No Day Like Today…

Makeup…

2015-02-05T09:02:00.004-08:00

I have never been one to buy, obsess, wear or even enjoy makeup. I really have been lucky enough to not have to wear makeup. However, I always find myself browsing the makeup aisle, or going into an Ulta or Sephora hoping something will jump out and me and inspire me to try something new, and that happened to me the other day. I ran across an instagram feed of Drew Barrymore - I love Drew Barrymore, I mean who doesn't love Drew Barrymore! So instantly I clicked on her name and scrolled down. I was noticing how light and glowing her makeup and face looked, and I immediately thought that is what I wish I could do to my face, let's face it I turned 38 a few weeks ago, and I am thinking now is the time I should probably start wearing a little more makeup to hid these dark under eyes, red blemishes and wrinkles, yes I said wrinkles! They are happening. So as I was scrolling her feed I saw this picture of makeup, so I made it bigger and saw what it was, so I quickly googled it and come to find out, this makeup is Drew Barrymore's line, of course it is...where the hell have I been that I didn't know about this. Anyway, I sat and watched her tutorials and quickly fell in love. So I bought a few of the products, and I have to say, I am loving it. The thing that I love the most is it's light and doesn't feel like I have a “makeup mask” all over my face. I also love that I am totally excited to get ready for the day and put my makeup on. So that is a huge plus!! I can't wait to buy more of this product and try new things!! It's important to feel pretty, and like a lady. Especially when you are a mom, running kids around, doing laundry, cleaning up from breakfast, lunch and dinner. I know when I get ready for the day, and now apply this beautiful product to my face, I function so much better! So if you are like me, and don't LOVE makeup or if you just want to try something new, I highly recommend this product!!

I totally love the lip chubby - and also the moisturizing foundation.

The cream eye shadow is amazing!!

Check out her website http://flowerbeauty.com - she has some wonderful product.

What to BLOG about…

2015-02-03T11:41:00.000-08:00

I am sitting here, looking at all of my pictures, trying desperately to figure out what the hell to blog about. But the overwhelming feeling is taking over. It's been too long since I have blogged and to start from the last time I blogged…well, I would be here for days with updates.

Blogging really needs to be more than random posts every nine months - what the hell is wrong with me. It's not like I don't have the time. Don't get me wrong, I will take playing with my kids - or binge netflix watching any day! But seriously! This is ridiculous. I mean, I want to journal my life, my kids, my thoughts and feelings. I should make time to do that! I need to learn to stick with something and just do it…RIGHT? RIGHT!

Well, I can only give it my best…and see what happens. Hopefully I can be more consistent.

For now, I will add a few favorite moments…

Love this girl so much, she works hard at everything she does. So proud of her.

My 38th birthday with the love my life. Love him.

This boy. What can I say? He is the most amazing, hilarious little boy I know, and he is mine!

One of my favorite things I have come across lately. Chatbooks!! Love these so much.

AVAH! My dancer.

Avah...7 years ago today. (Repost)

2014-05-07T06:18:00.002-07:00

Happy Birthday to this little amazing girl of mine!

