Ashley, Brynlee &Caeden

Update!!

2012-01-11T01:38:00.000-08:00

In my new found night shifts I have found time to go through and read everyones blog and I have noticed that alot of you still have this blog listed. I have a new one and its address is ashnboydnkids.blogspot.com so check it out!! If you need invited email me at ashleyfloydrussell@gmail.com :)

New Blog!!

2011-04-21T19:21:00.000-07:00

Okay everybody!! I am REALLY hating the fact that David is still in my blog address so I am goin to change it!! PLEASE PLEASE anyone who reads this either leave a message on here with you email or else email me at alf.1985@yahoo.com and I will make sure you get my new blog address!! Thanks and Happy Easter!!

Day 15

2011-03-31T17:54:00.000-07:00

Day 15- First 10 songs with my IPod on shuffle

1: Jason Michael Carrol- Where I'm From

2: Alan Jackson- Like Red on a Rose

3: Garth Brooks- American Honky Tonk Bar Association

4: Gary Allen- Right Where I Need to be

5: Trace Adkins- The Rainbows and the Rain

6: The Darkness- I believe in a thing called Love

7: Reba McEntire- It's Your Call

8: Kenny Chesney- Don't Blink

9: Tim MgGraw- The Cowboy in Me

10: Trace Adkins- I Got My Game On

Wow.... lots of country there, promise I have a lot more variety on there, obviously my IPod knows I am in a country mood today!!

I want to brag BTW- I GOT A SUNBURN TODAY!!! :)

Day 14

2011-03-31T06:43:00.000-07:00

Day 14- A pic with me and my family

Last year my brother wanted me to take his senior pictures up in the mountains and Boyd tagged along (we were just barley dating at the time) he was helping me take some of this pics and then I had my mom snap a few of Boyd, I and the kids- now I am really glad I did!!!

Me, Mom, Shaylee and Kaleb

Day 13

2011-03-29T16:45:00.000-07:00

Day 13- A letter to someone....

Dear God,

I want you to know that I still know you exist, I have been thinking alot about you lately and as you probably know I am having some serious internal issues about religion. I am sorry that I (once again) have probably let you down. I am giving 100% of myself everyday to my patients, trying to "earn" some points by being a "servant" of yours in helping people cross the veil to your side of things. I have FELT things when people pass away, I FEEL your presence and your spirits although I may not see them, the peaceful feeling in so wonderful that I know there are better things after this life. That feeling is what keeps me believing in you and not the "scientific" aspect of the world.

Thank you so much for my children, I honestly BELIEVE that you gave them to me at certain points in my path to help keep me grounded on what I needed to be doing. Thank you for my short marriage to Andrue, without him I would not have such a wonderful family who still to this day loves me and considers me one of their own. Thanks (and God willing I will type this) for bringing David into my life.... I would not have Caeden without him and my life would not be complete without my son. I learned MANY lessons being married to David, some easy and some I am still paying the price for- but I will learn from ALL of them and move forward, being a better person.

God please help me to continue being a good mother, give me the patience that I need to get through every day. Please give me the knowledge and strength to be there for Brynlee, she needs her mom to teach her and get her through lifes obstacles and become a woman of integrity. Please give me the compassion to talk her through some things that she will face, please give me the right words at the right times to explain my mistakes and teach her the RIGHT way to do things. Brynlee is my BIGGEST worry in my life, I want the world for her and do NOT want her to make the same mistakes I have. I want her to find a man to love her and treat her with respect and allow her to become the woman she wants. I want better for her than looking for love in all the wrong places like me..... please guide her little heart and help me to teach her.

God please give me the strength to continue helping my friends and family, as you know I carry alot of their problems on my shoulders. Please watch over my Mom and Kaleb and Shaylee- I also want the best for them.

Thank you God for sending Boyd into my life when you did.... I would be lying in a deep dark hole if it werent for him holding me up. Thank you for giving me the strength and stubborn streak to get me through the last five years of life. You will be the only one to ever know the hell I was living in.... and how wonderful my life now is. Thank you for giving me the knowledge, compassion and integrity to take care of people during their last days, I truly LOVE my job and that means so much as I leave my children for work everyday. Please let all my little patients that have passed on know how much I miss seeing them and how much I love them- they know who they are!

Thank you for allowing me to be alive! Thank you for my children, friends, family, co-workers and all the other wonderful people I meet everyday. Please be with those in Japan and all over the world who are not as fortunate as I. Watch over those in need and send peace into the hearts of my friends/family that may need it. Forgive me for doubting you, I dont really, just need answers sometimes and someone to blame when things aren't going well. I will continue to serve you by being a nurse and giving my service to those in need, whether I ever step foot in a church again will remain to be seen..... but dont give up on me please.

I believe.

I have faith.

Just confused and hurt by some who dont know better.

Help them as well, they are the ones who I should be praying for the most.

Day 12

2011-03-28T15:36:00.001-07:00

Day 12- How I found out about blogger and why do I blog?? I actually heard people talking about their "blogs" Steph Tucker being one of them ;) and I was curious, once I got online and seen her blog I was hooked! I LOVE to scrapbook but dont have the time/space to do it all the time. So this is a way of "speedily" scrapbooking, plus I love the "everyday" type things that I blog - these are things I would most likely never scrapbook. I like to go back even a year and see how much things have changed in my life, blogging at first for me I didnt put too much personal info but now its occasionally been my "release" and almost like a journal. Blogging is fun, I can check out others blogs and get ideas and its been so much fun! My goal is to get more on here so I can have the real book made out of my blog.... but we will see if I can get with the program or not, this 30 day challenge has been challenging enough :)

Day 11

2011-03-26T09:29:00.000-07:00

Day 11- A pic with friends

These are from my trip last weekend and Laura has become such a great friend and I love her so much!! Thanks Laura for treating me to a wonderful trip it was much needed!!

Top of Bunker Hill Monument (above)

Beach at Chatham Lighthouse

Day 10

2011-03-24T16:54:00.000-07:00

Day 10- Music I listen to in my many moods

I LOVE this day because I LOVE music, my IPod is ALWAYS going, I plug it in my car and there is not a minute of the day I am not singing to something usually. My favorite person of all time and HEART throb for YEARS is good ol' George Strait!! There is no other singing who has music that can make my day like him!! Every song of his is catchy and I love it!! I am a big time country fan, always have been and always will be- country is easy to sing to which is what I love about it. I know people say that with country your always loosing your woman, man, dog, friends, etc etc but.... doesn't it go along with life? I love that there is a song that goes along with everyone's life story :)

Seriously.... is there a better looking man out there?? (sigh**)

Michael Buble- LOVE him also!! When I am in a fun and bubbly mood I like to listen to his music, or even when I am having a crappy day because it makes me happy :) His song "I just haven't met you yet" I first heard right about the time Dave and I seperated and it seriously was played a million times and helped get me through that point in my life.

Taylor.... well what can I say? I didn't care for her at first but she is growing on me :) The best thing about her is that Bryn and I sing her together which is fun

Okay.. this is so opposite of most of the music I listen to- but Nickelback is my FAVORITE rock band- have been for years!! They are my "I freaking hate everybody, I am pissed as hell, leave me the hell alone" music. When David and I would fight I would pop this in my little sporty Chevy Cobalt SS and seriously- drive 120mph with the windows down and this blaring up the mountian, not caring whether I crashed or not.... It's been a long time since I have been that mad that I have listened to them like that.... but there was just something about this particular track that helped get out my frustration by blaring and speeding.

Music is such a part of our lives, everyone has a song I believe.... some of us just dont have all the lyrics written yet. :)

Day 9

2011-03-23T18:37:00.000-07:00

Day 9- Something I am proud of in the last few days

I am really and truly proud of the fact I have not lost my temper or been annoyed at ANYTHING- everyday I just maintain my happy go-lucky attitude and just take the punches as they come.... this has been hard for me to manage but its working wonderfully!!

Day 8

2011-03-22T18:29:00.001-07:00

Day 8- Short term goals for the month and why?

