The Bennion Family

Private? Yes or no?

2011-12-08T10:27:00.000-08:00

Tell me your thoughts on going private. I have considered it for a while now and am undecided. I like people being able to read without having to log on and I LOVE when I know that a blog was updated automatically which you lose when you go private. I don't love how easy it is for people to find you that don't even know you - hmmm . . . . . . Thoughts?

Time flies

2011-11-23T22:00:00.000-08:00

I got thinking the other day that my Beau Bear will be in Sunbeams in January - It seems like such a big transition to me but I know he will love it. He is the biggest sweetheart and melts my heart with that little smile every day! Love you Bud!

I put my sweet baby girl to bed in her crib in her own room tonight - I have been hesitant to do this because of how often she pulls her blanket on her face but I know it is time and I have waited longer than I waited with Beau Bear. But, I still can't believe my little Delaney Mae is

5 1/2 months old. She is such a sweetheart and has brought so much joy to our family. We love you Laney Lu!

Fall Time

2011-10-27T14:14:00.000-07:00

We have been having a fantastic busy fall! I love this time of year and while I am always so sad to see the warm weather depart I love cuddling up and sitting by the heater in my jammies and more snuggle time with my family! We have been to the pumpkin patch and football games and working on craft stuff, super saturday, Brant's big management dinner and school and life etc etc etc. I can't believe Laney is coming up here on 5 months shortly and Mr. Beau bear is growing up so fast.

Laney is all smiles most of the time but is she is upset she will let you know and fast! She was a little over 12 lbs and 24 in. long at her 4 month check up which puts her 50th percentile for height and 25th for weight. We just moved into our 3-6 month clothes. She loves chewing on stuff especially her fingers and is learning to love sitting in her bumbo :) She absolutely detested it at first but now she likes it for a few minutes at a time. The last couple days we are doing nap time in her crib but I just haven't been able to come to terms with night time in her own room. Brant asked me last night but I told him my heart just isn't quite ready but I am working on it :)

Beau is hilarious and the best big brother ever. He always wants Laney to stay awake and not have naps when he is up. He loves bringing her toys and always wants to help her play with them. Since it has gotten colder he always has to have a blankie like Laney and helps me so much throughout the day. We are working on potty training since he has been ready for such a long time but Mommy has been dragging her feet. I need to clear a week and just stay home and dig in full force! Pray for me! I am dreading this part of being a mommy. The rest I love but I don't know why I am dreading this so bad! He is such a smart little guy and always makes the funniest comments. The other day out of nowhere, we hadn't been talking about anything church related at all and were walking out of Taipan and he said, " Mom, I just want to see Heavenly Father just once okay?" I wasn't quite sure how to respond so I just said okay. He is a such a sweet tender heart and is always wanting to help everyone. He loves anything sports related still especially his cougars. Anytime we see a "Y" anywhere he is talking about the cougars and Jimmer! He is mr. dancer and loves doing the Napolean Dance that Brant did in the talent show - I need to try to get the video to post eventually.

I have been busy doing some crafts for us and some to sell. I have been trying to decide whether to make the plunge and get in to some more boutiques but for now I am just selling through my blog, online ads, and word of mouth and it is going pretty good.

Brant is crazy busy with work and school and windows and helping me cut wood and being the scoutmaster - I don't know how he does it all but he does - We sure love him and how hard he works for us - He is the best!!!

Brant's little brother got his mission call last night to the COSTA RICA SAN JOSE mission, spanish speaking! We are so proud of him and excited for him! Love you Presto!!!

Happy Fall Y'all!!! Here are some recent pics!!!

New Craft Stuff

2011-10-27T14:13:00.000-07:00

New Items on Sweet Daisy Lane Click HERE to see

Football Time

2011-10-20T17:07:00.001-07:00

Click HERE for details

Sweet Daisy Lane is back!

2011-10-20T15:04:00.000-07:00

So the itch to continue my boutique items came back! Sweet Daisy Lane is going again - Check back often for new items - New BYU/UTAH items are out and more to come - Other teams also available and special requests too!!!

Click here to check it out!!!

Blogging

2011-08-18T15:43:00.000-07:00

So I have decided that blogging takes forever to do it the way I would like to so . . . . I just end up not doing it ha ha. But, I love having something "journaled" here and there since I haven't been very good at writing in my real journal. But for pictures Facebook is so much easier so I think I am going to share links to my pictures on facebook so that if you are not a "facebooker" you can still see the pics and they don't take so long to upload! Some of my future blog posts will be more journal-y so I can keep up with my fam so if that bugs ya - Sorry - I guess don't read my blog :) he he he ( I mean that in the nicest way possible-lol)

Link to Pictures on FB

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150348957964810.408167.590809809&l=3f09d5120e

~Journal Time ~

I can't believe my little Beau is 3 years old. Holy Cow. AND Miss Laney Lou is already 10 weeks old - Time flies when you are having fun! Beau went in for his 3 yr check up in july and he is almost off the charts for height - They said he would be average height for a four year old but is a REALLY tall three year old - Just like his daddy! He loves anything to do with sports and loves to play outside. He says "A-M" instead of Amen for the prayer and I love it! I will be sad when he quits saying that. He talks so well for his age but has a few funny little words that crack me up - He says "Last day" for anything in the past like Hey Mom Remember last day when we went to Lagoon - That was fun - This can be for anything in the past even earlier that same day. It is hilarious. The other night we were saying prayers and he said, " In the name of Jesus Christ, Jingle Bells, Amen!" A little random. He calls Pizza Pizz-y and pepperonis are peppyonis. Other fun things - He drew a picture for my dad and pointed to it and said - Grandpa - that is me telling you I love you! It was so tender and sweet - I am not sure Grandpa can tell that story without crying still :) He absolutely LOVES working on projects with dad or grandpa! He is learning his letters really well and doing really good on his colors. We are doing our own little preschool time at home this year and will start real preschool next year. He is totally ready to potty train and has been for a while but this tired mom has been dragging her feet with everything going on so hopefully soon I will get the drive to just do it. He is so tender hearted and will sign I LOVE YOU and gives the best bear hugs in the whole world. We give each other a kiss on our index fingers and put it in our hearts all the time. The other day I was leaving his room for nap time and he said Hey Mom - I need a kiss for my heart - Talk about melt mommy's heart - Three kisses later mom finally let him take his nap :)

Laney has been a great baby. She lost a full pound in the hospital and had only gained an ounce back at her two week mark so we added some bottles in to help supplement a little. Same as Beau she has daddy's metabolism and I was having a hard time keeping up with the demand. Then at 6 weeks she absolutely refused to take a bottle. She had hit the typical fussy stage at 6 weeks and is easing out of it now. My milk has all but dried up and so we are moving to bottles which she is not thrilled with but is finally tolerating it. She started smiling for real at 6 weeks and gives the best smiles EVER! She loves to lay on her tummy time mat as long as she is not on her tummy -lol- and just kick and watch Beau. She has started craning her neck to see where he is in the room - It is so fun and he loves to show her new stuff all the time and is so sweet with her! She is still a cuddle bug and wants to be held to sleep. She likes to stay up late which is a little hard for dad since he gets up so early. I am going to try tonight to keep her awake throughout the evening and see if we can get to sleep before midnight - She is not a huge fan of the binkie and wants to suck on her hands - I am trying to get her to take a binkie and I WILL succeed :) (hopefully) She had her shots at 2 months and was 9 lbs 6 oz. and 22 inches long - Can you imagine an adult growing 2 1/2 inches in 2 months - wow! She is 50th percentile for height and 25th percentile for weight - she is still pretty tiny but Dr. W says all is well and she is growing just fine! She was a trooper with her shots and Beau was sad she didn't get a popsicle like he does when he gets shots :)

We are absolutely loving our new neighborhood and ward - Everyone has been so welcoming and it is so fun to be getting settled finally. There are lots of kids to play with and Beau absolutely loves it - Not that there is anything wrong with apts but I am so glad to be getting settled into a house. Brant is loving being able to work in the yard and projects in the house - and I am loving getting settled period - I don't want to move again for a VERY LONG TIME!!! Ugh - I don't enjoy moving - it is not fun but it is fun knowing I don't have to pack it back up in six months like at the apt - Yay!!!!

Whew!!!

2011-08-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

Well the last few months are a big blur! It has been quite the whirlwind! We closed on our house in May and gutted the entire thing and started remodeling! We took hundreds of pics to show before and after and our SD card or camera wigged out and we lost all of them. So sad sniff sniff . . . . I was so bummed cause we had done so much work and had some adorable shots of Mr. Beau helping with everything. I have a few before pics and will get some after pics soon. Then the highlight of the last few months - Our precious little Delaney Mae Bennion arrived on June 9th, 2011 at 10:38 pm. She was 7 lbs 8 oz. and 19 1/2 in. long. She is so wonderful and we absolutely just adore her. Beau is an amazing big brother and just loves holding her and playing with her. We have been going like crazy on the house trying to get it done in time for her baby blessing a couple weeks ago and got pretty far. We have had a ton of help from our family to get it done and we appreciate them all SO much - Thanks everyone! Now that those things are over we can breathe for just a minute before Brant goes back to school next week. We finally were able to go fishing last week and just do something fun which was nice. Hopefully we can fit in a few more fun things this summer before it is over. Sorry it has been so long - Will try to be better! Here are some pics from the last little while!

House

2011-05-06T13:40:00.001-07:00

So if all goes as planned we should be closing on this house next Thursday! Cross your fingers! Brant has always wanted to buy a house that needed work so here we go on an adventure - Who knew that it would happen just a month before the baby is coming but hey - we work best under pressure right? So as soon as closing happens then it is time to rip everything out, re-paint, re-carpet, install new cabinets, lights, smoke detectors, appliances, the works! We will be doing as much of the work ourselves as possible but some will have to be hired out so if you know of a good deal - Let us know!!! Then to get settled hopefully before Miss Laney makes her appearance - We will see - Not the best picture of the house - Can't find the better one - More to come later!

Easter etc.

2011-05-04T11:39:00.000-07:00

We had a blast for Easter. Beau really understood more what was going on this year and we had such a fun time! Friday Night we went to dinner with Brant's Dad and had a blast. Then Saturday morning Brant got up and did his long 20 mile run in prep for the upcoming Ogden Marathon and we met him at the Clinton Easter Egg Hunt - It was SOOOO cold! We had Beau all wrapped up and he was really quiet and somber while waiting so I was worried he wasn't going to want to go grab eggs but when the alarm went off - He took off. The whole park was clear in about 2 minutes it was hilarious! I loved that the majority of his eggs had toys in them rather than candy. Then that afternoon we went to Aunt Jills for an Easter Party with Brant's side of the family. We had Tony's Pizza - yummers! and had a big easter egg hunt. Each kid had their own color and there were even eggs for the adults! We had a blast. Beau got TONS of candy as well as $18.75 cash. I even scored $15 Brant didn't get any money but lots of candy :) The next day we went to Church and the Easter Bunny came while we were gone :) Beau got lots of fun activity stuff like paper, crayons glue, scissors (what was that crazy bunny thinking- hello?!?!?!?) and toy cars and a special Easter Church Book and clothes from Mom and Dad. He hunted for eggs and that night we went to a traditional Easter Dinner with my side of the fam at Jami's house. Along with one more Easter Egg Hunt - Did I mention all the candy - I think we were drowning in candy at this point. We got to bring our sweet 88 yr. old neighbor Fern to Jami's with us and it was a fun Easter all around.

Other than that we have been a little under the weather here at our house. Brant and I have been struggling with flu/bronchitis-y type symptoms. This has put a bit of a crink in his marathon training and is driving him bonkers! Brant is not one to sit around. I have been going through baby clothes sorting sizes and trying to get the first batch of newborn and 0-3 months ready. Beau is hilarious as usual and always talking to my belly and Laney. He makes these little castles and then holds them up to my belly and says Look Laney - It is your birthday cake. It is so funny! We have been talking about strangers lately and being obedient since he learned how to get the deadbolt open on our apt - Don't want him wandering out there - so far he has done pretty good.

