THE GUYMON FAMILY ADVENTURES

Folding Laundry

2012-01-31T18:43:00.001-06:00

I was folding laundry & threw the socks down by Jackson & he was putting the socks over his eyes & playing peek-a-boo! He is only a little over 5 months old but knows that game!!!

Playdate Fun

2012-01-30T15:44:00.001-06:00

Andrew had our neighbor Anthony over today to play & they are having so much fun! I am so grateful Andrew has found a good friend that is in his class & lives close to us!

MLK Day Fun (Jan. 16, 2012)

2012-01-16T14:57:00.001-06:00

Andrew wanted to spend his school holiday helping me clean. I'll enjoy it while it lasts!

Super Reader! (Jan. 13, 2012)

2012-01-16T13:52:00.001-06:00

Andrew came home from school one day in November & said he wanted to become a Super Reader. He told me that to become a Super Reader you had to know all of your sight words & get them right in front of the class. We decided to work hard on memorizing our sight words so he could become a Super Reader.

Well, he came home today just estatic because he was a Super Reader! He got the bracelet & the class yelled "1,2,3 Super Reader!" I am so proud of him! Yeah Andrew, my little Super Reader!!!

Warm Sunday (Jan. 15, 2012)

2012-01-15T10:08:00.001-06:00

Andrew & Trace, our dog, were enjoying our nice fireplace! Nothing cuter than a boy loving on his dog!

Relaxing Sunday (Jan. 15, 2012)

2012-01-15T09:30:00.001-06:00

Andrew decided to move his chair over by mine & then wanted Jackson to sit with him! I love that
he likes to love on his brother!

Bath Time (Jan. 2, 2012)

2012-01-12T14:11:00.001-06:00

Jackson LOVES bath time & I love using the Bumbo Seat, thanks Mimi for getting it for us!

Lunch Date (Jan. 3, 2012)

2012-01-12T14:05:00.001-06:00

Jon took me out to lunch at County Line Up on the Hill. Even though we still had Jackson with us it still was great & we enjoyed some quality time together! THANKS HUN!!!

Fun Hats (Jan. 7, 2012)

2012-01-12T14:00:00.001-06:00

While I was trying on slippers at Kohls Andrew was having fun trying on hats. So CUTE!!!

Milestone for Jackson (Jan. 11, 2012)

2012-01-11T15:44:00.001-06:00

Today I put Jackson down on his play mat while I got some laundry started & when I came back he was on his stomach...he rolled over for the FIRST time!

I am happy & sad he is growing up!

My Little Jumping Bean

2012-01-11T10:19:00.001-06:00

Pediatrician

2012-01-10T10:26:00.001-06:00

We took Andrew & Jackson to a pediatrician for the first time today, other than when my Dad has checked them. Jackson is 28 inches tall (99.9%) & weighs 17 lbs & 4 oz (76%). Andrew is 46 inches tall & weighed 50 lbs. They are both healthy & ahead in development! So glad everything went good!

Eat That Frog Movie

2012-01-09T11:25:00.000-06:00

What a GREAT motivational little short video about NOT procrastinating the things we don't want to do! I am going to try to "eat my frog first each day" & I think that will help me A LOT!!!

Eat That Frog Movie

Cloth Diapers

2012-01-07T12:43:00.001-06:00

So after talking to my friend about cloth diapers I have decided to try it out. I was so excited when they arrived on Friday! I have now washed the inserts & covers. It is best to hang dry the covers so, as you can see, I made a make shift hanging line. So ghetto but oh well! Later today that friend is going to come over & give me a cloth diaper 101 & I can't wait!!!

Sleep Mode

2012-01-02T23:35:00.001-06:00

Our robot looks so CUTE in sleep mode!

Happy New Year 2012

2011-12-31T23:52:00.001-06:00

Andrew always gets framed on New Years Eve! LOL!

Super Andrew!

2011-12-28T18:14:00.001-06:00

Andrew had fun dressing up in the super hero costume Santa brought him..."SUPER ANDREW"

Merry Christmas to Us

2011-12-19T14:29:00.001-06:00

Today Jon went & picked up the elliptical we bought.We decided to invest in a elliptical b/c we both like to workout on it & I'm hoping it will help me out during the winter blues time. I guess time will only tell if it was a wise decision! At least we were able to get a floor model so it was $100 cheaper!

Christmas break fun

2011-12-19T14:28:00.001-06:00

We are having so much fun at Mimi & Papa's!

Gingerbread

2011-12-15T15:12:00.001-06:00

Run, run as fast as you can, you can't catch me I'm the gingerbread man!

Choo Choo

2011-12-15T09:18:00.001-06:00

Alfie our elf decided to see if the train was fun to ride on!

Crazy Alfie the Elf

2011-12-12T22:14:00.001-06:00

Being a home owner

2011-12-10T20:10:00.001-06:00

Oh the joy of owning our home, we love it! ;-)

Christmas Cards

2011-12-10T11:37:00.001-06:00

Andrew was such a good helper. He did so good putting the stamps on!

Christmas Time

2011-12-10T10:15:00.001-06:00

Having our first cup of hot cocoa! Andrew loves his new mug Alfie the elf brought him!

GOODBYE MIMI & BASEBALL WITH DADDY (Sept. 2, 2011)

2011-09-02T22:15:00.000-05:00

Since we are moving into our house Sept. 17th instead of Oct. 4th mom decided to go back home a little earlier so she can then come back on the 14th & help us move into our FIRST HOUSE!!! YEAH!!! I am SO EXCITED to get to move into our house sooner & also to have mom’s help in getting it set up & everything, but I am also sad Mimi is going home sooner now!

Friday morning before Andrew went to school Mimi gave him LOTS of loves & also said he could keep the iPad until she came back if he would use it first to read the books & work on his words & then he could play games on it. Andrew though he had died & gone to heaven with Mimi leaving the iPad!

Jackson looked so sweet sleeping in our bed this morning so I had to take a picture! I can’t believe he is already 11 days old. It seems like just yesterday my water was breaking & I was having him! WOW, time is flying by WAY TOO FAST!!!

I LOVE his sweet little lips, ears, nose, hands…okay I LOVE EVERYTHING about him!

After Mimi got cleaned up, packed up & ready to go home she loved on Jackson & like always loved him to sleep. She is SO GOOD with babies & always has the special touch!

Mom was worried about leaving me today alone & I thought I totally would be fine b/c this is my second child but surprisingly after she left I started feeling unconfident & just a little scared to be on my own even if it was just for 12 days! Luckily Jon came home after work around noon & I was okay with him there with me, but then he had planned to take Andrew to the Round Rock Express baseball game tonight. He asked me if that would still be okay & I lied & said yes b/c I knew that would be good alone time for him & Andrew to bond, but I paid for it b/c I just had a hard night with Jackson while they were gone. It wasn’t that Jackson was bad or anything I just was an emotional wreak & then the fear kicked in that maybe I was experiencing postpartum depression & what if that turned into full blown depression. Then my fears just took over & I just cried & cried b/c I am SO AFRAID of getting depressed!

As you can see though Andrew & daddy did have a fun time together. They had a kids area where Andrew had a blast but unfortunately Jon also lost his cell phone there too. Before they left the game they looked & looked for it but came home sad & empty handed. Andrew that night prayed with his pure child faith that daddy’s phone would be found…well guess what the next day Jon called up the baseball field & Andrew’s prayer had been answered! YEAH!!!

As you can see they also had AWESOME seats & Andrew just LOVED watching the baseball game!

Of course Andrew had to take a picture of daddy too!

I am SO GLAD they had fun but I just wish I wouldn’t have been alone either, but I guess I am going to have to get use to being alone with Jackson b/c my mom can’t stay with me forever! =)

Andrew the Photographer (Sept. 1, 2011)

2011-09-01T08:13:00.000-05:00

Andrew took these pictures & did a really good job. He LOVES taking pictures of his baby brother & then looking on the camera at the picture & saying how cute Jackson looks. I really hope they continue to be such good brothers & friends!

Oh I have to tell you about this blanket Jackson is wrapped up in: they are called Anais & Anias (not sure about the spelling) but my friend Rachel told me about them & they are perfect for Texas summers b/c they are very light & also perfect for when you have a 10 lb baby b/c they are BIG. We got these ones from Target I think it came with 4 blankets for about $30.00 which is expensive but worth it b/c I LOVE these blankets so much!!!

Andrew & Mimi Time (Aug. 30-31, 2011)

2011-08-31T21:31:00.000-05:00

Even though Mimi LOVES newborn babies she also was SO CUTE with Andrew & took time to just love on him!

For example, Andrew had been given this list of words (I, and, the, ect.) that he needed to work on memorizing each day so Mimi sat down with him in the rocking chair & used a story on the iPad to help him start learning those words. He LOVED it & LOVED spending time with just Mimi!

Then another day after school Andrew asked Mimi to play a game with him so they played a fishing game & Mimi was so funny & really was trying hard to win but of course Andrew always won b/c he doesn’t play by the rules.

When Mimi was at the store getting groceries she also got a tub of cookie dough so her & Andrew made cookies, well Mimi made cookies & Andrew had fun eating the cookie dough!

Then Mimi decided to go sleep in Andrew’s room while he fell asleep & she said while her & Andrew were talking he offered to let her put her stuff in his room so of course she did put her stuff in his room. I just thought that was the CUTEST thing that Mimi would go lay down with Andrew!

Also she is SO GOOD at listening to him & finding out things that I never would have known, like she found out that the reason Andrew covers his head when he goes to sleep is b/c he is scared of the fire alarm going off! Wow, I had NO CLUE that was why he covered his head! I guess I need to talk to my son more often & ask him questions like Mimi does so I can discover things about him & be a better mom!

Mimi really is the BEST ever & finds enough time & energy to LOVE everyone & to make EVERYONE feel special & loved. She really is THE BEST mom, Mimi, & friend!!!

I LOVE MIMI (Aug. 29, 2011)

2011-08-29T17:21:00.001-05:00

Mimi LOVES when baby’s smell like “Baby Magic” from Johnson & Johnson so we decided to give Jackson his first bath at home & as you can see he isn’t quite sure if he likes it!

I was SO GRATEFUL that Mimi came down to help me after the Jackson was born! She is AMAZING & was such a HUGE help with the boys & also in forcing me to relax & taking care of me & my family!

She also slept with me in our bedroom so helped BIG TIME with Jackson during the night & let me sleep unless he needed to be nursed! Luckily most of the nights Jackson was actually really good & only woke up twice although he did have some hard nights too but MOSTLY is a great baby at night which I am SO GRATEFUL for!!!

We pretty much went & got adjusted everyday after we picked Andrew up from school but today I noticed this sign up by the reception area. I don’t know if you can read it so this is what it says:

“Dr. Jon is having a Family Week in honor of Baby Jackson! September 19th-23rd! For the week, in honor of baby Jackson, we are inviting families to our office for a check up. All new patient exams & x-rays for this week will be $10.01!”

The price is in reference to baby Jackson’s weight of 10 lbs. 1 ounce! I just thought that was such a CUTE idea!!!

I found this bib & had to get a picture of Jackson with it on with Mimi, the best grandma ever!

Now that the swelling is starting to go down from being born, Jackson is starting to look more like Andrew when he was a baby or in other words we have another mini-Jon on our hands. Will any of my kids look like me?

Lisa & Autumn Visit (Aug. 26-28, 2011)

2011-08-28T18:22:00.000-05:00

So Mom wanted Lisa & Autumn to not miss out on the fun so she got a hotel for them for Friday & Saturday night & they came down to see baby Jackson & visit us but mostly to love on Baby Jackson. I kept on teasing Lisa that she had never been down to Austin until now so I guess when I want her to come visit us again I will just have to have another baby! =)

Mom had come up with a very thoughtful plan of taking Andrew to play Friday after he got out of school & then take him to the hotel with them that night too so Jon & I could have bonding time with Jackson! We just relaxed, rented a movie & Jon also got us treats from Shake’s! That was SO THOUGHTFUL of mom, but I guess I shouldn’t have been too surprised b/c she is ALWAYS doing things like that!!!

This picture was taken by Lisa Saturday morning when they were at breakfast at the hotel before they headed over to our apartment.

I felt bad when they arrived b/c I was actually talking to Jon’s dad on the phone & had planned on having baby Jackson all bathed & smelling good with Baby Magic lotion but ran out of time & wasn’t even dressed myself. Oh well, that is why I love my family…we are so laid back & just go with the flow kind of people so they didn’t care, especially my sister, she just wanted to love on that baby!!!

Autumn, my niece, LOVED baby Jackson & was always giving him kisses & gazing down at him!

SO CUTE!!!

Well, I guess it really didn’t matter that I hadn’t given baby Jackson a bath b/c he had a blow out all over my sister & we had to bathe him anyways. While Lisa, my sister, was bathing Jackson he started peeing which she screamed about so I just started laughing & actually had an accident b/c I was laughing so hard (that is typical with Lisa around) but luckily I was already sitting on the toilet so I just quickly lifted the lid & didn’t make to big of a mess!

After all that excitement we met Ron, our realtor, at the house we are going to be closing on Sept. 15th & moving into on Sept. 17th so Mom & Lisa could see it!

This is Andrew’s room, which he calls the “Beach Room” b/c of the surf boards on the wall & the tiki thing on the window! SO FUN!!!

When we got back to the house the kids were trying to sit in the same chair & actually could b/c they are so cute & little!

While we were just hanging out Nate was video talking with mom on her iPhone & so the kids wanted to talk to Uncle Nate & then we all took turns talking to him. It was pretty cool to be able to talk to him & see where he is living now in Japan with the Air Force!

Then Jon decided to entertain the kids by getting out Andrew’s new remote control truck that Papa gave him for his birthday! They had so much FUN but I couldn’t help thinking how great it would be when we have our house with a backyard so they could take it outside & just have so much fun!

After a while the kids started getting cranky so mom said they had to go take naps & then also said I had to go take one too & that she would just feed Jackson a bottle so just sleep as long as I could. Well, I felt bad sleeping while my sister was there to visit but let’s face it she really was there to see Jackson so I went ahead & slept for a while & Jackson actually did really good at taking a bottle! YEAH!!!

Lisa wanted to get a picture of me with Jackson so even though I look like poo I let her b/c I figure memories are more important to capture than perfect images. That was one thing that was nice too, after the birth the weight started coming off pretty easily but even though it was coming off I still wasn’t able to get into my jeans or other pants yet so I was kind of sad, but my mom & sister were so sweet & just kept on reminding me that I had just given birth to a 10 lbs. 1 ounce baby & that I looked great!!! I love when they give me such great compliments & help me realize how great I really am doing so soon after having a baby!

That night mom again took Andrew back to the hotel with them so Jon & I could have more bonding time with Jackson!

I think Andrew had A LOT of fun, what do you think?

That morning mom got Andrew ready for church & Jon met them at the hotel so Lisa & Autumn could follow him to our church! Then later on mom came back to our apartment so I wouldn’t be alone for too long but Jackson & I did great while we were alone & me mostly just slept so I just checked Facebook & email!