Wow.... hadn't really thought about this one. I have a few things I have been internally working on in my own little brain, this trip to Boston was at the PERFECT timing because I really needed time to clear my head and think about my life, future, relationships, jobs, etc. It seems like I have been on a rollercoaster for the last year that hasn't stopped and even though I have unloaded a few things on the way (RN school graduation being a big one). I have been overwhelmed and headed for a nuclear meltdown.... so I guess my short term goals have been:

1) Find myself

2) PATIENCE- with my kids especially

3) I need to let things "roll-off" my back more and not get so upset- the bull s*&^ that happens at work has really been getting to me and I have almost quit a few times. Also all the crap that people say about me "not going to church" or "my new relationship status" or just whatever- which leads to my next goal.....

4) Find something positive to think of every day that makes me feel better, I have been doing this whenever I get down or have a crappy day or people at work make me mad (although one good thing about home care is I drive alot so I can crank Nickelback and that always helps too) this actually works!!!

There are so many goals that I can think of I should have... but right now I am focusing on being a better me for me..... and I am a much happier person and it reflects in my job and my family. Life is wonderful and TOO SHORT to be not happy!!!!!

Day 7

2011-03-14T17:47:00.000-07:00

Okay I am getting off track and its only going to get worse because I am going on vacation :( So for you faithful readers of mine... I am sorry but we are going to do that at my "30" day pace!! :)

Day 7: Pic of somone/something that has had the biggest influence on my life.

My kids have had such a impact of my life.... but they do every mothers life, and not to mention I blog about my kids all the time... so I am going to change it up a little. Most of you know about Boyd already..... we are getting married at some point later this year :) There are SO SO SO many things that have influenced me so greatly in my life: my parents, my nursing career, so many leaders, friends and family. However, the last year of my life has been MOSTLY influenced by this man.
He is SO wonderful.... not only did I give up on love, after everything I have been through I REFUSED to get married again.... ever..... until I met him! A little history into this for those of you I havent talked to.... I have known Boyd for 6 years at Gold Cross, never paid too much attention to him... we have had some rough calls together like a 6 year old that was killed and some others that we talked about but other than that.. nothing! We started talking a little bit last year after David had moved out and I found out he was also getting divorced and its all history after that.
He is the most CARING and WONDERFUL man I have ever known!!! He is so wonderful to help me around the house.. and lets face it girls.... a man that cooks, cleans and helps with the kids- IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE!! I am HOLDING on tight to this one!!! He treats me like a queen and not a day goes by that he doesn't tell me I am beautiful and he loves me..... what a dream come true for me!!
So he has really changed my way of thinking the last year, and it hasnt been easy for him because I have resisted in being serious and even getting engaged or married, it was really hard for me to let someone in my heart again.... and its still hard but he keeps PATIENTLY chipping away at me every day.....

Day 6

2011-03-10T15:35:00.001-08:00

Day 6- Five favorite TV shows

Well... being that I have not even has cable/satellite for 2 years.... I have not been watching any TV. So I will tell you my favorite shows from before.

1- I DO LoVe LoVe LOVE House!!! He is hilarious and we have all the DVD sets and watch them nightly before bed :)

2- ER- I know its not even playing anymore but it was always one of my favorite shows

3- Scrubs (Anyone notice a trend)

4- Everybody Loves Raymond

5- King of Queens

Sorry I am so boring but I usually am too busy to watch TV so movies are more frequent. Hope everyone is enjoying this WONDERFUL weather I am LOVING it- took down the Christmas lights, washed out the garage, been bike riding.... can't wait for summer!!

Day 5

2011-03-09T16:50:00.001-08:00

Day5: Picture of somewhere you have been

I have been lots of places the last few years but last year I went on a cruise to Ensenada, Mexico and Lakeview, Ohio on a road trip so here are some of my pics!!

St. Louis Arch

Driving across the Mighty Mississippi River!!

This was too funny not to post- little old Mexican man in Ensenada trying to sell horse crap- LOL

Blow Hole: Ensenada, Mexico

Day 4

2011-03-08T20:51:00.000-08:00

Day 4: A habit you wish you didnt have....

Oh boy!! I am sorry but noone could read a post that long!! My WORST habit is PiCkInG my freaking face, zits, whatever you want to call it!!! I am SO horrible at it!!! I am 26 and would LOVE nothing more than to have pretty skin, and I would, if I could quit PICKING at it!!! When I actually go for a week or two and make it a point to not touch my face my skin clears up and looks great... but thanks to stress, kids, jobs, whatever... it will probably always be my worst habit!

My next habit that has helped me pack on a few pounds the last week is stupid chocolate- and its not just any chocolate- I have seasonal chocolate- at Christmas its fudge and Almond Roca, Valentines chocolates, Easter its those DAMN Cadbury Mini-Eggs and Reeses Peanut Butter Eggs... the list continues on and on.

Those are the two habits that cause me the most grief I guess.... the others I will save for another post. :)

Day 3

2011-03-07T18:45:00.000-08:00

Day 3: Pictures of you and your friends

(Sorry Nichole I searched through all my computer files and dont have one of you and I :( If I had a scanner boy I would have lots of them tho!! Love you friend and I had good intentions!)

Chelsea McPhie- my best friend growing up :) This pic is Vegas in 2008

Tina McCarley, Christy Bortz and I with the kiddos 2007
Brookie and me at my RN graduation 2010

Christy Ainsworth at RN graduation (she is going to be a mommy finally!! YAY!)

Dr. Laura Arnold and her husband Wes- they have been such good friend of mine for years now and I am so sad they are moving :(

To all of you other friends of mine, let this be a lesson that we should take more pics together!! But whether I have pics on here of you or not, (you know who you are) I still have the BEST FRIENDS IN THE WORLD and you have all helped me get through some trials in my life and I love you all!!!

Day 2

2011-03-06T09:07:00.001-08:00

Day 2: Meaning of your blog name

This one is easy because its pretty self-explanatory :)

This blog is about me and my two kids and the fun things we do :)

30 Day Challenge (Just late)

2011-03-05T15:35:00.000-08:00

I recieved the 30 day Facebook challenge, but decided to do it on blogger instead :) And like anything else in my life lately- I am late getting started :)

Day 1: Recent pic and 15 facts about me

1: I am a hospice nurse and I love it, who would have thought and ANYONE could actually ENJOY helping people die?? Its so spiritual and I love being there for people at that time in their life.

2: I have been married and divorced- not once- but twice :( (But got two wonderful children out of the deal so its okay)

3: I am scared beyond belief to get married again, or to let people get too close to my heart

4: I LOVE to scrapbook but dont have enough time for it

5: I love everything about Fall, the colors, scents, feeling in the air, but hate that winter follows it.

6: My favorite holiday is Halloween!!

7: One day I will have my own ranch with horses

8: My favorite snack (other than anything chocolate) is Kettle corn and I have mastered cooking it!!!

9: I LOVE camping, I could quit my job and live on the mountain all summer

10: Cleaning is what I do to relax

11: I love to sit in the bath tub and read until the water gets too cold

12: I love bra's/underwear ( I know this is nuts but some women buy shoes/purses- I love cute underwear. I dont know what I will ever do when I have to wear garments)

13: I love to save money, I love to shop sales, yard sales, discount stores to find a good buy- its like a game sometimes to find the best bang for your buck!

14: I am a very social person, but also like my "time outs"

15: I want nothing more in life right now then to be a better mother, nurse, friend and companion and this is something I work on every day!!

(This was really hard to sit here and think of random 15 facts about myself ;P)

Hoover Dam

2011-01-30T18:38:00.000-08:00

I really HATE January, its frigid cold, still snowing and I get so depressed from the weather... so to fix any chance of that ;) we went down south for a few days. My family was having a get together in Mesquite so we stayed there for two nights, gambled a little (Boyd showed me how to play 21 and I can see how people get addicted- winning money is fun!) and then Saturday Boyd and I loaded up the kids and went to Hoover Dam and then back to St George for the night. Mesquite has really slowed down we even had a hard time finding somewhere to eat! The pool was closed at the hotel so we went to the park on Friday, just to soak up some sun. Hoover Dam was great!! Caeden just had his tonsils out last week so he was a little booby that is why he is not in very many pics, he wasnt being very cooperative of my picture taking.

