Tagged by: Brooke

Here's how to play:
1. Link your tagger (Brooke) and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Here it goes...Again, I'm not very good at these so...

1. I can say the alphabet backwards... fast. I can also recite the Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish. That's pretty much all the Spanish I know.

2. I HATE to buy things that are generic. I don't know why but I just do. If you look in my pantry or other closets you will see that I'm telling the truth. I especially hate generic peanut butter, mayo and salad dressings. Also, there's just something about "Dr. Thunder" that just doesn't sit well with me. My mom is the same way so maybe that's where it comes from?

3. I LOVE to shop! Its terrible actually. If I have only ten dollars to my name I will find something I just have to have for that ten dollars. I love to shop for my kids too! It's the best therapy there is!!! :)Its a very bad "habit" though and I'm trying really hard to change my ways, especially since we're so poor right now...

4. I recently lost 45 pounds. I know this seems weird but it was such a HUGE accomplishment for me. I actually haven't been this size since I was a senior in high school. It's something I'm very proud of and I hope to lose just a little more but with the holidays knocking at my door, we'll have to see how that goes!! :)

5. I, (like Brooke), spent a lot of time on a farm. I was born in Montana and my grandparents have a huge chunk of land. I love to ride horses and get dirty. I've also driven a swather and bailed hay! There really is nothing like waking up at 5 in the morning to go "change pipe"! :)

(ok this is getting harder...)

6. I'm extremely O.C.D. I hate when I lose things or can't find them. I like 'order' and I tend to get anxiety when things aren't that way. I totally think that there's a place for everything and everything should have a place.

7. I love to travel and see new places and try new things. However, I have never been out of the United States and don't even own a passport. Ha! Hopefully one day though!! :)


I tag: Tiffany Drury, Katy Huntsman, Brooke Droubay, Kim Corser, Kate Meier, Suzanne Papa, Jenny Dildine

BAH HUMBUG

So I decided to stay up late tonight and put our Christmas decorations up. I've been working so much lately that I haven't had any extra time and I just wanted them up. Now I don't. I just don't have any Christmas spirit right now... I changed my background, started to put together a Christmas playlist, blah blah but nope, nothing there. Oh and can I just say here that I HATE all my decorations. Let me just tell you that I have somehow started a "BELIEVE" theme. Not quite sure how but I have about 10, that's right 10 random things that say believe... even my actual tree decorations say it. What the heck? I think it could be ok if every square inch of my little house didn't say BELIEVE in huge letters. I picture someone coming in and being like, "Ok, we believe, geez just don't hurt us!!" Also, tonight at BUNKO cute Amanda did a whole Christmas thing and I just was not into. I am QUEEN of BUNKO. I freakin' love that game and I was just so grumpy... Hmmm. Maybe its this nice St. George weather thats freaking me out?? Who knows...
Anyway, if anyone has any suggestions on how to get into the Christmas spirit just let me know. But for now BAH HUMBUG.

Tagged: Fours

This is my first official tag... we'll see how it goes.

Four things I love about my Hubby:

1.Ben can ALWAYS make me laugh!
2.He's an amazing dad
3.He is always so willing to help me out with whatever I need
4.He's a hard-worker


Four Jobs I've had:

1. Zumiez's
2. American Eagle
3. Lucky Bun's (don't ask...)
4. Chili's

Four Movie's Watched More Than Once:

1. Dirty Dancing
2. Cars
3. Legally Blonde
4. The Harry Potter's

Four TV Shows I Watch:
(after I've ti-voed them)

1. The Hills
2. Grey's
3. Ellen
4. American Idol

Four (cool) Places I've visited:

1. Boston
2. Florida
3. Chicago, IL
4. Seattle,(Forks) Washington

Four Places I've lived:

1. Missoula, MT
2. Las Vegas, NV
3. Salt Lake City, UT
4. Cedar City, UT

Four Favorite Foods:

1. Taco's
2. French Fries
3. Raspberries
4. Chicken Alfredo

Four Places I'd Like to Visit:

1. Hawaii
2. New York
3. Jamaica
4. Europe

Four People I Tag:

1.Chanel
2.Brooke
3.Tiffany
4.Jamie Jo


If you don't do this tag...bad things WILL happen to you!
So go.......go post this tag!

VERY Late Halloween Pictures...

