gone. We did have help from little Benji, Daizie, my brother, Jon, and myself. CRAZY!!

So close..but yet so far away

2010-02-09T09:19:00.000-08:00

I just have to say.. We checked on our condo and its starting to look great! The outside almost looks like its done, however, the inside is still all frames. I wish I would have taken a picture of the beginning phase.. I just didn't think that it would be this far along so quickly. (Quickly?? What am I talking about? We put the money down in November!) But really I went probably 3 weeks ago and the outside was no where near done. It was still frames with black tarp looking stuff on it... I go 2 weeks after that and it looks nearly finished.

We are getting so excited to finally have our own place! We have got the kids both full sized beds for their new bedrooms and hope that our little Benji will sleep in his own bedroom. He was really excited to have a big boy bed and has the cutest car bedding. He is finally falling asleep at night in his own bed which is a start but I wake up to him sleeping next to me. I try to catch him as early as I can sneaking in so I can put him back in his own bed but he wakes up just to come right back in. I have started bribing him to stay in his own bed.

Spring Fever

2010-02-08T09:01:00.000-08:00

Saturday we went to the zoo. It was a nice day down in the valley still a bit chilly but we figured why not get out and do something... We get to the zoo and there is snow!!! Suprisingly it wasn't that cold and it was a lovely time with the kids.

We went into the gift shop while we waited for Grandpa and Gregory. The workers brought out this weird looking bird and this snake. I couldn't believe it.. Jordyn jumped right in and wanted to touch it.

Friends

2010-01-18T08:21:00.000-08:00

(Karis baby shower) I just have to say how I am so grateful for the friends that I have. We don't get together often enough! Alot of us are working, gettting married, starting families, etc... We try and get together once a month if possible... But when we do its just like old times!!! Even though we all have responsibilites when we are back with each other its like nothing has ever changed. :) Its great to know that even though we don't see each other as much any more they are still there for me. Love ya gals!

3 mo.Catch-Up

2010-01-11T09:13:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to Jordyn! My baby girl turned 4 October 8th. I can't believe in just 2 years she will be in Kindergarten. She wanted a mermaid birthday so I looked everywhere for a mermaid cake. The only place I could find one was Schmidts. It wasn't the cutest mermaid cake but it did the job and was sure delicious. Then I go to get mermaid wrapping paper at Zurchers... turns out they have wrapping paper for every other disney character and princess BUT mermaid. I ended up finding princess wrapping paper that had her on it. Jordyn got this Cinderella costume for her birthday and had to put it on. Ah!!! My little princess.

Ok.. I have no idea why these turned out so small but I'm putting them up anyways! This is Jon and I at Gardner Village for Halloween. Gregory, Jordyn, Benjamin. Halloween was fun this year because I didn't have to carry Ben around! He loved being able to trick-or-treat with his sister and cousin.

Jon and I at my work Christmas party. Guess I haven't blogged for quite awhile... I now work at Utah First Credit Union as a teller and started here the first week of October. So far so good!

Last year we did 4 gingerbread houses I believe. The kits we got this year were MUCH better! The frosting actually held it together. (Crackerbarrel) Jon and Benjamin decorated one together and Jordyn and I did one. Christmas was good! I feel like we weren't home at all. We had so many places to run/people to see.

This is our puppy Jon and I got the kids for Christmas. Her name is Daizie! We are told she is Shitzu, Chihauau, American Eskimo mix. I'm not to sure about the American Eskimo???

I am glad to see 2009 gone and hope to start fresh with 2010. Of course the new year resolutions always seem to be similar..

* Lose weight

* Get out of debt

* Get more schooling done

yada yada yada..

One thing we are looking forward to though.. Is we are moving in April to a new Condo!! Yay! We are so excited about getting a place of our own and can't wait to have 3 bedrooms!!

Jons Homecoming!!