Lisa & Autumn just went to sacrament meeting but Andrew had the scripture for primary so while we were waiting for Jon & Andrew to get back Autumn was entertaining us by walking on her tippy toes like ballerinas do which was funny but at the same time really creepy looking too!

Also Lisa said that when they announced that Jackson was born & also how big he was in sacrament meeting there was an audible gasp! I thought that was so funny but I felt proud too that I was able to again have our baby naturally & especially since he weighed 10 lbs. 1 ounce!

My sister is an amazing photographer & has a very nice camera so I asked her to do a photo shoot with Jackson but Trace, our dog, thought it was suppose to be a joint photo shoot with him too!

These are the WONDERFUL picture she took! Isn’t she an AMAZING photographer? I totally think so!

After the photo shoot was over I just let Jackson lay on the floor for a little while & it was so cute b/c Trace came & laid down by Jackson like he was watching over him. Unfortunately, when I went to pick up Jackson Trace tried to nibble his toes so Trace got in trouble & I realized how closely I need to watch Trace when he is around Jackson. Thankfully Trace has gotten a lot better about being gentle & not nibbling on Jackson!

Autumn was just enthralled with Jackson & even when I was nursing him wanted to see him & love on him, so I let her hold him all by herself. Boy did she feel so lucky!

I love how BLUE Jackson’s eyes are & how his hair just goes wherever it wants to & how much hair he was born with!

When Jon & Andrew got home I again hired our photographer & got pictures of my BOYS together!

I would say those are some GOOD LOOKING guys!!!

Even though Andrew isn’t as enthralled with Jackson as Autumn is he still really LOVES his baby brother & is so sweet with him & actually asks to hold him! I am SO GLAD we have two boys b/c there is just something so sweet about watching brothers interact with each other! We are SO BLESSED to have these two sweet boys in our family!

Even though this picture is WAY blurry I love it b/c Lisa had no clue I was watching her or even taking a picture! What a pure & sweet moment to catch!

After Lisa & Autumn left so they could get home before it got too late Andrew wanted to get a picture of Mimi with our two boys! I think he was getting just a tad bit jealous of Jackson getting all that attention but Mimi was so good at making sure he got time with her too & helping me to realize how I still need to reassure Andrew that I have enough love for both him & Jackson!

We sure LOVED having Autumn & Lisa come visit us & I hope they LOVED being here too! Hopefully when we move into our home they will come down & visit more often b/c we will actually have a place for them to stay! YEAH!!!

Blow Out & Birthday Present (Aug. 25, 2011)

2011-08-25T12:45:00.000-05:00

Andrew LOVES when Mimi is here b/c she spoils him all the time. For example, this morning she cut up strawberries (which is one of his favorites) for breakfast & then loved on him while he ate his strawberries & watched cartoons.

I love this little ducky outfit & remember putting Andrew in it all the time! Jackson looks just as cute in it too!

I love how Jackson’s hair goes all fuzzy like a little ducky after he takes a bath & it air dries! SO CUTE!!!

I thought it was cute that Trace was watching over Jackson & laying right under him!

Of course we did our usual routine & headed to the office to get adjustments after we picked Andrew up from kindergarten.

Andrew was being so sweet with Jackson & kept on loving on him!

When we got home Mimi said she had a surprise birthday gifts from Papa for Andrew. He was SO EXCITED when he saw this remote control truck. FUN!!!

A funny thing happened though right after I took this picture. Mom was over on the couch changing Jackson’s poppy diaper & every time she thought she had the poop all cleaned up he would poop some more so she was wiping up poop as fast as she could & right when she thought he was all done he would start to poop again. I was laughing so hard that I lost it & peed right there on the carpet. Then we both really started laughing & decided Jackson & I needed a bath. Poor Andrew wanted so bad for us to open his truck so he could play with it but had to be patient & wait while we got cleaned up. Then once we were able to open the truck for him we found out that the battery had to charge for 8 hours so he couldn’t even play with it then either. Poor guy was not happy about it but actually was really understanding & just decided to go play on the computer instead. WOW, Andrew really is a GREAT kid!!!

Again I LOVE the cute fuzzy hair & also the yawn!

That was a CRAZY but FUN day!!!

Jackson’s 1st Day (Aug. 24, 2011)

2011-08-24T19:51:00.000-05:00

Do you think Mimi is in heaven? I do!!!

Jackson is so cute & loves sleeping in the bobby!

After we picked up Andrew from school around 3 pm we drove to the office so Jackson, Andrew, Mimi & I could all get adjusted!

Andrew took this picture of baby Jackson & I together! I picked out this shirt b/c I wanted to look cute for our first outing even though it was just to the office, but the shirt had glitter on it so it was getting EVERYWHERE & on EVERYTHING even baby Jackson. Oh well! LOL!!!

Then I asked mom to take a picture of our new family all together & this was the best one we could get! Oh well, this is our family even with Jackson crying!

Jon & I sure do love our little baby Jackson!

On the way back to our apartment Mimi asked Andrew if he was hungry & of course he said yes so we stopped at Sonic & got 1/2 price drinks & some food! We love when Mimi spoils us…she is SO good to us & we LOVE her so much!!!

Baby Jackson is HERE!!! (Aug. 23, 2011)

2011-08-23T14:02:00.000-05:00

The Short Story of Jackson’s Birth:

6:30 am took castor oil shake & went back to sleep

9:00 am castor oil started working but no contractions or at least I didn’t realize they were contractions

10:20 am have to breathe through contractions

11:30 am my water breaks & we head to the birthing center

11:55 am we arrive at the birthing center

12:19 pm Jackson is born in the tub at the birthing center

2:35 pm Jon picks up Andrew from school & gets me food

4:30 pm Mimi (my mom) arrives at the birthing center

6 pm we go home with our new little angel, baby Jackson

The VERY LONG detailed story of Jackson’s birth:

So I woke up this morning & Jon had made my castor oil shake for me to take but when I tried to take it at 5:30 am like Jean told me to I just wasn’t emotionally able to make myself do it b/c I had heard castor oil was YUCKY & I also was just worried that it wasn’t going to work & then I would just have an upset stomach for nothing & be even more emotionally exhausted. Jon was so sweet & just was patient & loving with me so after talking for an hour I finally decided to drink the stupid shake & hope for the best but try not to be disappointed when noon came & nothing had changed.

So I gulped down the shake, which actually ended up not tasting that horrible, at 6:30 am & went back to bed. I slept until about 9 am & then had some Gatorade just so I didn’t get dehydrated & some toast. A friend of mine called & asked how I was feeling after taking the castor oil shake & if I was having any contractions or anything, which I wasn’t at least not until I got off the phone with her then it hit & man did it hit me when it did. I ran to the bathroom & pooped my brains out. After I was done with that I drank some more Gatorade & also pumped to try & get the contractions to start. Since I thought nothing was really going on Jon jumped in the shower & got ready for work so after our appointment at the birth center at noon he could go to work. While he was in the shower all of the sudden what I thought were just cramps turned very powerful & painful & I actually had to breathe through them so then I figured I was in real labor. That was about 10:20 am. Jon helped me breathe through a couple more powerful contractions & then all of the sudden at 11:30 am my water broke. I was just sitting on the couch & felt this gush but wasn’t quite sure if it was poop from taking the castor oil or if I had just peed my pants or what, but then Jon said, “Hun, that is clear…I think your water just broke.” I don’t know why but I started freaking out & ran into the bathroom to shower but he said we should probably just go to the birthing center right now so I didn’t have time to shower but just changed my clothes & grabbed a towel for the car ride there. I felt disgusting but something was telling me that either way this baby was coming so in the end I would just get more disgusting.

Jon called the birthing center & they said they would be ready for us. Jon grabbed our bags & some food & then he realized we didn’t have his adjusting stuff so we ran by the office. On the way there the contractions got so powerful that I really had to concentrate to breathe through & not tense up. When we got to Jon’s office I was in the middle of a contraction so he was just going to sit in the car with me until it got over but at that time I just yelled at him, “Just HURRY UP!!!” Poor guy! Well, we finally were on our way to the birthing center so Jon called my mom & told her everything so she jumped in the car & was on her way. (Come to find out later that right before we called my mom she had just finished quilting baby Jackson’s quilt.)

The ride to the birthing center seemed like FOREVER long! In fact I finally just closed my eyes b/c every time I opened them & saw we weren’t there yet I would get scared & worried we weren’t going to make it. I remember when we crossed the railroad tracks though b/c that was VERY hard on me but I also knew we had arrived at the birthing center so that was great news too.

When we arrived at about 11:55 am I told Jon, “Hurry, I think he is coming!” Well, honestly I think I yelled that part at him. He really did put up with A LOT from me during the labor & was the best, calm husband during it too. When he opened my door to have me get out I just felt like I couldn’t move so he calmly saw a lady in the parking lot & asked her to go get someone b/c his wife was in labor. I am so PROUD of how he handled it all!!! Well, right at that moment the contractions let up for just a second so I used all my strength to get up out of the car & walk in.

The midwives, Jean & Lenora, had a room all ready for us & also had the tub filled with warm water too just in case I wanted to use it to help me relax through the contractions. As soon as we got in the room a VERY powerful contraction came on & Jon was still putting our bags down so I just grabbed on to Jean, who was the closest one to me, but also during that contraction I just told her how sorry I was for getting so upset & she also apologized to me so that was good b/c we both needed to work together to get Jackson here so I felt so much better after that other than the CRAZY POWERFUL contractions going on.

I quickly stripped down to nothing & jumped in the warm water. It felt so good & helped immensely with being able to totally relax through the next couple contractions. Then all of the sudden after about 3 contractions I felt like I needed to push but thought it was WAY to early for that stage of labor. I just voiced how I felt so Lenora checked how dilated I was but when she went to check she all of the sudden SMILED & said, “That is all baby head, he is right there, do you want to feel him?” Which of course I did b/c I remembered that giving me so much strength during Andrew’s labor when I could feel him right there. Then she said I had a tiny lip of cervix still so if I could just give one good push it would move out of the way & baby Jackson could come. So even though it hurt A LOT I did it & felt some relief so it worked, the cervix was totally out of the way. I couldn’t believe it but I was pushing already, WOW this was going fast, but with Andrew I remembered pushing what seemed like forever before he was really born so I still thought we had a long time to go until we would meet our little angel boy, Jackson! BOY, was I WRONG!!! I guess my pushes were really powerful b/c I think I only pushed about 5-8 times, granted that 5-8 times almost killed me b/c of the RING OF FIRE feeling but then all of the sudden he was out & they were putting him up on my chest. Now, I hadn’t planned on having a water birth so I didn’t know that babies don’t cry right away when they come out so when they put him up on my chest & he hadn’t cried I freaked out & even said, “He’s not crying, is he dead?” Then all of the sudden a second later he let out a healthy cry & opened his eyes & looked up at Jon & I & all the world stopped. EVERYTHING was right in the world & this moment I would remember FOREVER just like when I held Andrew for the first time.

We just LOVED on Jackson & marveled at how lucky we were to have this sweet little boy sent to us from Heavenly Father. During this time the midwives were taking care of the placenta, which I had delivered without even knowing it, & then after a while they had Jon cut the cord. They had Jon take Jackson over to weigh him while they helped me get out of the tub & into the bed. When we found out he weighed 10.5 lbs. or they rounded it up so 10 lbs. 1 oz. everyone was SHOCKED except for Jon & I b/c we knew we make BIG BABIES!!!

Then Jackson was put in my arms again & we(Jon, Jackson & I) just basked in the bliss we were feeling & loved on each other. Then I started to try to nurse Jackson which wasn’t working very well at first but then he latched on & started getting the hang of it a little bit. After knowing that Jackson was even bigger than Andrew, who weighed 9 lbs. 13 oz., I just knew I was in for some big time stiches b/c I had to have torn, but they said I only tore a tiny bit so they really only needed to put in one stich but b/c I have another child they were going to put in two just to make sure I healed well. WOW, I was so happy I didn’t have to have tons of stiches. After they stitched me up we again just had bonding time, Jackson pooped on me for the first time just like Andrew did when he was born & we called mom to let her know she wasn’t coming for a birth, she was coming to see her grandson b/c he was HERE! Jon was the one that called my mom b/c I was still bonding with Jackson but he said she was so happy & sounded like she might cry. It was so nice to be in the birthing center where it felt more like home & we could really cuddle & just enjoy each other.

Since Jackson was born at 12:19 pm we had plenty of time to cuddle & bond before Andrew needed to be picked up from school at 2:35 pm so Jon decided to just go pick him up himself & also get me some yummy lunch from La Madeline’s too. It was nice to just have that alone time with Jackson & to work on nursing him & just enjoying every moment with him. I called my mom & talked to her & then started texting everyone to let them know Jackson had arrived. While Jon was gone they also did the vitamin K shot & measured how long Jackson was, which he was 22 inches, one inch more than Andrew.

I couldn’t wait for Andrew to get back so he could meet his baby brother for the first time. When he came in Andrew was very curious as to why I was in bed & then he saw I had Jackson in my arms & came over & gave him a kiss on the head.

Then the picture taking began…first I took a picture of Andrew, Jackson & daddy together!

We also had to get a picture of our sons together so we had Andrew sit down in the chair & hold Jackson. He smiled for the picture & then said, “Okay you can take him now, he’s heavy!” Jon & I both just laughed & laughed!!!

Then Andrew decided he wanted to take some pictures too so he took one of Jackson…

he took one of daddy & Jackson together…

& he took one of the tub I had Jackson in!!!

He was SO EXCITED to have baby Jackson here finally but then the newness of the baby wore off real quickly & he just wanted Mimi to get there b/c she is more fun than a baby & always brings gifts & fun things.

I just ate my food from La Madeline while we waited for Mimi (my mom) to get there. She finally did arrive about 4:30 pm & couldn’t wait to get her hands on Jackson but Andrew couldn’t wait to get loves from Mimi so she loved on Andrew first & then loved on Jackson for the first of MANY times!!!

Then we just HAD to get a picture of beautiful Mimi with both her handsome grandsons!

The rest of the time at the birthing center I got cleaned up, which felt SO GOOD, Mimi spoiled Andrew with new Spiderman sandals, new church shoes, & of course Spiderman toys & we just loved on baby Jackson. Then around 6 pm we got told TONS of at home care information, got Jackson dressed in of course a LONGHORN outfit & then we headed home.

I was SO GRATEFUL to come home with our sweet little addition to our family & that all of us were safe & happy! We truly were VERY BLESSED!!!

Since it was late when we got home we decided to just order some Vietnamese food from King Noodle & Jon went & picked it up. I was SO HUNGRY & that food was SO GOOD!!!

WOW, we had a BIG DAY today & I am so GRATEFUL to be home & have baby Jackson here with us!

Mimi was so sweet & I am SO GRATEFUL to have her here to help me! Even though I was still in some pain, I actually was feeling really good & excited to be a new mom again!

