Called To Serve

Yesterday we went to the airport to say goodbye to Josh's brother, Brent. He is serving a mission in Brazil for the next two years. We are very proud of his decision to dedicate two years of service to the Lord and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. We have no doubt that he will be a great missionary. We'll miss you!

The Fourth

Pre-parade attire. The Summerlin parade was actually really good this year and not as hot as I remember it being in the past. Josh stayed home with Ty while he napped. Sadly, no pictures of the parade itself.


We had some friends over for food, swimming and fireworks. Morgan and I were roommates freshman year at BYU. We both have two kids the same ages and genders, so it's always fun to get together. Me and Ty, Morgan and Alex.


The Baldwin and Waldrons. Ty was long gone in bed and Alex is asleep in his daddy's arms.


Tigi and Macie had a great time watching Josh set off the fireworks. Macie kept saying, "Daddy, will you build more snates?" She liked the watch the quiet, uneventful snakes grow on the pavement.


I love this shot. This is right when Josh lit the first sparkler and went to hand it to the girls. They did actually play with them, although Macie was a little timid about it. She seemed to remember burning her toe the year before.

We had a great time celebrating with great company. I always love the feelings of patriotism and gratitute for the freedoms we enjoy on the this day. We are able to celebrate because of those who fought and still fight for our freedom. Thanks to my dad, brother, and husband for being numbered among those who do.

All Alone

Josh went to the lake today and won't be home until tomorrow. He gets to enjoy a house boat, water sports, cliff jumping, and BBQs. Humph. At least I got to kiss and snuggle my kids goodnight and will wake up to their smiling faces around 7 am. I love my little buggies, but MAN do I wish I was at the lake too!

I Wanna Be A Beach Bum

Macie constantly talks about going to the beach, and Josh finally has a day off this week so we can head out there. I am not a big California beach fan, I prefer Cancun thank you very much, so I don't really know where the best place would be to go for a day. What beach would you pick? Please leave a comment and let me know because we want to leave Thursday night. And as for my California friends, I expect some input!

My Rock-A-Hula Girl

Macie had her first dance recital last weekend. She looked gorgeous and did a wonderful job. But really, do you think a 3 year-old in a hula costume could not be the cutest thing you've ever seen? I tried to contain my excitement the whole day because I didn't want to make her nervous, but when we were in the audience before the recital started I couldn't hold back any longer. Josh's brother, Brent, was the lucky one sitting next to me while I bounced around my seat and couldn't stop talking. The whole show was very entertaining (Bunker Dance does a fantastic job), and we finally got to see our little hula girl come out for one of the final numbers. Videotaping was not permitted, so I only have still shots until the video is sent out.  

On stage right before the music started. Macie is the second from the right. 

Curtain call, right after they took their bow.

One of her many poses. I love the did-you-take-the-picture-yet expression.

This is half of her class. Macie is second from the left.

We failed to bring a change of clothes, so she wore her outfit to dinner.

 
And to the ice cream shop.

Some of Macie's biggest fans: Kip, Jarrett, Mel, Sadie, Mom, Dad, Brent (Sondie took the picture, and Lisa and Paris had to hurry home.) Thanks for coming and supporting Macie.

Honestly, this was one of my proudest moments as a Mom. I got to see my little girl work hard at something without our help, and show off her accomplishment. I can't describe how great it was to see her smiling face on stage and know she was having a great time. I'm not ready for her to be this grown up yet...it's too fast.  

In Your Face

Have you ever seen someone happier to eat blueberries, apples, prunes and squash? 

You Said It Bill

I decided to take a 4-day trip to visit my parents last weekend. Josh couldn't go so I was on my own with the kids. At the airport. On the plane. Outnumbered 2 to 1. What was I thinking? The flight home was more hectic than the first since Ty didn't fall asleep in my arms and Macie didn't quietly watch the video ipod like they did on the way there. Luckily the flight was only an hour and a half. 

After I got home and called my parents my mom told me about this Bill Cosby clip, Jeffrey. I looked it up and had to laugh because I could identify with it. It is hilarious. My favorite part is the last few seconds when the mom gets off the plane and sees the dad waiting there. I couldn't stop chuckling to myself about it all night. 

