JAMS Madness

Oh and PS

2011-09-08T14:28:00.001-07:00

Yes Tara and MK, that is my swagger wagon in the background. Whoop! Whoop!

Mia's First Day of School

2011-09-08T09:45:00.000-07:00

Walking into the house

She picked out her backpack all by herself

It's bigger than she is but that was the one she wanted

Love her!

I'm freaking out! I can't believe Mia is old enough for preschool. Uh, where has the time gone?

She is the cutest preschool going girl ever! I love her and am so proud that she can go. She's a little younger than the cut off age but the teacher loves her...and me...;) so we got in early. She did great. She was a bit hesitant and clung to me for a few minutes and then jumped right in there and started participating. I freaking love that kid!!

FOOD

2011-07-23T12:36:00.001-07:00

Baked Zucchini Fries

Baked Chipotle Taquitos

Spicy Honey Chicken YUM!

Bacon Wrapped Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Brazilian Lemonade...for the hubby

(All these pictures are from Our Best Bites)

I've finally gotten my love for cooking back. I don't know what my deal was but I just did not want to cook. Smells, handling meats, the clean-up...that's what she said! HA! Sorry mom! They all bothered me. But I've finally bucked up and the last few weeks have been filled with delicious food. Old recipes, new recipes. Our house is the place to be around 6pm. I'm not boasting at all...I give all credit to my mom for teaching me how to follow a recipe and Our Best Bites They have some of the best dishes I've ever had. Good, clean flavorful food. Yum. These have been some of our favorites so far.

All Sorts of Random

2011-07-21T21:37:00.000-07:00

Shane's 1st birthday...all tuckered out with Uncle Clint

PUNK! She ate the tops off of at least 6 cupcakes. And my dad just sat there laughing and watched her do it. He's a punk too!

One of my favorite pictures of Sheena. This shows her personality perfectly!

It was a sports party...basketball cupcakes

Baseball and Football cupcakes.

These took some time for sure but they turned out cute.

Swimming, strawberries and a corn dog; loving life!

Mia and her newest cousin, Peyton

Relaxin and snugglin to a movie

2011 Hoopfest champs! Whoop! Whoop!

4th of July. "Bubbers" (that's what Mia calls him) was tired

Brad and Kendall with Landon, Kailyn, Dominic and Mia

The fam

Chattin away

Aaron and Peyton

His first popsicle. He was on cloud 9...till it was gone.

These videos are hilarious. Take the time to watch them. My boy is a dancer! I love it. He's so awesome!!!

Stuffed Pizza Rolls

2011-07-18T18:44:00.000-07:00

Our Best Bites

Made these little gems for dinner tonight. Oh my amazing. I'll never eat frozen pizza rolls again. Mia and Shane scarfed theirs. Our Best Bites has some of the most delicious food. My mother in law bought me their cookbook for Mother's Day and I've made something out of it for almost the last week straight. So good!!

“Do it” Switch

2011-06-09T21:38:00.000-07:00

My Elder's Quorum President challenged a handful of us to read the scriptures every day this week and post our thoughts to the Elder's Quorum Blog. Here is my entry:

My thoughts come from the talk by Elder Uchtdorf in the April 2011 Priesthood Conference entitled, "Your Potential, Your Privilege".

I was actually impressed to listen to this talk in the weeks leading up to this challenge. I have listened to Elder Uchtdorf’s talk probably 5-6 times in the past few weeks. It is inspiring. As I prepared for this blog post I wondered why this talk continued to return to my mind? I listened to it again tonight and asked the Spirit to guide my thoughts. I soon determined that my “do it” switch has been set to "later" for the last couple months, if not years. I am not living up to my potential as a holder of the Priesthood.

“The words written in the scriptures and spoken in general conference are for us to “liken them unto [ourselves],”not for reading or hearing only.Too often we attend meetings and nod our heads; we might even smile knowingly and agree. We jot down some action points, and we may say to ourselves, “That is something I will do.” But somewhere between the hearing, the writing of a reminder on our smartphone, and the actual doing, our “do it” switch gets rotated to the “later” position. Brethren, let’s make sure to set our “do it” switch always to the “now” position!”

The Bishopric visited our home almost 3 years ago and Bishop Barker was inspired to have us “Do More” in the ward and in our lives. This photo hangs in our hall way to remind us to follow that counsel.

With all of these reminders, why am I not doing the things I need to do on a daily basis? I need to DO MORE! President Uchtdorf answered my question by challenging us to “study the owner’s manual” by rereading sections 20, 84, 107, and 121 of the Doctrine and Covenants. These scriptures outline the Priesthood, A Priesthood of Service, A Priesthood of Humility.

“Brethren, we are faced with a choice. We can be satisfied with a diminished experience as priesthood bearers and settle for experiences far below our privileges. Or we can partake of an abundant feast of spiritual opportunity and universal priesthood blessings.” President Uchtdorf

The Priesthood is an action word. It is my only hope that I can take Bishop Barker and President Uchtdorf’s counsel and live up to my potential to DO MORE.

I Want This

2011-03-31T15:18:00.000-07:00

Sew Kind of Wonderful is having a giveaway for this darling square. I know her through church and she is incredibly talented! She makes some of the most amazing quilts I've ever seen. I think I want to ask her if she can make me one for my bed but I can't decide what colors I want for my room. We'll see...it's a big project. Anyway, check her out. You won't be disappointed!

NO MORE

2011-03-24T13:54:00.000-07:00

Credit card debt!!! Whoop! Whoop!

I NEED This...

2011-03-07T23:25:00.000-08:00

Please be in the home I buy someday.

Compilation

2011-03-04T21:25:00.001-08:00

Just a compilation of things that have happened over the past weeks. P.S. is it just me or is EVERYONE pregnant right now? Random thought.

Goofy but I love this little face

We went to the zoo with my sisters yesterday. SO fun!

Shane is no sissy with a pink blanket but it was super cold and started raining so he used Mia's

(L to R) Cami, Carly, Mia, Kendall, Kailyn, Dominic, Sabrina

Love these people

Landon...stud

Me and my sweetheart. Weird picture of me.

My beautiful daughter

Dominic chillin with one leg up

My kids love their aunties

Snow day!

It's Been A Good Week For Food

2011-02-21T17:00:00.000-08:00

I have kind of been out of touch with cooking lately. I feel like I just haven't had anything exciting to make. I get in a rut of the same things over and over and then I quit cooking. I hate it because I love to cook and love trying new recipes. Or sometimes I just don't want to cook. Does that ever happen to you? I hope I'm not the only one who just gets lazy sometimes. That'd be embarrassing...especially after admitting it to you. Ha!

Well last week we had some pretty good food on the menu. Tasty stuff I tell ya!

Hmmm...Spaghetti!

Not to be conceited, but I make the best spaghetti sauce ever!

Chocolate Chip Cookies for Sunday night games with Brett and Katie

Sheena watched the kids last week so I could go to the temple and she's pretty healthy so I made this 'Fruit Pizza'...so good!

Baked tortillas with cinnamon sugar topped with sour cream/whipped cream mixture and some strawberries and raspberries. YUM! A little grated chocolate on top because I'm a Jasperson!

Our Valentine's Day dinner. For the last 3 years, since we've been married, we have had Valentine's dinner with Brett and Katie. Brett made his famous Chicken Alfredo. Such a great meal. The boys cooked for us...just like every year. Thanks guys. It was delicious!

The Invention of Lying

2011-02-19T23:27:00.000-08:00

::WARNING:: Strongly opinionated/kinda mushy post

WORST MOVIE EVER!! In my humble but LOUD opinion, don't see this movie! It was totally offensive and so awful. We couldn't even finish it! What a horrible message to send to the world. It makes me nervous for my children. They will have to deal with such powerful temptations and listen to garbage and have to decide for themselves what is true and what isn't. My only comfort is that Johnny and I have the tools to teach them what is right and about the gospel. To instill in them our strong beliefs about Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ. I have always been so afraid to let anyone know my true beliefs for fear of not being accepted. Watching part of this movie, it's like something sparked in me. I NEED people...(my family, CHILDREN, myself) to know that is what I believe and I make constant efforts to live my life in accordance with that. I can only pray that my children will be on the other side, strong in their beliefs in the gospel and strive daily to do what is right. I love my children so much, words can't explain. I want them to grow up knowing and never doubting their beliefs in our religion, because I did. I had a lot of doubts and disbelief. It was difficult and unsettling. I want their lives to be more grounded than mine because they will have something strong to hold on to, always.

I'm not sure where this came from. But because I use this blog as a journal for my children to have one day, I want them to know this. NEVER stray kiddies. Real steep hills await you there. Trust me! Mom knows best!

What the What?!

2011-02-18T15:01:00.000-08:00

I put Mia down for a nap a little bit ago and walked outside with Shane to talk to Johnny for a minute and as we were chatting Johnny's phone rang and it was my ring tone. We looked at each other funny and Johnny asked me if I had my phone and I told him no. Johnny answered and said hello? To which he heard a sweet little voice say,

Mia: "Hi Daddy! What happened to Snow White? She ate the apple. What happened to the which? She breakin on the rock."

Johnny: "Mia, hi! What are you doing?"

Mia: Pushing buttons

Johnny and I were laughing so hard. We went inside and found her on the couch with my magazine open, looking like she was reading and chatting. She didn't call anyone else. And Johnny wasn't even the last person I called. So funny that she dialed him and totally chatted with him...when she should have been sleeping!! Little stinker.