Things are going forward we think on the house - Just waiting for the final word - It is a cute little house in Clinton that is a fixer upper. Brant and I have always wanted to tackle a fixer upper I just didn't think we would do it when I was 8 1/2 months pregnant and trying to get the remodel done and moved in before the baby got here - But hey - Always an adventure right? The dr says all is looking good - she is measuring right on size wise and he has agreed to start me as of June 16th which is coming quickly! Hope all is well with all of you out there!!!!

Freezing at the Clinton Easter Egg Hunt

Ash and Brant on Easter

Beau going through his basket

Drive up the canyon

Last night at 10:45 Brant was teaching Beau how to tie a tie. Don't ask why we were all still awake that late - Craziness but it was definitely a fun family moment and memory - Had to grab the camera!

Such a slacker!

2011-04-08T14:44:00.000-07:00

I have been THE biggest slacker in the blogging world lately. I have blogged very little about this pregnancy or Mr. Beau and all that is going on in our lives. First of all the pregnancy.

This pregnancy has been SO different from Beau's in so many ways. First and foremost is probably the lack of bedrest that I experienced with Beau. While the 18 1/2 weeks of bedrest was so hard with Beau it was most definitely worth it to get that precious little man here. I had lots of family and good friends who helped me survive it though! This pregnancy I had a preventive cerclage at 15 ish weeks and have not had to do bedrest. I still am cautious and can tell when I am pushing a little too hard but other than that things are great. The second biggest difference is chasing a 2 1/2 year old around while pregnant. He is great to help and do things but it still makes for one tired momma. We are now 29 weeks and Miss Delaney is moving around like a little banshee :) She is sure a wiggler but I LOVE it! Beau talks about and TO her all the time and even says he will help change her diapers - We will see how long that lasts :) My nausea lasted a LOT longer and I have had more heartburn so maybe this little one will have some hair - I am so exicted to see what she looks like!!! Only 10 more weeks since Dr. W said he will start me at 39 weeks.

As for Mr. Beau he is hilarious and keeps us laughing constantly. He throws out huge words all the time that I didn't know he knew! The other day Brant went to put him in time out and he said, NO Dad - I am fragile. I was laughing so hard I had to leave the room. Anytime he is upset he will also tell me, but MOM, I am Frustrated! He loves nursery and playing and anything sports related. The last week he keeps asking me when his soccer game and practices are - Sure wish I could find a Fall 3 year old league - but can't find anything prior to 4 - Darn it. He is working on potty training and we had our first successful #2 in the potty - For those of you that think that is TMI - I am sorry - but it was a major exciting even in our house!!! I am not being as consistent as I should be so it is probably my fault we are not farther along with this but we are getting there - He is excited to earn a remote control helicopter just like Owen's when he is potty trained! Wish us (me) luck!!

Brant is doing great - He recently ran a half marathon and is training for a couple full marathons this year. He is loving work and trying to figure out what he wants to do as far as going back to school for more training - He has a bachelors in Bus. Mngmt but anyone who knows him knows how much he loves to learn learn learn.

We are enjoying being up close to Brant's work and the lack of commute. We are looking for a house and have a prospect on the horizon that I will blog about as it becomes more of a sure thing!

Life is good - As for me I am just enjoying being a mom and wife and looking forward to the arrival of Laney. I am so excited to hold that little bundle in my arms :) Hope everyone is doing well!!!

Pictures are from Brant's FREEZING cold race at the Riverton Half Marathon

All Things Pink

2011-01-11T14:47:00.000-08:00

We found out last week that we are having a baby girl! Needless to say all I can think about is pink pink pink! We would have been happy either way but are excited for our little Delaney Mae or "Laney" to join our family this summer. I am afraid to do any shopping for her for fear I won't want to stop :) Luckily I have lots of cute clothes from family already so we should be pretty close to being set - Maybe just some fun accessory shopping trips are in store! Last week I also had my preventive cerclage. This was a lot more low key from Beau's emergency cerclage at 22 weeks and luckily no embarassing moments in the ER making a fool of myself like last time! I am feeling great and just supposed to take it easy and not lift anything heavy. Easy for them to say when in other news we have decided to move closer to Brant's work. After a lot of thought and prayer and countless miles on the road commuting for Brant we are finally taking the plunge and moving north. We will be moving into a really nice apt in West Haven which is just about 10 minutes from his work. It will be nice to be settled and not living out of boxes. I am a little anxious about being back in an apt setting with two little ones and neighbors - Hopefully things will go well there - Cross your fingers for us! Beau is growing by leaps and bounds and talking up a storm. Grandpa Lon taught him about his "appropriate tools" so he talks about those all the time. It still cracks me up to hear a 2 year old bust out the word appropriate. He is hilarious and loves to run jump play and anything active. He is excited for a baby to join us and talks about teaching her soccer and how to bat all the time. Sorry for the lack of blogging - I will try to be better but no promises :)

New Addition

2010-11-10T16:23:00.000-08:00

Baby Bennion # 2 will be joining our family in June.

We were going to wait a little longer to announce but word spreads quickly so here we go! We are just a day or two shy of 8 weeks. I have already seen my new dr since I have to have a cerclage - preventive this time luckily, not an emergency one like with Beau. Hopefully we won't have to do any bed rest this time! Everything looks strong and healthy and surgery will probably be around the first of the year around 15 weeks. I was really nervous to move to a new dr with new insurance but I really like him and the office so that is a huge relief!!!!

National Adoption Month

2010-11-01T10:46:00.000-07:00

This month is National Adoption Month. I have a huge soft spot for adoption in my heart and hope to be able to adopt a baby one day into our family. Here is a link to an amazing family we know that has been blessed greatly by adoption and is ready to add another special spirit to their family. Spread the word if you know somoene looking to place their sweet baby with an amazing family!!! Click below to check out their blog

The Millers

New Family Pictures

2010-10-28T15:14:00.001-07:00

Can't believe how fast time flies - We took a couple quick pictures during the boutique a couple weeks ago - Weren't color coordinated or anything but oh well :) Here are a few of the impromptu shots!! Hope this finds everyone doing well - I can't believe how fast time flies and it is almost November and the holidays again!

Boutique Tomorrow!

2010-10-08T07:31:00.000-07:00

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE

& OPEN HOUSE

Saturday October 9^th

10 am – 6 pm

12077 South 4130 West

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lots of items to choose from!

Professional Photographer onsite taking fall pictures 10-4!

Artworks Unlimited, Michelle Andersen Photography,

Polka Dotted Zebra, Custom Creations, Car Seat Covers, Nursing Covers, Kelli Bramble Photography, Trick or Treat Bags,

Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Expressions Vinyl Lettering,

Sweet Daisy Lane Holiday and Home Décor,

Picture Perfect Photo Preservation, Gourmet Cupcakes,

All Little Things, doTERRA essential oils and more . . .

Come check it out! Bring a friend!!!

Slower

2010-08-26T10:51:00.000-07:00

Do you ever wish you could just slow time down a bit? I don't want it to stop altogether just slower - More time to smell the roses and feel the warm sun on your face. I can't believe my little man is already two and growing by leaps and bounds! This summer has been crazy and I haven't posted much at all. Since this is the only journaling I have been doing I better get somethings captured! We have had a ball this summer. Last summer Brant was working almost constantly so it is so fun to have been able to do some things together. We have gone to the County Fair, swimming to Pine view twice, fishing at Lost Creek, fed the ducks, played with the slip n slide, the pool on the deck, Katie came to visit and play and lots of other fun things. Beau is completely head over heels obsessed with trains right now. Grandma Judy showed him one day that their were pictures of trains on the computer and now that is all I hear - see trains, see trains, Choo Choo! Then dad took it one step further and found you tube train videos for him! He is in heaven when he is watching trains. We rode Trax downtown the other for Andee and Tyson's wedding and he LOVED it! It was so much fun. Then on the way to Pineview we were in Ogden and stopped at Union Station and climbed on the trains and took lots of pictures.

Beau is talking up a storm. There is not much he doesn't say and is cracking us up all the time. He has everyone wrapped right around his tiny little finger. Yesterday he was struggling during nap time and just said - Mom - Hold me! Talk about melt a mom's heart. He has all his baby teeth but his eye teeth and one of those popped through this last week. He only gets his binky at night/nap time now and we are transitioning to no binky at all. That one will be tough - He loves "Bob" which is what he calls his binky. He loves sports of all kinds - I have always said I didn't want my boys to play football they could play absolutely anything else but football scares me but he loves it already so we will see what happens there in the future. He never stops for a minute - He runs all day and drops into bed at night. When he runs he pumps his right arm up and down- not sure where that came from. He has the cutest laugh in the whole world and laughs a lot. He is in generally a happy little camper that goes with the flow so well, but he has a little stubborn streak too. His new thing if he doesn't want you to come or do something he holds up his hand and says, "Stop!"

I absolutely adore being a mom and cherish all these moments cause I know they will be gone in the blink of an eye. Sure, there are hard times, but overall it is the BEST thing ever. Here are some fun pictures from our summer adventures.

Slip n Slide with Taylors

Beau caught the first fish at Lost Creek- Just jokingly I said give him a kiss - He said No and then he did - needless to say mom grabbed the wet wipes :)

Beau got in the water at lost creek and it was freezing when he got out we stripped him down changed his diaper and wrapped in a couple blankets he was shaking so bad - He snuggled up with mom and fell asleep since he hadn't had a nap - Mom got over an hour of just relaxing and cuddling with her little "baby" who is not such a baby anymore. I LOVED IT!

Brant and Beau brought the boat across the lake from the car - Brant's legs barely fit but Beau loved the boat!

Brant and Beau trying for his first fish with his new mcqueen pole from Grma and Grpa Miller

Chillin in the car
At the Christus at the Visitor's Center after and Andee and Tyson's Wedding

Brant coming in from the Futura 5K - He did good despite no training.
Brant and Beau on the train at Union Station in Ogden

Katie, Ash and Beau on Trax headed to the wedding - Thanks for watching Beau on Temple Square Kate - We had so much fun with you here - Love you!

Need your Ideas!

2010-08-04T14:13:00.000-07:00

Okay Okay Okay - So, I KNOW I won't have the house above :) but, since we are going to be moving north by Brant's work and buying a house with a mother-in-law suite/apt for my parents we have been considering building rather than buying. As we are designing a home I am trying to find fun/unique ideas that will make a family stay more organized and run more smoothly! Share your ideas big or small. One of mine is two laundry rooms. I can hardly keep up with the laundry now with one child let alone all you moms out there with more! Adding a second hookup for laundry is very small in cost but would help me stay on top of things. Any quirky or unique storage or ideas would be greatly appreciated too! Also, I am looking for fun ideas for my craft room - I am sure a trip to Ikea will be needed for sure for that room! What do you LOVE or HATE about your current house and how would you change it? I have drawn up my dream house plans a million times over the years but I am sure there are lots of things I haven't thought of! Thanks everyone in advance. I am sure you will have LOTS of fun ideas and tips.

House for Sale

2010-07-20T15:54:00.001-07:00

My parents are selling their beautiful home in Riverton. If you are looking, or are a realtor, or know someone who is looking for an amazing home, please help us spread the word!!!

Here is the link:

AWESOME HOME FOR SALE

Beau

2010-06-13T10:55:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my little man is almost 2 years old. He is the sweetest little guy. He is definitely learning independence and how to show his emotions. Fun for mom and dad to try and teach the best way to do that :) He is talking like crazy and trying to repeat or mimic everything he hears or sees. He LOVES his daddy and signs Dad and work over and over each day. He loves the weekends when Brant is home and their snuggle time at night. Mom can barely get a hug if it is Daddy Time. :) Other than that he is Mom's little shadow we have so much fun and do everything together. He loves anything to do with sports or any kind of ball. It is one of his favorite words. He loves being outside and cries when we come in the house. I am anxious for the weather to warm back up so we can get back out and play. Love you little man - We are so grateful for you in our lives. Pure JOY!