At the Casa Blanca Hotel in Mesquite
Hoover Dam on the Arizona side

The new bridge they finished last year for the traffic to divert from over the dam

I am in two states at once!!!

The turbines of the power plant down in the dam

St. George is definatley a more kid-friendly place than Mesquite... we swam in the pool, ate at the Pizza Factory and enjoyed a good night sleep! The sun did us all a lot of good..... if I had a lot of money I would for sure buy a condo in the warm weather! But now Januray is over and on to Feb we go! Hope everyone is doing well!! Lots of love from our family to yours!!!

Holidays 2010

2010-12-29T10:21:00.001-08:00

Hope everyone had as good of a Christmas and holiday season as we did!! I have been so slow on getting a new post up so bare with me there are a lot of pics!! There has been so much going on around this house that I can't even believe how fast Christmas came this year! The kids both went with their dad on Christmas eve but they came home at noon on Christmas and the festivities began! I worked at the Care Center until eleven and made it home just in time for the kids to get there. I LOVE working at the care center, it was so nice to be there on a holiday and bring a little cheer to my little people's lives. That is one thing that I love about the holidays~ that people are out helping other people which doesn't happen year round. On Christmas eve there is a program here in Vernal called "Helping Hands" where people from the community prepare a meal and we deliver it to elderly and families who aren't able to have a good Christmas dinner. Boyd (my new man :) ) and I went and delievered several of these meals around town and let me tell you if you want to get into the Christmas spirit- what a way to do it!! Thanks to all the people and volunteers that helped make Christmas special for so many!!

Brynlee's new vest & pink shirt- of course we had to model!

Caeden's new hat Grandpa Ford gave him for Christmas!

Build your own Build-a-Bear

Thomas the Train set

This is what the kids picked out for me!!

(And Boyd got me a goose-down coat that matched the purple!!)

Stockings

Santa brought a Wii!!!!! YAY!!!

Oh boy.... another puppy :P
Remote-controlled skid steer

I just had to post this pic- it makes me smile he is so excited.

(The gift was a ATV pack for his 4-wheeler)

Sweet boy

Bryns's new hat.... so cute

Thanks Dr. Laura!! Grandma Jill- grinch paper just for her!!!

Our Christmas tree!!

Snow bunnies!! We got 18 inches!!

The Mom and Boyd snowmen..... :)

Meet Lucy after a haircut.... isn't she so ugly she is cute?!?

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND WELCOME 2011!!!!

I wish everyone a Happy New Year and hope next year only continues to get better for everyone!! Lots of love from our house to yours!!!

Fall Fun!

2010-11-03T17:20:00.000-07:00

I love October!! It is my favorite month for so many reasons... my birthday, Halloween which is one of my favorite holidays, the endless amounts of candy, and how the cool air becomes crisp and ready for winter. I LoVe It!! I was able to go with Caeden on a field trip with his daycare (Little Doo Dahs- which I would recommend to EvErYoNe! I love them they are so awesome with the kids and do such fun things) to the Corn Maze in Bluebell. The kids had so much fun picking pumpkins, going through the maze, riding the cow train and feeding the goats! Any of you that know my son (who has changed his name to John Deere) he LoVeS tractors! It was the highlight of the whole trip for him to have two old tractors that he could sit on.

Caeden and Fisher (his friend)

The kiddie corn maze

Now its all over and onto Thanksgiving, which is another one of my favorite holidays! Hope everyone is enjoying fall as much as we are!!

Trip back East

2010-10-17T19:59:00.000-07:00

After my long 9 months of school, stress and divorce I decided I needed a road trip... so we went East!! I have never been further than Denver, CO so this was so awesome!! So we packed up the truck, and drove 3300 miles in 5 days. We left Vernal and headed through Colorado, Steamboat Springs and up over Rabbit Ears which was so BEAUTIFUL!! The leaves were so incredible. We went through Walden, CO (and I wished I took a pic) but they had a little Aluminum OnE-door fire station! It was hilarious!! The second night we stayed in Lima, Ohio and at 1230 in the morning the fire alarm went off and we had to evacuate the hotel, Caeden thought all the firetrucks were pretty cool. I was slighty (okay REALLY) annoyed that the cook put the hot oily rag in the trash can.

We arrived in Lakeview, Ohio on Friday, ate at McDonalds (had to appease Caeden) for breakfast and their McDonalds had a pier that you could go out on and feed the catfish and carp! We turned around and got headed back west that afternoon after seeing what we wanted to in Lakeview. We had to drive through Indianapolis and I was driving.... lets just say I had a minor (totally MaJoR) anxiety attack because the traffic was HORRIBLE and I almost killed us a few times!! We stayed just outside St Louis that night so we could see the arch and Mississipi during the daylight. We ate a some hometown cafe and I ate fried okra- (not bad if you can get past the slimy texture) and swiss steak that way mamma back east cooks it- OMG SO GOOD!!! Also scooped up some homemade pie and some Amish (we were in Amish country) apple butter.

The next morning onto St Louis- what an amazing city! The arch was incredible and so was the Mississippi river! When you drive across it, your stomach drops it is so large and beautiful! St. Louis is somewhere I would love to go on vacation, there is so much to see, there are a lot of old buildings and its really a pretty place. The leaves back east are different than in Utah, the colors are more of a rusty looking- it was really a site to see!

Next stop on Saturday was Winterset, Iowa. Home of John Wayne!! (Anyone who knows how much I love John- he is right next to George Strait) This was such a cute little town that worships John Wayne, and they are getting ready to build a John Wayne museum which I will have to go back and see!.

It was such a good vacation, no agenda, just sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery! (However I am okay if I never see another corn field as long as I live! That was 98% of the scenery). The worse part of going on vacation is coming home... so until the next trip back to reality!!

Happy October everyone!!

St Louis Arch (if you want to hear a funny story ask me how I got this pic)

Leaves were so amazing!

Cabela's in Sidney, Nebraska. These ducks almost took off my head when they were flying in for Caeden to feed them. He thought it was pretty cool

My Man #2

Where John Wayne was born

John Wayne van

Home of the Super Bowl

Goodbye Ohio- back to Utah!

FaMiLy PiCs

2010-09-19T18:29:00.000-07:00

Well its that time of year..... my FAVORITE SeAsOn!!! FaLl, AuTuMn, whatever you want to call it I LOVE it!! So its time to head to the mountain and take family pics in the fall leaves. This year we went with my Mom and brother and sister for extra fun :). Soon Halloween will be here and I am so excited!! Hope everyone is doing well!!

Graduation!!

2010-08-19T14:12:00.000-07:00

Well, I made it!!! I survived eight months of endless nights, anxiety attacks, more papers written then I can count.... all with two kids and a divorce done......wow! I sit and think about it and can't believe that I made it! There were so many nights I sat and cried thinking about quitting because it was to much, but I am so glad I stuck it out!! Now onto the masters program..... WTH I know! Thank you to all my family and friends who were my cheerleaders and support system, you know who you are! I love you all dearly and attribute my success to you!!

My Grandma Renae, Mom and my kids
My babysitters- bro Kaleb and sis Shaylee Julee Hanberg

My right hand girl and BFF Christy

My BFF Brook- I love you!!! Couldn't have done this without you!

My Dr. Arnold!! She was not only my boss, but is one of my best friends and has pushed me to become more! Thanks Laura! Love you!

As the class President I had to speak- you could have heard my heart beat without a stethoscope! But it went well, I hope the words were inspiring!

My GiRl~!~

2010-08-14T10:19:00.000-07:00

For those of you who know my little girly girl....... she was in a cheerleading clinic last night and had so much fun!! I hate sitting there and watching seeing how big she has gotten, it goes by so fast! Just seems like yesterday I was rocking her to sleep everynight and dressing her in cute little clothes, and now she is telling me what kind of clothes she wants and being so independent...(not sure where she gets that from!) What a cute little girl!! Love you sissy!