She keeps us so entertained and we love her so much. Mia, you are hilarious. Dad and I are so happy to be your parents and think you are the cutest, sweetest, funniest most darling little girl! WE LOVE YOU!!!!!

Lots of Posts Today

2011-02-14T17:32:00.001-08:00

I need some good book recommendations. My brain feels mushy lately and I feel like I need to exercise it. What better than reading? I can't just read anything though. I'm not a reader so it has to be REALLY good for me to get into it. The only series I have read are Twilight and Confessions of a Shopaholic, which I loved!!! I don't think I'm picky about books, I just think they need to be great for me to continue reading, probably like you...right? What do you have for me? Don't hold back! Thanks!

Hair Cut

2011-02-14T17:19:00.000-08:00

Random but I caught her sleeping like this last night. Funny.

Watching a movie yesterday

My daughter has a bob. I love her. She wasn't sure what to think. She had all eyes on her and I don't think she liked it. She was pretty shy.

She looks weird here. She's usually MUCH cuter.

Aunt Carly was THRILLED to finally be cutting Mia's hair!

We pumped Mia full of candy so she would stand still. She did great. Although she is still asking for candy...2 hours later. Oops!

My family finally convinced me to cut Mia's hair. It was always in her face and so annoying. She won't ever leave her hair alone when I put it up, so this was the best solution...bangs! I'm still getting used it...I think the cut is super cute, but it makes her look old and I DO NOT like that. She doesn't look like my little baby anymore. I'm sad about it.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T16:52:00.000-08:00

Johnny got me...Valentine blanket, weights, (I've been using cans of soup...hell) super huge exercise ball...it's probably more for him, but I like it too! And these dice that say rub my back on them. I ask for back rubs all the time! HA!

My favorite color is purple so he came home with these flowers for me and that balloon in the other picture.

I LOVE MY HUSBAND!!!!

Johnny and I decided, like ALL holidays to celebrate a little early. My parents took Mia and Johnny's took Shane for a sleepover on Friday so we could have a special date. Johnny took me on a surprise date to Salish Lodge (our honeymoon spot) for dinner. Our meal was incredibly delicious. I'm counting the days until I can return there! First course: Johnny had some prawns served on this really yummy potato puree. I had a Washington Apple and Hazelnut Bisque. They brought out my bowl with 3 dots of balsamic vinegar, Parmesan cheese, and some sort of cream, and in the center was a potato puree with greens on it; they brought out a cute little tin with steam coming out of it and poured the apple hazelnut bisque over the bowl. It was incredible. The smell itself made me want to lick the air. AMAZING. Main course: We both had 'Beef of Tenderloin' as they called it. Served with vegetables and the best potatoes you will ever eat in your lives. Ever heard of the dessert Better Than Sex? That's what this dinner was! Every single part of it. Even their bread and butter was delicious...the butter had sea salt on it. YUM! Dessert was an orange creamsicle served with ice cream, whipped cream, an amaretto cookie and an herb sea foam. So good!! If you ever have a chance to go there, DO! You will not be disappointed.

After dinner we came home and changed into some sweats, went to Target so Johnny could buy me the watch that I had been wanting and then went and saw The Dilemma...with Vince Vaughn and Kevin James. We loved it. The fight scene made the movie for us. Hilarious!

I got to sleep in the next day while Johnny cooked me some bacon, eggs and toast. He makes the best breakfast.

It was such a great Valentine celebration. It made me all giddy like I was when we were dating. I will remember this forever. Johnny is a romantic at heart and out did himself this year for me. I don't require much so this date was perfect for me!

I didn't get any pictures of Johny's gifts, but I got him some reversible basketball jerseys, a duffle bag for all his basketball stuff and I washed and cleaned out his car for him.

There Are Few Things

2011-02-09T23:23:00.000-08:00

::WARNING::MUSHY POST!

...I love more in this world than cuddling my sweet little boy to sleep. It doesn't happen very often anymore since he has been sleeping in his own bed in his own room. Plus, Mia was never a cuddly baby after the age of 6 weeks, so we eat it up around here! When Shane was younger, Johnny or I would get to cuddle him to sleep every night. We would lay on our bed and cuddle Shane up on his side; he would spoon us. Shane, you're the best spooner. Can I say that about my 8 month old son? Well all you mothers know what I'm saying and how I feel. I love him so much. Had to write it down so I wouldn't forget this feeling. I am SO filled with joy that Shane is my son and I get him forever!

BTW, did you know he is 8 months old now? What the what? Time flew by for me and I'm just not ready for him to be this old. Mia stayed my baby forever...guess you can't have of them in a row. 8 MONTHS! Freak!

Jump Planet

2011-02-08T10:17:00.000-08:00

After D got used to it...SO cute!

I won't lie, I had as much fun as Mia!

First slide experience...not super thrilled

Family slide

First and last slide for Shane. Solo at least. Aaron had a blast too. He went crazy in one of them, with a basketball hoop. It was hilarious.

Yesterday we met Aaron and Sabrina at Jump Planet in Bothell for a little FHE activity. Dominic wasn't quite sure at first but quickly grew to love it! He was so cute. Johnny and I had a bright idea to put Shane down a slide by himself...dumb parenting moment! He freaked. He wouldn't let either of us put him down after that, he freaked every time. Sad but kinda cute with his death grip. Mia, as always, had a blast. She loves that place. She is not afraid of anything. She was going down slides backwards and upside down. She was such a daredevil.

Jeans Party

2011-01-26T23:21:00.000-08:00

I just had a jeans party tonight and it was freaking awesome! Classic Alli forgot to take pictures...I even set my camera out. Dumb, right? My girlfriend, Talise, is a consultant at Vault Denim. They're designer jeans for super cheap. Since I was the host I got 15% off and I ended up with 2 pairs of jeans for $59! Whoop! Whoop! My couch, tables and fireplace were covered with jeans! I was in heaven! Talise was so great too! I can't wait to have another one...maybe after a few more lbs are lost.

A Lot Has Happened

2010-09-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

The Dora doll she HAD to have

Do the Puyallup!

She's crying if you can't tell

Not quite sure what to think yet

And then it started and she loved it!

She's really in to lining things up right now

She loves hanging in Shane's car seat

Newborn pics

3 weeks old

Pigtails! Finally!

I played a pickup game and they wore pink for their jerseys. Who wears pink for any sport? Gay.

Shane's Blessing Day and my birthday

Chelan baby!

Since my last post. I gave birth to our studly baby boy in June. Shane Russell was 9lbs. 3oz. 21 1/4 inches long. He had jet black hair and lots of it! He has huge hands and a long body. He is now 3 1/2 months old and a joy in our home. He has rolled over 4 times and is starting to scoot on his tummy. He is a very large boy and does not look like a 3 month old. We love him so much and are super blessed to have him in our family!

Mia is almost 2 years old!! I can't believe how big she's gotten in size and maturity. Her personality is growing like crazy and it's so fun to be with her all the time...most of the time. :) She has recently started talking and she is quite the chatter box. She has learned how to climb out of her crib, well I guess it's more like drop out of her crib. She's never been very light on her feet. I love her more everyday and love watching her change and grow and explore. She is definitely an explorer!

I have recovered from Shane's birth well. I have 15 pounds to go and now that I've realized that, I'm going to start doing something about it!!! Paula Abdul, you and I are going to be real good buds for a while starting at 6am tomorrow morning! Oh yes, it will happen because I said it publicly and I know someone will ask me if I did it! Probably Johnny! Ha! Having 2 kids is pretty crazy sometimes but I think I have finally mastered how to divide my attention according to my kids' needs. Every once in awhile days will go by and I'll think to myself 'what just happened the last few days?' No answers come to mind. Yikes, right? I look at my house and wonder if a tornado hit while I was sleeping. Seriously looks like a bomb went off sometimes. Luckily I have a husband helps out around the house a lot! And yes, I am getting better, but just so you know, 2 kids=50 messes, 1 toddler=10 messes an hour alone! Freak!! I love being a mom to Mia and Shane and a wife to Johnny. I have no time to myself and can't go a day without getting spit up on, jumped on, laughed at, cried at, whined at (Johnny ;)!), teased with, played with, hugged, kissed, told no, called mom, asked to sing Itsy Bitsy Spider, cleaning, making food, making bottles, cuddling, wrestling, giggling, CHANGING DIAPERS, holding hands, refereeing Mia and Shane's interactions, rocking Shane, praying for patience!! and LOVING THE CRAP OUT OF MY FAMILY AND MY LIFE!!!!!

Johnny has been working like crazy. He is so busy right now that he suggested I take a vacation to Texas for a few weeks to hang with my sister. Ha! I know, you don't believe me if you know Johnny, but it happened! He is really stepping up with our new addition, which brings more $$$ and providing for me and our kids. We are playing in a co-ed softball league and we love it. We have so much fun with it! He has been playing basketball and keeping up with 3 fantasy football leagues. That is super serious in our house and not to be made light of...fantasy football.

Johnny has all the pictures of Shane because I lost my camera for a bit after he was born. We're not bad people, we take pictures of Shane too.

My Mother's Day

2010-05-10T17:12:00.001-07:00

Was super great. Church was wonderful. Mia was an angel...after church of course...isn't that always the case?! We spent Saturday with my mom at ZTejas and yesterday with Johnny's mom at their house. Johnny cooked me a steak dinner with a baked potato, corn on the cobb, baked beans and fruit. It was so amazing. Pregnant Alli is a fan of all of that! :)

After dinner with John, Janell and Sheena, we went outside and hung out on the hammock for a bit. Mia was in a blissful state...