Thank you EVERYONE for your prayers & thoughts on our behalf…baby Jackson’s birth is proof that Heavenly Father really does hear & answer prayers!

Andrew’s FIRST day of Kindergarten (Aug. 22, 2011)

2011-08-22T11:34:00.000-05:00

Last night Andrew had a hard time going to sleep because he was so EXCITED to start school today, but finally the morning came & Andrew was up early & ready to go to school. He was such a good boy & just got ready for school with no problems at all. Jon was a life saver & made Andrew’s lunch & got him all ready for school so I could get cleaned up b/c I had an ultrasound at 10 am in Round Rock.

Jon had to get to work so I took Andrew to school early & we just sat in the car & waited to be able to go into the school at 7:20 am. Finally the time arrived to walk up to the school doors & wait just a couple minutes outside before we could go into his classroom.

Andrew felt like such a BIG BOY wearing his backpack & going to school!!!

After I took Andrew’s picture he wanted to take mine & even though it didn’t really turn out great I wanted to include it b/c I thought that was so cute that he wanted to take my picture like it is my big day too, which I guess it actually was b/c I was putting my first baby into school & waiting for my other baby boy to come too.

Even though we had only been to Andrew’s class once before he remembered where it was & just walked right there. He was so excited to find his locker & then his seat. Mrs. Szymanski, his teacher, had a connect the dots paper on the desk for them to work on & he started on that right away too. WOW when did my first baby boy grow up?

After I said my goodbyes & gave kisses I was just going to leave but decided to go socialize & so I went to the “Kiss & Cry Room” they had set up in the library where the first time parents could go socialize & cry if they wanted to with other first time parents. I didn’t cry about Andrew going to Kindergarten but I was almost ready to cry about my other baby every time someone would ask me when I was due. On the outside I just laughed & tried to joke about it but on the inside I really was exhausted emotionally & ready to cry so I didn’t stay very long.

I got home & a good friend called me to ask how I was doing, & it actually was GREAT to talk to her & express some of what I really was feeling & get some support from her. Then I had to hurry to my ultrasound appointment in Round Rock to make sure everything was good with baby Jackson so off I went. Of course I got lost trying to find the place & my sweet husband helped me over the phone even though I was emotionally done after that but he just was way patient with me like always & just helped me out SO much. I really am so lucky to have him to go through this with b/c I couldn’t ask for a better husband & best friend to travel this journey with.

So I finally got to the ultrasound appointment & after they had checked the amniotic fluid level, baby Jackson's movements, his heart beat, & breathing muscles practicing they said that Jackson was doing great but that he was probably weighing about 9 lbs. 15 oz. not 8 lbs. like my midwives had been thinking & that his due date was Aug. 12th so that kind of worried me b/c Andrew was 9 lbs. 13 oz. & I didn’t want the baby to get so BIG that I would have complications during the labor & have to have a C-section.

After that I headed straight to my appointment with the midwife with what I felt like were real concerns that had viable proof from the ultrasound. They did the non-stress test & said everything looked great & that we just had to be patient which I was so sick & tired of hearing so I kind of started to express some of my concerns so Jean, the main midwife, came in with the other 2 midwives & started trying to talk me down or just to calm me down. When I brought up the fact that the ultrasound said my due date was Aug. 12 NOT 15th like they had thought from a really early ultrasound so I was really over due Jean came back with that ultrasounds aren’t as reliable the later you get in the pregnancy & then when I told them about the estimated size of the baby Jean came back again with that ultrasounds aren’t reliable & felt around & said she really thought this was a 8 lbs. plus baby but NOT almost 10 lbs. Well, I didn’t ask here all of my questions that I wanted to b/c I just felt kind of intimidated & stupid, but I did at least express enough of my concerns that Jean did loosen my membranes which she did but even then I was still upset so she gave me a castor oil shake recipe that might help induce labor naturally.

Well, needless to say I came home from the appointment just in tears & more upset & scared about not being able to have this baby soon & safely. Jon was so SWEET again & cancelled his coaching call for work so he could be home when I got home. He just listened to me & held me while I vented & cried. He also called Jean’s cell phone she had given me & left a message for her to call him back b/c he needed to ask her questions & needed some answers about what the plan was if the castor oil didn’t work. Then after he made sure I was okay he volunteered to go with me to pick up Andrew from school even though he really needed to get back to work. I was SO grateful for that kindness b/c I was emotionally just not up to doing it on my own, which I know sounds pathetic & it is but I was just emotionally EXHAUSTED & so even something as small as going to pick Andrew up from school seemed monumental & just too much.

Andrew was SO EXCITED when he saw daddy coming to pick him up & said he had a GREAT day at school & LOVED it!!! In fact he came home with this little paper saying he had a great day & also to ask him about the “Kissing Hand” story with his hand print on it & a heart sticker in the middle. So when we got home he told me the “Kissing Hand” story which his teacher had read to them which was about a little raccoon that didn’t want to go to school b/c he would miss his mom so his mom gave him a kiss on the palm & said that whenever he missed her he could put his palm to his cheek & it would be like she was giving him a kiss. I asked him if he wanted me to kiss his palm so when he missed me at school he could do that same thing too & he totally surprised me when he said “No, I’m okay. You can just give me a kiss before I go to school!” WOW my baby really has grown up!!!

After we had been home for a while & I had talked to my parents about what had gone on today with the midwives & at their encouragement I did call the birthing center back up & talked to one of the midwifes & told her how I was really feeling & that I was DONE EMOTIONALLY & wanted to be referred to an OB. We talked for quite a while & she was actually very kind & really listened to me so by the end of our conversation I was willing to do the castor oil shake but no matter if it worked or not I was going to come in at noon the next day & then we would discuss being referred to an OB. So I am cautiously hopeful that the castor oil shake will work but also feeling a little better knowing there is a Plan B & that no matter what I will get some relief at least emotionally tomorrow afternoon. Again my sweet husband is going to go with me so we can both get our questions answered & hopefully get a little peace about this whole situation too.

Well, the rest of the evening was pretty uneventful but I was okay with that b/c with such a crazy day I needed just a little sanity & peace.

Baby Jackson Update (Aug. 18, 2011)

2011-08-18T04:36:00.001-05:00

No, I have NOT had the baby yet & yes I am past my due date that was August 11th & yes I am going crazy trying to be patient but not doing very good at it.

So at my last couple baby appointments I had a vaginal exam & at the first one she said my cervix was really soft & that the baby has dropped a tiny bit but couldn’t quite tell if I was dilated or not. Then at my 40 week appointment another midwife said that my cervix was very soft but that I was only dilated about 1 cm & that baby hadn’t dropped at all. Well, needless to say that was very disappointing to hear especially since just one visit before I was told by another midwife that the baby had dropped a little bit. (Side note: That is one thing I have HATED about this birthing center is that you see a different midwife almost every visit so of course they tell you conflicting things & have very different opinions on what is going on & it can just get VERY irritating.)

So I will be 41 weeks tomorrow (well actually I am writing this at 4 am b/c I can’t sleep so I guess I am 41 weeks right now) & my patience just has run out. Last night I couldn’t sleep either & finally fell back to sleep somehow but then have been exhausted all day today & thought for sure I would sleep REALLY good tonight but nope I am up again.

I was so excited at first when we interviewed & toured the birthing center but now I am starting to doubt our decision of not going with a hospital & OB b/c I am pretty sure that by now I would at least have some kind of induction date set or already be holding my sweet baby boy. I really do personally prefer natural childbirth but with Andrew I was induced at 41 weeks with Pitocin in a hospital in Utah but was able to then give birth naturally after my own contractions had kicked in so I guess I am just really scared that I will again end up in a hospital but not even with a midwife to help me & maybe even with a c-section which I do NOT want. I guess that is another thing that has really aggravated me, when we interviewed with the birthing center I made sure to let them know about me being induced with Andrew & how worried I was about the birthing center not being able to use Pitocin to induce me again if I needed to be but they reassured me that they had herbal supplements they would start me on near the end of my pregnancy & that it would all be okay (granted it could all be okay still, but right now it does NOT feel okay at all). So I went through my pregnancy feeling confident & trusting that it really would be okay but now I am really starting to doubt their ability to help me. I have even been taking the herbal remedies they told me to start taking but the Herb Bar they sent me to around 37 weeks was out of The Mother’s Star Labor Tincture so I asked them if I could take Christopher’s Birth Prep instead & they said yes that it looked like the Birth Prep had the same ingredients as the Mother’s Star so I have dutifully taken that & the evening primrose oils, & raspberry leaf tea & just waited patiently as my due date came & went.

Now it isn’t that I haven’t had any contractions, in fact I thought I was going into labor Saturday night b/c I was having some really good contractions for about 2 hours & we even called the midwife to ask when we should come in but she said to wait until they were 5 minutes apart & to try to go take a shower or do something different than rock on the exercise ball which is what I was doing to just see if they stay or go away. So I jumped in the shower & guess what…they went away. I was almost in tears but thinking & hoping that they would come back that night but they never did. I was so bummed the next morning but trying to stay positive b/c it felt like Jackson had at least dropped during those contractions & some were even strong enough that I had to use my deep breathing to relax through them so that was encouraging.

But then by Monday afternoon it was just getting so emotionally frustrating again that Jon called up the birthing center & asked what else I could do b/c Jackson still wasn’t coming & when he told them that I was taking the Christopher’s Birth Prep they said it would be better to take the Mother’s Star (why didn’t someone tell me that sooner b/c they knew I was taking the Birth Prep instead or at least one of the midwives knew…(insert a angry growl here) so Tuesday morning we drove downtown to the Herb Bar again & got the Mother’s Star & I started taking that but so far it hasn’t helped me start labor either so yeah I feel like it is just hopeless & have even tried acupuncture which really relaxed me for the rest of the day but other than that did nothing.

Then again on Tuesday night I was having some pretty good contractions again so I jumped on the exercise ball & started rocking to just see if it would help & got my hopes up but then those contractions stopped too & didn’t even last the 2 hours they had before so that was REALLY depressing & emotionally frustrating.

Oh yeah I forgot to say that during all this crazy time of trying to get Jackson to come we have been seriously house hunting & actually now we are under contract on a house in Leander about 15 minutes from here. We love the house & are way excited but also tentative b/c we have only just begun the process of moving toward the closing date so who knows what could happen between now & then…I might even have a baby if we are lucky! =)

Also during this time we have been attending school orientation things for Andrew’s elementary school, Faubion, that he is going to start attending on Monday & getting all his school supplies together (which is a whole other frustration b/c Walmart was out of so many supplies so we had to go over to HEB & luckily they had the stuff we needed but it just was SO FRUSTRATING).

So yeah we have been REALLY BUSY which is great to help the time pass until baby Jackson decides to come but at the same time doesn’t help with being emotionally drained all the time.

I know it will just be harder when baby Jackson arrives but at least I won’t be pregnant anymore & I will be able to love on him b/c right now I just am trying to take it day by day & moment by moment but even that is becoming too much for me emotionally & I just NEED to have this baby!

I know that was long but I just needed to vent about how I feel & get it all out b/c maybe that will help me!

Well, I better lay down again & try to get some sleep b/c I have my 41 week appointment/non stress test on the baby tomorrow & need to be awake enough to tell the midwife what I am really going through & to not just gloss over the emotional frustration & drainage I am experiencing. Luckily Jon doesn’t work tomorrow morning so he is going to go with me to make sure I express what is truly going on & hopefully we can come up with a better game plan to help Jackson come then the one that we have right now b/c it just isn’t working. Wish me good luck b/c I could sure use some right now!

HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY ANDREW!!! (July 27, 2011)

2011-07-27T17:22:00.000-05:00

Wow, where has time gone? My little boy is 5 years old!!! I just can’t believe it but it is true!

Well, for his birthday we didn’t go up to my parents like we have in the past b/c I am 38 weeks along & not that I think Jackson is going to come early but just being safe & sticking around here until he is born!

Don’t worry though he had “THE BEST BIRTHDAY EVER” according to him b/c he got a new Batman Lego Wii game from Mimi & Papa so all morning we played that together.

Then at lunch daddy came & picked us up & we went to lunch at McDonald’s b/c they have Star Wars toys right now but when we got there we found out they only had the lame skateboards but not the cool toys like a mini light saber or Yoda. I was pretty bummed for him but Andrew was really cool about it & just LOVED having daddy there at lunch with us & playing! (Kids really do know how to enjoy the simple things in life!)

Well, we also got him a big light saber for his birthday but decided he needed someone to fight so after lunch we went to Walmart & got another light saber & Andrew picked out another toy since the McDonald toy was such a bummer! After much deliberation he decided to get a Transformer toy which looked really cool but unfortunately after daddy dropped us off back at home we found out the Transformer toy was WAY HARD to change up so another bummer but funny thing is Andrew just LOVED playing games with me all day!! It really made me realize that the most important thing to a kid is your TIME!!!

So we played the new Batman game ALL DAY LONG except for when I made his birthday cake so it would be cooled for Jon to decorate when he came home from work.

When Jon was done with work he called to see if Andrew & I wanted to go get Little Cesar’s pizza with him b/c that is what Andrew wanted for his birthday dinner, but Andrew said no b/c…yep he wanted to continue to play his game. He LOVES that game…THANKS MIMI & PAPA!!!

So after Jon got back we had dinner & then while daddy decorated Andrew’s cake of course we played the GAME AGAIN!! =) Hey it is his birthday so we just did everything he wanted to do all day long which is how it should be on your birthday!

Daddy did so great decorating Andrew’s Cars themed cake & Andrew LOVED that he got to keep the car toys that daddy used on his cake! =)

After cake daddy & Andrew had a light saber fight & Andrew was LOVING every minute of that!

The best part was when we asked him what his favorite part of his birthday was & he said, “When daddy came home from work & played with me!” WOW, he sure does LOVE his daddy!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Love Bug! I am so excited that you are growing up to be such a great BIG BOY!!! LOVE YA!!!

June 2011 in Summary/ Visiting Mimi & Papa

2011-06-30T15:59:00.000-05:00

JUNE 9th

Andrew’s “old man” haircut so he could look like Papa for a little while, don’t worry daddy was just being funny & as you can see from the second picture we shaved the rest of it too so Andrew looked like a handsome little boy instead of an old man. =)

JUNE 15th

I got spoiled for my birthday with a fun pedicure/manicure, new maternity clothes b/c my old ones are getting too small, & then some new clothes for this Fall after I have had the baby & new sandals! It was so great to spend time with mom & Andrew was so good at the nail salon playing the I-Pad quietly. We even decided to be a little more bold/crazy & go with bright colors & fun toe art instead of just a normal color. I am so glad I have a fun mom!

JUNE 16th

We also got to hang out with Hillary, my niece, b/c her husband is selling alarm systems in the area so they are here for the summer. It was great to see her & have fun together!