Bryn and Ali

CaMpIn!

2010-07-20T19:55:00.001-07:00

In as much as summer is almost over, we decided to go camping overnight..... in a tent. Any of you who know me know that I have been spoiled and had a trailer for the last few years so this has not been my way of camping for a while. So I loaded everything up and we went to the mountain!! Had a great time, got rained on a little bit but it was really great and just what we all needed. On Monday we went fishing and Bryn caught her first fish...... that was SO EXCITING! She was screaming because she couldnt reel it in but it was super fun to watch. Neither of these children can be mine though because neither of them would touch the fish... I will have to work on that I guess. Hope everyone is having a good summer! Only two more weeks of school for me! Yee Haw!!

Could they be any cuter?

Back to Spirit Lake

2010-07-02T19:44:00.000-07:00

Well June was a complete disaster at our house! I left for two weeks to go to Provo for my RN clinicals, but on a good note I will be done in FOUR WEEKS!!!! YAY!!!!

The day I got home (after having SERIOUS withdrawals from my children) I loaded them up and took them to Spirit Lake, which if any of you know anything about me I have spent many summers up there working and it is where my heart belongs for sure. It was so great to take my kids up there and to be in the mountains! We went for a hike around the lake and I got lots of good pics. We saw four moose and a bear (which I couldnt get my zoom in enough for a clear pic- sorry) We stopped and made a fire and roasted a hot dog, marshmellows of course and made a rope swing and just hung out for the day. It was great! I miss being up there so much!

I know he will kill me when he is older but its so cute to see him be a big boy and pee outside.... I just could not help myself!
Bull Moose- Hickerson Park

Cow and Calf Moose- Hickerson Park

Spirit Lake :)

Happy Fourth of July everyone!!! Hope your all enjoying your summer!

Motivation

2010-05-20T19:42:00.001-07:00

Do you ever wish you could buy motivation in a cup??? Seriously I am thinking about inventing it with a patent!!

So I have seriously been down in the dumps lately, between going to school on Tuesdays and Wednsdays and working Thurday-Sunday life is a LOT blah for me right now. So I have come up with this every morning discussion that I have with myself....

1. I cant change the past... ever. Period. So let it go already

2. Make today a AWESOME day... even if its only good for a few hours

3. Do something for me every day (lately its sitting at the bar at night by myself eating oreo's and milk and enjoying a whole row if I want)

4. Quit letting OtHeR PeOpLe dictate my mood- dont let others get to me

5. Always keep in the back of my mind the little people that I am working so hard to provide for and that they WILL be okay and things will work out at God wants them to....

6. Keep my goals in sight- right now that might be only getting through today, but its a goal!

7. Forget the dishes and laundry, they will be there later when you have time

8. Focus on what I DO have and not what I DONT

Thanks to all my friends and family out there who I NEVER get to see and talk to- I promise there will be a time that we get to reunite when my life calms down. I PROMISE. Right now my SwEeT kids are getting all my spare time..... because they are all I have.

Slacker what?!?

2010-05-12T20:13:00.000-07:00

Have I been a blog slacker or WHAT??? Sorry guys.... life has been turned upside down and inside out the last few months. So here is a quick update.... I went to Mexico the first weekend of April, was a BlAsT!! It was the first time I have been anywhere other than the surrounding states so it was a totally new experience for me. The cruise was great, its really a nice way to travel, meals and everything are taken care of and its pretty relaxed. Got a nice suntan (which was the only thing I really wanted to do) I wish I would have taken more pics and more money, its amazing to me how much cheaper stuff is down there, it was FANTASTIC to get some of my hard earned tax money back tho by bargaining down prices ;) I got some good deals!
School first semester has ended and second semester has begun!!! Yay- that means HALF WAY OVER!!! I have to keep telling myself that I can finish this and everything will be ok, for those of you who know what else is going on in my life you will know what I mean. Daily pep talks are all that is getting me through right now. On top of school and being a mom (which I have really been slacking at lately) I am working like a mad woman back full time at the Care Center, which I love the job itself, I just wish I were doing more important things like being a mom and doing more schoolwork. So everyone just say a little prayer for me that I can make it until August 10th and not have a complete breakdown and end up in the crazy house ;)
Sorry about not having much to say just thought I would put a quickie in here. Hope everyone out there is doing well and have a fun summer!! Hopefully I have another blog before then!

My Beautiful Brynlee

2010-03-20T20:32:00.000-07:00

This is a late post.... go figure, I am a busy gal! It was Bryn's birthday on the 11th and she is SIX!! I can't believe it! Time goes so fast and the older they get, the faster it goes. She wanted cupcakes for her birthday so I made pink frosting and we stuck in a few candles, had Grandma Neen, Angie, and Brynlee's little friend Alexa over. She got a new quilt for her bed, for the infamous "pink and orange" room, tickets to Disney on Ice, and some CD's.

We went to Disney on Ice on Saturday the 14th and it was a lot of fun. Its really not that exciting for the parents, but honestly, it is INCREDIBLE to watch how EXCITED the kids get when the characters come out. I have never seen Caeden so happy as when Mater and Lighting McQueen came onto the ice, and Brynlee when Tinkerbell came out. It made all the money, wet hair from standing in the snow, and screaming of other kids all worth it to see those big smiles on their faces! We had another little birthday party in Heber with Grandpa Ford, he gave Brynlee a boom box (which you will be happy to know Dad that it hasnt been turned off since- she is going to be a Hannah Montana #2 she says) We had ice cream cake that was my favorite part personally! Thank you Dad and Julie for the hard work in making us dinner and having us over! It was a lot of fun and we love you tons!

Brynlee, I love you so much even when I am not showing you. Thank you for being my big girl, I love it when your teacher sends me home notes saying that you are the nicest and smartest girl in class (even though your being nice meant we had lice come home...) Continue being so sweet and loving, I will do my best to be a good mom and I am working on it every day, you have to train me to! I love you with all my heart, Happy Birthday Princess!!!

Lice!!

2010-03-07T20:36:00.000-08:00

Brynlee came home with lice today from her dads!! So we went through the fifty step process of shampoo, gel, pull them out, shampoo, on and on. This girl has so much stinking hair it isnt even funny either so their was a TON of lice.... so finally I wrapped her head in Mayo, seran wrap and a Smiths bag and sent her to bed. When she gets up we will start the process all over again......

Winter Blues??

2010-02-03T20:22:00.000-08:00

Ok Seriously..... who in their RIGHT MiNd would ever choose to MoVe to Vernal??? The sun has not been here in TWO WEEKS and I am HoMiCiDaL, SuIcIdAl and DANGEROUS!!! This inversion really plays on everyone out here, everyone I know is depressed and moody and its killing me. I am usually an upbeat happy person but I want to tell everyone where to go and how they should get there! On top of that life has brought so many challenges lately. Like right now for instance, I have been up since 0500 and have to be up the same time tomorrow but I dont even want to go to bed because I know I will just lay there and think of all the things I should be doing..... aka: homework, laundry, cleaning the house. Stupid!!!
School is going great, super busy. I love all of my instructors except one... and she just happens to be on my bad side and vice versa. I cant catch a breath when she is around... and its making me crazy. Being soft spoken is NOT one of my finer virtues, and I just have to think in my head "Let it go.... Let it go...." I am about ready to blow people! My clinicals have been AWESOME! There are seriously so many great nurses out here that are willing to show me anything I want to see, I have got to do things that I will most likely never get to do again!
My adorable kids are really taking the blunt end of me being a beast lately. Poor Brynlee was begging me all night to just help her practice the piano and I just kept putting her off and putting her off until it was time for bed. I really hate being like that... its not their fault that I am overloaded and a crazy physcopath right now.... so why am I like that? Caeden has had pink eye this week... that is so not fun, I have to SIT on him to get drops in his eyes... when I become a professor I seriously am going to invent another treatment other than drops for pink eye. They are both doing good in school, Caeden has really stuggled with me going back to school. I am off on Mondays and take him to preschool and its a crying disaster every time because he doesnt want to leave his mommy. :( Sad I know.... I feel horrible.
Please pray for eveyone in Haiti! When I start feeling sorry for myself I think of people like that, or like my neighbors down the street who we have been giving food too because they have none, it really makes me grateful for what I do have. Life is so tough on everyone right now, everyone's challenges are alike and different in the same breath. Help your neighbors and those of you living in Vernal right now reading this...... lets get a possy together and go tanning!!!! Fake sun baby- a girl's gotta do what a girls gotta do!!!