After that, Janell and Sheena took Mia inside and Johnny and I shot my shot gun that he got me for Christmas for the first time. It was awesome! Break into my house, I dare you!

Mother's Day

2010-05-10T16:41:00.001-07:00

Happy belated Mother's Day to all you wonderful mommies! I have such an appreciation for moms. I remember last Mother's Day thinking to myself, when Mia was only 5 months old, "what's all the fuss about?" Mia was such an easy baby! She never cried, slept a lot and ate everything in sight. She was awesome! This Mother's Day as I reflect back on the year and a half of being one, I realize that it is a much trickier job than I though last year! :)

Although Mia is an amazing daughter and she really is a great kid, motherhood is hard. My mom always tells me when I'm frustrated with Mia how sheltered and lucky I am because she is so great! I'm just saying that you could have given birth to an angel and it would still be difficult.

My mom is, in the nicest way and form possible, a freak of nature for having 7 all within 2 years of each other. She to me is the perfect example of a selfless, caring, giving, loving, nurturing person. All the while with 7 kids, maintaining such a strong spirit and upholding her role as a righteous member of the church. For me, at times, I get so caught up and busy that it seems it has to be one or the other. My mom proves me wrong. Not only is she an active member of the church and a mother of 7, she is an amazing wife, the funnest grandma, the best shopper, a fashion icon in Redmond and other surrounding cities, a real beauty, a phenomenal dancer, a loving person and my personal favorite, she's a freakin hoot!! (Funny)

I am so grateful for Leanne Fife Jasperson and her influence in my life and our friendship. It is unwavering and always there. I love you so much mom!

Potty Training

2010-04-26T12:53:00.000-07:00

Any suggestions on potty training your daughter? I keep hearing stories of people potty training their kids at such a young age...any tricks I should know?

Mary Kathryn, Tara, Kendall??? Hook me up!

Catch Up

2010-04-26T11:30:00.001-07:00

Don't judge me! I'm pregnant and I'm not super...here are some things that have happened in the last few months. One including a surprise shower that my mom and sister threw for me a few weeks ago. Can you believe I didn't get one picture. I'm super bugged about it. Let me describe to you, in detail, the event and those leading up to it!

Thursday: The day after my dad's birthday...Johnny and my dad had plans for an awesome craw fish boil. (a gift from my oldest sister Tara) None of us girls were going to eat that so it was just the two of them. We were going to play rock band and hang all night. That was the plan! Thursday afternoon, mom calls and says, "bad news, the craw fish won't be here until tomorrow, but dad wants to go to Claim Jumper tonight for his birthday celebration and you guys can come over tomorrow for the craw fish boil. (i made dad a carrot cake, his favorite, that day and I couldn't wait a day or it would be gross) so we were forced to go. I was hesitant because my dad had been on vacation all week and I had been there every day that week and I was getting tired of the drive and my house was slowly being neglected of some serious cleaning. My daughter had been strung out because bedtime was no longer 8:30...it had turned into 11 and 12 all week! Yikes. Again, don't judge! :) So I broke the news to Johnny and he was devastated! He wanted his boil. He hadn't eaten all day to prepare for his feast with my dad. (yeah, devastated my butt!...just wait) The day was dragging on and I was getting bored so I called my mom and asked if we could come over earlier to play rock band, (i'm super good at the drums!) and she told me "let me talk to dad!" I was super bummed. I'm pregnant and I cried. I was so hurt that she wouldn't just say "heck yes!" Like she usually does. It was devastating! So I go cry to Johnny and he tells me not to worry about it because he had a lot of work to do before we could leave anyway.

We're on our way and mom tells me to meet us at Claim Jumper and I told her I would drop the cake off at the house and then be right there. She was a little weird about it but I didn't think too much about it. We pull into the driveway and Johnny was like. "i'll take it in!" Weird because I usually do the running in of things. I told him no because if the kitchen was to warm I would need to put it by the window so the frosting wouldn't melt and he was VERY persistent, so I went with it.

Dad met Johnny at the door and took the cake. He had his JACKET ON! I rolled down the window and he said "cami just woke up so we'll be right behind you." I thought how silly for us to take 3 cars since Carly and mom were already there so I said "why don't you just hop in with us?" and Johnny practically yelled at me saying "NO! Let them do their thing!" Insert almost crying for the second time that day...harsh Johnny. Dad quickly replied and said "i just want to take my truck."

So we left. One of us feeling very ganged up on and a little sensitive about being yelled at by her husband. I just kept thinking it was so uncalled for. HA!

We got to Claim Jumper and Carly was in the lobby. "We're sitting back here, come on."

As we're walking back all I can see is mom's little head bobbling back and forth peering at me. As we walk a little further, I see two empty tables, thinking we're obviously sitting there, and a huge table with a bunch of people and all I could think was how oddly close my mother was standing to them. I didn't even look at the table but I saw my mom's face with a huge grin and then "SURPRISE!"

I looked at the people that my mom was standing too close to and they were all my friends! My mom slowly moves to the side and behind her sat my oldest sister Tara and her son Tyson who live in Texas!!!!! She came all the way just for my surprise baby shower. I immediately started crying and hugged my sisters and mom for the start to what I knew was going to be a PERFECT evening. And it was!

We had dessert and gifts and lots of conversation. It was better than anything I could have thought up in my head! Thank you mom and Carly for putting on such a perfect shower. Thank you Tara for making it even more perfect by being there!

Now to the pictures...

Driving home from Oregon...We went to see Johnny's grandma in Eugene and stopped to see a client of ours in Portland.

We went to a pizza place and they had a play area. Super fun for Mia. I was freaking out the whole time thinking how dirty it was! I know, I'm no fun!

She loved it though.

Grandma took Mia and "Chuck" shopping at Penny's blowout sale. She needed a break from walking...more like we needed a break from chasing her down! Haha!

Mia and Great Grandma Val

Karen and I got together for a play date with our girls last week. Her little Maddie is SO freakin darling!

Mia and dad getting ready to for the MS walk

Mia and gramps throwing rocks into the water

She was ready to walk right into that water

She loves to swing these days

Clean and sparkling after her bath

Uncle Blake came to visit and Mia fell in love with him instantly!

Back rub from dad...mom needs to be in that spot!

Yard work with dad

She wouldn't let him do anything! She had to be right there! It was awesome to watch! Haha!

I tried to put her hair into a ponytail. She has a freaking mullet and I hate it!

Cheese! With breakfast all over her face! (Oranges)

Yea!

2010-04-01T12:58:00.000-07:00

I have my computer back! You have no idea how naked I felt without it. It was devastating for me...and Johnny. I had to kick him off his computer a few times! Pictures are coming soon. I promise!

This is AWESOME!!!

2010-03-22T16:40:00.000-07:00

My father-in-law sent me this email today...Johnny bought me a shotgun for Christmas and some haven't agreed with me having a gun...do you now? I aspire to be like Patricia! :)

Shotgun preteen vs. Illegal alien Home Invaders:

Butte, Montana November 5, 2007

Two illegal aliens, Ralphel Resindez, 23, and Enrico Garza, 26, probably believed they would easily overpower home-alone 11 year old Patricia Harrington after her father had left their two-story home.

It seems the two crooks never learned two things: they were in Montana and Patricia had been a clay shooting champion since she was nine.

Patricia was in her upstairs room when the two men broke through the front door of the house. She quickly ran to her father's room and grabbed his 12 gauge Mossberg 500 shotgun.

Resindez was the first to get up to the second floor only to be the first to catch a near point blank blast of buckshot from the 11-year-old's knee crouch aim. He suffered fatal wounds to his abdomen and genitals.

When Garza ran to the foot of the stairs, he took a blast to the left shoulder and staggered out into the street where he bled to death before medical help could arrive.

It was found out later that Resindez was armed with a stolen 45 caliber handgun he took from another home invasion robbery. That victim, 50-year-old David 0Burien, was not so lucky. He died from stab wounds to the chest.

Ever wonder why good stuff never makes NBC, CBS, PBS, MSNBC, CNN, or ABC news........an 11 year old girl, properly trained, defended her home, and herself......against two murderous, illegal immigrants......and she wins,

She is still alive.

Now that is Gun Control !

Thought for the day:

Calling an illegal alien an 'undocumented immigrant' is like calling a drug dealer an 'unlicensed pharmacist'

I like this kind of e-mail. American citizens defending themselves and their homes.

HAVE A GREAT DAY

Virus

2010-03-18T13:24:00.001-07:00

My computer has a serious virus...which is why I haven't posted anything. I have some cute pictures but I can't put them on my computer until it's fixed.
Johnny and I started Dave Ramsey's "Total Money Makeover" this month. I read his book and it said as soon as you start, something will happen that you weren't planning for and it will cause you to have to re-work your budget. To fix my computer will likely cost a couple hundred dollars. It won't break our bank, but it definitely sets us back from achieving our ultimate goal. Bummer, huh?!
I am so excited about this "makeover". Johnny and I have some awesome goals set and want to be financially fit now and later. "Live like no one else now so you CAN live like no one else later". We're ready to be frugal and smart with our money after two years of letting our money control us!
Thanks for all the support some of you have given! It's helped in my moments of weakness!
Anyway, sorry about the pictures...you can check Johnny's Facebook for pictures if you want. He's always posting pictures of Mia.
And if any of you have any awesome boy name suggestions, we would love to hear them. It's looking as though baby Chuck isn't going to have a name!