JUNE 17th

Of course we mainly went up to Mimi & Papa’s so Andrew could take swim lessons so the week before swim lessons started Papa had Andrew try snorkeling & actually Andrew did really good & loved it! Thanks for being so fun Papa!!!

Everyday at Mimi & Papa’s was so much fun that Andrew would just crash when he would finally stop moving!

JUNE 19th

Of course Jon came back up so he could get spoiled for Father’s Day which he did b/c my mom gave him a gift card & my Dad gave him this great Mavericks T-shirt b/c they won the NBA finals!

He really is the BEST father & husband ever & I feel so blessed to have him in my life & as my best friend! Love ya Hun!!!

JUNE 23rd: MY BIRTHDAY

Since mom had already spoiled me rotten already we just went shopping for groceries for my birthday dinner & spent the day having fun. I had requested eggrolls, fried rice & this great sweet & sour sauce too, but by the time we got home from running our errands it just was too late to have my birthday dinner today so we just had a SWIM party as Andrew called it b/c we had a great dinner outside & swam in the pool! Mom SPOILED me ROTTEN for my birthday & bought me new maternity clothes b/c mine are getting too small that I wore when I was pregnant with Andrew (YIKES, I wonder how big this baby is going to be), new clothes to wear in the fall after I have Jackson, & lots of treats & going out to eat! I LOVE being spoiled & I REALLY LOVE spending time with my mom!!!

JUNE 24th

Then Uncle Nate surprised us & drove up from Mississippi, where he was stationed with the Air Force, for Mom’s birthday! It was so great to see him for a couple days & to love on him.

More swimming & having fun with Papa! They worked on going down the slide & then swimming to the side & also diving for rings! WAY TO GO ANDREW!!!

Then we went & saw the Cars 2 movie which Andrew has been dying to see! After we went to a really close restaurant for lunch & Papa even let Andrew sit on his lap & steer the car. WOW, Andrew thought he was hot stuff!

Life got even better b/c when we got to the restaurant Mimi surprised Andrew with Cars toys to play with but as you can see Andrew wasn’t the only one that enjoyed the Cars toys!

Then we went to swimming lessons with Miss Cis & Andrew & Autumn did great! It has been so nice to have them in the same class b/c Lisa & I have been able to just chit chat & talk about our days while they are in lessons! I just LOVE spending time with my sister b/c she is just so much FUN!!!

I think Andrew had a BUSY day, what do you think?

JUNE 25th

Lisa & Autumn were on their way home & called to say that there were fireworks going off so Dad, Andrew & I ran outside to see if we could see them. We could see them a little bit but Dad wanted Andrew to be able to see them better so we jumped in the truck & raced to a church parking lot up higher & sat there & watched them. They were AWESOME to watch & it was so cute to hear Andrew keep on saying, “WOW!!” He LOVED it & I just loved watching him enjoy them. SO CUTE!!!

I am usually NOT spontaneous at all but I realized tonight that it is good to be spontaneous once in a while b/c of moments like this!

JUNE 29th

More FUN with Papa & Autumn in the pool!

JUNE 30th

Hannah, my best friend from high school, moved back to TX close by so we were able to get together & let the kids play in the pool! We sure did have A LOT of fun!!!

WOW, I really was BIG when I was pregnant! Oh well, I guess that is what happens when a 10 lb. baby is growing inside of you!!!

After swimming so much this afternoon Andrew fell asleep while he was practicing writing his name!

Then it was time to go to the LAST swimming lesson! Papa is SO GOOD at supporting the Grandkids & came to watch how much they had progressed.

Andrew is in clothes b/c the last day is a safety day so they swim in their clothes. The idea is that if they ever fell into the pool with their clothes on they would not freak out but already know how to swim with clothes on! I think it is a GREAT idea & Miss Cis is the BEST swim teacher ever!

I was so proud of Andrew b/c he wasn’t scared to jump off the diving board at all & actually chose to go first! GOOD JOB BUDDY!!!

Well as you can tell our June was pretty BUSY & FUN!!!

May 2011 in Summary

2011-05-31T17:56:00.000-05:00

Having fun trying out T-Ball

Going to Mimi & Papa’s for Mother’s Day & having SO MUCH FUN & getting VERY SPOILED!!!

Donuts for breakfast! Andrew was LOVING that!

Going to the park with Mimi!

Swimming at our pool with friends!

Playing at splash parks!

HAPPY 8 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!! (April 26, 2011)

2011-04-27T09:24:00.000-05:00

So, yesterday was our 8th ANNIVERSARY & even though we didn't do anything way amazing to celebrate we did do somethings to make the day fun & to spend some time together.

Luckily, I didn't have to work so I just went back to sleep & then was woken up by Jon with a kiss & a surprise breakfast taco he had gotten on his way back from dropping Andrew off at Preschool. After we ate, we just went and laid down together & talked. I know that sounds corny, but it was just so nice to reminisce about our wedding day & how we fell in love. Then we got cleaned up for the day & ran errands together to Costco, Sam's & Walmart. It was just nice to be ALONE together especially knowing how rare that is going to be once this next little one gets here in August.

The rest of the day was pretty normal except we did go out to dinner as a family at Carino's & I LOVED every minute of just enjoying the good food, especially their out of this world chocolate cake, & being with my family!

HAPPY 8 YEAR ANNIVERSARY HUN!!! Thanks for being so amazing & I LOVE YOU!!!

It's A BOY!!! (March 30, 2011)

2011-03-30T17:52:00.000-05:00

Today at our ultrasound we found out we are having another BOY! Now we just have to get Andrew to understand that b/c up until now we were calling the baby Lizzy b/c I really wanted to have my Elizabeth but having brothers will be really fun too. It was so exciting to see his cute little face, hand & foot! We feel very blessed b/c we are going to have a healthy, tall baby boy in early August! YEAH!!!

“But you are!” (March 23, 2011)

2011-03-23T15:23:00.001-05:00

Lately I have been feeling really guilty for not being the kind of mom Andrew deserves. I just wish I was the kind of mom that would spontaneously take her kids to the park, get down & play with them, & loved cooking good meals for them, but especially lately I just haven’t been the kind of mom I want to or feel like I should be. I don’t know why but today I just told Andrew, “Sorry for not being the kind of mom you deserve,” & immediately he gave me a HUGE HUG & said, “but you are, mom!” I don’t know why but those little words coming from my little 4 years old angel were what I really needed to hear right now.

I am scared about having this other little one too & it having me for it’s mom but I guess all I can do is do my best even though sometimes my best isn’t very good & just love them how I can & when I can!

I just never knew motherhood came with so much guilt attached so for all you moms out there, especially my mom & sister, who wonder if they were or are a great mom I resound Andrew’s answer of “BUT YOU ARE!”

Fun Weekend of Haircut, Baseball & Nature (March 18-19, 2011)

2011-03-23T10:44:00.000-05:00

I love the weekends b/c Jon is home & he can’t just stay at home so we always have some errands to go run or something to do on the weekends. I just don’t have the self confidence right now to get out of the house by myself unless I have to like to go to work but I really don’t like sitting in my apartment reading especially when the weather is as gorgeous as it is right now.

Anyways…so this weekend we did our typical running errands after Jon got off work on Friday afternoon but we also went & got Andrew a haircut which for some reason he LOVES to do! He even let them spike his hair which he NEVER wants us to do, funny kid but way cute!

Next we got Andrew a baseball glove & baseball & Jon decided to get himself a baseballs glove too so he could play catch with Andrew & try to help him learn how to catch a baseball since Andrew’s first baseball practice is this Friday. Andrew was SO EXCITED to get the baseball glove & Jon was WAY patient with him & played ball with him for a little while after we got home from our errands. Jon really is a great dad & really is SO PATIENT with Andrew.

Then Saturday we really didn’t have a lot of errands to run but just didn’t want to stay in the house so we went for a walk on a nature trail over by the YMCA. Andrew at first wanted to hold my hand while we walked but then once I told him he didn’t have to & that he could run that is exactly what he did. It really was a great day to take a walk & even though with this pregnancy my legs have hurt & been sore (I have no clue why but it is weird) I actually really did enjoy being outside & feeling the sun shining down on my sweet little family!

Fun Date Night (March 16, 2011)

2011-03-18T12:52:00.000-05:00

Jon had entered a drawing for tickets to the Cirque du Soleil Dralion show that is here at the Cedar Park Center & he actually WON! So Wednesday night we had a fun date night going to dinner at Panda Express (not my fav. but we didn’t have enough time to go to a real restaurant so we went there to get a quick bite to eat), & then it was off to the show.

To tell you the truth I actually was VERY NERVOUS about this date night b/c lately with this depressive episode I just never know if I am going to be in the mood to go out but luckily not only was I in the mood but I actually had enough energy & motivation to look good on our date too. I even put my hair in hot curlers, put on a cute little outfit, put on some jewelry, & put on makeup…WOW!!! I am sure Jon was thinking to himself, “I don’t know how many months it has been since I have seen my wife looking like that.” =)

So luckily that date night went great & we just had so much fun holding hands & just being together!

Oh yeah, the show was amazing too but I think we really could have done anything together that night & it would have been great…it was just being together that was the best part! We for sure need to do that more often! Thanks Hun for such a great night & for always treating me like your queen even when I don’t look like a HOT queen like I did that night!

2nd Pregnancy up to this point (Dec. 2010-March 16, 2011)

2011-03-16T15:22:00.000-05:00

I didn’t really write much about my pregnancy with Andrew so I wanted to jot down some things about this pregnancy!

So you know how we have been trying to get pregnant well...WE ARE PREGNANT!!!
I took a test Saturday ( Dec. 4, 2010) b/c my period usually starts by the 3rd of each month & I just felt different again so I thought we might be pregnant but the test said NO but it might have just been too early so I waited a couple of days & then took the test on Thursday (Dec. 9, 2010) morning & it said POSITIVE!!! I was so excited & I made Andrew a sign that said "I'm Going to be a BIG BROTHER!!!" & took his picture & the positive pregnancy test picture & text them to my parents & siblings! My mom is SO EXCITED & my dad is too, in fact the funny part is that the Christmas letter for this year that my dad always writes was all about that he wants more GRANDKIDS...well Merry Christmas Dad!!! =)

We decided that we wanted to have this one naturally like we did Andrew using the Bradley Method so we started looking up for midwifes & putting our feelers out when we were told about the Austin Birthing Center that used midwives & allowed you to have a natural birth easily unlike some hospitals around this area. So we took a tour & felt immediately that it was the PERFECT place for this birth b/c I just am NOT comfortable having a home birth but I also really didn’t like some things about having Andrew in the hospital b/c they just weren’t very friendly toward a natural birth & we had to fight to have things our way. The birthing center is totally accommodating & I think we will be VERY happy there!

The early part was pretty easy & I was getting all excited b/c maybe I wouldn’t get way sick like other pregnant ladies did. In fact with Andrew I remembered just needing to eat saltines in the morning before I got up & then I wasn’t nauseas, well then all of the sudden I hit about the 7 week mark & got so nauseas. For a couple of weeks there the only thing I could keep down was Gingerale b/c every time I tried to drink water I would throw everything I had just eaten back up. YUCK!!! I HATE throwing up & hadn’t expected to get so sick this time around. Well, with LOTS of LOVE & SUPPORT from my family & sweet husband I slowly became okay with just doing what I could to keep food down & not feeling so guilty about not eating more healthy. So Gingerale became a staple in my diet & I couldn’t stand to eat any vegetables or to take my prenatal vitamins. At one point I got so nauseas that I just had to lay in bed for about a week. Andrew was such a good helper & would get me my Boost drinks, Gingerale & cheese! He would come into the bedroom occasionally & ask me if a needed anything. Him & Jon were real sweethearts & way understanding!

Finally the nauseas feeling lifted & I was starting to be able to eat things except I still even now can’t do red sauce, like spaghetti or lasagna & even pizza sauce sometimes gets to me. I don’t know why but I just feel really nauseas when I eat it! WEIRD! Also for a time there I totally CRAVED Sonic hamburgers & tater tots. I have no clue why but they tasted SO GOOD to me but now that craving is gone!

Also I forgot how tired being pregnant makes you feel. I have been taking naps almost everyday lately but that might also be b/c I have also been going through a little depressive episode but not near as bad as last year so I have been thankful for that. Although it was been very frustrating & annoying to get so tired so easily. Like for example after I take a shower I am EXHAUSTED & I have to sit down to get dressed & get ready for the day. Also the times I am motivated enough to do dishes, which doesn’t happen that often right now, I am exhausted half way through it & have to take a break & then finish them up later. Oh well, I am overall pretty healthy & haven’t had any major complications so all in all this pregnancy is going great & I am VERY BLESSED!

Around 9 weeks we, Jon & I, went to our first prenatal appointment on Jan 7th & they did blood work, urine sample, & since I hadn’t had a pap smear in a while they did one of those too just to make sure everything was on the up & up. Of course I was found to be totally healthy, which I am so grateful for! During the part where they were trying to hear the heart beat of the baby they were having a difficult time b/c my uterus was retroverted or tipped back so just to be safe & figure out exactly how far along I am they did a quick ultrasound. That was a huge surprise & we couldn’t believe how small our little baby was. It looked like a little jelly bean but at the same time it was amazing to see the heart beating & to hear it beating. AMAZING!!! I am SO GLAD Jon wanted to come to my prenatal visit b/c that was so neat to see our baby together for the first time! YEAH!!!

Around 14 weeks, our next appointment was on Feb. 11th & we figured since the last one was so drawn out this one would be quick so we just brought Andrew with us. Well, it was a quick appointment but they hadn’t been able to get a good enough measurement of the baby to figure out how far along I was so we did another ultrasound…WOW that was the coolest thing to see how far along in only about 4 weeks our baby had come along. The baby had distinguishable hands, legs & nose. The baby also waved to us & even kicked around. That was a very awe inspiring moment to realize I really am carrying a baby inside me that is so alive & thriving! It was also really neat b/c Andrew was there so he got to see his little sister (we have been telling him the baby inside mommy’s tummy is named Lizzy b/c I really want a girl)! He thought that was pretty cool & is even more excited to be a big brother now!

Somewhere around week 16 I was really dizzy & had to stay in bed for 2 days until the vertigo feeling went away. I called my doctor, Dad, & he said it could have been b/c I was dehydrated which I haven’t been drinking near enough water or being good at taking my prenatal so it might have been but it was just weird. Luckily it went away after 2 days & I am doing better at drinking more water & taking my prenatals more consistently.

At 18 weeks, our most recent appointment was on March 11th & it was a very quick one but we were able to set up our REAL ultrasound where we are going to find out the gender of our baby so that was exciting! We set it up from March 30th during the afternoon so our whole family will able to be there! I am just so excited to find out if we are having another boy or a girl. I really want a girl but I would be perfectly happy with another cute little boy too! YEAH!! I can’t wait!

Catching Up with Blogging (March 15, 2011)

2011-03-15T15:09:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone, I know I haven’t blogged in FOREVER, but I am going to try to get caught back up so get ready for blog posts overload (maybe)! I am going to back date them though so you might have to go back to see them! LOVE Y’ALL!!!