So our Halloween was, lets just say, disastrous! Benson was sick and WOULD NOT put on his costume. Actually, he did put it on only because I literally forced it on. He cried for two blocks and wouldn't go up to any doors. I finally gave in and took it off. He was Peter Pan and he looked so cute in all the trial runs. Dang. I think I was most upset about it because this was the first costume I actually made and I wanted to show it off. :( Oh well. Hiley was Tinkerbell and looked soooo cute. I got her costume off ebay! Too cute. Anyway, halloween pretty much sucked this year. At least we didn't have to deal with any candy!

Stress not...

Hey all. I haven't had much to blog about lately. Lots going on but nothing of real interest. I found this picture though and I loved it! It's probably how the majority of us feel! So much going on, constantly busy... its a good thing, right? :) Anyway, things are good here in St. George. I look forward to seeing all the adorable Halloween Costumes that I'm sure are to be posted soon. Ours will be posted as well. I'm excited! Anyway, I was soooo sick of seeing that VisualDNA thing so this is the best I can do for now...

Benson's Birthday Message...

I'm a little late but better that then never right?

So last friday was Benson Boys third birthday (which I can't even believe by the way)! So I just want to give him a quick "Shout out".

Benson, you are seriously the love of my life. You can make me smile like no one can. You are so dang funny and freaking adorable. When you were born (after almost 23 hours of labor) I was instantly in love and you have been my best buddy ever since. You absolutely love your sister Hiley. I cannot believe the bond that you two have. Right now you are totally into "cars" and will tell anyone who will listen about "kachow" and "lightning mcqueen"! And you love to go to "Donalds" (a.k.a. McDonalds) with dad when moms at work. You can "sing" all the words to Spongebob Squarepants. You also LOVE your little friends... Kodi-Dagen, Cohen, Dallon, Jaggar and Belle and you pray for them every night without fail. You are such a good boy and an amazing helper.

I love my little Benson Boy and am so thankful that Heavenly Father entrusted me with your sweet little spirit. I hope that I continue to teach you as much as you've taught me. I love you Benson!!

Our Family Photo Session

Be prepared for some seriously cute pictures!! Sorry there are a lot but I just couldn't decide which ones to post!! ENJOY!
P.S. If it stops before you see them all just refresh your screen.

Family Photos...

Get a sneak peek of our family pictures done by Justin Bowen!!! Just click on his link on the left. I'll post the others as soon as I get them from him. I can't freakin' wait!! Isn't this one amazing? Oh and did I mention that I MADE that tutu Hiley is wearing! Isn't it so dang cute!! With that said I must give a shout out to my girl Tiffany who showed me how to make them!!! You're amazing, Tiff! Let's start our boutique! ;)

We are alive

Hey all. We are all moved down to St. George but just don't have internet yet so I will be posting news and pictures soon. Everyone come and visit us!!! We LOVE company!!! :)

Quick update...

So for those of you who haven't heard... we are moving. AAHH! It has all happened so fast and I can't really believe we're going through with it. Its just to St. George, Washington actually so not too far but we are so excited and really ready for a change. We move August 15th so if you're free.... J/K! Anyway, Ben is going to be substitute teaching at the high schools and I'm just transferring Chili's for the time being. We're both so excited and will keep you posted...

Fun in the Sun

Staley, our cousin, was
in town from Texas
so we went to the
Fountains at the Gateway
mall and let the kids run
around for awhile. They had
so much fun and it was good to see
Kate, Staley and Jack. We miss you guys!

Chili's Annual Softball Tourny

So every year, Chili's has a softball tournament with all the Chili's in the state. It goes all day and is sooooo fun. Ben and I were on a league this spring and so we decided to join up and play with these guys too. We got all the way to the finals and... lost! Second place isn't too bad considering we played 8 games straight. We started at 10:30 a.m. had an hour lunch and did not stop playing until 8:30 p.m. We had a lot of fun though and we can't wait to win it next year.

Fourth of July Fun!