Avah Louize Spinning is finally here. I started having contractions Saturday night when I got into bed, they were coming about every hour. Sunday we spent most of the day at my parents house. About 8 pm we went home, and they started to come every five minutes, when we got home, I got in the bath, and I only lasted about five minutes, the contractions started getting very intense. So we continued to get ready for the hospital. They were very consistent for an hour, and just seemed to get stronger and stronger, so Vin called the hospital, and they told me to come on up. When we arrived at the hospital they hooked me up to all the monitors and checked my dilation. I was only about a 2.5 I couldn't believe it wasn't more than that. Thank goodness they didn't sent me home. I was put on potassium (not sure of the spelling) to help get the contractions closer together. About an hour later I was checked again, and to a 3 so the nurse asked me if I wanted the epidural, there was no hesitation...I said YES!! (Note to all of those who have never given birth before and are about too, DO NOT EAT A BIG MEAL THE DAY YOU THINK YOU WILL DELIVER. - I was not good, threw up twice, poor Vinny he was such a trooper, so good with me. At about 12:30 Dr. Fowers came in (he is not our original doctor, Avah decided to choose a day when our doctor wouldn't be around) he broke my water and said that for a first time delivery it would most likely be a couple hours to get to 4cm and then it's usually 1cm every hour till you get to ten. So we all thought that Dr. Kirkman would actually be able to deliver her because he would be back on at 7:00 am. Little did we know. My sister was also there, so the three of us turned the light off and all tried to sleep. At a little after 2, I woke up and had a lot of pain in my back. The baby was moving a lot, and her heart rate kept dropping, so I was put on Oxygen for her. The pain wouldn't go away, and I was starting to feel pain down the left leg. The nurse checked me, and to all of our amazement I was already at a 7. I was able to get more medicine because it felt like I was feeling it ware off in my left side. At about 3:00 the pain in my back was getting worse, and it had only been twenty minutes since the nurse checked me, but she decided to check me again, and I was already at a ten. So I was obviously not a typical first time as far as having a long labor. Avah was ready to come out, the nurse started getting everything ready, and we started to do some pushing. It was pretty natural to me, which was surprising. I thought I wouldn't be able to do it. But she was so low, and her head was crowning. So the doctor was paged. My parents were called. I was so happy because my dad stayed and got to witness her being born. I know it meant so much to him. I started to feel a lot of pressure and wanted to push, but the nurse wouldn't let me anymore until the doctor got there. Vinny and I are convinced that the nurse was starting to get nervous that Dr. Fowers wasn't there yet. She kept saying to me, “Don't push, just breath thru it.” Finally the doctor got there, and about twenty minutes of pushing, she was here. Perfect and Amazing. She did so great, and I mush say, I think I did pretty good myself. It was honestly the most amazing thing I have ever been thru. It's so true that there is nothing like it, no words to describe it. You really don't know unless you have been thru it. I am so in love with my daughter, and can not believe that I am a mommy. I really can't believe that Vinny is a Daddy. I am seeing him in a completely different way, and falling completely in love with him all over again. He is so good with her, and just loves her so much. He already has promised her a pony and puppy, he says she will get whatever she wants. (UH OH, I think we are in trouble.) He was so good during the labor. I really couldn't have asked for anything better. So here are some pictures of her on her first day in the world, we will take more today, she is starting to puff out. So she is looking more like a baby!! I am just in love...

A Love for Dance...

2014-04-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Avah had her second dance competition. She dances with a new dance studio in the valley, The Edge. This is their second year in business (Avah's first year competing), this studio is AMAZING! They have had amazing accomplishments only being in their second year, and I am so proud to say that my little girl has been apart of this company. It is breaking my heart that we won't be able to be apart of it after this year. I only hope that when we move, we are able to find a dance studio that is as great as this one!! The owners of The Edge and sisters Jamie and Julie, and honestly they are truly amazing, talented, caring people. The love they have for dance and for these girls is truly incredible. It's been so fun to watch Avah grow as a person and as a dancer. I could not be happier with her first season of competition! I know we will truly miss this company, these coaches, and the other girls that Avah has made friendships with!!

The Edge took overall Grand Champions at this past weekends competition. It is a huge accomplishment!! Avah's team received Celebrity Star Superior in Hip Hop and Jazz, and a Celebrity Star in lyrical, and her Hip Hop received judges choice. The Edge Dance Company also got best Choreography!! It was such a fun day!!

Reagan and Avah

Avah doing a handstand - she is always in a handstand...parking lots, living rooms, stores, anywhere she can she does it!

My pretty girl!

The Edge Dance Company - Grand Champions!

A big SHOUT OUT to my SIS...on her BIRTHDAY!

2014-04-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

Today is my sisters birthday!! I hope she doesn't kill me for putting it out there, but I think she should totally embrace this birthday!! She is one of the most TALENTED, CARING, LOVING, FUN, FABULOUS, GORGEOUS, GRACIOUS, SPECTACULAR, AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL, FANTASTIC (I could go on and on) person I know. I am proud that she is my sister! I love her strength and courage, her loving heart and she is beautiful in and out. Jayme, you are the best sister, friend I could ever hope for. I think the world of you. I hope you have an amazing FABULOUS birthday!! Can't wait to give you the biggest hug every tomorrow!! LOVE YOU!!