2009-09-29T11:07:00.001-07:00

We arrived at Fort Douglas at 5pm on September 26th for Jons Homecoming! Here is the sign we had made for him!
Our family finally together again! The reunion was amazing! The buses pulled up around 6:40pm. What a long wait it was! They were escorted by police and these motorcycle people.. I think he said they call themselves guardian angels or something. The sight of them pulling up was emotional! I started getting teary. We were all waiting behind a fence and couldn't talk with them yet. Afterwards we went back downstairs into the gym to wait for them to turn in their gear and come down. They started coming down two at a time. It took me until 'fischer' to realize that it was alphabetically and that Jon would be next. He walked out the door to walk down the stairs and I started getting so excited and nervous. I didn't know whether to run/walk up the stairs and meet him or wait at the bottom for him.. I decided to wait at the bottom :)

It was so great to finally be able to hug him again. The kids were so excited to see him. Ben was in shock at first or something, he would just stare at Jon for minutes at a time. Its been very nice to have my husband back. I think it was more weird for me than it was for him. I kept feeling as though I'd have to say goodbye in just a few short days.. its finally becoming real to me that I get to keep him for good! I'm glad all of Fox Co. made it home safe and sound. I'm so proud of him and grateful for his service. I love you Jon!

Happy September to Me!!

2009-09-02T18:59:00.001-07:00

Awww!!! My precious babies!! :) Yay!! September is FINALLY here!! I know I just wrote a week ago talking about time standing still.. Well it is.. However knowing that its September and that this IS the month that Jon will return home makes things look so much brighter! We don't know an exact date and won't until probably a few days before he actually gets here but knowing that it is 4 weeks/28 days TOPS makes things even a little bit easier! I'm starting to come up with little do-dad things that I can do to make the time go faster and the days seem shorter! 20 Marines from Fox Co. came home a week ago today! I was home watching it on the news.. Probably should have gone and supported them, it's probably a good thing I didn't though!! Watching it on the news was hard enough. I can't wait until its my turn to go and welcome Jon home and hug him for the first time in months!! I'm looking forward to a lot of little things that most people take for granted on a daily basis. I'm so thankful for all of the marine wifes I've become friends with over these long lonely months! They've made things So much easier and I have found some great life long friends! :) Hmm.. Just so excited!! Oh YES!! I bought Jon and I a cruise for our 5 year anniversary!! haha I know.. we haven't reached our 4th yet but we won't be together for it so I decided we should do something big for it! Over a year away but looking forward to a getaway just him and I! We will be cruising to Mexico then spending a day in the "happiest place on earth" good ol' Disneyland!!

2009-08-24T07:40:00.000-07:00

Time seems to be standing still... even though we are closer to Jon coming home its so close but yet so far away. Things are getting harder when they should be getting easier. The summer is coming to an end. My mom is heading back to school today which means she can no longer help keep me entertained and busy. I was going to put Jordyn in preschool again to help pass time but Titan Tots doesn't start until the end of September which is no help because Jon will be home just a week or two after that. I'm supposed to start school tomorrow which I would absolutley love to do, however, I can find no sitter for the hour and a half that I'm supposed to go. Plus... once Jon gets back I will have to start job searching and I don't want to have work and school conflicting. I find myself bored all the time!! I try and find pointless things to do.. there are only so many times you can go to the park, pool, or mall before it gets repetitive and boring! I'm thinking I'll put Jordyn in dance or tumbling not only because she will enjoy it but because it will give me something to do. Sheesh.. what do other stay at home moms do all day without breaking the bank? Mine and Jons 4 year anniversary is a month from today. I don't think we'll be spending it together this year so I figured I better do something big for our next anniversary, our big 5 years! Yay! So.. I booked a cruise to Mexico!! :) I'm so excited. I know it is over a year away. Jon and I never got a honeymoon or 'alone/couple' time so it will be a great thing for the two of us and I can't wait! So far that is all. Jon will be leaving Iraq within the next 4 weeks and be back within like 6 weeks??? Hopefully sooner though. He is doing well and ready to come home.