Brant

2010-06-04T07:22:00.000-07:00

I am totally stealing this quote from a friend! But, when I read it this morning - I was overwhelmed with gratitude for my dear sweet husband. It read

" I would say that the surest measure of a man's maturity is the harmony, style, joy, and dignity he creates in his marriage, and the pleasure and inspiration he provides for his spouse.-- Benjamin McLane Spock"

This sums up Brant to a "T". I am constantly humbled to be his wife and be able to share in his life not only as his best friend and wife but eternal companion. I love you Brantly Dale - You mean the world to me!!! You work so hard to take care of our family and are always thinking of everyone around you. I am so honored and blessed to be your wife - Love you Moose!

Super Slacker

2010-06-03T11:00:00.000-07:00

I have been a super slacker in the blog department lately. Things have been a little crazy around our house. We were planning to move north closer to Brant's job and we are still planning to do so but instead of renting we are going to buy a house with a basement apt for my parents so they can just enjoy retirement more and not having to worry about a mortgage. So now we are running around like crazy trying to get rid of a lot of their stuff and get their house ready to put up for sale!

Other than that - everything is pretty much the same. Beau is growing like a weed and talking lots. He loves sports. Anything to do with a ball he loves. He is constantly wanting to be outside playing. I can't believe my little man will be 2 in July. Time flies way too fast. Brant is still loving his job and is even contemplating going back to school to get a second bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Technology Engineering. Ash is just enjoying being a mom and trying to help get the house ready to sell.

Hope all is well with everyone out there - Love you all!!

Picture Perfect Special

2010-04-13T11:00:00.000-07:00

Picture Perfect is back up and running!!! If you or anyone you know are interested in getting your photos preserved and safe - give me a call!

We are running a special for 15% off all orders booked and completed before April 25th, 2010. Click HERE to check it out.

Great Mother's Day idea - Get mom a gift certificate!!!

Freeze Time

2010-03-04T07:07:00.001-08:00

Some days I wish I could just freeze time and hold it for a while. My sweet little man is growing up so fast. He will be 20 months old this month - Crazy how time flies. He is adorable, sweet, hilarious, tender, all-boy, cracks me up, melts my heart constantly and keeps me on my toes. He went into his 18 month appt a month late but is still in the 90th percentile for height - He is already 34 inches tall! That is 2 inches short of three feet - where did my little baby go?!?!?! He loves to play with his horse and LOVES to be outside. He is enjoying nursery, loves to read, loves to watch cartoons, loves to play anything. He is learning lots of new words and signs. He can say mom, dad, ball, teeth, diaper, Bo, Bri, Bos, Grandma, Grandpa, Yes, No, More, wow, whoa, and some others. He loves to sign the word please - It is his most common sign even though he knows others. He is super obedient but testing his limits. If I even threaten time out he heads happily to the wall and sits down. He gets so excited to see his dad when he gets home - He sure loves Dad. Here are a few recent pics :

Listening to country music with Uncle Pres on his ipod

Goofin off

New frog glasses :)

He thought this was the cool new way to share Grandpa's cereal:)

Brant is loving his new job up north at Futura Industries. It is a great company to work for. He is working on getting his little Honda running so I can have a car again. I have missed my trailblazer and being able to run errands or be spontaneous :) It will be nice to get settled near his work at some point but we are just trying to figure out the best plan that way. We would like to get the house in Panguitch all wrapped up before we do much on a house up north. We will prob need to rent for a while but are looking around for a great deal so we can still save towards getting another house bought.

I have been working on crafts and had a fun craft day with my sweet mother in law Laurie. I love to craft and could do it all day everyday :) Here are a few samples of what we did.

These will hang on a long white dowel - some longer than others - They have ribbon attached to the tops of them - Thanks All a Dollar for the wood - LOVE that store!

Slacker, slacker, slacker

2010-02-01T13:55:00.001-08:00

So, I did really good at updates when we were in Panguitch, now that we are back in Salt Lake, not so much :)

Last post was about Brant losing his job right before Christmas. Lots has changed since then. We had a great Christmas despite everything being up in the air. We have felt a lot of peace through this whole transition which has been such a blessing and we are so grateful for all we are blessed with. For the time being, we are staying with my parents in Riverton and trying to sell the house in Panguitch. Brant was able to get a new job with a great company called Futura Industries and started last week - He will spend the first two weeks in production and then will be on their LEAN team. It is basically a time management, quality control team. He really loves the company and is excited to grow with them.

Beau is doing great. He is 18 months old and starting nursery and loving it. I just called into Nursery so that will be fun to be there with him. He does great though and just loves playing with the kids and toys. He has such a fun sense of humor and is such a sweet boy. We spent ten days up at Jami and Jared's whlie they took Pres and Kaed on a cruise and has been momma's boy ever since we got home. I have gotten lots of extra hugs and snuggles which I LOVE!!! He got sick with a virus that causes airway constriction while we were there and is now getting over it so that is good. It is hard to see your little ones so miserable. He is learning so much. He learned to blow his nose and knows how to sign Mom, Dad, milk, please, cracker, and more. We are working on talking - He can say Mom, Dad, Ball, Beau, Abby (Jami's dog) consistently and lots of animal sounds but we are still working on others being consistent, once in a while we get a random word like diaper but are still working on the talking thing :)

All in all, things are going well. Love you all!!!!

Update

2009-12-10T07:11:00.000-08:00

We found out last night that Brant is being laid off from his job and tomorrow is his last day. We will be looking for ANYTHING short term or long term to carry us through. We would LOVE to stay in Panguitch if possible long term but will do what we have to do and what we are prompted to do. If you know of anything that might be open job-wise even if it is temporary for the time being, please let us know! Thanks everyone!!!!

Santa Who?

2009-12-05T12:40:00.000-08:00

So today we went to visit Santa at the Social Hall in town. I think I was the most excited to see how he would react since he doesn't really understand the whole Santa thing yet anyway. So - pretty much not a fan at this point :) Here are the pictures:

Things are going pretty well. The house is decorated for Christmas. The first day or two with the tree I was starting to regret having put it up because Beau was always attacking it but now he is used to it and does pretty well. There are a few ornaments he can play with and the glass ones are up high :) This last week Brant and I had the opportunity to sub for the Brother Holman, the seminary teacher down here, who had broken his shoulder playing football on Thanksgiving Day. We had a good time and on the days I taught Beau had a blast hanging out with Brant at the shop! I was super nervous but really enjoyed it. I got called as the first counselor in the Primary Presidency and am really excited about that. Tomorrow I get to do sharing time and conduct so hopefully that goes well. Brant got a new calling too but hasn't been sustained so you will have to wait for next week for the scoop on that. Other than that, everything is pretty much the same. We had a great Thanksgiving with Dale, Kathy, Kelsie, Brooke and Jared at Dale and Kathy's house. Then the Miller's came down Friday and spent the weekend and we had a really fun time. Hope everyone is enjoying their holiday season. Love you all!

Bos and Beau

2009-11-12T06:56:00.000-08:00

This week we have Boston with us to help Mandi a little so she can actually stay on the bed rest for number 5. We have had a really good time and enjoyed having his fun little personality with us. Boston is hilarious. I don't think the movie Cars has ever been played so many times in a week :) Sorry Mand - I really try to sneak in other play time too when possible! Beau has been a little unsure of what to think with another friend around. He is so used to being home with just him and mom and it's taken him quite a while to get adjusted to this. The first couple days he hardly made a sound just stared and watched Boston all day long. But, when Boston laughs or does something he gets this cute little confused look on his face and then tries to copy him. Boston tries hard to play soft with Beau and give him toys and help him. Yesterday when I put Boston down for naps- I went in a little bit later to give him a kiss and tell him I loved him - In the cutest melt your heart little voice he asked, " You have a sleepover a me?" So we had a little sleepover for the first part of naptime.

Bos sleeps in crazy positions - The other night I went to check on him and he had his legs on the chair and his body draped just barely on the edge of the bed sound asleep. I was amazed he could hold the position and didn't think to grab my camera. Last night when I went to check on him - this is what he looked like:

Typical Beau face this week - a little unsure and trying to get to Mom

Bos found Brant's swim cap

Boston's CIRCLE he built out of books - He was SO proud! Good Job Bud!

Halloween Fun

2009-11-03T12:52:00.000-08:00

For Halloween we went up to SLC. I had a dentist appointment two days before and Beau's 15 month check up was the day before so we decided to make a trip out of it. Krista, one of my best friends, was coming through from Arizona so she picked Beau and I up on Wednesday. We went up and did dr's appts and errands for the next two days and then Brant joined us on Friday. It was so fun to get to see her and Owen and drive up together. Friday night we went to Nancy and Matthew's house with Krista and Owen to see the Halloween Display in Bountiful! Awesome as usual! They put so much time and effort into it and it always looks great and super SPOOKY! Saturday we were able to go to breakfast with Brooke and Jared and had a blast! Then we went out to lunch later in the day with Taylors. Home for naps and then TRICK OR TREATING time! We went to a few neighbors in my parent's neighborhood. We spent so much time catching up with a lot of old friends that we only made it to about six houses in over an hour! Whoops! Beau kept taking a candy out of his bucket and giving it to the person handing out the candy. What a good sharer! Then we went to Grandma and Grandpa Miller's for chili and having fun! They got him a fun Halloween kitty that meows and lots of candy - Thanks everyone! We had so much fun! Here are a few pictures - I didn't take as many as I had hoped and Beau wasn't in the mood for Halloween pictures so hopefully I can get some better ones from his Grandparents.

Beau had his 15 month check up while we were there and is doing great. He is 33 inches tall and 26 1/2 lbs. That puts him about 97th % for height 70's for weight and his weight for his height is 50th percentile. He is right on schedule with everything and such a trooper when it comes to shots. He is jabbering a ton right now and loves to make noises - He says a few words and animals sounds. He loves string cheese and pudding and throwing anything he can get his hands on. He loves to investigate everything and loves to tickle people. He is still sleeping really well and mom is not looking forward to the conversion from two naps to one. I wish I could freeze time and just play all day with this sweet little man. We call him our mellow fellow cause he is so easy going almost all the time. He got his H1N1 vaccine yesterday and didn't even cry. He was somber for a minute but then fine.

When I am checking email or on the computer Beau likes to sit by my legs and play peek a boo with me! So fun!

Beau snuck in while I was getting ready today and stole my brush - He carried it around all morning.

Beau and Dad all bundled to run borrow a movie from the neighbors- He wasn't so sure about the hat on his coat!

Other than that things are going okay. We had some sad news this morning that my Grandma's husband, Bob, passed away. He was having a rough time so in a lot of ways a blessing but I am still so sad for Grandma and will miss Bob as well. They were married several years ago and he is a good man and I am grateful for the time they spent together so Grandma wasn't just all alone. I am anxious to get up there to see here. We had been trying to pick dates to head up to visit in the next couple weeks anyway but it is sad to be there under hard circumstances. Times like these sure make me grateful for the knowledge and peace the gospel brings that Life goes on and we will truly be able to be with loved ones again.

Swine Flu

2009-10-20T09:48:00.001-07:00

Okay I know the Swine Flu is dangerous and all but in all seriousness - I think this is taking precaution a step too far!