40 NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD!!

Blogging, Easter 2014, and NON iPhone Pictures!

2014-04-21T13:10:00.001-07:00

It's been to long - I mean really, I can't even get a blog post in once a month, what is that about? I have let the simplicity of Facebook takeover blogging. Before Avah was born I used to blog all of the time, once she was born it was few and far between. Now it's non existent. I am the only thing that stands in my way of blogging about my life experiences, about my adorable family. I love reading my friends blogs, those who keep them updated, and I always think how great it will be for them one day when they can look back and remember all of the great things they did, all the great pictures of their family and adventures. Which brings me to the most important reason for my post today - I don't keep a journal, I take A LOT of pictures, mostly with my iPhone. My kids will be able to see them one day, but I will not always be around to tell them about the adventures behind them. So her I go (again) to try to be consistent with my blog - I am hoping I can find tips on how to keep it going. Blogging consistently is on my life changing list, so here it goes! Wish me luck!

Easter 2014 was a great one, even though Derek had his tonsils out, he was in great spirits!! I am grateful for the family I have, especially my husband, Avah and Derek...

Who doesn't love to fly a kite!

Derek Dominick - (and Mia in the window)

I'll have VEGETABLES with a little side of FRUIT please...

2013-06-12T11:17:00.002-07:00

That's what my menu has been for the past week. I went on a “only fruits and vegetable” diet for a week. Yes, you heard correct... ONE WEEK, 7 DAYS! I realize I am being a little dramatic, and when all said and done, it really wasn't so bad. Although one might ask my husband, he might have a different opinion.

Here is the thing, I have been consistently working out for over a year now, watching what I eat... not so much consistent. I do really well, then I go back to old habits. I cheat and tell myself it's ok. BUT it's not! So I was ready to try something new! It's so TRUE about the 80/20 crap! I say crap because I hate dieting, I hate watching what I eat, and I sometimes hate working out. BUT theres that BUT again... I HATE MORE THAN ANYTHING...BEING FAT! Yes, I look in the mirror and I see FAT!

Well, I am over it, I am over coming up with the excuses, I am over CHEATING on myself. I AM OVER IT!

Enter Jake: Jake is one of the most encouraging people I have ever meant when it comes to health and fitness. I have known him for over a year now, and he hasn't given up on me. I love that about Jake, he still pushes even though I look the same as I did when I meant him. I know I am stronger, I know I am a little more confident, and I know its mostly because of him. So Jake thru this little challenge at me, only eat fruits and veggies for a week, nothing else. (although he did allow me to keep my coffee, what a sweetheart, right?) So I decided on my own when I was going to start this. After spending four days in southern utah with my friends and family, hiking, and being in the heat, I knew when I got back, it was time.

So last Wednesday I started! I was excited, nervous, and most of all scared I was going to fail. Thank god I was scared, because that was what kept me from not giving up. It was probably one of the hardest things I have done. BUT I DID IT! I did it with not even one little cheat. I mean people, I didn't even lick my fingers after giving my kids a little stack of BBQ pringles. I was totally in control of the situation. Day 1 thru 4 wasn't so bad, I was my crankiest around 4:00-5:00 pm. Day 5, SUCKED, I mean a big giant F word sucked! But I pushed thru, Day 6, was good, and by Day 7, I was done, I wanted to be DONE, it pretty much sucked all day too! But can I just tell you when I woke up this morning, I was beyond proud of myself!! AND I didn't run downstairs and put the first cookie I could find in my mouth! I got up, got my water, went to workout, and I came home, and made me the best eggs I have ever tasted, with avocado of course...

Here is what I took away from this challenge:

1. I can do WHATEVER I want if I just put my mind to it, and tell myself I can do ANYTHING.

2. I NEED PROTEIN!

3. I didn't crave sweets, breads, pastas, rice... I am more satisfied with double the veggies then having the rice.

4. Water makes you feel full longer

5. Eat smaller portions more often - THIS REALLY WORKS PEOPLE

6. I lost four pounds - but in the end it wasn't really about losing the weight, it was about showing myself I have willpower and discipline to lose the fat AND eat clean.

