Bigger and Better to come...

Christmas is over and a new year to start soon. I just thought I'd bore you with some pictures of our fun times the last two weeks.
ps-Brag Note: I've already taken Christmas decor down and spring cleaned my ceiling fans. Hows that for efficient?

Cam as a shepherd.
Mitch and his uncle.

My table I decorated at Mathews Fam Christmas dinner.
Jack is not impressed with Ho Ho.
Cam and Ho Ho.
Mitch, Cam and Ethan hunting. Yes Ethan is holding a LIVE pheasant.
Jacks birthday presents.
Jack found his birthday cupcakes a little early.

Mess up.

Banda Rae, I wrote this huge long post professing my love for you and how smart and talented you are, then it didn't post. I have no idea what went wrong but I messed up. So imagine a beautiful post devoted to you.

Just know I love ya and miss being close to your cute family. Happy 29th birthday.

One more I promise...

Today is one of my GREATEST friends birthday. Unfortunately the bus depot is calling and I'll probably be there all day sorting schedules.

Happy Birthday BANDA RAY.

Check back on Monday for embarrassing pictures/memories of her and I at RICKS.

My baby is growing up

So this week is full of birthdays. Apparently lots of people I know were born in the month of December including my baby Jack.

Let me tell you a little about him:

Jack likes to organize his trucks and cars in neat straight rows
Jack tells me "peepee" when he has pooped or peed his diaper (toilet time?)
Jack hates to go to bed at night. After the lights are off, he is hiding in the hallway playing with toys for at least another hour after Cam's asleep.
Jack has long curly hair (up until yesterday, I made a mistake cutting it-so i had to shave it off)
Jack loves choo choo trains. He had a "dobas" (Thomas) the train set that he plays with nonstop.
Jack likes the movie "puppies" (101 dalmatians). This is the movie he prefers when he is playing with dobas.
Jack wants to learn the computer asap. He always wants to sit on my lap when Im checking email or posting.
Jack is a lover. He likes to sit in my lap any time he can.
Jack can frown and scowl with the best of em.
Jack is a good boy.

I love that little boy. How do you tell him he's not going to be the baby very much longer? Happy 2 year old. Momma loves you.

Happy Birthday to Danyelle too. She and Jack share this day!

HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY NAT!

(sorry the picture is sideways- I didn't edit it before saving it.)

N- never a criminal
A- always fashion forward- ALWAYS
T- today turns 30
A- aware of her children, volunteers every week in her kids school classes
L- likes scary things (movies, reactions from scared people)
I- Incapable of paying full price for something-always gets a good deal
E- everyday a friend to others

Nat does NOT have a blog so I can't link you to her. But just know she is one of my best gal pals. Happy B-Day Nat

BBBBrrrrrrr...

I'm not a big fan of this cold snap we're having. As long as it keeps up, the roads stay bad, my buses will not come across the pass, therefore I don't make money. So as you all are home cozy by the fireplace reading a good book. I'll be @ greyhound reassuring passengers the buses again will run...someday.
Happy Winter to you.

ps-shoutout to my gal Flibbie. It's her Birthday!

Wish List

I know you all are dying to know what to get me this Christmas so I thought I'd help you out and post a little list. It's up to you to do the rest. Happy shopping.

1. New towels/washcloths for my bathroom
2. Brand NEW king bed
3. Cam and Jack in bed @ 8pm and asleep EVERYNIGHT.
4. My rings sparkling clean and not just after a trip to the mall, all the time!
5. Greyhound to be super busy making me $$$$, but not need me to put out fires on Monday morning.
6. A couple of tall standing lamps
7. A Roomba to vacuum my floors
8. A couple of big old frames for my new family pictures
9. A cupboard endlessly full of Fruit loops and Alphabets cereal (do they even make it anymore?)
10. Airplane tickets anywhere warm

I love this time of year. And especially as I get older I love to listen to the Christmas Devotional from the first presidency of the church. Honestly there isn't anything I need or even want for Christmas. I really need to show my love to Heavenly Father through service to my fellow men. So forgive me for being so greedy, and I'll be over soon to wash windows I promise.

Another Birthday post

Me and Sara getting our feet done

My birthday really lasted for 2 weeks. I've been receiving gifts and nights out for a while and have been completely spoiled. Thanks to all my friends and family who made my turning of 29 years a memorable and fun one. Thank You, Thank You, Thanks.
I love:
my new bathroom door.
Subway gift card.
Tile for my kitchen backsplash
Christmas table runner
my feet after perfect pedicure
Numerous dinners out
extra cash
red Tupperware bowls
new slippers
and hours of free babysitting

my sausages after my pedicureSome of the gals at Tony Roma's for dinner

Pregnancy becomes me

Me: How can I help you?