Choose This Day

2009-10-14T15:05:00.001-07:00

A friend had this on her blog. I needed to hear this today. IT is such an important reminder that we get to CHOOSE EVERY SINGLE DAY WHO WE ARE SERVING.
Choose This Day

Shared via AddThis

My Two Front Teeth

2009-10-12T19:39:00.001-07:00

Saturday night/Sunday morning Beau's top two teeth popped through. Poor guy! They are still really bugging him. Grandma Judy wanted some pictures and we tried to get them but someone wasn't very happy about that. :)

The Sad Face of Teething

2009-10-10T08:04:00.000-07:00

Beau's top two teeth are just about to pop through. I think one may have popped during the night but he won't let me look. This was the sad face of teething at our house last night.

LOVE

2009-10-08T15:50:00.000-07:00

I love Conference. It is truly one of my favorite times of the year. To just be able to soak in all the amazing message and counsel from our leaders of the church. This conference there were so many amazing talks that hit me deeply. Overall it felt to me that the resounding factor everything was brought back to was LOVE! How true is this. If we REALLY, and I mean really went about our lives in such a way that Christlike Love was at the center of all we do and say - What a different world it would be. It reminded me of a plaque we just gave some friends who went through the temple as a gift that said "Love Never Fails." So true and words to live by. My goal is to really embrace this and do as Pres. Uchdorf taught "We increase our love for our Heavenly Father and demonstrate that love by aligning our thoughts and actions with God's word. His pure love directs and encourages us to become more pure and holy. It inspires us to walk in righteousness; not out of fear or obligation but out of an earnest desire to become even more like Him, because we love Him." So that is the key to it all in my mind - Love God and Love Others. I have a long ways to go, but LOVED the recommitment that conference brings each 6 months to really live as a disciple of our Heavenly Father.

New Family Pictures

2009-10-07T14:26:00.001-07:00

If you haven't seen these yet - Here are our new family pictures taken by the Amazing Nicole Spencer! Just click on the link!!!

All Boy

2009-10-07T08:09:00.000-07:00

For a girl who grew up with no brothers, it is going to be an adjustment to be the mom of little boys who love all the creepy crawly stuff that makes me squirm. It has already started. The other night we had a cricket in the kitchen and Beau LOVED it! Him and Brant played with it forever until Beau was a little too excited and we let him go outside. I love watching the two of them play together! He sure loves his Daddy and just squeals with excitement when he comes home.

SO Sad when Dad took his new cricket friend outside

This has nothing to do with the cricket but this is Beau's favorite face to pull lately - I think it may have to do with the top two teeth coming in - but it is hilarious - He does it constantly. :)

Our Little Explorer

2009-09-29T10:28:00.000-07:00

Beau's favorite thing right now is exploring. Crawling under, in, on and around anything he can get to! He is hilarious and will now show you he is "1" with one finger when you ask how old he is. His bottom two teeth are through and the top two are bulging - one of the pictures looks like they are already through but they are not quite there yet. He loves to play and dance and he is a cuddler. He loves to give mom and dad kisses but hasn't figure out that licking is not part of the equation :) Last night he watched Night at the Museum with Brant and was just so intrigued by everything - We heard lots of of " ooh ooh oooh's all night long" He loves to click his tongue and feed himself. He is already trying to figure out how to get the cabinet locks open and can reach the door knobs! Man that kid is tall! We love our little man and are enjoying all these moments.

Favorite quote of the day/month/year -

"Make time for the quiet moments for God whispers and the world is loud."

Isn't that so true - we rush around and have tv, internet, ipods music in the car and life in general and a lot of times forget to make quiet time to hear the whisperings of the Spirit and to just enjoy the miracles of family, friends, church and just being alive and well!

Here are some recent pics!!! Love you all!!!

Asleep last night in the car

Swimming in St. George - The water was too cold so we didn't last long.

Favorite new place - he will stand here FOREVER and just sit under his high chair and play and play and play.

Eating his crackers

Posing for the camera

Under the chairs exploring

What Mom?

Seeing if he can fit in the smallest of places

Stuck!?! Oh no!!!

Birthday Weekend

2009-09-21T13:16:00.001-07:00

So - I can't believe I am actually IN MY 30'S!!! Crazy huh! Oh well! Time flies when you are having fun! Brant was able to take Saturday off and we were able to celebrate for my birthday. He was a sweetheart and had planned to take me horseback riding in Bryce Canyon for my birthday but we didn't have a sitter for Beau so we decided to head to SL instead and spend the day at Lagoon. So Friday night we jumped in the car and headed to SL. Then Sat. morning my parents watched Beau and we went to Lagoon. I hadn't been there since 9th grade and we had never been together. We got there and immediately went on Colossus, Wicked and then the Spider. We both were a little weak legged and light headed but were having fun. Then we went on the Musik Express and the Centennial Screamer. We got off and Brant was REALLY sick. Super shaky and felt like he was going to be sick. So we just walked around for a while and hung out. We walked down into Pioneer Village and he still a little shaky so we ate lunch. He said he felt like he had just finished a 10 mile run. Poor guy. After lunch he was doing a lot better so we walked down and did Jet Star 2 and the tilt-a-whirl and he was shaky again so we went and watched the drag racers and stuff. He started to feel better and asked if I wanted to do the Rocket. I was nervous but we did it. Then after he said, "Are you okay?" I said yeah and then turned around and his face was almost gray - I asked if he was okay and he said NO - head for those bushes I think I am going to be sick. We sat there for a minute and then he was doing a little better so we decided to take it easy and go on the sky ride. About half way through - he said he didn't feel too hot and needed to get to the bathroom - Luckily we made it but as we got to the end he was off and running to the restroom where he lost his lunch. Someone in there said to him - Oh man - I don't want to go on whatever ride you just went on! That cracked me up cause it was the SKY RIDE! Really he was sick from the Rocket but I still giggled and asked if he told him it was the sky ride! I got some dippin dots and we sat in the shade for a while but he was still SO sick. We decided to leave cause it wasn't worth him struggling all day. We played some games and won a couple toys for Beau that he loved. We went home, rested for a bit, went to Olive Garden - yummers! And then went to the State Fair. We usually go for my b-day anyway so that was fun. Then Sunday we were able to go to the old ward and see lots of friends and had dinner with my family which was a blast before we drove home late last night! Busy but fun weekend! Next time we try Lagoon we will have to get Brant some motion sickness pills!!! It was a fun time - Thanks babe for all you do for us!!!

Start of our day at Lagoon

Showing Beau his new frog and Bear

Beau was not sure about the animals and a little nervous - didn't help he was pretty tired by this point!

Big Red - HUGE Steer!

He was holding on for dear life - but then he started getting excited about them and even touched a couple animals.

Slacking

2009-09-16T14:24:00.000-07:00

So I have been slacking in the blogging arena. Don't get me wrong, I love blogs but posting pictures onto my facebook is SO much easier and faster so I slack when it comes to this! But I need to keep journaling so here goes. Things have been going really well. We are getting all settled in the house and that feels AWESOME. I will post more pics when decorating occurs. Beau is doing awesome, on the 8th his first tooth popped through and the top two look like they are getting close as well. Beau absolutely LOVES the new house - he is not confined to one room to keep him safe from the wood burning stove and loves to run run run! His other favorite thing to do is empty the cupboards out in the kitchen - Brant is going to try to get my cabinet locks on soon hopefully. Miller's were able to come visit last weekend and that was a lot of fun. We went to dinner at the Pines and walked around in Red Canyon at sunset. They brought balloons and eclairs and we had a little mini Pre Birthday Celebration. Thanks guys for everything! Here are some recent pictures!

Beau and Pres up at Red Canyon

Beau and Grandpa Gary at Red Canyon

Beau and Mom at Red Canyon

Beau emptying the drawer and trying all the different binkies he could find

Eating lunch

Red Canyon

After eating part of mom's eclair

Little Bites? what are those?

So Happy!

Emptying the cabinets for mom

Awesome Farmer's Market

2009-09-04T09:49:00.000-07:00

There is an AWESOME new Farmer's Market in Riverton Utah - Close to the District! Go check it out!!! They are having an awesome sale on tomatoes right now too!!!!

Here is the link Petersen Family Farm

Hot Stuff

2009-09-02T13:15:00.001-07:00

Beau thought he was pretty hot stuff in his Camo glasses!

(Never mind the slobbered on t-shirt and mis-matched jammy pants )

Update

2009-09-02T09:09:00.003-07:00

Well we are still just packing and getting ready to move. Life is as busy as always. We made a quick trip to SLC last weekend and had a fun time. I went up with my parents late Friday after they had brought us the trailer to start loading for the move and we were able to go to Lillie's soccer game Saturday morning and out to lunch with Taylor's. Then Saturday night Brant and I actually got to hang out a little while alone after Beau went to bed my parents listened for him and we went shopping. Then Sunday we had breakfast with the Millers - Yummers! Then to Syracuse for Preston's ordination to a deacon and then to Dale's to celebrate his 50th birthday and then back home late Sunday night!! Such a fun time!!!! Hope everyone is doing well! Here a few recent pictures!!!

Lillie's time out meeting - Anth is her coach! She played so good - there were only 4 players there so they had to play the ENTIRE game - No breaks! What a trooper!

Beau's curls in the back of his hair :) Blake said, " Oh Look! You've got bangs!"

Beau wanted to be with Brant really bad last week but Brant was mowing the lawn so we tried the baby carrier - Didn't work very well so it didn't last long!

Beau figured out how to get INTO the entertainment center - Too funny!

He thought he was in trouble as he I came to take a picture!

Elsie helping Beau eat an orange at the soccer game.
Beau and Puppy Sadie - He wasn't too sure about that.
Brant playing Softball with the guys last week!
Beau and Boston playing with the soccer balls.
Beau and Ash at Brant's soccer game. I think we caught Beau mid - yawn:)

Our Weekend

2009-08-23T18:34:00.000-07:00

So, on Friday night there was a carnival in town. We decided to check it out. We got all excited and ready for Brant to get home and headed over and this was the ENTIRE thing :) Not that there was anything wrong with that I guess we are just used to them being a little bigger. Rides were 3 dollars a ride for the kid rides and 4 dollars a ride for the adult rides so we decided to just go to dinner and head home.

Then Saturday we were able to head down to Lake Powell and were SO excited to go swim on the beach. So as soon as Brant got home we jumped in the car and headed down to Powell. We have never been there so we were stoked. We haven't done anything special much this summer so we were pretty ready to play. We got there and people were taking pictures of what I assumed was a fire off in the distance. I ran to the bathroom and Brant changed Beau into his swimsuit. About 2 minutes, literally, after we pulled up the biggest WIND storm I have ever seen hits. People are running for cars and trying to get boats and people out of the water. Sand was beating us to death and we had to just RUN for the car. We decided to see if it blew over quick so we sat in the car for about 45 minutes to an hour and it just wasn't letting up so we headed home. We had fun and talked a lot and Beau was a little trooper. We got home, got changed and went to the Diner for dinner. Kind of a bummer since we didn't even touch the water but we still had a good time and we will have to try again another time. This was the only picture we got cause the camera was in the back where Brant was changing Beau and I didn't dare get out of the car to grab it. Off in the distance you can see the storm coming but it looked like so many of the wildfires we see down in this area that I didn't think anything of it. Lol! Guess we learned a lesson!

Then today with not having church and since we couldn't take Beau Bear to the dedication we just vegged. We slept when he slept and watched tv and munched. Tonight we finally took showers and got ready and went for a drive. When we got home we decided it was snack time so we cooked S'mores over the barbeque. Beau liked his first two bites of marshmallow and then wanted nothing else to do with it. He loved the chocolate and graham crackers though!