7. I HAVE THE MOST WONDERFUL HUSBAND! Seriously, Vinny was amazing. He made every lunch and dinner that he was available to make for me. He was conscience about what he was eating in front of me, he put up with my bitchy moments. He new when to leave me alone, and when to distract me. He kept me moving, and encouraged me every second of the past week. He sees me, and sees how hard I worked and it has encouraged him to change his habits too, which in turn makes me want to keep going. So thanks Vin! I love you!!

So now what? Well, I continue to eat clean, but I get to add in protein, maybe a little dairy. You don't even know how excited I am for dinner tonight, I get to eat a piece of grilled chicken, with a side of veggies, and fruit for dessert!

Love this girl...

2013-05-01T10:35:00.001-07:00

Look at this beauty! I am in constant awe of this little girl... I can hardly believe she is going to be six in a week.

Avah and Callie

Oh, and I quit my job...I am officially a work at home/stay at home mom... more on that later!

My Thoughts & A Little Prayer…

2012-12-17T14:27:00.000-08:00

Over the past few days, I have been struggling with my world. This supposably amazing world that allows us to dream big, allows us to have the freedom of speech, to make our own choices, to raise our children to love thy neighbor. To go to school to learn and become doctors, engineers, lawyers...teachers. I am struggling because I (and I am sure I am no different than most mothers, fathers, grandmothers, friends, sisters, brothers) I am having a hard time comprehending what unfolded on Friday morning in Newtown, CT. I am struggling to find the right words to say, the right feelings to feel, the right time to cry. I am struggling to be okay with a god that can take 20 innocent children, who have only had BIG dreams and never got the chance to live them out. I am struggling.

I can't seem to stay away from the news reports, the pictures of the sweet little children and the six adults who lost their lives that day. I keep going back, I read, I watch, I cry. I hug my two children tighter. I read the thoughts, prayers, and poems people are posting on facebook. Some give me comfort, others upset me. I wish I could give every single one of those mothers a hug, I wouldn't even say anything, just a hug. From one mother to another, because I can't begin to comprehend the words that would need to be said, I am not sure there are any.

I don't live in Newtown, CT. I wasn't there. I didn't have a child that was in a school on lockdown on Friday. What I feel doesn't even come close to what those people of that town felt and are feeling. BUT I do have a kindergartner. A five year old who LOVES going to school, who loves her friends, who doesn't know anything of what happened on Friday. Because she hasn't asked, I haven't told. I can't bare to break her sweet little heart of the hate and evil in this world. I want her to still LOVE school, it's a safe place to her, it should be a safe place, Sandy Hook Elementary should have been a safe place. My five year old is what is going to help me not struggle so much with this, because for her my job as her mother is to make sure she does DREAM BIG! To make sure she is strong and sticks up for what SHE believes in, to make her own choices, and to love thy neighbor, to go to school, and one day become a doctor, an engineer, a lawyer or a teacher who would risk her life for her students, because that is how I raised her to be. I am blessed because I still have this right, this chance as her mother to be able to guide her to be all of those things. The mothers of those 20 beautiful children got that right taken from them on Friday morning. So I will continue to think of them, to prayer for them, to struggle with them, in hopes that someday it can hurt a little less, and regardless of what form of religion you believe in, they will see their darling little children one day once again.

Avah age 5 - Derek age 2

Dear Avah,

2012-10-25T15:44:00.004-07:00

This morning, you woke up around 8:30. I was sitting in my office, and I saw you out of the corner of my eye, my beautiful, blonde hair, blue eyed (sleepy) little girl.

You didn't say much to me, you didn't ask for daddy which is what you do most mornings you just wondered over to me, curled up on my lap and just sat there, completely content,
and you let me hold you.

It was probably only five minutes, but it was the best five minutes of my day.