Male passenger: Are you pregnant?

Me: (cough) oh, yeah I am.



Me: How can I help you?

Female passenger: How far along are you?!

Me: (cough, cough, ahem...) Oh not as far as I look. I tend to carry my babies straight out... Enjoy your trip.


Actual events. Only the names have been changed.

Happy Birthday to Me.

I'm out shopping (not so much shopping but watching people fight over stuff) and loving it. It's also my 29th birthday. Pretty crazy that its gone so fast.
I'm feeling a little conceited so I'm going to try something different maybe a little annoying.
Since it is MY birthday and this is MY blog I think I'm gonna brag a little about MYself. Feel free to skip to your next blog on your browser, won't hurt my feelings.

1. I was Seminary President my senior year in high school.
2. I have epidurals and easy labors with all my kids (so far).
3. I won the Laurel Athlete Award/Scholarship my senior year (only given to one girl and one boy every year).
4. I was a pretty dang good vet tech in my day.
5. I trained a 3 year old "green broke" horse when I was in the 6th grade. Not only a "horse" an Arabian if that means anything to anyone else.
6. I like my handwriting. It's pretty much the same as my moms, and all my sisters.
7. My body has always been pretty healthy... and "sturdy".
8. I dated the funniest guy on the planet and got him so whipped he asked me to marry him.
9. I like my decor style, which is anything hillbilly, beat up, practical, and worn.
10. I was an unbeliever in the Hill Cumorah Pageant. A once in a lifetime experience.
11. I was a pretty good setter, backstroker, and hurdler in my day.
12. I like that I drive a paid off vehicle.
13. I like that I can stand gross stuff: bloody gushing pus infested maggot wounds on animals or people and it just makes me want to clean it out more.
14. I can drive a 2300 Case International Self-leveling Wheat Combine just as good as Judd or his cousin Jake Bacon (real names-no joke) from Ione, OR.
15. I can beat anyone at the milk judging contest in FFA.
16. I'm the best woman driver of all time....(right mom?)
17. I can roller skate backward, and forward, anyone up to a race?
18. I'm a darn good VB coach. Maybe a little on the "passionate" side, not so much empathy for high school girls, but I'm good.
19. I can sing all the words to Alabama's Roll On.
20. I can do sign language and interpret pretty proficiently but there's always room for improvement right Jen?
21. I'm a pretty darn good yardsaler, or bargainer.
22. I'm kind of an animal whisperer. I come by it honestly too.
23. I got the principal's award in sixth grade and got to attend Camp Reed for free ($269 dollar value- that was a LOT back then).
24. I'm a leader, and a hard worker.
25. I'm a great organizer. Mitch says I throw away too much though. But I can organize mass amounts of people trying to get on a bus for the holidays- and no one is left behind!
26. I like that I'm pretty good at speaking to youth (maybe I never graduated to adult myself?).
27. I know what good running form looks like. It's the basis to every athlete.
28. I love my shoulders. Ha Ha.
29. I like my testimony. I know where I came from and what life means. And I'm thankful to Heavenly Father who lets me have these talents everyday.

Happy Black Friday!

.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.
I will be baking pumpkin pie, watching the Macy's parade, and searching my ads for black Friday. Have a good one.

Anyone willing to trade a "Header makeover" for homemade raspberry freezer jam?
I'm having the darnedest time!

HAPPY 8TH ANNIVERSARY MY SWEET LITTLE RAY OF SUNSHINE!!! 4 REAL!

Today is our anniversary, so I decided to surprise Nan with a short little post and a list. We got married in the Portland temple 8 years ago today. So here's a list of 8 things I love about my wife:

8. I love how when I hug you, you tuck your arms in my chest and lay your head sideways below mine. It's kinda like how a warm blanket just kind of drapes around you so perfectly.

7. I love how the house is always clean, and even when I look at it and think, "Wow, good job Mitch. Sucker looks sterile," it's still not good enough for you. But you never say anything, you just make it a little cleaner and a little better.

6. I love how when I come up behind you and put my arms around you, you tilt your head to the side so you can listen to me whisper something in your ear. I also love how you can actually hear what people whisper in your ear. Must be nice.

5. I love how when I get frustrated when Camden and Jack don't listen to me, you calmly say, "Mitch, just say it with love." I immediately think, "Oh yeah, it got you to marry me, I'm sure it will work with the boys too."

4. I love how you listen intently to your dad's stories and the way your upper lip curls up onto your gums because you are smiling so big. I love how you always wanna please him and make him happy and that the love that you have for your dad is symbolic of the love that you have for your Heavenly Father.

3. I love how you always let me do the things I want to do and never make me feel guilty for having hobbies and interests that don't include you. It only makes me want to stay home from golf and be with you. Sorry Riley.