Update

2009-08-18T09:59:00.000-07:00

Well I am a little behind in the blogging world! Last week, Brant's little brother Preston came down and stayed with us for the week before he heads back to school. We had a blast hanging out and Beau absolutely adores his Uncle Preston. He would get so excited anytime Preston was in the room and loved just sitting on his lap watching tv with him. We had a BBQ with Yardley's, Reynolds and Lacey and Casey on Monday night. On Tuesday we had to run a truck for the shop our to Henrieville so we stopped on our way back for Mexican. After dinner, Pres began to complain his tummy hurt but we just figured his dinner didn't sit quite right. On Wednesday Pres went out on a date a cute gal from here and some friends he had met on earlier trips and battled with a stomach ache all day. Then come Thursday. The stomach ache was way worse but the pain was pretty generalized not in one specific area. We tried Pepto, tums and gas-x but nothing seemed to work. I even had Shaun, the owner of the shop, who is a fireman/emt check him out to try and rule out appendix. The symptoms weren't specific to an appendicitis so we kept playing it by ear. That night was the Elder's Quorum Anything Goes Pinewood Derby. You thought normal Pinewood Derby's can get outta control - Just let the Elder's make them and use any means they want to propel them. Let's just say luckily the pillow to stop the cars that caught on fire was put out quickly :) Preston's stomach kept getting worse during the Derby so we had Danny help Brant give him a blessing and decided to head over to the ER at the hospital. They checked him out and decided to run a bunch of test to see what it was. Turns out it was his appendix. It was 5 or 6 inches long and as big around as a hot dog. They don't do emergency surgeries here in Panguitch so at 1:30 am Brant, Beau, Preston and I headed to Cedar City. We got him all checked in and Laurie and Gary met us at the hospital around 2:45 am. Brant and Beau and I headed home since Brant still had to work the bnext day and got home around 4:30. Pres had surgery the next morning at about 8:30 and everything went great. The dr. and staff at both hospitals were awesome. They were able to leave the hospital Friday afternoon and they stayed here until Sunday. Poor kid was super sore but is doing great. We are glad he is okay and hopefully his next stay in Panguitch will be a little less eventful - Or maybe just as eventful but without hospital trips :) We had fun having him and Laurie and Gary here and enjoyed every minute! Thanks to everyone for you thoughts, prayers and treats! We really appreciated it! Here are some pics from the week!

Eating his ice cream he stole from mom on Grandpa's lap got so messy we had to put him on the ground :)

Little bit messy but pretty proud of himself

Fish Faces
Hanging out with the fam
Preston trying to sit down after surgery - little tender
At the Pinewood Derby - You can tell Pres is not feeling too hot
Brant getting his car ready - His co2 wouldn't puncture so he got the award for slowest - Sorry Babe!
Brant and Beau at the Pinewood Derby - It was freezing and we got rained out too!
Pres and Beau snuggling

Pinewood Derby Cars
Brant making his car - he did it in about an hour - Way to go!
BBQ at Yardley's
Beau in Brant's slippers
Just chilling watchin TV - Beau just wanted to be right with Pres all week
Beau's very own - creamy! He LOVED IT!

Preston's tummy after we took the bandages off - OUCH!

House

2009-08-05T09:06:00.000-07:00

Brant and I made an offer on this house and they accepted! Now onto getting financing all in place - This is a lot more involved and complicated with the way the economy is, so cross your fingers and hopefully all will go well! It will be nice to get settled! I am anxious to change out the door to a wood door and new shutters and a timber frame front porch and a few things to spruce up the outside but it is really nice inside and brand new - never lived in. I will post more pictures later after we move in and tweak a few things :) It is 5 bed 2 bath and room for another bedroom, bathroom, family room and storage room in the basement! It is on .28 of an acre and the view behind it is amazing. The back borders a farm so we shouldn't ever lose our view hopefully. It is a young neighborhood with lots of kids so that should be fun!

Front of the house - with the neighbors dog I guess :)

I would like to add crown moulding to the cabinets and eventually get granite counters and go back to black appliances possibly but for now it is great :)

24th of July

2009-07-27T12:51:00.000-07:00

For the 24th we were in the parade for Brant's company, Royal Express. It was a TON of fun. Brant and Parker (the son of Steve one of the owners) rode horses, Suzanne pushed Beau in his stroller and I rode the four wheeler with Gage. Shaun and Suzanne's other kids rode their bikes and we all threw out candy. Juarez rode his motorcycle. It was really fun. That night we went to the High School Rodeo which was fun too.

Getting Ready to start out
Brant the Cowboy
Steve getting the horses ready

Eating Pizza at the shop after the Parade (Parker, Gage, Steve and Morgan)
Beau after the parade
Kade during the parade on the back of the 4 wheeler in the candy bucket
Suzanne and Beau
Ash and Gage

Morgan, Kade, Juarez and Preston
Brant and Parker getting ready to head to the parade line up
Beau and Juarez on the bike at the shop
Just a cute pic of Brant and Beau in ther Boston hats :)

Happy Birthday Beau Bear

2009-07-22T15:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Beau's First Birthday! I can't believe he is really a year old! Over the weekend we went up to SLC to celebrate with family for his birthday. He loved diving into the cake and was totally spoiled by his parents, grandparents aunts uncles and friends. Grandma Laurie and Grandpa Gary offered their house and we had quite the shindig with Brant's side of the family and Grandma Judy and Grandpa Lon and Katie came too. We had a blast! Thanks everyone for everything! Sunday we were able to go up to Layton to Brant's grandparents as well and had a great time. Yesterday we just hung out and played and last night we had pizza and Beau got a little cupcake all to himself (our oven in our rental doesn't work so we had to settle for a hostess cupcake) and then a few more presents! What a fun day. In a few weeks we will head up and celebrate with Ashley's side of the family too. Talk about a month long b-day celebration! The night before his birthday Beau started walking for real - he will walk across the room now. He still gets a little nervous but he does really good!

Hilarious Face - This cracked me up

Helping mom fold socks

Hostess Cupcake :)

Bath Time

Totally beat after a long birthday! Couldn't even finish his bottle!

Walking across the room through all his new toys

Thankful

2009-07-20T15:55:00.000-07:00

I am so THANKFUL to be a mom. I was reading one of Sheri Dew's books yesterday called "No One Can Take Your Place" and she was discussing the nobility of Motherhood and how it pertains to EVERY woman in different ways whether we are moms, aunts, sisters, YW leaders, RS sisters, the list goes on and on and I was overwhelmed with the enormity of this noble calling and all we need to do to stand UNFLINCHINGLY for what we believe in! We can do it! One of my favorite parts is the quote from Pres. Hinckley that says , "Mothers can do more than any other group to reverse today's sobering social trends. " It also says, " Motherhood is not what was left over after our Father blessed His sons with the privilege of priesthood ordination. It was the most enobling endowment he could give His daughters, a sacred trust that gave woman an unparalleled role in helping His children keep their second estate." For a long time before I met Brant, I wondered if I would have the chance to be a mom and I know there are lots out there who may have not yet had the opportunity to be a mother in this life. I remember aching for the opportunity to be a wife and mother and hoping that I would one day meet Mr. Right and have a family. After finally meeting Brant and getting married, we had a year where we tried to get pregnant and nothing happened, the waiting and wodnering were hard to handle but luckily led us through another path and eventually we were able to get pregnant in the right time frame with sweet Beau. I remember the weeks of bedrest as we waited and hoped and prayed that the pregenancy would go well. I know this life can be hard with different individual trials each of face and for some reason, probably Beau's Birthday, I have been reflecting a lot on motherhood a lot. I loved the part in the book where it states, "For some reasons known to the Lord, some women are required to wait to have children. This delay and disappointment is not easy for any righteous woman. But the Lord's timetable does not negate or cancel out our very nature. Some of us, then, must find other ways to mother. And all around us are those who need to be loved and led, nurtured and mentored. In other words, the spiritual rewards of mothering are available to all." This is extremely enlightening to me knowing how Sheri Dew has admittedly struggled with this herself. This reminded me of how much I truly enjoyed being an aunt before I had Beau and times spent in Primary and YW helping and teaching other's little ones. This book, which I recommend every one read by the way :), really puts motherhood and a lot of different things in life into a great perspective. I am so grateful for the Plan of Salvation and the knowledge the gospel brings into our life. It truly is the "Good News". I can't imagine trying to guide a little life without the strength and guidance it gives. Every question can be answered and the peace and foundation and light it brings is simply amazing. It is easy to get caught up in the ho-hum of everyday life and laundry and dishes and cleaning, but I am grateful for this reminder that Satan will do anything he can do to take out mothers and families as they are the foundation and base of Heavenly Father's plan. We have to stand strong and rejoice in this amazing calling we have as women to be mothers of not only our own kids but to nurture and lead the world with love and paitence! Sorry for the long post, just have a lot on my mind and since this is my journal as well I figured I would put down my thoughts :) I can't believe Beau will be one tomorrow. The last year has been amazing and I have cherished every moment of it. I can't believe how time flies! Oh and last night - Beau walked all the way across the room - Way to go my little man! Mama is so proud of you!

Too Fun

2009-07-15T13:20:00.000-07:00

This afternoon as Beau and I were headed out to take Brant his lunch, our landlord offered to let Beau put his hand in the cement he had poured in the backyard. So we put his hand with a 2008 penny for the year he was born. I thought that was so nice of Richard. The penny was his idea too. So fun! I wondered if Beau would fight me on it, but he loved it and kept trying to get into it more and his feet too :) (I love the brown concrete too - it looks really cool in person!)

Highlights of our Day

2009-07-14T13:50:00.001-07:00

I am trying to be better about updating since we are now farther away so Grandmas and Grandpas and everyone can see more pictures. Hopefully we won't bore ya to death! :)

So, this morning when I went to check on Beau he was just too cute asleep and so I thought I would snap a picture.

He is just such a sweet mellow little personality. He goes with the flow all the time and is very rarely fussy. He is so fun to play with and gets so excited. I can't believe he will be a year old in ONE WEEK! Man, how time flies. I sure love being a mom, it is the best thing ever. When I go get Beau in the mornings he just gets so excited and it melts your heart. I need to be better at blogging about where he is at for journal purposes! So here goes :) He is walking a little but not full fledge - a step here 3 or 4 there but nothing consistent. He is talking more and more and says mom and dad a lot and is starting to copy other noises, he will say yeah and more once in a while too. He can sign milk, mom, dad cookie and more and please. He absolutely loves to wave and waves at almost everyone we see. The other day we were walking somewhere and there were two kinda rough looking older men standing there smoking in a parking lot and Beau smiled huge and started waving and both of these guys smiled back and waved to him. It really reminded me to not judge a book by it's cover and remember that we are ALL Heavenly Father's Children. Let's see, what else is new - Beau started drinking whole milk this week - figured we were close enough to the year mark to try that and he LOVES it!

Today we went and played in our cute neighbor, Sherrie's backyard on the swings and tramp. Beau absoultely loved it. We had a fun time. Thanks Sherrie for letting us visit :)

Sleepy eyes! :)

More July Fun

2009-07-12T16:55:00.000-07:00

We were lucky enough to have Brant's mom, dad and little brother come stay for the weekend! We had an absolute blast! Brant had to work Saturday but we still had lots of fun! They got here late Friday night and after breakfast at the Diner we showed them around town and our favorite spots and visited Brant and Juarez at the shop. We shopped and hung out around town, then when Brant got off we headed up towards Bryce Canyon and went to the Pines for dinner and went shopping at Ruby's Inn. Then it was off to Panguitch Lake for some fishing time!!! When we pulled up there were swarms of bugs but after lots of bug spray and heading down to shore the bugs weren't bad at all. It was sunset and beautiful and we had a great time. Beau loved being outside by the water. Right after we got there, this funky helicopter drops down to the water, sucks up tons of water and takes off to go to the fires! It was so cool to watch. There were several of them, so we got to watch these helicopters over and over! It was neat! Then we went to Henrie's for shakes and fries where a cute local girl invited Preston to a bonfire so off he went :) Then Sunday we just hung out, but had lots of fun! We were so glad to see you Grandma, Grandpa and Presto! We are excited to see you again soon - Love you!!! Here are some pics of the weekend!!