We didn't do a whole lot for the 4th. Ben had to work that morning so I ventured out with the kids and my good friend Billy Jo to the Cedar City parade. I'm not sure what was more entertaining, the parade itself or the very interesting crowd that it seems to draw out! :) That afternoon, we took the kids to see Wall-E and then had a BBQ with the neighbors. Later, we went to the fireworks and got milkshakes from the local Artic Circle. Nothing too exciting but fun nonetheless. :) Hope you all had a good fourth.Hiley and dad watching the fireworks together. Check out her pointing at them. :) Best Buddies: Kodi, Benson and Dagen getting ready to watch the fireworks.
Hiley at the Cedar City Parade.

Hiley and Cohen just hanging out before the fireworks.

BEWARE: PICTURE OVERLOAD!!

Ok, so here it is. The past 4 months or so. This going back stuff sucks so from now on I am going to keep up on all my posts and events!! Hope you don't get too bored looking through the endless amounts of pictures and crap!! Enjoy!

Holy April Birthday's!

So in the month of April my dad turned 50, Ben turned 30 and Hiley turned 1!!! We had a busy month and lots of celebrations. I threw a huge party for my dad which in return was a huge success!! We had lots of family come into town from all over and had such a good time. Scroll down to read about the other parties and the good times we had!! :)

Hiley Jo turns 1!!

Princess Hiley at McDonald's for her birthday lunch. I say princess because check out the toes up on the table!
Enjoying a little birthday cupcake!
Hiley you are the light of our lives! We love you sooooo much and are so glad you came into our lives a year ago. Your daddy wasn't sure about having a girl but now you hold his heart in the palm of your hand. We love you, Princess!

Surprise Ben!!

Amidst all the chaos of my dads party (that I started to plan back in February), I planned a surprise party for Ben's 30th birthday also. I feel so bad though, I was too busy catching up with old friends that these are the only pictures I got. It was so fun though. We got to see friends that we haven't seen in a long time. Anyway, I Love you, Ben!

The Daughters! The whole family.

More Party Pictures!

The Daughters! The whole family.

Surprise!! Happy 50th Birthday Dad!

SURPRISE!!! HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY, DAD!! (He swears he had no idea!)

Some Easter Pictures!

Benson wasn't feeling all that great the day we went on an easter egg hunt. Poor guy. I think they had fun anyway!

Snow-shoeing...

These first couple pictures are from when Ben and I went snow-shoeing with his dad. I don't even remember where we went its been so long ago. :) Check out Ben's outfit!

He looks like an extra in a Nutcracker Production! HA!

Things to do...

So with today being the last day of one of my classes, I decided to get the most out of the that last hour and fifteen minutes and write a list of all the things I am going to do once school is over!!!

1. Get caught up on all my shows that I've TiVo-ed!!!
(ie. The Hills, DHW, American Idol, etc etc!!)
2. Scrapbook
3. Clean out hall closet
4. Figure out what to get my mom for Mother's Day.
5. Read a "non-school" book.
6. Get a pedicure!!
7. Update Hiley's babybook with all the little scribbles I have on my calender
8. Take kids for a walk, to the park, McDonalds, library... anywhere really.
9. Bake some cookies
10. Decide what to do with the rest of my life
11. Write in my journal
12. Start a new project
13. Fix broken magnet board.
14. Plan Hiley's 1st birthday party (which is going to be late due to finals)
15. Watch a movie without falling asleep
16. Write Thank you's to friends and family for numerous reasons
17. Go on a date with Ben
18. Play with MY friends
19. Do some serious spring cleaning
20. Go to bed before midnight!!! :)

Let the count down begin...

So I have not posted for far too long due to lack of this thing called time. HOWEVER school is almost over!!! Two more days of "actual" school, three finals and I am done... Well, just until July! Ha! Anyway, you will all be happy to hear that I will be posting soooo many pictures and fun things that you won't even know what to do!! With that said, please pray for me as I go into finals week completely unprepared. :)

** Side note, for those of you who haven't heard, I did not get into the SUU nursing program. I am a firm believer in "everything happens for a reason" and therefore I am seeing this as a challenge (or someting like that?!?) Anyway, no big deal. Ben is currently trying to find a job as a school teacher so we'll go wherever he can find one and I'll look into other programs there.**