2. I love how your shoulders look. They are incredibly sexy.

1. I love how you have turned out to be way more of a perfect wife than I ever hoped or dreamed any guy could be so lucky to have. If somebody had told me 8 years ago that I would be married to the HOTTEST blonde in Eastern Oregon, I probably would have said, "But does she have a nice rack?!" Well... no comment.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY NAN!!! I LOVE YOU!

Turning 29 in 4 days and still looking finer than 10 pt font!

Over the hills and thru the woods...

My family is coming home Wednesday for our "early" Thanksgiving. We will have a super fun weekend filled with FOOD, FOOTBALL, LAUGHS, AND GAMES. Hope your weekend is as good as ours!

WORK IT

This past week I made a trade. Camden went to my moms house and I got Darcie. I worked her and Mitch's guts out and got some stuff done. Darc shampooed my carpets, and Mitch did some trim around my new windows in two of the bedrooms, and Mom watched the boy. What a team! I feel so much better now that I'm a little more on top of it. So thanks to my crew who helped. I owe you big!

October in a hurry...

Wowzee this month went fast. We have been so busy and illness has ran its course here in our home, that I haven't been too diligent in my blogging (and commenting-right Sar?). So I'm going to try to catch up.



1. We are EXPECTING a third baby here in our household. Yup, I'm ANNOUNCING this to all four of my readers. Who probably already know or guessed, with my sickness and fattiness growing. We are excited and this baby should be here 'round May. Just in time for the end of school and all of the busy goings on in that month.



2. We attended our first School Carnival couple weeks ago. It was funny to remember those packed house, sweaty kids, long lines, spilled pop, cheap candy, cake walk parties. I think Cam and Jack both loved it.


3. Ward Trunk or Treat went good. Jack pretty much would get a piece of candy and want to sit down and eat it right there. He really didn't understand the concept of getting as much as you can then eat. He was a Jack rabbit, and Cam was a skeleton. Their costumes turned out cute if you ask me, but I was busy with activities committee that night and forgot the camera. Mitch's mom got some shots and I'll post em later when she sends em.

4. Halloween Party was a success. Thanks to all who came and partook. Mitch and I were saying that this year was a super creative year for costumes. Good job y'all. I'm going to post pictures of those who I think wouldn't mind the world to see. I hope I guess right. I have more pictures if you want to come over and look at em, or you just want a copy for your posterity, email me. Special THANK YOU to my wonderful MOM/DAD for the babysitting, DANYELLE for the awesome visual effects and treat table, and MARILYN for the super delish cupcakes/drinks (the bus drivers went crazy the next day). I really appreciated the help, what great family I have.




Also to those who came, Mitch and I love and appreciate all the good supportive friends we've made over the years. Who'll still come to your lame Halloween parties AND dress up.



THANK YOU!!!



side note: after everyone left (except for 2 couples who won't be named), the COPS showed up! They asked for my ID and if we had permission to be in the building. UH, YEAH I OWN THIS PLACE! and No sir there was no alcohol. Cranky Amtrak lady tattled on us.

Mitch and I are the Cast of Hairspray. Our wigs were cheap and didn't really turn out the way we wanted. Even tho mom teased the heck out of em.

William Wallace and His wife (who was beheaded soon after) made an entrance. Sorry Marilyn, the only shot I have and you are singing my praises.

Trevinos always show up with an awesome idea. They were so cute this year. Sorry no utube video this time Johnny.

Some campaigning left to do...

Always need some superheros Tink, you're so cute even the Don thinks so.



Another set of the McCain /Palin team. And hold everything, who let the gorilla in? Couple of fairies.

Charades anyone?

Sorry girls I must've been standing tooooooo close, either that or Sara really is a zombie.

Lewis' always famous for their outfits. Good idea guys.

Pumpkin Patchin' we go

such a cute boy.

Daddy and Jack walking the line

Petting the cute moo's.

Cams little kinder class. He is in the back with the hood.

His first ride on a school bus. Sooooo happy.

Hope your fall is good like ours!

HAPPY JUST BECAUSE DAY

One of the good things about marriage is that my wife trusts me with her username and passwords. One of the bad things about marriage is that she has no clue when I'm going to hijack her blog and post stuff. (Did any of you know I posted those pics of me and Boone a while ago? I doubt it. Despite my girth, I'm sneaky.)

I'm the typical husband that needs a reason to do something sweet for my wife. Even when I have a reason though, sometimes I still don't do anything sweet for my Nan. Since I have been using PhotoShop for the last few weeks in my Design class at CBC, I have been a photoshopping foolio, fo' shizzle. Which brings me to hijacking Nancie's blog. I hereby call today (whatever day it is you're reading this) Just Because Day. I don't need a reason to do something sweet for my hottie. Which is why I made her a cheesy card in Photoshop. Happy Just Because Day Nan!!!