Jump Planet

2010-03-15T20:08:00.000-07:00

We went to a place in Bothell tonight called Jump Planet for our Family Home Evening activity. It was awesome. We took Mia on the big slides first which was a huge mistake. We needed to start on the little ones. After we took her to the "3 and under" part of the place, she was loving life! It was well worth $6 to see the smiles and joy on this little girl's face!

Daddy and Mia

Mommy and Mia

Mia all by herself...it took a little bit for her to loosen her death grip on Johnny and I.

We did it!

When we first got there...not sure what's going on yet

Ever Get Bugged When...

2010-03-04T16:52:00.000-08:00

You want to buy furniture and your husband tells you to look on Ebay or Craigslist?!

I DO!!!!!!!!!!

A Mother's Work

2010-03-02T19:44:00.000-08:00

Is NEVER done!!!!! Freak!

Life's Simple Pleasures

2010-03-01T15:07:00.000-08:00

This video makes me laugh so hard that sometimes a little pee comes out. But only cuz I'm pregnant!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Na_YF-Ibo

2010-02-27T18:42:00.000-08:00

Could win this

Update

2010-02-24T12:50:00.000-08:00

Random photos from the last week

I found this drink on a food blog called Just Cook Already and I wanted to try it. I doesn't look very pretty and I'm not a photographer by any means. It's a Raspberry Iced Tea with fresh Raspberries, lemons, limes, simple syrup, 7-Up and a sprig of Mint. I felt pretty proud of myself. I cook a lot but I never try drinks. This was fun.

Mia is learning to eat by herself. Mom has a hard time with it because mom is a clean freak when it comes to her daughter. Yikes!

But she loves it! Except when we make her stop to take a picture.

Monday was so beautiful so my sister, mom and I decided to take the girls to the park.

I took them down the slide.

Mia didn't like it so I had to console her.

Then I put her down and she ran away from me for the rest of the day.

I made her try it one more time. She wasn't super thrilled. I put her on the swing and she freaked. So everytime I got near her after that she started screaming like I was going to make her do something she didn't want to do, so Carly had to chase after her and I played with Cami.

Afterwards, we took the girls to DQ for some ice cream. Mia wasn't interested in the ice cream. This was a short trip.

Eatin snacks

Thought

2010-02-19T11:05:00.000-08:00

It's no wonder I have so much more energy with this pregnancy. Boys tend to want to make me happy and do things for me...:)

REALLY! I'm totally kidding. Johnny just looked at this and said "I don't get it." If you're my family or know me well, you know that I'm conceited mostly in a joking way. :)

Get Ready...

2010-02-18T12:11:00.000-08:00

For a TON of pictures!!!!

From oldest to newest

Trunk or Treating with papa

She was dying for some candy...we left it in the wrapper and she quickly lost interest

Leaving Texas is hard!!

She didn't fit super well in the pack n play

Playing with Aunt Tara

Of course, we had to have a TV in our room so she could watch The Little Mermaid. And I force her to wear that hat because it's so cute.

Walking off our AWESOME Thanksgiving dinner at Maggiano's

Eating dessert

The girls watched a movie while the adults played games

Mia took turns cuddling with her cousins...first Kyler

Then Tyson

Dad and Mia slept a lot together. "Babe, I'll go put Mia down so you don't have to. I know you've done a lot, you deserve some 'you' time."

"Oh thank you Johnny! That is so sweet of you."

25 minutes later after the 3rd time this conversation happened I realized what was really going on. HE was napping with her!!! Brat! Always scammin me.

FINALLY sleeping on the plane ride there

So what if my kid dug through the garbage to find a piece of pizza when I wasn't looking.

Relaxin with mom after her birthday party

Now relaxin with dad...it was a big day

Cami wanted some cake too!

She didn't eat much but she sure devoured that thing

Drummin it up

Dad showing her how to drum it up

We had a bucket of drinks with ice in it and the kids loved it. Even though it wasn't a designated toy, they all played with it and made a mess. Especially Mia!!

Johnny decorated Mia's personal cake. Cute huh?

Decorations

Cheese!

She had a cough and the doctor said honey would help. Mom insisted she have it right then after we bought it, in the car, so she had to suck out of it and she loved it. She cried when I took it away.

Eating breakfast all by her big girl self!

Watching her favorite singer, Beyonce on daddy's computer

She took this gingerbread house out of the garbage and starting eating the candy. I leave this kid alone for a second! Jeeze!

Photo shoot with cousin Cami

I'm Alive

2010-02-15T22:49:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a long time since I've posted anything...it's a little bit like myspace for me. It was cool at first, but then I was over it. I got a comment from my favorite sister in-law :) this morning and she was a little upset with me so I figured I would get on here to let you know what's been happening.
I'm on Johnny's laptop, so I don't think I have any pictures but definitely lots to share tomorrow.
Johnny and I are expecting a boy in June which you probably know. Don't ask me about names because we have none and he'll probably end up being called "baby". I feel really great with this pregnancy. I think the Lord blesses you with pregnancies when you have children already because I have a lot of energy and had NONE with Mia. It's great!
Mia and I have been spending all our days together and I love it! With all the new things she is experiencing and going through, it's been fun to witness and sometimes a little hectic. She is teething like crazy lately. It's been a bit challenging because it has affected her eating and sleeping a little bit. Things that she used to love eating, she won't touch now. We've wasted a lot of food on this little princess! Other than the teething she is so much fun to play with and hang with.
She loves to be read to. She LOVES brushing her teeth with her new electric toothbrush. She loves being outside, rain or cloudy. She loves sneaking your phone from you and playing with it behind the lovesac. She loves playing rough with her dad at night. She loves running back a forth in her crib when you get her from nap time. She loves her blanket that she only gets a nap time and bed time. She loves cuddling on my shoulder when she wakes up from a nap. She loves her Dora straw sippy cup. She loves seeing puppies and birds. She loves crawling up and down the stairs all by herself. She loves playing in my make-up drawer in the bathroom. She loves standing up in the bath (even though she's not supposed to). She loves listening to Beyonce. She loves to dance by swaying her hips super fast. She loves her gumball machine she got from grandma and papa for Christmas. She loves the rocks in our driveway and sometimes she tries to eat them. She loves babies. She loves to climb on the dishwasher when I'm trying to load or unload. She loves sitting in her cousins baby stroller and being pushed by her cousin or me. She loves her grandma and grandpa's dog, Hank. She loves BBQing with her dad on the deck. These are just some of the things that Mia loves.
MK, that was mostly for you...to know Mia a little better now. :)
Johnny and I are doing great. He is still the primary teacher for the 10 and 11 year old boys. I just got a new calling as the activity day girls leader. Business has been very busy lately, which is awesome! We've both been keeping pretty busy, especially Johnny. He is such a great provider for the family. I am very blessed.
I'm feeling pretty grateful for my life right now, especially preparing for a little boy to come into our family. I am so excited for him and to see how Mia changes into a big sister.
Sorry for the absence but I'm back and will be posting pictures soon!!

Sun River, OR

2009-10-05T20:20:00.001-07:00

Last weekend Johnny, Mia and I went to Sun River, OR with Brett and Katie. Katie's parents have a rental house there and no one was using it so they invited us to go with them. It was so much fun! We ate great food, stayed up late, watched movies, played games, went shopping, went bike riding and watched SNOW fall! I know! Can you believe it? It totally snowed while we were there and we even biked in it. It was awesome! Thanks B&K for having us! We had such a blast!

Saturday at the end of the bike ride. She was so tired!

Gettin ready for the bike ride. She has a puff in her mouth
The big 10 month old! She turned 10 on the 3rd!

The park we biked to

She fell of the toy and took a little piece of the park with her. It was sad, but she didn't get hurt and she didn't cry. She's a tough one.

She was loving the teeter-totter with Brett

This was Mia's highlight of the trip. She loved this thing. She wouldn't come out. Brett and Johnny were spinning her around in it and she was smiling and giggling like crazy!

Do you see?

On our ride, we were right next to these deer. We counted 8 of them right there. It was a bit scary. Katie and I kept riding a little further.

Mia loved the wildlife and nature!

Bundled up...it was super cold

A fellow biker took our picture. The scenery was so beautiful.

Fawcett's

Walker's

Johnny had it the worst. He had 20+ extra pounds to pull up those hills! He was a trooper about it though.

I'm ready to go guys!

Yes! 6 inches of SNOW. It was so crazy. Pretty though, huh?

Fried Ravioli

2009-10-05T20:14:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I made these fried ravioli and

they were so good!

We dipped them in a garlic basil marinara sauce. They did wonders on my pallet! :)

Meet me and my Asian husband!

Halloween Preview

2009-10-01T18:16:00.000-07:00

My dad works at UPS and last year for Christmas he bought Cami and Mia matching UPS uniforms. Last year, their cousin Kailyn (Kendall's daughter) was a UPS delivery girl too. Just keeping up the tradition! She looks like a little boy. :)

Thanks dad! We love it!!

Look at those socks!

The hat, of course.

And the one piece!

Meyonce

2009-09-29T20:14:00.000-07:00

Mia just started taking an interest in dancing. She and Beyonce will be the best of buds!

Turn your volume up!!!