TOO FUNNY

2009-07-06T14:20:00.000-07:00

So, the other night I am looking for some pictures to post on our blog and came across these on my computer - Not sure how I haven't ever noticed them before - They are Preston, Brant's hilarious little brother! We love you to pieces Presteroo!!!

Skype

2009-07-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

We set up a Skype account for video chatting for free on the internet - If anyone has an account - let us know! All you need is a webcam! Our username is bennionfamily. Go to skype.com to set one up!

Happy Fourth of July

2009-07-05T17:44:00.000-07:00

We had a fun 4th of July down here in Panguitch! My mom and dad came down for the weekend and we had an absolute blast. We went out to the lake on Friday night and had dinner and watched the fireworks ! They were beautiful and it is so fun to be able to be at something like this within 20 minutes from your house. Then on Saturday we went to the parade at 10 am which was more of a kids parade, but super fun! Then the town was having a yard sale on Main Street so we walked around for a while, went home took a nap, then went to dinner up near Bryce Canyon at the Pines, which is our favorite and then watched Forever Strong and went to see the Fireworks which were awesome! It felt like we were right underneath them. Not sure what Beau thought he just watched with his little somber face and took it all in. Sometimes he is SO animated and sometimes he is so stone faced that it cracks us up and we wonder what that little mind is thinking! Hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July! We have been looking at homes to buy down here so more details to come on that later . . . . . . but here are some recent pictures for now!

Tonight after church - What a little stud muffin!

Beau and Dad getting ready for the day!

Probably not your typical parade entry but he was just one of many

little ones on John Deere Tractors :)

Watching the parade very intently!

The fam on Main watching the parade! They went one way then turned around and came back - It was great!

Grandma and Beau playing in the truck after dinner by the Lake.

Brant and Ash by Panguitch Lake

What a view - So fun to be so close to the Lake!!

At the Annual Panguitch Hot Air Balloon Festival last weekend~ SO much fun - I had NO idea they were so big!

Alive and Well in Panguitch

2009-06-25T16:41:00.000-07:00

Hello Hello! Long time No Post! :) We are alive and well in Panguitch after a week in a hotel and a week trying to get phone and internet - here we are! We are really enjoying it here and are excited to be getting settled. We have been looking around a lot to find an area where we want to settle for good but the house we are in is nice for now. Things are going well at the mechanic shop. Our ward is great and we are really enjoying getting to know everyone here. Brant is already on a softball team and it seems like the whole town is there at the games, it is great! This weekend is the hot air balloon festival and we are excited for that. Will post more later - Love you all and thanks for all your kind words and support!!!! Here are a few pictures from the last couple of weeks!

Beau's yogurt lunch today!
BOXES BOXES AND MORE BOXES - (and no we didn't pick up drinking but the boxes from the liquor store are a great size! :)
Wearing Dad's Head Lamp

First Sunday in Panguitch - On our way to church for the first time! Ssecond Ward here we come! :)

Changes Changes and MORE changes!

2009-06-07T20:13:00.000-07:00

GET READY FOR A LONG STORY!!! :)

Well there are lots of changes going on in our life right now to say the least. For a while we have been praying and trying to decide whether or not the path for Seminary Special Ed was "IT". We kept feeling prompted to not have Brant enroll in the Special Ed Master's program, but that left us with a lot of other questions as to what to pursue. Brant absolutely adored the Seminary Special Ed program and the amazing people and kids he was working with, but just wasn't sure it was what he should be pursuing as far as a full time career. As he got started teaching we realized even more how slim the chances of going from part time to full time would be. Well in the midst of all of this, my mom and dad went out of town. They were selling their car and someone wanted to come check it out so we told them we would show it for them. The couple came to check out the car and we just got chatting and really clicked. They were amazing people and we were laughing and talking in the driveway for over two hours. They live in St. George area, he works in Vegas and owns a mechanic shop in Panguitch. When he and another gentleman bought the mechanic shop, they had a gentleman leasing it back from them and he unfortunately passed away in November. Since then things had not been running exactly as they would like and they were looking for someone new. Well, as most of you probably know Brant worked at a mechanic shop for 3 years and was the Service Director for part of that time. He really loved the work and has told me countless times how much he would love to open a small mechanic or lube shop, but we couldn't figure out a feasible way to come up with the overhead for something like that. Shaun, the owner of the shop, kept saying to his wife- He is what we need at our shop, I mean seriously he is what we need. He and Brant were totally on the same page as far as how they think a shop should be run. Well before he left, he said, Brant you are what I need. What would it take? Brant and I just kind of sat there and he said, " No seriously you guys - What salary would you need to move to Panguitch?" I think I mumbled something like, " Where's Panguitch?" We laughed and threw out an amount that was fair and he said Okay! Through the whole conversation I kept thinking we are going to be moving to Panguitch - My gut just knew that this was a serious thing. Well they exchanged numbers and we told him we would think and talk about it some more. We ended up going to Panutich that week to make sure it was somewhere we could actually live or picture ourselves. It was an adorable little community and we fell in love. While we were there, Shaun called and asked us to come to his home and discuss more specifics with him. So, that weekend off to St. George we went to check it out and basically had a 3 day in depth job interview with Shaun and the other partner Steve. They are both amazing men as well as their wives. Very down to earth and great people. It was all coming together. They offered Brant the position and we accepted. Brant and I had several confirmations through prayer and at the temple that we should go ahead and pursue this path. So, as we nailed down the details of the whole transition, it ended up working out that Brant had to be in Panguitch on the 8th - That was only a week from the day the job was offered. We were blessed to find a rental home and get things settled that way and headed home to start packing. On the way home, we found out Brant's sweet grandma had passed away. She was an amazing woman who we absolutely loved and adored and we will miss her, but we are so grateful she is no longer in pain. To say the least it has been a whirlwind of a week between packing, funerals and everything else going on. Brant left today and drove down to Panguitch to start work tomorrow morning. The awesome thing about this opportunity is that we will have a review in a few months and if it is working out for all of us involved they will write up a contract for Brant to become part owner. It is amazing all the twists and turns that life throws at you, but I know without a shadow of a doubt that our Heavenly Father is gently and lovingly guiding our steps where he needs us to go and serve. It will be really hard to leave family but I am so grateful for all the love and support they are showing despite their sadness at having us go. It will be bittersweet, but I am grateful it is only 3 1/2 hours away and not farther. Brant will come back on Friday and we will all head back down together on Saturday for good. This week ought to be pretty busy! We will keep in touch and I will be better at updating our blog once we get settled. We will keep our same phone numbers and obviously the same emails, so we should be pretty easy to reach still. Love you all!!! Here is a picture of Brant's cute Grandma and a picture of the cute house we are renting!

Pre Sale

2009-05-19T10:19:00.000-07:00

Check out our Pre Sale for Discount Divas!!! We are having a sale today at 12077 South 4130 West in Riverton from noon to 6 pm prior to items being posted on ksl.com. Come check it out!!! Click here for a view of a FEW items that are available at awesome prices! Hope to see you there!!!

Picture Perfect Special

2009-05-16T10:25:00.000-07:00

Check out my Photo Scanning Specials Page! The first FIVE people to purchase gift certificates will get their amount doubled! Buy $20 and get $40 Buy $50 get $100!!!!!

WOOHOOO!!!

2009-05-15T09:45:00.000-07:00

Brant got the job to teach Seminary Special Ed! What an interesting and fun journey it has been to get to this point! All I can say is that Heavenly Father surely has the best plan in mind and we just need to keep having faith even when we think we know best! To think we started on the path to seminary, thought it was not going to work out then started the journey to special ed and here we are with Seminary Special Ed! A combo of the two! Too funny!!! Way to go babe - I am proud of you!!!

New Addition to our Family and Graduation

2009-05-02T21:16:00.000-07:00

Here is our newest addition to our family! My parents gave Brant a puppy for graduation! His name is Koda and he is a teacup Shih Tzu. Some moments I wonder what we were thinking adding a 9 week old puppy with a 9 month old baby who thinks that puppy looks like one of his stuffed animals, but moves! We love him though and he is super fun and hilarious when he runs - more of a hop than a run!

Also - Brant graduated with his Bachelor's degree in Business Management today and it was great! I am so proud of him and all the hard work he has put into this. we get the summer off then he will be pursuing a Masters in Special Education. Way to go honey - You Rock!!! We had tons of family who came to support us and lots who sent their love who couldn't make it. We love you all and appreciate you so much!!!

Beau Bear

2009-04-28T20:28:00.000-07:00

We took Beau Bear in for his 9 month check up today. Luckily it was a no shot visit! The dr. said he is doing awesome! He is 30 1/2 inches tall which puts him in the 97th percentile for height! He is 22 lbs which puts him around 75th percentile for weight. He is one solid little dude - just like his daddy was. He is doing great otherwise. It is amazing how time flies. I can't believe our little guy is already 9 months old!

p.s. the picture is from our recent trip to thanksgiving point farm, I didn't make him wear a cowboy hat to the dr! :)

Blessings

2009-04-27T16:23:00.001-07:00

In a world where everyone tells us how awful everything is, I just want to say I am grateful to feel so blessed. Today as I showered, I listened to Beau and Brant laughing their heads off probably at some silly dance Brant was doing as he got him dressed and it just hit me how much we have to be grateful for. I feel so blessed to be married to my very best friend and have him by my side no matter what happens in life. I feel blessed to be the mom of such a sweet little boy who brightens up my life with his smiles and giggles. I feel so blessed to be able to know the joys of the gospel and the peace and hope it brings into our lives. I feel so blessed to have such a supportive and loving family. The list could go on and on . . . . .

Mother's Day Idea

2009-04-25T07:16:00.001-07:00

Need a fun and unique gift for Mother's Day? Get a Picture Perfect Gift Certificate. Every mom would love to have her favorite memories preserved for life! Get those boxes of photos saved digitally.

We are running a Gift Certificate Special up until Mother's Day. All Gift Certifcates are 10% off the regular price. Check out our website .

Beau's 9 Month Pictures

2009-04-22T14:51:00.000-07:00

Here is a glimpse at Beau Bear's 9 month Pictures!!! They will be small versions. I haven't scanned anything in for archival purposes yet, so they are just the little ones! Normally Beau doesn't mind getting his pictures done, but today he was a little hesitant about all the strangers and just kept trying to crawl to mom or dad. It even started with some tears, but he warmed up after a bit.

4 Years and Counting

2009-04-17T21:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Brant and I's 4 Year Wedding Anniversary. In some ways it has flown by and yet in others I feel like I have known him forever. I am so blessed and humbled to be lucky enought to be Brantly's wife Forever AND A day! He truly treats me like a princess and I love every minute of being able to married to my best friend! Love you babe!

Brant's Birthday

2009-04-09T09:38:00.000-07:00

We had a blast for Brant's birthday. We had a low key day on his actual birthday - we just hung out during the day after Brant got home from school. My parents took us out to lunch and for dinner we picked up Chinese and got a redbox and goodies.

Then we went out the next night to Ruby River with Brant's Dad Dale and Kathy, Kelsie and Grandma Emily. It was so fun and SOOOO yummy! Thanks guys!

Ash and Kelsie

Beau and Grandma Kathy

Beau and Grandpa Dale

Grandma Kathy and Great Grandma Emily

Aunt Kelsie and Beau Bear - Yummy Oranges!!!

Then on Saturday we had a little get together after priesthood session for Brant and Boston's birthdays at Mandi's house and that was a blast too. While the girls were upstairs chatting the boys went down and decided to dress up in the girl's princess dress ups - Too funny! My camera was being weird - so sorry about the black spots.

Then on Sunday we had a dinner with Brant's Mom and Dad Gary, Brooke, Jared and Pres. We had a blast eating yummy steak and just hanging out.

Beau and Grandma Laurie - He zonked out in Grandma's arms after his bottle :)

Grandpa Gary taking Videos

Brooke and Jared

Preston

We have such an amazing and supportive family.