What I am grateful for

December 09

2010-01-10T07:38:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone's Christmas was as nice as ours! We had a lot of fun this year, did a few new things to help with the Christmas spirit and remember what it truly is about and not just getting presents. We gave a box of food to one of our neighbors that dont have anything and the church is helping them out- the look on their faces when we showed up with that food made Christmas! The kids of course had a great time, we drove around listening to music on Christmas Eve looking at everyones lights and saw THE leg lamp off of 'A Christmas Story' sitting in someone's front window!! Made my night- it was HILARIOUS!!! Brynlee really wanted Santa to bring her a Little Pet Shop (which she has played with maybe twice) and a snowboard (as you can see we got a sleigh instead). Caeden wanted the usual trucks and whatnot, he got a big train (I am not sure what Santa was thinking because its one that he cant really take off the track and drive around like a crazy man). Both of them got Leapster 2's because Santa is SICK & TIRED of hearing them fight over Brynlee's Nintendo DS.
My Dad came out for breakfast and that was SO NICE to have him here, tried to convince him to spend Christmas Eve but wasnt too sucessful there. But it was great having him here and the kids absolutely LOVE it when he comes! Caeden is his little buddy for sure!
As you read my previous post the day after Christmas started something I never thought I would endure. Things are in some ways a little easier, but are harder in a lot of ways. I still make sure that I see or call Tracy several times a day, I cant imagine her lonliness, and also the kids. Things wont get easier for them for a long time if ever. Please remember them in your prayers.... that they may feel some comfort.

What are friends for?

2009-12-29T10:32:00.000-08:00

This is my sad moment.. but I really need to get it out here. My best friends husband died tragically on Saturday night (Dec 26th). I will leave the details out not only because its personal to everyone involved, but because some people couldn't handle the details. I have had this triangle of friends- we call the "Love Triangle"- me, Brook and Tracy- friends forever- sisters if you will. When you become best friends with someone you vow to always help them and be there through EVERYTHING.... will this definitely takes the cake. Tracy is the strongest out of the three of us, she is a rock, and is hard to crack and get into her circle but once your in... your in. Well, now Brook and I have to be her rock for a while. I have experienced things as a friend I thought I would NEVER have to... this has been the most devastating thing I have ever witnessed.
Its amazing to see all the generous people that come out of the woodwork when something like this happens. To all of you who have donated money, food, firewood, love and compassion- GOD BLESS YOU!! I truly didn't realize how many people are out there who will lend a hand or give anything they have when given the opportunity. Thanks to everyone for the emotional support as well, for Tracy, the kids, the family, and for me to.
I would like to also tribute Ken. Even though this wasn't the best way to leave, I understand why it happened. We will never know the battles you fought... but we LOVE you! I will NEVER be able to go camping or to Las Vegas without thinking of you and raising a toast! Thanks for loving my best friend with more love than she could ever realize! Thanks for being such a great Dad to the kids- they worshiped the ground you walked on. You were truly a loving and kind person who never worried about yourself- only everyone else. I hope you are with Marty. Work hard in heaven, conquer your battles, become your best self. I am sending all my love. Please watch over your family.
To Tracy, I have already vowed my life and any extra time I have to you. You would do the same for me. I love you and will help you get through this, I promise. The road is going to be long and hard but we will make it!!! Your not alone- EVER! I have prayed for you the last few days, and that's something I haven't done in years. Please hang on... we love you.
To the rest of everyone who reads this... hug your family and friends every time you see them. Let them know you care... you never know when someone needs just a little something. Live every day like its you last. Life flies by.

Apologies

2009-12-18T11:09:00.000-08:00

Sorry there havent been any posts forever, in our money saving ways we have canceled our internet because I can use it at work when I need to. So sorry that the last blog is from Halloween, soon we will be back up and running at our house and I will post pics and whatnot. I start the RN program on the 4th of Jan, which means that I am done at the clinic, the 23rd is my last day. I am bittersweet about it, there have been so many things going on down there lately that there are things I am glad to be leaving, but I will miss my friends, doctor, and some of the patients. So back to the care center I go...... not sure how I feel about that either. What is it about this time of year that is so STRESSFUL, DEPRESSING, and CHAOTIC?!? Shouldnt we be grateful for what we have and enjoy the holidays?? It seems that each year gets worse, I want to just pack up and leave and forget the whole damn thing. So anyways, I know I need to change my attitude but things are just not quite where I want them to be. But off to the program I go and know that even though I will be twice and busy and stressed that at the end of July I will be a better person, make more money, and have a more versatile job that I will be able to find where I belong in the nursing world. I am really considering going on to PA school instead of Nurse Practicioner... so we'll see where I end up. Hope you all have a great Christmas and I will post as soon as I can.

Halloween

2009-11-01T18:35:00.001-08:00

OMG!!! What a week its been! First of all, the good news, I got AcCePtEd to RN school!!! Yay!! Its been a totally crazy week since then so anyone I overlooked in sharing my good news I am sorry! Last year I had this crazy idea to throw a Halloween party at Basin Clinic so this year I was BrIbEd (really- begged) to do another one. Wow- crazy but it was so much fun. The only bad thing was I was the one left to clean up the mess when it was all over, but being that I wont be working there next year it was all good. I was going to be a scarecrow but 2 hours before the party my sister in law Monica (who is the greatest by the way- she is a kid at heart in someways) calls me and says "Lets go as Fairy's!" (Haha right?) so I dug out my old prom dresses and we went as Fairys- was actually a lot of fun. I got the bright idea to use Brynlee's play makeup for my costume and literally had to scrape it off with a butter knife that stuff is like GLUE on your face!

We also made a haunted house- this was actually a lot of fun, the kids had a blast. Then we hit the ward Trunk-or-Treat which was a TON of fun this year! They had games, chili dogs, hot chocolate, family pictures, a bon-fire, the whole nine yards. Thanks to the party planners in the ward!! Couldn't have been any funner! Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween! Now its onward to Thanksgiving and then Christmas..... oh boy!

Family Pics 2009

2009-10-15T12:37:00.000-07:00

First things first..... THANKS STEPHANIE!!!! Your wonderful, you did such an awesome job and I am so PLEASED they turned out so well!! (Even though I never doubted you in the first place).

It has been a few years since we have attempted to do family pics because we dont have the best luck. The kids are not cooperating, Dave is onery and wont smile, etc. This year was great, I love Fall and wanted outside pics so we just took a drive up Dry Fork, pulled over on the side the the road for some of them and got some great pics. Then for the rest of them we went to the top of dry fork in the most beautiful yard I have ever seen! These people had to knock down hundreds of trees to build their house, and its complete forest surrounding their home- so amazing!

You guys be the judge and let me know what you think!