A Few More

2009-09-17T10:53:00.000-07:00

Just a few more that Brett and Katie have sent our way. They have a blog now so you can check out more of their work, fawcettphotography.blogspot.com. I highly recommend these guys. As you can see, they do GREAT work! Thanks again guys!

One of my favs!

Mia sandwich

Don't judge me! She was sitting on this wall and I was freaking out the whole time. Johnny was standing right next to her ready to catch her if she fell but I was a mess about it. Luckily, she didn't fall! And I can say that won't ever be happening again!!

She did like being up there though

The Walker (Jr.) Family

Photo Shoot

2009-09-14T16:34:00.000-07:00

Our AWESOME friends, Brett and Katie Fawcett did a photo shoot with us yesterday. The weather was beautiful and Mia was so great! She was loving the camera. She was all smiles all day! Thanks Brett and Katie! We love them!! Here are just a few that they were able to get to us today!

It was super windy and my hair was crazy, but the train in the background is awesome.

9 Months Old & High Fives

2009-09-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

I found her like this the other morning. She was sleeping with her blanket over her head. Don't worry, she was breathing just fine!

Playing with grandpa

Harassing grandpa

Give me my toy back Papa!

First bubble bath. She loved it. She wasn't sure what to think at first, but she liked it towards the end!

Hanging in the car...we weren't moving!

Papa's shoulders

This is how she plays with this toy

Wearing grandma's glasses

Love this picture!!!

Mia is 9 months old now. I can't believe it. She is so old. I hate it. I wish she would stay my baby forever! I love her so much! She crawls and stands up to stuff ALL day long. She is just starting to let go by herself to see how long she can stand there with no help. She doesn't like The Little Mermaid anymore...sad! She'll watch some of it, but she HAS to be standing up. :) She still sleeps 10-12 hours through the night. No teeth yet and her latest achievement, she high fives! I taught her this morning at breakfast and we've been doing it with her all morning now. She loves it. We get really excited for her when she does it and she is totally eating it up! She loves attention. He cousin Cami is 6 months older than her and Mia just started reclaiming the toys that Cami usually takes away from her. They are both being forced to share their toys now! Cami gives the best loves to Mia all the time and Mia loves it...they are best friends!

Big things in Mia's life right now...Aunt Sheena comes home to meet me in two weeks. I am sick right now and cough and sneeze all day. Sad! I wear 12-18 and sometimes 18-24 month clothing. I eat all my fruits and veggies and cereal. I tried Cheerios, pretzels and Kix last week for the first time in my life. Crazy Uncle Adam gave me a piece of sausage last week when mommy wasn't looking. AND I learned how to HIGH FIVE today!!!

Road Trip

2009-08-27T11:02:00.000-07:00

We drove to Utah a few weeks ago for Johnny's mom's grandparents family reunion. Got it? :) I have family in St. George so we just made a vacation out of it. It was so much fun. Johnny's family is great. It was fun to spend more time with them and get to know them better!

Landon and Kailyn bein silly

Aaron, Sabrina, Johnny, Mia and I went to my favorite restaurant in St. George, Samauri 21. I LOVE this place. I have to go everytime I'm there. We had a blast. Not to mention Sabrina just had their baby boy a few days earlier and she was up and walking around and going out like nothing happened! She's sort of like Wonder Woman!

Cute Kailyn

Alexis on her first day of school with Hailey and Chloe.

Grandma and I went to the St. George temple. It was my first time and I loved it! I will remember that experience forever. Thanks Grandma!!!

Landon and Kailyn were so cute with Mia. They wanted to play with her all the time. It was pretty sweet.

My beautiful sister Kendall! We stayed at her place. Thanks Ken, love you!

Mary Kathryn introducing Mia to Jake.

Brad and Kendall put Mia in a big girl carseat while we were waiting to leave grandma's house. She didn't drive like that...don't call CPS on me!

Aaron and Sabrina holding a giant compared to their 5 pound baby!!

On the way home. She was such a dream on this trip. She barely cried and slept so much. She watched the Little Mermaid and talked a lot. She was awesome. I'll travel with her anytime!!!

We went to Temple Square...my first time. It was great!

Makin memories

We didn't have a stroller...oops!

Mia and great Aunt Joye

After the reunion. Tuckered out!

Mia fell asleep in Johnny's counsin, Susan's arms. Uncle Parley tickled her to sleep. It was so cute.

Daddy and Mia

Johnny's cousin's little boy, Seth. They played really nice together.

Seth was hungry too!

Kendell Family Reunion

Below the sign are pictures of all Janell's grandparent's kids!

Jacob's family hangin around their parent's headstone

Johnny with grandma and grandpa

The brothers, Johnny, Clint and Blake

The Jacobs'

Don't judge me! She had to get out and stretch her little legs. I put her right back in her carseat and nothing happened!

On the way there

She got a hold of daddy's candy bar

She had a hard time giving it up

Peek-a-boo!

Birthdays

2009-08-27T10:35:00.000-07:00

This month we celebrated mine and Johnny's birthdays. Mine was on the 1st and his on the 22nd. Here are some pictures from the shindig!

Johnny made me breakfast in bed...eggs, bacon and a biscuit with oj! My favorite!

The Blue Angels fell on my birthday and we watch them every year at the Croshaw's HUGE mansion on Lake Washington.
Papa with his girls. Notice how Cami is pintching Mia's arm!!!

Papa loves his girls!

Mia fell asleep on me during the Blue Angels. So sweet!

Aren't they awesome?! They fly so dang close!

Beautiful view

We went to the park by my parent's house...needless to say, Mia did not like the swing

In Leavenworth for Johnny's birthday. He had an assignment up there and so we got a hotel and celebrated his birthday there. This was a lovely bear.

The hat shop...I need to go to Churchill Downs.

Mia playing with Heather and Brooks' darling little boy, Brooks Jr. She spit up and couldn't swallow so it came out her nose!!!

Guess What???!!!

2009-07-31T16:56:00.001-07:00

I just ironed for the first time since Johnny and I have been married! I figured that's what 23 year olds do. Mom, dad, your little girl is growin up! It's like a whole new world I never knew about, you know, being old. Next, I'll learn to crochet. :)

FYI........

2009-07-30T12:32:00.000-07:00

It's my BIRTHDAY on Saturday!!! 23, ahhh!!! It's closer to 25 than 20. I'm feeling saddened and depressed by this. I think I see the beginning stages of crow's feet. :(

Cute Faces, Funny Faces and Hard Nights

2009-07-30T11:56:00.001-07:00

Lots of pictures to share...

It has been so hot this week and Mia just doesn't know what to do with herself. She hasn't been sleeping well and the other night was the worst! She finally fell asleep around 12:30am and woke back up at 3:30am. We tried everything...orajel, rocking, bottle, water, movie, Tylenol, playing, crying, ignoring, fan...you name it, we did it! I brought her into our bed and sang to her and let her sit up so she wouldn't cry. At about 7:15am I closed my eyes for a second and Johnny nudged me and I opened my eyes to the cutest sight! I know, I didn't take a picture. I was so mad at myself!!!! She was sitting up with her legs spread out in front of her, slumped over with her stomach touching the bed and had fallen asleep like that. Johnny fixed her but wouldn't take her to her own bed for fear of her waking up and not going back down so she stayed with us, sideways on our bed, pushing Johnny and I to the very edge. It was a small price to pay to have a sleeping baby. Such a rough night. I felt so bad for her. Last night I thought we were going to be in for the same treatment but Johnny had a great idea. He took cold wet washcloths and covered her tummy and legs to keep her cool. Thank Heavens for smart husbands! Thanks for helping us get a good nights sleep!

Carly feeding Mia after her nap

Chillin in her lovesac

Sittin on her knees...I love this one. I think it's so cute.

Cami and Mia tormenting Papa

Grandma and Mia and Uncle Clint's basketball game. Clint is on the Everett Community College basketball team! Whoot whoot Clint!!!

Daddy and Mia...he holds her like that all the time and she loves it!

Don't -- wanna -- fall! Holding on for dear life

Watching a movie with dad

Silly face. She was hammin it up for her Great Aunt Joye

Makin everyone laugh

Sweet

Mid-yawn

Playin with her dolly in her toy box

Rolls MaGee!!!

This is a video I took of her at Aaron and Beth's house after Emmett's Baptism. I have never heard her laugh so hard. It's a little hard to hear, but so cute!

So Many...

2009-07-22T10:30:00.001-07:00

Birthdays this month and next. Carly, Aaron, Shane, Colin, Sheena, me, John, Johnny, Adam and so many more! It's only fitting to change our blog.

Lots of Posts...Scroll Down!

2009-07-16T22:03:00.000-07:00

Watching a movie. She's so cute. I just bought her this new nightgown. I love her chunky legs in it!

Dad had to cover her up...her diaper was showing! :)

Reading a book on grandma's couch

We finally bought a booster seat for Mia. We have been feeding her on the lovesac and now our lovesac looks like a battlefield. We need to wash it ASAP! I found this one at Walmart for only $16. It works great. It's not the cutest thing, but who cares? Not me!! She looks so old in it.

She Was Supposed To Be Sleeping!

2009-07-16T21:51:00.000-07:00

Tonight when I came home from running errands, Johnny and I put Mia down for a nap. She usually goes down without a fuss when she's truly tired. It was so hot today (for Seattle) that we had all the fans going and it was a little bit hard to hear other noises. Well, Johnny said after 15 minutes of Mia being "asleep" something like, "Is Mia crying?" I walked to her room and sure enough, I could hear her crying. Not because she didn't want to be in there, but because...THIS...