I sat there, listening to you breathe, the sweet song playing in the background, and I thought about the day you were born, the first time you walked, the first time I heard you say mommy, the first time you grabbed for my hand first. I thought about how much LOVE you have for LIFE, how happy you are, how much you LOVE school, dancing, acting.

What an amazing big sister you are to your brother Derek,

and oh, the love you have for your daddy, it's something that just makes my heart melt.

I sat and held you, my five year old, who at that moment wasn't my big girl, you were my baby again, for five short minutes. But it's five short minutes I will cherish and remember always. It's rare I get moments like that with you.

See, you and I have a special relationship. I think we are a lot a like you and I, and I love that about us. BUT it causes us to argue a bit more than I would like at this age in your life. I try hard to pick my battles with you, because Avah, you are my very strong, dependent little girl. The spark you have in yourself is something I hope stays with you forever! I will do my best to make sure that spark never dies.

I love that you have the daddy you have. The two of you have the most extraordinary bond. It's something that I know you two will share for the rest of your life. You are a lot like daddy too, you get your smarty math skills from him, and you get your artistic, creative skills from me. So I absolutely have NO DOUBT that you will go far in life.

I can't wait to watch every moment of it, but for now, can you just stay my little five year old, that curls up on my lap and lets me hold her, even if it's for just five short minutes?

Love,

Mommy

song playing in the background @8:30 am - I won't give up, Jason Mraz

From now on, You bet I'll be in the picture…

2012-10-18T19:14:00.001-07:00

Ok! So I have admitted before on various occasions that I am a total social media junky! Obsessed with FB, Instagram, blogging, you name it, I am on it!! The other day a friend shared an article on FB, and it reminded me why I just love FB - yes sometimes it can be annoying, seeing posts from people about politics, religion etc. That totally drives me crazy, (don't tell anyone, but those people usually get hidden for the month of Oct - Election day!) Anyway - back to the matter at hand! My friend shared this article and let's be honest, anything that has to do with being a mom, I usually read - so I clicked on the article, and before I new it, I had a puddle of tears on my desk, and I looked like I had two black eyes from the mass of mascara running down my face. Before you keep reading, you should click on the this link and see what I am talking about!

You are totally bawling now, right? If you aren't, something is very wrong with you (or maybe you just aren't an overweight mommy that hates to be in pictures.) So here's the thing, I struggle with my weight, every since I had Avah, I have been the heaviest I have ever been in my life. I hate pictures, HATE them! Reading this article really put it in perspective for me. I don't want my kids to look back and wonder where I am in every picture. Why do they only have pictures with daddy, and why are there NO pictures of mommy and daddy together! It's just not going to happen! So I am done being self conscience about what I look like, I am done hating pictures of me that are with my kids, because the truth is, I do want my kids to see that I was apart of there lives, and that we had so much fun together! Besides, I know I want be this way forever, and my kids will be able to see how hard I worked to be a healthier, better, stronger mommy!! So here's to “The Mom that Stays in the Picture” and to my kids that I love so much! You make me what I am today, and I love you to bits and pieces!

9…

2012-10-11T19:36:00.001-07:00

NINE YEARS! Yup... that went super quick. I mean seriously...what the hell! It feels like yesterday I was getting ready to say “I do” for the first time, and the last. See I know I will always be with this man. He is the love of my life.

Sure we have our struggles, our fights, our makeups, but here is the thing about us... we always figure it out, we always come up stronger, we always, always forgive and move on. We try hard everyday! It's so worth it. I know the two of us will always keep trying, and work extra hard because we know both of us are worth it. I am so thankful for the life he has given me and continues to make it better! He has given me two beautiful, amazing children, and he is truly the most amazing dad! and if I am being honest, the MOST amazing husband. So basically what I am saying in this super short post of mine is...

I am a pretty lucky girl living in this world with this man and this life!!

Love you Vinny!

Aggie Football…

2012-09-30T09:01:00.000-07:00

We are HUGE USU Aggie fans around here, it's in our blood and we love game day! It was homecoming weekend and did it up in style…

1. Went to the homecoming parade.
2. Prepared for the “White Out”
3. Pictures on the “A”
4. Awesome Lunch with friends
5. A little shopping with my long time friend Jessi
6. Game Time!!