Benjamins Birthday

2009-08-04T09:01:00.001-07:00

Wow! I can't believe Benjamin is already 2!! Time goes by so fast. I didn't do anything for Bens first birthday besides just cake with me and the kids because Jon wasn't home. I decided even though he wasn't going to be home for Ben's second birthday I couldn't go two years without throwing him a party. He hasn't really taken interest into anything on his own yet so I picked the Cars theme and I think he really liked it! I couldn't believe all the things you could find to throw a cars party! I was only going to do swimming, cake and ice cream but of course the Fitisemanus are all about a party and eating so we BBQ'd! It turned out really nice. They did so much to help and I'm very appreciative. After we ate dinner some of us took a dip in the pool then had the cake and ice cream. Benjamin got very spoiled with all of his presents. Everything turned out nicely.

I know this doesn't exactly match the "Cars" character thing but I figured it was a car so it would do just fine. I think that this was probably my favorite thing!! I saw it and just had to get it.

The beginning.. of what seems to be an impossible goal

2009-04-30T18:54:00.000-07:00

So this is my begining picture (side view obviously) I was going to do me in a swim suit but decided against it! :) These aren't the best pictures to go off of but I had Jordyn take them so they will do. I used to be 135-140 lbs in high school, I have since gained and decided that I would love to get back down to that weight. As of April 27th I now weigh 156 lbs... CRAZY. So my goal is 140lbs! I have been going to the gym Monday-Thursday and hiking Saturdays, trying to eat better even though I love food I'm starting to find healthy foods I like. I never disliked them but never have cared to cook and prepare meals. My goal is to lose these 16lbs by December 1st! Hopefully I can get there but I figured by putting pictures up and letting others know ... maybe I can get some good tips? Maybe a bit of a motivation for me!
Front view.. once again not the best! The obliques and the baby belly just seem to want to stick with me no matter what.

Yes... and ... No!

2009-04-29T20:14:00.000-07:00

I just think its funny when Benjamin says Yes and No! When he says Yes he shakes his head and moves his mouth and just something about the way his says No is hilarious. I was trying to get him ready for bed. He didnt want to go to bed, but wanted his bottle ... I was trying to make him choose one or the other and after a couple times of asking him I hurried to grap my camera to catch it on tape. :)

Happy Birthday Jon

2009-04-22T08:01:00.000-07:00

Hey baby! Happy 22nd Birthday. Hope it was a good one! Here is the video that Jordyn made for you! We had a different one up but Benji had a nakey bottom and I didnt like how I sounded so this is Jordyn all by herself singing. I told her she needed to look at the camera the whole time not the computer.. So when she covers her eye I think she is trying to prevent herself from looking away! She kept getting closer and closer to the camera, funny child!

Worms...Eww..

2009-04-16T19:57:00.000-07:00

In the past couple rainy days I have Never seen so many worms around mine and my moms place. Everywhere you looked/stepped there were worms, worms, and more worms. It almost like you could smell them outside, there was a nasty stench to the air. I have never hated worms but I think I do now! These creeping, crawling creatures now have me cringing! Not scary, just nasty! Jordyn hates them too! I think she got me hating them. She would get to the bottom of our stairs and start whining because she didn't know where to step without smashing one. Finally once they all were dead and shriveled she decided it would be ok if she stepped on them. Gross I know! So... what do I do? I decide to have fun with the whole worm thing during these rainy days and made our own eatable mud, dirt, and worms! Jordyn thought it was really fun and loves them!

Cute Story

2009-04-10T20:53:00.000-07:00

Okay.. So a couple months back Jon, me, and the kids were in midvale/fort union doing some shopping. We saw a homeless man on one of the corners asking for money and food. I thought what a great opportunity to teach Jordyn to give. We were close to Deseret Book which has Lion House dinner roles. (so delicious) So I bought some roles and asked Jordyn if she would like to give them to the man who didn't have any food or money... she got excited about it and by the time we went to give them to him, he was gone. About 2 weeks ago we went to gateway and again we saw a homeless man. I told Jordyn that man didn't have any money and could use some and asked her if she would like to give him a dollar. Of course she did! I gave her a dollar she ran up happily and gave it to him! My dad just recently gave Jordyn a wallet so she could pretend with it, my mom then gave her a dollar to put in it and save it. I went to buckle Jordyn in the car and saw the dollar ready to fall out the door. I gave it to Jordyn and told her to hold onto it so she can buy something when we go to the zoo. She then replied saying that she would save it for the man without any money. I just thought it was so sweet that she would think of doing that instead of buying something for herself. My cute little baby girl!