Fairey's 2009

Heber Creeper Birthday

2009-10-04T18:47:00.000-07:00

24 years old..... wow is all I have to say, and for those of you thinking "young spring chicken" I am a firm believer that people are as old as the life experiences they have had, and not their biological birthday age. I have met some old people who have the pesonality of a 18 year old, and vice versa. I feel a LOT older than I am, but I have had some experiences that have made me that way. Anyways, my birthday was TERRIFIC, couldnt have asked for a better day, we got up early and headed to Heber to ride the Heber Creeper, which growing up in Wallsburg I have been on the train a few times, but honestly it was better this time. As parents we go places (Like Chucky Cheeses, swimming at the rec center, etc) that I really HATE going, but I cant say that about this trip. It was honestly SO MUCH FUN!! It was so breathtakingly BEAUTIFUL down Provo Canyon, to the point it tears my heart out and makes me so homesick I cant stand it, because face it everyone.... Vernal is not a pretty place to live. The kids LOVED the train, they were so good, I was worried that a 4 hour train ride would result in tragedy. We sat on the outside car, which was a little chilly at moments, but hot chocolate and cider cured that. The ride went all the way down to Vivian Park and then back, what a great view of the canyon and Timpanogas that you dont get to see when driving down. So I got some great pics, so bear with me as I will post most of them. Then after we took the kids to see both of their Great Grandmas, which honestly, I REALLY do think I have the best Grandma's in the WHOLE world!!! We left Brynlee and Caeden at Grandma Allred's in Heber while Dave took me to dinner at Ruby River (YuMmY!) with my best friend of 10 YeArS~~ Chelsea McPhie (I guess Neerings now) and her hubby Kirk. It was really a good time, good company, good food. Couldnt have asked for better! I also would like to post a SpEcIaL thanks not only to Dave who really was so great about making sure I had a good birthday with no stress, but to my Dad. Thanks for letting us stay the night at your house (I promise, no rugs were washed this time, I moved them for Caeden to pee) and thanks for the birthday card that made me cry, and thanks for the new jeans and wallet you bought me... how did you know thats EXACTLY what I wanted?? :) You are the BEST Dad ever, couldnt ask for better, love you more than you'll ever know! Thanks for the Birthday wishes from everyone else!!

The mountain in the middle is Wallsburg- home

This was the actual engine that took us

Another project down!

2009-09-29T18:44:00.000-07:00

I have had these old windows for mOnThS and have been planning on doing a few things with them, but FINALLY buckled down and got the first one done today. The hardest part was finding a saying that was "hang worthy" and wouldnt get old. Dave was given out a little slip of paper in church on Sunday with this on it and I felt it did justice to be vinyled on the wall forever. President Hinckley was truly a great man and I am proud to hang this saying!.

Halloween Tree

2009-09-22T14:26:00.000-07:00

Halloween is my FaVoRiTe holiday!! I could really forget Christmas and have another Halloween..... I saw these cute trees in a magazine and had to make one! Of course, its not exactly the same as in the book- have to personalize it right? I know this is a boring blog but unfortunatley there is not much else going on right now, as soon as something exciting happens I will get on it!!

First Day of School!!

2009-09-04T06:48:00.000-07:00

Both of my babies started school yesterday!! Brynlee is going to Kindergarten, which there is something about kindergarten, going to the school with all the big kids, that makes it harder on a mom. I tried talking her into letting me take her for her first day but she wasnt interested... "I am big now, I will ride the bus MOM" So I met the bus at the school.... had to make sure she found her class ok. Then with a tear in my eye and a broken heart I went to work.

Caeden also started preschool, which was kind of tricky because the day care that he goes to we call "school" also to make it a little easier. So after taking him to his real preschool- which I thought was going to be a kicking, screaming, teeth biting nightmare and actually turned out really great, he went right in and hung up his back pack and no problems. Taking him back to daycare was a little of a challenge- he was crying and carrying on "I want to go to my other school!!" So we are going to have to work something else out... he only goes on Monday and Wedns every week so I need to work it out so I have those days off! What will I do all by myself??

Happy Birthday Caeden!!

2009-08-18T19:50:00.000-07:00

My little boy turned 3! I cant believe it... time flies! We celebrated with cake that I made!!!! (It was actually easier than I thought it would be!!) However I had the tractors placed on the cake and Dave proceeded to come in and tell me they were doing the 'wrong jobs' and he moved them around so they were in working order.... seriously??? Caeden LOVED his cake- he didn't even eat a piece of it... once the tractors came off that's all he wanted to do with it.... silly boy. We got him a John Deere green wagon, and a shirt with a tractor on it. Grandpa Ford came out (which is always the best part) and gave Caeden two cap guns, a rifle and pistol (I still have the caps I am holding onto until he goes to stay with Grandpa for a day or two) and he gave him a John Deere hat that I am STILL arguing it off Caedens head for a bath and to go to bed every night. Kaleb and Shaylee and Grandma Jill got him a big wheel tractor and Grandma Fairey and Aunt Monica gave him $5 and a gumball machine... which I am considering using as potty training bribery. It was a great day... lots of fun for Caeden... he seriously is still singing Happy Birthday to Me!!

Also an exciting week because Caeden started a new Daycare called Little Doo Dahs (yes, it is a cowboy theme... so cute!!) The babysitter we have had all summer has gone back to high school so that meant change again! However I took Caeden down on Monday to "get a feel" for this daycare so Tues morning when I had to go to work it wasn't a total emotional breakdown... and he LOVES it!! We are calling it "school" instead of daycare so I think that helps. He seriously was out of the seat belt and opening the door before I even had the car in park this morning he was so excited to go. Which made me so HaPpY!! It was bittersweet though because when your kids dont cry because your leaving and they actually WANT you to go.... its sad, almost more sad than when you leave them crying. I posted a picture of his guitar that they made today... and it was SO SWEET, I asked him to sing me a song on his guitar and he sang me the "Bob the builder... can we fix it? Bob the builder, YES WE CAN!!!" Please catch on that we are Bob fans and John Deere fans at our house!!!
Thanks to everyone for the GrEaT birthday!! Thanks Dad ~aka~ Grandpa Ford for coming all the way out, we wished you lived closer! We LOVE you lots!!!!

The birthday gifts!!

What ~*~CuTe~*~ kids!!

Hows that for a homemade cake?? Watch out Betty Crocker!

Me and My Grandpa!!The RIFLE!!! YAY!

The little things

2009-08-02T20:50:00.001-07:00

Well, right now I am working (Ambulance) and came home to tuck my little AnGeLs (HA HA HA) into bed... and they looked so cute, I had to post a little something. (Especially because Brynlee has pulled a big spot of her CUTE pink paint off of her wall since I made her bed this morning!!!! So I am trying to focus on something positive right now.) However mad they make me at times I would not trade them for AnYtHiNg! Being a mother is one of God's greatest ReWaRdInG CHALLENGES. From the second you find out your pregnant it doesnt end until 6 feet below ground 70+ years later... and I think even then, we still watch over our kids. We as mothers are to dry the tears, kiss the owies and broken hearts, hug them until they scream "I cant breathe!", give them piggie back rides, learn how to play Barbies all over again, learn how to be a truck driver, check on them at least twice every night before we can go to bed our weary selves, the list goes on and on. In return however, we get to watch them grow, get millions of hugs and I love you's (that by the way are Mommy's FAVORITE hugs!!), and eventually they will get married and give me grandbabies, (hopefully not for at LEAST 20+ years).

I know I am not the only mother who worries and fears that something horrible will happen to their children, believe me, I have seen some HORRIFIC things working for Gold Cross that have changed me FOREVER. I will NEVER go to bed mad at my kids, without hugging and kissing them and letting them know how MUCH I love them. I will not let anger change the way I am, I will pick my battles and only worry about the big things... not so much the little things. I will take them to do things, go to the park, swimming, camping, because really.... in the scheme of things.... what is an hour?? Its more than an hour to them... its much more.

However I am still learning as a mother- and I will admit Brynlee is my learning experience, the oldest always is. But I love her and there is not a better daughter out there! She is so PrEcIoUs and WoNdErFuL!! She has come such a long ways with her speech, you would never know she ever struggled, she is so smart (too much most of the time) and she is so beautiful and HaPpY all the time! Brynlee I love you!! Your incredible and I will always be there for you no matter WHAT... as your mom and your friend.

Caeden... what a treasure you are, can they get more boy than you?? I mean really, we are still counting the big trucks anytime we go to town... and it makes me laugh and have such a warm feeling in my heart when you get up in the big truck with your dad and you are GlOwInG with such pride.... it makes me smile! I love how you need to come in and make sure I am still in the house and give me a kiss and tell me you are going back to work... outside in the dirt yard (what are you going to do when we have a lawn???) You will FoReVeR be mommies little boy!

And then there is David, I cant forget you.... thanks for EvErYtHiNg!! I love you.... even when I tell you I could wrap my hands around your neck... Thanks for all you do.... and lets keep working on things everyday... as long as we work together it will all be ok.