How the heck did you get up there little girl? She's only 7 months old. Guess Johnny will be lowering the matress this Saturday!

She was crying until we came in and asked her what the heck was going on. And then she became pretty proud of her new trick. Let's just hope she doesn't make a habit out of it.

I can't believe she did that. My baby can't be big enough to pull herself up to a standing position in her crib! NO! Stop growing kid. I wish she would just listen to her mother like she is supposed to. I would be satisfied if she ignored me with everything else and listened to me about just this one thing!

Cousins

2009-07-16T21:45:00.000-07:00

Mom, Carly, Cami, Mia and I went to the mall and I didn't have my stroller so we had the girls double up. So cute!

Derby Days

2009-07-16T21:29:00.000-07:00

The girls LOVED those glow in the dark rings...especially Mia. It kept her entertained the whole night!

Dad was trying to give Mia bunny ears. Tard!

We think we're funny

If you look closely, you can see dad giving me the finger! BUSTED!!!

We weren't cuddling! Johnny kept whipping me with those glow in the dark rings and it hurt like a biotch! I had to reprimand him like a four year old. Big bully!

Every year the city of Redmond puts on a little carnival thing. They do rides, music, games, food and fireworks. Our family has done this sporadically throughout the years and this year decided to go watch the fireworks. They aren't that good but they're so close that it makes it fun! Dad, mom, Carly, Cami, Johnny, Mia and I got our blankets and chairs and hung out listening to the live band waiting for the show to start. It was very fun. Mia and Cami both loved the fireworks so close.

Randoms

2009-07-11T01:42:00.000-07:00

Mia found the grass the other day. She loved it. It was pajama day, by the way.

Play time with daddy

Cami reads the paper now...so cute. This had her completely silent and entertained for like an hour. It was awesome!

Mia was readin too. Well more like batting at the book and drooling, but she had fun and was occupied too.

Reading with grandma

OOPS!

2009-07-08T15:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks Becky! She just reminded me. Here is the recipe! And I lied...it's the Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book.

1 egg, slightly beaten

1/4 c finely crushed nacho flavor or plain tortilla chips -- I used nacho!

3 T chopped green sweet peppers -- I didn't use these because Johnny doesn't like them

3/4 t chili powder

1/4 t salt

1/4 t pepper

1 pound uncooked ground chicken or turkey -- I used chicken

Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeno peppers

hamburger buns

avocado

lettuce

salsa

*In medium bowl, stir together first 6 ingredients. Add chicken and mix well. (Mixture is wet) Shape into patties and grill or broil.

*Add cheese right before taking off grill to melt and add your fixins!

Southwestern Chicken Burgers

2009-07-08T14:16:00.001-07:00

Garnished with Jalapeno Pepper Jack cheese, salsa, avocado and lettuce

YUM!

I found this recipe in my Better Cooking Cookbook and I decided to try it last night...it turned out so delicious. I am not a huge fan of chicken burgers. But this recipe used ground chicken and it was so good. And healthy too! I was so proud of how it turned out that I took a picture and felt the need to show you! So tasty!

4th of July/Carly's Family Birthday Celebration

2009-07-08T13:46:00.001-07:00

Carly's birthday was on the 1st so we had a family celebration on the 4th. We played the gum game, water balloon toss and ate kabobs and corn and cupcakes. We had a water gun fight and there was a lot of laughing. It was a blast!

Gettin ready to eat...while spitting!

So excited! It's almost time to open presents!

Get your party hat on!

We made Carly close her eyes

When we gave her this...it's a scrapbook I made for her with pics of her and Cami. I called my brothers and sisters and asked them to tell me their favorite memories and I put them on the last page. She loved it!

The spread...well some of it at least.

Carrie's delicious homemade cupcakes!

Gearin up for the bubblegum game!

Chillin

Mia can't sleep on beds anymore because she rolls right off. When we go to mom and dad's we make a bed on the floor for her in the guest bedroom. I went to check on her because sometimes she just plays and talks instead of sleeping and I found her like this. AHHH! She had mangled herself into this PLASTIC BAG of toilet paper that was in the corner and had fallen asleep. Luckily she was still breathing. Guess I learned the scary way to look around the room to make sure that I can walk away and she won't die! Kinda cute though, huh?

We went back to Everett to watch fireworks at Legion Park with LJ and Ashley and his family. It was fun to hang with them. It's been months since we've seen them! The fireworks weren't that good. They were way better last year.

Waitin for the fireworks to start

Walking back to our car. Mia loved the show. She was tired so she was a bit fussy. But she was pretty mesmorized by them.

Loadin in the car. I was taking pictures and right when she saw me, she stuck her tongue out at me! Is this what I have to look forward to? Stinker!

She fell asleep in the car, like always, but she usually wakes up when we get her out of her carseat. She was so tuckered out that she stayed asleep on my shoulder! She's never done that before and it was pretty much the best thing ever!!!!!!

7 Months Old

2009-07-08T13:39:00.001-07:00

My Mia is 7 months old already this month! She is growing up so fast and I can't make it stop! Does anyone have any suggestions? Please share! :) She is almost crawling, she scoots places. She sits up on her own and she eats solid food. She sleeps about 10-12 hours through the night without waking and she hardly ever cries. But she does whine. She is so much fun to hang out with all day and keeps me laughing all the time. I love her so much!!!

We took these cute pictures of her on her 7 month birthday...July 3rd.

Watching The Little Mermaid. Her favorite movie. It's very serious business.

Hi mom!

She does this spitting thing with her lips and makes noises. I think she likes how it vibrates. She gets super drooly.

Can you see the food on her face?

Kisses anyone?

Just Some Randoms!

2009-06-30T14:09:00.000-07:00

Here are just some random pictures I've taken over the weekend. The video at the end is hilarious! Hope you enjoy it!

Mia feel asleep watching The Little Mermaid

Johnny was 12 years old in this picture. I love him!!!

Johnny's parents found his same glasses! Awesome, huh?!

MIA!

Johnny's always ruining the cute pictures. UGH!

Mia and Natalie

Mia and Cami play really well together...sometimes! :)

What? My kid reaching for Confessions of a Shopaholic? No! (Insert sarcasim EVERYWHERE!)

I caught her in mid cough

My baby sits up all by herself now!!!

Cam gettin her hair did!

Cami givin Mia loves

This was AWESOME! Mia is super flintch-y! Anything makes her blink fast and flintch. I was throwing this ball at her and she was loving it. So cute!!!

Seattle Aquarium

2009-06-30T13:59:00.001-07:00

On Friday, Carly and I took the girls to the Seattle Aquarium. It was so much fun. I haven't been in a couple of years so it was cool to be there again, but this time with my daughter. Afterwards, we walked around a little bit and enjoyed people watching and site seeing!

Pretty waterfall

Site seeing!

Narly lookin octapus

Mia didn't really know what was going on, but she was a trooper

Cami totally loved it! She was talkin to all the fish...Ah tute! (oh cute!)

It was a long day. Cam was passed out on the bed!

Mom's Camera

2009-06-30T13:41:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend at my mom and dad's house because Johnny was in Spokane for Hoopfest. Time to BRAG...Johnny won first place in his bracket and went totally undefeated! Whoo! Whoo! Team INCONSIDERATE rocked the house! :)

Anyway, I was looking through my mom's computer looking at pictures and I found some cute ones...

I must have been like 5 months pregnant here

At my Grandpa's grave in Cedar City with the family minus Johnny, Shawn, Brad and all their kids

The day Mia was born...sad face!

Mia's first experience with real bananas

Not a fan!

A few months ago at a little diner after the Olympic Game Farm

Mia's face is freaking awesome in this picture. She was a week old.

LOVE!

She's an open mouth sleeper

Sometimes...

Months later. Chillin with Cami in her chair!

Last weekend at grandma and grandpa's house with her teething toy

Mia's First Mariner's Game

2009-06-30T13:22:00.001-07:00

Last week, Carly, Cami, mom, Johnny, Mia and I took dad to a Mariner's game for Father's Day. It was super fun. We ended up losing, but it was a really good game! Cami wasn't too sure. We sat up pretty high and I think that scared her. Mia fell asleep in Johnny's arms after a while. She was too cute! I had her laughing in this video pretty hard. It was awesome! It was a great night and I loved being able to do that for my AMAZING dad for Father's Day. He is the best dad in the world and I love him so much. He is my best friend and we have had so many great memories over the years. We have a special bond and I am so grateful for that! I love you DAD!!!

Me, Carly and Cami

Mia in her M's gear!

Me and Dad
Awesome hat, by the way!

My sweet little Mia...how she slept through all that noise is beyond me!

Too cute!

Grandma gettin Mia! She loves it when she does that to her.

I think she must have been really tired because she doesn't usually laugh at things like this. It was really fun to see though!

Happy Birthday Princess!

2009-06-03T13:17:00.001-07:00

Just a stroll down memory lane...she was only about a month old but I love this picture!!!

The other day at Georgio's Pizza, Great Grandma Val bought her these awesome sunglasses.

I took this on my phone about two months ago. Too sweet!

Brett and Katie took these pictures of Mia when she was almost 3 months old. Katie had some fun with photoshop and this is what we got. Super cute, huh?