Rodeo Austin (Saturday: March 12, 2011)

2011-03-12T13:39:00.000-06:00

So we decided to get out of the house on Saturday & got to the local rodeo! It actually ended up being pretty expensive but we did have fun as a family & it was great to walk around & get some sun!

Andrew LOVED riding the horse…I know it really is a pony but every time I called them ponies Andrew would quickly correct me that he was going to ride a horse not a pony! Funny boy!

Then it was on to the petting farm, which was thankfully FREE!!

Andrew also was a “farmer” for a day while he helped gather eggs, apples & potatoes which obviously were not suppose to all be in the chicken coop but oh well! Whatever!

Then we went to go see some of the animals. I don’t know why but as soon as Andrew saw these bunnies he ran over to them. Luckily one of the bunnies owners was right there so he actually got to touch one too! YEAH!!

How could it be the Rodeo Austin without a LONGHORN? So of course we got to see a longhorn but we also got to see the baby longhorn too. CUTE!!

Andrew really LOVED trying to get this horse to come to him but it didn’t work. Oh well!

By this time we were hungry so we decided to get some good old fashion rodeo food…a HUGE turkey leg, corn dog & then some curly fries which actually ended up being disgusting but the rest was pretty good tasting. Then instead of spending more money we got ice cream cones at McDonald’s on the way home. FUN FAMILY TIME!

February 2011 in Review

2011-02-28T12:29:00.000-06:00

I know this is only a dusting of snow but we were still really excited & had a snowball fight! FUN!!!

I don’t remember exactly what we were baking for dinner but Andrew all of the sudden pulled his chair up in front of the oven & asked for us to turn the oven light on so he could watch it bake. FUNNY KID!!!

For Valentine’s Day Jon got some cookies for the office & then surprised me with my own Valentine’s cake. It was SO GOOD!!! It was the yummy mexican vanilla cream but the inside layers had raspberry too. I LOVE raspberries so I LOVED IT!!! I have the best husband ever!

Andrew was really into making tents so Jon made him this tent to sleep in one weekend & I didn’t think he really would sleep in it but as you can see he is passed out & then to our surprise slept in it the next night too. I thought it was cute how Andrew pulled his “brother’s” (Trace, our dog) bed over by the tent!

So I will just say it right now I have been going through a depressive episode lately so I told Jon it just would be so much easier if we didn’t do anything for Valentine’s Day except maybe go out on a dinner date, which we did, BUT…he surprised me on Saturday morning & made a Valentine’s breakfast for me. He made waffles with whip cream & strawberries on top, sausage, & even got my all time favorite orange juice, Simply Orange! At first I was feeling so guilty b/c I knew I hadn’t planned anything to do for him but then I just decided to enjoy the love my husband was showing me & to toss the guilt, or at least try to!

Then on Monday we got a sweet surprise Valentine in the mail from Grandpa & Grandma Guymon! Andrew LOVED it & has is hanging up in his room! That was so thoughtful, thank you!

A couple of Saturdays later Jon asked if we wanted to go putt putt golfing together so even though I was still not really wanting to go out in public I pushed through it & we actually had a fun time! At first Andrew had no clue what to do but by the end of the 18 holes he almost knew what he was doing! We will for sure have to do that again!

At Andrew’s preschool they were learning about fairy tales so one day his teacher had all the kids dress up as princesses/princes so we just put Andrew in his Sunday best, Jon made a crown & then he used his Batman cape & ta da…our PRINCE, & such a handsome one at that!

Mimi & Papa Visit (Feb. 25-26, 2011)

2011-02-27T13:13:00.000-06:00

Papa & Mimi drove down here to Austin to attend the State Wrestling Tournament & to see US!!!

They drove over to our apartment after the morning wrestling session, we went & picked Andrew up from preschool & then went out into the parking lot to find Papa’s new car which Andrew was excited to ride in but Papa was being funny & told Andrew this red van was his new COOL car so Andrew just believed him & was going around to get in when Papa told him the truth…

This was Papa’s NEW COOL AWESOME Corvette! Andrew loved sitting in the corvette & LOVED it when Papa took him for a ride & played “driving” music too!

Papa said on their ride that Andrew kept on saying, “Go FASTER Papa, faster!” Boys…I guess even at 4 years old they know what a cool muscle car is! Although Andrew & Papa kept on calling it the Batmobile! LOVE IT!!!

While Papa & Andrew went for a spin mom & I headed across the street to our chiropractic office & Jon made her feel so much better & then it was Papa’s turn when they got back from their little drive.

Andrew decided to help daddy work on Papa!

Best buddies!

After that Papa headed back to the wrestling tournament but we were lucky to be able to keep Mimi with us. When we got back to the apartment Mimi showed Andrew the gift Papa had brought him, a play doctor kit. Andrew LOVED being Mr. Doctor & going around to his “patients” to help them feel better! We were laughing though b/c when Mimi was showing how to use the play shot & she yelped when he did it on her arm he didn’t know why she thought it hurt…he has never gotten a shot so he had NO CLUE what real shots were like!

Our little Doctor! Thanks Papa, he still LOVES his doctor kit & helps us feel better!

Later we were bored & needed some things from Costco so we all jumped in the car. While we were there Mimi totally spoiled us & bought us yummy strawberries, mandarin oranges for Andrew’s lunch, cashews, & many other treats. Then she treated us to ice cream & of course a smoothie for Andrew! THANKS MOM!!! We sure love when you spoil us!

That evening after Papa got back from the wrestling tournament we headed to Texas Roadhouse for dinner & even though I had called ahead we still had a pretty good wait but Papa took care of that with the Cars Movie on his phone. Andrew thought that was so much fun to watch a movie on Papa’s phone & to be able to ride in the corvette again over to the restaurant. In fact Papa even asked Andrew if he wanted to ride over in the corvette or if he wanted to give his mom (me) a turn…without even hesitating Andrew said No he didn’t want to give me a turn. What?!?! Silly boy!

Once we finally did get to eat Jon & I split a full rack of ribs & I LOVED them!!! I could have eaten a FULL slab all by myself…I don’t know what is going on but with the pregnancy I have really LOVED RED MEAT & those RIBS were the BEST!!!

The next day, Saturday, mom hung out at their hotel while Papa went to the wrestling tournament then we met up with them at Moonies Burgers for lunch. While we were waiting for our YUMMY lunch Papa played in the kids area with Andrew & together they built a big tower. Andrew sure LOVES spending time with his Papa & Papa is so good at playing with him & spoiling him! I LOVE watching Andrew play with Papa & Mimi!

After lunch we headed back to the apartment to just hang out & then I remembered that we needed to get a copy of our safe key my parents had b/c we had misplaced ours so Papa said Jon & I could go get a copy in his CORVETTE. Jon was SO EXCITED & couldn’t believe he got to drive a brand new corvette! I was a little on edge about it b/c I was so worried about him wrecking it but once I relaxed the vet really was LOT of FUN to ride in & I felt like a million bucks. Unfortunately though we weren’t able to find anywhere open that could make a copy of this key. Oh well, we at least got to ride in the corvette! YEAH!!!

When we arrived home this is what we found…Andrew & Papa playing Mario Kart on the Wii! Andrew had so much fun just hanging out with Papa & Mimi!

Then when they got tired of that Papa showed Andrew how to play Angry Birds, a game on his phone!

We really didn’t do anything WAY FUN but it was just FUN to hang out & be together so THANK YOU SO MUCH MIMI & PAPA for coming to visit us! LOVE YA!!!

January 2011 in Review

2011-01-31T10:45:00.000-06:00

Andrew still excited about being a FUTURE MISSIONARY! In fact he was so into the missionary thing that Papa got him a little badge that says “Future Missionary” & Mimi got him two nice Sunday outfits & he wears them almost every Sunday! What a CUTE future missionary!!!!

There were a couple days that it was warmer so we took advantage of it & went for a walk as a family at a local park & then of course Andrew had to play at the playground too!

November 2010 In Review

2010-11-30T15:51:00.000-06:00

Andrew really likes The Cat In The Hat so when he came to visit Andrew’s preschool it just made Andrew’s day!!!

We finally were to the last soccer game & Andrew did pretty good but I don’t think we will be signing up for soccer again anytime soon. Mom’s patience & nerves just can’t take it!

He was so EXCITED when they received their trophies after the game! YEAH ANDREW!!!

So our dog is REALLY talented & has been locking up out of our apartment but once they replaced the lock with a newer one it hasn’t happened again. I think personally the lock was just too loose, but whatever it was at least it is fixed, b/c coming home & finding out you are locked out of your apartment is NOT very fun!!!

Andrew found Jon’s old missionary tag in his scriptures & was so EXCITED!!!

We went & hung out with my family for Thanksgiving & really had a fun time!

We just enjoyed spending time together…

playing with cousins…

my sister used her amazing talents in photography & took some AWESOME family picture for us…

had fun being girly with my niece, Autumn & letting her wear my jewelry & a little makeup…

Wait it isn’t Christmas yet…of course at Mom & Dad’s it seems like it is ALWAYS Christmas. I love how much they spoil us & the grandkids. They got them the old fashion Christmas DVDs like Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph, ect.

Then Andrew got an extra special present….a CHRISTMAS TRAIN to go around our tree. Papa was so cute & even let Andrew set up his train around a little Christmas Tree they had! Andrew just LOVED it & the moment we got home we had to put up our tree & put his train around it! LOVE IT!!!

Of course we did puzzles which is a tradition…I didn’t realize I have macaroni cheese coming out of my mouth BUT we did do A LOT of yummy eating!!

Then Papa was able to get us tickets to Disney Princesses on Ice & since all the other girls & Autumn would be dressing up Andrew dressed up as Batman to keep them safe! LOVE IT!!!

Papa had to work so he couldn’t got with us but he did wear his Batman scrub top so he could be like Andrew!! SO CUTE!!!

Here is our princess & Batman!

I even got into the fun of it all & dressed up as Snow White!

On top of getting tickets to the show we also were able to get tickets to a before party with Radio Disney & had to much fun eating treats at the buffet, meeting Snow White….

& I even won a dance competition against to other moms. I had so much fun dancing around & making the kids laugh! GO ME!!!

Then it was off to the show which was AWESOME!!! Andrew even liked it except for the part where the dragon from Sleeping Beauty breathed fire, he hid under my coat during the part! I guess even Batman gets scared sometimes.

Funny/scary thing happened during intermission, while I was waiting for Andrew to go potty people lined up to take pictures with me & then all of the sudden I couldn’t find Andrew anywhere…my heart stopped for a moment there until I found him again.

The beautiful Snow Whites together!

When we got home we found out that we had been given tickets by “Uncle Britt” to a Stars Hockey game that night so off we (Lisa, Lisa’s friend & her husband, Nick, Jon & I) went & there were some really good fights so it was WAY FUN!!!

As you can see we had a VERY FUN filled Thanksgiving break & wore ourselves out!!!

Reason I haven't been blogging

2010-11-29T15:30:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone, I just wanted to say that I promise I will get back to blogging but lately I have been working on Christmas gifts & building up my new Heritage Makers business! Over the Holidays I will get caught up & after Christmas I will post the Christmas gifts I have been working on but can't right now b/c have to keep them a secret from my family! LOVE YA GUYS & hope you are enjoying this wonderful season of magic & fun as much as I am!

Our Christmas Card

2010-11-29T15:10:00.000-06:00

So I got our Christmas cards sent out but I also wanted to share it with y'all too b/c I love it so much!!!

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Our Heavenly Father is Mindful of Us!

2010-11-22T08:26:00.000-06:00

I know I haven't blogged in forever but I just really felt like I needed to write this down before I forget about the TENDER MERCIES from the Lord that I experienced yesterday!

I don't know why but for some reason I just broke down & had a HUGE nervous breakdown which brought on the FEAR that I might be going into depression again which didn't help me feel better at all! So I just say there and bawled on my bed while Andrew was SAFE in his room until Daddy could get home from his meetings & help us both! Jon was way sweet & came home immediately & just held me while I cried. Then once I had cried for a while he had me take some deep breaths, sit up straight & told me he was going to not going to his meetings after church & that if I wanted to go to church then if at anytime I felt like I was going to lose it he would take me home! So, we hurried and got to church just in time to take the sacrament & right when we walked in one of my best friends, Kelly, gave me a compliment on my jewelry I was wearing. Now that might not seem like a miracle to y'all but when you have been bawling & you know you probably look like poo & someone gives you a compliment right off the bat that HELPED me so much! Then the talks in sacrament meeting were just for me & spoke truth & peace to my heart! Then the choir sang & music helps me so much so once again my Heavenly Father answered my unspoken prayer for help in staying at church! Then Jon was by my side through the next class & that went okay but then when he got up to leave me at Relief Society (women's meeting) that dread set in again & I started to panic so he left the keys with me so I could go out to the car if I needed to & right when I was about to get up to leave Janet, another one of my best friends comes & sits down next to me & then I felt okay again b/c I wasn't alone!

I just have to say that this has reminded me to give everyone the benefit of the doubt & to treat everyone with love & kindness b/c you never know what personal private battles someone is dealing with. My two best friends didn't even know I had barely made it to church & how scared I was to be there but they really were instruments in the hand of the Lord & were a real answer to my unspoken prayer in my heart!

Thank you to you all for loving me even when I disappear off the face of the earth for 4 months straight! Thank you for being true friends! I wish everyone could have friends like I do! Happy Thanksgiving....I & all of us are TRULY BLESSED b/c we do have a Heavenly Father that is ALWAYS mindful of us! I challenge all of us to strive to be the answer to others unspoken prayers this week & treat ourselves & others with more LOVE b/c you really never know what private battles someone is fighting! LOVE Y'ALL!!!!

October 2010 in Review

2010-10-31T16:03:00.000-05:00

Andrew being his funny self!

Andrew continuing to learn & loving his preschool, Goddard!

While I was at Time Out for Women in the beginning of this month I was introduced to Heritage Makers & LOVED it so much that I decided to become a consultant. When my starter kit came in the mail I was SO EXCITED & it felt like Christmas! (Update: Because I am now pregnant & just having a hard time & the company has changed how you earn commissions I have decided not to continue with them. Oh well!)

For a VERY EARLY Christmas present from my parents & ourselves Jon & I decided to buy a new couch, love seat & rocking chair! We LOVE them!!! Thank you again Mom & Dad!!!

Also Andrew did soccer & even though he wasn’t very good at it he sure had FUN playing!

We also went to a football game with Watsons, my cousins & had a great time!!!

Andrew’s soccer coach, Anthony, was so patient & kind! Andrew really LOVED him!

One day when I went to pick up Andrew from preschool they had been talking about community helpers like firemen, policemen, ect. So right before we left Ms. Jicelle, Andrew’s teacher, asked what community helper he would like to be & without even hesitating he said, “A MISSIONARY!” I was so PROUD & surprised but had to explain to Ms. Jicelle what he meant but she went ahead & wrote that for Andrew & put it by his picture! SO COOL!!!