Thanks to all the friends, family (JaNeen, Tracy, Monica) I love you too and honestly most days I have NO CLUE where I would be without you... I love you all!

By the way this is our new family member... I think Brynlee has decided Pepper is her name... I just call her puppy.

YeS, that is a Hannah Montana hat... what can I say?

24th of July!!

2009-07-26T20:09:00.000-07:00

Me and my buddy!!!

Look at those cute boys!!

Now THATS a dirty bum!! He he

The boys and their trucks!

Coming in out of the rain for a min.

Yes.... More CaMpInG!!! We moved to a new campspot which is really nice, secluded, not many other campers around- it was so nice and ReLaXiNg!! We went on a 4-wheeler ride down the the Little Brush Creek caves, which were so awesome! Caeden kept saying it was the "monster's house" which he was probably right! :) We went with friends and had a little picnic and the whole nine yards, was really great! It rained really hard on Sat afternoon and after that Caeden was playing in the mud with Carson and boy did they get DIRTY!! Boys and their toys! We 99% of the time just sat around camp and enjoyed ourselves! Nothing better than camping!!

(And Bryn was at her Dads so thats why no pics of her :( )

4th of July Weekend

2009-07-07T17:52:00.001-07:00

We went to Flaming Gorge camping for the 4th. Lots of happenings up there, the antique car show, fireworks at Dutch John (which is a really good fireworks show by the way). Our friends Nichole and Robert came and tented it with us and they have a boat we went and cruised the Gorge and swam- great weather other then the little bit of rain that chased us off the lake.

Caeden going on the big potty for the first time!!!

(This really made my weekend SO much better!)

Etzel- I WANT one of these!! Pink!

Hiking- Caeden found.... a gun!! Whats new? We make guns out of stick, peanut butter sandwiches, anything!

The goats were happy to see Ellecia- they were getting fed well.

Dave and Caeden at Dyer mine Cabin

I told the kids to try and find a lizard (honestly... I didnt know there were lizards here, I was just sending them out to do something!!) and they came back with one!!!!! So Dave helped them tame it... very entertaining. DONT send your kids to look for something unless you really want it to be found! A valuable lesson! Haha

Amidst all the cool cars.... there was a cool tractor... and if anyone could scope out a tractor- it would be my son.

My boys, sitting on the front of the boat, what a nice pic with the Cart Creek bridge behind them that you have to cross to get to the dam.

YUCK!! Why do people have these for pets??

*~*Happy Birthday America!!!*~*

Here Fishy Fishy!!!

2009-06-14T20:20:00.000-07:00

Tracy, Ken and their five dogs :)

Caeden and Dad and Bryn on Grandpa's 4Wheeler

* mY BoYs *

FrIeNdS

*HeRe* FiShY* FiShY*

We went camping this last weekend with one of my dearest friends Tracy and her hubby and grandson Carson. We found a great campsite at Dyer Park, where the fishing was "supposed" to be terrific. However, I think that my kids really and truly scared all the fish away. Caeden has been dying to go "fishin" and it was so cute, he had his little pole and was trying his hardest.... but no fishy's. So we settled for playing in the dirt and riding the 4-wheeler. We went on a 6 hour long, HARD, RoCkY ride, and Caeden fell ASLEEP!!! I was barley able to hold onto my four wheeler as it tried to rock and roll and tip, and he was sleeping.... typical male I think. LOL. We borrowed Grandpa Ford's 4-wheeler and Caeden was NOT riding any other four wheeler.... just HIS Papa's!! Brynlee had a great time too... Saturday morning I was cleaning up breakfast and went out to see what they were up to because it was awfully quiet.... and they were gone. I have NEVER EVER in my WHOLE life been so scared! I yelled and screamed and ran from one end of camp to the other and couldnt find them. We were camped by a creek that is fast so I REALLY was freaking out.... we jumped on the 4-wheeler and hauled butt from one end of camp to the creek to the hills and could NOT find the kids.... by this time I was sobbing expecting to find a drowned body... Dave went back up a little ravine to check again and found them both. After I got myself back together Brynlee decided it was better that she always tell me where they are going.... I think her seeing me so upset worked better than any scolding could have done. All is well, everyone made it through... now if they survive the week we will be heading back up next weekend.... and this time.... we WILL catch a fish!

Hair Shaving

2009-06-14T20:10:00.000-07:00

Summer time calls for a summer hair cut! We got out the buzzer, the stool and set up the barbershop in the driveway! The only bad thing we have found about the skin head- other than its easier to sunburn.... is it ATTRACTS the mosquitos when we go camping!!! Poor Caeden's head looks like an abused pin cushion!

Caedens New Hat

2009-05-30T16:55:00.000-07:00

So my cute little boy got his first hat.... or the first hat he will wear. Now to my detriment we may never pry it off his head. LOL. Due to the large sums of Disney movies I have purchased over that last few years I have earned so many points and got to pick some prizes from the Disney Movie Club. Since none of the prizes were appealing to me I got both the kids something, and Caeden is a Cars FANATIC so I got him a hat that came with a watch. He is so proud, thinks he is just like his dad....

Camping in the Rain!

2009-05-24T17:49:00.000-07:00

ItS SuMmEeR!!! Which means LOTS of camping for us!! So this weekend we weathered the storm and headed to the mountain! Monica and the girls came with us, but they were in the tent so when the rain hadn't stopped for 24hours they decided they had enough (which was a good idea because it rained even more after they left and they would have needed oars to move around in the tent) but Monica is a trooper and it was fun while it lasted. During the evenings it was nice- the rain would stop so we could enjoy the campfire and smores! The night Monica and the girls left the battery died to the trailer and while hooking it up to charge we found the propane was leaking! There is NO doubt in my mind that someone was looking out for us because one little spark flying from the fire and there would be no more camper! So we didnt have any heat or power that night, it was acutally fun to kind of rough it. So we will be getting all the broken parts fixed- which you always find the things that need fixed on your first trip. Then we wil be headed back to the mountain!

Rain requires some hot chocolate!

Brynlee doesn't care its pouring rain- she doesnt want to get off her bike!

Brynlee learned how to ride her bike without training wheels two days before we left!

CoOkInG bReAkFaSt

Marshmellow Goatee!

What cute little cookers!

Mischief?? Need I say more?

The Gang! We walked down to the pond by our campsite

Preschool Graduation

2009-05-21T18:00:00.000-07:00

Brynlee graduated from preschool! It makes me so sad to think that she is going into kindergarten, where there are big kids.... it has gone by way to fast!! I am so proud of her, she has come SUCH a long ways with her speech and everything (and talks like she is 18 now). I am very grateful to the wonderful teachers that have helped her at Central Cove! She is growing to be such a beautiful smart girl!

Girls and Frogs??? Who knew?

2009-05-11T21:51:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite parts of our new house is our new friends. The neighbors next door have two kids the exact same ages and Bryn and Caeden. Bryn's little friend Raven is helping me to take a little of the girly girl out and put a little rough and tough into Bryn (any of you that dont know Bryn- ALL girl, I mean if its not pink, frilly, princess- no way!) So I was out getting my flower beds ready and I hear screaming- excited screaming, there is a big field behind our house that a little river runs though, and there are frogs- lots of them. Which are fantastic to lay in bed at night and listen to by the way... So Raven and Brynlee caught a frog- something that I never thought Brynlee would touch! They put him in a little bug-catcher jar, which totally cracks me up because every time the frog would move or jump in this jar the girls would scream and drop the jar. Needless to say the frog escaped during the night.... hmmmm..... ??

The Best Part

2009-05-09T19:34:00.000-07:00

So this morning when we all get up and after getting the ceral in the bowls realize there is no milk. So I put on my hat and sweats and run to the grocery store. Well early in the morning when you walk in and smell the fresh donuts- its like a cardinal sin not to buy a couple. So I bought a couple- which the kids were so excited. As we are eating the donuts Caeden and Brynlee are laughing because Caeden has proceeded to eat the frosting only, and what was left was pitiful.