My sweet 6 month old Mia!!! I cannot believe she is 6 months old today. She has grown so much the last few weeks. She is so much fun to be around! Her favorite things are sleeping, eating rice cereal, pears and bottles. She loves seeing daddy in the morning when she wakes up before I feed her. She LOVES to stare and observe her cousin Cami. Mia finds her very fascinating. Her new thing these days is to touch your face gently when she's close enough. But if she gets a hold of your mouth, she grabs it and it hurts. She is wearing 9-12 month clothes. She loves sleeping in her crib, she won't sleep anywhere else very well. She is also a fan of sleeping in just her diaper while it's hot! Her favorite toy is mommy or daddy's phone and her rings...almost anything that she can put in her mouth.

Yesterday I gave her a bath and while I was getting it ready, I put her in the sink, (her new favorite place) and the next thing I heard was a horrible scream and I looked over and she had turned the HOT water on with her foot. It was so sad. It was running on her for a few seconds and her skin and diaper were hot. Sad, huh? She won't be sitting in the sink anymore, I guess. My favorite story to this day is when Mia was only about 2 months old and she was sleeping in the bed with Johnny and I before we set up her crib in the new house. Johnny is way bigger than Mia so naturally she rolls into Johnny when they sleep. One morning Mia woke up and didn't make a peep, but Johnny felt her kicking and beating on his back. It wasn't until he rolled over and acknowledged her that she stopped and then gave him a big grin! I don't know why I love that story, but I do!

Mia I love you so much and am so thrilled that I get to spend almost every waking moment with you! You are my best friend and the apple of my eye!! Happy 6 month Birthday!

My Mia...

2009-06-02T00:55:00.000-07:00

I love Mia, of course! I always want to spend time with her and be around her, but lately, I've wanted to so badly that I've been waking her up. I know, it's horrible, but she is so fun and she is finally growing a super fun personality! Every night before I go to bed I check on her just to make sure she is still breathing and because I want to look at her because she is so cute when she sleeps. It's been really hot the last few days so she's been wearing only her diaper to bed. I love this picture of her sleeping tonight. She is growing way too fast. I can't believe how long she is already.

(Sorry, but I don't know how to flip the picture) She has been mangling her body in crazy positions when she sleeps lately, but this morning I found her in a perfect side position. So cute! I think I'm obsessed with it because this is how a grown up would sleep and she's totally growing up and I'm super excited!

I just walked in her room tonight and saw her laying there so content, arm out and uncovered. She is my sleeping beauty!

Johnny's grandma came into town last week. She lives in Oregon. They got pretty silly on Saturday.

Grandma Val is a hoot! She's always giggling at Johnny. They have a really cute relationship. He is the first grandchild, so I think they share a special bond!

Random...

2009-05-29T19:09:00.000-07:00

I officially suck at this whole blogging thing. Maybe I'm just not cut out for this. I good at other things, like cooking, playing sports, being a mom and lots of other things that would take me too long to tell. If you know me then you know how special I am. ;) haha!
So the last month has basically sucked with Mia and I both getting sick. That was not fun. She is teething too so that's been a blast. Nothing real new to report though. Mia is starting to eat solid foods. So far she loves rice cereal and carrots but does not care for bananas...just like mom!
Here are some random photos I've taken recently.

Last night we were at John and Janell's house and they had these glasses so we put them on Mia. Awesome, huh?

Mia's new favorite place is the sink. Johnny put her in it the other day and she got a kick out of it.

Chillin in the hammock with grandpa

She loved it!

Her first time feeding herself a bottle. She does it now all the time.

Last weekend the Mackay's came into town for a girl's weekend. It was so much fun to see them and hang with them again...they live in Utah now. :(

Mia likes to hang out with dad. She's relaxin with him.

My requested Mother's Day dinner that Johnny made! SO GOOD!

Mia got these Johnny Popper boots from a gal in my ward. They are so cute. They are a size 3 and don't fit her little feet, but they were pinchin her chubby legs!

I caught her sleeping like this the other week.

And this...completely under her blanket.

Johnny and I went to Cascade Park for an FHE and we were playing catch and this little boy, Sam was dying to play, so we let him throw the ball with us.

Mia excited to eat rice cereal for the first time. She loves eating! Can you tell?

4 Month Check Up

2009-04-14T18:59:00.000-07:00

December 3, 2008

January 3, 2009 (1 Month)

February 3, 2009 (2 Months)

March 3, 2009 (3 Months)

April 3, 2009 (4 Months)

Mia had her 4 month check up today. I never know what to go by because when you ask new moms how old their babies are, they usually go by weeks, which means she is 19 weeks but she's 4 1/2 months. I don't get it, so you can take it how you want. Anyway...we did all her stats and this is what we got...as of April 14, 2009, 4 months and 13 days after she was born, Mia is 16 lbs. 1.5 oz. (89%), 25.08" long (72%) and her head is 16.46" around (67%). Not that abnormal you say? Mia has a 10 month old cousin who is 15 lbs. 15 oz. and 25" long. That is 6 months apart and my baby is a few ounces bigger than Carly's. Crazy, huh?

I guess her check up made me reflect how much she's grown since she was born. Here is a picture from every month birthday she's had since she was born.

Thursday April 2, 2009

2009-04-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

Mia's First Ferry Ride

Mia and Johnny Cami and Mia

We like putting Mia's ears out of her hood. It's cute!

Carly always wears her sunglasses. Dork!

Mia was pretty mesmorized by the water

Olympic Game Farm

These people in front of us had 4 animals in their car at one point. They were fearless!

This little guy was a begger

Johnny was teasing this one pretty bad

Doesn't he look sad? He could have come out from behind the fence but he never did...we even tried teasing him with bread.

Johnny feeding a moose

This was the biggest moose I have ever seen!

Mom and dad couldn't get any action next to the animal stealers!

I like to think that his name is Alex. (Madagascar)

The tiger

A cougar

Chickens and a bunny

This bear had a long day. He was totally sprawled out!

This is a Kodiak Bear

Nice can!

This guy was hiding out until we came along to feed him!

Nap time

Aren't they cuddly looking?

Look at the tall green canister. A Black Bear is standing up against it scratching its back.

We were so close. The fence was only about 4 feet tall and we were about 4 feet away from it and could have gotten closer but I was too scared!

Zebra!!

A Rhino! Poor guy was in there all by himself. He didn't have any friends.

A Peacock

A Yak...dirty things!

Llama...he was rolling around in the dirt.

Lame Peacock. He wouldn't fan out.

Was the funnest day ever!!! Mom, dad, Carly, Cami, Johnny, Mia and I went to the Vintage Cafe for some of their bomb french toast then took a ferry to Sequim and drove to the Olympic Game Farm. It was so much fun! It's this huge farm where you drive through and look at a bunch of animals. Some were in cages, like the lions and tigers and bears, (OH MY)! And others were just hanging out on the road like the yaks, the mooses, the horses, the peacocks, the deer and the BUFFALO! It was crazy. You could buy bread and roll your window down and feed the animals but you could not get out of your car! I was too affraid to feed them, I just rolled down the window a little and threw it out and then rolled it back up as fast as I could! Johnny was pretty fearless though. He was feeding all the animals with his hand. Johnny, Mia and I were in a separate car, so we called each other on speakerphone so it felt like we were together! I can't wait till our kids are old enough to enjoy this because I can't wait to take them there!

Mia's First Swim

2009-04-03T12:03:00.000-07:00

So cute!

Mia needed a break against the wall

Cam loved this thing!

I got her to laugh once

Um...they're almost the same height and Mia's legs are bent. HMMMM???

Mom and Mia

Look at Cami's face...that was her face the whole time!

The 4 of us in the pool

Carly, mom and I took Mia and Cami to the Bellevue pool last week. We had so much fun watching the girls in the pool. They both loved it. Cami grinned ear to ear the whole time and Mia was stone face the whole time. But she still loved it! We put them in their cute little swimsuits and off they went, loving the pool!

So Much Has Happened

2009-03-04T11:54:00.000-08:00

Follow this link...this is the song I think of when I see pictures of Mia!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMcLn6YjsBg

Chillin in Cami's chair

So strong

Cami's toy...

Relaxin

We had a small photo session at Brett and Katie's house a few weeks ago. We woke Mia up so she was not very happy. We had her in a good mood for about 20 minutes and then it was all over. Here are some unedited pictures from my camera.

This was toward the end of the night. You can see it in her face.

Not happy at all!

"Stop torturing me!"

While Mia's room was being fixed up...she shacked up with us...

Carly, Cameron, mom, Mia and I took a road trip to Utah to visit our family last month. We had a blast. Here are some fun pictures.

Kendall and I got into a flour fight while baking sugar cookies

The girls bakin cookies

Do you want to use this heart Kendall?

Hailey and Mia

Brad, Mia and Kailyn...she is such a doll!

Alexis and Mia

Aaron and Sabrina gettin in some practice.

Landon and Kailyn were so cute with Mia.

Landon took extra good care of Mia. He brought her toys and gave her a binky all the time. "Shh! Baby Mia is seepin!" Love that little guy!

So sweet!

We blessed Mia on February 1, 2009. After the blessing we had our families and all who participated in the blessing come over to the house and eat lunch. Mia had fallen asleep so we had to wake her up to take pictures. She wasn't very happy.

She kept pulling her headband down. She wasn't done sleeping!

In front of our new house!