CLICK ON PICTURE FOR HIGH RESOLUTION

Apple picking and Juicing was a blast.

Our family loves doing this activity and spending time with eachother.

Happy Fall!

(We missed you Jen, and Kate)

Busy Weekend

We've got lots on our plate this weekend. Grandpa's Retirement/Birthday party, soccer games, and Apple picking and Juice making on Monday. It finally feels like fall and we are loving it. Today I'll catch up on my cleaning and folding and watch some cheesey Lifetime movies. Have a good one!

Politically minded On Prop 8

Please watch this video Its totally worth it. (7min)



BE aware of the problems facing our Families nowadays. This short video of this particular family infuriates me. Why is other "doctrine" allowed to be taught in school, but my views are not. One of my college roommates from San Diego, CA said that her bishop read a letter from the First Presidency of the LDS church stating that members of the church there are urged to devote time, talents, and money to make sure that Prop 8 passes. Those of us in Washington need to pay attention to this, because our state is next! Please educate yourself on those issues that are on the ballot in this election. They will trickle down and affect us one way or another.
Just a few items I found:


Just some INFO:

Arguments in favor of Prop. 8:

"Proposition 8 is about preserving marriage; it’s not an attack on the gay lifestyle. Proposition 8 doesn’t take away any rights or benefits of gay or lesbian domestic partnerships."
Prop. 8 "restores the definition of marriage to what the vast majority of California voters already approved and human history has understood marriage to be."
"It overturns the outrageous decision of four activist Supreme Court judges who ignored the will of the people."
"It protects our children from being taught in public schools that “same-sex marriage” is the same as traditional marriage."

Some of the largest donors supporting Prop 8 are:
National Organization for Marriage, $785,750.[12]
Focus on the Family, $411,000.
American Family Association, $500,000
Knights of Columbus, $1,300,000.[13]
John Templeton, $900,000.
Elsa Prince, $650,000.
Fieldstead & Company, $600,000.
Doug Manchester, $125,000.[14]
Donations from individual Mormons account for about $6.4 million of the approximately $18 million raised through September 24

INTERESTING?!

Some stuff you didn't know...

6 Favorite Places I've lived:
Wasilla AK-yes I lived there when i was 2-5yrs old. But its definitely "cooler" to live there now than when I did. Sarah Palin helped with that.
Cheney WA- 4th grade-7th grade, this is where my dreams of horses became a reality and my parents invested in a pony for Nan.
Gooding ID- 8th-10th grade, The place where my life began. I got my license when I was 14, first kiss (not a good one!), and some of the bestest friends I ever had.
Rexburg ID- college. What can I say, It was home to some of the greatest experiences for me...including hotdogging.
Gaithersburg MD- Mitch and I spent our first 6 months of our married life there. I hated the big city, but the things we saw in Washington DC were memorable.
Palmyra NY- "lived" there for about 6 weeks while I was in the Hill Cumorah Pageant. My mini mission. Loved touring and feeling that good old spirit.


5 Favorite Snacks I love: Definition: some of these aren't snacks, but I eat them like they are...
1. milkshakes (from anywhere, you really can't get a bad one- just remember to take a lactaid before hand, or you'll have some serious problems.)
2. Jumbo Jack- no onions, no cheese.
3. A large Coke anytime
4. Lemon bars
5. Fruit pie

5 Jobs I've had:
1. pooper scooper- my family owns the Humaine Society in Hermiston- and whats a little child labor huh mom?
2. Papa Murphy's- I rocked at this job. I ended up working for several years (around my sports schedule) and became the owners pet. My dad still says free pizza every night led to his weight gain and health probs.
3. Vet Tech- I did this in several areas where I lived. My "favorite" was in Rexburg where they had LOTS of calves with scours. You don't know what that is? Google it. Make sure you look at the pictures.
4. Greyhound ticket agent- Nuff said.
5. Mom- Tiring, busy, but rewarding

If I had a million dollars:
I would do all the regular stuff...and then take Mitch and I to Cabo. Where we could walk around on the beach in our thongs and no one could say anything about how fat we are. (ever been to Hawaii?)

5 things I love:
1. My family (extended too)
2. The Gospel
3. My house (always a work in progress- Mitch and my dad put in my new windows. I love it)
4. Horses (a given)
5. A good competitive game of Volleyball. Hopefully I'm playing in it.

Tagging: Katie H., Katie S., and Jen B.

Camera SheNANigans

I uploaded the pictures from the camera this morning and I found that the kids were playing with the camera and took some unsolicited pictures, most notably the following three.

Yes, I realize I said the kids were playing with the camera. Looks like a couple of big kids to me. Expect a post on Mitch's blog soon about how his wife won't kiss him anymore!