60 Random Things: (thanks Brooke!)
This was way hard. Everyone should try it...

1. I hate when people wear black and brown together.
2. I love Starbucks!
3. I believe lip gloss is a totally necessity
4. I was born in Montana.
5. I have a serious weakness for purses and diaper bags!
6. I'm kinda addicted to itunes.
7. Cowboys are totally sexy.
8. I love to fold laundry, just don't ask me to put it away.
9. I'm not allergic to ANYTHING.
10. I cannot go to bed knowing my kitchen is a mess!
11. I was on a competitive soccer team.
12. I love to dance... anywhere.
13. My first kiss was while playing truth of dare in 6th grade.
14. I wear flip flops pretty much year round.
15. I drove a mini-van with wood paneling all thru high school!
16. I met my husband while he was a substitute at my high school.
17. I love to cook.
18. I love red stars.
19. I totally HATE when people are flaky.
20. I went to Boston with my favorite person, Tahlu. (my lil sis)
21. I once flipped off my father-in-law...to his face! :)
22. I LOVE pedicures!
23. I could wander around Barnes and Noble for HOURS.
24. I believe that french fries are a food group.
25. I hate when the toilet paper is under the roll and not over.
26. I worked at a fast food joint called "Lucky Buns"!
27. I was married in the Las Vegas Temple.
28. I love names that mean something or come from "somewhere"!
29. My best friend is Ben.
30. I've never had stitches or broken a bone... (knock on wood)
31. I love CHICAGO!
32. I've never been out of the United States... I don't even have a passport.
33. I love to go tanning.
34. I love meeting new people.
35. I love old friends.
36. Speaking of friends, I miss the TV show FRIENDS tons!
37. I once saw Kobe Bryant at Caesars Palace but was too nervous to talk to him!
38. I make a delicious salsa!!
39. I love horseback riding.
40. I want a new kitchen table worse than anything right now!
41. I actually really enjoy watching a good football game.
42. I read the "Twilight" series in about 4 days!
43. I believe everyone should experience New Years in Vegas at least once!
44. I miss my old body! :)
45. I've been doing Weight Watchers for about 9 months now.
46. I really enjoy going to school.
47. I sometimes miss high school. (who says that?)
48. I love to workout.
49. I wish I had my very own room to scrapbook in!
50. I wish I had more time to scrapbook.
51. I love projects.
52. I like to do everything by MYSELF. I don't delegate well.
53. I'm not real competitive.
54. I love to laugh!
55. I can't wait to move out of Cedar.
56. One day I will visit New York!
57. My family is my WHOLE life.
58. My feet are oh so ticklish!
59. I love to shop!
60. I am a total perfectionist. Big time OCD!

20 is the new 15

Ok so please forgive me if I offend anyone but I feel that I need to vent. For those of us who have been living in the 21st century for sometime, know that if your server does a really GOOD JOB you should leave a really GOOD tip!! Just a little piece of info... in the state of Utah, we servers do not make minimum wage like in other states. We make $2.17 an hour.
Come on guys, if you take your children out and they leave the biggest mess ever, tip accordingly; and if you use a gift card, tip off the TOTAL amount not just the amount you were "charged". Tip your server 20% if you received good service. There is no reason not to. If you weren't happy then don't, but at least let them know and see if they can fix it! For all of my fellow servers out there, you know what I'm talking about. And to be completely honest, if you can't afford to leave an appropriate tip, go to Wendy's!

"Snow" Fun.

So January seriously sucks because Christmas is over and time s-l-o-w-s down. Then the depression really starts to set in, especially since all the stores have their swimsuits and flip- flops out... come on, really?!? Anyway, I am so ready for spring... or any kind of weather other than snow for that matter. Ok so moving on, a quick update....as of right now I am going to school full time, working weekends at the local Chili's Bar and Grill (ha) and trying to spend some quality time with my kids. Its tough... a lot more than I ever thought.... I have got to get through this though. I put in my application for the Fall Nursing program and we are currently waiting to hear back. As soon as I get a "yes" (or no) we'll know more about what we're going to do with our lives. Ben is being Mr. Mom and is loving it... NOT! No, he's doing good and I think that its very good for him to get an idea as to what its like to be a stay-at-home mom. Anyway, now that I've gone on and on I think I'll wrap this up with some commentary about these pictures I've posted.... after that big snow storm we had last week, our neighbor hooked their sled up to their four-wheeler and took all the kids for a ride. (Thanks Tara for taking one for the team and holding ALL 4 of our kids!!) Anyway, they had lots of fun despite the freezing cold temperatures!