My children weren't running around the plane like Jeffery was, but they were LOUD. Lucky for everyone else on the flight, we were in the last row, projecting all the way up to the front. Ty yelled "da-da-da-da" a good 75% of the flight while throwing things and trying to put them in his mouth all at the same time. 10% was crying, another 10% laughing, and maybe 5% silence. Macie couldn't help singing out loud along with her videos. During our approach the other people were treated with her made-up songs about castles, glitter and princesses. After spilled drinks, food everywhere, and my large headache we finally arrived. I reached my breaking point when Josh was late to pick us up. I was waiting around with 2 carseats, 2 suitcases, a stroller, and another wandering child all by myself. I almost punched him in the face. Thank you Jeffery, I no longer feel so bad.

Video Time

Life seems so busy these days that I hardly seem to take pictures anymore. At least I pull out the camera every once and a while for videos. Here are two cute clips that are pretty recent. My little buddy likes to clap for us. I can't get enough if it. Pardon our lack of clothing, we just got out of the pool. The second video is Macie with her cousin Sadie. The first 15 seconds are hilarious, especially if you know Macie and Sadie's personalities. My little Macie is a bossy one. I believe she was putting Sadie in her place.





By the way, Macie rarely uses physical force. The little "tap" on the face was quite a surprise.

One Year Older and Wiser Too

Yesterday was my birthday. I enjoyed receiving all the phone calls and messages wishing me a happy day. I don't really feel any older, but then again I still think I'm 22 and wonder where the time has gone. Honestly, I always forget how old I am and have to stop and think about it before I answer. I think that happened to me once I had my first child. I started aging really quickly, but my mind still thinks time has hardly gone by. Now I'm 28. 

I think my kids were extra excited to see me on my birthday because they both woke up close to an hour earlier than normal. Yay. (insert sarcasm here) Despite that, we had a nice day hanging around the house and taking it easy. Macie loves birthdays and was very excited all day long. Josh found a delicious pie place and picked up chocolate cream and banana cream pies for dessert (no sugar added, of course!). We had a small group of friends and family come over in the evening to celebrate. It was great. Thanks Josh for taking care of my special day! 

Where Have You Been All My Life?

I recently purchased a Vita-Mix. Happy early birthday to me! I can't even begin to describe how much I love my new appliance. Let's start with this tidbit:

The results of a 2008 study at the University of Toronto clearly indicate that the Vita-Mix has the ability to disrupt plant cell wall structure and significantly reduce food particle size which may enhance the bioavailability of essential nutrients in fruits and vegetables. 

Basically, it's a great way to eat healthy and I'm all about that. My siblings will testify that I am obsessed with my Vita-Mix. I easily use it at least twice daily, sometimes up to five or six times. You may now be thinking, what in the world is she blending so often? Well, basically everything. Fruit smoothies, shakes, soups, baby food...you name it and I've tried it. I LOVE this thing. It blends almost anything into a  perfectly smooth consistency in less than a minute. I could go on and on about the features and versatility of my Vita-Mix, but I've been told that they are only exciting to me. Ha ha!

I am especially excited about the fact that I make Ty fresh baby food with a lot higher nutritional value than the jarred stuff. One look at bright green, fresh green beans next to a jar of dark greenish-looking green beans is enough for me to turn away and never go back. The taste difference is remarkable too, obviously. If you've ever sampled baby food (especially the veggies!) you know what I'm talking about. Why would I put it in my baby's mouth if it is repulsive to me? Fresh foods taste so much better. I've had people tell me that making baby food is a good idea but too time consuming. Well, my response to that is of course! Anything would be considered time consuming compared to unscrewing a lid off of a jar. 

My new-found love for blending has intensified my desire for fresh produce. I can't get my hands on enough produce! I'm having a great time experimenting and sampling foods that we didn't normally eat before, mainly larger quantities of different kinds of vegetables. Regardless, we still have a fruit smoothie daily (we started doing this months and months ago, I can't remember when) to give us a tasty dose of vitamins and antioxidants. It's no secret that diets high in fruits and vegetables are proven to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Yes, I realize I may be a little over the top about it all, but that is just me. I love feeling healthy and my Vita-Mix is one more thing that makes my life a little easier. Just check it out and you'll know what I'm talking about.  

A young Vita-Mix fan.

My super cute smoothie helper.