We had fun at playgroup feeding the ducks & playing at the playground!

After one of Andrew’s soccer practices we picked out our pumpkin to carve & even though it was huge Andrew still insisted on carrying it!

Andrew LOVED this shirt we saw at Walmart & of course since his daddy is a chiropractor we just had to get it for him!

He insisted on wearing this “FUTURE MISSIONARY” tag to church every Sunday & even when it was not sticking anymore we had to pin it to his shirt!

So here is our carved pumpkin for this year! Andrew picked out the ghost pattern & absolutely LOVED it!

We had so much fun at our church’s Trunk or Treat & Andrew got so MUCH CANDY!

Andrew had to get a picture with his friend, Amelia!

I had to get a picture with my friend, Janet, since we were witches together!

Jon even joined in on the fun & wore a vampire costume b/c Andrew really wanted him to. Andrew said I had to be the Sparkly Witch & daddy had to be the Vampire b/c he (Batman) had to have someone to fight!

I think we have the cutest Batman ever!!!

2010-10-27T18:23:00.002-05:00

 

My first finished project! YEAH ME!!!

2010-10-14T18:02:00.001-05:00

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So as you can see I have found the COOLEST online digital scrapbooking program and I loved it so much that I decided to become a personal publishing consultant. If you want to play around with this AMAZING program just go to ilovescrapless.com and get your FREE account & then just have fun!!!

If you want more guidance there is a studio tutorial or even better you can have me come do a demo for you and some friends and if you aren't close I could still do a virtual demonstration. Don't hesitate to contact me at my work email: lexie@ilovescrapless.com or call me at 512-239-9060 if you need anything at all!

I know you are just going to LOVE this, just like I do!!!!

Happy Birthday Chiropractic & Our Chocolate Monster (Monday: Sept. 20, 2010)

2010-09-20T17:59:00.000-05:00

We went and visited Jon at the office during the day and to our wonderful surprise there were yummy cupcakes from The Cake Plate to celebrate the birthday of Chiropractic.

Do you think Andrew enjoyed his cupcake? LOL!

Family Home Evening (Sun: Sept. 19, 2010)

2010-09-19T17:54:00.000-05:00

So after we went to church Andrew wanted to make cookies, which is a tradition so of course we did that but we didn’t eat them yet b/c they are going to be our treat for Family Home Evening (FHE) tonight!

Of course another tradition is eating the cookie dough too!

Most people have their FHE on Monday night but it just seems to work better if we have it on Sunday night instead.

We opened with a song and Andrew jumped up and led the music! SO CUTE!!!

Next it was time to read our scriptures so Andrew got out HIS scriptures and “read” the story of Noah & the ark to us! He was so CUTE and very animated when he said, “Then it started to rain & the animals were very scared.” I had to hold back my laughter and Jon & I just smiled at each other!

Then we said prayer & of course ate our cookies & even took some to our babysitters, James & Fuller families, that helped us out this week! They loved them too!

YMCA Health Fair, Almost Consignment Sale, Youth Dance Date (Sat: Sept. 18, 2010)

2010-09-18T06:28:00.000-05:00

The morning Jon was at the “Y” participating in their Health Fair so toward the end Andrew & I went to visit him and walk around the fair some. I actually ended up entering some drawings and winning some of them too, like winning a plant and a $300 credit for laser hair removal (that might pay to remove the hair from my big toe)! Also Chef Heidi from “Adequate Snack” was there so of course I enjoyed her free yummy samples and Andrew even loved her food too!

After the Health Fair was over we headed downtown to this HUGE consignment sale that one of our patients had told Jon about but when we got there we found out it was only open to the public until 3:30 pm and unfortunately we got here at 4 pm. Oh well, we had fun taking pictures by the fountains out front while Jon ran and got the car to come pick us up! I know we are spoiled and that is how I like it!!!

We rushed home and got ready for the Youth Dance that our ward is in charge of. We found a babysitter for Andrew so it could be kind of like a date for Jon and I! Thank you Fullers for being willing to babysit Andrew for us!

The theme of the dance was bright colors and black lights! It really turned out cute!

I had so much fun dancing with Jon during slow songs and shaking my groove thing during the fast songs. I just wish I would have not worried so much when I was a youth b/c I had so much fun tonight not worrying and just making a fool of myself but loving every minute of it! It felt so GREAT to just let loose & be crazy!

Scary Grasshopper & 1st Soccer Practice (Fri: Sept. 17, 2010)

2010-09-17T06:15:00.000-05:00

So after Jon got off work on Friday we went and ran some errands before we headed to Andrew’s 1st soccer practice at the “Y”! He was so excited and we even let him roll down his window and put on his favorite song and full blast & we were all having a GREAT time when all of the sudden Andrew lets out this blood curdling scream and starts freaking out. When I whip my head around to see what in the world is the matter I see this HUGE grasshopper sitting on the head rest right by his car seat.

Needless to say he was NOT happy about it but there was really nothing I could do about it b/c we were driving so I did the next best thing & documented it all! Aren’t I the nicest mother?

Well, Andrew didn’t care if the car was moving or not…he threw off this seat belt as fast as possible and jumped into my lap in the front passenger seat. POOR KID!!! I know I shouldn’t have been laughing but I just couldn’t help it and I was rolling while Jon tried to calm Andrew down! Andrew still to this day will NOT roll down his window, which he use to BEG to do, b/c he is still scared that a grasshopper or cricket as he calls it is going to fly in through the window and get him! SO SAD & FUNNY at the same time!

Once we got to the soccer fields & daddy made sure the grasshopper was gone Andrew was okay and again excited about playing soccer! YEAH!!! When we got there Coach Tony wasn’t there yet so Andrew of course found any ball even though it was a kickball and started kicking it into the goal. Jon was WAY CUTE and got out there to play with him until practice started!

When Coach Tony got there Andrew was so excited so when Coach Tony asked for the kids to gather round Andrew was right there in front of him, front and center only maybe an inch from Coach Tony’s shoes! We all laughed and then they got started with practice but right as they were getting going it started to sprinkle, but no big deal the kids could practice in a sprinkle…all of the sudden it started to down pour so Coach Tony asked the kids & parents if they wanted to go but there was no lightening and the kids wanted to play so Coach Tony stayed out there while all the parents and teams huddled under umbrellas & covered picnic tables near by or even just went home. Of course I couldn’t stop taking pictures just b/c it was raining so here are the pictures I got even though they are kind of foggy b/c the camera lens kept on fogging up and getting rain drops on it!

I must say that I LOVE how the kids in the beginning really didn’t like the rain but once Coach Tony got them playing and having fun they forgot about the rain and even when it started to thunder they still didn’t want to go home and only when Coach Tony had given them all high fives did they want to go home. Everyone was SO MUDDY and messy but I am glad Andrew had fun and I am glad he has such a fun coach that will play with them even in the rain!

I know this picture is blurry but I love how Andrew is trying to cover his head with his hands b/c it is raining! SILLY BOY!

I was so proud of Andrew b/c even though he fell down in the MUD he jumped back up and got after it again! YEAH ANDREW!!!

Even though Andrew kicked the ball away from the goal, he still was so excited to just get to kick the ball! I also love how Coach Tony is wiping the rain out of his eyes too! It really was pouring at this point but the kids didn’t care they just were having fun running in the mud and chasing the ball!

Finally it was pouring so hard and starting to lightening so Coach called it quits! Funny thing is the name of the team is Lighting Bolts…so fitting don’t you think since we were the only team that stayed out and played in the rain?

On the field Andrew didn’t complain one bit about all the mud and being wet but once we got in the car he was not happy about being wet and messy as he called it so we headed straight to the bath when we got home & he was much happier after that. In fact we all were really happy to get those soaking wet clothes off us and get warm again!

Oh yeah, before soccer practice earlier today I met up with some friends, Melisa & Lexie, at Michael’s so Lexie could show us how what we needed to buy to make these bead watch bands that I am SO EXCITED about and while we were there Andrew was pretty good, other than accidentally breaking some beads off a string which by the way I kept my cool on and just talked sternly but lovingly to him & even had a total stranger tell me what a great disciplining I did…LOL!!! I had to tell her the truth that I don’t always do it that way but thanks for the compliment!) so we bought this Mummy grave yard foam kit that was on sale as a treat!

Funny story about that…when I was asking Andrew which one he wanted to do it sounded like he kept on saying the MOMMY one and even when I explained that yes mommy will do it with you he kept on saying that over & over so finally I took him out of the basket and told him to grab the one he wanted…he chose the MUMMY one just like he had been saying for the last 10 minutes!!!

So after we got cleaned up, had pizza for dinner (we always do something fun on Friday nights) while daddy was at some church meeting we put together the MUMMY graveyard kit and we sure did have a blast with that!

He was so proud of his “mommy” graveyard & even decided we needed to bring it up to Mimi & Papa’s when we go visit them in next week!

Then he decided to kill more time until Daddy came home from his meeting by playing tug-a-war with Trace, our dog or his BROTHER as he calls him!

We had a very eventful, messy, but VERY FUN FRIDAY!!!

Work & Women’s Night of Indulgence (Thurs: Sept. 16, 2010)

2010-09-16T05:14:00.000-05:00

So I worked again today & LOVE IT!!! You know you have a great job when you are so excited to get to work that you can’t sleep very well the night before! LOL!!!

After work I ran some errands for Jon and got all cleaned up for our Women’s Night of Indulgence at the office that is tonight. YEAH!!!

Now some of you might not know what our Women’s Night of Indulgence is so here is just a brief description for ya’ll that haven’t joined us but should for sure in May when we are having our next one. We ALWAYS have yummy food & drinks and for this last one we had the best food provided by “The Adequate Snack” by Chef Heidi, reflexology (picture), chair massages, Scentsy, which are the best wickless candles ever to buy or just explore, hand scrubs & facials all for FREE! Of course we have TONS of drawings and lots of great conversations. It is a very laid back, informal get together of the women in our office but also their friends and our friends that are not patients too! It is just our way of saying THANK YOU to all the amazing women in our office and our life too…also it is a great night for me to indulge and relax a little too. I LOVE IT & can’t wait until our next one in May!! YEAH!!!

I was in HEAVEN & so were the rest of our guests and office family!

Why can’t we have one of these every month?!!!

Anyways needless to say I really enjoyed myself and as you can see Andrew really enjoyed playing video games with his babysitters, Bro. James and Cody James! FUN!!! Thanks again guys for being willing to babysit him for us!

Gym & Playgroup & Hot Curlers (Wed: Sept. 15, 2010)

2010-09-15T04:59:00.000-05:00

So this morning we woke up late b/c we just slept in and cuddled. I love those times in the morning when Trace & Andrew just cuddle with me for about a 1/2 hour and we just get to talk and love on each other!

Well, even playgroup was starting really soon after we woke up and got started I decided to take my Uncle Wes’s advice and do what will make Lexie that happiest & don’t be a slave to technology (meaning don’t let your life run you but run your life), which at that moment was going and working out b/c I hadn’t worked out is quite a while and I know it really does help me. Also I really do like working out once I get there it is just the getting myself there that is the hardest part. So off we went to the gym & then we visited daddy really fast & finally we headed to the park for playgroup time. Also I figure playgroup is there for me to use not to be another appointment I have to be on time too. I really do need to go with the flow more and not worry so much about what others I going to think if I am late to something like that or if I am being a bad mom to Andrew b/c he won’t have as much time to play with the other kids…this is when I have to use a saying I got from my FAVORITE BOOK, Toss the Guilt & Catch the Joy by Merilee Boyack, “STOP, I am doing the best I can!” It really does work for me which is a HUGE miracle b/c sometimes those nasty negative voices are so strong I just can’t get them to shut up and I end up letting them rule my life and I become a prisoner to the FEAR and GUILT that they create so quickly…BUT not anymore b/c I have a POWERFUL statement…so try it next time your negative and critical voices start (we all have them just some of us have LOUDER ones than others)…try it right now, “STOP I AM DOING THE BEST I CAN!” LOVE IT!!!

Oh funny story before we left for playgroup Andrew asked me to take this picture of him being silly at breakfast. Do you think I created a monster or what…what other 4 year old asks to have his picture taken? LOL!!!

So anyways…once we got to playgroup we had so much fun just visiting (me) and playing with friends (Andrew)! YEAH for playgroups on Wednesdays!

Andrew LOVED the tire swing. Thanks Janet for pushing the boys!

When I was such a mean mom & wouldn’t let Andrew throw the rocks he was very creative and decided to have fun with Jett and drop the rocks instead!

Then he joined Rebecca in filling up the bucket with rocks and then dumping it out and doing it all over again, & again, & again! I love how kids get such great joy out of such simple things…here they had this really cool playground but what they really LOVE doing was playing in the rocks! FUNNY!!! I really do need to be more like a kid in that way…just enjoy the simple pleasures in life!

Then when we got home I got cleaned up and put my hair in hot curlers for the first time…what do ya’ll think?

Do you like it straight…

curly…

or hot curled?

Don’t worry you won’t hurt my feelings b/c I won’t let you so just tell me the truth PLEASE!

Working & Just Hanging Out (Tuesday: Sept. 14, 2010)

2010-09-14T05:01:00.000-05:00

So today I just worked, Andrew went to pre-school like usual, and then we came home and just hung out.

My boss needed some papers shredded so that is what I did for the rest of the day! I didn’t think there was that much to shred but as you can see there was 3 big garbage bags full! Andrew had fun handing me papers so I could shred them. He is such a great little helper!

And this is what Trace did all day too! CUTE DOG!!!

Even though it wasn’t a very eventful day it still was a great day b/c I got to work, Andrew got to go to pre-school which he LOVES, & we got to spend time together! What else matters other than that? NOTHING!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD & FHE w/ Watsons (Monday: Sept. 13, 2010)

2010-09-13T04:24:00.000-05:00

So today is my Dad’s birthday and I can’t even begin to tell you how much I LOVE my Dad. He is the most amazing father ever and always works so hard but at the same time takes the time to play hard too, especially with Autumn & Andrew! THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO DAD!!!

I LOVE YOU!!!

Since we aren’t up in Dallas, where my parent’s live, Andrew & I just called and sang Happy Birthday to Papa. We had already given him his new swim/work hat which was his birthday present when we met up with them in San Antonio last month for Nate’s graduation from the Air Force Basic Training! Also we are going to go up there in a couple weeks and stay with them while Jon is at a conference in Florida for a couple days! YEAH, can’t wait!!!

Tonight though, we went over to my cousin, Kerry Watson’s, house and had Family Home Evening (FHE) with them. I am so grateful to have some family close and also I always thought FHE had to be way spiritual and don’t get me wrong they did have a lesson, which was taught by their 5 year old using army men, and read scriptures but most of the time they just had FUN together.

Of course afterwards we had to have a very yummy treat and as you can see everyone was enjoying it…although I have no clue why Andrew isn’t in any of these pictures!