We had such fun weekend. It ended with a WIN! USU 35 UNLV 13!

Jessi and all of the kiddos (this girl knows how to do a parade!)

My cute brother Max - holding the little boys! Austin & Derek

Holy Cuteness!

Jack, Austin, Derek, Addison and Avah

Max and Jack

The Dowdy's

US!

GAME TIME…

Love this boy!

Avah Louize!

First ever WHITE OUT at Romney Stadium! It was awesome!

My cute girl!

Austin! (the sweetest boy!)

Forever Friends…

2012-09-30T08:08:00.000-07:00

I love friends! Especially friends that you've had since you were a child, who you were close with, and then not so much. But it doesn't really matter that you don't talk everyday, because when your together, nothing really changes! I have that kind of friend, and this weekend we were able to spend almost 24 hours together! Jessi and her ADORABLE and I am serious when I say ADORABLE family came to Logan this weekend to go to USU Homecoming game. We had a blast! The kids got to play, the adults got to hang out, talk and laugh, and we all got to watch some Awesome Aggie Football! It was a great weekend, and I think it needs to happen MORE often!

It really doesn't get any cuter than this! Derek, Austin, Addison and Avah

This is totally Jessi! She is one of the happiest, sweetest people I know!

Jack, Derek, Avah and Addison! (missing Austin)

My BFF!

The boys! Paul, Max and Vin

Derek Dom! (and cute Austin to the left)

Roasted Marsh mellows at a parade = GENIUS!

Thanks Dowdy family for coming up and playing with us! We just love you guys!

Sometimes I can ALMOST be a super-mom…

2012-09-28T15:16:00.001-07:00

…sometimes. I say almost because it's never 100%. I mean let's be honest, that is nearly impossible! Especially when I get up at 5:30 a.m. to go workout, (when I am not having organs being surgically removed from my body) come home, rush to get myself somewhat put together. Shuffle jammy dressed kids out the door just in time for me to get my ass sitting at my desk by 8:30! Work 7-8 hours, go pick up kids from the babysitter, make sure homework is done, get dinner on the table and then bedtime. Let me tell you a little secret...ready, bedtime sucks at our house. Both our kids hate going to sleep by themselves. So it's usually Vin with Avah and myself laying on the floor in Derek's room. On the rare occasion Derek would rather have his daddy, which is fine with me cause I would rather lay in a bed then on the floor! We really need to nip this in the behind. (but honestly, that's the last thing I want to do at night time is fight with kids to go to sleep on their own - so we complain, and hope it wont be an hour before we are out...and continue to do it. Probably because we love them so much!)

So back to me trying to be a super-mom. I wish this was easier to come by. Because all I would like in life right now is a clean home, happy kids, happy husband, and of course happy me. But being a working mom is taking a HUGE toll on that tiny little dream of mine. I love my job. Love the people I work with. HOWEVER! Sometimes I wonder if it's worth it, you know being a career woman and all! I think it's good for my kids to see it, and again I love what I do. BUT I really want to be an awesome mom. So yesterday in my midst of trying to be super-mom. In the four hours I had before I went to work, I managed to dust, vacuum, clean the kitchen, clean the living room, AND I even managed to get a few Halloween decorations out. did I mention that I also took two cute little girls to dance, and went grocery shopping with my very tired little boy too! Yup! That was me yesterday morning! So I was feeling pretty good, right up until I had to take my sweet little kids to daycare.

Here's the thing about daycare. WE HAVE THE BEST DAYCARE! I am not even kidding. I couldn't ask for a better place for my kids to be each day. Melissa is the sweetest, most caring person I know. She loves my kids like her own. She has the cutest family, and really I don't consider them as “the people who watch my kids” they are like family to me. My kids love it too! Derek probably the most. So generally Avah goes to school in the afternoons, but yesterday she didn't have school. When we got to Melissa's she was fine, until she realized she was staying and not going to school. Then came the water works! She was hysterical. So upset, and literally my heart started to break. If the crying alone wasn't enough. Through her sopped wet face, and huge breaths I hear “all I want to do is stay home with you, make pumpkin bread, and decorate for halloween.” YUP! Did you hear it too? My heart crumbled into a million pieces, and it took all I had not to fall to the ground and join her in her sob story! It was the absolute worst! Because I was now late for work, I had to gather up whatever was left of me and shut the door behind me to the sounds of her balling. So of course the next fifteen minutes I spent in the car was me crying just as hard as Avah. So much for thinking I had pulled off the super-mom card! UGH!