We love you all!!!

My Sweet Baby

2009-04-09T09:34:00.000-07:00

I just love being a mom - There is seriously nothing better! Beau has started really crawling this week. He has moved around here and there but he is SUPER mobile now and keeping me on my toes! He LOVES to crawl to his stuffed animal basket in his room and tip it over. He just smiles as the stuffed animals pile on top of him and then he sits down and plays. We had to move his crib mattress down again cause he is pulling himself up to everything. It is so fun to watch all the changes!

Another New Adventure

2009-04-07T08:32:00.000-07:00

So, Brant and I are always up for trying something new! Our latest is that we bought a whole SEMI TRUCKLOAD of stuff from Overstock.com. This way buying in bulk, we can pass along the savings to everyone else. Get amazing deals for your home at UNBELIEVABLE prices. We will be posting items on the internet via our new blog and on ksl.com as well.

We have rugs, vacuums, dishes, luggage, furniture, decorations, memory foam mattress toppers, the list goes on and on! Check out our new blog "Discount Divas" at http://discountdivasdeals.blogspot.com

Happy Birthday Babe!

2009-04-02T07:34:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to wish a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the most amazing person I know. Brant constantly leaves me in amazement at his goodness. He is truly such a great and caring person. I am humbled to be able to even know him, let alone be his wife. He has changed my life so much and I love him to pieces! Love you babe!!!!

WINDOWS

2009-03-31T09:04:00.000-07:00

Hey There - Just a note - Brant is doing Window Washing again this year. If you or anyone you know is interested give him a call! Thanks!

Brant 801-633-4814

COUCHES

2009-03-26T17:32:00.000-07:00

Little shout out for my dad :) He is selling these two NEW Leather Media Sectionals. He has one Black and one Brown set. They each have 2 recliners, and an ottoman with storage. The wedge sections have storage and cup holders as well. He is selling them for $1100 each. If you are interested - give him a call - Lon at 801-641-3940.

Dad

2009-03-23T22:48:00.000-07:00

I forgot to update that my dad is home and doing wonderfully. They will do another cat scan on the 31st to check things out again and go from there. Thanks to everyone for your kind words and prayers - They have been greatly appreciated!

Camera

2009-03-21T07:32:00.000-07:00

Oh how I miss my camera - It is at Kodak being "repaired" for the second time. I realized this morning that Beau Bear is 8 months old today and thought - Oh I should get a picture, but alas - no camera - sniff sniff :) I will be happy to get my camera back that is for sure! Hope everyone is having an amazing day!!!

Update on Dad

2009-03-14T09:20:00.001-07:00

Well, my dad is back in the hospital. He was having difficulty breathing, and his leg was really hot and swollen on Thursday night so they headed to the ER. They did a cat scan of his chest and ultrasound of his leg and found that he had blood clots in his leg and lungs. They have him on a heavy duty blood thinner and are keeping him nice and still at the hospital which is not the funnest thing for my dad, who is not keen on having to sit still :) Still, we are so grateful for medical technologies and the power of Priesthood blessings. The dr. told us last night that if he hadn't come in when he did that he wouldn't have made it through the night. That was way too close a call! We are grateful they are taking care of it now, we need Dad around for a LONG LONG time. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers!!!

Funny Moment

2009-03-11T20:25:00.000-07:00

So last night Brant got back in the car from running into the grocery store and immediately said, " Oh good. I am tired of you too as well!" Well to anyone else this sounded horribly mean - We looked at each other and laughed until we about burst. The funny thing was he actually meant, "Oh Good. I am tired of U2 as well!" We had been listening to the new U2 cd for days and I was tired of it and changed the station while he was in the store! Too funny!

Dad's Surgery

2009-03-09T16:36:00.000-07:00

My dad, Lon, had a total knee replacement this morning. He is doing awesome and has already been up and walking! Way to go Dad! The doctor said that it was a lot worse than he expected when he got in there and that there were so many bone spurs he wasn't sure how my dad had even been able to walk before. We are glad that the surgery went well and are anxious to get Dad home! We love you dad!!!

We are alive!

2009-03-09T16:14:00.000-07:00

We really are alive despite my total slacking in the BLOG department! I will try to catch up on a few things :) Things have been going well, the same old stuff for the most part.

Brant is still plugging away at school and looking for some part time work. He will graduate in May with his Bachelor's in Business Mngmt. It is so nice to finally have a light at the end of the tunnel. In addition to his full time at UOP he is taking a semester at SLCC on top of it so it makes for a little bit crazy schedule. He signed up with SOS to try and find something part time that would work with his weird schedule but they are slow right now as much as anyone else with the weird economy, so we are anxiously awaiting warmer days when his window washing can start at least to get us through to graduation when something more permanent can start.

I am just doing the same old thing, being a mom and loving it, trying to get our stuff organized - an ongoing process I think and enjoying Activity Days.

Beau is 7 1/2 months old already - It is amazing how time flies. He is getting so big and has already had to move to a convertible carseat because of his height. Beau had the second half of his flu shot this morning and that was a sad moment but he is doing great now. He is loving to sign the word milk and play and loves to stand up. He absolutely loves to watch Handy Manny. I think he may walk before he crawls. Other than that he is doing good, just as active and happy as can be. He has a new rubber ducky for the tub that he absolutely adores!

Beau and Dad all ready for church

My Little Frog Baby

2009-02-04T21:48:00.000-08:00

Beau was so tired a couple of nights ago and fell asleep as Brant was trying to burp him - Looks kind of like a little froggie :)

TAG

2009-02-02T20:34:00.000-08:00

Meet the Couple

he.
1. Sitting in front of the TV, what's on the screen? Survivorman, Man vs. Food, Biggest Loser
2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? Ranch
3. What's one food he doesn't like? Raw Fish
4. You go out to a restaurant, what does he get to drink? Lemonade or Water
5. Where did he go to high school? Copper Hills
6. What is one phrase he says all the time? Look at you dude - Look at you (He says this to Beau all the time)
7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? Old Cars
8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? Pastrami or Reuben
9. What would this person eat everyday if he could? Green Olives
10. What is his favorite cereal? Golden Puffs
11. What would he never wear? Tight Pants
12. What is his favorite sports team? Football - SF 49er's /Baseball - Atlanta Braves /Basketball - Jazz
13. Who will he vote for? Usually the republican
14. Who is his best friend? Me :) and then Jeremy
15. How many states has he lived in? Utah and California
16. Does he have any nervous habits? He will bounce his leg and pay with his hands
17. What could he spend hours doing? looking at old Ford Bronco's on the internet
18. He is: simply amazing. He is truly my hero.

she.
1. Sitting in front of the TV, what's on the screen? Ellen
2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does she get on her salad? Ranch
3. What's one food she doesn't like? Seafood
4. You go out to a restaurant, what does she get to drink? No drink
5. Where did she go to high school? Taylorsville
6. What is one phrase she says all the time? "You never know"
7. If she was to collect anything, what would it be? Earrings
8. What is her favorite type of sandwich? Chicken Salad Sandwich
9. What would this person eat everyday if she could? Good Ice
10. What is her favorite cereal? Wheat Chex
11. What would she never wear? Heart Jewelry
12. What does she always wear? She wears her cute Nikes a lot
13. Who will she vote for? Republican
14. Who is her best friend? Me and Beau Bear
15. How many states has she lived in? Utah
16. Does she have any nervous habits? She likes to hold my hand and rubs it when she is nervous
17. What could she spend hours doing? blogging or scrapbooking or shopping
18. She is: beautiful, smart, and charitable

I tag anyone who reads this and wants to do it! :)

Coupon Class

2009-02-02T20:25:00.000-08:00

I have a friend who is going to come out to our area to do a coupon class and teach how to save a LOT of money and figure out the whole coupon thing. She charges $10/person to cover travel and time but guarantees that you will save way more than that within the first week alone. If you are interested let me know and I will send you the details when we get a date nailed down. :)

Maui

2009-01-29T09:16:00.000-08:00

We just got back from our trip to Maui and it was a blast. I was so worried about how Beau would do on the plane, but he was great. One of the other traveler's even called him the perfect baby. Here are a few photos of the week!

The sunset from our condo deck

Brant and Beau at the beach in Napili

Beau loved the girl at Hard Rock Cafe's Pink Mohawk. He stared for so long, we were all cracking up and finally got a picture.

Chillin' in Dad's Sunglasses

Up the Hana Highway with Bali the palm weaver - He gave Beau this hat for free. When I went as a teenager I got a beautiful bowl that Bali had weaved from Palm leaves and I was so sad a few years later when it was so dried out that it broke. I was so excited to see him still there. I got a new bowl and a he gave me a rose bookmark and Beau this hat. We shipped them home and I am hoping they arrive safely tomorrow!

Brant and Beau at the waterfalls by Bali just past Hana

Watching the surfers at Ho'okapai

Beau laying with Brant at the Condo

Ash and Beau at Ka'anapali Beach - Beau just loved the ocean - He would squeal every time the waves were coming to him and then just bounce. It was hilarious.

Brant taking surf lessons in Lahaina

Beau on Dad's board

Brant and Beau after Brant's surf lesson with Maui Waveriders

Beau so tired at dinner at Outback Steakhouse - It was WAY past his normal bedtime in Utah. What a trooper!

On the boat on the way out to Molokini Crater to snorkel in the ocean. It was choppy enough at Molokini that they sent out a test swimmer before they let anyone in the water. It is normally really smooth out there and great for snorkeling. Lots of people were really nauseated as they came back on the boat after being in the water. We saw big turtles, lots of fish and some whales and dolphins. I even got to see a whale breech once as were driving down the highway. Beau did awesome on the boat and loved watching the water.

Brant normally doesn't get seasick, but didn't feel too hot this time. He was still able to snorkel at turtle town too though so that was nice.

Brant and Beau in the condo pool. Beau absolutley LOVED the pool. It was nice and warm and he was just laughing and sqealing the whole time. It was great.

Lunch at Bubba Gump's

We had a blast but it is always nice to come back home to reality and get back into a routine. We were able to attend church in Lahaina as well and it was so fun. It is so comforting to have that foundation and know that wherever you go the gospel is still the same and the church is true. It was a missionary's homecoming talk and a really neat meeting. Although it was sure nice when I had to take Beau in the hall cause he was fussy to sit and watch the ocean out the doors of the church. The members were so friendly and said they get lots and lots of visitors there in their ward. Overall we had a wonderful time and enjoyed being warm for a few days. Beau loved playing with his feet and not being so bundled up all the time. It was weird to be able to just walk outside with him and not be grabbing lots of blankets and rushing to the car. It was a fun trip but we are happy to be home too!

View from our Condo

2009-01-21T21:46:00.000-08:00

We arrived safe and well. I am not going to blog until we get home, but here is a quick view from our patio. We literally walk past the pool, out the gate, about three more steps and are on the beach!! So fun. Love you all!

6 Month Old Pictures

2009-01-19T13:56:00.001-08:00

Beau Bear is 6 months old this week!

Here are his new pictures!!!!

Last Chance to Enter the Drawing!

2009-01-16T09:33:00.000-08:00

Today is the last day to enter the drawing for 1000 free photo scans - Here is the info below if you want to enter!

Picture Perfect is doing a January Giveaway! Click HERE to visit the specials page and enter the drawing to win a 1000 free photo scans!!! The deadline for entries will be on Friday January 16th and the winner will be announced on Monday January 19th!!! You can enter once a day to better your chances of winning!! Feel free to spread the news to friends that may be interested!

The other January special is for every 500 pictures scanned you get 100 free scans! That is 600 for the price of 500!

Fun Tag :)

2009-01-10T21:17:00.000-08:00

I AM ... freezing right now.

I WANT ... to go to sleep.
I HAVE ... the best husband EVER.

I WISH ... on stars.

I HATE ... meanness.