Braden, Alexi, & Devin…Nice face Devin!! LOL!!

Carlene, Ethan & Jon were sure enjoying the treat too!

This really inspired me to get back to doing FHE with Andrew and to make it more a FUN time that we spend together with a VERY short lesson!

THANKS WATSONS!!!

Checking out Rental Homes (Saturday: Sept. 11, 2010)

2010-09-11T14:17:00.000-05:00

Since our apartment is raising our rent we are in the process of looking at rental homes and trying to decide if it would be worth about $200 more to be in a house instead of an apartment.

Today we met up with Ron, a realtor that we had called b/c we wanted to see a rental home but instead we spent the whole day with him and looked at about 5-6 other houses. He was so kind and generous and knew what was good and bad in a home the moment he walked in b/c he has been doing this for 13 years and now does it more as a fun thing b/c he doesn’t have to make a lot of money b/c he is almost retired. YEAH, I am so glad it seems like we have found a GREAT realtor!!!

I LOVED some of the houses so much but the problem is that most owners want to rent the homes immediately and our lease isn’t up until middle of November. So, we have decided to hold off looking at more homes until the middle of October, but we did give our 60 days notice of vacancy to our apartment. So by the middle of November we will be moved somewhere else, we just don’t know where yet.

I’ll let you know more when I find out more and when it gets closer to the middle of October when we look seriously at potential rental homes.

New things, Dinner & Football with Friends (Fri: Sept. 10, 2010)

2010-09-10T14:15:00.000-05:00

So today we went and got Andrew shin guards and soccer cleats b/c he starts soccer with the YMCA next Friday! YEAH ANDREW!!!

He was so excited about his new things for soccer that he insisted on carrying them.

Of course the moment we got home he had to try them on. My cute little soccer player! I am just so excited for him and I hope he really does have TONS of fun!

I have been looking for a new purse for FOREVER so when we were at Kohl's I found this PERFECT PURPLE purse on clearance. We also thought we could get $10 more dollars off with this coupon that came in the mail but when we got up to the register we realized the coupon wasn’t good until next weekend. My sweet husband saw how much I LOVED it so we bought my PERFECT PURPLE purse anyways. It still was a steal though b/c we paid $27 for it when it usually costs $69!!!

I LOVE IT!!!

That night we went out to dinner with a group of friends from our ward and then went to the Cedar Park High School football game. We had SO much FUN!!!

THANKS GUYS!!!

I thought it was funny though b/c at Taco Real, where we ate dinner, the boys all sat at one table while the girls all sat at another one.

Of course us parents didn’t mind that one bit!

Angelica & Tauni the GORGEOUS GALS!!!

Rachel & Janet the HOT MAMAS!!!

After dinner we headed off to the game and really had a blast, especially Andrew!!!

Jon & I bought Cedar Park shirts and then at the game they were selling older little kids shirts so of course we got Andrew one and he thought he was so cool!

Matt, Angelica, Vivian, & Grant Mings

Mark Leavitt with his two girls, Addison & Ellery . Rachel his wife had to go home after dinner b/c their youngest, Soren, was having a hard time and just wouldn’t stop crying. We sure did miss you Rachael!

Janet & Steve Theriault

Jayd, Tauni, Coen, Ella & the two boys at the bottom actually are Janet & Steve’s!

We also ran into more friends from church like Tammy & Mike Zamora…

Glen & Shauna Hancock &…

Lindsay & Nate Fort!!!

I LOVE this picture of Vivian reading this book to Ella! SO CUTE!!!

I had told Andrew he couldn’t have any popcorn b/c we had already bought him a shirt, towel & drink but Jayd let him have some of his.

Then Jayd just gave Andrew the rest of the popcorn & Andrew was in 7th heaven.

After this bug interrupted our group having a great time & Andrew was getting tired we headed home.

THANKS EVERYONE for such FUN night. We should for sure do it again soon!

I LOVE my new job (Thurs: Sept. 9, 2010)

2010-09-09T14:06:00.000-05:00

I have a new job & I LOVE IT!!! I am helping Lyndsee out with her Scentsy business. I am just labeling products for her, helping with her online orders, and just doing anything she needs me to do.

So today was my first real day and I worked ALL DAY and LOVED it! I really think I might even become a Scentsy consultant too b/c I really enjoy the products and know I would have the best trainer, Lyndsee ever but we’ll just have to see and I’ll have to learn more about the qualifications and what it would entail. I’ll let you know if I do decide and of course I’ll have a BIG PARTY and invite you all!

Big Bounce, Visit Daddy at work, Mutual (Wed: Sept. 8, 2010)

2010-09-08T14:01:00.000-05:00

Andrew was so EXCITED to go to playgroup today and get to see all his friends. We met our playgroup at The Big Bounce which like it sounds is a very fun bounce place. They also had a HUGE theater and by the end that is what Andrew wanted to do.

Next we visited daddy at work and got adjusted. Daddy won this umbrella at his luncheon today and Andrew really LOVED it so we had to get a picture of him with it.

Today I didn’t want to take the time to straighten my hair so I just put some gel in it and used a diffuser on it…I think it turned out pretty cute! Also the necklace I am wearing is one Gran Ruth gave me and I absolutely LOVE IT!!!

Tonight Jon had Andrew and I come with him to mutual at the church b/c he wanted me to take pictures of the missionary learning activity. Three men from our ward (church) did a little 10 minute presentation on the unique places they went on their missions to. The men were VERY smart b/c they also brought food for the kids to try too.

Bro. Woods went to Argentina & did a great job explaining what was unique there.

Bro. McFerson went to some islands near the Philippines so he had this machete and explained how the missionaries would talk kids into getting coconuts for them and breaking them open with the machetes. YUMMY!!!

Poor Bro. Eckholdt is getting macheted by Bro. McFerson!

Bro. Park went to France and had some really fun things to show the kids!

All of the men did a great job and I think the kids really had fun and learned something new at least I know I did!

Home Again with LOTS of FUN Jewelry from Gran Ruth(Tuesday: Sept. 7, 2010)

2010-09-07T14:01:00.000-05:00

So we woke up WAY early this morning so we could make our flight home to Austin, TX at 9:30 am!

While we were waiting at the airport Andrew was trying to take a nap b/c he was still so tired.

I LOVED how many shocked faces and funny reactions I got from people when they saw Andrew pulling my huge rolling backpack and I just had his backpack and my laptop bag…even though the rolling bag actually weighed less. Andrew really was such a good little helper and I love how he travels so nicely and really behaves.

Andrew couldn’t wait to see Jon again and even didn’t want to go potty after we got off the plane even though he was for sure doing the potty dance b/c he wanted to go see his daddy. Luckily I talked him into it!

Also Andrew was so excited to be with his daddy again that he forgot we were on a escalator and tried to run to his daddy and of course fell down but luckily was at the very bottom so was okay especially when he was in the arms of his daddy again.

Do you think this little boy loves his daddy?

Before we left for Utah Jon had told Andrew that if he was good in Utah he could earn this Iron Man hand blaster thing so as soon as we got home that is what he wanted to play with.

I don’t know if he likes his new toy, what do you think? LOL!!!

Then it was time to play with Trace except Trace didn’t want to play tug-a-war with him and kept running away. Trace really did miss Andrew and Andrew also missed Trace and even said, “I am so glad to be back with my brother.”

While we were gone Andrew’s birthday present from the Guymon’s (Jon’s parents) came so he was really excited about having a new book.

While we were in Wal-Mart in Provo, UT Andrew wanted to get a BYU hat and wanted to get one for daddy even though daddy is a total Utes fan which is BYU’s biggest rival but b/c his little boy wanted to match him he even wore it when he got home from work.

Aren’t my little BYU fans so cute?

Of course when Jon got home I had to show off my new jewelry that Gran Ruth gave me while I was in Utah. I LOVE all of it but of course my favorite are the purple ones.

Most of these are clip-on earrings but I am going to see if I can turn them into regular earrings b/c I really like them. Anyone have any ideas? My friend Melisa is going to try to help me but I would appreciate other ideas too.

I really LOVE this set b/c you can’t see in this picture but the butterflies are actually purple. LOVE IT!!!

That night Andrew wanted to sleep on the couch so we told him to go get his PJs on and come back and this is what he chose to put on.

We are SO happy to be home but also really enjoyed our trip to Utah and miss our family there already! THANKS YA’LL for making our trip so fun and memorable!

Fun with Hickman Family (Monday: Sept. 6, 2010)

2010-09-06T15:32:00.000-05:00

So this morning after I ran last minute errands for Gran Ruth, Andrew & Rodney Hickman came to pick me up so I could go hang out with them today and then sleep there so they could take us to the airport in the morning.

Gran Ruth was VERY EXCITED to see Andrew one more time and he even gave her a kiss goodbye.

As soon as we got to Shannon (Jon’s sister) & Rodney Hickman’s house Andrew had to show me what he had been doing all weekend like jumping on the trampoline.

He had so much fun staying up at Shannon’s house and playing with Laura’s (Jon’s youngest sister) kids, Crystal & Carlie.

It was say fun to see Crystal & Carlie again!

After lunch we (Shannon, Rodney, Hillary & I) decided to go to a movie, Inception before Hillary headed back to college. Stephanie, Shannon’s youngest daughter, babysat the kids for us. THANKS STEPH!!!

After we got home from the movie we ate delicious turkey burgers for dinner. YUMMY!

Then we had to get a picture with Hillary b/c she had to head back to college.

Me, Hillary, Stephanie, Andrew, Carlie & Crystal

The kids needed to get some energy out so we headed to the Splash Park near by and they LOVED it! I also really liked this Herriman bench. FUN!

As you can see, Andrew really did have a BLAST!

After the sun went down the kids got cold so we headed back to the house and to keep them clam we put on a movie.

I think Andrew really misses his daddy b/c he was cuddling with Rodney and being way cute.

Finally Kaitlin, another of Shannon’s girls, came home from spending the day with her boyfriend, Tyler. They really are a cute couple but I just wish I could have spent more time with Kait than just a couple of minutes. Oh well, such is life when you are a teenager.

Andrew was so tired that he just fell asleep on the couch so I said my goodnights and good byes and put him in bed.

Then I stayed up for another hour or so packing and making sure I was ready to fly home early in the morning!

We really did have LOTS of FUN here but I can’t wait to get home to Jon & Trace and get back to real life again and hang out with friends!

Visiting Grandma Johnson (Sunday: Sept. 5, 2010)

2010-09-05T10:40:00.001-05:00

Today when I came down stairs this is what I saw…Gran Ruth’s REALLY THICK breakfast shake from yesterday had over flown. Oh well, it wasn’t that hard to clean up and was really no big deal but we sure did get a good laugh out of that one!

It was so weird to get up this morning and not have Andrew to get ready for church. Then during sacrament meeting I kept on looking down thinking that Andrew was being way too quiet and then I would remember he was up at Shannon’s staying with her for the weekend.

I was so proud of Gran Ruth b/c today she went to sacrament meeting even though she was WAY tired. Everyone there was so excited to see her and missed her so much since she hadn’t been to church since her surgery on July 20th.

Later on I met up with Grandpa Johnson & he showed me where Grandma Johnson’s grave was which was so special to me b/c I had to miss her funeral b/c it was during finals week when I was still in dental hygiene school & education meant A LOT to Grandma so I decided to honor her life by doing really good on my finals which I did, too bad the next semester didn’t work out. OH WELL!

It was so nice that her headstone was a bench so Grandpa and I could just sit and talk and remember Grandma.

Looking at what is on Grandma’s headstone really reminded me what is most important in life…family! Also it made me wonder what would people put on my headstone or in other words what will my legacy be that I leave?

I also LOVED how from Grandma’s headstone bench you could see a gorgeous view of “Y” & Timpanogus mountains b/c those were her favorite.

It was great to be able to visit with Grandpa but next time I am in Utah I will for sure have to go to her grave by myself so I can just talk to her alone.

It was VERY tender and touching to hear stories from Grandpa about how him and Grandma met and fell in love. I could really tell that Grandpa really did and still does love Grandma and miss her SO much!

After we visited Grandma, Grandpa showed me the house where he grew up and continued to tell me stories until I finally had to go.

Grandpa thanks for taking me to see Grandma Johnson & telling me all the wonderful stories & sharing you most treasured memories!

(P.S. My bangs look horrid b/c it was so windy. Oh well!)

Visit Aunt Jeri & Uncle Dave, Andrew goes to Shannon’s for the weekend, My REALLY CUTE haircut by Josh(Saturday: Sept. 4, 2010)

2010-09-04T10:35:00.000-05:00

So this morning we decided to visit Aunt Jeri & Uncle Dave in West Jordan and I was also going to drop Andrew off at Shannon’s to stay with them until Monday (Labor Day) when I would join him & most importantly I was going to get my haircut by Josh, my cousin that is a barber now.

It was so great to see Aunt Jeri and I just wish the best for her.

I LOVE this picture/quote in Aunt Jeri’s house.

This is the quote:

Living Life

Life is not a race-but indeed a journey. Be honest. Work hard. Be choosy. Say “thank you”, “I love you”, and “great job” to someone each day. Go to church,take time for prayer. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh. Let your handshake mean more than pen & paper. Love your life and what you’ve been given, it is not accidental- search for your purpose and do it as best you can. Dreaming does matter. It allows you to become that which you aspire to be. Laugh often. Appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them. Some of the best things really are free. Do not worry, less wrinkles are more becoming. Forgive, it frees the soul. Take time for yourself-plan for longevity. Recognize the special people you’ve been blessed to know. Live for today, enjoy the moment.

I also LOVE this one too!

Andrew wanted to go to Shannon’s so bad but had to give Gran Ruth loves first.

When we got to Shannon’s house Andrew threw open the car door, jumped out and was up knocking on the front door before I even got out of the car. He was SO EXCITED and was so happy to be able to yell and play and be a little boy again.

In fact he was having so much fun that when I got ready to leave and told him bye he just waved at me and yelled bye. Little stinker, I had to demand a hug and kiss from him!

While I was driving to the salon that Josh, my cousin, works at I just was so EXCITED & couldn’t wait to experience something different & get to visit with Josh. I needed a change so bad and had been wanting to cut my hair for months.

Josh was SO fun like he always is and even was a good sport and took pictures for me! Now how many barbers do you know that would take time to take pictures? LOL!!!

This picture reminds me of the part on Princess Diaries when Paulo (the hair dresser) is trying to figure out what hair to give the future princess and one hair style he does is kind of like this and she says, “I look like a moose” & he respond, “You make all the guy moose go WAAA”! So I guess this is my moose hair do! LOL!!!

When Josh was almost done with my hair another client walked-in so I just told him to take care of the guy and then just return and finish me after. While he was cutting the other guys hair I kept on looking at myself in the mirror and couldn’t stop playing with my hair. I LOVE IT!!

WOW, I have never had someone cut my hair so awesomely & I am SO HAPPY with the results although I don’t know if I will ever be able to get it to look like this again. Oh well, I’ll do my best and love it no matter what!