We remodeled Mia's room and now it's the cutest room in the house. I like spending more time in there than in any other room. Next room...the master bedroom! Can't wait till we have the money to splurge on our room!! Till then, here's Mia's palace.

We are remodeling Mia's room

It got a little diasterious

Johnny had a little fun painting

And here it is...

We're still trying to figure out where things go and waiting to buy a rocking chair

I wanted a curtain instead of a closet door. I think it's fun.

Brett and Katie took Mia's 3 month pictures. Katie edited these and put more on her blog.

She weighs 14 pounds...93% for her age in weight. No biggie.

Thank You Katie!!!

2009-03-04T11:38:00.000-08:00

My good friend Katie came over last night and fixed it! I can post pictures without the dumb numbers and letters and my friends and family are back to their correct spot! I like blogging again. Pictures will come soon!

Oh! And...

2009-03-03T17:41:00.000-08:00

I can't figure out how to get my friends and family on the side of our blog. One day it decided to go to the bottom of the page and I can't figure out how to change it! I hate blogs. They all suck right now!!

So Bugged!

2009-03-03T17:33:00.001-08:00

Once I figure out what's wrong with our STUPID blog...I'll post some pictures. I have so many fun pictures and so much to say, but everytime I post a picture, it comes up letters, numbers and symbols! UGH!!!!!!!

Sunday

2009-01-19T16:04:00.001-08:00

This is my Sunday outfit...new mom

Mia sleeping

Such a cute outfit...one of my favorites!

So yesterday was Mia's second time to church and first time to all three meetings. She did amazing! She slept the whole time except for once when she ate and then fell right back to sleep. She was an angel. Needless to say she was wearing the cutest little outfit ever, but I'll let you decide for yourselves.

A Little Behind...

2008-12-23T22:02:00.000-08:00

Mia's first bath without crying!!

We like to keep our girl modest

This is her new favorite position that Johnny holds her in

Her hair is freakin aewsome!

My sleeping beauty

Look at those lips!

I know, it's been forever since I've posted anything. I apologize. Things have been great around here. No sleep, crying, eating, pooping, sleeping, calm baby attached to my hip every second of the day...unless Johnny is home and not working! :) Mia has been so fun to hang out with each day. She is already looking different to me. I love it!

Johnny has been pretty busy lately with work and the weather being the way that it is. It's sad, but other people's misfortune is how we pay the bills, so snow, keep on comin! He's been an amazing dad and helps out way more than I thought husbands do. He's awesome!!

Mia sleeps and eats and poops a lot. She's pretty boring on paper, but she keeps me entertained ALL day long!! I love her so much!

Here are some random pictures I've been taking of her the last 3 weeks.

Meet Mia Jordan Walker

2008-12-07T18:46:00.000-08:00

Mia and Cameron sleeping

She's so pensive when she sleeps!

Grandma was burping her and she was passed out. Cami is so cute!

Chillin with dad

Watchin tv I guess!

Mia Jordan was born on Wednesday December 3, 2008 at 3:17am. She was 7 lbs. 15 oz. and is 20 1/4 inches long. Labor wasn't like anything I expected. It was short and painful, but I can barely remember the pain because there was so much adreneline running through me. The doctor came in at like midnight and checked me and said I was dialated to about a 3 and that I probably wouldn't deliver until 8 or 9 the next morning. Idiot! My water broke and they check you as little as possible to aviod infection and bacteria entering your uterus. My nurse decided to check me again at 2:15ish and I was between a 4 and 5. My contractions were getting worse and worse so she checked me again at 2:45ish and I was at a 9! So I started pushing around 3 and meet my new baby girl at 3:17am! Everything went well and there weren't any major complications. Thank goodness! Giving birth is unlike anything in the entire world! I would gladly do it again in a heartbeat...just not for a little while. :)

Mia didn't like getting her diaper changed, but has warmed up to it since we've been home. She loves covering her face with her hands when she sleeps. Her likes right now are eating, sleeping, cuddling with dad and eating some more. Not much to her yet, but she keeps me more than occupied! It's hard to sleep because when she sleeps I just want to stare at her. Here are some pictures of our little angel!

Tis the Season!

2008-11-29T16:10:00.000-08:00

Mind the dust buster...

My little Santa!

Cute snowmen pillows!

"Naughty" and "Nice" stockings

Our 4 foot fake Christmas tree from Target...no pine needle mess!

Oh how I love Christmas! Yesterday we put up all of our Christmas decorations! I know we don't have very many because we don't have the room, but what we have lifts my spirits! I love Christmas!!!! Here are some fun decorations...

False Alarm!

2008-11-29T15:58:00.000-08:00

So last Saturday, we had a false alarm. I didn't tell many people about it because I was embarrassed, but I found this video and felt like sharing. So all day, from the time I woke up to the time we went to the hospital that night, I was feeling contractions pretty bad. Johnny had his turkey bowl and I was fighting through it. I told him if they hadn't gone away or gotten better, we needed to go to the hospital when he was done. After all was done, they still were bad, so Johnny. Clint and I went home, packed a small bag and headed for the hospital.

The gal checkin me said that my contractions were consistent with labor and I looked like I was in a lot of pain. (Polite way of sayin "you look like crap!") My face was super flushed and I was sweating! Yuck. I was only dilated to a one and she made me walk around for an hour to see if I would dilate more. I just found this video that Johnny took. Needless to say, I was sent home and no baby came. :(

When Will She Get Here???!!!

2008-11-28T20:51:00.001-08:00

I'm officially a full day past my due date and I'm a little irritated! Mostly just uncomfortable and sick of peeing every half hour. What's the deal?? I hope she doesn't come till Monday. I want to go to church one more time before she comes so I hope it happens Sunday night and I give birth Monday. Also, because I don't like the rest of the dates in November...I think they're ugly. Sorry. So in the midst of my complaining, I want Monday to be the day. Just some feelings I'm processing. It's so hard being pregnant sometimes. :)

1 Year Anniversary

2008-11-20T12:57:00.000-08:00

Blazin' Onion...so good!

This is a bottle of Sparkling Cider that we had spread out through our wedding luncheon. Johnny's aunt Lindy made them all pretty and we saved this for a whole year to drink on our 1 year. Cute, huh?

Here is the awesome breakfast Johnny made me. It's my favorite, eggs with BBQ sauce and toast! L-O-V-E!

I know how brave I am for posting this hideous picture, but I really feel like you could get into it more, feel like maybe you were a part of it if I show you this. :)

Yeah!!! It finally came! We have now been married for one year and three days. We are very happy to have had the last year as a married couple. It's been a smooth, bumpy, loving, annoying, FUN, shocking (pregnancy), full of adjustments, amazing year and I wouldn't trade it for anything! Even the not so fun ones because we are a better couple because of it. It's been wonderful!! Since we went to Leavenworth early to celebrate our anniversary, which was amazing, we decided to go to a restaurant one of our client's suggested, the Blazin' Onion. It was really good. It's like a Red Robin or Bob's Burger. It was low key and good food. A new favorite, I think. :) We had a great day. It started with breakfast in bed for me, also a favorite :) and lots of work. :( But all together it was a great day with whispers of sweet nothings throughout. :)

Privacy

2008-11-20T12:55:00.001-08:00

So I realized after speaking with my sister, that some people may not appreciate that I have posted last names on my blog, therefore, I took them off. I apologize to anyone who noticed and didn't like it. But all is good now. It's important to be safe in this world with the information you give people. :)

Leavenworth

2008-11-11T21:42:00.000-08:00

LEAVENWORTH!!

So, we went to Leavenworth this weekend to enjoy a night away from the norm. We also went to celebrate our 1 year anniversary! 1 year anniversary, you ask? "I thought you were married on the 17th?"

Well yes, this is true... but Alli is full term now and we didn't want our baby girl to be born in Leavenworth on our anniversary trip! haha!

We got to Leavenworth early Friday and got a couples massage! It was so nice! Except that my massage therapist looked like Mike Meyers in "Love Guru". A little creepy, but I feel asleep once he started massaging...

I kept hearing Alli say, "Could you use more pressure?" every 5 minutes. It kept interrupting my expensive nap! ;)

After that we walked to Leavenworth to meet the Fawcetts for dinner at GUSTAVS!

FUN WITH ONION RINGS!

After Dinner, We walked the town and went window shopping. I made sure to go AFTER hours to keep it at window shopping. Any guys reading this will know what I mean! This video is of Katie shivering to the music... haha!

We spent the night playing hearts and snacking on Rocky Mountain Chocolate and Taffy!

I also played a little prank on Katie at Starbucks after we got Carmel Apple Ciders! Yum...

It was LOTS of fun!! Enjoy!

Johnny

Ok! Ok! It's Not That Bad

2008-11-05T21:07:00.000-08:00

The piano is really growing on me and I'm liking it more and more everyday. Johnny did a good job with this one...even if it does mean waiting for a table to eat my food on!

That Doesn't Look Like A Kitchen Table

2008-11-05T13:42:00.000-08:00

So here is the new addition to our home. Not what I envisioned going there. I had something different in mind...like a KITCHEN TABLE. Oh no says Johnny! We got this $8,000 piano for WAY less than that. We'll just sell it and make thousands on it. Right, well this looks really good here and we don't really need the money, so let's just keep it. Babe, you can have a kitchen table when we move. The couch works so well right now. And our baby can take piano lessons, it'll be so great! That is basically how the "conversation" went. Johnny did all the talking while I stood there with my mouth dropped open to the ground. Fun story.