2009-04-04T06:54:00.000-07:00

Ah!! My handsome husband all geared up! FINALLY!!! The boys have made it to Iraq. I'm so glad that they made it safely after their long journey to get there. They first flew to Minnesota, then Ireland, Kuwait, and different area in Iraq, and now to Ramadi. They still have to travel about 15 minutes out to where they will actually be stationed but so far so good!

2009-04-03T21:41:00.000-07:00

I took Jordyn to the mall and to see the Easter Bunny!! She absolutley loved it! She does everytime! Benjamin on the other hand was NOT having it! There was no way he was going to sit on his lap. We went back to the mall about a week later and I let her go see him again. . . What a mistake :) She didn't want to get off his lap. She wasn't saying anything to the Easter Bunny she was just content sitting on him.. when I told her it was time to go and basically had to drag her away from him she started bawling, crying down the hall saying "but I want him" kind of weird.

Dying our Easter eggs!! I swear the dye never works the way they are supposed to, but her and Grandpa were having fun doing it. Ben wanted to but that would have been a mess. I put him in his high chair and let him play with one. He broke it right away. He loved eating them though! He had probably 3 and kept saying "egg, egg" and whining. Hopefully we can find a good easter egg hunt this year. Last year we did it at Wheelers farm and Jordyn did it with the 2-6 yr olds. Terrible!! She was 2 and a 2 yr old can't run and compare to a 6 year old so it wasn't very fair.

Jon home!!! :)

2009-03-24T16:23:00.001-07:00

Our cute little family! Jordyn thinks it is so funny to make goofy faces for pictures.. I wonder where she gets it from?? Could it be from Jon? She will do it then run over and ask to see the picture that was taken and just laugh at how silly she looks.
The day Jon got home we went to the zoo! He wasn't supposed to come home until the 19th but tried suprising me by coming home the 17th. To bad I'm a great detective and suprised him by showing up at the airport. I ruin everything! I love suprises but hate waiting to find out what they are so I get nosey and usually find out ahead of time. Yeah.. its a problem I have.

Jon and I took a date night for ourselves. We went to Anniversary Inn and stayed in the "Mysteries of Egypt" room. We have been there twice and always enjoy it! The rooms are creative. However, I think we will try the Logan one next time. I was looking at their rooms and they are 10x more creative. We went and saw "Watchmen" and "Duplicity" they were both good movies. The next morning we went and got a couple massage, it was amazing and much needed.

Jordyn was so excited to see her Dad. She just ate it all up the whole time. One of the days we were at Jon's parents house and she ran around the house and couldn't find him. She got SO upset. She finally found him and wouldn't leave his side for awhile after that. She took the goodbye pretty well I don't think she knew what was going on at the time but will soon realize he is gone for good. (Well for awhile)

Jon and I were both so worried that Ben wouldn't remember him or something like that but luckily he did! Ben used to say "DaDa" but for some reason he calls Jon "GaGa" now??
This is us at the airport waiting for his plane to board. I am proud of myself. I was suprisingly strong and didn't bawl my eyes out like usual.. The ride home alone was more difficult. Reality hit that I was going home without my husband and for a long while. I have been doing good so far, but it has only been 3 hours since he left. We will see... this will be a long 8 months!

RaNdOm!

2009-03-09T13:32:00.000-07:00

Jordyn got this orange spider web stamp from who knows where... the girls were playing in her room and when they came out this is how they looked. I about died, but it was really funny! Jordyn is starting to pull her dads picture face! One eyebrow up, one eyebrow down.