Also the orange chair I am in was my Grandpa Jay’s old barber chair but now Josh uses it so that was kind of cool!

I really did feel like a whole new woman when I walked out of that salon!

THANKS JOSH…I LOVE MY HAIR!!! YOU ARE THE BEST BARBER EVER!!!

Wow that is A LOT of hair! I know it is just hair but when I get my hair cut in the new style I actually feel like stress and weight emotionally has been cut off too.

After I got my haircut I went and picked up Gran Ruth at Aunt Jeri’s and we went home. When we got home this is what we found…

I had made Gran Ruth a breakfast shake but she didn’t like it b/c it was too thick so I just left it on the counter b/c we were already running behind. When we got home it was so thick and looked like oatmeal. YUCK!!!

So it was really weird to go to bed without Andrew b/c he stayed at Shannon’s to hang out with them. I forgot what it was like to be kid-free. Don’t get me wrong it was very nice but very weird too. It felt like part of me was missing!

Talk to Autumn, BYU Cougar Hat, Visit Grandpa Johnson & Uncle Wes (Friday: Sept. 3, 2010)

2010-09-03T10:34:00.000-05:00

I thought this was so cool but something you would only find in Utah…Sonic has Fry Sauce as one of their sauces that you can pick from. COOL!!!

After we got lunch at Sonic we hung out at Gran Ruth’s & she happened to gat a cal from Lisa (my sister) & Autumn (my niece). Andrew was so EXCITED to talk to Autumn.

I love how Andrew put on his hat.

I also LOVE how when he is talking to someone on the phone he doesn’t get that they can’t see him so he will say, “I got this from Wal-Mart” not thinking that daddy can’t see him pointing to his hat.

I also LOVE how laid back my son is.

Later that evening we headed over to Grandpa Johnson’s to visit with Uncle Wes and spend time with Grandpa!

I LOVE the beautiful flowers that are in the yard and couldn’t help but take a couple of pictures. Which ones do you think are my favorite…of course the purple ones!

Grandpa told Andrew to go in the front room and find a red chair for himself. Andrew couldn’t find it anywhere b/c come to find out it was in the dining room NOT the front room. FUNNY GRANDPA!!!

Then Grandpa was teaching Andrew how to hammer down the shapes with only one hand and would yell every time Andrew tried to use two hands. Andrew would just laugh and laugh and really enjoyed playing with Grandpa while we waited for Uncle Wes to come.

While Grandpa & Andrew were playing I was roaming the house and notice this feather and poem on the fireplace and LOVED it!

Here is the poem:

A feather from an Angel is one we rarely see,

But this one is quite different and special as can be.

This feather is a reminder of a special person’s love,

who is now Guardian Angel watching and protecting you from above.

Grandpa said Haley gave this to him after Grandma Johnson died in December 2010! How thoughtful and sweet!

Then when I saw this quote by the phone I about burst into tears b/c it was EXACTLY what I needed to hear and I felt Grandma Johnson so close!

Finally Uncle Wes arrived and instantly Andrew LOVED him and was having so much fun with him.

Then while Uncle Wes & I had an AWESOME visit where he gave me a lot of great advice Grandpa taught Andrew to do this puzzle using only one eye and sticking out his tongue. Wow my son is so talented.

Then Grandpa pounded in Andrew’s brains b/c he is so smart it had to be coming out…

Of course Andrew had to then pound Grandpa’s in too.

I sure do LOVE my Uncle Wes and I was so grateful I got to see him and visit b/c I know his job was crazy but I really appreciated him coming to see us.

We thought it was time to go but then Uncle Wes decided to play a game with Andrew. Uncle Wes would ask Andrew if it was a snake or spider and then do something on his back. Andrew was really good at this game and LOVED it! I’ll have to remember this game b/c Andrew really did LOVE it!

Of course though Andrew had to then do the game on Uncle Wes’s back.

THANKS AGAIN UNCLE WES for everything! WE SURE DO LOVE YA!!!

Visit Grandpa Johnson, Chiropractic Appt, Present from Gran Ruth, Play Ball, Visit Uncle Stacy (Thursday: Sept. 2, 2010)

2010-09-02T10:23:00.000-05:00

After we dropped Gran Ruth off at her hair appointment we went and spend 15 minutes with Grandpa Johnson. I enjoyed this juicy peach from the farm. YUMMY!!!

Andrew had A LOT of fun showing Grandpa all of his books. Unfortunately, we had to go get Gran Ruth but promised we come visit again for longer. I could tell Grandpa is very lonely but loved even the 15 minutes we were able to spend with him. He misses Grandma so much!

Later one we went to our chiropractic appointment with Julia Rodgers and it was amazing. Andrew & I needed that SO much!

When we got back to Gran Ruth’s she had a surprise for Andrew…she had bought him a train from Rite Aid where her friend, Colleen, took her so they could get their Flu shots. Andrew REALLY LOVED that train and even punched out the bottom of his Happy Meal box to make a tunnel for it to go through. I love how creative he is!

He was so cute with Gran Ruth and kept on giving her kisses on the cheek. I think she LOVED every minute of that!

We needed to get some energy out so we went outside and played with the ball.

Or more like Andrew kept on throwing the ball at me. SILLY BOY!

It was pretty hot outside even though we were in Utah so we came inside to rest for a while. Andrew decided to watch a movie on his little DVD player and Gran Ruth thought is was so funny that he could lay like that.

Then I made spaghetti and as you can see Andrew LOVED it!

Then we headed off to Uncle Stacy’s house to visit with him and his sweet Esther and her kids, Denica & Ciera.

Denica was so excited to show Andrew her pot belly pig and he had a lot of fun feeding the pig some pears.

Andrew must have sensed that Uncle Stacy is a grandpa b/c he immediately LOVED him!

He also LOVED this Spiderman chair that even had gloves to put your hands in. FUN!!!

After visiting outside for a little while we came inside that Esther and Uncle Stacy played Lincoln Logs with Andrew.

Andrew LOVED it!!!

Then Andrew attacked Uncle Stacy and they had so much fun just playing.

Sadly we had to get going so we took final pictures and gave loves.

THANKS UNCLE STACY, ESTHER, DENICA & CIERA!

Provo Temple, McDonald’s Batman, Grandpa & Grandma Guymon visit, Golden Corral, Trace slicks (Wednesday: Sept. 1, 2010)

2010-09-01T09:59:00.000-05:00

So after Gran Ruth’s therapy we went by the Provo Temple & WOW was it gorgeous!

While we were there Andrew had to go potty so we went into the guest room of the temple and went potty. Even though we were going potty I still wanted Andrew to know how special it is to be able to go in the temple and to make it a teaching moment. I explained that the temple was Heavenly Father’s house and that if you are really still and quiet you can feel His love. Well, up to now Andrew had been pretty fidgety b/c he was now waiting for me to go potty but right after I said that he got really still and then whispered so softly, “Mom I really can feel Him here.” Even though I was going potty I almost cried b/c the spirit was so STRONG and that was such a tender moment that I will never forget!

We took lots of pictures and Andrew LOVED being on temple grounds and seeing all the beautiful flowers and fountains.

When we got back to Gran Ruth’s car she was sitting in the shade of this tree so Andrew just plopped down beside her. He really does LOVE her & she really does LOVE him so much!

Andrew LOVES the temples so much and even though he was WAY EXCITED to go to McDonald’s and get Batman in his Happy Meal he still sang “I Love to See the Temple” all the way there. Gran Ruth said she really enjoyed his singing. He really does have a great voice and can carry a tune really well. I like to think he got that from me & I hope he continues to love good music b/c music is such an important part of my life!

(Which reminds me I have to sing this Sunday, Sept. 19th so I better get practicing.)

Have you ever seen a happier boy?

He LOVES his Batman and it went EVERYWHERE with him.

First of all I loved this Ronald McDonald statue but also I love how you can see the BYU flag on the window. FUNNY!!!

Gran Ruth’s Relief Society presidency came over to visit and see how they could be of service to her since she can’t drive herself around anymore. They also brought these GORGEOUS roses to cheer her up. It makes me feel better knowing that Gran Ruth has such a great support system and loving Relief Society sisters that will be able to help her when I got home again.

Most of the day we just hung out and Andrew just had so much fun playing with his new Batman from McDonald’s. I LOVE how he can entertain himself so well. In fact, sometimes he was being so quiet I even forgot he was there but that only happens once in a while.

Then later on Grandpa & Grandma Guymon (Jon’s parents) came to visit us and play with Andrew before we met up with Laura’s (Jon’s sister that lives in Payson) family at Golden Corral for dinner.

Grandpa was so CUTE with Andrew & really does LOVE him so much and vice versa.

Grandma Guymon even got involved with the fun of looking at Andrew’s new Batman that he got today at McDonald’s.

Grandpa Guymon even played Hide-and-Go-Seek with Andrew. He was so cute getting on his hands and knees and acting like he really couldn’t find Andrew even though Andrew was laughing up a storm under the table.

After Grandpa found Andrew it was now Grandpa’s turn to hide.

When Andrew found Grandpa he yelled, “Oh, there are you.”

Then Andrew wanted Grandpa to do Timily Tut with him but Grandpa had no clue what Andrew was talking about so he did the three little piggy's one. BUT after he was done Andrew wanted to teach Grandpa Timily Tut so we did and even though it had been 3 days since Uncle Ray taught it to him he still remembered every word.

Then it was time to read the “Where’s Waldo” book that he got from Wendy’s. He is so good at finding Waldo and LOVES this book too.

Then we headed off to Golden Coral for dinner. It was so much fun to Charles, Laura & their girls, Crystal & Carlie.

Also the Guymon's were very kind & paid for our dinners. THANK YOU!!!

So the dinner was going great but then it got disgusting b/c after Andrew ate these gummy bears he just up chucked all of them, the pizza, & the spaghetti he had just eaten. Laura was so sweet and helped me clean up the big chunks but then we were leaving so I just informed a waitress what had happened. I felt really bad about it & tried to clean it up the best I could with napkins but I sure wouldn’t want to be the person that had clean up duty that night. YUCK!!!

Charlie wasn’t phased by the throw up incident though and even posed for this picture with his dessert creation. Andrew just wanted to get out of there and was so embarrassed that he almost cried. POOR KID just ate too much!

When we were getting ready to leave Crystal didn’t want to give Andrew a hug so Laura threatened Crystal so she did give Andrew a hug but as you can see from her face it wasn’t very willingly. She is probably thinking, “YUCK you just threw up all over the place why would I want to hug you?” LOL!!

When we got home we called daddy and told him all about our fun time with the Guymon's. Now though every time we call daddy Andrew wants Trace to give him slicks and when “Trace” does he just laughs and laughs. SILLY BOY!!!

THANK YOU AGIAN GUYMONS for a fun time!

Dr. Appt, Wendy’s, Fun with Carly & her Girls, Being a Gentleman (Tuesday: Aug. 31, 2010)

2010-08-31T09:53:00.000-05:00

This morning we went to Gran Ruth’s nerve test and she really didn’t like that but Andrew was WONDERFUL when we were waiting in the waiting room, so we went out to Wendy’s for lunch.

Since we were way close to the BYU campus where I went to college 9 years ago I was so reminiscing about the past and how much my life has changed in only 9 years. WOW, life sure is different than I thought it would be but that is okay b/c I still LOVE my life & feel extremely lucky to be me!

We came home and just relaxed but Andrew curled up in Gran Ruth’s big leather recliner and fell asleep. FUNNY BOY!

Then Carly, my cousin, came to visit with her little girls, Andie & Ellery!

Andie LOVES Gran Ruth and they are so cute together!

Of course Andie, Ellery & Andrew had so much fun with “The Pig”.

Andrew was so EXCITED to have a friend to play with again.

Ellery wasn’t quite sure of Gran Ruth even though Carly kept on telling her is was okay. FUNNY!!!

Carly, Ellery, Andie, & Gran Ruth!!

Andrew LOVED playing with Andie so much that when it was time for her to leave he ran over and gave her a BIG hug & said, “Come back and play!”

Then he turned into a little gentleman and helped Gran Ruth up the stairs and even turned on the fan for her.

Then before he left he said, “Is there anything else you need Gran Ruth?” Of course she said she needed a kiss from her Peter Parker (Spiderman’s name). He did give her a kiss but then was funny and wiped it off.

Then he wanted to take a picture of Gran Ruth & I.

My Gran Ruth can totally drive me crazy but I LOVE her so much and I am so grateful I got to spend those 2 weeks with her!!!

LOVE YA GRAN RUTH!!!!

Therapy, Confrontation, Costco & Sam’s, Playing Ball(Monday: Aug. 30, 2010)

2010-08-30T09:52:00.000-05:00

Today at therapy Gran Ruth got a great surprise, she ran into her room mate during her recovery “Sunny” & her husband. Gran Ruth had told me how up beat and happy Sunny was but to be in her presence was amazing. She really always had a smile on her face and never said one negative thing. I was only around this woman 10 minutes but I defiantly want to be like Sunny!

Then Gran Ruth got another surprise…her in patient therapist, Tyler was there too. So of course I had to get a picture of Gran Ruth with the two men that literally helped her get back on her feet after her surgery. THANK YOU ALLEN & TYLER!!!

Well, I am ashamed to say that after therapy I didn’t act like Sunny and got pretty upset at Gran Ruth when she said, “You don’t love me” b/c I was trying to get her to go get the change at the gas station. Those words just really hurt me and so I got angry and told her everything I had been wanting to say that whole first week. I wish I wouldn’t have yelled but I do think she needed to hear what I had to say b/c afterwards she was just so much kinder and more appreciative and less critical of me trying to help her.

Don’t worry we did make up and she forgave me for yelling. Afterwards we headed to Costco to get Gran Ruth her protein mix but they didn’t have it but we still got Andrew his smoothie and ate some lunch there.

Then we headed to Sam’s Club to see if they had the right protein mix that Gran Ruth wanted…luckily they did. YEAH!!!

When we got home Gran Ruth pulled out the pig again and of course Andrew LOVED it!

Then we needed to get some energy out so we went outside to play ball. Andrew really did have a BALL playing BALL!! =)

I was getting tired though (I was just emotionally drained from the confrontation with Gran Ruth earlier today) so I laid down in the grass and just stared up at the beautiful blue sky and gorgeous clouds while Andrew just played by himself for a little while.

All of the sudden my nice relaxing time was interrupted by a ball being thrown in my face. SILLY BOY!!!

Then the game became to throw the ball at mommy and see how patient she could be…well too bad for Andrew I had already spent my patience so we headed inside soon after that.

So even though today was a VERY HARD day I also realized how much I love my Gran Ruth and how much she really does LOVE me. Also I realized how many people love and support me too.

Also I came to another SCARY realization…my dad will be so much worse when he is old and can’t drive or function the way he use to be able to. That is why I live 3 1/2 hrs. away…good luck Lisa!!! =)

THANK YOU EVERYONE for your support & love during this hard day!