Mommy's Heart

2009-05-03T18:46:00.000-07:00

There in NO greater thing than being a mother. Period. Its the greatest thing us women will ever become. I was going through some pics on my computer and there are a couple pics that I am posting the made my heart flip-flop and wrench because I realized how BIG my kids are getting! Bryn is sitting here and asks me why I am laughing and these pics so I tell her that I am actually sad my kids are so big, so as any innocent child would she states "You better get another baby to put in your belly again then huh?? " ... I am still laughing... if they only knew it wasnt that easy.

Dentist for Bryn

2009-05-01T18:53:00.000-07:00

Brynlee's turn for the dentist!! She was nervous but did a good job- but she has TEN.... yeah TEN.... cavities!! Holy crap!! I almost died! So, because we dont eat a ton of sugar at our house, other than Kool-Aide, I am blaming Grandma. Love you Grandma! We got a new princess pink tooth brush and timer out of the deal though, and that made it all worth it!

ROCK Removal

2009-04-27T20:53:00.001-07:00

So phase one of the yard work sucks!!! Rock removal! Our house has been built in an old creek bed so tons of rocks. Literally- we have a dump truck load of rocks in a pile in the front yard, so anyone that needs rocks, come get them! We started out with a four-wheeler thinking it would be sufficient to move the rocks, and had a tractor by the next day. The tractor has been lots of fun! I have even taken a liking to driving it- but it took some persuasion on Dave's behalf to get me to even try.... He thinks my tractors sexy!! Haha

Caedens 1st Dentist Visit

2009-04-27T20:34:00.000-07:00

Ok... first let me confess that when the mothers that bring their screaming, kicking, out of control children into the clinic and I get kicked in the process of shots, strep screens, stitches, or whatever.... I HATE these moms and wonder why the heck they don't get control of their children..... well I have been humbled today. Caeden's top two front teeth have been chipping off and I have been concerned because I don't want them to get rotten with no enamel there. We brush our teeth every day (if you call sucking off all the toothpaste brushing teeth) and he doesn't eat a lot of sugar, but i was still worried. My poor son also got my genes of his bottom teeth over-lapping his top and the HORRIBLE habit (that i still do...) of grinding my teeth while sleeping. So I am concerned enough that I decided to submit him to the dentist. BAD IDEA. He was SO not letting that dude look at HIS teeth, and he told him that- "These my teeth!" So after me holding him down for what seemed like an eternity, they cant do anything until the big teeth come in.... so all the trauma for nothing! But we did score a new toothbrush and timer!! Yay!!

Professional Pics!

2009-04-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

Here are our Easter 09 Pics!

Easter!!

2009-04-12T20:54:00.000-07:00

This is a slideshow of our fun Easter weekend. We went to Heber and stayed overnight with Grandpa Ford, he helped us dye eggs and he had a blast! (Dont say otherwise Dad! You had fun!) Then on Saturday we went to Provo and saw the Great-Great and Great Grandma's. We also went and got the kid's pics done at Kiddie Kandids- I will post those later. Then on Sunday the Easter Bunny came and hid all of our eggs and left the kids baskets. Hope you all had a good Easter too! Love you all!

Coloring Easter Cookies

2009-04-08T19:10:00.001-07:00

I found these really cute cookies that you color! We had so much fun coloring them!

This boy was not going for any color other than blue

Bryn likes to multi color her cookies

Bryn's, Mom's, Caeden's

And then there is Dave... who didnt get to color one but was very proud of mine!

He ate every bite!

Happy Easter Everyone!

Ambulance Wrecking

2009-04-07T19:40:00.000-07:00

Well today I fixed the bumper of the ambulance- permantley fixed it. We were going to lunch at Wingers- and i was backing up into my parking space paying very close attention to getting that big old sucker in between the yellow lines. Well my crew member Shelly was in the back and I heard her yell "Watch out for the curb!" or at least thats what I thought she said.... and for any of you that know me.... I shouted "yeah yeah I know" thinking- big deal its a curb?? Well... that curb turned out to be a big cement base to a light pole. LOL, yes backed right into it- and not softly either. Those bumpers are made of steel plated heavy metal and arent easily dented- well unless your me I guess. So I am not ever living that one down! I had to go immediately to the hospital for drug testing, pictures had to be taken... the whole nine yards. I am happy to report that thanks to my co-workers that have done more serious damage I still get to drive :) But at the very least it was a little humiliating. So for all of my friends that have backed into the yellow- painted poles at walmart, shut the garage doors on your open hatches of your new vehicles (you know you who are)- you ARE NOT ALONE!! Blonde moments happen more and more the older you get.

Me and the Kiddos

2009-03-30T19:03:00.000-07:00

This is the crazy bunch I love!!

Our New House!

2009-03-30T18:27:00.000-07:00

This is our new house! Now the story of why this is our new house. A year ago April we moved into our 25ft camp trailer with intentions of building a house. We already had spoken with a contractor, had the plans set up, the lot, the whole fifty thousand freaking yards. So it began.....

Trailer life is not what it seems... believe me, I dont know how the HECK anyone can live in a trailer ALL the time, they are a LOT more patient than me. It was crazy, but I am now the worlds BBQ queen I guarantee it! Did you know you can cook pancakes on the BBQ? Well... you can. Our campout the house building time was in my mom and George's back yard- back between the chicken coop and the turkey nest- BTW- there is NOT and more disgusting, fowl smelling, dirty, nasty, poop all over animal than the turkey! They would come up on the deck we built (yes, we built a deck on the trailer) and poop over and over. Those stupid things had more shoes, rocks, plates, trucks, etc thrown at them than I can count and they still kept coming and pooping right in front of the screen door. So this is SOME of what we endured for 9 months of trailer life....

We built a BEAUTFUL house, custom everything, wood work, painting, tile, you name it WE personally did it in this house- to save money was the idea of doing all the work. When we werent at our regular jobs, we were at this house sweating our asses off. Well, to keep the bad part of the story out of this blog, the contractor was unable to keep the price at what was originally agreed upon, he wanted to make a fortune off of our house to pay off all his other chin-deep debt, and we got the crap end of it. So after already moving all of our belongings into this house thinking full steam ahead that this was a no-break deal, we ended up moving back into the camper at the beginning of December. December is cold in Vernal, for those of you not out here.

So we FRANTICALLY found another house, this one was built about 3 blocks from where we had been staying in the trailer all along, down the street from my mom and George's. Was not really excited about where it is located, dont like being too close to family, but it has worked out ok. It's a funny thing about this new house, even with all the work we put into the other one, this one feels like home. Home is where your heart is though!

Just me

2009-03-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

Because there are so few pictures of me that actually exist I thought I should post it. Thanks to Sherilee Woodward who was very happily snapping pictures for the clinic website- she got a few good ones. I am actually smiling too! So any of you that want a good laugh or too- check out basinclinic.com and watch the slideshow. All of us nurses were getting a kick out of the pics they took that makes us feel like we should be holding our booking plaque number.
So a little about what I do at work seems appropriate for my practice first- blog. I am Dr. Laura Arnolds nurse. I keep track of everything she needs to be doing, and everything our patients need to be doing, medications, treatments, follow-ups, the list goes on and on I am a glorified, licensed babysitter of adults! That is really and truly how I feel most days! There are many days that I love my job- like today when we are all kidding around and having a really good time. We do have a lot of fun here at basin. I dont think there is a better group of nurses and doctors anywhere. However, some of the patient cliental we attrack is mentally draining some days.
I love being a nurse, I love taking care of people and helping them when they are at their weakest (this only applies to some people BTW). To be 100% honest I love the care center the most, if their hours were more compatable with being a mom I would work there. I love the little grandma's and grandpa's that you aqquire, I love helping them when noone else is there for them. I love helping them go to a greater place. Dying is probably the most peaceful experience anyone will ever witness! There are a lot worse things than dying, and I can tell you example after example to prove that!
But for now the clinic is a great place for me. I am moving on bigger and better things as soon as I get my butt in gear and get back to school. Hopefully I wont be in the care center by the time that happens!

2009-03-28T17:32:00.000-07:00