It's tough, I hope someday that I get to be there for my kids 100%. I am thankful I have a job, I am thankful I have a husband who works every single day to try to be better at his career, so he can make more money just so I can wear my cape and be a super-mom daily! Until then, you can bet that on Sunday my sweet little girl of mine will be in the kitchen making pumpkin bread and whatever else her little heart desires!

I have such good kids, while I clean they watch shows and color!

I was able to get a little halloween stuff out!

Her LOVE for gymnastics…

2012-09-09T13:30:00.001-07:00

The summer olympics brought out the inner gymnast in this little girl! We had her in gymnastics last year, but I wasn't happy with the company I put her in, so this year we took her to Altuis, it's so much better! There is more discipline and structure, and Avah loves it. She goes four hours a week (2 days, 2 hours), it's been really great for her!! I think she has a lot of potential of being a great little athlete! It's hard to know when to push and when to back off. She loves doing handstands, and does them whenever possible! I love that she understands that when you practice something, you will eventually be able to do it, perfect! Love her!!

Turning FIVE!

2012-09-09T10:35:00.000-07:00

This little girl is becoming quite the young little lady! I am so proud of her, and all of the things she is willing to try and accomplish, and can you believe that she is in Kindergarten! Seriously! I have a five year old that started kindergarten this year. It's unbelievable to me, how fast life goes.

We started off the summer with her 5th birthday party! We had a pajama's and pancake themed party! I have to say it was a success! The kids arrived in there pj's and had pancakes, read stories, got little blankets as party favors, it was a blast!! A perfect way to start her 5th year of this amazing life!

not a very good pic, but this is her invite!

Cute, cute Archer!

fruit loop necklaces!

fleece blankets for the guests

story time by Miss Reagan

all the cute party guests!! what a fun group of kids!

Blowing out the candles

Make a wish, my sweet girl.

center pieces!

Busy Summer…

2012-09-09T09:53:00.001-07:00

…very busy! Honestly I can't believe how fast the summer went! It was fun, busy, and HOT! Actually even though we are getting into my favorite time of year, it's still pretty hot, today 9.9.12 it's supposed to get in the 90's. I need my sweater weather!! Where are you?

We did a lot of fun things this summer, went to the dam and the lake, had a lot of BBQ's with friends and family, we even headed to Idaho and went to our first barn dance! We ended the summer (and start to fall) with a fun trip to the zoo!

Lots of fun playing in the sand and water!!

We love baseball (and really all sports) in this family!

Barn Dance, it was a lot of fun! I think we would totally do it again!

Hogle Zoo! Sept. 2012!

More Wedding Pictures…

2012-05-07T10:25:00.000-07:00

A few more pics... (and more to come)

Aunt Mary Lyn, Aunt Kim, and Grandpa Doc

Hayden (in stroller) Sister Cousin JJ, Sister Cousin Maggie, Uncle Mike, Sister Cousin Annie

Uncle Johnny and his youngest son Josh

Brittany and Jason!

A Wedding…

2012-05-07T10:22:00.000-07:00

How stunning is she…

Cutest Couple…

My extremely talented mom made Brittany's Dress. It was absolutely beautiful.

My amazing cousin Brittany got married this past Saturday! It was the most perfect day, and she was the most stunning looking bride I have ever seen. She looked beautiful. I couldn't be happier for her and her darling husband Jason. They make the cutest couple, and I just know they are going to have a wonderful life together, I am so blessed to have witnessed and been apart of such an amazing day for two amazing people! Here are a few pics... more from the luncheon and reception to come…

Look at my adorable kids... (very happy I was able to finish Avah's dress in time, thank goodness for my Aunt Kim and my mom's help. I wouldn't have got it done if it wasn't for them)

My beautiful sister Jayme and her adorable little girl Sophie (Jayme made Sophie's dress, it turned out so cute!)