I FEAR ... spiders

I HEAR ... Brant typing doing his homework.

I SEARCH ... for organization ideas.

I DON'T THINK ... cows should ride on people trains

I REGRET ... times I have been mean to others

I LOVE ... Brant and Beau Bear so much!

I ACHE ... when the weather changes - Darn ankle surgery :)

I AM NOT ... wearing chapstick - but sure wish I was

I DANCE ... in private :) Love to dance though

I SING ... LOUD in the car

I NEVER ... want to be without my family

I RARELY ... do the dishes - Thanks Brantly

I CRY WHEN ... I see my loved ones cry

I AM NOT ALWAYS ... as Christ like as I should be

I HATE THAT ... I can't just take care of everyone and their needs

I'M CONFUSED ABOUT ... why cows would even want to ride on people trains - LOL - I miss college - there are only a few people who would actually get this :)

I NEED ... some warm socks

I tag anyone who reads this - Have fun!!!

Christmas

2009-01-06T21:40:00.000-08:00

Okay here is a super long post - Sorry for the delay in posting!

We had a wonderful Christmas. I seriously think it was one of my favorite Christmases ever. Brant and I decided to only make each other gifts for Christmas. He crocheted me a scarf (Thanks to Grandma Kidder from his mission ) made me a jewelry box and made a dvd of our family which was adorable! I was able to contact a lot of his family and friends including people from his mission, his seminary students and had them write letters to Brant - It was so neat and humbling to read all the letters from people and their thoughts, feelings and memories with Brant. I seriously think I spent half the time making the scrapbook in tears. Brant is such an amazing man and I am so blessed to be his wifey! Needless to say there were lots of tears and laughter as he read through that Christmas morning. Thanks to everyone who was able to send messages to Brant and anyone who is still sending them thanks in advance :)

Brant reading his book :)

Even though Beau didn't really know what was going on present wise it was sure fun to have a little one this Christmas. Kids really do add a lot of magic to the holiday. He was completely spoiled by all his Grandparents and aunts and uncles. He got way too many toys to list but it was a blast. Here are some of the pictures!

Cookie Monster the first of MANY gifts from Grandma Laurie and Grandpa Gary

Christmas Morning with Elmo from Santa

Jammies from Grandma Judy and Grandpa Lon

Super fun toy from Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Dale

A couple of days before Christmas I surprised Brant and we met the Carrells, a family from his mission, for lunch at Cabela's! It was a blast to meet them and for Brant to catch up.

We found this hat at Cabela's and thought it was hilarious. For a few days around Christmas Beau was sure enjoying figuring out his tongue :)

One of my favorite memories growing up was the fancy gingerbread house my mom made and I even remember sneaking downstairs into the storage room in the middle of the year to look at it. So this year my dad made me and my sisters us frames so we could build our own Gingerbread houses - a lot of time, tons of candy and several glue gun burns later - Here is the finished product. I am going to add a couple of lollipops to the front but I haven't gotten there yet! Who knew it would take so long to get this done - Mandi and I had a blast staying up till the wee hours of the morning though working on these after all the others were in bed!

On Christmas night Brant and I bundled up and went outside with Anthony, Elsie, Lillie and Blake and played in the snow. We made a snowman and had an absolute blast. Unfortunately our snowman had tipped over by morning but it was so much fun. I don't think that I have played in the snow since junior high or high school for reals, so it was so much fun!

We let Beau taste some snow - He wasn't much of a fan :)

For New Years we spent the night at Jami and Jared's house in Syracuse. They had a bumbo and Beau Bear just love it. He can sit up pretty good on his own but still tips over here and there. When we got home, Grandpa Lon found a bumbo on ksl. com and he is just loving it!

Picture Perfect Giveaway!

2008-12-29T13:11:00.000-08:00

The other January special is for every 500 pictures scanned you get 100 free scans! That is 600 for the price of 500!

Yay for Christmas!!!

2008-12-21T16:54:00.000-08:00

Hello Hello - I am so excited for Christmas - Still have a few last minute things to get taken care of - but I love this time of year. The fun times and parties and the whole feeling of the season. I love how people are so friendly and giving this time of year - I wish it would last throughout the whole year. We are supposed to go see the lights tomorrow night but I am afraid it is going to be too cold. We have been checking into Brant teaching Special Ed in high school and coaching - A friend of ours is helping him out since she does that and her school may have an opening next year so that is a neat thing and hopefully an answer to prayer. But if that doesn't work out I know something else will come up. We are so blessed and I know our Heavenly Father is watching out for us all the time. So now we just need to find Brant some work to get us to that point even if it something part time or temporary. Mr. Beau Bear is 5 months old today - It is amazing how time flies. He is laughing all the time and especially loves it when his Dad does the "Oompa Loompa Dance!" Hope you are all having a wonderful holiday! I went in to check on Brant and Beau the other day and they were asleep like this - Too cute!!!

Jammie Pants

2008-12-17T22:03:00.000-08:00

Every year fore Christmas we always get matching jammie pants. Well those are hard to find for all of us now that Beau Bear is here so I decided to make them. Great idea right? Hah! Yeah right! I bought cute camo flannel with the help of Brant and as I got cutting them out there wasn't enough flannel so I went back to try and get more but I had bought the original flannel a couple of months ago. Well of course the camo flannel was gone but luckily they had the same pattern in purple camo which I liked better anyways so I got purple flannel for mine. After some training from my mom, I finally got them done! Whew! They look okay from a little ways away just don't look too close at the seams - he he he.

Wrapping Time

2008-12-15T19:48:00.001-08:00

Beau was "helping" me wrap presents the other night! It actually wasn't too bad, he cooperated really well and we had a lot of fun. It is nice to be able to have him help wrap his own presents - That won't work too much longer I am sure but this year it is all good :)

What a day!

2008-12-10T19:30:00.000-08:00

Well, we found out today that Brant didn't make the seminary program. He was observed yesterday by the head guy and found out today that he won't be teaching full time. Yesterday after he was observed we had the opportunity to go do a session at the SL temple and just felt complete peace that whatever was supposed to happen would happen. We know without a doubt that we were meant to go through this process and are so grateful for all that we both learned through this time. We are grateful to know now instead of being in limbo until May. We know that we will be led wherever we are supposed to be. So, the job hunt begins so if you know anyone who is hiring, let us know :)

Santa and Mrs. Claus

2008-12-05T22:04:00.000-08:00

Santa and Mrs. Claus were able to make it to our ward Christmas Party. I wasn't too sure how Beau would react but he did awesome - Just sat there and grabbed at the beard. We will see how it goes next year when he understands a little more what is going on around him :)

Just for Jenny Dalton :)

2008-12-02T10:15:00.001-08:00

Hey Jenny - I got your comment a while back when I lost all our links but the link to your blog didn't work. I don't know how else to get hold of you - so could you send me your link again? Thanks Jenny!

Catch Up!

2008-12-01T22:25:00.000-08:00

Okay - So I have been a total slacker lately when it comes to posting. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and feel so grateful for all we have been blessed with! Let's see - Beau is now 4 months old. He is doing so awesome. Last Monday we went in for his 4 month check-up. He is 90 percentile on height and 75th on weight now. He was 26 inches long and 15 lbs 14 oz. They came back to measure his height a second time cause he had jumped 4 inches in two months and she thought she had measured wrong. His weight to height ratio is in the 25th percentile. He is loving rolling over and is just itching to be mobile. He tries so hard to get his knees under him until he gets super frustrated. Other than that - Life is normal - Brant is trying to get through finals and keep up with everything. We got the house decorated for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving and even got all our shopping done as of today - WOOHOOO!!!!! Here a are a few pictures from the last few days .

Brant built me the manger last year and I was so excited to use it with my Nativity this year - Thanks Honey!!!

This years Christmas Tree

Beau and Brightyn - Our Little Christmas Elves

Beau watching Sesame Street - Man that Bert is hilarious!!!!!

Just Chillin'

2008-11-19T19:21:00.000-08:00

I sat Beau down by Brant on the couch for a minute last night to run grab something and came back and this is how he was. Guess Brant doesn't get to be in charge of the remote anymore :)

Rice Cereal!!!

2008-11-18T19:37:00.000-08:00

Beau tried rice cereal for the first time tonight. He wasn't too sure about it at first but was lovin it by the end :) I can't believe he is days from being 4 months old! Time sure flies when you're having fun!!

New Adventure!!

2008-11-17T22:15:00.000-08:00

I am writing to to tell you about Brant and I's new little adventure. We have decided to start a company called Picture Perfect Photo Preservation. I was recently trying to scan in all of my in-laws photos and realized how time consuming this can be on a flat bed scanner. So, I started researching and decided to invest in a high quality Kodak Scanner that will feed your photos through up to 30 pictures in a minute! I realized how many of us probably have boxes and boxes of photos lying around that would be lost if something unfortunate like a fire or flood or even just dust and aging got to them. So, in a nutshell, I will scan in photos, film, slides and documents and preserve them on an Archival Quality Disc. Here is the link to our website http://photopreservation.blogspot.com/ If you are interested or know anyone who might be, if you would spread the word we would really appreciate it!!! Thanks so much everyone!!!

Tagged

2008-11-12T12:47:00.000-08:00

8 shows I like to watch:

1. Dancing with the Stars

2. Ellen

3. The Biggest Loser

4. Phinneas and Ferb

5. The Today Show

6. Letterman

7. Punk'd

8. The Cosby Show

8 Restaurants where I like to eat:

1. Olive Garden

2. Noodles and Company

3. Cafe Rio

4. Fortune Cookie

5. Kneaders (for Breakfast)

6. Applebee's

7. Wingers

8. Chick-fil-A

8 Things that happened today:

1. Got my kitchen cleaned

2. Took a nap with Beau

3. Got some computer work done

4. Showered :)

5. Fed Beau

6. Played with Beau

7. Made Brant and I oatmeal for breakfast

8. Checked my email

8 Things I am looking forward to:

1. Brant's Graduation

2. Beau's First Christmas

3. More Kids

4. Losing some more weight

5. Did I mention Brant's Graduation :)

6. Summer

7. A trip to somewhere warm . . . . . .

8. Life in general - Life is good isn't it?

8 Things on my wish list:

1. Trip to somewhere warm

2. My own house with lots of storage!

3. Finishing up my long list of projects

4. Fancy Washer and Dryer

5. A Nice Camera

6. Video Camera

7. New Laptop

8. Air Hockey Table

If you read this then you are tagged :) he he he

Things That Made Me Smile Today!!

2008-11-04T18:32:00.000-08:00

I saw this on a friend's blog and though it was a good idea! Here are some of the things that made me smile today!!!

1 - Beau!! What joy I find in being a mom. He is such a tender mercy in my life and I feel blessed to be his Mom.

2 - Brant - Being a wife is the greatest too and Brant is always cracking me up with something he is doing.

3 - Having lunch with Andee. She is simply amazing and such a strong person and I feel honored to be her friend. I met her when I was her Young Women's leader - It is funny how life changes and now I consider her one of my dear close friends :) Lov ya And!!

4 - Pear Jelly Bellies - Yummers!

5 - Getting lost with Mandi looking for a good photo backdrop for family pictures - Any suggestions let us know :)

6 - Dad bringing me some yummy ice! Thanks Dad!

7 - Blake telling Lillie to be nice or he would throw her out the window.

8 - Hearing Blake tell Mandi " You are the best Mom ever!"

9 - Not having to stand in line to vote.

10 - Getting the kitchen cleaned.

What made you smile today???

Mittens!

2008-11-04T13:46:00.000-08:00

I just had to share this cute picture of Beau. We live in the basement and it gets so cold at nights that I keep socks on Beau's hands since he doesn't keep them under his blanket so they don't get cold. Well, the socks haven't been working wonderfully cause sometimes his little hands are still cold. So, the other day I bought him some mittens to try. He looked so cute that I thought I would share :)