The girls kept wanting us to take pictures of them, and then let them see. Of course Ben didn't want to be left out so he jumped on it and started getting stamped. This is his face when you tell him to say cheese. Cute little guy

Poor little man. He was hungry and tired and this is what I turned around to see. He fell asleep eating his fries.

Happy Valentines Day

2009-02-14T13:27:00.001-08:00

My sweet husband! Even though he is away he didn't forget me and got me roses!

I saw a sign for a heart pizza and I thought that would be perfect to go along with Valentines Day and our activity. It was delicious!

I decided it would be fun to get the kids together and make Valentines Day cookies for our family and friends! I think I made like 4+ Dozen cookies and we all helped frost them! Jordyn ate like 3 along the way. I was getting so frustrated... I had seen some heart sprinkles at Target about a week ago. When I decided to make cookies I went back to get them, they were all out. I ended up going to 4 stores trying to find these cute sprinkles. NOWHERE had them. I finally went to the bakery in Albertsons and the lady was kind enough to give me some of their left over sprinkles. I was SO happy I finally found them at the last minute.

Ashley and Brookelyn making their Valentines Day cookies!

Jordyn and me making Valentines Day cookies!

This is Jordyn at pre-school sitting with all her "little kiddies" as she calls them. They always plan such cute things for the holidays. They decorated their own bags. She passed out tinkerbell valentines that came with tatoos and just really enjoyed giving them to her friends.

All of us marine wives got together for Valentines and went and saw "He's just not that into you." I loved the movie! Afterwards we went to Red Robin for dinner! It was funny we all had our phones out texting our guys the whole time.

Benny Wenny

2009-02-14T13:20:00.000-08:00

Benjamin is getting such a personality! Latley I will make this face to Ben and he does it back to me, like on this picture, and then just laughs after he thinks it is so funny! We could go back and forth for minutes just doing this. He is starting to pick up alot of new words! He can say: cheese, please, mama, dada, baba, ba(for ball), mo (for more), up, no no ( and he even points at me when he says it), back pack.. this is a weird one to know but he got it from dora, cookies, he tries to say sockies, and a few more.

Haircut!!

2009-02-02T09:22:00.000-08:00

Benji's hair was getting to long for me so I thought I would get him a hair cut! This is the before picture!

This is during his hair cut! Usually I have to always sit with him because he never holds still! But I was so proud of the little boy! He sat there all by himself the whole time and didn't move!
After his haircut!! What a stud!!

Messages for Daddy!

2009-01-30T13:55:00.000-08:00

2009-01-30T13:14:00.000-08:00

Little Jordyn, she loves to take pictures!

Visit to San Diego to see Jon

2009-01-28T12:29:00.000-08:00

Starting off the day at Sea World! In about every photo Jon thinks he has to make a silly face!

Jon picking up a star fish.

I thought this spot was great for a picture! The nest of palm trees behind us was beautiful

Jon and a couple of his marine buddies sitting down in the soak zone with Shamu

So beautiful! This trip was amazing! We definatley missed our kids but it was nice to have a vacation to ourselves!

Whats new?

2009-01-28T12:09:00.001-08:00

Yay! I have now posted 1 thing! Alright so Jon has left for training in California until around the end of March. From there he will go to Iraq :( and I'm still not certain on exactly where he'll be stationed there. We will be expecting him home probably around the beginging of December! (keeping my fingers crossed) So hopefully in time for Christmas and if we get lucky maybe Thanksgiving. I'm staying home with the kids, still living in our apt. Jordyn is now 3 and started pre school in September, she absolutley loves it. Benjamin is 18 months and very active! He is finally starting to try and talk but already understands almost every word you say. While I have this time and I'm not working I decided what better time to head back to school? So I am taking 2 classes and slowly but surely continuing my education. I'm planning on getting my bachelors in Nursing so we will see...

Testing, Testing 1.. 2.. 3..

2009-01-28T12:07:00.000-08:00

This is my first time using blogspot, and i'm still trying to figure out how to use it!!!