Mother of the bride… My Aunt Wendy. I just love her.

My AWESOME Uncle Johnny - Father of the bride!

My amazing brother Max and his son Jack...

From left to right - Cali, Derek, Cole, Avah and Jack.

A little princess…

2012-04-16T12:03:00.000-07:00

Today was a special day, one to remember. I was cleaning up my bedroom, unpacking boxes, and Avah was hanging out with me. We came across my tiara that I wore on my wedding day, and immediately Avah grabbed it out of my hands and said “Mom, OH MY HECK! This is beautiful, what is it for”? So I told her that I wore that on my wedding day. “When you married daddy?” me, “Yes love, when I married your daddy.” Totally laughing inside. So then she asked if I would put it on her. So of course I found some bobby pins and I pinned them into her head. The conversation continued, asking me what else I wore that day. “Did you have earrings”? So I scrambled through my jewelry box, and pulled out the earrings and the necklace. She was so excited. She ran downstairs to show Vinny. Five minutes later she came running up stairs... “Mom, mom, I can't find the book with your pictures on your wedding day.” “Why do you need to see the pictures Avah”? “Well, I need to make sure we aren't missing anything else...” So we found a picture, and she noticed that she didn't have the veil, so out to the garage we went, looking in box after box to find that veil. Thank goodness we did because I would have had one unhappy little girl.

Once she had everything on her head, she says to me. “Well, do you have your wedding dress still”? I said I did, and she asked if I would show her, so of course without hesitation out came my wedding dress. Her eyes lit up and she was totally in awe! She said to me, “Mommy, it's like what a princess would wear...” the absolute cutest thing she could ever say at that moment. Because isn't that exactly what you are supposed to feel like on your wedding day? A princess?

While this is all happening I am constantly thinking about something that I had pinned awhile back on Pinterest... (and yes I am totally addicted to pinning!) The pin was “take a picture of your daughter in your wedding dress, and bring it back out on her wedding day” so yes, this is exactly what I was about to do. The first few pictures we took, she was just wearing the earrings, veil, and necklace... then I had to put the dress on her, and she didn't fight it one bit. To say the least it was one of my most memorable days with my little girl to date! So glad I captured it. Enjoy the pictures of this beautiful little princess...

note: I started writing this post on Sunday evening, April 14, 2012 - Published Monday April 15, 2012

Starting New…

2012-04-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

A lot has changed in our life these past few months. I have really wanted to get back into blogging and documenting our lives, so I figured with all of the changes in our lives, now was the perfect time to start a new blog.

The biggest change for our little family of four has been buying our first home. This was HUGE for Vinny and I. We have worked so hard to get to this point in our married life. It has been tough, through all the saving, paying things off, fighting... every minute has been worth it. We closed on March 8, 2012. It was one of the best days of our lives to date. We found (what I like to call) our “affordable” dream home. It is PERFECT for our family. We have loved doing little projects here and there to make this house our home. I am learning that it is ok not have to have every inch of our home perfect right away, and with planning and saving we will do a little at a time. It's been so much fun, and I look forward to decorating, painting, organizing and making this our perfect house.

It's been so long since I have blogged a lot of things have happened in our lives, hopefully I will find time to catch up on them... another big change was Vinny getting a new job. He worked so HARD to get this position, and the work paid off. He is the Product Marketing Manger over sporting goods and playground equipment. The biggest thing we have had to adapt to is Vinny having to work out of the valley. It's been a change for all of us, but I think we adapted pretty well, and it's been really good for Vinny to find a job that he LOVES the commute is tough, but he is making the best of it. Which is what we are both trying to do with anything that is not “ideal” in our lives.

So those are just TWO of the big changes that have happened to our little family of four... and here are a few pics of our house... our “AFFORDABLE DREAM HOME” enjoy…(inside pictures coming soon)

Avah and Derek (April 15, 2012)